 Heather Perlmutter Our family has adopted two rescue cats over the past two years, and we can't imagine our family without them. They bring endless joy and amusement, and we are so glad we were able to save them. I am excited to run the NYC Half Marathon so that other innocent animals will have a chance to find loving homes. 
 Vanessa Lau I first stepped foot into the world of animal rescue at the age of 15, working as a youth volunteer at the Animal Care & Control of NYC in Manhattan. For the next two years, I spent every weekend walking the dogs, cleaning kennels, teaching basic obedience, and assisting in adoptions. Although I witnessed a great amount of anguish and heartbreak, I also saw a lot of love, compassion, and hope. Despite being abandoned and abused, the animals always welcomed a warm, comforting hand. My experience volunteering with the Alliance during college fortified my decision to become a veterinary technician and work to the greatest of my abilities to provide the highest level of care and compassion for animals wherever I am. When I graduated this past May, my classmates and I took an oath as veterinary technicians to always aid animals and society, and to alleviate animal suffering through service. I intend to uphold that oath as I train for and run the half marathon, and I hope that you can support me throughout this whole process, whether it is through donating to this amazing cause, spreading the word to your friends and family, leaving words of encouragement on my wall, or choosing to adopt a pet! |
 Mary Margaret Colleary I was inspired to join and fundraise for the team by my three favorite furry little New Yorkers, Charley, Larry, and Henry (pictured), who were all adopted by my family from various shelters. Henry inspired me the most; a pit bull mix, Henry was found by AC&C as a stray wandering around Bainbridge Avenue in the Bronx before he was adopted by my sister and brother-in-law. In an anti-pit bull world, I couldn't understand how a dog like Henry, who is the absolute sweetest, most cuddly creature I've ever encountered, could get such a bad reputation. After Henry joined my family, I learned that there are many pit bulls in our City's shelter system, and that many of them do not leave the shelter. It absolutely broke my heart to learn this, and it was then I pledged to do whatever I could to save this wonderful breed of dogs, in particular. I'm so thankful for the Alliance's Miles For Paws team, and I'm so excited to be running my first half-marathon as a member of Miles For Paws!
 Valerie Yates I signed up for Miles For Paws in 2012 after hearing about Jack, the cat lost at JFK Airport. It broke my heart to read the story and how many animals never had a chance. I vowed then to try and do something! After training that year, I was disappointed that the 2012 ING NYC Marathon was canceled due to Superstorm Sandy, but I came back and ran the 2013 Marathon. I am bugging everyone to support a cause dear to my heart yet again for the 2014 NYC Half Marathon! Our rescued kitties give us so much love and enjoyment, and every animal deserves a loving, warm, safe home. I wish for every animal to get a happy ending. |
