Our story
A soft landing for Long Island’s senior dogs
Since 2022, Cannoli’s Sweet Life has given more than 200 senior dogs the care, comfort and second chance they deserved.
How we rescue
Rescue, heal, match
Cannoli’s Sweet Life Senior Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue for senior dogs. We take in small-breed seniors in urgent need of placement from across Long Island and the tri-state area. Some are owner surrenders from our own community. Others come from animal control centers, where older dogs too often land on the euthanasia list through no fault of their own.
1
Rescue
We say yes to the seniors other shelters pass over, including the medically complex.
2
Heal
Each dog gets the vet care, medication and soft bed they need, right away.
3
Match
We handpick every forever home so it fits that dog’s needs for the rest of their days.
a family for life
“My favorite part of bringing in a senior from an overcrowded shelter is seeing them let their guard down and fall asleep soundly, probably for the first time in a long time.”
Bessy Gatto, co-founder
adopt, don’t shop
Why adopt a senior
Older dogs have so much love left to give
When you adopt, you give a deserving dog a home and reduce the demand for puppy mills and backyard breeders that put profit before animal welfare. Many of the seniors we rescue came from those operations. Adopting one gives them the calm, loving life they always deserved, and gives you a companion who already knows how to be a best friend.
Seniors are the most overlooked dogs in crowded shelters. Everyone wants a shiny new puppy, so the older dogs wait, and many decline quickly after losing their home. Every adoption and every gift changes that.