It’s time to Clear the Shelters with help from a nationwide campaign that has already helped over a million pets find homes. Among the many animal advocates participating is Beth Stern, who recently unveiled a stunning, cage-free cat adoption center in Long Island. This adoption center, named after the Sterns’ beloved bulldog Bianca, is nothing short of a dream come true.
“We named it BFF, Bianca’s Furry Friends, feline adoption center after that little bulldog,” Stern shared.
A Fantasy Come True for Animals and Rescuers
Appearing on NBC New York, Stern provided a tour of the adoption center (See video below). The Sterns named the center in honor of their cherished English Bulldog, Bianca, and her adopted feline friends. Bianca’s life and passing in 2012 inspired Beth to dedicate her time to rescuing cats and other animals, such as bunnies.
“It began with an English Bulldog named Bianca, the most charming dog ever. She loved car rides and sitting lazily on our laps at the dog park watching other dogs play. She snored and tooted like none other, and she was the light of our lives for nearly 10 wonderful years. When she died on July 17, 2012, our hearts were shattered, and we wondered if we could ever heal,” Stern wrote in her blog.
Image via North Shore Animal League America/Beth’s Blog
The Bianca Furry Friends center is a 14,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art addition to the North Shore Animal League America’s Adoption Center in Port Washington, New York.
“I knew when Bianca passed, I wanted to dedicate my time to the felines. And I said I really have this fantasy of cats living cage-free so the adopters can see them in their natural element,” said Stern.
Screenshots via YouTube/NBC New York
North Shore’s Joanne Yohannan expressed that the center is the rescue’s “dream come true,” all made possible thanks to Beth Stern.
Stars Have Their Own Meowgical Bianca Rooms
Stern explained that her “incredible friends,” including Rachael Ray and Billy Joel, were in on the idea and attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony when Bianca’s center launched in October 2019.
“Bianca’s Furry Friends Cage-free Feline Adoption Center ribbon cutting last night. Thank you to Howard and Billy and Rachael & John for their incredible support. I couldn’t have done it without you,” shared Beth Stern.
Image via Instagram/bethostern//Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Each star has their own unique and stunning room within the center. Rachael Ray, a longtime animal advocate, has a sunlit-filled modern cat palace with gorgeous multi-level tiers for cats to explore.
Image via Facebook/Rachael Ray/Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
Everywhere you look, there are incredible artistic elements and curving lines.
Rachael Ray Room via Facebook/North Shore Animal League America
Billy Joel, the legendary singer and adopter, donated his birthday concert proceeds to the center. His family even adopted a dog named Jack from North Shore that same night.
“In honor of him, we created the Billy Joel room,” Stern said. This musical room features a piano that plays Billy Joel songs.
Image via North Shore Animal League America/Beth’s Blog
North Shore Animal League America shared a video of the Billy Joel Piano Room in honor of the last show of his “legendary residency” at Madison Square Garden on July 25, 2024.
Video via Facebook/North Shore Animal League America
Meanwhile, Stern’s room is decorated in her favorite color: pink.
“I’m such a girly girl. I love pink,” Stern said.
Screenshots via YouTube/NBC New York
The builders surprised Stern with a wall featuring some of the Sterns’ resident cats, including the fluffy white Persian Yoda, whose story we’ve previously shared.
Stern says Howard has been her partner in everything, and together they made this incredible dream a reality.
“My husband, Howard, is my partner in everything I do. His love for animals is one of the main reasons I fell in love with him, and as of now, I think over 2000 animals have come through our home that we’ve fostered and nurtured and found forever homes for.”
Image via North Shore Animal League America/Beth’s Blog/Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com
You can explore more about Bianca’s Furry Friends and take a virtual tour on the North Shore Animal League America’s website.
Video by NBC New York:
Beth Stern and Clear the Shelters
This year isn’t the first time Stern has been part of the Clear the Shelters campaign.
“Clear the Shelters is so important, and I feel so honored to be a part of it,” Stern said. “Now is the time to adopt.”
In 2017, she appeared with her friend, Katie Lee, to promote the events. While encouraging adoptions, she reminded folks that they need to be ready for a lifetime commitment with pets. It takes work and responsibility, but the rewards are companionship and unconditional love.
Screenshot via YouTube/NBC New York
NBCUniversal Local’s Clear the Shelters campaign runs from August 1 until September 30. Both NBC and Telemundo stations nationwide help promote pet adoptions and fundraise with a network of animal shelters and rescues across the country.
Last year, the campaign helped over 150,000 pets find homes and raised more than $575,000.
“Last year, over 150 NBC and Telemundo stations teamed up with 1,400-plus shelters and rescues located across 49 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam,” the website states.
