Waggytail Rescue

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Waggytail Rescue

The official page for Waggytail Rescue, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Foster homes are the MOST ESSENTIAL part of what we do!

Founded in 2004, Waggytail Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has rescued over 7000 abandoned dogs and even cats and kittens! Through the tireless work of our many volunteers and amazing fosters, we are committed to continuing to find forever homes for New York's homeless animals. Waggytail Rescue is completely volunteer-run and does not have a physical shelter location,

instead we rely on the tireless, loving work of our fosters who care for our animals in their own home. Taking a scared and confused animal out of the shelter system and into a loving, private home gives them the opportunity to relax, recover and become the best version of themselves before adoption. Fostering dogs and cats that do not respond well to being in a shelter greatly increases their chance of adoption and avoids unnecessary euthanasia. If you are interested in volunteering your time, energy and patience as a foster parent, you can help put a dog and caton the path towards a long and happy life in their forever home. For more information visit: http://www.waggytailrescue.org

05/29/2026

Meet Reed 💚

At just 8 weeks old and 1.5 lbs, Reed has already overcome more than most kittens ever should. This tiny gray-and-white boy came into foster care at only 3 weeks old with a URI and heartbreakingly lost his brother shortly after arriving. Despite it all, Reed has grown into one of the sweetest, cuddliest, happiest kittens imaginable.

Reed starts purring the second he sees you and absolutely lives for human affection. He loves climbing onto his foster mom’s chest, gazing into her eyes, pawing gently at her face, and falling asleep with the loudest little purr. 🥹

But don’t let the snuggles fool you — this boy is also FULL of kitten energy. Reed zooms through tunnels, attacks teaser toys, wrestles his ball spinner, and sneakily pounces on feet whenever he gets the chance. Because he grew up without another kitten after losing his brother, he can get a little mouthy during playtime and is still learning proper kitten manners.

That’s why Reed MUST go to a home with another playful cat, kitten, or cat-friendly dog. He desperately misses having a buddy to wrestle, chase, cuddle, and learn from. 💫

Reed also had some constipation issues early on, but he’s now thriving on a fiber-rich diet. He’s still a bit small for his age, so his forever family should continue monitoring his growth as he continues to flourish.

He’s resilient, hilarious, endlessly affectionate, and ready to absolutely adore his future family. 🐾

05/28/2026

Diesel is a 2-month-old kitten with a huge personality packed into a tiny body. This playful little guy is always ready for fun, whether he’s chasing toys, climbing into your lap, or following you around the house like your tiniest shadow. His favorite place to be is wherever you are — Diesel would happily spend 24/7 by your side.

One thing you should know about Diesel: he is absolutely obsessed with food. Meal time is the highlight of his day, and he’ll make sure you never forget it! His enthusiasm for snacks and dinner is guaranteed to make you laugh.

Diesel also has a heart of gold when it comes to other animals. He loves both dogs and cats and would thrive in a home with furry friends to play and cuddle with.

This sweet boy had a rough start after being found inside a car engine, but he has made a full recovery and is now healthy, happy, and thriving. Apply to adopt Diesel on waggytailrescue.org 🐾

05/27/2026

Miso and Sushi are two adorable 8 week old kittens who are ready to find their forever family! Both girls came to Waggytail when they were just a few days old.

Sushi had 4 siblings but they all passed away shortly after they were rescued. Fortunately, Sushi proved to be a fighter even though the odds were stacked against her. After getting the critical support that Sushi needed, she became stronger, and her foster mom introduced her to Miso, another kitten from the NYC ACC who was in need of bottle feeding. The girls became fast friends and now they are absolutely inseparable. They are constantly playing together and when they're not running around with each other, you can always find them curled up together for nap time. They're the perfect match for each other.

Sushi, the little tabby girl, is extremely loving and always wants attention when she's not playing with her sister. She loves to cuddle up on her foster human's lap and is an absolute purr machine. Miso, the little calico girl, is very adventurous and is such a great influence on Sushi, who is a bit more cautious. Miso is always down to explore, and Sushi usually ends up following along on fun adventures. Like Sushi, Miso is also very loving and really enjoys snuggling and getting pets. They also both LOVE their toys and scratching posts.

These two playful and adventurous kittens would make the perfect addition to any family. Apply to adopt Miso and Sushi on waggytailrescue.org 🐾

05/26/2026

On April 25th, Gillian honored her commitment to Waggy Grad Hunter, carrying her through life with love until the very end. She shared:

"Hunter was only supposed to stay for a few days but when I learned she was in poor health. I couldn’t imagine sending her anywhere else. I just wanted her to feel safe, comfortable, and loved for whatever time she had left. At the time, I never could have imagined that “a few months” would turn into 8 incredible years together.

