Dogs and cats at Long Island shelter need forever homes

Juicy the Yorkie, Lola the pit mix, and Boris the cat are just three prospective pets that Little Shelter Animal Rescue in Huntington, Long Island, shamelessly showcased on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day.

"For us, it's just an awesome way to get shelter pets into homes," said David Ceely, Little Shelter's executive director.

The nonprofit takes in dogs and cats from municipal shelters. Right now, it has about 300 cats and 65 dogs.

"We've got puppies, we've got middle-aged dogs, we've got adult dogs, we've got teenagers—anything that you're looking for," Ceely said. "From Chihuahuas to chow mixes, we've got it."

The shelter also rescues special needs and older dogs. Nina is a 3-year-old Lhasa apso unable to move her hind legs and uses a wheelchair. Brynn, an 8-year-old pit bull, is considered a senior dog.

"All of the training is done, so you don't have to go through the housebreaking, you don't have to go through the behavioral training," Ceely said. "They're pretty low key. They just want to hang out and be loved and they deserve to spend their golden years in a home."

Dorothy MacLeod fosters kittens. The volunteer denies the myth that black cats are bad luck!

"They're the best luck in the world," MacLeod said. "In fact, in England, they're considered good luck."

Nearly 100 hurricane relief dogs have been brought to the Little Shelter. Nine more arrived this weekend from Puerto Rico, including Eva, a little Chihuahua mix. They're quarantined for two weeks to make sure they're healthy.

"There's an adoption fee for every pet that goes out, which will include spaying, neutering, vaccinating, microchipping," Ceely said. "It's $100 for cats, $175 for puppies, and $150 for adult dogs."

By adopting you not only save the pet you bring home but also the life of another one waiting to get into the shelter.