Did you know that a cat’s heart is about the size of a small apricot and, depending on the individual cat, weighs no more than 20 grams? That’s less than a double AA battery! For my Florida foster, Cora Valentine, it’s even lighter because Cora was born with a hole in her heart… a minuscule imperfection that threatens her life, and all I want to do is fill that hole with love.
In the early morning hours of a bitterly cold morning, North Shore Animal League America’s Mobile Rescue Unit pulled into our Port Washington campus carrying precious cargo — 50 dogs rescued from commercial breeding operations across the Midwest. Take a look inside our first commercial breeding rescue of 2026.
Want to ride along on a rescue mission? Our social media specialist, Bob Borden, captured the entire journey of our first rescue of 2026 with our partner, National Mill Dog Rescue. Join our Mobile Rescue Team from the moment the truck is loaded to the safe arrival of 48 dogs and puppies rescued from commercial breeding operations across the Midwest.
Mark your calendars: January 24 is National Change a Pet’s Life Day. But if you’re like me, you don’t need a calendar to remind you to help homeless animals. In fact, I bet a day rarely goes by when you’re not doing something, big or small, to improve their lives. Maybe it’s signing a petition, volunteering, or encouraging everyone to “adopt, don’t shop.” I’m grateful for every opportunity I get to make a difference, including a recent chance to change the life of a lovely Siamese kitty named Willow Rose.
Shortly before Halloween, a tiny black-and-white kitten was found wandering the streets of New York City. Only seven weeks old, he arrived at North Shore Animal League America through our longtime shelter partner Animal Care Centers of NYC. Affectionately named Phantom Fluff, this kitten needed urgent, expert care.
The term “good Samaritan” is one of the most beautiful in the English language. Its simplest definition is “a person who helps a stranger in distress.” But, gosh, it’s so much more than that. Being a good Samaritan means taking a chance, stepping out of your comfort zone, recognizing your connection to another, and giving of yourself. And when that empathy reaches across species, well… it’s even more beautiful. Most of my fosters are the result of good Samaritans rescuing them from the streets — or, in the case of Mama Chrissy and her nuggets, from a subway platform.
This fall, North Shore Animal League America welcomed a very special guest back to our Port Washington campus: The Dogist himself, Elias Weiss Friedman. With more than 11 million followers across his many social media platforms — Friedman has become one of the most influential dog photographers and storytellers in the world. He is also a bestselling author whose books have helped propel a global movement celebrating the beauty and individuality of dogs. We are incredibly fortunate to have his ongoing support and his passion for elevating the stories of rescue pets.
If you’ve lived with cats for years and suddenly find yourself sneezing, wheezing, or itching around them, you might wonder — can you develop allergies to cats later in life? The answer is yes. While cat allergies often appear in childhood, it’s entirely possible for adults to develop new sensitivities, even after years of being symptom-free.
Finding a kitten — or an entire litter — outdoors can be emotional. You may feel the urge to help immediately, but taking the right steps is crucial for their survival. Before picking them up, it’s important to determine whether the kittens truly need help and whether their mother is nearby.
When five-month-old Glinda, a tiny black Terrier mix, arrived at North Shore Animal League America, she was in crisis and fighting for every breath. Initially rescued by the Animal Care Centers of New York, she was suffering from severe pneumonia. Her lungs were filled with fluid, and her little body was working overtime just to stay alive.