By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN – Antonio Postorino, 16, of Manalapan, has volunteered more than 300 hours of his time at animal shelters because of his love for animals.
Since 2011, Antonio has been volunteering with the rescue organization CARE (Companion Animal Rescue and Education) in Bayonne. He volunteers at events in affiliation with CARE in Freehold Township, such as pet adoptions at Petco.
“I have always had a love for animals and came across an ad in the newspaper looking for volunteers, so I called up the number and I went to their next adoption event,” Antonio said.
He said CARE takes dogs from shelters in North Carolina and brings them to New Jersey to be adopted.
“We give the dogs all the food, medical attention and love they need … and then they are adopted (by) families looking to add a four-legged family member to their home,” Antonio said.
Antonio started out as a volunteer by cleaning dog pens and advanced to assisting a veterinarian check the animals prior to adoption. He has helped raise money for the organization, answered questions from people who are thinking about adopting an animal and reviewed adoption paperwork before people leave with their new pet.
Antonio has also volunteered with a horse rescue organization, where he has helped to groom and feed horses.
“I love seeing the result of dogs being adopted into amazing homes because if they stayed in a shelter they might not have the opportunities to have what they do now,” he said. “(It is also nice) knowing I can make a difference in the world at such a young age and inspire everyone to give back with any cause.”
Antonio said he was inspired to get involved and to work with animals after watching the TV show “Pitbulls and Parolees.”
“[The show] made me realize so many animals out there need homes,” he said. “I can watch that show for hours on end.”
“I lean on him and rely on him a good amount,” CARE volunteer coordinator Patty MacRae said. “He has no problem doing anything I ask him and he is always looking to do more. The younger volunteers look up to him.”
Antonio, who will be a senior at Manalapan High School, said he may want to pursue a career working with animals. He is the youngest of three sons of Pete and ToniAnn Postorino.
“Since I have volunteered with CARE … and some volunteers have told me about possible jobs with animals, I am looking into becoming a veterinarian or helping to run an animal shelter or an animal rescue. No matter what career I end up choosing, I know I am always going to want to work with a rescue or a shelter as a volunteer. I would not trade this for the world. I love the work I do with animals and could not picture myself without it,” said Antonio, who enjoys spending time with his friends at the shore when he is not volunteering with CARE.
