When Orzo arrived at Animal League America from a hoarding situation in upstate New York, the shy black cat carried more than emotional scars. He was living in constant pain. Rescuers who took him in quickly realized something was wrong. After being evaluated by a veterinarian, he was diagnosed with feline stomatitis — a severe and painful inflammatory disease affecting the mouth.
Some volunteers bring joy to the animals they walk. Others bring comfort, routine and reassurance. But every so often, a volunteer brings something that changes a life forever. For senior dog Bernie, who spent nearly two years in our care waiting for the right family, that Sunshine Maker was Janette.
I love May. The blossoming trees, the tulips, the lilacs, and even the rain, which makes everything new again. This year, May is extra special, because on May 5, I launched my new book, “Coco and Stephen, Together Forever,” about the unlikely friendship between two of my sweetest fosters, a cat and a rabbit. And because May is also National Foster Care Month, well…it’s everything!
With The Late Show with Stephen Colbert coming to a close this month, we’re reflecting on one of its most joyful legacies: Rescue Dog Rescue. For ten incredible years, this segment brought laughter, heart, and—most importantly—life-changing visibility for rescue animals in need of homes. When the Late Show team reached out about creating a wrap-up video featuring some of the dogs who had appeared on RESCUE DOG RESCUE over the years, most originally featured as just puppies, we were excited to be part of this "Where Are They Now?" tribute to bid farewell to this popular segment.
Eric Greene chose to volunteer at North Shore Animal League America as a way to explore his interest in working with animals and was immediately hooked. “I’ve always loved cats,” he shared. “I thought it would be a great place to get experience, and once I started, I just really enjoyed it and stuck with it.” Eric joined the organization through the VolunTEEN program as soon as he was eligible and has remained a dedicated volunteer ever since. Now 18, he continues to spend his weekends in Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center (BFF), working closely with cats of all personalities, especially those who need a little extra patience.
Samantha Ketelsen began volunteering at Animal League America during a time of uncertainty, and it quickly became something she couldn’t imagine giving up. “I was laid off in 2020, like a lot of people,” Samantha shared, “and I was just trying to find something meaningful to do. My mom volunteered here before and had a great experience, so I thought, why not? And I just fell in love with it and never stopped going.”
Phil’s tail is in constant motion, even throughout his intake exam at our Pet Health Centers. As veterinarians carefully assessed his injuries, he leaned in for attention, eager for connection despite everything he has endured. “That’s the thing,” said Dr. Gerard Laheney, Animal League America Supervising Veterinarian. “He’s been through a lot of horrors but still maintains this really sweet disposition.”
For Alyssa Campbell, a love for animals has always been there, it just took time for the opportunity to catch up. She wasn’t able to have pets in her childhood home, so she found other ways to be close to animals. “I was always the person watching my neighbor’s dog when they went on vacation,” she shared. “I would go to shelters just to spend time with the animals. That was the closest I could get.”
When our shelter partner Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) reached out about a four-month-old puppy named Opal who had tested positive for parvovirus, we immediately agreed to take her. She was critically ill and required intensive medical care to survive. Then came another call.
Expanding the World for Shelter Dogs For Kimberly Bayardelle, volunteering at North Shore Animal League America is rooted in a lifelong commitment to rescue. “I’ve had rescue animals since I was little,” she shared. “It started with my parents and grandparents; it’s just always been part of my life. I’ve Read More