Random Licks: Bobbi and the Strays


Posted on Jul 3, 2008
By Glenn Close

Comments(3) 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.

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Comments
Dear Glenn, My name is Sandy and I am a long-time volunteer with Bobbi & the Strays. I wanted to thank you so much for visiting us and helping to spread the word on adoption. We have so many lovely dogs and cats who all need forever homes. Thank you again for posting us on your blog and for educating the public. I hope to meet you at Broadway Barks! Sincerely, Sandy Senior Adoption Counselor/Webmaster Bobbi & the Strays www.bobbicares.com - bobbicares2@aol.com
Posted By jynxxy
on Jul 4, 2008
Dear Glenn, My name is Marianne and I belong to a new rescue group on Long Island called Forgotten Friends of Long Island. We take the most needy dogs the ones with medical issues, elderly, blind, etc please visit our site at www.forgottenfriendsoflongisland.org Please keep up the good work and I look forward to meeting you in the future. Bobbi and the Strays is a great rescue group and we have worked with them is the past
Posted By Marianne
on Nov 16, 2008
Dear Ms. Close: I adopted a dog from Bobbi and the Strays this past New Year's eve. After an exhausting search through many shelters, I came upon my prince--CJ, a three year-old Jindo mix, with the heart of a lion! Sandy, one of the volunteers, was amazing. I can't say enough for their organization and all that they do. They are wonderfully caring and responsible people and I am so happy to see all of hard work getting the acknowledgement they deserve. Thank you for taking the time and shining a spotlight on the Bobbi rescuers and thank you to Sandy and all those at Bobbi & the Strays for saving my prince charming! Fondest, Patricia and CJ Tierney
Posted By patricia
on Mar 9, 2009
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Welcome to LIVELY LICKS: Profiles of Dogs and their People.
I hope that you will be entertained, comforted and inspired by the people and dogs that I have the privilege of featuring on this blog. Since starting it over a year and a half ago, it has pulled me into an incredible journey. Besides being able to celebrate some of my wonderful friends and the profound bond they have with their dogs, LIVELY LICKS has introduced me to the world of avalanche dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, service dogs for our wounded warriors and dogs in need of rescue and adoption. I have been inspired by the selfless dedication of the people who run grassroots shelters as well as urban care and control centers. I have been deeply moved by their stories in which dogs heal and empower their humans. Those of us who have dogs, know how much they enhance our quality of life with their unquestioning loyalty and unconditional love. There are an infinite number of stories to tell, so I hope you will stay with me as I continue to explore and discover and delight in the journey.

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