Animal League “They got too old.”

“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.

That old saying is true: we don’t deserve dogs. Or cats! Or any pets! They do nothing but bring us joy and companionship, and what do they all too often receive in return? Abandonment, abuse, or worse.

Okay! That’s my rant for today because I know for a fact that there are at least as many good people who love and care for animals as there are terrible people like Gabby and Romeo’s former owners. One of those good people is my friend Kelly Rooney @kellysfostersflorida. She pulled Gabby and Romeo from that shelter last May, just as they went on the euthanasia list. Initially, the shelter refused to euthanize them because they are happy, healthy dogs. But as the facility grew more crowded, these two sweet, bonded dogs found themselves on death row. Their crime? Old age!


Kelly introduced me to these two sweeties last spring during my stay in Florida, and although I was happy to snuggle with them again this year, I was disappointed that they are still looking for their new, final home. Sadly, they have been in boarding for nearly a year because no one has been able to foster them long-term. Their kennel is safe and caring, but they really need a home, either foster or forever. It’s tough because they are so bonded and absolutely must stay together. Plus, we need a younger adopter — because Romeo is strong — and definitely a home without cats. Kelly keeps posting them, and I’m featuring them here in the hope that someone will fall in love with them just as I did.

Kelly and me with Romeo and Gabby. February 2025.​

Finding the right home for dogs and cats is such hard work. Sometimes, it requires a new and novel approach. North Shore Animal League America is famous for coming up with exciting, even entertaining, ways to showcase pets and get them into loving, responsible homes.

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For example, did you know that NSALA invented programs like mobile pet adoption? Right now, our 25th annual Tour For Life® is traveling across the country, visiting 67 cities from Baltimore to Tulsa to Los Angeles and partnering with local shelters to get their pets into responsible homes. We’ve pioneered many other adoption strategies, too, all of which are now common practice everywhere.


Recently, we connected with “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” for a fun segment called “Rescue Dog Rescue.” The idea is that Colbert and celebs like Dua Lipa, Daniel Radcliffe, and Jason Momoa snuggle with our puppies while telling outrageous lies about them to make them even more irresistible than they already are. And it works. So far, all 185 dogs featured in the spot have been adopted…except one! His name is Norbert. (He’s known as Lucky here at NSALA). Late last month, actor Sam Waterston hosted an entire feature on Norbert that is absolutely hysterical. If you haven’t seen it, here it is. And we think it might have done the trick. Lots of potential adopters have applied. And our fingers are crossed that one of them will be worthy of Norbert’s love and companionship.


But behind the fun is always the real-life struggle for good homes for so many pets. Gosh, it’s so daunting at times because the need is so great, and the situations are often so desperate. Right now, between my homes in New York and Florida, I’m fostering 28 cats and kittens. My program is full! And yet, I always try to make room for one…or two…more. Adoption is one answer, but it’s not enough. We also have to educate people about spay/neuter and make it more widely accessible.

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With kitten season about to burst onto the scene (it never really disappears!), I want to highlight another NSALA program making a difference. SpayUSA® is a nationwide referral network that connects people with low-cost spay-neuter services in their communities. Hundreds of thousands of people have used this service during the last 20 years, saving, millions of animals from homelessness and misery. If anyone you know is trying to figure out how to have a dog or cat “fixed,” please consider SpayUSA.

Gosh, for some reason, I just can’t stop thinking about dogs, so before I end this blog, I want to tell you about two more waiting for adoption at Animal League America. They are both so deserving. I hope you will spread the word so they can begin the next chapters in their precious lives.

Dexter’s story breaks my heart. He was adopted as a puppy nine years ago and recently returned because his people got divorced. Honestly! Just so sad. He’s a large senior dog with lots of love to give. Click here to read his story, and here to see his video.

Meet Camilla Twinkie Adopt ID: PM6435. I love that name! And that sweet, intelligent face. Camilla is a 5-year-old Havanese puppy mill survivor. Just imagine all she’s gone through. Here’s what my colleagues have to say about this darling girl. “Camilla came to us in November 2024 after she was rescued from a commercial breeding facility. Still learning to navigate the world around her, Camilla is very timid and needs a patient and understanding adopter experienced with fearful dogs. Camilla would benefit greatly from a calm and supportive environment where she can build trust at her own pace. She may thrive with a well-socialized dog in the home, as having a canine companion could help her feel more comfortable and confident. If you have room in your heart and home for this gentle soul, Camilla Twinkie is waiting to meet you at our Port Washington, New York, Adoption Center.” Click here for Camilla Twinkie’s details.

With spring just around the corner, I feel a surge of hope for pets like Gabby, Romeo, Norbert, Dexter, Camilla Twinkie, and all my fosters. I truly believe there’s enough love in this world to go around. And so does resident kitty Miss Petunia.

xo
Beth


P.S. I’m so excited to be chairing our Celebration of Rescue Gala on June 12, 2025, in Manhattan. It’s going to be an inspirational night filled with hope, plus a live performance by Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band. Hank and his wife adopted two of my kittens, and I’m just thrilled he’s going to be part of this incredible event. Mark your calendars and save the date!



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