One of the most frequent questions that Jennifer Kulina-Lanese gets is “how do you do it; seeing animals suffering?” Her answer to that question is “always focus on their futures, not their past. Yes, it is hard to see the animals suffering, but being able to help relieve their suffering is incredible. Sometimes I hear of animals I have rescued years later, and to see photos of how they are doing is such a gift.”
Jennifer is a Field Responder for the Animal Cruelty, Rescue and Response Teams of the Humane Society of the United States. When local agencies and organizations have a case they need a national organization’s help with, Jennifer and HSUS is who usually gets the call to help. Her primary role is to travel the U.S. assisting in large scale animal rescues and she usually travels 60% of her time. Jennifer assists in puppy mills being shut down, a dog or cock fighting operation being raided, a case of animal hoarding, or a natural disaster.
Jennifer was first inspired to help animals when she was 5 years old. “I remember it so clearly, and my mom still mentions it sometimes! I saw some older neighbor kids dunking a kitten in water for ‘fun.’ I walked up to them and yelled that it was abuse and took the kitten home. I was really fortunate. I was raised by very loving parents who instilled in my siblings and me that helping others is the right thing to do. They also taught me that after you help someone, you should recognize and remember the feeling-it will always bring happiness to you, and that is something that still holds true for me today.”
For Jennifer, the job itself is very rewarding. She says that there is no better feeling than being able to help rescue an animal from a terrible situation, and give them a second chance at the life they deserve. “When you know you can help animals suffering and in horrible conditions, there really is no other answer than to go.”
Jennifer’s life goal is to be out of a job! Yes, that sounds crazy, but her goal is to be out of a job because there is no more cruelty happening to animals. “Obviously, that is a very long term goal, since there are so many animals out there that need our help. But I can dream!” In the short term, Jennifer hopes to educate people on what is happening right around them, in their state, their community, their neighborhoods. “We can’t assume someone else is going to speak up for an animal in need, we need to speak up.”
To find out ways you can help, please visit www.humanesociety.org to learn more.