Steve’s Small Dog Corner

Steve Forino

Even before joining AmsterDog in 2025, Steve Forino had spent years devoting his heart and hands to saving New York City’s most vulnerable small dogs. With an unwavering commitment to pups with a ruff start in life in need of a second chance and a fondness for senior pups, Steve works tirelessly to rescue dogs from euthanasia and the trauma of overcrowded shelters.

Steve ensures every dog he saves gets the care they deserve—whether it’s hernia repairs, tail amputations, pneumonia and CIRDC treatment, or full dental work on top of the usual spay and neuters, Steve never fails to step up. In some cases, it is the first time these dogs have known love, patience, and safety. He’s helped countless dogs heal, both physically and emotionally, and guided them to the loving forever homes they were always meant to have.

We are endlessly grateful for Steve and the heart he puts into every rescue. Because of him, tails keep wagging and second chances are possible. Thanks to Steve, so many little lives have been spared, restored, and cherished. His compassion doesn’t just rescue dogs—it transforms them.

See below for current dogs available for adoption and some wonderful success stories from this past year.

~ Adoptables ~

The way to go is with kopiko!

Kopiko is 13 years old and weighs 11 lbs - which may be a few pounds heavier than his ideal weight, as right now he resembles a potato - one of the more oval, handsome potatoes but a potato nonetheless. Obviously, this good little boy has a GREAT appetite. Although Kopiko was sick (with an upper respiratory infection) when he left the city shelter and arrived at Hotel Steve, he is feeling much better after some vet visits and antibiotics. Kopiko gets along with other dogs and cats. Kopiko is fully vetted, neutered, micro chipped, and ready to go home with YOU!

If you can open your heart & home to dear Kopiko, please contact Steve by email at steveforino@gmail.com or @SteveForino on IG. Apply to adopt Kopiko by clicking “Application” at the top of this page!

Sweet little boy charlie is waiting for the love of his life!

Charlie is a 4 year old Havanese/Maltese mix and weighs 13.2 lbs. Charlie is perfectly housebroken, has no anxiety issues, and walks well on leash. Since arriving in his foster home, he does, however, appear to be deaf. Charlie can be a bit shy, but gets along with other dogs and cats. Charlie is a very good, well-behaved boy in the home and frequently asks for pets and affection. Charlie really just needs someone to trust & love him that he can trust & love back! Charlie is fully vetted, neutered, micro chipped and ready to be yours.

If you can open your heart & home to dear Charlie, please contact Steve by email at steveforino@gmail.com or @SteveForino on IG. Apply to adopt Charlie by clicking “Application” at the top of this page!

~ Rescue Update ~

the transformation of a princess

Princess’s road to recovery has been anything but easy. At 8 years old, this tiny 11-lb girl was abandoned by her family, losing everything she had ever known. Terrified at the shelter, where she was known as “Princess 230366”, she soon became gravely ill with pneumonia—and at risk for euthanasia.

Thanks to the 5 Star “Hotel Steve”, we were able to pull her to safety. She arrived desperately sick, with a pneumonia that stubbornly resisted three different antibiotics. Over the past few months, she’s gone from being syringe-fed to eating small bites on her own, slowly gaining strength—with help from Steve, who rushes her to the vet at the first sign of trouble and cares for her around the clock. But just as she was improving, another hurdle appeared—an infected ulcer in her eye. She received treatment for that, too, and after a few more weeks of pampering & medicine, Princess is now showing off her spunky personality! She’s eating well and playing and finally has an adopter!

Thank you to everyone who shared Princess and was rooting for her while she healed! ❤️