We worked with Mary and Bill at Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue of Long Island and found King Louie who we just fell in love with. He quickly became a part of our family. His favorite room of the house is "his" sun room where he likes to either sunbathe on the couch or floor or sit on his tree overlooking his empire (the backyard). He loves to play and loves to snuggle and give you little kisses on the nose (sometimes even little bites which took some getting used to lol). To say he is a perfect match for our family is an understatement and we're so grateful to Mary and Bill for helping us find him.
I have known Mary and Billy for 18yrs. They are absolutely amazing caring people. When it comes to their rescue cats they go above and beyond to be sure they are healthy and placed in the best homes possible. Not only do they truly love what they do they do a lot of it out of pocket. Any hurt bird , squirrel , chipmunk whatever they might find along their way they will care for it or bring it to a wildlife rescue. They are angels for animals ❣️
Home Sweet Home is truly a blessing to the animal community of Long Island. Mary and Bill are two of the most kind, caring and compassionate people I have ever known. Over the years, I have seen them help countless cats, many of which would not be here today if it weren't for their dedication. They go above and beyond of what many rescue groups do for the community. They are meticulous in the placement of the cats in their care ensuring that these cats will go to forever homes. But they do not limit themselves just to cats. If there is an animal in need, they will go out of their way to help it. They work with a community group to help people in need. It is an honor to know this beautiful couple.
About a year after I lost my childhood cat, I was ready to find the love of another cat. We were blessed to be introduced to Mary and Bill's adoption center from a long-time family friend and I couldn't have been any happier. While I originally intended on adopting one cat, I found myself connecting to two cats that were best friends at the shelter and I am so glad that I adopted both! Mary and Bill made the adoption process so seamless. After interviewing me and making sure I was the right fit for the girls, they took the cats for a pre-adoption vet screening and kept me updated along the whole process. They then brought both cats to our home, providing us with a carrying case for each and all their favorite toys. They provided all the paperwork, including the information we needed to best transition the cats to their new home. Before long both cats became such a huge part of our family! We are so happy that we Met Mary and Bill and I would recommend them to anyone looking to adopt.
My family met Mary & Bill in early 2017 when were looking to adopt a cat after recently losing my elderly one. We decided to bring home 2 beautiful cats who we thought would fit right into our family. We were so pleased with how knowledgeable both Mary & Bill were about everything cat related. Their advice was top-notch. They are the sweetest, kindest people I've ever met. I've never been afraid to ask a question, even 6 years later. They feel like family! You can tell how dedicated they are to making sure their cats find good homes, that they are all happy and healthy- and not just thrown into any home but the RIGHT home for each individual cat. Our 2 cats, Edgar & Siena are the purrrrfect addition to our family and I can't believe we've had them for this long already! My kids adore them and I'm glad they get to grow up with such loving pets who we adopted from some pretty selfless individuals that I'm honored to call our friends! Home Sweet Home is the best animal rescue in the area and I would highly recommend adopting from them!!
Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue does an amazing job helping cats in need. Run by Mary and Bill McDonnell, this couple works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well being of as many as animals as possible, and then some!
They take phone calls at all hours of the day and night, arriving to transport injured animals to the vet for emergency surgeries. In addition to all medical care, food and comfortable shelter, along with lots of love are freely given to all animals in their care.
This organization is an ardent supporter of Trap, Neuter and Release. Each year they TNR as many strays as possible to prevent unwanted, neglected and malnourished cats from being born.
When not busy with these activities, public outreach and education regarding animal welfare and the importance of preventing over population consume their time.
With resources stretched thin, they still find time to help other animal rescue organizations.
I have had the pleasure of working with both the HSH Animal Rescue and the McDonnell's for over 10 years, Their dedication to helping abused, neglected and abandoned animals is incredible! They have they given freely of their time, their personal assets and funds for many years, but it is critical to find other funding sources if they are to continue doing this amazing work they love.
