Growing up in Texas, Animal League America donor Mary Marecek always had animals around, whether they were dogs, cats, or horses. It was the bond she forged with her cat, Trilby, however, when Mary was only six years old, that really started her appreciation for the unconditional love from pets and the depth of the human-animal connection.
It’s clear that Riley, the newly adopted dog of longtime North Shore Animal League America donor Andrew Williams, is now living the good life. And not just because he is named after a classic British car. While we spoke to Andrew about his commitment to animal rescue, Riley ran and explored a nature trail off leash, getting lots of fresh air and making new friends.
Renowned philanthropist Sandra Atlas Bass has been a vital partner of North Shore Animal League America for decades. Chair of the Lewyt Humane Awards Luncheon, Ms. Bass provides invaluable support to many of our events and initiatives, driven by her deep sense of compassion and belief in our mission. Her desire to make the world a better place includes concern for both animals and people. Most recently, our Long Island community celebrated the opening of the Sandra Atlas Bass Otolaryngology Center, an 18,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, comprehensive care facility in New Hyde Park, NY.
Animal League America is incredibly fortunate to have dedicated supporters who are passionate about animals, and who are drawn to us because of our no-kill mission. Clare Kaberle has been a friend to animals for many years, and recently shared with us the motivation behind her commitment. “I believe it’s our duty to help because they can’t help themselves,” Clare said. “I wish everyone felt that way. Animals bring so much joy to us, how can you not want to do whatever you can to save them?”
Alex MacDonald has fond memories of growing up on Long Island and, in particular, of a wonderful dog named Licorice. “I grew up in Syosset, New York. My father adopted our first dog, Licorice, a one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix from North Shore Animal League America,” recalled Alex
“Since I work for a nonprofit myself, I realize how important it is to support an organization with a real cause that I believe in,” said Larry Grubler, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Transitional Services for New York. “The two causes I truly believe in are helping people with mental health issues and helping animals. I’ve been involved with North Shore Animal League America for many years. I’ve seen the amazing work you do and I have personal experience with the staff.”
When asked ‘what is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about homeless dogs and cats?’ Nancy stated, “to help them of course.” And that is what Nancy has spent a lifetime doing.
“I believe that I’ve talked about the organization at least once a week—for the past 40 years.” When Virginia Desocio adopted her dog, Pumpkin, there was one building on the campus. She returned for a visit three years ago. “I was so impressed with the whole organization. The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum had just been completed. I wished it had been around when I was still teaching special education in New Jersey.”
The animals who have spent their lives with Karen Eckhoff are lucky. As Karen talked about her passion for animals, she voiced a sentiment, which many of us relate to, about how “helping animals feels good.”
Maria Calcanes would love to volunteer at our Long Island Adoption Center. But she’s just a tad busy. First there are her three dogs, Suki, a 14-year-old Pomeranian; Butters, the Maltese, also 14; and Bruno, her 18-month-old Toy Poodle. And the cats: Mushroom and Big Boy, 6-year-old Tabbies; Toby, the 4-year-old Tuxedo; and Misty, who is 9 and has epilepsy. And the newest rescue is sweet Alice, who was probably dumped and is living upstairs while under observation. She might be pregnant. Not to mention the five felines who live on her porch, plus the four in backyard shelters, and the feral colonies she visits. All are spayed/neutered and up to date on medical care. So, yes, Maria would love to volunteer, but with more than 20 animals depending on her, well...you get the picture.