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Light Rain Shelter touts success of adoption program
With fees waived for holidays, 178 pets find new homes
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter found homes for 178 pets during its Home for the Holidays adoption program, which ended on Jan. 4. That bests last year’s total of 157.
During the program, which began on Nov. 19, all adoption fees were waived. The shelter, located on Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh, also provided free spaying, neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Several animal-related businesses also contributed gifts, such as coupons for dog grooming and medical exams.
“I was really thrilled,” Town Supervisor Kate Murray said about the number of animals that were adopted. “I think this program continues to be highly successful.”
This year, 94 dogs were adopted, along with 84 cats. A year earlier, cats were the more popular animal during Home for the Holidays.
Kristin Mendes, of Wantagh, adopted a dog during the program. It is a pitbull-mastiff mix that she named Chevy. After one of her dogs died in October, she wanted to get another dog, and looked at several places before finding the right one at the shelter. “I just couldn’t say no,” she said. “He’s friendly, lovable.”
Mendes added that it was important to find a pet that would get along with her other dog. She said this was her second time adopting a pet from the town’s animal shelter.
Mike Pastore, director of the shelter, said staff work to match up prospective owners with the right pet. He said some people come in looking for a puppy or a kitten, while some people want an older pet, which are often harder to adopt.
“The average citizen is looking to save an animal,” he said. “They have a lot of different locations to choose from. These animals are here because they were not wanted, or they were homeless. They need a second home.”
The shelter, as a municipal facility, has to take in every animal. A program like Home for the Holidays allows the shelter to make space for other cats and dogs. “Sadly enough, we have a constant stream of dogs and cats who are being abandoned, who are strays, who are being given up by owners who can no longer care for a pet,” Murray said. “The doors opens and closes both ways.”
