Huntington Raises Over $9,500 For Give A Dog A Dream

HUNTINGTON, NY — Supervisor Edmund J. Smyth announced the Town of Huntington "Betty White Challenge" raised $9,585 in donations for Give A Dog A Dream in one week.

“Our generous residents made Betty White proud,” Smyth stated. “Huntington loves our shelter dogs.”

Smyth, along with his rescue dog Louie, first invited residents to participate in the "Betty White Challenge" on Jan. 12 and in one week, the town has raised thousands of dollars from 451 donations.

On Monday, alone, which would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday, 339 donations came in totaling $6,749. The Huntington Animal Shelter also received donations of collars, leashes and treats for the town’s shelter dogs.

Give a Dog a Dream Inc. is a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, formed by the town in 2014, that funds medically necessary surgeries and treatments, advanced behavior modification training, and costs related to finding forever homes for dogs with the Huntington Animal Shelter long-term, who may be difficult to place in a traditional home due to behavioral issues that cannot be retrained through the shelter's rehabilitation program. Donations can be made online.

The shelter also accepts donations of all types of items, but what the shelter needs most are flat collars (sizes M, L, XL), flat leashes, treats, and indestructible toys.

Due to coronavirus-related staffing shortages, the Huntington Animal Shelter is open by appointment only at this time. Residents were asked to call ahead to drop off items or schedule a visit with its dogs at 631-754-8722. The Huntington Animal Shelter is at 106 Deposit Road, East Northport.

It is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. After-hours emergency calls can be made to 631-351-3234.

The Town of Huntington Cat Shelter, located next door to the dog shelter, at 104 Deposit Road, is managed by Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center. For details on donating to the cat shelter, please call 631-651-9788.

The Betty White Challenge encouraged fans of the late actress, who was an animal advocate and died on Dec. 31, 2021, at the age of 99, to donate $5 to animal rescues and shelters in her name. Jan. 17, 2022, would have been White’s 100th birthday.