There are times when I write about animal abuse and cruelty to animals.  This time, I have a great story about a girl who is doing a great thing. Her name is Mary Cristiano. She’s 10 years old and lives in Edgewater, New Jersey. Mary is in the 5th grade at Eleanor Van Gelder Elementary School and her hobby and passion is rescuing cats.  Everyday after her school activities are completed,  Mary rescues stray cats in the area. There are many strays in Edgewater and some of them meet their untimely death by getting hit by cars or by being euthanized. Sometimes the neighbors will tell Mary that they would like to have a cat. Mary is familiar with many of the strays in the area and knows which ones could  be rescued.  She  even gives them names on occasion which helps with the rescue effort. Cats learn their names quickly and can identify with voices.  In addition to calling them by name, Mary also get the cats to trust her by giving them some food.  She says that they come running when she shakes her food bag.  She gently lures them into the cat carrier and promptly delivers the “new family member” to the neighbor who asked to adopt it.

Mary will also give many cats that she has rescued to animal shelters and the ASPCA who work to find them a home.   She also collects donations and food which she gives to the ASPCA or animal shelters.

It’s great to hear such as story! Mary says that when she grows up, she would like to become a Veterinarian. Because of her love for animals, the stray cats in Edgewater may have a bright future ahead of them. Thank you Mary for doing such great work!