Fourteen-year-old Rayanne says she feels bad for animals that are stray or victims of cruelty. To help, she volunteers on the weekends at Glen Wild Animal Rescue in New York state. Her job is to play with the cats and dogs, and help get them adopted. At home, she takes care of her family's three cats, three dogs, and 30 goldfish.
Rayanne incorporated her love for animals when she explained her wish to volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation®
of the Hudson Valley. She asked to visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in New York City.
While in the "Big Apple," the kind teen rode around in a white stretch limo, stayed at a hotel in Times Square, and caught a Broadway showing of "Beauty and the Beast." But her real excitement came at the ASPCA headquarters. Surrounded by puppies, kittens, and fellow animal advocates, Rayanne received memorabilia and certificates. She also watched the shelter's dog obedience and agility classes.
Rayanne had been following members of the ASPCA law enforcement team on "Animal Precinct," Animal Planet's documentary series featuring New York City's ASPCA law enforcement agents. In a special ceremony at the ASPCA headquarters, the stars of the show made their number-one fan an honorary agent and presented her with an official badge for her dedication to animal welfare.
That dedication to four-legged friends is guiding Rayanne in her career choice. The ninth-grade "A" student plans to become a veterinarian.
Inspired Thoughts
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I'm so happy for you! I, too, want to become a veterinarian, and I can just imagine the joy you got while in New York.
- Jessica
08/30/2006
14:48
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I can't believe it! My dream when I grow up has always been to be employed in the ASPCA. I hope you had the best time!
- Samantha
08/30/2006
14:49
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I also love animals and the show "Animal Precinct." I think it's totally awesome that you wished to do that! Congratulations!
- Rae
08/30/2006
14:50
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I am also an animal lover, and I am so glad you got your wish. I know how much joy an animal can bring to your life.
- Niki
08/30/2006
14:49
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I hope you had the time of your life! ;) I'm also a major animal lover, and I hope to someday be an ASPCA officer. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is also granting me a wish. I was diagnosed with cancer back in December. It was an inspiration to read your story. Hope you had fun! ;)
- Jori
04/12/2007
23:51
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You are a remarkable young woman. I love animals also, but YOU actually got to do what I'd like to do. I am a 54 year old granny! I have a puppy named Prissy! She hates the mailman, so she tries to jump the fence to get him. She grabs the vines on the fence and swings. I should re-name her Tarzana! LOL! Keep the faith, and I am rootin' 4 U... Linda
- Linda
04/08/2007
16:13
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Congratulations! With our combined family we have 4 cats.
- Amy
07/13/2007
15:42
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Hey Rayanne! I'm so happy you got your wish! I'm a huge animal lover, and I want to work with animals at the ASPCA. It must have been so much fun for you! I hope you had a blast working with them. Keep fighting, Rayanne!
- Emily
07/31/2007
12:43
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Rayanne, You are wonderful! Your wish will continue to bring awareness to the cause you so passionately believe in. Your wish will help animals SO MUCH because people will talk about your wish with others! You are a role model and an inspiration to everyone! Thank-you! Cat S. (Mother of 3 children,2 dogs,2 cats and We have just taken in a stray cat who blessed us with 6 beautiful kittens!) God Bless You!
- Cat
11/15/2007
22:03
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Wow! That's great, I hope I get what I wished for too. God Bless you always.
- Karen
04/16/2008
17:04
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God bless you!! I have NEVER in my life heard of anyone, let alone a child with illness, who could have had so many other wishes granted, ask for such a beautiful wish. You are in my prayers and I only wish you could teach others about the miracles of letting an unconditional love into their home.
- Cheryl
02/24/2007
14:19
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