For Immediate Release

Provide a Protected Future for Your Pet
North Shore Animal League America’s Surviving Pet Care Program Offers
Peace of Mind

February 5, 2008 (Port Washington, NY) -- All too often, when a pet is predeceased by its owner, the animal can end up in a shelter instead of with a member of the owner’s family. For animal lovers concerned about who will care for their cherished pets who outlive them, North Shore Animal League America has created the Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care Program offering safe and loving future environments for companion animals.

Since North Shore Animal League America practices a no-kill policy, this program guarantees that should an owner predecease his or her treasured companions, they will be cared for over the rest of their lives, either in a new, loving family or with the League, where there is an on-site, state-of-the-art medical facility.

"Having a plan in place, like the Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care Program, offers pet owners peace of mind knowing that their beloved animals will never be put down and will always have a warm, safe place to call home," says Barbara Barrett, Vice President of Planned Giving. She added, "You know that until we can find the perfect family they are safe here at the League."

Recently, a subscriber to the Safe Haven Program passed on and his beloved dogs, Buster, Penny and Dudley, were placed in the League’s care. The three adult dogs were obviously distressed over being separated from their owner; but within a short period, the League was able to find new pet parents for each.

Buster, a 10 year-old Shepherd mix now resides with a young couple, Bill and Jessica, and is the love of their lives. "He’s a real ham and poses readily when the camera comes out," reports Jessica, who says Buster walked into the couple’s apartment "like he owned it." "Adopting Buster worked out perfectly, and it just feels good knowing that he’s happy being part of our lives."

Ten year-old Penny was also matched with a new owner, Thomas, who provided her the companionship of another adult dog living in his home. "After Penny came home, I saw the change in her almost immediately. In the shelter, she was timid and seemed sad. Now she’s come out of her shell and is always looking for belly rubs," says Thomas.

Dudley’s new adoptive mom, Hilda, fell in love with his "big brown eyes," when she met him at the shelter. "He’s so sweet and loves to cuddle. Wherever we go with him everyone says "what a handsome little doggie’." Hilda says that Dudley, who loves to take car rides, adjusted well to his new home, where he has two beds so that he can enjoy his afternoon nap wherever he pleases.

Dudley, Penny and Buster are ideal examples of successful planning-ahead, says Barrett, who urges all pet owners to include their treasured companions in their estate planning and consider the benefits of the Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care Program.

For more information about North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill animal shelter and its Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care Program, visit www.animal-league.org/how_we_help/surviving_pet.html or contact Barbara Barrett at barbara_b@nsalamerica.org. or 516-812-7218.