Home > Out of the Cage! > Winter 2007 > New Adoption Center Increases Adoptions for Bobbi and the Strays

New Adoption Center Increases Adoptions for Bobbi and the Strays

"Pinch me, I'm dreaming," was Bobbi Giordano's reaction when she learned that the owners of Glendale's The Shops At Atlas Park had decided to donate a space at the new mall to her for animal adoptions.

Bobbi, who is the founder and executive director of Bobbi and the Strays, an Ozone Park-based animal rescue group and member of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, had been looking to open a new adoption center for several years. Since 1998, the group has been handling adoptions out of a rented space at the JFK Vetport. And while they have adopted hundreds of animals from that location, it proved to be a bit too out-of-the-way for some adopters. Bobbi says that the new high-traffic location at Cooper Avenue and 80th Street in Glendale is a godsend, and since the adoption center's grand opening in January, has increased the group's adoptions dramatically. "Where we used to adopt out about fifteen animals a month, we can do that many adoptions in four days at the new location," says Bobbi.

The retail space was donated by the owners of the shopping center in support of the life-saving efforts of the ten-year-old organization that has found homes for thousands of abandoned and abused dogs and cats. The adoption center will not replace the Vetport location, but will provide vital exposure for the dogs and cats boarded at the Vetport. The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals provided a capacity-building grant to support the operation of the new adoption center.

Bobbi and the Strays celebrated the center's grand opening on January 20, 2007, with a gala opening adoption event that drew many supporters and some local politicians, including New York State Senator Serphin ("Serf") Maltese. Plenty of adopters showed up as well, and two American Pit Bull Terriers were among the many animals that found new homes that day.

Open for adoptions seven days a week, the center demands a great deal of time and effort to run. Bobbi and her volunteers carpool the animals to the center each day, and return them to the Vetport in the evening. Most of the animals that are shown at the center are smaller ones — cats and small dogs. Cats are featured at the center every day; the dogs are there on Fridays and Saturdays.

Despite the additional work, Bobbi says it's well worth the effort. "The atmosphere at the center is great," says Bobbi. "And the people here are amazing. Animals are such a big part of their lives. We've adopted to people who work in the area, who shop here, and who come to the movies here."

Bobbi says that the encouragement and support from other businesses in the mall have been exhilarating. For example, Joan, Patty and Carol from Crazy for Animals — a pet boutique located next door to the center that sells specialty items for dogs and cats — were the intermediaries who initiated the acquisition of the donated space. Frank Russo, Jr., who owns Russo on the Bay, donated office furniture for the new adoption center.

And White House/Black Market, a neighboring clothing store, plans to host a fundraiser for Bobbi and the Strays at the store on Sunday, April 15, donating ten percent of their sales from 6:00 p.m. until closing. Another neighbor, a card store called Blue Tulip, also plans to hold a fundraiser for the group.

While the new center promises to increase Bobbi and the Stray's adoptions, it also will benefit some of the area's cat rescuers. Bobbi generously provides them with space to show some of their rescued cats for adoption.

This gesture of inclusion is typical of Bobbi, who has dedicated her life to rescuing some of the neediest animals. "I believe there is a home for every one of them," she says. The new adoption center will certainly help increase those odds.

Adopters are invited to visit the center, located at 71-03 80th Street, Glendale. Phone: (718) 326-6070.

Cat Adoptions

Monday–Saturday: 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Sunday: Noon–4:00 p.m.

Both Cat and Dog Adoptions

Friday: 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Saturday: 11:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Click here to meet some of Bobbi and the Strays' wonderful cats and dogs available for adoption online.

Bobbi and the Strays finds permanent homes for dogs and cats who are in need of a loving family of their own. Some of the pets they place have been given up by their owners; others come from animal shelters or are given to them by people who have found them running loose without identification.

For more information about Bobbi and the Strays, visit bobbicares.petfinder.org.