Mohawk Hudson Humane Society Launches New Sponsored Adoption Program "Hidden Gems" Adoption Fund Helps Long-Stay Shelter Pets Shine
Menands — The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (MHHS) is launching a new adoption initiative designed to give some of the shelter's longest-waiting animals the second chance they deserve.
The Hidden Gems Sponsored Adoption Program will support dogs and cats who have been in MHHS's care for 100 days or longer by covering both their adoption fees and the standard cost of their care while they await a home.
The program launches with the support of two founding gifts totaling more than $17,500 from longtime MHHS volunteer Mary Carey and her family, and from Steve Caporizzo through Pet Connection and the newly established Lisa Cap's Legacy. Created in memory of Steve's late wife, Lisa, the fund honors her deep compassion for animals, especially senior, hospice, and overlooked pets, and her lasting impact on the Capital Region.
Many Hidden Gems have spent months, or even years, at the shelter because they need just the right match. Some are seniors. Others have overcome medical challenges, behavioral hurdles, or emotional trauma with the help of MHHS's veterinary and behavior teams. Others are simply overlooked due to their size or even the color of their coat. Over time, staff and volunteers come to know these animals well, discovering the remarkable personalities that make each one extraordinary.
“Every animal deserves the chance to be seen for who they truly are,” said Ashley Jeffrey Bouck, President and CEO of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. “Our Hidden Gems have received incredible care, enrichment, and training while they've been with us, but what they need most is a family. We're deeply grateful to Mary Carey and her generous family and to Steve Caporizzo and Lisa Cap's Legacy Foundation for investing in these animals and helping more adopters discover just how special they are.”
For Mary Carey, the fund reflects the dogs she has come to know during countless volunteer shifts.
“As a dog-walking volunteer, I've spent time with so many of our long-stay dogs, and they're always my favorites,” said Carey. “They aren't puppies or trendy designer breeds, but they have so much love to give. Every day I watch people walk past them, and I wish they could see what I see. Hidden Gems helps more people discover those incredible dogs.”
Steve Caporizzo said supporting the program was a natural way to honor Lisa's lifelong commitment to the animals who needed advocates the most.
“Lisa always had a special place in her heart for the animals' others overlooked,” said Caporizzo. “She believed every pet deserved love, no matter their age, medical needs, or history. Through Lisa Cap's Legacy Foundation, I'm honored to help these Hidden Gems find the families they've been waiting for. I know that's exactly what Lisa would have wanted.”
The Hidden Gems Sponsored Adoption Program will continue to grow through community support. Individuals interested in contributing to the fund may can go to https://mohawkhumane.org/hiddengems to make a donation to the fund.
To meet the more than 30 current Hidden Gems waiting for homes, visit https://mohawkhumane.org/adopt/available and look for the Hidden Gems badge. Attached also is more information on a Hidden Gem named Miracle.
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Founded in 1887, the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society is the oldest and largest animal protection organization in New York's Capital Region, serving Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and surrounding counties. The Society provides animal sheltering, reduced cost spay/neuter and wellness services, a pet food pantry, Humane Law Enforcement, dog training, humane education programming, and more. In 2026, the Society found homes for 2,080 animals, rescued 159 animals from cruelty, and provided 5,275 reduced-cost wellness services - including spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations - for community-owned animals.