Some people think Thanksgiving happens only once a year. I disagree. For me, Thanksgiving occurs 365 times a year. I find it in the faces of my resident cats and rabbits and all my fosters. Every day, I take a moment to thank my lucky stars for being able to live a life helping animals in need. In other words, thank you, Howard!
Recent renovations have made life even more enriching for residents of our Feline Behavior & Long-Term Care Home. The upgrades focused on the front outdoor catio and porch, replacing all enclosure materials with more secure, durable options and installing all-weather furniture that will better withstand the elements.
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.”
After his world was turned upside down, Cornelius sat alone in a dark, windowless room; confused, heartbroken and waiting for someone who would never return. His beloved owner had passed away, and this 13-year-old Chihuahua mix was brought to a municipal shelter in NYC where, like many senior pets, he was at risk of euthanasia. Thanks to our no-kill mission however, Cornelius made his way to the safety of our Port Washington, NY campus where he’s getting another chance to find love.
They arrived timid and trembling, unsure what kindness felt like. Fifty-eight dogs — mostly small breeds including poodles, papillons, dachshunds and pomeranians — were rescued from commercial breeding facilities thanks to our ongoing partnership with National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR).
The enticing aroma of a Thanksgiving dinner cooking would make anyone want to sneak a taste, even our pets. And all the hustle bustle in the kitchen can make it fairly easy for them to do. But many of the things we enjoy on this festive occasion are not always good for dogs and cats. That’s why it’s important to take extra steps to ensure the safety of our pets, especially as we head into the holiday season.
October is such a gorgeous month. The golden light, the pumpkin picking, cozy sweaters, and the crisp air—plus the apple crisp! But October also hints at the season to come. As I write this, the East Coast is in the middle of a nor’easter. Heavy rain and winds are making life difficult for everyone, especially animals living outdoors, who must face the storm alone. And you know me: I always worry about the homeless ones.
A year ago, I told you about a 15-year-old senior foster named Gramma and her journey from neglect to becoming a beloved neighborhood icon. Her story is a beautiful reminder of what rescue can do. Despite her painful past, she embraced life with joy—patrolling hallways, cuddling, and winning hearts. I’ve been thinking a lot about Gramma because I need to remind myself of the joys that come from rescue.
Most kittens bounce through life without a care in the world, and Bumpy seemed no different when she first arrived from our North Country Adirondack Adoption Center. With her bright, shiny eyes and curious nature, Bumpy was the picture of health, but something was quietly and dangerously wrong.
This year marks the solemn 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in August 2005. In the wake of unprecedented destruction across the Gulf Coast, thousands of animals were left stranded, abandoned or in peril, but we answered the call. North Shore Animal League America mounted thirty-six road trips and two unprecedented airlifts, ultimately rescuing 1,327 cats and dogs from impacted areas. Our Emergency Rescue Team was among the first onsite after Katrina (and shortly thereafter Rita), and we established a Katrina Animal Rescue Fund to ensure sustained recovery support.