The 6 Most Game-Changing Pet Rescue Groups of 2013

Last week we shared

, where we celebrated the triumph of some very special animals that overcame some very difficult circumstances. This week we're celebrating the human-animal connection by taking a deeper look into the animal rescue groups that have taken risks and made a difference for needy animals in 2013. Many of us already know about the inspiring work of the ASPCA or Humane Society; here we'll focus on smaller organizations whose efforts should also be acknowledged.

www.hopeforpaws.org

Hope for Paws is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization founded by husband and wife duo Eldad and Audrey Hagar. HFP has found tremendous success posting their poignant rescue videos on their popular YouTube channel and Facebook page. The couple and their amazing stories have been featured on news stations across the country, and on popular day time talk shows including Ellen and Anderson Cooper Live.

Guiding Eyes graduate Cecil Williams and his seeing eye dog, Orlando, made national headlines this week when the Black Lab bravely leapt on to the tracks at a Manhattan subway platform after his blind owner lost consciousness and tumbled in front of an oncoming train. Miraculously, both survived escaping serious injury. Cecil credits Orlando with saving his life and comforting him throughout the harrowing ordeal.

The 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, is the umbrella organization for animal welfare in NYC. Working with 

, their goal is to transform New York City into a no-kill community by 2015. While they work collaboratively with the City of New York, they do not receive  government funding, and rely solely on donations to fulfill their mission.Since

its establishment in 2003, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals has reduced euthanasia at Animal Care & Control of NYC by 81%, preventing a quarter-million animals from being put down.

The North Shore Animal League is the world's largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. Located in Fort Washington, New York since 1944, North Shore Animal League America has saved over one million cats, dogs, puppies and kittens, and gained prominence following their heroic emergency rescue  and relief efforts during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

PAWS is a non-profit serving Washington state and the Northwest. A champion for animals—PAWs works to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife, and provide shelter and adoption for homeless cats and dogs. PAWS has rescued over 200,000 animals since it was founded in 1967, and with the help of generous donations, will continue to serve and educate the community for years to come.