Dear Friend and Sponsor,

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching,we are reminded to be grateful for all that we are so fortunate to have: our health,our loved ones, and of course, our pets. Life is so fragile and fleeting that we must remember to be thankful everyday for those who are dear.
It saddens us to inform you that we must say goodbye to a dear sponsor pet, Nina. Nina joined the Animal League’s Sponsor Program at only 6 months old. She had very weak ligaments in her legs, pneumonia and diabetes melitus. Sadly, Nina’s diabetes led to blindness, and eventually, she developed an ulcer in her eye which led to the loss of that eye. But through all the inconvenience, all the doctor visits and all her health troubles, Nina never failed to take into account what was important to her – her family and her life. Always a faithful friend and loyal companion, Nina was a wonderful dog and cherished pet. She loved her life, and we loved her in our lives.
The Animal League would like to send our deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Nina. We share in your grief. We are thankful to have known Nina – even for such a short spell – and to have had the opportunity to care for her for almost her entire life.
For all the wonderful animals, and the love they so selflessly give, weare truly thankful.
Sincerely,
The Sponsor Team

Over the years, North Shore Animal League America has been fortunate enough to rescue and care for many wonderful animals. Our Sponsor Program pets with special-needs are no exception. Because we care for them their entire lives, we build special bonds. We share in their joys and in their sorrows. And when one of them passes on, it affects us all.
It is with a broken heart that we write to you today to inform you that on June 24, 2009, our treasured Hurricane Charlie passed away. As his name suggests, Charlie came to us as part of the Hurricane Katrina rescue. Charlie had heartworms and an upper respiratory infection; but even worse, Charlie was in the late stages of kidney disease which required daily medication and special food. He also had some behavioral hurdles to overcome. Charlie seemed fearful of men and possessive of his food. The Animal League suspected possible physical abuse in Charlie’s past, as fear and worry are often common indicators. Charlie had a difficult beginning. Charlie was in the Animal League’s care for more than a year before a family inquired about him. They fell in love with his poignant story, and they fell in love with him. Hurricane Charlie started a new journey – rescued from Louisiana, nurtured in New York and then off to California with his adoptive family.
Lovingly known as Charlie Bear, he spent his days strolling on the beach and in the orchards, playing in the sand or searching for golf balls and being adored by his new family. Thanks to the patience and loving determination of his family, Charlie Bear was a changed dog. From love, his behavioral issues subsided and he learned to trust again.
Though Charlie’s early years were trying, his latter years were filled with love and adoration. Hurricane Charlie’s illness took him from our lives, but he forever lives in our hearts and his story will always grace the pages of North Shore Animal League America. We were blessed to have known him.
The Animal League would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his adoptive family, his Sponsors and to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

The Sponsor Team

Dear Valued Friend,

Our furry, four-legged friends bring so much joy to our lives. Their wagging tails and bright eyes make us smile and their open hearts make us humble. They teach us patience, loyalty and unconditional love, and when they leave us, they take a part of us with them.  

It is with great sadness and loss that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Terrier mix, Benji. Benji came to the Animal League through long distance rescue efforts. After being a faithful pet for six years, he was given up because his chronic illnesses became too much of a burden for his owner. When the Animal League saw Benji’s sad but hopeful eyes, we knew we could make him happy again.  

Animal League Veterinarians diagnosed Benji with heartworm, an upper respiratory infection, diabetes, and cancer. But Benji found a new lease on life through our Sponsor Program and was placed in a loving foster home where he spent the rest of his days. 

It comforts us, and we hope it comforts you to know that Benji was a very happy dog. His days were spent being spoiled by his foster family who always showered him with love. He was the focus of everyone’s attention and adoration, and we think he knew it and reveled in it.  

The Animal League is very happy to have been able to help Benji have the happiest life possible. His absence may leave a frown on our longing faces, but his wonderful memory will leave a smile in our hearts forever. 

Sincerely, 

The Sponsor Team

Dear Friends,

It is with heartfelt condolences that we convey this news to you today. Tiki, our beautiful, male, Collie mix who joined the Animal League’s life-saving Sponsor Program in 2008, has passed away.  Though you may not guess it to look at him, Tiki had an array of medical conditions including epilepsy which caused seizures and Addison’s disease, where the adrenal gland doesn’t produce enough steroids to manage daily metabolic activity. This caused Tiki to collapse if he was overstressed due to decreased steroid production.  Tiki was medicated for both his epilepsy and Addison’s disease and was monitored regularly for these conditions. Prior to coming to the Animal League, Tiki had an allergic reaction to a common medication used to treat Addison’s disease, which caused skin irritation and permanent hair loss in two areas on his body. Tiki was a sweet and loving dog who enjoyed his life. He loved to play and cuddle, and had a beautiful temperament – even when he was feeling ill. At only 3-4 years old, Tiki was just like any other playful pet. His ailments certainly didn’t hold him back, and the short time he did have was full and happy. Though we grieve for Tiki, as we have grieved for the loss of other beloved pets who have touched us so deeply, we also feel filled with love and joy that we were able to know him and to help him live happily. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his caring sponsors and his wonderful sponsor mother, and close friend of the Animal League, for we know their pain is the greatest. Tiki was our friend, and he will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,

Unfortunately, after Nina’s recent check-up, her foster mom noticed that Nina’s eye seemed irritated and red. She quickly brought Nina back to the Animal League. Nina was prescribed medication for what was thought to be an infection, however, after her eye showed no improvement, she was brought back for another check-up. It was determined that Nina had an ulcer on her eye. Ultimately, it was decided that it was best to remove Nina’s eye to help alleviate the pressure and discomfort she was experiencing. Fortunately, she hasn’t let this recent discomfort affect her appetite or friendly attitude. The good news is that Nina had her eye removed and the surgery went well. The next day Nina’s family said that right away she was doing well. We hope for a happy and healthy recovery for our precious Nina!

Tiki is a beautiful, male, adult Collie mix who joined the Animal League’s life-saving Sponsor Program in 2008. Tiki’s medical conditions include epilepsy which causes seizures and Addison’s disease, which is the common name for hypoadrenocorticism, where the adrenal gland doesn’t produce enough steroids to manage daily metabolic activity. This can cause Tiki to collapse if he is overstressed due to decreased steroid production.

Tiki has to be medicated for both the epilepsy and Addison’s disease for his entire life. Prior to coming to the Animal League, Tiki had an allergic reaction to a common medication used to treat Addison’s disease, which caused skin irritation and permanent hair loss in two areas on his body.

Tiki is a sweet and loving dog who enjoys playing and cuddling. In our care at only about 3 years old, Tiki is just like any other playful pet. His ailments certainly don’t hold him back, and as long as he stays on his medications, he should have a full and happy quality of life. North Shore Animal League America is honored to have Tiki as part of our Sponsor Program.