Shelter Animals: Where Are They Now?

In early March, Kings Park resident Jerry Molaro came to Smithtown Animal Shelter with a particular pet in mind.

Molaro is an avid dog lover who experienced hardship within the past three years when both of the dogs that he had picked up as strays over a decade ago in Brooklyn passed away.

"I felt empty,” said Molaro. “I felt like I needed another dog… another friend."

That led Molaro to the internet to search for local dogs for adoption. He came across , a four-to-five-year-old Collie mix at , who was posted on Patch in the Shelter Pet of the Week feature in February, and instantly found his new companion.

"I fell in love with his face... those eyes, they can see right through your soul, and you can see through theirs."

Molaro adopted Watson and changed his name to Teddy for his teddy bear-like appearance. He and Teddy now enjoy going for long walks along the Nissequogue River.  Though Teddy is afraid to go in the water, he loves to look out on the water and watch the birds. Molaro also eagerly maintains Teddy's luxurious Collie coat, which often attracts compliments from strangers while on their walks.

In addition to Teddy, Smithtown Animal Shelter has had the help of Patch and other websites to help dogs like ,, , , , , and get adopted.  From their menagerie of cats, , , , , , and have also been taken home by new loving owners.

George Beatty, supervisor of the Smithtown Animal Shelter, has noticed that pets that have once been bypassed by people looking to adopt an animal at the shelter are now getting more attention.  People are often attracted to puppies and kittens for their youthful energy, but now Beatty sees that people are becoming more considerate of older pets.

“A lot of people have been coming in to adopt adult shelter cats,” said Beatty.  “People are realizing that they are harder to place, and they also see the ease of pet care for adult cats… they are more independent, and have as much love and affection to give as a dog.”

Though Patch has posted over a dozen dogs from the League for Animal Protection of Huntington, to date, none have been adopted.

If you are interested in adopting a cat or dog into your life, call at 631-360-7575 or stop by the shelter at 410 East Main Street in Smithtown.  To take home one of the great dogs from the , call their dog department at 631-757-9373, or email them at dogs@laphuntington.org.