STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Black cats have long been associated with Halloween and superstition. Their spooky reputation dates back to the Middle Ages, when they became linked to Satan and witches, leading to widespread fear and even the killing of black cats and their owners. According to the Smithsonian, some shelters avoid adopting out black cats in October due to concerns about ritual harm.
Not all beliefs about black cats are negative—some cultures see them as symbols of good luck. In Japan, they’re thought to help single women attract partners, and in parts of England, they’re considered lucky wedding gifts. Spruce Pets shares a lovely list of black cat breeds.
Meet Colby…
Meet Colby -our charming bargain shopper!
Colby was found wandering the streets on the North Shore of Staten Island in the cold winter months. I. He spotted a woman walking her dog, and he sprang into action, cautiously approaching her until he charmed her with his handsome face and ever-so-sweet personality. She just couldn’t abandon him to the dark cold night so she contacted SICAW for assistance. That was Colby’s lucky night!
Colby is such sweet & loving cat who appreciates being safe and warm in his friendly foster home. He loves to play with his toys and can be found following his foster family members around just waiting for the opportunity to hang out with them on the couch and watch TV! His favorite shows are the shopping channels where he cuddles with his foster folks and purrs loudly while he eyes his next bargain! Hmmm- maybe a new cat bed…. Wont you consider giving Colby a chance at his forever home where he can finally receive the love and care he deserves. We promise, he will return that love and loyalty 100 + percent.
Colby was born on November 10, 2024 is up to date with vaccines, neutered, negative for FIV/FELV and microchipped. He can be seen in his foster home by appointment,
SICAW will be at PetSmart Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 2:30 to 5p.m and Sunday January 18, 2026 from 12 noon to 3pm. For more information contact SICAW at 718.948.5623, Mon-Sat 9am-8pm or https://www.sicawsaves.org/adoption-process (COURTESY/SICAW)SICAW
Black fur isn’t tied to a single breed, though the Bombay cat is specifically bred to be entirely black, including whiskers and paw pads. Most black cats have striking yellow or golden eyes. In sunlight, faint tabby stripes can sometimes appear because tabby patterning remains genetically dominant beneath the black coat.
This is Venus and Jax…
Meet Jax and Venus,
They are a bonded pair of brother and sister siblings looking for a new home. They were adopted three years ago by a man who works a lot and does not have the time to give them the proper attention they need. Unfortunately, since they are left alone, Venus started acting out by chewing things around the home. Jax started acting out by pouncing on Venus. Their owner thought it would be a good idea to keep them in one room, which stressed the cats out even more.
The situation became worse because the cats were dying for attention and dying to get out of the room.
After speaking with the owner, we suggested giving them the run of the house. He soon realized that after being home and working remotely for the past week, the cats were much happier and needed more attention than he could give them. He would like to rehome them, and of course, we agreed to find them a new home where they will get 24/7 attention.
Venus is a female black cat, and Jax is a male black and white cat. They are both four years old. Venus and Jax love to be petted and love human attention. They are both playful and lovable cats. Venus is a shoulder cat and will jump on your shoulder and sit. They both like to lounge, look out windows, and love a good high cat tree or cat shelf. They love to play with toys and love to run through their tunnel. They are both very good cats that just need to be able to be cats and roam around freely.
We are hoping that someone will adopt this fabulous pair and give them a new start at life. Venus and Jax are up to date on vaccinations, spayed and neutered, microchipped, and FIV/FELV negative. They originally were being fostered with other cats but have not been with other cats since then. A proper introduction to other cats would be necessary since it’s been a while.
If anyone would like to meet and adopt this amazing duo, please fill out an application online at:
https://www.statenislandhopeanimalrescue.org/applications . (Courtesy/StatenIslandHopeRescue)StatenIslandHopeRescueAdoption Events
If you want to adopt, please remember that there are loving senior and disabled pets who need your care and attention, too. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering or sharing the information with someone who could use companionship.
Jan 17
Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart (Woodbridge, NJ) – 863 St. Georges Ave., Woodbridge, New Jersey, 07095, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart (Secaucus) – 400 Mill Creek Dr, Secaucus, NJ 07094, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Jan 18
SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 2656 Hylan Blvd, Suite 240, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.mStaten Island Animal Hope Rescue will be at Petco, located at 165 Bricktown Way, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Animal Care Centers of New York City is open for adoptions of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Road West on Monday and Tuesday, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs, visit www.nycacc.org.
