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His job is a pet project

From speech pathologist to animal rescuer

By Karen Tina Harrison | Special to amNewYork

September 17, 2007

Marcello Forte. (Photo by Todd Plitt / September 16, 2007)

The Big Career Switch: From speech pathologist to animal rescuer

Who Pulled It Off: Marcello Forte, 38

What He Does: Forte is the executive director of Animal Haven, a nonprofit no-kill shelter whose Soho branch opens today (www.animalhavenshelter.org)

What He Used To Do: Forte was a speech and language pathologist with an English-Italian-Spanish practice

Why He Switched: "I loved my work, but I was ready for a new challenge. And that kid who nursed injured critters? That was me."

How He Did It: "I volunteered at Animal Haven, got very involved and was offered the director job. I placed my patients with another speech pathologist, packed some pet treats and went right to work."

What An Animal Rescuer Does: "I'm an administrator who deals with our board, budget and marketing. I'm also a leader who motivates my staff. And I work hard at getting the public involved with animal adoption and spay-and-neutering, which is the key to pet overpopulation. And as busy as I am, I still find time to play with our animals and walk the dogs."

Who Does This Job Best? "To run a nonprofit organization, you need to be a people person, a creative problem-solver and a budget juggler. To make a difference to animals, you must be committed to their survival and placement. Every cat and dog deserves a loving home."

How's The Dough? "Nonprofits pay better than they used to. And if you're dedicated and effective, you can climb the job ladder and have a comfortable salary."

What About Perks? "When you save animals, you make this a better world every day. You are a hero to creatures who have no one else. The rich rewards of this job mean so much more than things."

What Else You Should Know: "As a speech pathologist and now as an animal rescuer, I give a voice to the unheard. I feel blessed."

Where To Help Or Adopt: The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, www.animalalliancenyc.org