Linda Falcone's support of rescue efforts for homeless dogs and cats goes back to when she started her first job after high school in 1968. After learning about North Shore Animal League America's no-kill philosophy, Linda began donating every month. Her dedication to us has been ongoing for over 50 years. You could say, however, that her dedication started the day she was born.
"Dogs have always been my passion," said Linda. As an adult, she's known as the "dog lady" in her neighborhood. When her last dog Boomer passed away, Linda began walking neighbor's dogs until she felt ready to adopt. She also volunteered at a local shelter, taking care of the dogs. As an eight-year-old child, Linda would find stray dogs on the streets in Yonkers, NY and use her allowance to feed and take care of them.
Linda's current dog Alexis Noel, "Lexi", is now reaping the benefits that comes from Linda's experience caring for so many dogs over the years. When Lexi was adopted, she was already 13 months old and had never been housebroken or groomed and never walked on a leash. While Linda knew that adopting a dog that may have been abused would have a special set of challenges, she felt that she was Lexis' only chance and did not hesitate.
Lexie is now a loved member of her family and Linda sees how important it is to educate people about animal rescue, a key part of North Shore Animal League America's mission. And most importantly, if a person thinks that an animal's being abused, speak up," asserts Linda. "The animals can't help themselves if they're in a bad situation."
Through her support, she has helped North Shore Animal League America rescue hundreds of homeless dogs and cats and find safe and happy homes. So when it came time for Linda to create an estate plan, it was only natural for her to include a future gift in her will to save animals. "I am happy that I've been a part of this for so long."