You can also visit ACC to register and purchase a NYC dog license from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Meet Max…
Meet Lucas,
A fully housetrained 9-year-old pup who is as gentle as they come, Lucas loves nothing more than spending time with people — whether it’s going for leisurely walks, showing off a polite paw shake, or just relaxing by your side. Don’t let his age fool you — Lucas enjoys daily strolls and walks beautifully on a leash, making every outing a pleasure. With a calm demeanor and a loving heart, Lucas is the perfect companion for someone looking for a loyal, easygoing best friend. Lucas is a mature, well-mannered pup who is ready to bring lots of love into your home.
More information: Visit ASPCA.org/Adopt to learn more and submit an application. (Courtesy/ASPCA)ASPCAGifts for animal lovers
Stellar Villa is a New York City-based artist who recently raised over $11,500 for pet shelters after she single-handedly created 1,252 custom pieces of art of people’s pets over 21 days. Now, she is working to create ongoing partnerships with local animal shelters to continue raising money. If you’re looking for a gift for a dog lover, check out Stellar’s work.
Sophia Di Meglio wrote and illustrated A Big Life for Buddy, a children’s book that offers a lighthearted look at an exceptional dog and teaches children about growing older, belonging, and the fact that loss is a natural part of life.
Meet Wish…
Meet Wish (because sometimes wishes really do come true)!
Wish is 3 months old, 6 pounds, and already showing a playful, affectionate personality. After being found scared but safe with mom Eve and siblings on the side of a highway, Wish is now thriving and learning what it means to feel loved. He is friendly with cats, dogs, and humans and enjoys gentle play, cuddles, and puppy curiosity. Potty training hasn’t begun just yet, but Wish is young, eager, and expected to catch on quickly. Expected to be small-to-medium full grown, Wish is ready to grow up surrounded by love.
Wish is currently being fostered in Middletown NJ. His adoption fee is $550.
To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’sLegacy)Louie’sLegacyHiking trailsDog-friendly parks
· Allison Park, off-leash area, the field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery, and the pond
· Amundsen Trail, off-leash area, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
· Arthur Von Briesen Park, off-leash area, lawn area, mid-park on the right side
· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields, closer to Ramona Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, the open field above the picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)
· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area, lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road
· Conference House Park, dog run, Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street
· Cozzens Woods Park, off-leash area, Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road
· Crescent Beach Park, off-leash area, Tennyson Drive, and Glover Avenue. Located in the meadow area leading to the beach
· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street
· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond ball field
· Ida Court Playground, dog run, Ida Court between N. Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East
· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace, just below the playground
· Siedenburg Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street
· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments
· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: Dogs are permitted on the sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field
· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to the left of Cornelia Avenue
For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including those at New York City beaches. However, from Oct. 1 through May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Midland Beach and South Beach.
For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Meet Derrick…
Meet Derrick!
Derrick is a handsome 4-month-old (as of 1/4) tabby with a curious mind and an adventurous spirit. From the moment he wakes up, he’s ready to explore—checking out every corner of the apartment like it’s his personal mission. Those early days were full of nonstop motion (classic kitten energy!), but now that he’s settled in, Derrick has found a much nicer balance between playtime and chill time.
Derrick would be a great match for someone looking for a playful, interactive kitten. He truly thrives when he has plenty of stimulation—wand toys, enrichment, and engagement bring out the very best in him (honestly, a good rule for any cat!). When his needs are met, he’s been one of the easiest kittens around.
He loves being near his people and often follows his foster around the apartment. When it’s bedtime, he heads into his “bedroom” on his own and calmly lets the door be closed—no protests necessary. He’s easy to handle, doesn’t fight being picked up, and even listens when told “no”… most of the time (he is still a kitten!).
Derrick is a social guy and would likely do best in a home with another pet. He happily initiates play with his foster’s dog and clearly enjoys having animal companions around. He also adores human company and purrs loudly—both when he’s content and when he’s feeling a little unsure.
While Derrick isn’t a full-on lap cat just yet, he does enjoy affection. He loves pets when he’s settled in his bed and will even offer his belly. Outside his room, he’s usually too busy exploring to lounge for long, though he’ll hang out on the couch for a few minutes at a time. With age and maturity, his cuddly side may continue to grow.
His manners are top-notch:
✔ Litter box etiquette: A+
✔ Rarely uses his claws
✔ Never bites
Because of his gentle nature, Derrick may do well in a home with respectful younger kids, though he hasn’t been officially tested yet.
Derrick is a fun, affectionate, and well-adjusted kitten who’s ready to bring energy, companionship, and a whole lot of purring into his forever home.
If you would like to give this wonderful cat a home, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
**We cannot guarantee the age, breed, or size of a cat.
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PET POISON HELPLINES
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.
As the seasons change, keep in mind the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/
TO REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY
To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
To contact an environmental conservation police officer or report suspected violations, contact the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) or dec.ny.gov/.