Cinnamon is a stunning 5.5-year-old tortoiseshell cat who is looking for her forever home after her owner passed away unexpectedly at a young age. She was brought to HOPE and immediately sought out attention and comfort while exploring her new surroundings. We were told she loved companionship and would sleep right next to her previous owner.

She is spayed, up to date on vaccines, and tested negative for FIV and FeLV. Before coming to us, she reportedly had four litters of kittens before entering a foster home with another rescue group in 2023. Cinnamon is now ready to find a new home where she can relax and snuggle with a loving family. 

The HOPE Cat Adoption Center is located in the Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications may be found on our website www.hopeanimalrescue.org. For any questions give us a call at 518-450-7013.

Favorite First Responder Photo in Rememberence of 9/11

“This is my father in law Peter Benedetto Sr 9-12-01 down in NYC where he responded to help after 9-11. He’s a volunteer fireman for West Albany, Retired from the town of Colonie, and also co-own Capital Tech Rescue where they do confined space rescue.”

(Sent in by Crystal Benedetto)

Theme for Next Week: 

It’s apple season…Favorite apple picking photo! 

Name:Alana

Breed: Mixed Breed (medium) beagle

Age: 4Y/0M/1W

Sex: Female

Size: 31 lbs

Personality Traits: Smart, sweet, playful, house-trained, crate-trained

Alana is a sweet, smart girl with a curious nose and a heart that deserves a forever home. She’s had a difficult start, first being abandoned in an apartment when her owners moved away. She was then taken in by neighbors with several other pets, including dogs, kids and kittens, and did well with them—but there simply weren’t enough resources for everyone.

Alana was adopted from the shelter but later returned because her family struggled with traveling. The good news? Alana actually enjoys the car and gets excited to go for a ride! She just needs some time and patience to settle into a new routine.

Now Alana is hoping her third home will finally be her forever. She is house-trained, crate-trained, loves playing ball, and is always ready for some cuddles.

Her ideal family will be active and ready to give her plenty of exercise, whether that means long walks, adventures, or a game of fetch in the backyard. With stability, patience, and lots of love, Alana is ready to show you what a wonderful companion she can be.

H.O.P.E. Information

If you would like more information or to arrange to meet one of our pets, check out our Events page for adoption events to attend, contact us via email at hope.homes.for.orphaned.pets.exist@gmail.com or call 518-450-7013. We look forward to matching you with a new furry best friend.

Adoption fee for dogs is $250 and up. H.O.P.E has a senior to senior program.  If eligible, adoption fees will be waived. All applicants must be 21 years or older to qualify for adoption.

A former Blue Streak, Dylan F. Murphy, graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation Engineering. During his time at the Academy, the 2022 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School rose to the rank of Battalion Commander, serving as third in charge of the school’s Regimental Staff. He also rowed crew and served as team captain during both his junior and senior years.

Additionally, Dylan was a member of the Navy ROTC. He was commissioned on the USS Constitution and assigned the rank of Ensign. Upon completing his training, he will be assigned to Military Sealift Command. Dylan is the son of Siobhan and Thomas Murphy of Wilton, NY.

We have an amazing pair of kittens that are looking for their wonderful forever home! Rajha and Bagheera were born in a foster home while in HOPE’s care. Their mother had been surrendered after the owner realized they had one too many cats and she delivered two healthy kittens just days later. Rajha, who is a female tabby, is the more outgoing kitty and is full of energy yet is as sweet as can be. Bagheera is a male and requires a bit more time to feel comfortable in new surroundings but once he does, he will melt your heart! They are a bonded pair and will be adopted together. Both kittens are a little over 4 months old, are spayed and neutered and up to date on vaccines. They have tested negative for FIV and FeLV and are microchipped. Rajha and Bagheera will be sure to keep their new family smiling with their silly antics. 

The HOPE Cat Adoption Center is located in the Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications may be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org or feel free to call 518-450-7013 with any questions.

Lia Nissan is hosting its annual car show this weekend on Aug 22nd, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2906 Route 9, Malta. Car registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and is $20. Spectators can attend for free. 

