Home > Out of the Cage! > November 2004 > Volunteer Spotlight: Joe Pastore: Behind the Wheel, on the Front Lines for Animals

Volunteer Spotlight

Joe Pastore: Behind the Wheel, on the Front Lines for Animals

When the Mayor's Alliance's new transport van hits the road this month, Joe Pastore will be firmly ensconced in the driver's seat.

Since May 2004, Joe has, as he describes it, "had the privilege and honor of assisting with transportation for shelter animals," as volunteer driver for the Alliance's animal transport program. In fact, Joe has safely transported more than 100 cats, dogs, and exotic animals from AC&C shelters to other rescue organizations and shelters in the past six months.

"The personal satisfaction of safely transporting, and therefore helping to save, animals cannot be put into words," said Joe in a recent interview. "Every expectation I've ever had concerning animal advocacy has been exceeded by the Alliance and its programs."

Long before joining the efforts of the Mayor's Alliance, Joe discovered the rewards of volunteerism. For more than 25 years, he volunteered with human services organizations, including the New York City Board of Education, Federation Employment Guidance Service (FEGS), Health & Human Services, and Young Adult Institute (YAI), serving people with developmental and learning disabilities.

Then, about 10 years ago, inspired by his daughter, Denise, and son, Mike (who serves as Director of Field Operations for AC&C) — both of whom volunteered at animal shelters — Joe turned his volunteer attentions to animals. Thus began a career of distinguished service to animals that includes volunteering with Neighborhood Cats, where he is instrumental in TNR and caretaking for two feral colonies in Flushing, Queens; AC&C; For Pits' Sake, a no-longer-active NYC rescue group; the ASPCA's Advocacy Brigade; Animal Haven in Flushing, as a driver for its mobile adoption van and assisting with shelter management; SAVE Animal Rescue of Whitestone, Queens; and public relations correspondent for Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers (HEART).

What propels Joe to this level of activism for animals? He explains, "Animal volunteerism provides the richest, most rewarding experience one can have in life, because it reaches us on a spiritual level, with beings who liberate us from the imprisonment of self. At the same time, we are making the most important contribution to humanity and the future of our planet, by establishing and fulfilling our base fundamental respect for life that transfers well to all living beings."

Given Joe's history of volunteering with animals, it's not surprising that he embraced wholeheartedly the opportunity to assist the Alliance with animal transport. Upon learning of the creation of the Alliance, he admits feeling immediately that it was the most significant development for NYC animals since the founding of the ASPCA in 1866. "For anyone involved with animal advocacy, this is a dream come true," he says.

On a personal note: Joe is a retired professional manager with experience in retail and commercial operations and marketing management. A long-time resident of Flushing, Queens, Joe is married, has two grown children, and two grandchildren. He also shares his home with two rescued cats — one adopted five years ago from the Brooklyn shelter of AC&C, the other rescued in his neighborhood from a family who claimed that their children were allergic to her, and were inappropriately placing her out on their high-rise terrace during severe weather extremes. "There is no way to describe the bonded closeness of these precious family members other than to say they're our children," proclaims Joe.

When asked what advice he would offer someone considering volunteering with rescued animals, this seasoned volunteer replied unhesitatingly: "Observe and learn from experienced animal professionals. Always keep safety first in mind, and honor your volunteer commitments. Remember that volunteers play a crucial part in helping these animals. They're depending on us."

For information about volunteering with the Mayor's Alliance or to complete a volunteer application online, click here. To find out about volunteer opportunities with any of the Alliance Participating Organizations (APOs), click here and select from the list of APOs.