I met Bill and Mary over 20 years ago as clients at the veterinary hospital I worked for as a veterinarian. I have never seen them not give 110% to any cat that needed help. Even the cases that seem hopeless, they proceed and give it their all. From caring for a feral colony to rescuing unwanted litters of kittens to aiding families that need their help, they are always willing to donate their time and resources. Twenty years later they still give it their all and I’m lucky to count them not only as clients but as friends.
I met Bill and Mary in 2017 at a local pet store where a group of their precious rescue cats were up for adoption. I fell in love with an adorable orange tabby named Picasso.
The cold December night that Bill delivered Picasso to us was so exciting! I’ll never forget it.
Bill and Mary advised us extensively on how to acclimate Picasso with our other young male cat, and now Picasso and Disney are great friends.
I enjoy sharing photos with Mary, and Mary responds to questions immediately. Most recently, she connected me with a Facebook group for a particular condition Picasso has.
You will not find more a dedicated rescue than theirs!
Met Mary and Billy in October 2018. I was running a Halloween fundraiser at my home and was looking for a small cat rescue to support, Out of the 30+ letters I received, Mary was the only cat rescue owner that submitted her story and it touched my heart. We have been friends ever since. Mary and Billy work their butts off every single day with their rescue. They will do whatever they can to TNR, take in sick cats and rehabilitate and rehome them. They spend hours each day pouring through phone calls and emails but unfortunately they cannot help everyone in these times. Each and every cat is treated as if they were their own child. They give up all the luxuries of life in order to take care of these cats. No cat goes to a new home unless Home Sweet Home has checked out the new owner(s) and cat and new owner make a match. All cats are vetted and healthy when ready for adoption. There will never be a sick cat adopted out. Cats are delivered directly to the new owner to make sure they are safe and loved in their new surroundings, Mary and Billy are so loved in the community for all they do and especially for the cats they adopt out. These adopters stay in touch for years with pictures and updates. Home Sweet Home relies on donations only and available grants plus what comes out of their pockets which is overwhelming them. They deserve every penny (and praise) out there for what they do. They need donations now more than ever so they can survive and be there for these cats. Not many private rescues out there are like Home Sweet Home. We need to give more help to save the small rescues like Home Sweet Home.
I can't say enough about Home Sweet Home Rescue of LI. Mary and Billy who runs the rescue are the most selfless people I know. They care and attention they give each and every cat and adoption are amazing. Not only do they help the cats in their care but they also tend to ferals and wildlife. They have colonies they feed, shelter and vet. They even feed and watch out for the geese. Every spring and summer you will see signs all over Huntington reminding drivers to slow down and let the geese and their families cross the road. They help out friends from their own pockets with vet bills even though they have a ton of vet bills of their own. I've know them for about 8 years. I do not have a cat but a bully/ pit that's absolutely adores them both. At their amazing fund raisers they go above and beyond for my 13 year old boy who pretty much grew up with them. They do anything they possibly can to make an old cranky man happy and comfortable with his photo shoots. Love them to death and they really are amazing people who truly love and care about animals.
I can't say enough about this incredible rescue " Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue
Of Long Island..Mary and Billy work tirelessly to care for each and every cat with the best medical care as well as making each cat feel safe, loved and ready for their forever home.
I recently help with one of their incredible fund raising events. Every year they spend months organizing fund raising events from outdoor parties to photos with Santa all to help raise funds for the never ending vet bills and care for all their amazing cats that are loved like their own.
Mary and Bill are amazing selfless people dedicated to the well being of these beautiful cats, giving them a second chance at living their best life in a loving home.
If you are looking to adopt I highly recommend Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue of Long Island. Thank you for all you do
LisaProcopio
I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering for this rescue for over ten years. During that time, I’ve seen many wonderful animals find their forever homes. The animals here are very well taken care of and loved by their volunteers and rescuers. I am continually impressed by the dedication and commitment by the rescue’s founders, Mary and Bill McDonnell. They provide a warm and welcoming environment for their animals and do everything they can to make sure all medical, physical and emotional needs are met while an animal is waiting for a family. They also value the importance of providing education about animal care and TNR programs within the community.
