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SINCE MARCH, it has been raining cats and dogs at NYC’s Animal Haven Shelter. The tidal wave of COVID-19 cases that hit New York also flooded their system with abandoned or orphaned pets. To right their ship, Animal Haven launched its “Emergency Action Fund,” a campaign to ensure that they could respond to the flood of rescues brought to their attention.
Many pet owners have lost their lives to the virus. Other owners had to leave their homes, relocating to temporary homes where their animal friends weren’t welcome. On one occasion, a Manhattan senior center was forced to move more than 300 residents into private hotel rooms—no pets allowed. Animal Haven came to the rescue, sheltering all of the abandoned pets until their owners could relocate to a place where their furred and feathered friends were welcome.
I have been a lucky puppy. I still have my home, my mom, and my Downtown Magazine family. Sadly, many more lost their owners forever and need new families and new homes. Below are some of COVID’s four-legged refugees. Some have found a home already, but many have not.
If you have room in your home and in your heart to adopt a new friend, there are always pets available at Animal Haven. Or you can donate to the wonderful people who find and care for these pets. Visit animalhaven.org/#action or find them on Venmo @AnimalHaven.
THIMBLE, LAB MIX, 8 YEARS OLD
I have been a good boy all my life. I am obedient and well-mannered, and given all the love a dog could want. Now my best friend is gone, and I need love more than ever. Do you have room in your home for one more?
SKY, JACK RUSSELL MIX, 4 YEARS OLD
When my pawrent had to leave their senior center, I was terrified. They were going to a new place where they would be safe, but I wasn’t allowed to join. Animal Haven took me in, along with dozens of other pets, while we waited for our pawrents to return for us. I already have my happy ending: I was returned to my owner, and we’re both safe and well.
WINTER, DOMESTIC SHORT HAIR CAT, 8 YEARS OLD
Animal Haven saved my nine lives. When my guardian passed away at 82, I had nowhere else to go. A neighbor called Animal Haven and they came to get me. I was so scared–probably because of all of the PPE–but they brought me back with them safely. I am still getting over the fright of being alone, but I think I am ready to find a new family to love.
SYDNEY, TERRIER MIX, 12 YEARS OLD
I once was lost, but now I’m found. I spent some serious time on the street, abandoned by my previous owner. I got rescued when a good Samaritan found me in a park and brought me to Animal Haven. I am blind and deaf, but I still have a lot of love to give to a family who wants me.
ROSCOE, MASTIFF MIX, 10 YEARS OLD
I am a fortunate dog. After my owner passed away from COVID, I was lost. Literally. I ended up in the city shelter before being rescued by Animal Haven. Will you help me find a new home and a family to love me?
CHOCO CHIHUAHUA, 12 YEARS OLD
I was blessed with a big family: a mom and four feline brothers and sisters. Our mom was sick, but she always took the time to care for us. Then COVID started, and mom couldn’t take care of all of us. She gave away my siblings to Animal Haven. She hoped they would find good homes. Then she passed away, and the rest of my family is alone, but together again. We have only one wish: to find a home where all of us can stay together and be a family again.
BO, PUG, 10 YEARS OLD
My name is Bo. I’m a ten-year-old pug who spent his whole life with my best friend and owner. When they passed away from COVID, I was terrified. I am mostly blind and deaf, and I was afraid that I couldn’t find love again. Thankfully, Animal Haven found a beautiful new family to take care of me!
Follow my adventures on Instagram, @downtownbarclay