Donor Spotlight: Karen Eckhoff
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.”
Happiness is Adopting with A Friend
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.
New LaRocca Dog Park: Helping Canines Find their Perfect Matches
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.
Donor Spotlight: Maria Calcanes
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.
Donor Spotlight: Esther Merten
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.
Donor Spotlight: Judy Arnold
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.
Donor Spotlight: Robert Certilman
Robert Certilman has always had a soft spot in his heart for animals–particularly dogs because of their playfulness and loyalty. Although his hectic work schedule hasn’t allowed him to have a pet of his own for quite some time, he missed having a four-legged friend at home to greet him after a long day at the office.
Don and Karen LaRocca Pet Wellness Center Opens
Join us on Wednesday April 11, at 11:30am for a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the highly anticipated Don and Karen LaRocca Pet Wellness Center! This state-of-the-art facility, made possible by the overwhelming generosity of the LaRocca Family, marks another advancement towards creating a better world for all companion animals.
Donor Spotlight: Ana Molina and Andrew Gasper
Last spring, Ana Molina and Andrew Gasper realized they needed a dog in their life. Ana had adopted a kitten, Harley, from North Shore Animal League America 18years earlier. When Harley died after such a wonderful, long life, they knew they wanted to rescue another animal. They asked us to be on the lookout for a dog this time, but only the right dog... and that’s how they met and fell in love with Jadie.
Donor Spotlight: Kristina Broderick
When he marched right up and climbed into her Chanel tote, Kristina Broderick knew that Sammy- a 14-year-old skinny black cat with a heart condition, no teeth, and thyroid problems - had just adopted her. "I'd stopped by North Shore to drop off some toys, towels, and blankets," says Kristina, 35, who lives in nearby Locust Valley, N.Y. "For the past 15 years I've been donating whatever I could whenever I could. While I was there I decided to look at the cats. After seeing a few and not feeling the 'magic,' I met Sammy, who is just so special. We have such a bond. I can't believe it was only a few months ago - on March 19, to be exact. I feel like I've had him his whole life."