October is such a gorgeous month. The golden light, the pumpkin picking, cozy sweaters, and the crisp air—plus the apple crisp! But October also hints at the season to come. As I write this, the East Coast is in the middle of a nor’easter. Heavy rain and winds are making life difficult for everyone, especially animals living outdoors, who must face the storm alone. And you know me: I always worry about the homeless ones.
A year ago, I told you about a 15-year-old senior foster named Gramma and her journey from neglect to becoming a beloved neighborhood icon. Her story is a beautiful reminder of what rescue can do. Despite her painful past, she embraced life with joy—patrolling hallways, cuddling, and winning hearts. I’ve been thinking a lot about Gramma because I need to remind myself of the joys that come from rescue.
Most kittens bounce through life without a care in the world, and Bumpy seemed no different when she first arrived from our North Country Adirondack Adoption Center. With her bright, shiny eyes and curious nature, Bumpy was the picture of health, but something was quietly and dangerously wrong.
This year marks the solemn 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in August 2005. In the wake of unprecedented destruction across the Gulf Coast, thousands of animals were left stranded, abandoned or in peril, but we answered the call. North Shore Animal League America mounted thirty-six road trips and two unprecedented airlifts, ultimately rescuing 1,327 cats and dogs from impacted areas. Our Emergency Rescue Team was among the first onsite after Katrina (and shortly thereafter Rita), and we established a Katrina Animal Rescue Fund to ensure sustained recovery support.
Learn the signs of separation anxiety in dogs at night, plus expert tips to ease stress and help your dog rest calmly and confidently.
Learn what age cats get spayed or neutered, why timing matters, and the health benefits of getting your cat fixed at the right stage of life.
Learn how to make cats get along with step-by-step tips for introductions, reducing tension, and creating a peaceful multi-cat home.
August is National Pet Immunization Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations and to encourage pet owners to ensure their animals are up to date on all immunizations. Vaccines protect not only individual pets but also the health of the entire pet community.
If you follow my social media, you know that I hate declawing. (Ouch!) Can you imagine taking a trusting kitten like Sam and chopping off his little toes at the first joint? Just thinking about it gives me the shivers. But basically, that is what declawing is. The medical term is onychectomy, but no matter what you call it, it’s inhumane, unnecessary, and just plain cruel.
Recently North Shore Animal League America welcomed 36 dogs and puppies from Texas as part of our emergency response to the region’s devastating floods. Our Rescue Team met the transport in Virginia and brought the animals via our Mobile Rescue Unit safely to our main campus. Now they are soaking up care and cuddles while awaiting their new homes.