The Ups and Downs of Kitten Season
As the first day of spring approaches, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and dread. The warmer weather means the return of kitten season, that whirlwind time of year when shelters and rescues are inundated with litters of those fuzzy, mewling bundles of joy. For me, it’s both a wonderful and daunting time – the sunshine, the birdsong, the promise of new beginnings. But with that also comes the sobering reality that there are far more kittens in need of homes than there are willing families to take them in.
Just last week, my home was abuzz with the pitter-patter of tiny paws as I welcomed a new quartet of kittens, courtesy of Mama Hanna, and a litter of five from the ever-resilient Mama Poppy. These wriggling, rambunctious little ones are a joy to have around, but I know their presence is bittersweet. For every kitten I’m able to nurture and place in a loving home, there are countless others left to fend for themselves on the streets or worse, euthanized in overcrowded shelters.
It’s a heartbreaking truth that the world simply doesn’t need more kittens and puppies. That’s why organizations like the one I’m proud to work for, North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), have made it their mission to combat pet overpopulation through innovative rescue and adoption programs. And with September bringing both Puppy Mill Awareness Day and Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the critical work being done to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our four-legged companions.
Rescuing from the Horrors of Puppy Mills
One of the most pressing issues NSALA tackles is the scourge of puppy mills – those commercial breeding facilities where dogs and puppies are treated as little more than commodities, forced to endure unimaginable neglect and suffering. It’s a dark reality that I’m all too familiar with, having witnessed firsthand the heart-wrenching rescues our team undertakes.
Just last month, our mobile rescue units traveled to the Midwest, scooping up pure and mixed-breed dogs and puppies from these horrendous facilities. Some were in poor health, their bodies ravaged by years of neglect. Others bore the emotional scars of never having known the gentle touch of a kind human hand. But each one, no matter their condition, was given a second chance at NSALA’s campus in Port Washington, New York.
Take Brandy, for example – a beautiful 5-year-old Beagle who had never learned to trust or love. When she first arrived, she was still wary and withdrawn, having spent her entire life in the confines of a cramped, squalid cage. But slowly, with the patience and care of our dedicated staff, Brandy began to emerge from her emotional shell. She discovered the simple joys of playtime in our dog park, relished the taste of a well-deserved treat, and even let a select few into her “special people club.”
It was an incredible transformation to witness, and just a few short weeks later, Brandy found her forever home – a testament to the resilience of these animals and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds. But for every Brandy, there are countless others still waiting, their futures uncertain until the day they’re rescued from the horrors of puppy mill existence.
That’s why NSALA’s ongoing partnership with organizations like National Mill Dog Rescue is so vital. By making repeated trips to these Midwestern breeding facilities, we’re able to bring more and more of these innocent victims to safety, giving them the care, comfort, and second chances they deserve. It’s arduous, heart-wrenching work, but the joy of seeing these animals blossom into happy, healthy companions is what keeps our rescue teams going, day in and day out.
Adopting the “Less Adoptable”
Of course, the journey to forever homes doesn’t end with the rescue. NSALA’s mission is to not only save these animals but to ensure they find the loving, responsible families they so deserve. And that’s where our Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week comes in.
I’ll admit, the term “less adoptable” doesn’t sit quite right with me. In my experience, every animal that comes into our care is perfectly imperfect, with their own unique quirks and personalities that make them just as worthy of love and belonging as any other. Take Possum, for example – a sweet, gentle cat who happens to be blind in both eyes. To the casual observer, she might seem like a less attractive prospect for adoption. But to me, and to the lucky family who welcomed her into their home, Possum is an absolute treasure, navigating the world with a grace and resilience that is truly inspiring.
Or consider Heaven, a 13-year-old beauty who was cruelly abandoned by her family, found matted, emaciated, and sick in a sealed box. The thought of someone discarding a senior pet in such a heartless manner makes my blood boil. And yet, despite the trauma she’s endured, Heaven’s capacity for forgiveness is humbling. She may not enjoy the company of other felines, but she adores people, showering them with unconditional love and loyalty.
And then there’s Jess, my delightful tripod foster, whose missing hind leg has never dampened her lively, social spirit. In fact, this little nugget is one of the most engaging kittens I’ve ever had the pleasure of caring for, winning over the hearts of everyone she meets – including a few dashing admirers who recently stopped by to visit.
These are the stories that inspire me, that remind me why our work at NSALA is so vital. Because behind every “less adoptable” label, there lies a personality, a spirit, a life just as deserving of a loving home as any other. And with September’s Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week, we have the opportunity to share these stories, to challenge the misconceptions, and to find forever families for the most vulnerable among us.
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes
Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless efforts of the remarkable individuals who dedicate their lives to animal rescue and welfare. From the hands-on rescuers like Karla and Ted, who brave the miles and the heartbreak to bring dogs and puppies to safety, to the compassionate staff who nurture and rehabilitate these animals, to the devoted adopters who open their homes and hearts – these are the unsung heroes who make the magic happen.
And let’s not forget the passionate volunteers, the community advocates, the talented artists, and the celebrity supporters who lend their voices and resources to amplify the impact of organizations like NSALA. When I think about the sheer breadth of people who have rallied around our mission, it’s enough to bring tears to my eyes.
Take, for instance, the day Lori Fusaro and I got to visit George Clooney at his home in LA, where we were invited to document his adoption of the food-obsessed cocker spaniel, Einstein. Or the morning we spent at the 9/11 Memorial with Denise Corliss and her golden retriever, Bretagne, the last known surviving search dog from that fateful day. These are the moments that not only enrich the stories we share but also inspire others to get involved, to make a difference in the lives of these incredible animals.
A Celebration of Rescue
As we look ahead to NSALA’s annual Celebration of Rescue on November 17th, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and pride. This event, which I have the honor of chairing, is a testament to the power of community, the transformative impact of rescue, and the unwavering commitment to our no-kill promise.
It was during this very event back in 2014 that my husband, Howard, and I announced our plans for Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center – a milestone that still fills me with a profound sense of joy and purpose. Because for every animal we’re able to save, for every life we’re able to transform, we’re not just creating happy endings, but igniting new beginnings that reverberate throughout the world.
And as we look to the future, the momentum only continues to build. With the launch of our seventh annual Walk & Wag 30-Mile Facebook Challenge and our recent partnership with Fetch by Dodo to offer top-rated pet health insurance, NSALA is doubling down on its mission to provide comprehensive care and support for our four-legged friends.
So as we navigate the ups and downs of kitten season, as we confront the horrors of puppy mills and champion the cause of the “less adoptable,” let us take solace in the knowledge that there are heroes among us. Heroes who refuse to give up, who are driven by an unwavering belief in the power of love and compassion to transform even the most hopeless of situations.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what this journey is all about – not just the rescues and the adoptions, but the profound, life-changing connections that blossom between humans and their animal companions. It’s a journey of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bond that ties us all together, two-legged and four-legged alike. And I, for one, can’t wait to see what other paw-some adventures lie ahead.
