With so many organizations and shelters being the voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves, it seems there is still never enough love to go around and find every dog and cat a good home. For almost 50 years, Animal Haven has been working tirelessly to change that.
The nonprofit organization finds homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the tri-state area. Founded in 1967, the shelter operates out of Manhattan and provides programs that enhance the bond between animals and people, making them unique.
Tiffany Lacey is the executive director of Animal Haven and has been with the organization for the past 11 years. It is a job that not only brings a smile to the faces of families looking to adopt a new member, but a heartwarming feeling to the staff as well, knowing that they are succeeding in the shelter’s mission.
“I am responsible for the daily operations as well as working on our fundraising campaigns,” she said.
An animal lover, Lacey started at Animal Haven with two cats and a dog. Since then she has adopted one of Animal Haven’s furry friends, am English cocker spaniel named Bernadette.
“I would have more but she does not like other dogs and cats,” said Lacey.
Trolling through the many dog, cat and animal Instagram accounts, one might stumble upon The Dogist, which is the account of Elias Weiss Friedman, who wrote the book The Dogist, a photo-documentary series about the beauty of dogs.
Animal Haven has partnered with The Dogist, which has led to an increase in the shelter’s adopted animals.
“The Dogist comes in periodically like he does with any other shelter. He posts the photos online and we can use them for our own purposes,” said Lacey. He donates his services and time and when we had our benefit in the spring, he donated to the silent auction.”
Friedman helps the shelter fundraise and his photos of the dogs on social media has been a huge attention gain for Animal Haven, in addition to its large benefit in June.
“We also host another benefit in the fall and have separate events throughout the year because people are always coming forward and want to do something for us,” said Lacey of the shelter’s many supporters.
In addition to the website, the shelter uses direct mail and a physical presence at the storefront to spread the word about furry little critters in need of new homes. Lacey said the shelter also organizes group walks, corporate volunteer days and stages adoption events on site.
Animal Haven will be opening up a new location at 200 Centre St., New York on Labor Day.
For more information on Animal Haven, visit www.animalhavenshelter.org. For more about The Dogist and Friedman’s book, visit www.thedogist.com.
