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 wonderful success stories from this past year.
~ Adoptables ~
sweet & a little nutty: Adopt Snickers!
Snickers is a 6 year old Cairn terrier mix and weighs 16 lbs. Snickers is just a “big” puppy who wants to run & play. And don’t let his short stature fool you - this boy is all muscle! Snickers is so happy and joyous, and will do best with an adopter experienced in puppy exuberance. He will need adequate exercise and mental stimulation to really thrive, but he will be so worth it! Snickers is handsome, healthy, fully vetted, neutered, microchipped, house trained and ready to find where he belongs!
Click Application at the top of this page if you think Snickers could be your favorite candy!
Give yourself some grace!
Grace is a 7 year old terrier mix and weighs 9 lbs. She really is as sweet and soulful and she looks in her picture! Grace likes short walks and loves long naps, zzz. Grace does ok with other dogs and cats, but she would do best as an only spoiled child. She is very docile, and only hard barks if someone new startles her - therefore, she needs nice, slow introductions. Grace was a super good girl at the groomers and enjoyed her spa day, too! Grace is fully vetted, spayed, microchipped, house trained and ready to curl up on your couch!
Click Application at the top of this page if your life could use a little Grace!
soulful senior Charlie glam wants to snuggle with you!
Charlie Glam is a 9 year old Shih Tzu mix and weighs 12 lbs. Poor little Charlie recently had his heart broken when his mom went into assisted living. Now, he’s looking for a soft couch (or lap!) to heal his shattered heart. He is such a soulful little man with a gentleness about him. Charlie gets along with cats and other dogs. Charlie Glam is fully vetted, neutered, having a dental done, and could really use a devoted human friend.
Click Application at the top of this page if you have room in your heart & home for this sad little boy.
Tiny tender-hearted mikycha is ready for a fresh start
Mikycha is a 1 year old Jack Russel Terrier mix and weighs 13 lbs. She hasn’t had the greatest luck lately, but with how wonderful she is, we know that her luck will certainly turn around soon. Mikycha gets along wonderfully with other dogs and cats, making her an easy fit for a multi-pet household. She’s a shy little soul who was never properly socialized, but she wants so badly to trust and bond. She is well behaved and crate trained. With patience, kindness, and a gentle home, she blossoms into the most loving, affectionate companion. Mikycha is fully vetted, spayed, micro chipped and could really use someone who understands what it’s like to be a little nervous sometimes.
Click Application at the top of this page if you can be Mikycha’s safe place.
~ Happy Tails ~
Recent Adoptions
Enjoy the little things in life…
~ 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! ❤️
UPDATE: Princess made a full recovery and has since been adopted! Check out the pic of her taking off with her new family!
