Recovering Drug Addict Turned His Life Around by Starting a Rescue Shelter for NYC’s Needy Animals

34-year-old Michael Favor, the son of a veteran NYPD narcotics detective, was once a drug addict. He told PIX11 News, “I was doing like 15 bags of cocaine a day, along with alcohol.” Despite the rough start, Michael’s story thankfully has a happy ending.

Michael became sober two years ago and as part of his recovery process, he built a 4,000 square-foot, wooden-enclosed facility by hand. In the process, Michael has also learned how to train dogs and from there, something great happened: No More Pain Rescue was formed.

No More Pain Rescue is a foster-based rescue created by Michael and his fiancée, Erica Mahnken. The rescue works towards finding homes for dogs and cats in the New Jersey and New York area. But really, the rescue won’t say no to any animal in need. The rescue also helps goats, pigs, ferrets, guinea pigs, and rabbits. 

“Everybody gets here at an ungodly hour. And I can’t tell you how much poop we pick up. And all the dogs get fed, they get loved,” George Walsh, a volunteer from the very beginning, told PIX11 News. 

Many of the volunteers are recovering addicts like Michael, who are working to turn their lives around. “It worked for me and I’m willing to open it up to anyone who needs help,” Michael told PIX11 News. 

Inside the facility, a climate-controlled kennel is also open. Currently, there are 12 dogs, 12 of which are puppies. The rescue never slows down, with more dogs expected next week from Puerto Rico, an area still impacted by the devastating hurricanes. 

Michael remains fearless and shows us that despite your past, you can always change and do good in the world. A true hero to animals!

Feeling inspired? You too can make a difference in the lives of homeless animals simply by volunteering. Organizations rely heavily on volunteers to assist with animal care and day-to-day operations. There’s never a shortage of things to do and opportunities are available for people of every skill set. You can help take dogs for walks, give them food and water, and make sure their area is clean. If your preference is helping out behind the scenes, you can volunteer your services by assisting with fundraisers, outreach events or general office tasks. Fostering an animal is another great way to help animals in need!

For more information on No More Pain Rescue, visit their website. The rescue is run entirely thanks to supporters, with all of the donations going directly towards the animals medical care and well-being. If you’d like to Donate, click here. And please spread the word about this amazing animal rescue organization!

Image Source: No More Pain Rescue/Facebook