Bridgehampton Store Hosts Adopt-A-Thon for Local Shelter

Are you in need of a new furry friend? The Southampton Animal Shelter is holding an Adopt-A-Thon on Friday, August 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at J.McLaughlin, 2442 Main St, Bridgehampton. There will be raffles, prizes and a meet-and-greet with shop manager Lin Restivo, not to mention some pooches looking for a family.

Restivo is a volunteer at the shelter who has adopted four blind dogs, Tigger, Sallie, Scooter and Ginger. She’s passionate about special needs dogs and believes adopting is the only option.

“I connected with Southampton Animal Shelter a number of years ago,” Restivo said. Because of the store’s prime location on Montauk Hwy, Restivo says it’s a great location for the adopt-a-thon. “It will make it a little more public,” said Restivo. Shelter employees will bring in pets looking for a home and walk them around them around the store. Restivo says that many times pets are adopted right on the spot. J. McLaughlin will also be selling snow cones to keep everyone cool and proceeds will go towards the shelter.

“We have a dog water fountain in front of the store and so many times I’ve had owners come inside and thank me more having that out there,” said Restivo, who enjoys the dog-friendly atmosphere in Bridgehampton. She says the store even keeps a canister of bones and treats inside for four-legged shoppers. “It’s amazing. People walk by and their dogs want to come in,” Restivo said of the mutually beneficial relationship that also lures customers inside. “It’s good for us as well.”

J. McLaughlin is an American clothing store that first opened in 1977 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side  by brothers Kevin and Jay McLaughlin. Today, J.McLaughlin has close to 100 stores including the Bridgehampton location and remains devoted to philanthropy, especially when it benefits childcare, healthcare, the arts, and animal rights causes.

If you can’t make it to J.McLaughlin this Friday, the Southampton Animal Shelter is also attending the Hampton Classic Horse Show on August 24 for cat and dog adoptions. The shelter’s annual Benefit at the Boardy Barn which features a Chinese auction, silent auction, raffles, a live band, dancing and dogs, takes place on Saturday, September 12. Tickets are $35.