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.
At the heart of North Shore Animal League America’s no-kill mission are stories like Little Betty’s. Only seven months old and pregnant, this precious cat’s life hung in the balance. Through the collaborative efforts of our North Country Initiative (NCI) team in Warren County, NY and our staff and volunteers on Long Island, Little Betty not only survived against all odds but emerged as a symbol of hope for countless animals in need.
In an inspiring display of youthful generosity and community spirit, two fourth-grade girls in Port Washington, NY recently set up a lemonade stand in their neighborhood with a positive mission: to raise funds for North Shore Animal League America. Driven by their love for animals and the desire to make a difference, we were thrilled these young philanthropists chose to dedicate their efforts to our organization.
When it comes to adopting a pet, people often envision a bouncy puppy or playful kitten, but senior pets have an incredible amount to offer. Adopting an older dog or cat can be an incredibly rewarding choice for both the animal and the adopter.
When I saw this picture of Mango, I imagined him patiently waiting for that phone to ring with the best news possible: a new family to love him, a new lap to snuggle on, and a fresh start for his golden years. Mango’s story and his tender amber eyes spoke to me. A senior kitty whose life has seen too many dramatic twists and turns, Mango could be the poster boy for senior pet adoption. And since November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, here is his saga.
The 2024 Walk & Wag Fundraising Challenge rallied passionate animal lovers nationwide to step up, leash up, and raise critical funds to save the lives of homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Over the 30-day challenge, participants from 90 cities and 22 states walked in solidarity to support North Shore Animal League America’s no-kill mission.
Throughout 2024, our rescue team worked tirelessly alongside our partner, National Mill Dog Rescue, to save the lives of hundreds of dogs and puppies from commercial breeding facilities. Animal League America’s Senior Rescue Manager Karla Scaramuzzo explained, “We’ve been doing more commercial breeding rescue transports than usual this past year. With less people buying pets, commercial breeders have been left with a surplus of animals whose lives are at risk.”
When Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury across the southern United States, North Shore Animal League America’s rescue team sprang into action. With shelters in the region already overburdened, the urgency to make room for animals displaced by the storm was critical. Our Mobile Rescue Unit hit the road to come to the aid of our partners.
This photo says so much. On one side of the door is our Cocomelon, safe and sound in our house. On the other side is Bud, a handsome feral Tuxedo we’ve been working with for months. He wants to join us — you can see it in his face — but he’s hesitant and frightened, caught between his desire for food and comfort and his fear of the unknown. It’s so sad. But you know me: I love a challenge!
As our shelter partners in the South continue to deal with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, our Emergency Rescue Team is preparing to head South to offer whatever aid we can, but the journey will take time, and they are already feeling the effects of this storm. Learn how you can help them right now!