How Service Hours Sparked a Passion
For high school senior Grace, volunteering at North Shore Animal League America started as a school requirement but quickly became something much more. “I always knew I wanted to volunteer at an animal shelter,” Grace told us. “When I had to complete service hours for class, I saw it as my chance. I had adopted a cat from Animal League America before and loved the organization. Once I started volunteering, I knew I wasn’t going to stop.”
Grace joined the VolunTEEN program as a junior, balancing her studies with regular shifts in the canine Adoption Center. She quickly found herself drawn to working with the dogs and helping potential adopters find the right match. “I love staying busy, and there’s always something to do,” she said. “But my favorite part is talking to people and helping them find the right dogs. I’ve gotten to know a lot of them, so when someone comes in looking for a certain type of pet, I can say, ‘That’s the one for you.’”
One adoption in particular stands out — her grandmother’s. Grace had been keeping an eye on Princess, a senior shepherd mix who had been returned twice through no fault of her own. When Grace’s grandmother mentioned she was ready to welcome a dog into her home, Grace introduced them. “Princess just had this sad look in her eyes at the shelter,” Grace said. “But the second she got home, she was running around and so happy. She’s doing amazing now.”
Though Grace isn’t an official team leader, she has been called upon to help new volunteers get acclimated, walking them through the daily routine. “She’s a natural,” said Alex Accomando, Animal League America Volunteer Coordinator. “She’s great with the dogs, great with people, and always willing to help. We’re lucky to have her.”
As Grace prepares to head to the University of New Haven to study forensic science, she already has plans to return to Animal League America during breaks. “This place has become such a big part of my life,” she said. “I’ll definitely be back.”
Thank you, Grace, for your enthusiasm and commitment to helping homeless animals find the families they deserve!
The post Volunteer Spotlight: Grace Cannizzaro appeared first on Animal League.
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