When I saw this picture of Mango, I imagined him patiently waiting for that phone to ring with the best news possible: a new family to love him, a new lap to snuggle on, and a fresh start for his golden years. Mango’s story and his tender amber eyes spoke to me. A senior kitty whose life has seen too many dramatic twists and turns, Mango could be the poster boy for senior pet adoption. And since November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, here is his saga.

Twelve-year-old Mango (Adopt #E01328), who’s now busy enchanting the staff and volunteers at Bianca’s Future Friends Feline Adoption Center, lost his first home when his owner died. Then, through no fault of his own, he lost his next two families too. His last situation was his best one—five years with his beloved human, who recently passed away. It breaks my heart to think of all the upheaval this sweet guy has gone through. But I’m grateful that through it all, my wonderful colleagues at NSALA have always welcomed Mango back, and they always will. He seems to know we are here for him no matter what.

When he came to us again a couple of months ago, stressed and confused, our vets immediately tended to his heart and kidney conditions, providing him with an excellent care plan, all covered through our Pet Health Centers at cost. And the entire NSALA feline care team kicked in to make sure Mango felt the reassurance and affection he needed to realize he was once again in kind, loving hands.

He now has a quiet space all to himself, just the way he likes it. Mango definitely prefers the company of humans to fur creatures. And he shows it constantly. Mango loves laps like no other kitty in the world. His favorite volunteers say he is a feline-weighted blanket. He adores Churu and catnip, but above all, he loves people. He is a total people cat. I’m told that no cat gives better hugs than Mango.

Yes, Mango has health issues, but whoever takes this sweet guy home for the rest of his life will receive the gratitude and support of everyone at NSALA. If you live near NSALA and think you deserve all the love Mango has to give, visit his adoption profile for details.

While I’m thinking about all the senior animals in this world who need homes, medical care, and love, let me introduce you to two more waiting at our adoption center. November 25 is National Adoption Day, the perfect day to change their lives forever. Here are the bios my friends at NSALA sent me about these sensational seniors.

Rascal, Adopt#VL1288: “Rascal is a gentle senior Shepherd mix looking for a quiet place to call home. This shy boy would thrive with adopters who have experience with fearful dogs and can provide the patience and understanding he needs to feel safe. Rascal is not suited for apartment living; he would do best in a quiet suburban neighborhood with a fenced-in backyard where he can relax and explore at his own pace. Rascal would like to meet everyone in the home to ensure a perfect match before making it his own. If you’re ready to offer him a loving, peaceful environment, come visit Rascal today!” To inquire about Rascal, visit his adoption profile. 

(Rascal came from Virginia as a puppy and was quickly adopted. Like Mango, Rascal returned to us after his owner recently died. That’s the commitment we make to every one of our rescues.)

Biscuit, Adopt #R162702: “Biscuit is a charming senior Boxer mix with a heart full of love to give. This gentle soul may be a bit shy when you first meet him, but with a little patience and kindness, he’ll quickly warm up and show you his playful, friendly side. Biscuit enjoys the company of other dogs and would love to meet any potential canine companions before joining a family. If you’re looking for a loyal and affectionate friend to share quiet moments and joyful playtime, Biscuit could be the perfect addition to your home!” Learn more about Biscuit on his adoption profile. 

(A Georgia rescue, Biscuit was adopted from us several years ago and returned recently when his owner surrendered him. He is affectionate and lovable and ready for a chance to prove what a good boy he is.)

No matter where you live, your local shelter has cats and dogs like these, perfect pets who have more than earned another chance for love.

Currently, my program is full of kittens and mamas, and I’m delighted to have them. But, honestly, I’m convinced that kitten season never truly ends. I mean, here we are in November, and I’m still caring for new families like Mama Mary Catherine and her five feisty tuxedo nuggets, born November 1. I’m painfully aware of the unfair competition in shelters when it comes to placing adult and senior cats when right next to them are adorable little kittens. So, if you’re thinking about adding an adult or senior pet to your family, I urge you to read this message from NSALA, which makes a powerful case for adopting pets like Mango, Rascal, and Biscuit.

In my experience, few things have been as meaningful as adopting older pets. It’s wonderful to be part of these animals’ joy when they’re loved and safe again. And what a gift it is to witness their resilience as they re-bloom into confident, comfortable friends. Whether for a long or short time, you’ll know you’ve given this irreplaceable being precisely what he or she needed: time and your love. You’ll always be thankful that you made this beautiful choice.

Speaking of being thankful, here we are on the cusp of another Thanksgiving holiday. I have so many blessings to count, beginning with Howard — the love of my life — my family, my beautiful resident kitties and bunnies, all my fosters and their adopters, and my North Shore Animal League America team, which works day and night to help me save so many precious lives.

That includes the members of this year’s Team Animal League, who ran the TCS New York City Marathon on November 3 in honor of Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center. This team has run the marathon every year since 2008, raising more than 2 million dollars for NSALA. This year, 36 runners, including team captain Scott Guber, participated, raising more than $123,000. This was Scott’s 16th NYC Marathon and his 39th overall. Wow!

I’m proud to have started Team Animal League 17 years ago, when I decided to run the marathon and gathered 20 runners to join me. That was the year Howard and I got married. Since running the marathon had been on my bucket list since I moved to New York, I decided to commit, train, and have NSALA benefit.

There are many things to be grateful for this year, including the fact that beginning December 15, New York’s Puppy Mill Pipeline Law will take effect, putting an end to the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores across New York state. Many people worked long and hard to make this a reality. So mark 12/15/24 on your calendar — a great day for pets — one that we can all celebrate with the hope that someday it will be the law of the land.

Howard and I don’t do a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Instead of turkey, we have tofu-turkey! You would never know the difference. Even the faux gravy is delicious! And for us, it’s a kinder way to celebrate our gratitude, hope, and love.

Peace and Happy Thanksgiving to all, from me and blind and beautiful Bella, my absolute favorite cat of all time. Gosh, I love her so much.

xo
Beth

P.S. Introducing the “Coco & Friends 2025” calendar! 100 percent of the proceeds will go to my foundation to save animals like Cocomelon. They make perfect holiday gifts…but hurry! They’re selling like hotcakes! To order, visit www.bethsfurryfriends.com.