Central Park

The Daily Plant : Thursday, February 27, 2003

PARKIES BECOME PROUD PARENTS OF PUPS & KITTENS

Out of the eight dogs and seven cats dressed in their finest fur at the Arsenal Gallery on Tuesday, February 25, four dogs and one cat found their way into Parkies’ hearts. Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined Julian Prager, Acting Director of the Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC), Allan Goldberg, Assistant Commissioner of the Health Department and Sara Hobel, Director of the Urban Park Rangers on "National Spay Day" to kick off the first of a series of Pet Adoption Days for Parks. CACC, in partnership with the Urban Park Rangers, brought fifteen homeless pets that were ready for immediate adoption. Parks & Recreation Commissioner Benepe became inspired to create the initiative after adopting his own new kitten, Kicia, from the CACC.

"In addition to saving an animal, your own life will be improved," said Commissioner Benepe. "Kicia is the most entertaining, brightest, smartest [kitten]. She just got into Bronx Science."

Judy Jones, Assistant Director of Operations for CACC has been with the organization for five years, but has been working with abandoned animals for over a decade. At the event, Jones stressed the importance of pro-active adoption programs such as the one at the Arsenal. Meeting the animal in person is the key to a successful adoption. "As soon as they make a connection, that’s what really… catches people’s hearts."

The event started at 10:00 a.m., and by 10:30 a.m. the first connection had already been made. Audrey Nagle, Supervisor of the Revenue Unit/ Budget Fiscal Management signed on to become the proud new parent of a 2 ½ month old puppy. As Nagle cuddled her new friend Lily, she explained that she had been wanting a puppy and when she saw the Parks & Recreation flier for Pet Adoption Day, she recalls thinking, "Pets are going to be at work, I’m totally getting one."

What makes adopting from CACC better than adopting from a pet store or a breeder is that all of the Center’s animals have been abandoned by previous owners and are in need of a home. Miguel Fernandez, a Placement Supervisor for the CACC in Manhattan, was on duty at the Pet Adoption Day. He confirmed that Nagle’s new dog was found in the Bronx on Hull Street and had been with the CACC since February 18.

During the event, Urban Park Ranger Sergeant Gary Rozman had the important job of holding on tightly to the leash of a Lhasa-mix. Rozman contemplated taking the pup home, but Sheila Harrison, a Crew Chief for Manhattan’s District 7, scooped up the fluffy 7-month old. Rozman was not too disappointed though, he already is the proud caretaker of a Ball Python that was found two years ago on Memorial Day in Central Park. "We called her Ball Park Frank, until later, when we found out she was a Francesca."

Bryon Holt, a CPW with District 7 in Manhattan will soon be going home with a friendly year-old lab mix. According to the CACC, the pervious owners of this gentle giant surrendered their pet because they were moving. As it turns out, the lab is the perfect companion for Holt. "I had been looking, but I hadn’t found one I wanted until today," said proud new pet caretaker.

Other Parkies who will soon be adding pets to their home include Toby Allan, a Graphic Artist for the Public Information Office and Zoerain Siugzda a City Seasonal Aide with the 79^th Street Yard. Allan adopted a tabby cat, and Siugzda will soon be stocking up on biscuits for a 4-month old Shepherd-mix.

CACC is a not-for-profit organization that rescues, cares for and finds homes for homeless and abandoned animals in New York City. For more information about CACC, call 1-888-SPAY-NYC or visit www.nycacc.org. CACC hopes other city agencies will follow Parks & Recreation’s lead and host their own Pet Adoption Days.

If any Parkies were unable to commit to a pet on the 25^th, they still have a chance to bring home a new friend. Parks & Recreation will be holding a Pet Adoption Day in every borough. An adoption day has been scheduled in the Bronx on Wednesday, March 12 at St. James Recreation Center, and one in Staten Island in Clove Lake Park on Wednesday, April 23. Pet Adoption events will also soon be held in Brooklyn and Queens. At all venues, CACC cats and dogs will be on site for immediate cuddling and adoption. For more information about pet adoption in each borough, Parkies can contact the Urban Park Rangers at 212-360-2774.

Written by Jocelyn Aframe

"We only die once, and for such a long time!"

(1622-1673)

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