LINDA’S LINE - July 2026

Hi.

July is here again. It is unbelievable how quickly time passes. As I am writing this,

we are already experiencing temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s. I hope that this summer

won’t be a scorcher. The weather was pretty good this past month, despite a few

thunderstorms here and there. So far, the strays are doing as well as can be expected, but

please try to remember to carry pet food, and water with you. It is difficult for them to find

these necessities for themselves, and they will be very grateful for any kindness that we can

show them. Remember that we are their guardians.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our friends, and members a

Happy, and Safe Fourth of July – this year marks 250 years of existence for our country.

Once again, a reminder to please be careful with firecrackers, and remember that they can

be dangerous to us, our pets, and the strays. Their ears are so much more sensitive than

ours, both strays, and pets are very much afraid of the noise that fireworks create. This is

very stressful for the animals. So please be aware, and try to keep them calm, and out of

harm’s way. If you have an animal that has any kind of health problems, please be extra

careful to give them as much attention, and comfort as possible during this time, because

the stress caused by the noise of fireworks can be especially harmful to them.

Please remember to be aware of the strays in your area as well, because if a

firecracker goes off near them, they may be tempted to run out into traffic to get away from

the noise. If a stray is hurt, please bring it to your veterinarian or the SPCA that is nearest

to you. Please, at the very least, call the appropriate agency to come and pick up the

animal if possible. In New York, there are Animal Care Centers in all boroughs that are

intended to help strays. Please check with them, if you find an injured animal. For

information on where these centers are, please call 311 (the Mayor’s Office). If you can be

responsible for the stray, if it is friendly, to find it a home or adopt it, we can help with

medical bills if you take it to your veterinarian. You will have to contact us first, as we only

pay directly to the veterinarian. Unfortunately, we do not have foster or holding homes.

We rely on the public for “hands on.” We can help with medical only.

MOST IMPORTANT: We have seen too many reports on the news of children, and

animals, who died as a result of being left in a hot car. So, PLEASE remember NEVER to

leave a child or a pet in a parked car in the heat. This is extremely dangerous and could

result in a tragic loss.

Please continue to write or call your politicians asking to change laws for better

humane care for the strays. Let them know that you want changes in the law, to stamp out

cruelty to animals, and more support placed on helping sick and injured animals.

Your voice, and your neighbor’s voice, need to be heard. We have to join with each

other – there is strength in numbers.

Have a wonderful summer.

Be safe. Be happy, and

be a guardian to a stray –

don’t pass him/her by.