Furry-Side Chats, Summer 2025

Pip

Sometimes love finds us when we least expect it. For Joanne Gorman, that moment came in 2008, outside a pet store in Nanuet, NY. A North Shore Animal League America staff member handed her a tiny black puppy to hold while unloading dogs for an adoption event. In that instant, something clicked. “The puppy was just under eight weeks old, rescued from a shelter in the South,” Joanne recalled. She named him Pip, after the orphan in Great Expectations, and for the next 16 years, he was her most devoted companion.

Their time together, though never long enough, was filled with love, loyalty and countless cherished moments. Saying goodbye this year was heartbreaking, but Joanne remains forever grateful for the life they shared. “I am thankful to North Shore Animal League America for bringing us together,” she wrote us. “I hope my donation helps in all the good work that North Shore Animal League America does to care for our animals — our best friends.”

Thanks to supporters like Joanne, more pets like Pip will find their home and experience the love of a lifetime.

Mango

At 12 years old, Mango had already experienced more heartbreak than any cat should — losing three homes, including the beloved person who cared for him for five years. Thankfully, this sweet senior received the medical attention and emotional support he needed in our Feline Care Home. Now Mango is truly where he belongs — with his adoring new mom, Maya.

“I love senior cat energy.” Maya shared. “I appreciate how we both grew up separately, and then we get to meet and learn about each other. When my last cat passed, I saw Mango on your website and knew I wanted to meet him.” Mango wasted no time settling in, showering Maya with affection, and a complete disregard for personal space! “I adore how much he loves hugs,” she said, “how loud he purrs, and how fast he can fall asleep on me.” Caring for Mango comes with challenges due to medical conditions that require ongoing management, but Maya just embraces it all as a learning experience.

And while Mango may have found his final home, one battle continues: his vendetta against glasses. “He will steal them off my face and attempt to eat them,” Maya said. “It keeps me on my toes.” With plenty of love, Mango is thriving, proving that senior cats can bring endless joy, laughter and unexpected surprises.