Hounds on the Highway

"$400 to Adopt?!" - The Real Cost of a "Free to Good Home" Dog in the NYC Metro Area If you’ve ever browsed Facebook, Craigslist, or neighborhood groups, you’ve probably seen it: “Free to a good home. We just want them to go to a loving family.” And right next to that, a rescue or shelter asking  $350–$500 in adoption fees . It’s totally normal to have a gut reaction: “Why would I pay $400 to adopt when I can get a dog for free?” In the NYC metro area—where rent, groceries, and even iced coffee feel expensive—it can seem like rescues are cashing in. But when you look at the  actual  costs of getting a dog safe, healthy, and ready for life in this city, that adoption fee is usually a  bargain , not a profit. Let’s break it down. What a Rescue Dog Typically Comes With Most reputable rescues in the NYC area adopt dogs out  already vetted  or well on their way: Spayed/neutered Up to date on core vaccines Microchipped Tested for heartworm and common tick-borne d...

  There’s nothing better than watching your dog light up over a new toy. The right toy can burn off energy, relieve stress, build confidence, and deepen your bond. The wrong toy… can sit untouched in the corner, get destroyed in 30 seconds, or even pose a safety risk. Here’s a practical, real-world guide to choosing the  perfect  toy for your dog—one that fits their personality, keeps them engaged, and keeps them safe.

  Every adoption event has its mix of emotions — excitement, nerves, hope, and sometimes, a bit of frustration. But every so often, something happens that reminds us exactly why we keep showing up, weekend after weekend. This past event was one of those days. We brought a  9-month-old hound mix names Kitty  — a shy, gentle soul who was absolutely terrified of city life. The noises, the crowds, the constant motion — it was all overwhelming for her. She hugged the ground, avoided eye contact, and trembled at every passing sound. You could see in her eyes that she wanted to be brave, but the world just felt too big. Then something incredible happened. At the event, the dog that happened to be next to us caught sight of her — a dog with similar markings, a familiar look, and the same cautious curiosity. When they got closer, tails started to wag. Sniffs turned into wiggles. Wiggles turned into play bows. And just like that, we realized what we were witnessing:  a reunion...

Pit Bulls, Public Safety, and the Truth Behind the Myths Say the words  “pit bull”  and you’ll usually get a strong reaction. Some people picture a goofy, wiggly couch potato. Others picture a headline about a serious dog attack. In between those extremes is where reality lives — and that reality is a lot more complex, and more hopeful, than most viral posts will ever admit. This post isn’t about defending or demonizing any breed. It’s about asking:  What does the evidence actually say about pit bulls and bite risk?  And just as important:  What does it  not  say? First, What Do We Mean by “Pit Bull”? Before we can talk statistics, we have to talk labels. Researchers and shelters usually use “pit bull–type” to describe a  group  of dogs: American Pit Bull Terriers , American Staffordshire Terriers , Staffordshire Bull Terriers , and mixes that  look  like them. That “look” piece is important, because… Many dogs called “pit bulls” ar...