With a heart full of love for animals and a desire to make a difference, Richard Cogan has been part of North Shore Animal League America’s mission since 2022. His journey into volunteering with the organization stems from a personal connection to both the cause and the furry companions he serves.
From an early age, Enya knew she wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps and volunteer at North Shore Animal League America, but first she had to wait until she turned 16. Now she is enrolled in our VolunTEEN program and loving every minute of it.
Since 2012, Michiko has given her time to benefit the well-being of our felines at North Shore Animal League America. Michiko’s love for cats began during her childhood in Japan, with a mischievous four-legged companion who stole her heart. Michiko was devastated when her parents gave the cat away, but miraculously her beloved pet escaped and found his way home; cementing her lifelong passion for cats and the enduring bonds we form with them.
At a staff celebration in honor of our seventh year of American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation, Animal League America’s Senior Vice President & Chief of Veterinary Staff Dr. Mark Verdino emphasized that this recognition validates our unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of medical care to all our patients.
From early childhood days spent snuggling with her beloved stuffed animals, Alana knew one day she would spend her time around real ones as much as possible. When she was old enough to volunteer, choosing where to donate her time was easy. Alana was drawn to North Shore Animal League America because of our world-renowned reputation and no-kill mission, and she signed up to join the VolunTEEN program.
After 35 years teaching middle schoolers, Suzanne Sutley wanted to direct the skills she had honed during her career to a new purpose. In 2020, she found the perfect outlet when she began volunteering at our Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center. What Suzanne didn’t realize until later was just how much cats and eighth graders have in common.
Anyone meeting Jossie will be immediately struck by her infectious positivity and energy. Happily North Shore Animal League America has had the benefit of her time over the past year and Jossie is the first to say it has had a positive impact on her life off our campus as well.
After spending his career working in the county court system, Tom Audette knows how to keep things running smoothly, and deeply appreciates the advantages of being around canines. “What’s not to love about this?” Tom commented as he snuggled an adorable pup in his arms. “When I was working it was definitely therapeutic to be around puppies on a Saturday!”
National Veterinary Technician Week, first celebrated in 1993, takes place the third week of October every year, and provides an opportunity to recognize the vital role our veterinary technicians play in ensuring the animals in our care receive the best possible medical care.
Melanie Waller found Animal League America to be a valuable respite when the nation locked down due to COVID-19. Melanie previously interned with our web team and returned to volunteer in BFF during quarantine. She found volunteering at Animal League America provided a source of much-needed human interaction, in addition to the emotional lift that comes from being around our animals.