I Am Worthy:
A shelter animal is every bit as worthy of and in need of your love—and every bit as much responsibility—as the priciest breed. “The number-one consideration for people should be their ability to commit to that pet for its entire lifetime,” says Dana Rocco, shelter manager of the Humane Society of Westchester. “Understand that this pet will be totally dependent on you for all its needs: food, medical, shelter, and, very important, its social needs.”
Not ready to commit? Shelters are looking for volunteer foster parents to help animals transition between the shelter and a permanent home. If you want to give an abused dog some TLC, so he can learn to trust humans again, or bottle-feed tiny kittens, contact a shelter about fostering.
Do Something—Prevent Animal Abuse:
Innocent dogs and cats suffer neglect, and many endure unimaginable abuse. It doesn’t help an animal to cry and change the channel when you hear Sarah McLaughlin sing “Angel.” Take action. The SPCA in Briarcliff has an Animal Cruelty Hotline (914.941.7797) for the public and also has its own Humane Law Enforcement Team, with three retired NYPD police officers who investigate animal abuse. These officers have authority to seize animals if they are in danger, and, after a court proceeding, the dogs and cats may be put up for adoption.
