For Stressed Shelter Animals, Volunteers Bring Happiness

Tucked behind the Putnam Plaza Shopping Center on Old Route 6 in Carmel is a nondescript settlement identified by a little sign that reads, “Kindness, Justice and Mercy to All Living Creatures.”

From the outside, big barks, high-pitched barks and timid barks can be heard, just like the array of meows audible inside. But perhaps what is most noticeable is something completely intangible: the atmosphere of love. 

It takes a devoted staff of 12 and a battalion of more than 20 volunteer workers, but the provides a caring home for 100 adoptable animals who are waiting for their new families to arrive.

In the meantime, the volunteers often make up for a lack of long-term companions. Aside from the monetary donations — one of the main sources of funding for the shelter — many contribute, volunteers generally walk and socialize with the animals. Jobs like feeding and pen-cleaning are done by staff members.  

Patty Young of Carmel comes in once a week. Her favorite dog is Patches, an old English bulldog who recognizes her upon arrival.

“I always love it when dogs come up to me and ask for pets,” she said. “They appreciate what we do and it keeps me coming back.”

Patterson’s Mary Leibnitz spends two hours with the dogs a few times a week.

“I love walking them and seeing their happy faces,” Leibnitz said.  “I get my exercise and they get theirs.”

Part of the society’s policy calls for a professional dog trainer to be on staff. Gary Colorusso, owner of Top Dawg Dog Training, drives up from the Bronx four days a week, sometimes meeting with potential adopters for advice on dog care, but more often working with the dogs and volunteers.

“Being in a shelter is very stressful for a dog,” he explains. “They worry a lot.” 

Brewster resident Lynne Noviello knows first-hand that animals can be affected from living at the humane society. For the last year and a half, she’s spent 15 to 20 hours a week there. She got into the habit of walking Thor, a pit bull, and eventually fell in love with him. After a year, she finally took him home.

“They change their demeanor so much when they leave,” she said. “He wants to go everywhere with me. He wants to be loved all the time.”

Colleen Zaccaro of Mahopac had a similar experience. One day three years ago she stopped by to volunteer. Since then she joined the permanent staff and is now the office manager. 

“We want people to come here,” Zaccaro said, adding that every dog is begging to be walked. As long as they are 18 years or older, volunteers can fill out a visitor release form, supply a photo identification piece and get right to work.

“If you can’t make a long term commitment, we also need temporary foster homes for kittens who need to be bottle fed until they’re ready to eat on their own,” she said.

Once a foster-families’ time with the animal is up, the cat or dog goes back to the shelter. In some cases they live the majority of their lives in the no-kill establishment. Some animals have been there for nine years.

For more information of the animals or how you can help, click . Volunteers and donations are always welcome.