North Shore Animal League America has been saving the lives of homeless pets for 65 years. It seems like just yesterday that a few animal lovers in Port Washington, New York got together and formed a shelter out of a garage with a few fenced outdoor runs.

Today, 65 years later, North Shore Animal League America is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world, housing an average of 300 animals at any given time. To date, the Animal League has found homes for almost one million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. However, this exciting achievement did not happen overnight. The road was long and the efforts great. Many dedicated individuals shared their passion and perseverance in making North Shore Animal League America what it is today.

Each year is a new opportunity to save even more lives. In 2009, the Animal League expects to achieve this with the construction of our newest rescue building, "The Lewyt's Ark," which will hold up to 195 animals at full capacity and with the launch of Mutt-i-grees.org™ – a new member-driven online community from the Animal League’s Pet Savers Foundation which celebrates the unique qualities of mixed-breed dogs and puppies found in shelters around the world.

The Animal League would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all who played a role in helping us keep our mission alive: to rescue, nurture and adopt as many pets as possible into permanent, loving homes. Please join us in a walk down memory lane.