And too many dogs, too. But for now, I’m thinking about cats, mainly because of a tragedy that occurred in Medford, Long Island, on March 31. That morning, around 7:00, a fire broke out at Happy Cat Sanctuary, where as many as 300 cats lived with owner and founder Chris Arsenault. About 150 cats perished, along with Chris, who died trying to save as many as he could.
For Saarah Shahid, volunteering at North Shore Animal League America was a natural step, inspired by a lifelong connection to animals. “I’ve always felt a special connection to animals, and I’ve wanted to help them in any way I can,” she shared.
When six tiny, terrier mix puppies were surrendered to our shelter partner Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), they were already fighting a deadly battle. At just 10 weeks old, they had contracted parvovirus — a highly contagious and often fatal disease. Without immediate intervention, their future was grim. That’s when North Shore Animal League America stepped in.
For Gloria, the joy of seeing a once-homeless pet walk out the door with a loving family never fades. “Even after all these years, I still get excited when an older or hard-to-place animal gets adopted. That moment — that’s why I’m here.”
Growing up, there was never a time when a four-legged friend wasn’t part of Cliff’s household. When he retired after 35 years of service as a fire prevention and building codes official, he knew he wanted to spend his time giving back — and he knew it had to involve dogs. That decision led him to North Shore Animal League America, where for the past four and a half years, he has been a dedicated volunteer, helping our canine residents on their journey toward adoption.
Furry-Side Chats. Heartwarming Adoption Tails. Our adoption events are all about bringing new families together, whether on our Long Island campus, or any of our 2,000 shelter partners across the country!
The devastation left behind by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County and beyond has uprooted countless lives — both human and animal. As communities work to rebuild, shelters in California are facing an overwhelming challenge: finding space for the rising number of animals in need. While some shelters had emergency plans in place, others, like Western Riverside County Animal Services and its three affiliated shelters, were already over capacity when the fires began.
For most of us, our pets never live long enough. We treasure our time with them and are grateful beyond words when they live long healthy lives. Then there are cruel people like those who dumped Gabby and Romeo at a Florida shelter, not to have them rehomed but to be euthanized! After 10 years. Why? Because “they got too old.” Just thinking about this makes my blood boil.
Beginning Monday, March 10, 2025, the Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Canine Adoption Center and Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center will be closed Monday and Tuesday, and open from 10:00am to 6:00pm Wednesday through Sunday.
Dexter’s journey began nearly a decade ago when he was just a playful puppy, adopted from North Shore Animal League America into what was supposed to be his forever home. But when his family went through a divorce, Dexter was cast aside — left at a shelter in New Jersey, alone and confused.