Home > Out of the Cage! > February/March 2005 > Featured Alliance Participating Organization: Bobbi and the Strays: More than a Decade of Rescue and Education in the Community

Featured Alliance Participating Organization

Bobbi and the Strays: More than a Decade of Rescue and Education in the Community

More than ten years ago, Bobbi Giardino was driving on a busy street when she saw a car strike a dog — and then drive away! She immediately came to the dog's aid, taking him to a vet for care. That was her epiphany — she's been doing animal rescue work ever since.

Bobbi and the Strays grew out of Bobbi's wish to end animal suffering. She and her staff and dedicated group of volunteers rescue dogs and cats, and occasionally birds and rabbits, throughout New York City, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the tri-state area. In lieu of a shelter, Bobbi rents a small section of the Vet port at JFK Airport, which includes a yard where the animals can get exercise. Four foster families provide temporary homes for the remaining animals. Bobbi says she's looking to establish a permanent shelter facility, but the funding must come first.

In a typical month, Bobbi and the Strays cares for approximately 45 animals, with monthly intakes hovering around a dozen animals. These include owner surrenders, strays found on the streets, and 2–3 transfers each month from AC&C. Monthly adoptions typically number approximately 15. The group's charges find their new companion-people through various avenues, including adoption days at the JFK Vet port, PETCO stores, North Shore adoption days, and Mayor's Alliance Pet Adoption Festivals.

Adopters also are found through the group's web site, bobbicares.petfinder.com. Regular ads in Newsday and adoption flyers distributed throughout the area round out the group's adoption efforts.

In addition to finding homes for animals, Bobbi and the Strays provides educational services to the community, especially on the topic of animal cruelty. "I do presentations in schools to educate children on how to respect animals and care for them," explains Bobbi. "I hope that in this small way we can teach the generations coming up to have greater respect for all living creatures, so we can create a safer, happier world for our fellow animals."

Bobbi attributes the group's success to the dedicated, compassionate staff members and volunteers who give so much of their time to each of the animals they rescue. "My staff and volunteers are my strength, my courage, and my champions," she says. "All of us go out of our way to take in as many animals as possible, ensure they are adopted into the right homes, and continue to follow their progress to ensure their well being and happiness."

Bobbi tells of one dedicated volunteer, Virginia Hennessey, who has been a great supporter of Bobbi and the Strays for years. Despite living with terminal cancer, Virginia continued to volunteer with the animals at the Vet port every Thursday and Sunday, until she entered a hospice. "She still thinks constantly about all of our animals," says Bobbi, "and she is also still keeping us on our toes. The one thing she wants to see is for me to get my own shelter facility."

Virginia recently told Mary, one of Bobbi's staff members, "My life's concern has always been the animals, and I know that the animals will always be in good hands with Bobbi. I am proud to work with her."

To attract volunteers, Bobbi advertises on the group's web site and through flyers and word of mouth. She insists that volunteers be reliable, dedicated animal lovers willing to do whatever is needed for the animals. Bobbi assesses new volunteers' skills and matches them to the tasks at hand, which include rescue, walking dogs, socializing cats, grooming, and attending adoption days. "Some volunteers foster," she adds, "but they are first interviewed carefully, and I perform a house check to ensure the animals' safety and health."

Funding for the group's efforts comes from fundraisers, including an annual Halloween fundraiser (Bobbi's personal favorite), as well as mailings, adoption days, garage sales, candy sales, and individual donations.

One of the group's most touching rescues involved a black Lab named Andy. Bobbi tells the story:

Andy was found, badly wounded, limping on 100th Street in Ozone Park. I was called and immediately went to him. Andy was limping in the weeds when I arrived and, with the help of an assistant, I lured him out of the weeds (with food) and took him to the vet's office. The news was not good. Andy had most likely been hit by a car, and his front right leg was shattered at the joint in two places. I even took him to an orthopedic specialist who told me that, even with a very expensive operation, it was doubtful the leg could be saved.

I decided that, rather than putting him through needless surgeries, and on the advice of the doctors, the best course of action for Andy was to have the leg amputated. I took him to Dr. Paul Fish for this procedure. He also vaccinated and neutered Andy. Andy had to learn how to walk without one of his front legs — very different from losing a back leg (dogs can more easily adjust to the loss of a hind leg). The sad thing is, according to Dr. Fish, if the person who hit Andy had done the right thing and immediately called or taken him to the vet, the leg might have been saved.

The good news is that Andy is now doing great, all things considered. He is young, extremely well behaved, and so affectionate. Andy is now in foster care in Rockland County. His foster family includes two other dogs, one of which was adopted from Bobbi and the Strays. The family agreed to foster Andy until we find a loving, permanent home for him. As a special needs animal, we have to find the right home for him.

Some of the other dogs and cats currently available for adoption from Bobbi and the Strays include:

Socrates – Domestic longhaired black and white cat, 3 years old, neutered male. A furry guy with an inquisitive personality who loves to snuggle just as much as he loves to investigate everything that is going on. He would do fine as an only cat or with feline companions, and is up to date with vaccinations and housetrained. Socrates came from AC&C.

Siren – Domestic shorthaired black cat. Just take a look at our beautiful Siren. He is a handsome prince just waiting for his royal family. Regal and cuddly, he would just love to come home with you. He is altered, housetrained, and up to date with his vaccinations. Siren had surgery for a urinary condition, and while he can urinate without any problem now, he requires Prednisone twice a week. He loves to play with his toys. He can be very quiet for hours, checking birds and squirrels out of the window. He's a curious guy, and loves to discover new places and hideouts. He's very affectionate, and loves to eat.

Oreo Cookie – German Shepherd/Rottweiler Mix, young male. Oreo Cookie is an amazing dog and loves kids (but might be too strong for young children), people and other dogs. A beautiful tan and brown mix with the most beautiful eyes, he becomes very attached to people and would make a wonderful, loyal addition to your family. He is housetrained, up to date with his vaccinations, and ready to go to a loving, permanent home. Oreo Cookie came from AC&C.

Dutchess – Young Airedale/Irish Wolfhound mix, spayed female. Dutchess is four years old and weighs about 65 pounds. She is much smaller than a pure Irish Wolfhound and loves to play catch, fetch, and tug-of-war! Dutchess is great with young children and would make the perfect companion for an active family with tons of love. Did I mention she is adorable to boot? She is up to date with vaccinations, and is altered and housetrained. Dutchess came from AC&C.

Woody – Shepherd mix, senior male, neutered. We are looking for that special someone to adopt or foster Woody. His "mom" was taken ill and since moved to a nursing home that won't allow Woody. Woody is living in a cold cage and he has a touch of arthritis, but is such a loving animal and when he speaks to you, it sounds as if he's saying "Oh Oh Oh"! He's very sweet and can't stay outside too long with the other dogs in the run because it's too cold for his poor back legs. Woody is healthy otherwise and has all his shots. He is available for adoption to the right loving family. Or, would you consider fostering sweet Woody so he can have a home? He is up to date with routine shots, already housetrained, and altered.

Bobbi, who shares her life with four wonderful rescued dogs — Buddy, Foxy, Lulu, and Lacey — says she's thrilled to be a member of the Mayor's Alliance. "It's a great team, it helps us to network, and the people are among the most supportive you'll find," she says.

Click here to learn more about Bobbi and the Strays, or to volunteer or make a donation.