Compassion doesn’t have an age. That’s what Antonio Postorino, a 16-year-old animal shelter volunteer from Manalapan, has been proving since he started volunteering back in 2011.
Since then, he’s clocked more than 300 hours of time working at shelters – and all because of his love for animals. Antonio began this journey with Companion Animal Rescue and Education (CARE) in Bayonne, and now volunteers at events in affiliation with them. CARE transfers pups from North Carolina shelters to New Jersey for adoption, providing them with food, medical attention, and much-needed love until they are adopted.
Apparently, Antonio was inspired after watching a TV show entitled “Pitbulls and Parolees”, which made him realize the number of animals who needed homes. “I have always had a love for animals and came across an ad in the newspaper looking for volunteers, so I called up the number and I went to their next adoption event,” Antonio said, describing how he started out.
He also stated that his early jobs involved cleaning pens before he received an unofficial “promotion” to assist veterinarians in health checks before fur balls are adopted. He’s helped raise funds, answer questions from potential adopters, and reviewed paperwork.
So what’s next for Antonio? He says he would like to eventually become a veterinarian or help run a shelter or rescue. “No matter what career I end up choosing, I know I am always going to want to work with a rescue or a shelter as a volunteer. I would not trade this for the world. I love the work I do with animals and could not picture myself without it,” he says.
This kid really has a heart of gold! Do like and share his wonderful story!
Feature Image Source: Pixabay