40 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • SEPTEMBER 2020
ANIMAL RESCUE
ONE MAN’S MISSION
BY ALLISON MATOS
John Debacker, a 27-year-old Bellmore
native, has been saving animals for as
long as he can remember. And thankfully,
for the animals of Long Island who
need his help, he has turned his passion
into a full-time commitment.
He began volunteering at several shelters
and rescue organizations in his early
20s, cleaning cages and socializing
animals in need of a forever home. Since
then, John has become widely known
throughout LI as the rescuer to call
when an animal needs help.
“I’ve always loved animals, and about
five years ago a neighbor moved and
left four cats behind,” he says. “Through
the use of online resources, I was able
to find an experienced trapper to help
bring the cats to a rescue for care and
adoption.”
From suburban possums
to geese on local
parkways, Debacker
has rescued a wide
variety of animals in
frightening
situations.
For anyone
who finds
a wild animal in
distress and can’t find
a rescuer like Debacker,
he suggests contacting
a professional wildlife
rehabber or general
veterinary hospital
for guidance.
“There is so much
about the care of wildlife
that most people
are unfamiliar with,” he says. “For
example, a deceased possum could
have live babies in her pouch that can
survive for days even after the
mother dies.”
For people who wish to help
the Island’s cat overpopulation,
Debacker recommends
joining social media groups
such as Facebook’s Long
Island Stray and Feral
Sharing Community, and
looking into shelters
and rescues that
offer spay
and neuter
vouchers, because
rescue
efforts can be
costly.
You can’t
miss Debacker
in his newly purchased rescue
van, which holds approximately 30
cages at any given time.
“Forty-six cats is the record for the most
cats I’ve TNR’d (trapped, neutered, returned)
at one time,” he says.
Feral cats are returned to their colony,
while friendly cats get placed in
homes through local rescues or animal
shelters. Injured rescue animals can
recover in Debacker’s custom-built
insulated shed, which can hold up to 30
traps and even a refrigerator for food
and medication.
“All of these lifesaving tools were
made possible by donors,” says
Debacker.
Debacker does not accept payment
for his services and relies solely
on donations to fund his efforts.
To assist him with his lifesaving
work, you can make a donation at
PayPal at johnd7293@gmail.com.
Contact him on Facebook.
John Debacker helps a suburban possum.
PRESS PETS
CUTLER'S
LIGHTING
CUSTOMER
OUR
SALE
APPRECIATION
LIMITED TIME HURRY IN
UP TO NOTHING HELD BACK!
50 %
Every OFF
Table Lamp • Chandelier
Floor Lamp • Flush Fixtures
Sconces • Lamp Shades • Outdoor Fixtures
IN STOCK DISPLAY ONLY. NO ORDERS OR PREVIOUS ORDERS. ALL SALES FINAL. NO DISCOUNTS ON LABOR OR BULBS.
Cutler's Lighting
Powerful Parenting Solutions
Tips & Tricks
Because Kids Don’t Come With Instructions
One on one customized service in the comfort of
your own home, to meet your individual needs.
If you are looking to stop power struggles and constant battles with your kids you
are in the right place! I help parents find more joy in their parenting and get more
cooperation from their kids.
Call today to schedule an appointment
(855) 699-3263
m.parentingcoach@yahoo.com
I am the Director of ParentingCoachOnline.com, I have a
master’s degree in Special Education, and I am a New York
State Certified Teacher. With over 20 years experience, I coach
parents on effective ways of overcoming common challenges
facing children of all ages.
Parenting Coach Online
Topics
• Dealing with tantrums & whining
• Handling homework & establishing boundaries
• Getting through & understanding your kids
• Children ages 3-6 with ADD, ADHD or children with
autism
• Parent/child Communication, learning about discipline
• And much more...
My course packages offer
an exclusive tackle box to
help tackle all your tough
parenting situations. This
tackle box is a completely
customized set of solutions
geared toward each family
for the parent's use.
/ParentingCoachOnline.com
link
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
link
link
link