Funds raised will go towards the medical expenses for Theo Laffer, son of a Lia Nissan employee. Laffer was diagnosed with Niemann Pick Type C, a rare genetic disease which currently has no cure. 

Activities include face painting by Premo Designs, complementary barbeque, ice cream from Ben & Jerries, an art contest, a silent auction, and a Malta Ridge firetruck will be on-site. 

Two $50 dollar Amazon gift cards will be distributed based on public voting for two age categories: 12 and under and 12 and up. 

40 awards are up for grabs on Saturday including best car from each decade, Camero, Mustang, Corvette, Street Rod, Tuners, Stock Late Model Truck, Modified Late Model Truck, Off-Road, and Lia’s Pick. 

Eevee is a stunning 1 & 1/2 year old Calico kitty who gave birth to three sweet kittens roughly 6 months ago. She was just a kitten herself when she was plucked off the streets so she could live her life out of harm’s way along with her kittens. She is now with HOPE and ready for her next adventure in a forever home. She is as sweet as can be and although she was a wonderful mother, she seemed to gravitate towards the dogs in the home as opposed to the cats. If you are looking for a feline friend for your pup, Eevee may be the one! She also loves to hunker down on a lap for some undivided attention from her human and with slow, proper introduction, she most likely will do well with other cats. She has tested negative for FIV and FeLV and is up to date on all of her vaccines. She will be available soon once she recovers from her recent spay. 

The HOPE Cat Adoption Center is located in the Wilton Mall and is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4. Online adoption applications may be found on our website at www.hopeanimalrescue.org. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call at 518-450-7013.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., August 6, 2026 — Heidi Ives, regional manager and senior loan officer with GoRascal Mortgage, and Wioleta (Viola) Kotulak, licensed real estate salesperson with eXp Realty, are continuing their shared mission of giving back to those who serve their communities by partnering with the Homes for Heroes program.

Homes for Heroes is a national organization dedicated to providing savings to community heroes when they buy, sell, or refinance a home. Eligible “heroes” include healthcare professionals, teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, other first responders, and veterans. 

Since its founding shortly after the events of September 11, 2001, the organization has helped thousands of heroes across the country by connecting them with affiliated real estate and mortgage professionals and offering “Hero Rewards” to eligible clients after closing. The program allows heroes to keep more money in their pockets while recognizing their invaluable service to their communities.

As the Homes for Heroes Team Upstate NY, Ives and Kotulak have spent the past seven years helping local heroes in New York’s Capital District achieve homeownership. Through their combined efforts, the pair have helped program participants in their community realize more than $200,000 in Hero Rewards.

“From healthcare professionals and teachers to first responders and military veterans, supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving others is at the heart of everything we do,” said Ives. “Helping these heroes save money on one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make is incredibly rewarding.”

Locally, Ives and Kotulak have become passionate advocates for ensuring eligible heroes know these savings are available before beginning the home buying or selling process. Too often, they meet eligible professionals who have already committed to another lender or real estate agent and unknowingly miss out on the financial rewards available through Homes for Heroes.

“We regularly hear from heroes who tell us they wish they had known about this program sooner,” noted Kotulak. “Our goal is simple: We want every eligible hero in our community to know these benefits exist before they begin buying, selling, or refinancing a home. Once they’re already under contract with someone else, it’s often too late to take advantage of the program.”

About Homes for Heroes Team Upstate NY

Homes for Heroes Team Upstate NY is led by Heidi Ives of GoRascal Mortgage and Wioleta (Viola) Kotulak of eXp Realty. As affiliated Homes for Heroes specialists, Ives and Kotulak help community heroes buy, sell, and refinance homes while providing meaningful Hero Rewards to eligible program participants. Over the past seven years, they have returned more than $200,000 to local heroes and have supported local nonprofits through additional charitable giving. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/homesforheroesupstateny/. 

Contact: 

Heidi Ives

518-791-4595

homesforheroesupstateny@gmail.com