New Rochelle Humane Society Kicked off Season with Holiday Pet Portrait Day

By Meral Kathwari and Adriana Alonso

For the past 15 years the New Rochelle Humane Society has built a tradition of taking holiday pet portraits.

This year, families gathered with their pets Nov. 9 to take a pictures with Santa. Some joined in and other dogs and cats had Santa all to themselves.

Jen Bush has been bringing her pets to take their pictures with Santa every every year since 2010. She adopted a mother and son chuweenie from the New Rochelle Humane Society.

“I like to support the shelter in any way I can. I want to give back something for all the love they brought into my life,” she said.

The New Rochelle Humane Society is a rescue shelter for mainly dogs and cats that has been around for more than 100 years. The animals are lost pets that mostly get returned to their rightful owners. Others are put up for adoption.

The event was complete with holiday props for the animals and a professional photographer to produce portraits good enough for Christmas cards.

Holiday pet portraits is an annual fundraiser to raise funds for the animals’ medical needs.
When animals first come into the shelter they’re immediately cared for, vaccinated, spayed or neutered.

The shelter has different volunteer programs. High school student Crystal Mendez volunteers at the shelter often.

“I love to help out the animals and see them transform and get adopted. There’s no better feeling,” Mendez said.

Also, the shelter holds various fundraising events throughout the year. All food and money donated goes to caring for the animals. For donations, anything from cleaning supplies to food is appreciated.

You can donate and volunteer through their website newrochellehumanesociety.org