The reasons humans love animals — sometimes more than other humans — are endless. Yet, our ability to help the animal world seems limited.

Or is it?

True, even the most devoted animal lovers have a finite amount of space and time to devote to caring for a member of another species. But is there a limit on how much we can love?

Animal rescue operations say you don’t have to take in every stray, relinquished or desperate animal to still love them.

Because April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), I asked people at local shelters and rescues to tell us some of the ways humans can help domesticated animals without bringing “all the babies” home.

Jessica Pecho, president of Illinois Horse Rescue in Beecher (www.illinoishorserescue.org), said recent rankings list horses as the third most abused animal in the world.

“Eighty percent of our animals come from owner relinquish. But there also many strays. Many horses are just wandering around, unclaimed,” Pecho said.

And many, along with all kinds of other animals, find their way to the rescue, which is why the shelter is in great need of assistance and has been since COVID-19 lockdowns.

Home to horses, cows, chickens, peafowl, even a miniature donkey, Pecho said the rescue wouldn’t be able to operate without the help of donors and volunteers.

“You can adopt an animal, be a sponsor, make a one-time donation, volunteer here or host your own fundraiser,” Pecho said. “If you can’t do any of that, just spread the word.”

Some animal lovers donate as little as $10 a month to the rescue, others up to $50 a month, she said. Many others make one-time donations. Volunteers help feed animals, bring water, clean stalls, clean cages, do some grooming and prep for evening chores.

Another way to support the mission, Pecho said, is to attend the annual fundraiser. Help A Horse Day is a kid-friendly event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be pony rides, games, a petting zoo and a coloring contest, as well as demonstrations on how to clean a stall and how to feed a horse.

“Without the public we wouldn’t be here,” Pecho said.

Kristen Funk, of the Naperville Humane Society (www.naperhumane.org), said if adoption or fostering are not options, humans can donate time through the many volunteer opportunities, which include caring for animals as well as serving on the fundraising committee or advisory board.

Donors should check with their employer, she said. Some companies offer matches, a way to double a donation.

Funk also said the public can consider attending one of the shelter’s many fundraising events.

“Just helping share social media posts is a great way to support a shelter,” she added.

Many shelters, including People’s Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Tinley Park (pawstinleypark.org), list needed supplies on their website. Donations of pet food, collars, bath towels, dish soap, even postage stamps can make a big difference to a nonprofit that relies on the public to keep animals safe and fed.

Emily Klehm, CEO of South Suburban Humane Society, with locations in Homewood and Chicago Heights (southsuburbanhumane.org), said humans can foster animals in need or volunteer at the shelters.

“We are always looking for volunteers. Volunteers walk dogs, do support tasks like laundry, help in our cat areas by cleaning and socializing, help us provide customer service for adoptions, and more,” Klehm said.

In addition, she said, “By simply cleaning out your closets and shelves, you can benefit pets in need.” Proceeds from the SSHS Second Chance resale shop go toward animal care.

Another important way humans can support animals is by helping reunite lost pets with their families. Klehm asks that the public share its “found pets” Facebook posts (www.facebook.com/SSHSstrays).

Small efforts can make a big difference, she said. Consider the plight of Daffodil, a dog who was recently rescued in Matteson by Cook County Animal Control and rushed to the Humane Society’s veterinary clinic.

“She was lethargic and vomiting. She was emaciated, her muscles were atrophied, and she had abscesses,” Klehm said. “She needed surgery for an abdominal obstruction but the veterinarians didn’t think she would survive (it) so she was hospitalized and treated nearly around the clock.”

Thanks to the constant care, made possible by dedicated helpers and public donations, Klehm said, “the obstruction ended up clearing and after a week she was strong enough to go to foster care.”

Donna Vickroy is an award-winning reporter, editor and columnist who worked for the Daily Southtown for 38 years.

donnavickroy4@gmail.com