For Margaret who lives in Indiana, cats have long been a source of comfort and companionship. “I have six,” she said, naming them one by one: Mindy, Peanut, Faith, Sunshine, Midnight and Pandora. Asked if she has a favorite, like any parent Margaret was firm: “Nope.”
Some volunteers bring joy to the animals they walk. Others bring comfort, routine and reassurance. But every so often, a volunteer brings something that changes a life forever. For senior dog Bernie, who spent nearly two years in our care waiting for the right family, that Sunshine Maker was Janette.
For Natasha Samus, adopting her family’s first dog from Animal League America was a turning point. “I always wanted a dog,” she shared. “I grew up in Russia and when we moved to America when I was 12, my parents were focused on building a life here. They didn’t speak English yet and getting a dog wasn’t a priority. But the dream never went away for me.”
Robin’s love for animals began as a child in Brooklyn, when a long-awaited promise from her mother led to her first pet. She was told that her request for a dog would be granted if they ever moved from their apartment into a house, and thanks to a twist of fate, when Robin was 11 years old, her wish came true. Their new home included a new family member — a beagle named Flippy. “That’s where it began,” she recalled. “Flippy’s care was all on me — and I learned beagles sure love to run! But I also learned responsibility.”
At Animal League America, we are profoundly grateful for the partnership of donors like Abdul Isahack, who recently made a generous gift in memory of his late wife, Bharnie. Abdul and Bharnie’s support of our organization began in 1984 when they came to our Port Washington Adoption Center and found Lance. A clever shepherd mix, Lance was their loyal companion for 19years. Then in 2005, they adopted Kiwi, an affectionate Labrador rescue, and she was a beloved member of their household until her passing two years ago.
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.”
Duff’s Bar in Brooklyn, NY is the kind of place where patrons become family. After renowned musician Peter Steele passed away in 2010 it only made sense that his friends congregated at Duff’s to remember him. Over the years proprietor Jimmy Duff wanted to give the remembrance even more meaning.
Though Karrie Jerry has never set foot on the campus of North Shore Animal League America, the organization has a special place in her heart. A Howard Stern fan from her college days at Boston University, Karrie first heard about Beth Stern’s Instagram on his radio show and was immediately captivated. “I grew up around pets that we either inherited from friends or that we adopted,” Karrie said. “So, I’ve always been interested in rescue, but Beth inspired me to pay more attention to issues around homeless animals and fostering, and to be more mindful.”
Growing up in Texas, Animal League America donor Mary Marecek always had animals around, whether they were dogs, cats, or horses. It was the bond she forged with her cat, Trilby, however, when Mary was only six years old, that really started her appreciation for the unconditional love from pets and the depth of the human-animal connection.
It’s clear that Riley, the newly adopted dog of longtime North Shore Animal League America donor Andrew Williams, is now living the good life. And not just because he is named after a classic British car. While we spoke to Andrew about his commitment to animal rescue, Riley ran and explored a nature trail off leash, getting lots of fresh air and making new friends.