I spent the majority of this year helping find foster and adopters for urgent at risk animals. I previously did not realize how many animals die at NYC’s biggest shelter, the ACC.
I have social media marketing skills, and a journalism degree, so I used my skills to market the animals in danger, share their stories and mass post them so they got people who could help. Each one took hours to research, write and post. Which I did all as a volunteer. (Which was essential, because the shelter doesn’t widely market the most urgent animals, at all, leaving them little chance.)
It took over my life. There were just so many in danger and in need every single day. I took shifts off my job to help. I went in person when necessary. I went to help keep animals OUT of the shelter. I invested my time and money for transport costs, AirBnb’s for transporters and other donations to ensure the animals would be safe. I was aware all of this was volunteer work. And I never asked for any compensation.
i eventually was let go from my job after missing a shift to help rescue some kittens who were born tangled together. I spent the day in the Vet ER with them. And found rescue support to cover the $7k bill.
I’ve always done my best to rescue others, but now I need a rescue. After losing my job, the rescue needs did not slow down. I felt it was urgent to tie loose ends and not give up on animals who still needed help, but that time should have been spent securing new work. I wasn’t able to dedicate time to my business or any other endeavor, which took a toll on my life.
I had to draw a boundary, and decided to only work on animals outside of the shelter who needed urgent homes. I welcomed donations to say thank you for the immense time and effort it takes to find excellent, safe homes. Several people have promised donations who have not yet followed through, leaving me unable to pay my rent Oct. 1st. As a result I have to leave.
Ironically, my dedication to helping other animals be safe has put me and my own cats in danger. I have $700 in owed donations at this time, and no updates on when they will be honored.
My roommate urgently needs me to pay my share for our housing, or she too will be in trouble and I may even be asked to leave immediately, putting me and my cats in danger.
Even if we pay what’s owed, I still have to leave Oct. 21. It is very stressful and unbelievable that I’m in this position due to a consistent dedication to animals.
But volunteers do not get compensation, and even if there is an agreement, there seems to be a lack of respect for the excellent work done. Volunteers who truly care and work hard don’t have the same gravitas as a rescue, even if they do most of the work. I’ve been criticized, and now feel very abused and taken for granted.
i know there are people who have seen my work, and I am still proud of the over 60 animals I’ve saved. I wouldn’t take it back, but need to be safe before I can take steps to be more secure, in the future.
i won’t be able to volunteer at the same pace, and need to save myself, and my own cats who I love, first.
They are my family (I adopted a Cat from the street in ‘22 and she gave birth in my room in Christmas Day that year to 4 beautiful kittens. I rehome to to wonderful, loving homes and two ar with me.)
i have been with my kittens since the moment they were born. I pray that anyone who is able to donate even a little bit will see the value in what I’ve done, and how important this is to me, otherwise I would not be asking. I am trying very hard to keep us safe.
Thank you for reading and I Hope only to share very Positive updates in the Future👑❤️👑
