In Face Of Coronavirus, Shelter Needs Foster Families For Pets

NORTH FORK, NY — During the most uncertain of times sparked, North Fork residents open their hearts to help the most vulnerable.

To that end, when they heard that the North Fork Animal Welfare League in Peconic was looking for fosters for their homeless dogs and cats during the coronavirus outbreak, Kristin and Vinny Tirelli of Mattituck decided to bring home a sweet pup.

"You can be part of the problem or part of the solution," Kristin Tirelli said. "The choice is yours. We have chosen the latter. Glad to assist our friends at the North Fork Animal Welfare League by fostering Oreo."

According to Katelyn Knapp of the NFAWL, they have issued a plea for people to join the organization's foster program during the current "difficult" times.

"We are preparing for intakes at shelters across the country to rise due to the uncertainty of the the economy and unprecedented impact of the coronavirus," Knapp said. "We have many dogs and cats that would benefit tremendously from living in a home environment, so if your circumstances are keeping you confined at home, please consider temporarily bringing in a furry friend. "

She added: "It will undoubtedly keep you smiling as we collectively navigate these uncharted waters. Fostering a dog will get you to spend a little time outdoors and remind you to be silly with your loved ones every now and then. Fostering a cat will bring you lots of necessary cuddles and remind you that taking a relaxing cat nap does the mind good. The list goes on and on."

Families who choose to foster will be giving a lifelong friendship to an animal in need and an opportunity to socialize in a home environment, Knapp said.

"You will be helping our shelter animals gain the necessary skills needed in order to thrive in a forever home," she said.

Those are able to welcome a new cat or dog to your home can go to the NFAWL website to see what cats and dogs are still searching for a foster home or call 631-765-1811 ext. 1.