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Dorit Shevach
 Dorit Shevach is a Cat Trainer for North Shore Animal League America. It was after a few years of working as a kennel associate that she took this position. During her first year at North Shore, she encountered a cat who had been living at the shelter for more than a year. Licorice was an adult, black female cat, with a bit of a reputation for being cranky, who had been abandoned at the doorsteps of the shelter. Something drew Dorit towards Licorice, and she was determined to break through to her. After some time of taking Licorice on as her special "buddy cat" at the shelter, and watching adopters pass her by, Dorit finally took Licorice home.
Dorit started reading books and articles on feline behavior and learned that the majority of aggressive behaviors exhibited, especially in shelter environments, were the manifestation of some sort of fear or anxiety. She kept Licorice in her own room, to give her some space, and spent time with her daily, trying to gain her trust. It took a long time, and was frustrating for both of them, but after a few months, Licorice came around and Dorit was amazed at the transformation she had made. With just a little patience, understanding, and some TLC, Licorice became one of the most affectionate cats Dorit had ever had. Licorice would follow her around the house, and she slept next to her every night until Licorice passed away a year ago.
So when the position for Feline Trainer opened in May of 2003, Dorit jumped at the opportunity. The managers at the shelter had seen the comfort with which Dorit handled the cats with "reputations," so to speak, and she was granted the opportunity to fill the position. The job has, of course, been frustrating and extremely challenging at times, but Dorit is reminded daily how important patience is; with both people and animals.
Dorit has always had an affinity for cats, and has always known how to read them through their body language. Although she has done her share of reading, and has an enormous amount of hands-on experience with it, she never actually studied or obtained a degree in feline behavior. Dorit views every cat she encounters, and every pet owner she speaks with as a learning experience. Most of all, she has learned that every animal deserves the chance to be loved by someone with an open heart.
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516.883.7575