TESTIMONY
Leah Vallone on her father, Paul Vallone's, advocacy for animal welfare and shelter initiatives
0:14:29
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152 sec
Leah Vallone shares a touching tribute to her godfather's dedication to animal welfare and his efforts in building animal shelters.
- Vallone narrates her personal journey and her father's influence in instilling a love for animals.
- She provides examples of her father's kindness towards animals, including his care for a wide variety of pets and a stray cat named Rocco.
- Her testimony highlights her father's dedication to realizing the dream of building animal shelters in every borough, inspired by his grandmother's vision.
- She underscores the importance of her father’s advocacy in addressing the absence of animal shelters, especially in Queens, which she points out would rank as the nation's 4th largest city if considered its own.
Leah Vallone
0:14:29
Thank you to my wonderful godfather, and thank you all for your such amazing and kind words.
0:14:35
When I was little, I wanted to be a veterinarian.
0:14:38
Until I took chemistry and decided law was more my thing, but that's besides the point.
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This passion stemmed from my father who taught me to love all creatures, know how matter how big or small.
0:14:52
In return, I can't think of an animal that did not love him back.
0:14:56
It was as if they were able to sense his pure soul and kindness instinctually.
0:15:01
Whether it was hermit crabs, hamsters, birds, carnival fish, or snails, he cared for whatever we brought home with open arms.
0:15:10
My dad taught our family how to appreciate the beauty of nature in a way few truly understand.
0:15:16
His care towards animals reflects fundamental parts of himself, to love selflessly, to understand without words, to give with no expectations.
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While there are countless examples of his acts of service, I'll give 1.
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I returned home from college and found a strange borderline aggressive stray cat under my bed.
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Of course, he was out in the rain and my dad felt bad.
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Aside from a temporary reprieve, he made sure Rocco found a forever home.
0:15:48
If his devotion to making a difference, for the most simplest of beings was sprinkled around, though the world would be a much better place.
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I know he is with us today smiling.
0:15:58
As we take one step closer to accomplishing this goal.
0:16:02
He was so proud of his effort in finally getting this shelter built.
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And making sure that there is one in every bureau, an idea dreamed by my grandmother.
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As he remarked in 2016, If were if it were its own city, Queen's alone would rank as the nation's 4th largest.
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It is unacceptable that no animal shelter currently exists.
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This is for his childhood cats, Cleo, Missy, Piccolo, Pixie, and Tom Cat.
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This is for our family's assorted animals over the years.
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Ziggy, Hercules, Rosemont, Theodore, John Snow, Ron, and of course Daisy, who is still waiting for her best friend to come home.
0:16:46
This is for the countless animals my dad will continue to help for years to come.
0:16:51
Thanks to his dedicated work to this city.
0:16:53
And most of all, this is for Paul, whose guiding light and heart has impacted us all for the better.
0:17:00
Thank you so much.
