People who rescue animals come from all walks of life and I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many caring rescuers.  This time it’s a teeny baby, who was found by one of New York’s Finest, Officer Aubrey.  She’s my latest heroine!  Officer Aubrey risks her own life every day helping people and the fact that she took the time to save this orphan shows me how much she values all life!

I’ve named the kitten, Aubrey, after her rescuer.  She’s so small that she had to be in an incubator for a while. But, I am fostering a mama cat, Jackie, who just gave birth to five nuggets. I tried to introduce Aubrey into her litter and she’s totally accepted her as her sixth kitten. This is the best thing that could have happened for little Aubrey. This gives Aubrey the opportunity to interact as part of Jackie’s family and grow into a happy, healthy, well-adjusted cat. Jackie is one amazing mama!

While people who rescue individual cats or kittens, like Officer Aubrey, are incredibly kind and compassionate people—and I know because I have met so many of you—there also needs to be larger, more organized feline rescues in order to save the lives of more homeless animals.  This is where Animal League America comes in, along with my great friend, Rachael Ray, and the Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center (BFF).

Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center nears completion.

We are all concerned and have all stepped forward to help. With the opening of BFF this year, Animal League America is planning more regular transports of rescued felines from the North Country Initiative in Glens Falls, N.Y., to its Port Washington, N.Y. campus.  The Rachael Ray Foundation Mobile Adoption and Rescue Unit is perfectly suited for this. Having monthly transports will enable Animal League America to save the lives of more felines in Warren County and the surrounding areas in upstate New York. And, we are planning all of this now! This is the power of collaborative partnerships at work in animal rescue.

Once more, though, I am also going to make a plea for spaying and neutering your cat. There would not be such an overpopulation of animals needing to be rescued if everyone spayed or neutered their cats when they were young. It is better for the health of your cats and you won’t have to worry if one slips out of the house by accident. Remember, please, that pet cats should never be outdoors; they need to be kept indoors where it is safe. You can enrich the indoor environment to give your cats all the stimulation they need to be happy & healthy.

Whenever I get to thinking about rescue, of course, I also start thinking about adoption and find myself smiling. This month is Global Pet Adoptathon Month. The kick-off event on the weekend of May 4^th and 5^th on Animal League America’s campus was a great success with 239 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens being adopted into loving families. Can’t wait till next year when BFF is open and even more animals can be rescued! Adoption events continue with shelter partners across the country and around the world during May. Click here to find a shelter near you.

My favorite festive afternoon event, the Lewyt Humane Awards Luncheon, is happening on June 12, 2019 from 12 – 3 pm at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck.  And, this year, it’s extra special as Animal League America is celebrating 75 years of NO-KILL action and compassion.  I’m so excited that my friend and event Chairperson, Sandra Atlas Bass, truly one of the most inspiring people I know, will be attending.  Also, Brian Balthazar, my dear friend and fellow animal lover, will be brightening up the afternoon with his sense of humor.  There will be vendors, auctions, and some very special people receiving awards, as well as one amazing dog.  Come join us!

XO

Beth