Animal rescue has always been important to me, even as a child. Over the past 25 years, it has become part of my daily life. Josh and I have only ever had rescued cats and dogs in our family. During the past 14 years, we have given homes to senior dogs and puppy mill rescues that are difficult to place. They are usually the first to be euthanized at animal control facilities. Ironically, they are the most amazing souls I’ve ever known, and my life has been transformed in the best of ways because of them. Because of their love and examples, animal advocacy becomes more important to me as each day passes.
Animal control facilities in the United States are reporting record numbers of strays and owner surrenders in recent months. To help keep euthanasia at bay, I organize rescue transport missions. I pull dogs and cats from animal control facilities that are overcapacity and bring them to New York where longtime no-kill animal sanctuaries and rescue groups find homes for them.
Ember watches calmly and waits.
One of the most satisfying things in the world is to see a terrified dog and cat just pulled from animal control decompress and relax in the rescue transport van. I try and find homes for those most in need, like senior dogs and senior cats that are FIV+. Those are the most triumphant placements. It is so heartening when a rescue groups steps up and says, “Yes, I can help them!”
I’ve met some of the kindest people through this endeavor, too. Just a few minutes of reading the news leads me to believe there is no hope in the world. These rescue transport missions always prove the opposite to be true.
It is a joy to work with likeminded people who want to make a change for the better. It is inspiring to see these collective actions make life’s pendulum swing toward goodness. I’m so grateful for all of the rescue group directors and volunteers that step up to help. Without them, these rescue missions would not be possible.
Have you ever heard of the No-Kill 2025 Initiative? Well, you have now! The goal is to make the United States a no-kill animal control country by 2025. It can happen through things like trap-neuter-return programs, people stepping up to provide foster homes, and coordinating connections between animal control facilities and sanctuary shelters that help find permanent homes for the animals.
If you’re in the New York area, contact us. We’d love to have you part of our next animal rescue transport! We need rescue transport drivers as well as short stay sanctuary/foster homes for dogs and cats. These types of homes are crucial for us to help save lives. It gives rescue groups time to organize and prepare for the animals that have just been pulled to safety from animal control. It is such a rewarding mission, and it would be wonderful to have you part of it!
–Cynthia Ivey Abitz