Ryemarkable Jenny Hirsch

Name: Jenny Hirsch

Family info: Two Children- 20 yr old daughter Emily and 23 yr old son Jack

Pets: 3 rescue cats adopted all from Pet Rescue- Wycky, Alfred and Ellie 

Name and description of your organization/business:

I have been volunteering for Pet Rescue, Harrison NY for over fifteen years.

What does your day-to-day work look like? 

Everything I do for these animals is volunteer-based. When I’m not at the shelter, you can actually find me at a pre-school where I teach 3-5 year-olds. I try to go to the kennel a few afternoons a week to walk dogs after my busy preschool days. However, Saturdays are the days I spend the most amount of time at the shelter. From 9:30-11:30am, I walk the dogs who live at the kennel and from 11:30-1:30 is our Meet & Greet dog event. At this time, the public is invited to meet dogs that they would potentially adopt. I like to think of myself as a sort of dog matchmaker :) I am there to ease a comfortable and welcoming introduction between potential adopters and doggies who need an advocate!

A new activity I’ve loved for these doggies who spend their days in a kennel is to bring one of them on a field trip. I’ll bring a dog to Rye beach/boardwalk or a hike. This helps the dog to socialize with new people and other dogs outside of the stressful kennel life. When I pass people who stop to say hi to the dog, it also gives me the opportunity to be an Ambassador for Pet Rescue. 

How did you first get involved in animal rescue?

I attribute the magical connection I feel to animals greatly to how I was raised. I grew up with a plethora of rescue dogs and cats. Additionally, my parents raised my twin brother and I as pescatarians and since then I’ve made the change to veganism. (FUN FACT:  I have never had meat in my life!)

I became inspired through years of hands-on experience in other realms of my life. I was a realtor for over twenty years. I would sell houses and I began to walk many of my real estate clients' dogs. I soon developed a dog walking side business. People trusted me with their homes and the doggies who lived in their homes.

Then after my divorce in 2009, the kids and I adopted our first two kittens from Pet Rescue. I knew I wanted my children to understand all the importance of animal rescue from a young age. So every other Sunday, my kids and I would volunteer at the Pet Rescue Kitty Cottage (at the time it was located in New Rochelle). We would go to the cat shelter and just play with the cats. My kids were 5 and 7 yrs old at the time so nothing was better than for my kids to be surrounded by adorable cats who needed our attention. Emily and Jack, my children, would start the volunteering day, by “playing school” and taking “attendance” of the new and old rescues. They started bringing friends with them as well, and we were able to spread our lessons in kindness throughout. We did this for years. Eventually we started to foster kittens. As of now, we have fostered 6 kittens and 3 dogs all through Pet Rescue.

Today, I have learned so much from the resources and community I have at Pet Rescue. The dog walking that I do requires training and hands-on lessons. Only as we gain experience, can we then get more responsibility in the shelter. 

What kinds of animals or cases do you usually work with? 

I dog walk any aged dog from puppies to adults. Each dog comes with a complicated past. Most have endured serious abuse and neglect, and of course, the dog can have deep anxiety and fear from this trauma. The volunteers need to bring an endless amount of patience, experience, and so much love to help the animals heal.

My animal rescue work has evolved through all the stages of my life. When my children were young, our cat shelter work was a perfect fit for our lifestyle. We then transitioned to the kitten fostering. Then during Covid when my kids and I were home together we fostered two dogs. 

In 2024 when I became an empty nester, I volunteered at Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary in Poughquag, NY. I drove an hour away to literally clean the sheep house and just be around farm animals. I fell in love with this sanctuary which, as you can tell from the name, is a true safe haven for all animals. They save factory-farmed animals from slaughter and abuse and provide them with safety, love, and lifelong care. As my kids are young adults now and I have more time on my own, I have chosen to spend my time, energy, and give my love to the doggies at Pet Rescue.

Is there one rescue story that has stayed with you the most? 

I recently twice fostered the sweetest dog, Todd. I brought Todd home from Pet Rescue on a snowy Saturday this past December. He is the most handsome and loving beagle/foxhound. He entered my home with deep-rooted anxiety and it took a lot of love and work to make him feel comfortable. Then after one month of healing in my care, Todd was adopted. He lived with his adopted family for two months and unfortunately they didn't understand Todd’s anxiety and they surrendered him.

I was beyond heartbroken for Todd. So much transition and uncertainty makes an animal feel more and more anxious and fearful. However, as animal rescuers, we never want an animal to be at the wrong home, a home that doesn't understand their needs. I welcomed Todd back into my home and fostered Todd for another month until he found the most perfect forever home this Spring. Fostering is very emotionally difficult work. Learning to trust is a process for people and animals. And, falling in love with an animal and not keeping them is another weight to bear. 

What has animal rescue taught you?

I’ve been told in the past that I am too sensitive. But with the help of animal rescue, it has shown me that my sensitivity is my superpower. I have the capacity to feel the emotions of not just people, but animals. And, this is a gift! When you are able to understand, share and experience another’s feelings and perspectives you can connect to that person or animal. 

What is the hardest part of the work?

I cry everyday after hearing so many terrible stories of abuse and neglect. The stories are endless. The heartbreak never ends. So, I go back to the shelter the next day and make a huge difference in the lives of many. I take pride in the fact that I can be the reason why a dog/cat finds their forever home. 

How can we help Pet Rescue?

Pet Rescue is almost completely a volunteer-based organization. The mission can only be accomplished with your help! It can be monetary generosity, helping hands in the kennel, or even donations of sheets, towels, and food. The possibilities to help Pet Rescue are endless.

Come to Pet Rescue on any Saturday for Dog Meet and Greet (11:30am-1:30pm) and Kitty Meet and Greet (one Saturday a month). You will get to meet many adorable rescues and talk to the most wonderful volunteers who can direct you on how you can give back. 

Contact: ny-petrescue.org 

Fun Facts:

Favorite local spot: Hiking in Mianus Park with a Pet Rescue dog and my nature loving friends

Favorite book: Remarkable Bright Creatures- Shelby Van Pelt

Show: Schitt’s Creek

Favorite motto: “Begin Again”

Fun fact people may not know about you: Last year I started to country line dance. I am not good but I do love it and I proudly wear my vegan cowgirl boots on the dance floor!

Anything else you’d love readers to know? I would love to be a source of information and support for anyone in Rye considering adoption, fostering, or volunteering as well!

Contact: ny-petrescue.org