Importance Score: 60 / 100 🔵
Dog Rescue Shelter Associated with Joe Gatto Rebrands Amid Allegations
A Long Island dog rescue shelter, previously linked to “Impractical Jokers” personality Joe Gatto, is undergoing a rebranding following accusations of sexual assault against the comedian. The animal welfare organization, formerly known as Gatto Pups and Friends, will now operate under the moniker Cannoli’s Sweet Life Senior Rescue.
Allegations Surface Against Joe Gatto
Joe Gatto, 48, faces allegations of sexual assault from a woman who claims the incident occurred in 2023. The accuser, then 19 years old, stated that Gatto invited her to his hotel room after a fan meet-and-greet.
Gatto has refuted all accusations. Last Wednesday, he announced his voluntary admission into an in-patient treatment facility to focus on personal growth.
Shelter Rebrands as Cannoli’s Sweet Life Senior Rescue
Following the emergence of the sexual assault allegations, and a subsequent claim of sexual harassment from another woman who reportedly worked with Gatto on “Impractical Jokers,” the rescue shelter has announced its name change.
Bessy Gatto, Joe Gatto’s wife, revealed the rebranding of the Long Island-based dog rescue shelter to Cannoli’s Sweet Life Senior Rescue via an Instagram announcement.
Focus Shift to Senior Dogs
In her statement, Bessy Gatto explained that the new name, Cannoli’s Sweet Life Senior Rescue, is inspired by Cannoli, her senior dog shared with her husband.
“Formerly Gatto Pups and Friends, Cannoli’s Sweet Life Senior Rescue is committed to its original mission—saving vulnerable senior dogs and placing them in permanent homes. Our renewed focus will emphasize the older dogs who have been integral to our journey,” Bessy Gatto stated.
Past Dedication to Rescue Animals
During his tenure on “Impractical Jokers,” Joe Gatto frequently expressed his affection for dogs, all of whom were named after Italian desserts. He consistently advocated for pet adoption from shelters, discouraging purchasing pets from commercial breeders.
Since its inception in 2022, the dog rescue shelter reports having rescued over 200 senior dogs, with 135 successfully placed in forever homes, according to Bessy Gatto’s social media update.