Random Licks: Bobbi and the Strays

Posted on Jul 3, 2008 By Glenn Close Comments(2)
Bernadette Peters' and Mary Tyler Moore's annual Broadway Barks adopt-a-thon takes place on July 12th, in Shubert Alley---the heart of Broadway. At the event, grassroots shelters from all over the five boroughs will be bringing in animals for adoption. It is a very important event for these shelters because it heightens their visibility, gives them a chance to find permanent homes for their animals and will, hopefully, also bring in new foster parents and donors. Everyone needs donors!

Tabitha, Glenn, Bobbi, Laura, and Rachel

I wanted to meet the people in one of these shelters so I could see, first-hand, the work that they do and follow some of the pets that will be brought to Broadway Barks. We chose Bobbi and the Strays. They work out of a donated storefront in The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, Queens and also have rented space for their bigger dogs at the Vet Port at JFK.

Bobbi Giordano quit her job in the Fashion District in 1998 and founded Bobbi and the Strays. Since then they have found homes for over 5,000 pets.

Luna, a shelter dog at Bobbi and the Strays'

The smaller dogs, as well as the cats, are kept at the storefront. Many of them go to foster homes for the night. I was very impressed with how healthy they all are and how passionate Bobbi and her volunteers are about finding them responsible and happy homes. Shelters like Bobbi and the Strays work on a shoestring, relying on volunteers and donations. "Bobbi and the Strays will lose their storefront if the mall needs the space and since they recently lost their lease at JFK, they rent their cages on a monthly basis. Their animals could easily find themselves without shelter, once again, in only a few weeks. Bobbi's dream is to find a permanent space in Queens.

A sweet shelter dog at Bobbi and the Strays'

Tabitha Belisi, who volunteers seven days a week, coming all the way from Battery Park City, took us to the JFK facility. It was a huge understatement when she said. "It's not as glamorous here." However, the rented cages are spotless and in an air-conditioned room and all the dogs I saw are in very good shape, but it's still a grim place for a healthy, active dog. They get walked four times a day, and have a chance to play in an outside pen and have two wading pools for these hot, summer months, contributed by Tabitha. I was

very impressed by the temperament of each dog. If any of them have behavioral issues, the volunteers work with them to make them adoptable. They get to know each animal so that it can ultimately be placed in a home that's a perfect fit for all.

I don't know which of their dogs will be brought to Broadway Barks, but I urge all who read this to not only seek out Bobbi and the Strays on July 12th, but to visit them at The Shops at Atlas Park in Queens or on their website at: www.bobbiandthestrays.org.