Alex MacDonald has fond memories of growing up on Long Island and, in particular, of a wonderful dog named Licorice. “I grew up in Syosset, New York. My father adopted our first dog, Licorice, a one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix from North Shore Animal League America,” recalled Alex
“Since I work for a nonprofit myself, I realize how important it is to support an organization with a real cause that I believe in,” said Larry Grubler, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Transitional Services for New York. “The two causes I truly believe in are helping people with mental health issues and helping animals. I’ve been involved with North Shore Animal League America for many years. I’ve seen the amazing work you do and I have personal experience with the staff.”
When asked ‘what is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about homeless dogs and cats?’ Nancy stated, “to help them of course.” And that is what Nancy has spent a lifetime doing.
“I believe that I’ve talked about the organization at least once a week—for the past 40 years.” When Virginia Desocio adopted her dog, Pumpkin, there was one building on the campus. She returned for a visit three years ago. “I was so impressed with the whole organization. The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum had just been completed. I wished it had been around when I was still teaching special education in New Jersey.”
The animals who have spent their lives with Karen Eckhoff are lucky. As Karen talked about her passion for animals, she voiced a sentiment, which many of us relate to, about how “helping animals feels good.”
Rebecca and Gisela, friends for 15 years, had both lost their beloved cats last year. Their grief had finally softened and a spot had opened up in each of their hearts again. They were ready to adopt and welcome new furry friends into their families. “It’s just too quiet in the house, it’s time for me to come to North Shore Animal League America,” said Rebecca. So Rebecca and Gisela, along with Gisela’s husband Frank, made plans to visit our campus in Port Washington, New York.
The transformed dog park, now renamed the LaRocca Dog Park, is a busy place when canine adoptions are happening on North Shore Animal League America’s Port Washington, N.Y. campus. Families looking to adopt a new dog can become better acquainted with the pet in this beautiful quiet space. The original dog park was donated 15 years ago by Karen and Don LaRocca in memory of their dog, “Rags.” For 16 years, Karen was a valued volunteer who would always be found at Animal League America’s adoption center on Saturday afternoons. She walked and socialized the adult dogs and visited with the adult cats too.
Maria Calcanes would love to volunteer at our Long Island Adoption Center. But she’s just a tad busy. First there are her three dogs, Suki, a 14-year-old Pomeranian; Butters, the Maltese, also 14; and Bruno, her 18-month-old Toy Poodle. And the cats: Mushroom and Big Boy, 6-year-old Tabbies; Toby, the 4-year-old Tuxedo; and Misty, who is 9 and has epilepsy. And the newest rescue is sweet Alice, who was probably dumped and is living upstairs while under observation. She might be pregnant. Not to mention the five felines who live on her porch, plus the four in backyard shelters, and the feral colonies she visits. All are spayed/neutered and up to date on medical care. So, yes, Maria would love to volunteer, but with more than 20 animals depending on her, well...you get the picture.
In November, Esther Merten will fly to Lapland. She’ll live in a glass igloo for a few days and watch the northern lights. She also plans to see reindeer. Esther is 84 years old.
Growing up, Judy Arnold was surrounded by animals. Homeless, abandoned, and brand new litters — they all seemed to know that Judy and her family would help.