If you want to help right now, go adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue group in the NYC/NJ area THIS weekend!! For every pet you adopt, you make space for one more rescued out of this tragedy and prevent one more from being put to sleep. PLEASE do not dwell on the need to rescue a "WTC pet" who was a victim at Ground Zero. All of these rescued animals are victims.

Thanks so much for your compassion and response. You can help orphaned New York City animals by: Adoptions; Rescue; Donations to and support of those rescue groups, shelters and organizations trying to help and save homeless pets.

This is New York City's municipal shelter system. CACC bears responsibility for taking in all abandoned, lost, and stray animals, as well as it is NYC's temporary "holding" facility for those pets whose owners' whereabouts and circumstances are undetermined or unfinalized. (owner missing, deceased, hospitalized, arrested, evicted). CACC always has an updated list of those adoptable pets who desperately need homes. If you are looking to adopt a loving dog or cat, we recommend CACC as one of the first sources for your search.

In addition to CACC, there are numerous other shelters and rescue groups who routinely rescue homeless animals, vet and care for them, provide safe "no kill" sanctuary and advertise them for adoption. Many of these groups and shelters also rescue routinely, needy animals from the CACC. Thus, by adopting from them, one indirectly saves a pet from the municipal shelter system. Some of these groups and shelters are:

Support of New York City organizations and shelters saving homeless pets. All rescue organizations and shelters caring for homeless pets have constant needs for volunteers, foster people, supplies and monetary support. If you cannot adopt or participate in rescue of homeless pets, please support those organizations who do.

At this tragic time in our national history, New York City animal shelters and rescue groups bear extra burdens for the saving of orphaned pets. This does not however negate the everyday similar challenges of shelters and rescue groups throughout the country. Please do not forget to get involved with and support the efforts of your community and local shelters and rescue groups to save animals!

Finally, we urge all who care about animals to consider the billions of lives saved and the beneficial global and personal effects of a non-violent diet. Please consider vegetarianism.

Thanks again!

Patty (New Yorkers for Companion Animals)

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Jersey City Animal Control has several dogs that are in need of homes. A collie mix was picked up just outside of the Holland Tunnel this week. There is also a boxer mix and shepard mix. Because of lack of space, these dogs are kept in cages until they find homes. Please help us make room and give these poor souls loving homes. For information call Joe Frank at 201-547-4888.

All donations sent to the Hudson County Animal League will be used to continue rescuing animals, providing vet care, spaying and neutering, helping place orphaned animals, supplying food to families in need and continue our effort to a build a much needed shelter in Bayonne NJ. For all inquiries, please email wtcpets@hotmail.com.

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If you do not live near the NY/NJ area, but want to help, please go to your local shelter or rescue and adopt. Unfortunately, many brave people who are part of the US military will soon be needing to locate new homes for their beloved companion animals. By adopting from a shelter or rescue, you are helping to create more available space for future incoming animals.

Thank you for offering to open your home and heart to a needy companion animal. Millions of animals are killed every year in shelters because they do not have a home. By choosing to adopt, you are choosing to save a life!