Lynne Schoepfer of Save-A-Pet Speaks to “Green Teens” about Helping the Organization and the Benefits of Animal Adoption
Lynne Schoepfer (back row, center), Executive Director, Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue and Adoption Center, Inc., poses with the members of the “Green Teens” at its inaugural meeting at the Port Jefferson Free Library’s Teen Center on February 25. |
On February 25, Lynne Schoepfer, Executive Director, Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue and Adoption Center, Inc. spoke to the “Green Teens” at their first monthly meeting, which was held at the Port Jefferson Free Library’s Teen Center.
During her 45-minute presentation, Ms. Schoepfer talked about Save-A-Pet, what the organization does and how they can help through donations and volunteering their time. She also explained why it is better to adopt a pet from a shelter than from a retail pet store and the importance of spaying, neutering and microchipping your pets. Ms. Schoepfer said an animal which is spayed or neutered lives two to four years longer.
Among the things that Save-A-Pet does, Ms. Schoepfer explained, were “puppy mill” rescues in which dogs used for breeding purposes are taken from the horrible conditions in which they lived and brought to the shelter where they are vetted and groomed so they can be ready for adoption; trap, neuter and return (TNR) to reduce the feral cat population; and rescues from pet hoarding situations, where homeowners allowed numerous animals into their home but neglected to take proper care of them. The presentation was then followed by a question-and-answer session.
Ms. Schoepfer also explained that Save-A-Pet operates two stores in Port Jefferson: Castaways, which sells pet items and offers animals for adoption, and The Barkin Basement, a thrift store. The sales proceeds from both stores go to benefit Save-A-Pet. She also urged those in attendance to donate their unwanted clothes to Save-A-Pet by placing them in the donation bins located on Save-A-Pet’s parking lot.
The Green Teens are a group of sixth to 12th graders who perform service projects and community outreach efforts to help protect the environment. Some of their programs include recycling, creating “green” crafts and beach clean-ups. As part of one of its service projects, the group recently made gluten-free doggie treats and donated them to Save-A-Pet.
For more information, please contact Save-A-Pet at (631) 473-6333, or visit www.saveapetli.net.