A Heart for Animals
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.”
The connection stayed with her. Today, Alyssa makes the trip from Queens to Port Washington every week to volunteer at Animal League America, turning a lifelong passion into meaningful action. “I just wanted to start somewhere,” she said. “I’m working toward becoming a veterinary technician, and I knew this was the best place to learn and to help.”
Alyssa is happy to jump in wherever she’s needed most. From cleaning and caring for puppies in the ward to walking dogs and organizing “playgroups,” she approaches every task with the same mindset: each animal deserves attention, patience, and a moment to just be a dog. “I try to give every one their time,” she said. “Let them stretch, play, have toys, just feel a little normal.”Alyssa is happy to jump in wherever she’s needed most. From cleaning and caring for puppies in the ward to walking dogs and organizing “playgroups,” she approaches every task with the same mindset: each animal deserves attention, patience, and a moment to just be a dog. “I try to give every one their time,” she said. “Let them stretch, play, have toys, just feel a little normal.”
She’s also discovering just how much there is to learn, not only about animal care, but about behavior, trust, and connection. “Every dog is different,” Alyssa explained. “Some are shy, some are energetic, some need space. You have to approach all of them gently because you don’t know what they’ve been through.”
“Every dog is different. Some are shy, some are energetic, some need space. You have to approach all of them gently because you don’t know what they’ve been through. ”
That awareness makes moments like supervising playgroups especially meaningful to her. Watching dogs open up, form bonds, and reveal new sides of themselves is something she never takes for granted. “It warms my heart seeing them make friends,” she said. “You can see their whole personality change when they’re comfortable.”
Volunteering for Alyssa is about gaining experience, but also about being part of a meaningful mission, giving animals the time, care, and second chances they deserve. For anyone considering getting involved, her advice is simple: “You don’t have to have experience. All you need is a heart for animals.”