From early childhood days spent snuggling with her beloved stuffed animals, Alana knew one day she would spend her time around real ones as much as possible. When she was old enough to volunteer, choosing where to donate her time was easy. Alana was drawn to North Shore Animal League America because of our world-renowned reputation and no-kill mission, and she signed up to join the VolunTEEN program.
In January 2010, our launch of the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum welcomed 40 educators from Fenton Charter schools in Los Angeles California that participated in the 1st Mutt-i-grees training in New York. During the visit one educator fell in love with a very special rescue dog, Jeter. It wasn't long before this sweet dog became an integral part of the school community.
After 35 years teaching middle schoolers, Suzanne Sutley wanted to direct the skills she had honed during her career to a new purpose. In 2020, she found the perfect outlet when she began volunteering at our Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center. What Suzanne didn’t realize until later was just how much cats and eighth graders have in common.
Whether by plane, train, or automobile, family vacations are what memories are made of. But pet parents often face a dilemma when making their travel plans. What do you do with your beloved dog or cat when you’re heading out of town?
It’s called “helper’s high,” that exhilarating feeling volunteers get when they realize they’ve made a difference. It’s a sensation shelter volunteers feel deep in their hearts every time they watch a frightened dog or cat gain confidence and get ready to fly. And with April being Volunteer Appreciation Month, I think it’s the perfect time to celebrate what it means to “get high” on volunteering…and changing a homeless animal’s life forever.
Anyone meeting Jossie will be immediately struck by her infectious positivity and energy. Happily North Shore Animal League America has had the benefit of her time over the past year and Jossie is the first to say it has had a positive impact on her life off our campus as well.
After spending his career working in the county court system, Tom Audette knows how to keep things running smoothly, and deeply appreciates the advantages of being around canines. “What’s not to love about this?” Tom commented as he snuggled an adorable pup in his arms. “When I was working it was definitely therapeutic to be around puppies on a Saturday!”
Cute and fluffy, and full of hippity hoppity fun, bunny rabbits can make great pets. But just like adopting a dog or a cat, they are a lifetime commitment that should be well thought out before bringing one into your home.
The rescue team at the North Country Initiative Adirondack Cat Adoption Center (NCI) in Warren County, NY, does not shy away from a challenge. When they were informed of a large population of cats living in a salvage yard who needed their help, the team leapt into action. The environment, however, presented some unique challenges.
On Monday, March 20, at 5:24 p.m., EDT, spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere. For me, the first day of spring is both wonderful and daunting: flowers, sunshine, and birdsong — a fresh and beautiful new start. And then, of course, there’s kitten season. All that adorable new life…and all those sweet babies needing forever homes.