December 11, 2009 (Port Washington, NY) – What’s the ideal holiday gift that will warm the heart of an animal lover and save a precious life? It’s the Gift of Sponsorship in their name, offering a life-saving monthly giving program dedicated solely to the care of dogs and cats with special needs. North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization, each year finds permanent homes for approximately 20,000 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. However, some pets that come under the Animal League’s protective wing are placed in the Sponsor Program due to medical conditions or physical disabilities requiring lifetime care.

Many of the animals in the Sponsor Program live with injuries and chronic illnesses requiring specialized medical treatments and behavioral training. In many other shelters these innocent and deserving animals might be considered lost causes, and therefore destroyed. At the Animal League they are given a second chance, provided the best quality of life possible through monthly support from kindhearted, committed individuals. Some Sponsor pets are adopted, while some are in foster care or reside at the Animal League, but all are supported by the program for their lifetime.

Through the Sponsor Program you can select a special needs pet and with a monthly contribution, in the name of your recipient, give the gift of life to a grateful animal. Gift recipients will receive a welcome kit, periodic pet progress updates as well as updates on the Animal League’s good works.

To preview the pets who need the help of Sponsors and to learn more about the Sponsor Program and the Animal League’s 65 year-old mission to rescue, nurture and adopt homeless animals visit www.AnimalLeague.org/sponsor or call toll free 1.877.BE.MY.PAL (1.877.236.9725).