Furry-Side Chats, Spring 2025
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!
Going the Distance to Help California Animal Shelters
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.
“They got too old.”
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.
Our Shelter Hours are Changing
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 Was Abandoned but We Won’t Let Him Be Forgotten
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.
In Memoriam: Norma McKinney Meeks, Board Member
When Norma McKinney Meeks passed away suddenly on Thanksgiving evening at her home in Ashland, Kentucky, North Shore Animal League America lost a friend, a colleague, and an inspiration. As an energetic and creative member of our community since the early 1990s, Norma combined her lifelong concern for animals with her expertise as an award-winning educator to promote adoption and humane education.
Max’s Journey: “A Perfect Fit”
Max’s story begins in North Carolina, where he spent 14 happy years as the beloved companion of Barbara Daniels. Barbara adored Max and, as a caring and thoughtful pet parent, planned for his future by enrolling in North Shore Animal League America’s Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care Program.
Three Hearts, One Home: How Teamwork Brought a Family Together
A quiet bond tethered senior cats Mohawk, Oneonta and Delaware. The trio had seen it all — from cramped, chaotic beginnings in a hoarding situation to years of quiet hope at North Shore Animal League America. Until finally the unimaginable happened: all three were adopted together!
Not Owned, But Loved!
February is “Responsible Pet Owners Month,” but I’m not having it! The word “owners” is wrong. Ownership involves property, and we don’t own pets any more than we own people! We care for them, love them, and respect them, but we do not own them. So, I hereby declare February as “Responsible Pet Parents Month” because, as adoptive parents, pet parents are responsible for the well-being and happiness of the beings they love — no matter what!
California Wildfire Relief
Our hearts go out to the families affected by Southern California’s devastating fires. Currently, our Rescue team is in contact with local shelter partners, and we’re hard at work to ensure we can send out emergency support as fast as possible. We are ready to support them through these challenging times, just as we have done for decades during natural disasters. While we await news, you can help our shelter partners directly.