“I believe that I’ve talked about the organization at least once a week—for the past 40 years.” When Virginia DeSocio adopted her dog, Pumpkin, there was one building on the campus. She returned for a visit three years ago. “I was so impressed with the whole organization. The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum had just been completed. I wished it had been around when I was still teaching special education in New Jersey.”

Virginia DeSocio is now a loyal supporter and treasured member of our Pet Protectors Society. It all started though when she adopted Pumpkin from North Shore Animal League America. Years ago she and her newly adopted daughter, Sandra, fell in love with an eight-week-old Labrador Retriever mix puppy with big brown eyes at the Adoption Center. “Adopting Pumpkin meant a lot to Sandra,” says Virginia. “It helped her understand her own adoption better.”

After Pumpkin’s adoption, Virginia began taking in foster care children who needed emergency care. “Maybe the evidence of kindness to animals in my home sent a message that said it was okay here,” Virginia reflected.

Pumpkin became a “social” worker—she always greeted the kids at the door with a wag of her tail and even made sure everyone was all tucked into bed.

Virginia has set aside a planned gift as part of her estate to go to Animal League America. The last time she toured the campus she saw a room where there were dogs just brought up from the Carolinas. Seeing the dedication to care cinched her decision to donate.

The pets that Virginia has welcomed into her home have been a big part of her family’s happiness and she is glad to be able to make the commitment of a bright future for homeless animals. Besides spoiling her cats Rocky and Tiger she is now enjoying her retirement and her grandchildren.