I don’t know about you, but I can’t bear to watch those television commercials sponsored by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).The sights and sounds of defenseless dogs and cats mistreated or visibly shaking in fear are images that are unsettling to any caring human being. Fortunately, there are some dedicated warriors out there that fight back for the creatures that share our planet that can’t speak for themselves.   At the head of the class is Warwick’s own, Karen Kalunian.

Host of Public Television’s “Animal Talk”, Karen uses that powerful medium to help find “forever homes” for predominantly dogs and cats (though they sometimes see small animals like rabbits and birds as well) that have been abandoned or rescued.

She visits animal shelters across Rhode Island to highlight their animals waiting for a home, and helps animal owners with tips from veterinarians, or even tips to help with the training of the sometimes-independent thinking dog.

 A little background on Karen.

 Born in the Norwood section of Warwick to Kenneth and Karolyn Martin, she attended Warwick schools, graduating from Pilgrim High School, completing her studies at CCRI with an associate degree with concentration in Law and Accounting.

She would later marry husband Keith, and the couple would have a child known to most Rhode Islanders – Kim Kalunian, who of course is an Anchor on WPRI Chanel 12 TV News.

Her introduction into to what is now her life’s mission was set in motion 30 years ago when a group of women saw a need to help animals find help and homes, and founded the East Greenwich Animal Protection League (EGAPL), now commonly called Heart of Rhode Island, which is located in at 44 Worthington Road in Cranston.

Karen’s involvement in the organization started rather innocently about 15 years ago.

“I blame Kim!” she said over coffee recently, of course referring to her daughter.

She explained “at the time, Kim was involved in theatre, and was directing a local children’s production of “Annie”.

They needed a dog to play the role of “Sandy” and decided to visit a local shelter to find a rescue dog, as sadly the family dog had just passed.

“We happened to call EGAPL, and the Director, Tammy Gallo (who is still there) was very helpful.   We connected with her and learned that they had only one dog in the shelter, a female dog named “Buddy”.

Buddy was described as an “older dog with some health concerns”, but Karen and Kim had no problem with that and went to meet Buddy.

The story has a good ending, unlike so many sad stories that we hear.  Karen explained, “Buddy was such a hit (in the performance) and got so much exposure that they found a “forever home” for her.”

She continued, “then Kim and I got hooked!”, and started volunteering immediately.

 The days of one dog at a shelter are long gone, sadly.

Karen describes the current situation as a “crisis”.   “Shelters are in a crisis across the country.   Adoptions are down to some of the lowest levels in 15 years.  Owner surrenders are seemingly at an all-time high.”

Asked why she thought this was the case, she responded “I don’t know if the economy is to blame, or people that adopted during covid can no longer handle it.”

“Adoptions during covid were very busy because people were staying at home and decided to get pets for companionship.   The circumstances right now are quite stark.”

“If you visited EGAPL right now, you would probably find an average of 30 puppies, 25 adult dogs and about 15 cats needing a good home.  Without the dedication of a small, terrific staff and the dozens of volunteers, the situation could be much worse.

Asked how EGAPL and other shelters across the state gets their funding for caring for these precious animals, she said “lots of wonderful donors and occasional small grants.”

They also send the pets to a “forever home” up to date with vaccinations and other health needs, including spaying and neutering, which of course justifies the fees charged.

The fee for a new shelter puppy is about $650 which includes spaying or neutering, as well as all vaccinations, and even a microchip for tracking.   An older dog (over 1 year old) is about $550.

Karen sees it all.

The abuse, the cause for rehabilitation, the abandonment, and a host of other disgusting things like dog-fighting survivors that I refuse to even write about.   Anyone that harms a defenseless animal should get the maximum penalty of law, and then some.

But she also sees the triumphs, the adoptions, the playful wrestling of happy puppies, and even an occasional “goatscaper”, which is where a gentleman from Rhode Island (who lives on a bus), will visit your property with his goats who will “eat your weeds and poison ivy and all kinds of stuff.”

Karen didn’t want me to write about her. 

She wanted me to write about the animals that need our help.

She was circumspect about it all.

“Unfortunately, sometimes what people don’t see doesn’t hurt them.”

 She chose a different course.

She volunteers her time and uses her cameras and microphone to help animals that can’t help themselves.

She said, “it’s easy to get involved.   If you can’t adopt or foster care, donate money or donate your time at a local shelter, or put a pet’s photo or story on social media.   At the very least…. care.”

 She concluded, “these animals are so innocent.   They are just asking for help.   All you have to do is look into their eyes.   Kindness always comes back to you!”

 If you want to help visit the website of heartofri.org, or email Karen personally at: animaltalk1920@gmail.com.

 Maybe some day we won’t have to see those ASPCA commercials on TV.