Upstate Pups focuses rescue efforts on NYC pets

Upstate Pups focuses rescue efforts on NYC pets

Milly is a Staffordshire bull terrier mix currently available for adoption from Upstate Pups, a Poughkeepsie-based dog rescue focused on rehoming pets in New York City shelters.

Photo provided

POUGHKEEPSIE — Dutchess County’s newest dog rescue, Poughkeepsie-based Upstate Pups, sets itself apart from other rescues by exclusively rescuing dogs from New York City and Long Island animal care centers.

Ryan Judge, long-time animal lover, fosterer and co-founder of the nonprofit, said other rescues source their dogs from a variety of places and a majority of rescues come from out of state.

“New York City euthanizes about 50,000 animals every year,” Judge said. “That’s where the idea for Upstate Pups came from.”
The nonprofit officially formed in July and Upstate Pups got its first rescue from Town of Babylon shelter on Long Island; a dog named Fluffy.

Since then, the network has grown to include four foster homes, but Judge said finding more fosters has been their biggest hurdle. “We can only pull the amount of dogs from shelters that we have foster homes for,” Judge said. “We don’t have a physical location. We don’t have a shelter.”

Fostering is a hard job and it takes a very special person, Judge said, but it’s rewarding to help a dog heal and find its forever home. Judge explained Upstate Pups goes to great lengths to ensure the best outcomes for the rescue dogs, foster parents, and adopters.

New fosters begin the process with an application where they’re asked what kind of dog they’d be willing and able to care for. “Then we comb the available dogs in New York City to find ones that would fit that foster home,” Judge said.

“We don’t want anyone to have a bad experience and decide they never want to foster again,” he said.

Similarly, Judge said he goes to great lengths to vet adopters before releasing an animal. The safety and health of the animal is paramount to Judge, and comes before anything else.

Another thing which sets Upstate Pups apart from other agencies is Judge’s insistence on home visits prior to adoption. Sometimes, and too often in Judge’s opinion, adopted dogs are returned to rescue agencies for reasons which could have been anticipated if thorough vetting happened first.

Right now there are three dogs listed for adoption:

Max the 4 year old terrier mix is “20 pounds of pure joy and affection,” according to the website. He loves rides in the car and adventures.

Max the Terrier sitting on a wooden chair in his foster home.Photo provided

Baby is “well-socialized” boxer/bully mix that was raised in a “loving home with children and another dog,” according to the website.

Baby the boxer/bully mix enjoying views of the hudson river on a walk.Photo provided

Milly is a 3 year old Staffordshire bull terrier mix with a friendly, playful attitude. Upstate Pups' website says Milly has "some anxiety," but she knows basic commands well. Milly's also friendly with other dogs and cats.

Adoption fees, tips and information on fostering are available online at www.upstatepupsny.org.

Latest News

Farm Fall Block Party returns to Rock Steady Farm
Rock Steady Farm during the 2024 Farm Fall Block Party. This year’s event returns Sept. 6.
Provided

On Saturday, Sept. 6, from 12 to 5 p.m., Rock Steady Farm in Millerton opens its fields once again for the third annual Farm Fall Block Party, a vibrant, heart-forward gathering of queer and BIPOC farmers, neighbors, families, artists, and allies from across the Hudson Valley and beyond.

Co-hosted with Catalyst Collaborative Farm, The Watershed Center, WILDSEED Community Farm & Healing Village, and Seasoned Delicious Foods, this year’s party promises its biggest celebration yet. Part harvest festival, part community reunion, the gathering is a reflection of the region’s rich agricultural and cultural ecosystem.

Keep ReadingShow less
The art of Marilyn Hock

Waterlily (8”x12”) made by Marilyn Hock

Provided

It takes a lot of courage to share your art for the first time and Marilyn Hock is taking that leap with her debut exhibition at Sharon Town Hall on Sept. 12. A realist painter with a deep love for wildlife, florals, and landscapes, Hock has spent the past few years immersed in watercolor, teaching herself, failing forward, and returning again and again to the page. This 18-piece collection is a testament to courage, practice and a genuine love for the craft.

“I always start with the eyes,” said Hock of her animal portraits. “That’s where the soul lives.” This attentiveness runs through her work, each piece rendered with care, clarity, and a respect for the subtle variations of color and light in the natural world.

Keep ReadingShow less
Reading and recommendations from Carissa Unite of Oblong Books

Carissa Unite, general manager of Oblong Books in Millerton.

Provided

Carissa Unite of Millerton, began working at Oblong Books 16 years ago as a high schooler. She recently celebrated her eight-year anniversary as the general manager.

Unite’s journey at Oblong began even before she applied for her first position.An avid reader from a young age, she was a frequent customer at the store. During those years, Unite bonded with a former employee who encouraged her to apply for a position after connecting over their shared love of reading.

Keep ReadingShow less