By Rachel Shuster

For Worcester Animal Rescue League (WARL) and Jusani Culture, that notion remains year ‘round, this year in particular: the two organizations have partnered up to bring awareness to the horrors of animal abuse and abandonment.

WARL is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1912. It takes in any abused or abandoned animals. WARL is a “no-kill” shelter, meaning there is no time or space limit on adoptable pets.

As 2012 is WARL’s centennial year, to have support from the community means a great deal. “We aren’t government funded; we’re relying on private donations. To be reaching the centennial mark when the economy isn’t doing well is amazing,” said Mies Bastille, centennial manager for WARL.
WARL serves the greater Worcester area and surrounding communities. “We take in the city’s animals and work in conjunction with animal officers. We have an out pouring of support from community,” Bastille said. WARL even took in 14 pets from New York and New Jersey as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

WARL is always looking for volunteers. “You can visit our website and apply to volunteer.  Volunteers help out with day to day needs. We also look for foster parents which is just as important,” Bastille said.

In November, WARL held its second installment of its Pets that Paint event at DZian Gallery on Water Street in Worcester. This event raises funds for the shelter and features art created by animals.

Just like WARL, Jusani Culture, an online shopping organization, is dedicated to helping animals, collaborating with small businesses to assist pet shelters. Jusani offers animal themed items like jewelry, clothing, stationary, home décor, and of course, pet toys.

“We work with companies from across the country. Purchases ship directly from the small businesses,” said Steffany Torrice, a member of the public relations team at Jusani.

With every purchase, a $5 donation is made to various shelters Jusani partners with to help homeless pets with food and supplies. “Proceeds from all purchases go to one featured shelter each quarter,” Torrice said.

For the last quarter of 2012, Jusani is featuring WARL. “Last June, we saw a Pulse article on Jusani. We saw they partnered with rescue groups and reached out to them for our centennial year. Our partnership has been wonderful,” Bastille said.

Jusani raises funds for WARL in a few ways. “They send weekly ads that spotlight one of our animals and it’s something we share in social media. There’s a link to their website and reiterates the $5 donation,” Bastille said.

For more information about WARL, check out www.worcester-arl.org.

For more information on Jusani Culture, visit www.jusani.com.