This is What a Rescue Does! By Flori Grottoli

On an average day, a rescue group receives a dozen or so calls regarding animals that need help. Some people are looking for information on how to start a Trap/Neuter/Return program in their neighborhood, others need the intervention of our volunteers to help an animal in distress, still others inquire about becoming volunteers themselves. It's all in a day's work for many animal rescue volunteers. Until a very different kind of call comes in. One day, a gentleman called the rescue wanting to speak to the person in charge. It seems that this nice man, Robert, was offering his services as an advertising professional to the rescue at no charge. He told the rescue they would have free access to Robert's expertise in creating advertising campaigns and event promotions that would serve to showcase the animals available for adoption and to fundraise for the cause. Robert began to tell the volunteer of his experience with his beloved dog, and how the rescue had come to the his aid. It seems that almost a year earlier, Robert had gotten very ill and needed to be hospitalized for several months. A relative came to stay at the house where Robert and his shelter dog lived. During his stay in the hospital, Robert's relative developed terrible allergies to the dog, and since Robert's medical prognosis meant a prolonged hospital stay, the relative decided that the best thing to do was to send the dog back to the shelter. Upon hearing of his relative's decision regarding the dog, Robert called the rescue group closest to the shelter and begged them to foster the dog, his beloved friend and companion, until he was well enough to come home. Robert told the rescue he was determined to come home and take his dog back! The rescue agreed to help him and fostered the dog until his release from the hospital. Robert felt blessed for the intervention of the rescue group, so much so that he wanted a chance to 'pay forward' and show his gratitude. Therefore, here he was on the phone, a well known NYC ad man, offering his expensive services to a little Long Island rescue group! Moral of the story? When you help an animal in need, you are rescuing the animal...and his human companion.  And that's what a rescue does!

"Be Involved.. Make a Difference... Feel Fulfilled"