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SENATOR MARTINEZ: Unfortunately sometimes even as policy makers
we are not in the communities where things are happening
and that's why sometimes we need those that are actually out
on the field, boots on the ground, seeing what's happening.
REPORTER: Rampant neglect of animals has one local community at a breaking point.
Authorities fear that without assistance from residents
the problem will only get worse.
OFFICER: There is no excuse for this.
Call the local animal shelters. "I need help".
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LINDA KLAMPFL: My name's Linda Klampfl
and I'm president of Almost Home Animal Rescue.
There's a large population of families that need assistance
so that they don't surrender their animals
to already overcrowded animal shelters.
ASHLEY: We really care for the people there
and for the pets, and if we could facilitate a bond
between those owners and their animals
really positive things can come from it.
WOMAN: We go into homes and try to educate them
and work with them on their dogs and cats.
LINDA: We take the time to work with the families.
We talk to the families.
We try to figure out a way that we can help them.
– Hi!
– How y'all doing? – I got some food and treats
and toys. – And flea meds.
– Tennis balls. – Thank you!
LINDA: Perhaps they want to give up their dog, their cat
because they don't have money to feed them.
Well, we'll provide them with food
or we'll provide them with medical care.
JOYCE: Jack was in the house.
One son was across the street.
So he went outside and followed him
and he ran in the street and the car hit him.
– I thought Jack was gonna die.
JOYCE: And they paid for the surgery.
They paid for the overnight visit at the hospital.
Without them my dog would probably die.
Oh my God, thanks so much!
Come here, I love you both.
SENATOR MARTINEZ: Sometimes some of these communities are neglected
by many levels of government
and I think it's nice when you have someone step up
and help them out.
– We're building relationships with the community.
They started to come to understand that we just wanted
to help them.
LINDA: Gaining trust in the communities is difficult.
However, they know us now.
ASHLEY: The best way to transform a community
is to start with the youth through humane education.
LINDA: There is love there.
It's just maybe lack of means or lack of education.
SENATOR MARTINEZ: Almost Home came to me
with issues that they were facing on a regular basis
to see if I could help change
Suffolk County's laws
when it came to our animals' safety and welfare.
FRAN: We actually took giant-sized posters
of some of the dogs that were chained up.
in deplorable conditions
and we took them to the legislature meeting.
And when we show those legislators those dogs
probably the reason why they really passed the laws
It was an audible gasp in the room.
– Please accept this small token of our appreciation.
[APPLAUSE]
FRAN: Almost Home presents this award to you
for your dedication and for strengthening
and changing the animal laws that have been a game changer for us.
We are forever grateful.
– Thank you.
SENATOR MARTINEZ: Once you start treating your animals right
you will have safer communities
across the nation.
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LINDA: When they greet you at the door with a huge smile
and a huge thank you
we know they're really appreciating us.
– Thank you for helping us with Om.
– Thank you very much.
– We love you and-- – Thank you for fixing Jack.
LINDA: Being a good neighbor means being there for each other
supporting each other, helping one another out
no matter what is going on.
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