Local Teenagers Demand Emancipation

Pets Alive Westchester supports their decision but needs YOUR help

It all started with pre-teen Lucinda, 12, who had been saving up for a place of her own for over a decade, nearly twelve years to be exact. In January (thanks to the depreciated housing market) her wish came true and she found the PERFECT house, with a field of wild flowers to wander in each day and a deck to sunbathe. It was almost as if the house was built just for her. As you can imagine, her old friends back at Pets Alive Westchester are quite jealous of the lovely Lucinda. She writes often to tell the tales of her new adventures and sends pictures, but the damage is done- the seed has been planted…

These teenagers want OUT!!

Onyx, also 12, was the next to venture out on his own. Soon after Jake, 14 and Webster, 14- each had been waiting since the late 90’s- now had the strength and the confidence to leave the nest. Before we knew it Brandy, 9, who had been spending the weekends at a friend’s house was offered a room to stay at the neighbors-permanently! Then Honey Bear, 13, and Oreo, 12, who had been shacking up together at the center for over 10 years decided that they too would like to see the world and experience something new. They are still together and loving life- they send us post cards of their wonderful adventures together.

At 15 years old, our oldest and wisest resident, Smokey was secretly dreaming of a new life as well. While he loved us all dearly, he knew he had much more to offer and many more hearts to touch. So he looked up his dear old friend Lucinda and asked if she could give him a place to stay for a little while. Lucinda enthusiastically offered Smokey a new home, a new companion and a new life. Smokey instantly fell in love with the meadow of wildflowers and Lucinda was happy to share her own little oasis.

Each time we hear from Smokey, Lucinda, Webster and all the others we cry tears of joy for them. Of course they all have just one question for us. What about the rest of their friends? When will they have the opportunity to be as happy and loved? While we work tirelessly to find them all a home, we need YOUR help. There are still 100 teenagers back at the center who are looking for a chance, an opportunity, to experience something new. To see new places and meet new friends. Most of them don’t need much. Perhaps a couch to crash on, a ride from the center to your place or even just a reference to a friend or coworker to help get them started out. YOU can make that difference. YOU can give them the only thing they have ever wanted- a place to call home….

Operators are standing by to give you more information on how you can make a difference today.  Even better you can stop by the adoption center and meet any one of our wonderful teenagers- we guarantee you leave with a smile, a full and happy heart, and a new best friend!

(Please note – the animals pictured here are still looking for a way out. Come and give them a ride – today!)

Pets Alive Westchester, 100 Warehouse Lane, Elmsford, NY 10523
914-592-7339, www.petsalivewest.org
We are open 7 days a week: Sun – Thurs 10-4, Fri 10 – 7:30, Sat 10-6:30

Pets Alive Westchester is a no-kill animal shelter. Our mission is to improve the lives of companion animals everywhere by any means possible, including rescue, adoption, advocacy, collaboration, intervention and education. We care for dogs, cats and rabbits at our adoption center in Elmsford, NY. Many of the animals at Pets Alive Westchester are older, have special needs or require special care.