HOPE Week Gives Animal Rescuer Just That...Hope

Animal lovers looking to help out forgotten, abused, or stray animals are no stranger to Pedro Rosario, founder of New Beginnings Animal Rescue. But the volunteers who walked through the entrance Thursday morning, were.

Brett Gardner, Ichiro Suzuki, and Shawn Kelley of the New York Yankees surprised Rosario Wednesday morning as part of HOPE Week, and took a tour of the shelter before helping out with everyday tasks like giving dogs a bath. It was the least they could do for NBAR, which has been helping animals find homes since last year.

Rosario worked 16 years at New York City Animal Care and Control before deciding it was time to start his own not-for-profit.

NBAR, which deals with up to 80 dogs and 60 cats at a time, relies only on donations and adoption fees. That’s why the Yankees contributed $10,000 to Rosario’s cause.

Aside from the financial aspect, the organization is also constantly searching for people to adopt new pets. That’s why HOPE Week, Rosario anticipates, will help NBAR thrive. With a brand as big as the Yankees, thousands now know about his valiant efforts, and know where to look if they’d like to add a pet to their family.