In this week's Paws & Pals, the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter presented some furry friends that are looking for their “furever” homes.

Without sounding too cliché, “we love Lucy!” Lucy, a 9-year-old pit bull-terrier mix, doesn’t understand why she ended up in the shelter in 2021 after eight years with her family, but she has certainly made the best of it and makes spirits bright everywhere she goes. Lucy is a favorite among our volunteers. She is equal parts playful, affectionate, goofy, sporty and hungry. Be sure to hide your Christmas cookies around this one– she’s never met a treat she didn’t like. Lucy is often overlooked due to her age, but her mission is to prove to you that age is just a number! Lucy loves everyone she meets but does not enjoy the company of other dogs– she wants to be the only partridge in your pear tree.

Gypsy, a 4-year-old Cane Corso arrived to the shelter as a stray, and there was a heated debate among the staff over whether she was a Cane Corso or a Bullmastiff - we just couldn’t tell! We used a Wisdom Panel Essential DNA kit, which revealed she is, in fact, 100% Cane Corso! Gypsy was shut down emotionally when arriving at the shelter– she has made great progress with us (she is an oversized cuddle bug!), but is nervous around new people and other dogs. Once she is comfortable her favorite place to be is by your side. If you’re one of those people who like to sit on your couch staring at your Christmas tree in admiration, she will join you and make an excellent couch companion for that. Gypsy would thrive in a quiet household willing to give a bit of patience for a lot of love in return.

Willie is about as holly and jolly as they come! It is impossible to be around this handsome 1 ½-year-old boy without smiling. Willie came to us through TSC’s rescue program from an overcrowded shelter in Georgia where he was at risk for euthanasia due to space limitations. We believe he is a Labrador Retriever/ Shepherd mix– a DNA result is pending so be sure to check back! Willie is goofy, fun-loving, and affectionate but needs a dedicated family to continue his training. He needs to learn that not everyone wants to be greeted with a big hug! Willie loves the outdoors and would thrive with an active family, dog-savvy family to help him shine like the star he is!