When he's not working as a senior photo editor in New York City or helping Patch with photo assignments here in New Jersey, Gianpaolo Fabiano volunteers his time at the Jersey Animal Coalition shelter on Walton Avenue in South Orange.

"I take photos for their site and often find myself hanging in the cat room," said Fabiano. "The shelter is always in need of cat-socializers, and maybe these photos will promote some adoptions!"

How could they not?

The Jersey Animal Coalition is a volunteer-run, no-kill shelter that has rescued and placed over 10,000 stray and abandoned pets since its founding in 1989.  The organization is operated entirely through private funding. Volunteers walk dogs (there's kennel space for 39) and socialize with dogs and cats — there are two free-roaming rooms for cats. All animals in the shelter are neutered and spayed. For information on adopting a pet, see the website or stop by in person.

Cat socializing and dog walking hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays.

If you cannot adopt or foster a pet or find time for socializing and walking, please consider making a financial contribution.