The Shelter Connection

11/07/2025

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and there’s no better time to meet Leo.

Ten-year-old Leo has spent nearly three years at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter, patiently waiting for his person to walk through the door. When he first arrived as a stray, Leo was a sweet, goofy guy who just needed to learn that not everyone wanted to be greeted with a big hug. Since then, he’s grown into a well-mannered, affectionate dog who has stolen the hearts of staff and volunteers alike.

Leo knows his commands perfectly and listens beautifully, though he still has the strength and spirit of a younger dog. He’s the kind of companion who thrives on human connection—always looking up to his handler for approval and ready to please. His playful nature hasn’t faded with age; Leo still loves to chase tennis balls, swing around rope toys, and show off his moves on the agility equipment and even our new tetherball setup.

Described simply as “sweet and happy,” Leo is proof that senior dogs have plenty of life, love, and energy to share. He would make a wonderful addition to an active family looking for a loyal friend who brings both fun and affection to every day.

Leo can be a bit dominant and prefers rough-and-tumble play with other dogs, so a meet and greet would be required with any canine companions in the home.

Give a senior dog the chance he deserves this November—come meet Leo and see why he’s one of our favorites.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

11/05/2025

🐾 November is Senior Pet Month! 🐾
This month, we’re celebrating our beloved Niko, our longest resident and 11 years young!

🚫Myth: Senior pets can’t bond like younger ones.

‼️Fact: They absolutely can — and do! Many form deep, instant connections, grateful for a second chance. ❤️

🚫Myth: Adopting a senior means constant vet bills.

‼️Fact: While they may need a little extra care, most seniors simply thrive on love, routine, and comfort — and they return that love tenfold.

✨ Adopt a senior this month and give them the cozy retirement they’ve always deserved.

If Niko is calling your name, call us at 516-869-6311 or email us at [email protected] for more information!

10/31/2025

Things are getting spook-tacularly silly around here!

Bessie is spinning up some cuteness as the Itsy Bitsy Spider (don’t worry, she only catches hearts), Honest Abe is looking paws-itively presidential in his Halloween bandana, and Lenny the Lobster is ready to claw his way into your heart! 💘

All three are on the hunt for their forever homes this spooky season — come meet them before they vanish into the night!
👻 Because the only thing spooky is an empty couch.

https://www.theshelterconnection.com/

10/29/2025

Some more moments from our wonderful day at Barkfest 2025 in Eisenhower Park! 🐾
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to give Mason and Scooch some love — they had the best time greeting everyone. Huge thanks to our volunteer Jafar for capturing these amazing photos, and to all our incredible volunteers who helped make the day run so smoothly. So many smiles, so many dog kisses, and so much fun!

10/28/2025

October is Pit Bull Awareness month, dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about these highly misunderstood dogs.

❗️FACT: a "pit bull" is not an actual breed, but a blanket term often used to describe dogs that share similar physical characteristics, most often the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bully.

❗️FACT: A dog's temperament is, in most cases, a product of training, socialization, and environment, not genetics. When raised with love and proper socialization, these dogs are famously affectionate, gentle, and silly! They were called "nanny dogs" for their historical patience and tolerance for kids.

What better way to celebrate the loyalty, resilience, and boundless love of these wonderful dogs by highlighting some of the amazing adopt-a-bulls in our shelter? Click through their photos to learn more about each dog, and if one is calling out to you, don't hesitate! Call us at 516-869-6311 or email us at [email protected] for more information!

10/27/2025

We had an incredible day at Barkfest 2025 yesterday! Our dynamic duo, Mason and Scooch, stole the show at the costume contest—posing for photos, greeting new friends, and charming absolutely everyone they met. And the best part? Scooch found his forever home! We couldn’t be happier for this sweet boy and his new family. Congratulations, Scooch—you’re going home!

10/26/2025

Come see some of our Adoptable Dogs!

This Sunday - Barkfest - Long Island's Largest Free Pet Costume Contest and Parade

10/24/2025

If you’ve stopped by the shelter lately, you’ve probably seen Kuma — usually snoozing behind the front counter like he owns the place.

This big, fluffy gentleman has been with us for six months now, patiently putting up with our antics, our endless photo ops, and our habit of sharing lunch with him. He lets us dress him up, fawn over him, and tell him daily how handsome he is — but as much as we love him, it’s time for Kuma to find his real home.

At 7–8 years old and 72 pounds, Kuma is the definition of calm and classy. He’s got that “wise old soul” vibe — peaceful, steady, and quietly hilarious. He’s also a little cat-like: he’ll appear silently by your side, lean in for affection, and then wander off for a nap in the best sunbeam he can find.

Kuma would love a relaxed, pet-free home where he can finally enjoy all the attention without having to share. He’s easygoing, gentle, and perfectly content to be your daily reminder to slow down and breathe.

So if your life could use a little more peace, a little more fluff, and one very dignified nap partner, Kuma’s your guy. Come meet the counter’s favorite snoozer — before he finally finds the couch he deserves.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

10/23/2025

Did you know TSC & The Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter have a Humane Education program? While we work with all sorts of groups and all ages, one of our most popular offerings are Scout Troop programs! Whether you are looking for your troop to earn an animal care badge, or your child is looking to complete a Bronze or Silver award, we can work with you. Our Scout program highlights ways you can help your local animal shelters, responsible pet ownership, and the shelter's role in the community.

If you are interested in either having us host a program for your troop or completing an award with us to help homeless shelter dogs, please email Genna at [email protected], or call the shelter at 516-869-6311. We can't wait to hear from you!

10/20/2025

Aries is a 3-year-old, 40-pound pitbull mix who radiates pure joy wherever he goes. Funny, sweet, and delightfully quirky, Aries has a one-of-a-kind personality that makes everyone who meets him laugh. He’s the kind of dog who can turn a rough day around with one goofy grin or a happy wiggle — truly a little ball of sunshine in fur form.

Aries didn’t have the easiest start in life, but you’d never know it from his happy spirit. He’s shown so much heart and resilience, and he greets every new friend with the biggest smile and an unstoppable tail wag. His best friend recently got adopted, and now it’s Aries’ turn to find the forever home he’s been dreaming of.

Despite everything he’s been through, Aries has been wonderful with other dogs here — so much so that we now use him as our official “dog tester.” He’s patient, kind, and just wants to make friends (and maybe share a laugh or two).

Aries is equal parts goofball and cuddle bug. He loves attention, laps, and being near his favorite humans. He’s the kind of dog who reminds you every single day how good it feels to love and be loved.

If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion who will fill your home with laughter, warmth, and pure happiness — Aries is waiting for you.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/aries-76322757/ny/port-washington/town-of-north-hempstead-animal-shelter-ny118/?_gl=1*1b7fy7p*_ga*NzYwMjEzMDM4LjE2OTI5NzExNDI.*_ga_5H1R91DP2Q*czE3NjA5NzMzNzckbzY4NCRnMSR0MTc2MDk3MzQyNyRqMTAkbDAkaDA.