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Pupper West Side: Champions of Fostering and Volunteerism

March 21, 2023 | 7:19 AM
in COLUMNS
7
Hannah (left) and Lexi (right) are both 12-year-old miniature-poodle-mix rescues.

By A. Campbell

Hello, I’m Hannah and this is my rescue sibling, Lexi, who we welcomed to our home about two months ago. Lexi and I are both about 12 years old, give or take. Lexi is still a bit shy and introverted, but I think her tongue gives her a lot of character, don’t you agree?

Lexi is a pup of few words, but her tongue gives her a lot of character.

Actually, we’re the two smallest members of a large family that includes Georgie the cat, Target and Manhattan Man (Manny for short), our equine siblings, and of course, our lovely parents. Target is a 25-year-old bay (reddish brown color) horse and Manny is a 12-year-old chestnut horse with whom Mom practices her hunter-jumper riding skills. One of my favorite weekend activities is to accompany Mom up to the barn in Chestnut Ridge and run around while she exercises and cares for Target and Manny.

Target and Manny.

Back in the city, you might spot us at one of our favorite local vegan eateries. We love to grab a bite at Blossom or Peacefood. After hearing great reviews, we’re also excited to try out the neighborhood’s popular dog-friendly joint – Black Lab Cafe – for coffee and a croissant. As passionate animal advocates, it comes as no surprise that our parents have developed a reputation as a devoted foster family for senior pets. In fact, they even co-authored a children’s book about their first special needs poodle-mix rescue, Coco.

Enjoying a foggy evening in Riverside Park South.

We began fostering around the beginning of the pandemic, when we were still living in Chicago. All told, we’ve fostered more than 30 animals for organizations like the ASPCA, PAWS Chicago, and One Tail At A Time. Fostering is such a tremendous opportunity to volunteer and interact with animals in need. Due to capacity constraints, many rescue organizations in NYC and elsewhere can only save as many dogs as they can reliably have fostered in safe, loving homes, so the impact you can have as a volunteer foster parent is very meaningful. Over time, our family became known as experts for fostering seniors and special needs animals who might be blind or deaf or missing a limb or eye. My parents say it’s been a wonderful experience because, through this work, they’ve established a community of empathetic people who are committed to helping senior dogs – no matter what their circumstance – live life to the fullest surrounded by a caring and compassionate family.

Our wall of former foster cats and dogs who have now moved on to find their forever families.

Read all of our Pupper West Side interviews here!

If you think your pup deserves a shot at neighborhood fame, we encourage you to reach out to Audrey at pupperwestsideuws@gmail.com to be considered for a future profile on West Side Rag and follow your fellow Pupper West Sider’s adventures on Instagram at @pupper_west_side_uws

If readers are interested in becoming pet owners, we encourage you to consider adopting or volunteering to be a foster parent with one of the many shelters and nonprofits based in and around New York City. These include but aren’t limited to Muddy Paws Rescue; Animal Lighthouse Rescue; Animal Care Centers of NYC; NYC ASPCA; Humane Society of New York; Bideawee; Social Tees; Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue and Animal Haven.

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Human
Human
2 years ago

This is UWS animal rag! Riverside park conservancy is trying to reseed upper loan( thank you to them for doing it again and again) when dog owners turn it into another dog run. Dogs are off leash !
Dogs, cats …. Could be lovely companions to people . ( some people)
We need more information and discussions about REAl life and problems on UWS
Dirt on a street! Garbage ! Drugs stores! Homeless! Food Prices! Delivery man constant dangerous traffic violations
AMEN

1
Reply
Sarah
Sarah
2 years ago
Reply to  Human

UWS has plenty such discussions. However, as a paying subscriber, I suppose you’re entitled to demand more for your money. Oh, wait.

11
Reply
Bill S.
Bill S.
2 years ago

Wonderful article. Fostering saves lives. Thx for highlighting. Also perfect when you have lost a pet and not uite ready to adopt again. A win win all around.

9
Reply
Robin
Robin
2 years ago

Thank you ALL who do the wonderful work of fostering animals! Lexi and Hannah were indeed lucky to find a new home.

PS Actually LOVE the idea of the
Upper West Side ANIMAL Rag 👍😉

8
Reply
Sarah
Sarah
2 years ago

Wow, that’s a wall to be proud of!

9
Reply
Lauren
Lauren
2 years ago

Thank you for fostering so many dogs, especially the seniors and those with special needs. They often get dumped in shelters for no fault of their own, and are disoriented and scared. Providing them with a safe and loving home is very kind and generous.

9
Reply
victoria@westsidemews
victoria@westsidemews
2 years ago

What a lovely furry family!

3
Reply

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