On July 15, the opening of the New York Stock Exchange came with a little extra puppy power.
North Shore Animal League America took center stage at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, where Senior Vice President and Chief of Veterinary Staff Dr. Mark Verdino had the honor of ringing the opening bell, surrounded by colleagues, supporters, and some very special four-legged guests.
Joining Dr. Verdino for the celebration were Senior Vice President and CFO Valerie Jones-Canny, Vice President of Shelter Operations Diane Johnson, and Vice President of Strategic Development Partnerships Diana Zaferiou, along with donors, volunteers, staff, and partners who all help make our no-kill mission possible.
Before the countdown began, Dr. Verdino used the spotlight to share an important part of what makes Animal League America unique: the scope of our veterinary care. “Veterinary services at North Shore Animal League America began out of necessity to uphold our no-kill mission,” he explained. That means being prepared to care not only for healthy puppies and kittens, but also for animals who arrive sick or injured, and need advanced medical treatment. Dr. Verdino emphasized reducing barriers to veterinary care can help keep beloved pets with their families and out of already overburdened shelter systems. He also highlighted our role in training the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in shelter medicine.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for: the countdown, the cheers, and the ringing of the opening bell. For an organization that has spent more than eight decades rescuing, healing, and finding responsible, loving homes for animals in need, it was a special opportunity to share that work on a national stage. The bell may have belonged to Nasdaq, but the celebration belonged to everyone who helps give homeless animals a second chance.