On November 4, as I handed Lolavie to her smiling new parents, I thought about the beautiful trust she and I had built together during her time with me. And though I am thrilled for Lolavie, my joy is tinged with deep sadness and constant worry. Our Yoda has cancer, and Howard and I are devastated.
National Veterinary Technician Week, first celebrated in 1993, takes place the third week of October every year, and provides an opportunity to recognize the vital role our veterinary technicians play in ensuring the animals in our care receive the best possible medical care.
One of the most destructive storms in Florida’s history, Hurricane Ian has left residents struggling in its wake. As always in times of crisis, North Shore Animal League America mobilized quickly to help, bringing people together and forging new bonds in the process.
October! The first full month of fall. The days grow shorter, leaves turn vibrant hues, and the cooler air seems almost to sparkle. It’s a month of migrating birds, harvest celebrations, and trick-or-treat. And for those of us whose lives involve animal rescue, it’s also a time dedicated to dogs and pet health and safety.
Greeted by stunning views of the Hudson River, supporters of North Shore Animal League America gathered on a sunny Saturday morning on Pier 84 with their furry pals for the sixth annual Walk & Wag. The in-person event on September 17 served as the kickoff for the final two weeks of Walk & Wag fundraising. Virtual walkers participated from their own communities across the country, and those who showed up at Hudson River Park were able to enjoy vendors, snacks, and entertainment before embarking on the three-mile stroll along the waterfront.
Our shelter partners along Florida’s southwest coast are facing the aftermath and clean-up of damage caused by Hurricane Ian and the subsequent storm surge. North Shore Animal League America’s Emergency Rescue Team is collecting relief supplies to be distributed to affected animal shelters in in the wake of this catastrophic storm. Supplies will be hard to come by in areas hit hardest by the hurricane. That's why we are reaching out to animal lovers in the Long Island and tristate region for help.
We know when they’re happy — that crook in the tail. We know when they’re angry — the flattened ears and the arched back. And we certainly know when they’re scared or annoyed — hiss! Our cats have rich emotional lives and we've learned to understand their eloquent body language. So, after Grogu died on August 4, I wasn’t surprised to see his best friend Yoda, grieving. But it broke my heart, just the same.
As our mobile rescue unit rolled onto our Port Washington, NY campus with our dedicated staff standing by to receive the weary four-legged travelers, it seemed like just another day at North Shore Animal League America. But this was not just another day, nor was it just another rescue. This day marked the 50th rescue with our shelter partner, Paws4Life, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The Beth Stern Socialization School for Feral Nuggets was briefly in session again this month, and this year’s freshman class was well…fresh! Still, it seemed to take no time at all for my four pupils to go from naughty to nice. I expected to collect many wounds like the one on my left index finger, but there was just the one and it healed quickly. It will take longer for these babies to heal my broken heart.
Oreo came to us from our partner Rescue Dog & End of Life Sanctuary in Tennessee. Sadly, this adorable girl wasn’t provided with the responsible home every pet deserves. Oreo’s owner did not have her spayed and did not have a plan for her care in case of an emergency, which in this case turned out to be her owner’s incarceration. Fortunately, our rescue partner was able to take Oreo in, and to their surprise, discovered she was pregnant.