The Joys of Running an Animal Rescue Group
Reflecting on 10 Years of Loving Touch Rescue, Inc.
Oct 30, 2009
When Paul and Doreen Eiseman met, they found soul mates in every way, for they shared a concern for animals that runs deeper than most. Doreen has trouble sleeping at night, thinking of all the little kitties shivering out in the cold. They may never know human companionship or the power of a loving caress. For years, kindly Doreen and her husband volunteered for various rescue groups.Together with Zulma Cruz, they eventually started their own rescue group, Queens non-profit Loving Touch. I spoke with the couple as they mark their 22nd marital anniversary and the 10-year anniversary of their group about the many rewards, and challenges, of rescuing New York City’s homeless animals.
Q: How many animals have you rescued over the years?
A: I'd have to say about a thousand, no maybe over a thousand. It all started with a sweet little kitten named Hobo that we took in when we first married. Recently, we took in a batch of about 50 cats and kittens, all from the same home. It was a hoarder situation.
Q: What was the most unusual rescue you ever performed?
A: Every lost or abandoned animal has a unique story. Twice, we removed kittens from inside of car engines. One of them, Beanie, only has three legs, she became entangled in the fan belt, and it damaged her so badly. We sponsored the medical bills for her amputation. Cats really are curious and often crawl up inside cars. We were also once called to get a giant male Peacock out of a backyard!
Q: What are the challenges of fund-raising in the 2009 economy?
A: Getting people to part with their money has never been easy. These days, people hardly spend on anything other than basic needs. We still get donations, but they are smaller, or less often. People do say they enjoy knowing their money is going to a good cause.
Q: What is the most unusual fundraiser you've conducted?
A: Most of our fundraisers are traditional: luncheons, bingo, raffles, flea markets, dances, a pet/owner costume contest.. We once had a dog race, where people staked a dog. Volunteers held paddles with the rescued dog's picture, and when its name was pulled, they advanced to the finish line. One supporter, Yolanda Coulaz, organized Poets for Pets; a day of readings, open mike time, book sales and raffles devoted to animals.
Q: Who are some of your heroes in the rescue field?
A: We admire everyone who gets involved. You’d be surprised at all the little grass roots groups whose work goes by unnoticed. They make such a difference! We would like to recognize Jane Hoffman, of the NY Mayor’s Alliance for Animals and Michael Mountain of Best Friends out in Utah. And let us not forget Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore, who advocate in novel ways like Broadway Barks.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: Right now our major goal is to just keep afloat. Besides the fund-raising challenges, we’re trying to get it all under control. Being in this business is such a strain—emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially. A landlord calls and says someone left an animal behind…and you just don’t have the heart to say no. Every day we feed and water cats and dogs, walk dogs, changing litter and kennels. And we both work full-time. Sheer exhaustion!
Q: What is one tip you'd like to share with pet owners?
A: Spay and neuter. Spay and neuter. I can’t say it enough. If you alter your animals, you can help change the course. According to the ASPCA, every cat has two litters a year, of about 4-6 kittens. They keep reproducing and then nearly 5 million cats are put to sleep in shelters across the country. People also need to ID their animals, with a tag. Make sure they have a tag, micro-chip or tattoo and register it. It helps if the pet goes astray. We once rescued a dog that had wandered from Pennsylvania, near Ohio, all the way to Brooklyn.
Taking care of New York City's dogs and cats is no easy challenge for anyone; be they a shelter, a group, or a single owner. Get informed and stay alert. Visit a local shelter/humane society, or sites like PetFinder or Animal Alliance NYC.
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