When Norma McKinney Meeks passed away suddenly on Thanksgiving evening at her home in Ashland, Kentucky, North Shore Animal League America lost a friend, a colleague, and an inspiration. As an energetic and creative member of our community since the early 1990s, Norma combined her lifelong concern for animals with her expertise as an award-winning educator to promote adoption and humane education.
Max’s story begins in North Carolina, where he spent 14 happy years as the beloved companion of Barbara Daniels. Barbara adored Max and, as a caring and thoughtful pet parent, planned for his future by enrolling in North Shore Animal League America’s Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care Program.
A quiet bond tethered senior cats Mohawk, Oneonta and Delaware. The trio had seen it all — from cramped, chaotic beginnings in a hoarding situation to years of quiet hope at North Shore Animal League America. Until finally the unimaginable happened: all three were adopted together!
February is “Responsible Pet Owners Month,” but I’m not having it! The word “owners” is wrong. Ownership involves property, and we don’t own pets any more than we own people! We care for them, love them, and respect them, but we do not own them. So, I hereby declare February as “Responsible Pet Parents Month” because, as adoptive parents, pet parents are responsible for the well-being and happiness of the beings they love — no matter what!
Our hearts go out to the families affected by Southern California’s devastating fires. Currently, our Rescue team is in contact with local shelter partners, and we’re hard at work to ensure we can send out emergency support as fast as possible. We are ready to support them through these challenging times, just as we have done for decades during natural disasters. While we await news, you can help our shelter partners directly.
For eight years, Katie endured a life of hardship at the hands of a commercial breeding facility. Thanks to our partnership with National Mill Dog Rescue, this sweet Maltese was saved and brought to North Shore Animal League America. We soon learned, however, that Katie was pregnant, yet again. We don’t know how many litters Katie had already been forced to bear — all without the comfort of nurturing care or proper medical attention — but we promised her this one would be the last.
You ask the right questions, review the application over and over, check all the references — you do everything you can think of. Yet, even after years of experience and countless success stories, it still happens. When an adoption goes wrong, you feel angry and heartsick, but you must try again — and hope again — because their lives depend on it. Thus, the story of Apollo and Hercules.
With each new year, many of us reflect on goals to improve our lives. Why not extend that opportunity for positive change to our pets? New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for humans — they can be a fun and impactful way to ensure our furry family members live their happiest, healthiest lives. Here are some ideas to inspire resolutions tailored for your pet's well-being.
Every rescue story shines brighter during the holiday season, a time for hope, love, and second chances — and Claire’s journey is no exception. This brave 2-year-old Chihuahua mix, along with her four young puppies, embodies the spirit of the season. Saved from the brink of tragedy, Claire and her pups were given the gift of life through the compassionate collaboration of our shelter partner, Friends of Jefferson Animals, and the unwavering dedication of our Mobile Rescue Team.
Whatever you celebrate this month — Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, or Winter Solstice — December is pure magic. The lights on the trees, the light from the stars, and the candlelight — it all feels precious during the darkest month of the year. Memories feel precious, too, especially the memories of all my sweet 2024 fosters. I wish I could list each one, but believe me, they’re all in my heart. Here are just a few of the bright little lights from 2024.