Shelters forgo their own needs for others

Shelters forgo their own needs for others: "By Mary Esparra

As I wrote about in previous columns, many local animal shelters are doing what they can to help the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. Some are offering space to displaced animals and some are taking up collections. Their generosity astounds me, as their own needs are so great.
Case in point: the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark.
For the past eight years, a major fundraiser for HSPJ has been its 'Walk for the Animals.' As with other charity walks, people pledge donations to volunteers who walk at the event. Port Jervis' event invites walkers to bring their dogs.
Here's what astounds me:
'As much as our shelter needs the money,' said volunteer Marion Durwachter, 'we decided after watching the news on Katrina, it would be nice to do something for those animals. There aren't as many fundraisers solely for the animals affected by the flooding.' "