In the beginning, Hunter was overwhelmed by the world around her. Just one day after bringing her home, she was rushed to the emergency vet with frightening neurological symptoms. Her body was in shock, and she was incredibly sick. But we had already bonded so deeply, and all I wanted was for her to know she was safe. Keeping her with me wasn’t even a question.

Over time, I watched Hunter transform. Her symptoms subsided, she gained weight, and her beautiful personality began to shine through. She became my very best friend. Everything about her was uniquely Hunter, from her silly little underbite to the way carrying a toy on walks helped calm her anxiety and gave her confidence. Those walks became our thing, a small adjustment that made her feel safer and happier in the world.

Hunter taught me patience, compassion, and how to soothe someone through fear and uncertainty. She was my shadow around the house, always beside me, always waiting for me. Her love was unconditional and pure. More than anything, she taught me to never give up hope. What started as a devastating prognosis of only months to a year became 8 beautiful years full of love, resilience, and companionship. Hunter was a fighter, and I truly believe the love she felt kept her going all those years. She was so deeply special and so deeply loved.

I hope Hunter’s story inspires others to open their hearts to fostering special needs dogs. They deserve every ounce of love and care, and they will give back more love than you could ever imagine. Thank you to Waggytail and to everyone who may have loved her before me. Because of all of you, Hunter lived a long, full life where not a single day passed without her feeling cherished, safe, and adored. My sweet Huntie girl will be missed forever."

Hunter found her forever family in 2018.

05/25/2026

Many senior dogs are often overlooked in favor of younger puppies or newer arrivals, but by doing that, you might miss out on a dog like Nani.

Nani is a 13-year-old, 9–11 lb sweetheart who came to Waggytail as a local owner surrender after spending the last 10 years with her owner. It’s clear she was deeply loved, and despite this major life change, Nani has not lost her ability to trust, bond, and love again. Over the past month, she’s had time to decompress with her foster family and is now ready to find a forever home where she can enjoy her golden years surrounded by comfort and care.

Nani is a cozy, low-key companion who settled into foster care almost immediately. She loves curling up in a soft dog bed, preferably on the couch, soaking up gentle affection, and staying close to her people. At night, she sleeps peacefully in her bed either on the couch or alongside her foster family, and she navigates stairs with ease. When left alone, Nani does not experience separation anxiety and relaxes comfortably with her foster siblings, happily snoozing the day away.

She is both p*e pad and outdoor trained, sleeps through the night without issue, and absolutely loves going for walks and spending time outside. Nani is confident on leash and enjoys exploring the world around her. She forms deep bonds with her people and loves wholeheartedly. Nani thrives in a calm, peaceful environment and would be happiest in a home that embraces quiet routines, cozy moments, and the occasional little adventure.

Nani enjoys the companionship of calm dogs who are similarly sized and older in age. While she may enjoy a bit of playtime, she also appreciates downtime and relaxation. She has also been tested with both children and cats and has done well with both.

If you’re looking for a devoted best friend who will fill your home with warmth, comfort, and unconditional love, Nani is ready to make your world a little softer and a lot sweeter.

Nani is currently on kidney-support food, as her kidney values are slightly elevated. She has been fully evaluated by a veterinarian, and at this time no treatment or additional medical intervention is needed. We simply recommend that her future adopters continue monitoring her levels through routine annual veterinary check-ups.

05/22/2026

Not all heroes wear capes.

To us, our heroes are the foster parents who say yes to the unwanted ones. The ones others overlook because of uncertainty or the possibility of heartbreak. FeLV+ cats often fall into this category. Too many people see them as “too risky,” “too sick,” or “not worth the pain.”

But love is always worth it. Paris passed away earlier this week in the loving arms of his foster mom. And while our hearts are broken, we are also grateful. Grateful that he didn’t spend his final days alone in a shelter kennel, waiting for someone who may never come. Grateful that we got to know what a sweet, silly, and affectionate boy he was. Grateful that he knew warmth, safety, soft blankets, and the feeling of being truly loved.

Sometimes rescue isn’t about how long we get with them. Sometimes it’s simply about making sure they are cherished for as long as they live. Thank you, Neil and Jean, for saying yes, welcoming Paris into your home, and showing us what a beautiful kitten he was so he will always live on in our hearts.

Rest in peace, Paris. We love you!

05/20/2026

The Best Parts of a Puppy, None of the Heavy Lifting - Adopt Gertie!

