"I know what it's like not to have a home," said West, 37, who said she was born into an abusive family and landed in the New York City foster care system at age 10. "I can only imagine what an animal, whose life is disrupted and shuffled from place to place, from cage to cage, feels like."

That's because by the age of 15, West had already bounced between six foster homes. When she became fed up with the system, the bright but troubled teen took to the streets, sometimes doing odd jobs for shop owners in Penn Station in exchange for food, pocket change and a safe place to sleep.

Just days away from her 16th birthday, West was taken into her seventh foster home, in Riverdale, with Marsha and Jerry Henkin and their four rescued cats.

"I wouldn't be here today without their love and support," West said of the former New York City teachers, who have spent their lives saving strays, including injured birds and a menagerie of needy cats - and people, like West.

Still, it was the animals in her life - Heathcliff, her black-and-white striped tabby, the cats and occasional pigeon she took in, a neighbor's German shepherd - that helped West through her darkest days.

"He was one of the most patient and loyal friends I've ever had," West said of Heathcliff, who she was forced to leave behind with her abusive stepfather, a heart-wrenching memory that continues to haunt her.

Her dedication to helping a pet find a suitable home, along with the courage and vision of her foster parents, are the driving forces behind New York Tails, which she launched in 2001 and still runs on a shoestring budget.

"Diane loves animals, and we felt there was a need for a pet magazine with broad appeal, which could help pet owners solve problems," said Marsha Henkin, 62, who maintains the magazine's Web site. Today, the quarterly can be found at Petco and Petland Discount stores, in addition to veterinary offices in the New York metropolitan area. In four years, it has grown to a circulation of 30,000 - which the Henkins distribute by car - with subscribers and visitors from around the country checking its Web site, www.newyorktails.com.

Unlike the hip glossies showcasing the latest in haute paw-ture, West's free publication offers practical information by top experts to help all pet owners - whether they have birds, fish, cats, dogs or critters such as gerbils, rabbits and chinchillas.

Topics range from helping fish survive a New York winter, foods that are taboo for dogs, and dealing with birds that "pluck," to finding affordable pet-friendly housing, plus photo contests, adoption and event listings and feature stories celebrating unsung heroes.

West, who lives on the upper East Side with her rescued cats, Fox and Go Fish, and Chilli, a 6-year-old chinchilla, also collaborates on fund-raising projects with animal groups. This year, the magazine sponsored the first animal-themed float in the Greenwich Village Halloween parade, and its "Best New York Tail" contest raised money for shelters and adoption groups.

Meanwhile, West hopes her story can inspire others to "turn life's lemons into lemonade," for the sake of animals. "Love comes in all shapes, sizes and ages," she said. "Helping just one person or pet to heal and grow can and does change the course of history."

Originally published on January 27, 2007

http://www.nydailynews.com/01-27-2007/city_life/story/492262p-414669c.html