Need volunteers, fur sure - by Amy Sacks, New York Daily News - Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, Inc. - Working with the City of New York to promote dog and cat adoption and spay and neuter programs to make New York a no-kill city.

Home > The Alliance in the News > 2006 Alliance News Items > Need volunteers, fur sure

Saturday, September 26, 2006

There may be hundreds, even thousands, of big-hearted New Yorkers who volunteer their services at the city's animal shelters and rescue groups. And like the animals they care for, they come in all size and ages.

Like 14-year-old Steven Beller, from Baldwin, L.I., who generously donated a portion of his bar mitzvah money last year to the BARC animal shelter in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Or Harry Shpelfogel, 38, from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He scoops kitty litter, transports cats and kittens, and donates proceeds from the beauty products he sells at his www.perfectbeautyonline.com Web site to the nonprofit rescue group, City Critters.

And Nancy Calegari, from Ridgewood, Queens, dedicates endless hours doing whatever needs to be done as a volunteer captain at the overburdened N.Y.C. Animal Care & Control's Brooklyn shelter.

Those are just a few of the people who provide desperately needed services to animal shelters and nonprofit rescue groups, many of which operate on a shoestring budget and bare-bones staff.

"It's very hard, but at the same time I feel so good to know I'm making a difference to an animal that has been abandoned or is homeless," said Calegari, 48, who is urgently seeking volunteers for the Brooklyn AC&C shelter, located in East New York.

A sampling of volunteer opportunities that include working hands-on with the animals include petting, grooming and socializing the animals and promoting adoptions and evaluating behavior.

For those who love animals but are skittish in the shelter environment, opportunity also abounds. Tasks such as creating flyers, grant writing, organizing benefits, updating Web sites, taking photos and sewing cozy cage comforters are just a sampling of some sorely needed services.

AC&C shelters are recruiting volunteers for its new dog walking program, a desperately needed service that offers adoptive dogs' routine exercise and extra attention.

"It makes the dogs wag their tail and ultimately more engaging to the public so they have a better chance of being adopted," said AC&C Manhattan shelter manager Liz Keller. An adorable beagle was recently adopted after being spotted on the street wearing the yellow "adopt-me" vest, she said.

Following are a few of the many ways to pitch in to help the city's homeless animals:

•	Donate - Items such as toys, biscuits, leashes, collars, training crates, digital cameras, used cars and furniture, towels, blankets, can openers, printers, cleaning solution and clothing are among the many items needed. Or check out the "wish list" of your local shelter. Financial donations go toward food, board, etc.
•	Foster - Many of the nonprofit rescue groups operate without a shelter facility and rely on a network of foster homes to care for the animals until they are adopted. Fostering is also a commitment-free way to care for an animal. Newborn kittens also need homes outside the shelters until they are old enough to be adopted.
•	Sponsor - If your building doesn't allow pets or you can't commit to a pet for any reason, for a fee, usually about $25 a month, you can sponsor a dog or cat at most shelters or rescue groups. The money helps to defray the costs of food and medical expenses.
•	Volunteer - Whether you prefer working hands-on with the animals or helping with administrative "behind-the-scenes" tasks, your time, talent and skills are desperately needed by most local shelters and rescue groups.
•	Educate - Help spread the word on the benefits of adopting an animal instead of buying one from a pet store. Also, if you're thinking about relinquishing your animal to a shelter, understand the alternative options and also, the consequences. (The AC&C is required by law to take in any stray or abandoned animals, and are required to hold an animal for 72 hours.) Be sure to spay, neuter and microchip your animal. Low-cost options are available.
•	Side notes - Bide-a-Wee's Manhattan shelter will offer $20 microchipping on Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Volunteers interested in joining the AC&C dog walking program or other project can call (212) 788-4000 or go to www.nycacc.org. To find out about other volunteer opportunities, go to www.animalliancenyc.org, or call your local shelter or rescue group.