If you are looking to donate to a rescue that is genuine and will truly put the money toward saving animals, then this is the one to support. I’ve worked with numerous rescues, and I can wholeheartedly say that Mary and Billy are the most passionate rescuers with the best intentions and animal wellness at heart. I have nothing but positive things to say about Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue. Something I admire most about this rescue is their focus on senior animals, giving animals the best life before their time is up, even if it means keeping them for their last few months/years. I met Mary, the head of the rescue, eleven years ago when I adopted two cats from her. I never realized how much work could go into a volunteer rescue until I met her and observed the constant love, attention, and dedication she puts into rescuing homeless/sick animals. It was then that I decided to begin volunteering for her, and the time I spent working with her and the animals gave me faith. I now had faith that there were people out there with kind, loving hearts. People willing to dedicate themselves, their time, and their quality of life to help those who are most helpless. In my rescue experience, I had never met anyone whose personal well-being was dependent on the state of their animals…until I became involved with Home Sweet Home. One of my fondest memories with Mary, although bittersweet, was when she rescued a cat who was on the brink of death. This cat had all odds against her, and most definitely would not be here today without Mary’s hopeful attitude and perseverance. Mary, without thinking twice, committed to an interrupted sleep schedule for weeks on end, staying at home on the daily, and the constant worry that comes with caring for such a sick cat. This cat was malnourished and visibly abused by her past owners. Mary did not give up and put her entire life on hold knowing that the chances of this cat even surviving were slim, all the while ensuring that she did not suffer. She saved this cat and did not settle in finding her the most fitting home, which meant that she had to care for this cat for an additional seven years before she found her the perfect home. This is only one example of the heroic work that Mary has done with her senior animals. Additionally, Mary has volunteered her precious time to spreading awareness at my high school. She arrived at my school’s Teen Animal Protectors meeting and provided us with an informational session about rescue and in addition, brought some rescue animals for us to see. She dedicates all of her time to providing a loving home for her rescue animals, and tends to the specific needs of each animal no matter what she has on her plate. In my experience with numerous rescues, I have never encountered someone who goes as above and beyond as Mary does. Despite difficulty raising funds at times, Mary continues to pamper her rescue animals and problem solve. She has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of animals, and will most definitely continue to do so until she is physically incapable. I will support this rescue forever.
There are many non-profits that do wonderful work but Home Sweet Home is truly unique and special. Their rescue takes in cats in need, provides healthcare and nurturing and love - making miracles happen on a regular basis. They also care for a colony of cats; insuring that they receive health care, food and are neutered and have positive interactions with humans. They give advice and guidance to others, and will not give a single cat or kitten away until they are sure it has a truly forever home. They share their love of these animals with all of us and it is absolutely amazing. Bill and Mary put their heart and soul into what they do. I have known them for over 10 years; I adopted two cats from Mary and she has supported me with a zillion questions on other kitties - never hesitating to give advice or support in the difficult decisions. Rescuing cats creates a very special outlook on life - it spreads to acts of kindness and generosity in all things you do because it shows a great respect for all living creatures. Mary and Bill have exemplified this over and over in all they do; putting others first over and over; helping individuals who are experiencing hardships, clipping coupons and creating fundraisers. Despite many personal challenges they have not ever turned their back on the animals that rely on them. I cannot think of any small non-profit that does as much, works as hard and has such a positive impact on both the animals they rescue and people who come in contact with them. Mary and Bill have inspired me to foster and reach out when I see what they do. Home Sweet Home is the perfect name for them - as they create a home for so many.
We adopted Rusty who was a wonderful companion to our senior cat Henri and our young cat Elsie. Rusty was loved by them both. He was a gentle giant. Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue is very passionate about rescue and meticulously taking care of their cats. They will bend over backwards to make sure their cats are well taken care of. If you’re looking to adopt a loving adult cat check them out. Their faculty is immaculately lean and professional.
