The best things about volunteering happen in the quiet moments when you do something for someone and realize without being thanked or recognized that what you did made life a little sweeter, easier, and safer for another. Sometimes volunteers save lives; sometimes they enrich lives. But honestly, whatever you give is nothing compared to the satisfaction and sense of purpose you receive in return.
Since 2012, Michiko has given her time to benefit the well-being of our felines at North Shore Animal League America. Michiko’s love for cats began during her childhood in Japan, with a mischievous four-legged companion who stole her heart. Michiko was devastated when her parents gave the cat away, but miraculously her beloved pet escaped and found his way home; cementing her lifelong passion for cats and the enduring bonds we form with them.
Pets are not just like family, they are family. That’s why it was so heartbreaking when we first learned about Violet. Found abandoned in an empty home when her family packed up and moved away, Violet was suffering from a painful skin infection and nursing her litter of nine puppies. With no access to food or water, Violet was in desperate need of help.
Sarah’s passion for cats began early and has only picked up speed. “My family adopted a farm cat who was semi-feral when I was four and I have been obsessed with cats since,” Sarah explained. “By the time I was six, we adopted our second cat, Butchie, who was such a complete mush that he’d even let me dress him up.”
Furry-Side Chats. Heartwarming Adoption Tails. Our adoption events are all about bringing new families together, whether on our Long Island campus, or any of our 2,000 shelter partners across the country!
This is Pattycake. She’s a one-year-old beauty abandoned by her family. Her biggest quirk? She hates other cats, even their scent on me! In many ways, she’s a typical Tortie, which means she’s smart, opinionated, and stubborn. Some people call this “tortitude,” but I’ve learned from experience that “you can’t judge a cat by her colors.”
Fifty-one dogs and puppies saved from commercial breeding facilities throughout the Midwest arrived at North Shore Animal League America, thanks to our partnership with National Mill Dog Rescue. It was a journey from fear and neglect to hope and healing. Many of the rescued dogs spent their past lives confined; never experienced a gentle touch or soft grass beneath their paws. Now they have a second chance for a better future.
Our Pet Health Centers team jumped into action recently with the arrival of Kira, a 9-month-old English Bulldog mix who was surrendered to us in significant distress. Not only was Kira in heat, but she had a prolapse of her rectum and a possible hernia that was so painful, she had to be sedated to allow our veterinary staff to examine her. The plan was for a full examination while sedated during spay surgery, that's when a life-threatening infection was found just in time to save her life.
Besides being the month of love, hearts, and roses, February is also Responsible Pet Owners Month. And although it’s the shortest month of the year — even in a leap year —it’s full of reminders about how best to care for our animal companions. The most important of all these reminders is about spay/neuter because you cannot be a responsible pet person without supporting spay/neuter.
For me, the beginning of a new year means working even harder to help homeless animals find warmth, safety, and love for the rest of their lives. No matter what I’m doing, even when I’m having a fireside chat with The Moosh, I’m always looking for ways to save more lives. And with the help of my Animal League America colleagues and my IG community, I know that 2024 will be a year to remember.