Virginia is an adopter, supporter and North Shore Animal League America advocate…. We look forward to hearing your story too!
“Nobody tops North Shore Animal League America. I believe that I’ve talked about the organization at least once a week—for the past 40 years,” says Virginia. When she adopted her dog, Pumpkin, there was one building on the campus. She returned for a visit three years ago. “I was so impressed with the whole organization. The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum had just been completed. I wished it had been around when I was still teaching special education in New Jersey,” says Virginia.
Virginia DeSocio is now a staunch supporter and treasured member of our Pet Protectors Society. It all started though when she adopted Pumpkin from North Shore Animal League America. Years ago she and her newly adopted daughter, Sandra, fell in love with an eight-week-old Labrador Retriever mix puppy with big brown eyes at the Adoption Center. “Adopting Pumpkin meant a lot to Sandra,” says Virginia. “It helped her understand her own adoption better.”
After Pumpkin’s adoption, Virginia began taking in foster care children who needed emergency care. “There was one 15-year-old foster child from an abusive family. She was frightened out of her mind. She walked in the door, took five steps and sat on the floor,” says Virginia. Pumpkin went to her and that was it, she made her feel safe. “Maybe the evidence of kindness to animals in my home sent a message that said it was okay here,” Virginia reflected. Pumpkin became a “social” worker—she always greeted the kids at the door with a wag of her tail and even made sure everyone was all tucked into bed.
Virginia has set aside a planned gift as part of her estate to go to North Shore Animal League America. The last time she visited she saw a room where there were dogs just brought up from the Carolinas. They couldn’t be put up for adoption until they were seen by the veterinarians. She remembers there were six people in this room who were petting the animals and giving them their undivided attention. Seeing this dedication to care cinched her decision to donate.
The pets that Virginia has welcomed into her home have been a big part of her family’s happiness and she is glad to be able to make the commitment of a bright future for homeless animals. Besides spoiling her cats Rocky and Tiger she is now enjoying her retirement and her grandchildren. “I can’t tell you what I do every day, but every minute is filled!”