To Whom it may concern: July 20,2023
I met Mary and her organization “Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue” on Facebook in 2020. I have several contacts in the rescue network but for good reasons “ Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue” was notably, an exceptional ,highly caring and dedicated organization in the feral cat community, and other animals in dire need of rescue. Their commitment is unsurpassed. I have witnessed their success in caring for so many abandoned cats, in need of extreme medical care and their path to success in healing. They care for and set up the most amazing accommodations for these animals that would in most if not all circumstances, never have a chance to live out a normal life. Their rescued animals get everything they need to bring them back to good health. I have also noticed they take their adoptions of these beloved animals very seriously, and ensure that they move into caring and loving homes.
Additionally, their knowledge of medical care needed for these animals is invaluable, and never seems to have limited boundaries - which is rare in today’s climate. Back a few months ago, I was dealing with my own cat in need of asthma medication- a very expensive proposition in the US. They led me to an on- line pharmacy that literally saved me untold costs. I have also admired the creativity that they take to help raise funding for their rescues .. helping to ensure their rescues’ wellbeing- which again in today’s environment…. a real struggle.
“ Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue” is ALWAYS available to take an urgent call , or respond to a message with regards to an animal in need. Overall , I have found this organization has renewed my faith in humanity with their endless love, dedication and devotion for their rescued animals.
Sincerely,
J. Marissa Barra-Murphy
71 Lakeview Drive, Manorville, NY 11949
(516) 398-1789
I have known Mary and Billy of Home Sweet Home Animal rescue of LI for 10 years. The quality of care they provide for each and every cat is above and beyond! No detail gets unnoticed and the cats get the very best medical care out there. They are 2 very devoted and caring people that love each and every cat in their rescue as their own. Many of their rescues have had and have a host of medical ailments that require regular vet visits to specialists and surgeries
I volunteer when I can with socializing with the cats and helping with their fundraisers
They also ate extremely selective when choosing an adopter as only the best will do!
I met Mary and her husband Billy in May, 2019 when I adopted my cat Jake from their rescue. Jake had a little trouble adjusting to his new home, and Mary was always there to help with suggestions to get him more acclimated. We were in constant contact making sure that Jake was happy in his new surroundings. Mary and Billy’ s dedication to their rescue is unparalleled. Their efforts to help cats are tireless and unending. Anytime I have any questions or need advice for any of my cats, Mary is always there to help. Mary and Billy are wonderful people who dedicate endless hours to helping cats.
I've known Bill and Mary from Home Sweet Home for a couple of years and to this day, have never met anyone as caring and dedicated to the rescue cause as these two wonderful souls. I met them by offering to volunteer and providing items and experiences for the many fundraisers and raffles that they host throughout the year. I've been lucky enough to spend time with the cats and kittens currently in their care, and they are happy, healthy and well taken care of.
I've known a Mary and Billy for about 4 years. I was socializing a feral cat and Mary offered to help me get her adopted. Turned out she had a pretty significant heart defect and would need medical care and daily medication for however long she lived. Fast forward 4 years later Dakota is thriving under the supervision of Home Sweet Home. The doctor says she's a miracle. She is alive today because of them. Mary and Billy go above and beyond for animals both within and outside of their rescue. They are amazing people!!!
I met Mary and Bill from Hime Sweet Home Animal Rescue of Long Island in 2015. I was looking for two cats who were somewhat bonded and perhaps overlooked by potential adopters. Mary and I spoke on the phone and I knew I just loved her. Her love for the animals was apparent. Once I was at the rescue I asked about a kitty I saw online. A shy very sweet and pretty little gray girl. She was shy and gentile and I had to have her. While on the floor playing with the kitties a black and white boy came over to play. He immediately head bumped me. It was awesome. I found my kitties. Bill delivered the kitties to me a few days later. Since then we keep in touch and I share pictures of Bruce and Tinsel the kitties I adopted. Mary also helps me when I have questions or need advice with regards to the cats. Bruce and Tinsel are 9 years old now and very healthy happy and super bonded cats!! I’m so grateful.
I have been working with these people from Home Sweet Home animal rescue for over 10 years now. They are the most devoted people to needy unwanted animals and generous with their time and own money. If you are adopting from them no need to hesitate. I highly recommend Home sweet home animal rescue of Long Island.