Our Story

Life Long Tails was founded in 2004 by Jenn, our president, after adopting a dog from a local shelter. The dog, Olive, was fearful, not socialized, and aggressive. No one from the shelter could give her information or support.

Taking time to educate herself and work patiently with her new dog, Jenn was able to overcome these initial obstacles and develop a strong, loving relationship with Olive. This is something many new pet parents may not have the time or background to achieve.

Jenn recognized a need for a rescue that could offer a closer, more personal knowledge of its animals – one that could care for them in homes, with children and other pets.

For the first few years LLT focused on rescue, rehabilitation, training, and placement of dogs. We handled only the occasional cat or other small animal.

Since 2009, our organization has grown, allowing us the opportunity to focus on cats and ferrets in addition to dogs. Several of our cats and kittens can now be seen at the adoption center at PetSmart in Vestal.

In 2010, LLT became a fully incorporated non-profit with 501(c)(3) charitable organization status. This allows us to accept tax-deductible donations and monetary contributions. Currently, our main work continues to be in rescuing, caring for and adopting out individual animals.

Check Out Recent News on Our Blog

  • Annie
    Last year we found a home for a very special little rat terrier. Annie had been abandoned in bad shape and was in need of extensive surgery to repair her ears. But we stuck with her, and she stuck with … Continue reading →
  • The Power of a Purr
    So often we take for granted the positive impact pets have on our lives.  We really quite don’t understand what role they play in helping us to heal until we need it ourselves.  When I lost my better half Tim … Continue reading →
  • A Word from the Canine End of Things
    Life Long Tails has been lucky enough to partner with the Family Foundation School in Hancock NY, a resource for at risk children. It has been an amazing partnership, and very beneficial to both parties. The Family School helps foster … Continue reading →
  • Last weekend of pictures with Santa!
    We are approaching our last two days of pictures with Santa. Join us Saturday, 12/17 and Sunday 12/18 at the Vestal NY Pestsmart from 11am-4pm to get your pet’s picture taken with Santa. Last weekend we had the ‘Bunny Buds’ … Continue reading →
  • Weasley and Alice
    Today, Weasley returns home to the zoo, his biting behaviors greatly curbed, and happily he will be accompanied by young Alice. I am so happy to not only have helped train Weasley, but to be able to send him home … Continue reading →

Our plans for the future include:

  • increased community outreach and eduction
  • developing low cost vaccination and spay/neuter clinics
  • establishing a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program for feral cats
  • working with individuals in need to help keep pets in their current homes
  • operate a pets-are-children-too (PACT) program to help low income families pay for veterinary care
  • regular training sessions available to rescue dogs