Out of the Cage! (February 2010)

Volunteer Blends Creativity and Dedication to Fundraise for the Animals

by Heidi Leonard, Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals

Where others might not recognize an opportunity to help homeless animals, Caroline Terrile sees potential. Mayor's Alliance Director of Special Projects Heidi Leonard reports on how one volunteer is using her head and her heart to generate support for the Picasso Veterinary Fund of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals.

Caroline Terrile is always on the lookout for creative ways to help the Picasso Veterinary Fund (PVF). A friend wants to give a gift? Donate to the PVF. Local street fair coming up? Pool and sell items friends and fellow animal lovers no longer need and donate the proceeds to the PVF. Clients looking to channel their professional talents to help animals? Contact the Mayor's Alliance.

Now a dog-walker and pet-sitter in the West Village, Caroline has travelled the world (a year in Iceland, an unexpected run in Hair in Amsterdam), managed the dining room at the Russian Tea Room, and worked as a comedy writer. Today, she is an invaluable resource for local pet parents, walking dogs and caring for pets while their guardians are away.

Her love of animals started at a young age. A rare native resident of Greenwich Village, she wasn't allowed to have puppies or kittens as a child. "Our family adopted older animals in need of a home," recalls Caroline, adding that pets were presumed innocent when the occasional conflict occurred. "My mother was quick to ask what my brother and I had done to upset the dog or cat."

Today she shares her home with two rescued cats, Margot and Abigail. Recognizing that she's not alone, Caroline is heartened by the increasing popularity of pet adoption in the West Village. "People are proud to share their rescue and adoption stories," she says.

Her dedication to the Picasso Veterinary Fund of the Mayor's Alliance was spurred when her friend and neighbor, Michael Adams, adopted Pym, a Golden Retriever, from Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue (LIGRR), an Alliance Participating Organization. "She's an amazing dog and this adoption was meant to be," Caroline remarks. "But before she could be adopted, she needed treatment for an upper respiratory infection. I really appreciate what LIGRR did for Pym and what the Picasso Veterinary Fund is doing to allow other dogs and cats the chance to get the care they need — so they can find good homes once they are well."

For his part, Michael is grateful for the dedicated care Pym receives from Caroline. "I never worry that she will be well-cared-for when I'm away for the day or traveling. She always goes the extra mile to treat Pym like her own pet — I know she's in great hands."

Thanks to Caroline's creativity and dedication to the Picasso Veterinary Fund, more dogs and cats are getting great care – and more grateful people will find their four-legged best friends.

To find out how you can support the fund with your donations or volunteer efforts, visit www.PicassoVeterinaryFund.org.