In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, North Shore Animal League America, like other shelters across the country, experienced a wave of people wishing to foster or adopt dogs and cats. However, we also noticed that there was a shift in which types of animals were getting adopted faster — wonderfully, it was those who were often overlooked because they had special needs.
Where is my human? Nothing made sense to Ruby, an eleven-year-old lab mix, who suddenly found herself amid the other dogs at North Shore Animal League America. Adopted from Animal League America as a puppy, she lived a happy and comfortable life with her family until early this year. Ruby’s owner passed away, and his wife entered a nursing home and was unable to care for her.
Zeus, a sweet, lovable Hound mix, was rushed to North Shore Animal League America’s Pet Health Centers in critical condition. His back legs were suddenly paralyzed and he couldn’t take even a single step on his own. “Zeus presented to the Pet Health Centers unable to use his back legs. Our main concern was getting him the specialty care he needed as soon as possible. With spinal injuries, treatments must be started immediately or they may not work,” stated Dr. Katarina Valen, Staff Veterinarian. “Despite this, he wagged his tail and gave out generous kisses to everyone who walked by.”
Klinger and Radar — the last of the four dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Korea through North Shore Animal League America’s partnership with K9 Global Rescue — were adopted this year. Our Pet Behavior Team, having spent time helping them adjust to life in the U.S., was so happy and excited to see them go to their perfect homes.
When Little Man and Bella, a pair of bonded Chihuahuas, came to North Shore Animal League on a rescue transport from Texas they had no idea their world was changing for the better. After a short time as office fosters, where they learned to trust and socialize, these devoted siblings soon found themselves in their perfect home.
Once Padme was finished with her job of being a mama to her eight puppies, which were rescued with her from Mississippi, she was ready to find a loving home through our Adoption Center. But little did she realize that her potential adopters was already part of the North Shore Animal League America family.
When the adopters came in to meet bonded cats Tommy and Ollie, their friend Fredo decided he would be front and center at the meeting too, and plopped himself on top of his buddies. What happened next was three furry friends went home with two kind and big-hearted people.
Happiness for Star, a Terrier mix, is the company of people and playing ball. Whenever she has both, her tail wags nonstop and she has a “happy” smile. Star, hardly more than a baby herself, arrived on a rescue transport from Mississippi, with 11 four-week-old puppies. This sweet family was found abandoned in a field in Alabama and Star had single-handedly managed to care for all 11 babies. It was amazing that they all survived. Now that Star’s puppies have been adopted, it’s time for her to shine and find a loving home of her own.
Rebecca and Gisela, friends for 15 years, had both lost their beloved cats last year. Their grief had finally softened and a spot had opened up in each of their hearts again. They were ready to adopt and welcome new furry friends into their families. “It’s just too quiet in the house, it’s time for me to come to North Shore Animal League America,” said Rebecca. So Rebecca and Gisela, along with Gisela’s husband Frank, made plans to visit our campus in Port Washington, New York.
After escaping the horror of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China, Angie and Frankie arrived at our Port Washington, N.Y. campus in 2018. Still frightened and unsure, they waited in the Adoption Center for dog-loving people to give them a chance at life as beloved pets.