The holidays are nearly upon us! For many this can be a great time to celebrate gratitude for your family and share the joy with others. Because this is such wonderful time of giving, it is important to make sure we don’t forget about animal rescues who often have a harder time during this period when adoption rates slow and rescue dogs are desperate for their forever home (or even a foster family). That’s why for the first 12 days of December, we will be featuring a different animal rescue each day, sharing how they started, and what they could use most during the holiday season.
Second up is Animal Haven in New York City, NY. Animal Haven began in 1967 when several community members in Queens began rescuing cats in a small house. The rescue operation grew over the years, and by the early 2000s, Animal Haven had opened their first large-scale shelter in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood. Animal Haven operates a state-of-the-art rescue facility on Center Street, serving vulnerable dogs and cats, and the people who love them.
Because Animal Haven is a privately funded nonprofit, they are 100% dependent on the kindness of their supporters to continue and expand their rescue efforts. Additionally, as a limited-intake animal shelter, they will never euthanize an animal to create space or because the animal has been in Animal Haven’s care “too long.” Animal Haven commit to animals for however long it takes to find them the right home, and provide behavior and medical intervention to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive. With that said, Animal Haven is only able to rescue as many animals as they have space for, so adopting an animal from them saves two lives: the life of the animal you rescue, and the live of the animal for whom you’ve opened up kennel space!
Interested in adopting this holiday season?
Animal Haven has so many wonderful dogs looking for homes this holiday season, particularly a few long-termers who would really love the chance at a fresh start!
Sadie: Sadie’s history is a bit of a mystery to Animal Haven. This beautiful 6 year old german shepherd was brought to the city shelter after she was found on the streets, where they suspected she may have been hit by a car. They had her rushed to their emergency vet where it was determined that she had suffered no significant injuries and was thankfully discharged with a relatively clean bill of health. Sadie is a big girl who certainly has a lot to say and isn’t afraid to say it! She is a bit reserved when first meeting new people but is quick to warm up (especially when treats are involved!) Sadie’s a big fan of walks and always gets excited when you reach for her leash – she knows it’s time to go! She’s a sweet girl who would love to find her special person to bond with. Sadie doesn’t seem to know how to do stairs (or is a little nervous about them) so might be best in an elevator or ground floor home. Contact Animal Haven for more information on Sadie here!
Another loving pup is Trout! Trout is a spunky 2 year old boy who was part of our Hurricane Ian rescue. He’s a playful dog who LOVES his toys and will happily play fetch and tug with you all day if he could. He’s currently living it up in the Executive Suites at Animal Haven, where he has been an amazing office companion. When there’s nothing to do he’s happy to occupy himself with toys and chews or just take a siesta in his bed. Trout seems to like other dogs and previously roomed with a few other hurricane rescues but may need slower introductions since he can come on strong. He was originally very nervous when he first arrived, but has opened up amazingly. Potential adopters should just be mindful of going at his pace when first settling into a new space.
All of their other adoptable dogs can be seen at animalhaven.org/adopt/dogs.
Other ways to help:
If you can’t adopt, you can always volunteer or donate. Interested in volunteering? Click here to learn more! Everything on their wish list is important, but they’re particularly in need of the bully sticks, XL wee wee pads, and meaty treats for their dogs.
