Firefighters and Shelter Animals Featured in Tail-Wagging Calendar

When people think of calendars featuring firefighters, it’s usually the steamy, beefcake variety that comes to mind. The New Rochelle Humane Society is releasing a cute and cuddly version, however, featuring firefighters from the 17 local communities the shelter serves paired with homeless pets available for adoption.

By Jim Byrne

John Cotter represented the Rye Fire Department in an August 18 photo shoot for the 14-month calendar. Mr. Cotter, appointed full-time January 1 after eight years of volunteer service, was nervous about how many people would see the photos, but said it was a “no-brainer” to help the cause.

“I hope they can raise even more money and continue taking in homeless pets and finding them new homes,” said Mr. Cotter. “I see what they do here as similar to my own profession. We’re both following our passions, and helping where we can.”

Mr. Cotter posed with Libby, a bubbly 6-month-old female Golden Retriever mix. She was transferred from a crowded kill shelter in Kentucky, and is just about the perfect pup.

The calendar, available for $20, was the pet project of volunteer Carol Marinaccio. It can be purchased at the shelter or ordered online at newrochellehumanesociety.org. Orders must be received by September 1.

“This is a win-win for everybody,” said shelter manager Dana Rocco. “We have a common bond with firefighters – they do rescue and so do we. In fact, there was recently a fire in New Rochelle and the local department rescued kittens that we took in. There is common ground, and these joint projects bring pride to the community.”

Professional photographer Klara Hanincova took the pictures for each month of the calendar, and wrote about the experience on her blog at venturepup.wordpress.com.

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