If you think adopting a senior dog means slow days and constant naps, let 10-year-old Gertie completely rewrite the script! This 13-pound, leggy Pekingese or Tibetan Spaniel mix is proof that age is just a number. She’s a spry gal with loads of energy, a playful spirit, and a deep love for hallway fetch. 🎾

The best part of her golden-girl status? She’s already house-trained and perfectly content being left home alone while you’re at work. No puppy teething, no midnight potty training—just instant companionship!

💛 The Golden Life in NYC
Gertie came to the Manhattan ACC as a stray, but she’s far too refined for the street life. She is a total neighborhood celebrity, batting her gorgeous white eyelashes to collect her "treat tax" from local fans. Don't mind her current goofy haircut; her long, luscious locks are already growing back, framing her adorable fluffy ears and irresistible underbite.

Gertie’s Favorite Things:
🍦 The Fine Dining: She is a massive fan of fro-yo and cheese.
🛋️ The Comfort Life: She has never met a pile of pillows she didn't immediately claim.
🌟 Her Big Personality: She is incredibly expressive. While she isn’t a barker, she’ll vocalize her pure joy with the cutest little whines when the leash comes out.
🚲 The Routine: A perfect balance of low-key naps and enthusiastic neighborhood struts (she even likes bike rides!)

Gertie is 100% precious, fully vetted (recently spayed), and ready to bring a lifetime of mature love and youthful joy to her forever home. Apply today using the link in Gertie's profile!
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05/18/2026

Waggytail began as a dog rescue, and for many people, that’s still what we’re best known for. But over the past few years, you may have noticed more and more feline faces appearing on our page.

We officially launched our cat program in 2020, and since then, we have grown rapidly. We work closely with our municipal shelters to take in the ones who need help the most, and that includes neonatal kittens. In 2025, we were honored to join Orphan Kitten Club as a Mightycat Partner! In U.S. animal shelters, kittens under eight weeks old have higher rates of death than any other population. Orphan Kitten Club exists to change that, and we are so thrilled to join their mission.

Thanks to the incredible support and grants we’ve received from OKC, we’ve been able to provide lifesaving medical care to critical kittens. On top of that, they generously donated 20lbs of KMR this month as we are going into kitten season, helping us continue to care for and save the tiniest felines. 🐾

Bee, who is pictured here, wouldn’t have made it without the aggressive supportive care that was provided to her when she was found barely alive at days old. Bee is now thriving and will be available for adoption in a few weeks!

Thank you, ❤️

05/17/2026

They say that good things come to those who wait, and if that’s true, Lia is about to bring a whole lot of greatness into someone’s life!

Since February, Lia has been patiently waiting her turn. She has watched more than 85 other dogs find their forever homes and head off into the sunset. Through it all, this resilient girl has been waiting for the family she can finally call her own. Lia is like a beautiful flower—she has spent her time growing, learning, and putting down roots, and now she is absolutely ready to blossom. All she needs is the right amount of love, patience, and tender care. 🌸

Here is what makes this blooming flower so special:

• The Ultimate Companion: 5-year-old, 27-pound Shepherd mix who journeyed all the way from Mexico to find her person! A "Velcro dog" who bonds deeply.

• Silly, Smart, & City-Savvy: Don't let her gentle nature fool you—Lia has a wonderfully playful side! She loves her toys, running at the park, and gets the absolute silliest zoomies.

• Calm Vibes Only: She appreciates people who respect her boundaries and let her open up at her own pace. She does great home alone (is non-destructive and settles in quickly) and would be happy being a solo queen but could vibe with another similar energy pal.

Let's get this deserving lady a home of her own, today using the link in Lia's profile!
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05/16/2026

Meet Magical Barry Manilow! 🖤✨

This 7-year-old majestic sweetheart was rescued from in January, and he’s been waiting patiently for his forever home ever since. Despite his charming personality and soulful eyes, Barry has not received a single adoption application!! It’s heartbreaking to see such a loving cat overlooked, especially because of the superstitions surrounding black cats and the preference for younger kittens.

Barry is more than just his beautiful black coat; he’s a bundle of love and charm waiting to bring joy to someone’s life. Barry is polite, gentle, gets along with dogs, and most likely, another cat, with a slow introduction of course.

He’s playful but not does not have the wild energy of a kitten. He loves his cozy napping spots, he makes biscuits for you by the dozen, and through sweet meows and chirps, he will politely remind you it’s meal time.

Barry had a benign cyst removed from his back and has hyperthyroidism which is easily managed with a daily pill. Although he’s not a fan of taking it, he tolerates the handling needed for his medication.

He deserves a home where he can be cherished and adored. If you’re looking for a companion who will fill your days with warmth and affection, Barry is the perfect match.

Please consider opening your heart and home to this wonderful boy. Let’s give Barry the happy ending he deserves! ❤️🐾

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New York, NY

Website

http://www.waggytailrescue.org/

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