Teen in Syosset earns Golden Paw for work with felines
While many teens were out relaxing on beach this past summer, Rachel Haft was working hard to save the lives of others.
The 13-year-old from Syosset was recently recognized by the Golden Paw Society of Huntington for her work in saving the lives of shelter cats. She received her award, a plaque, during the society's Golden Gala fundraiser, which took place at the beginning of September. Haft was one of just four award recipients this year.
Haft decided to raise money for the society's Shelter Run Program. As part of the program, volunteers visit area shelters and rescue cats that have either been waiting for a long time to be adopted, or that are struggling to adjust to life in a shelter. Cats that find themselves in either of these positions are more likely to be euthanized.
It costs about $100 (which goes to food, medical costs, and care) to rescue one cat. When she began her program, Haft's goal was to raise $1,800, so that she could help 18 felines. So far, she has raised $2,100, which has helped 21 cats. Those animals are currently at the society's adoption center, waiting for someone to take them home.
Haft and the Golden Paw Society can use flyer printing to spread the word about the cats and to help them find a new home. Photos of some of the rescued cats are up at the society's website, where visitors can also find more information on ways to donate and to help save even more animals.
The 13-year-old from Syosset was recently recognized by the Golden Paw Society of Huntington for her work in saving the lives of shelter cats. She received her award, a plaque, during the society's Golden Gala fundraiser, which took place at the beginning of September. Haft was one of just four award recipients this year.
Haft decided to raise money for the society's Shelter Run Program. As part of the program, volunteers visit area shelters and rescue cats that have either been waiting for a long time to be adopted, or that are struggling to adjust to life in a shelter. Cats that find themselves in either of these positions are more likely to be euthanized.
It costs about $100 (which goes to food, medical costs, and care) to rescue one cat. When she began her program, Haft's goal was to raise $1,800, so that she could help 18 felines. So far, she has raised $2,100, which has helped 21 cats. Those animals are currently at the society's adoption center, waiting for someone to take them home.
Haft and the Golden Paw Society can use flyer printing to spread the word about the cats and to help them find a new home. Photos of some of the rescued cats are up at the society's website, where visitors can also find more information on ways to donate and to help save even more animals.