by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Recently I was given a couple cool new and innovative pet products – two ideas that makes me think, ‘that is a great idea, why didn’t I think of that?  You know an simple idea yet something we generally wouldn’t think of.  The two products have the same concept but are both different in the their design, effectiveness, and one may be safer if you have a pet that likes to chew things.  What could these products be?  Dog bowls, but not your average bowl.

These cool products are both literal and figuratively cool.  With the crazy heat we have had all across the country and here on Long Island the past 6 weeks this summer, these products could not have come at a better time.  The FrostyBowlz® and FroBo, pictured below, were put to a test during a 97 degree day here on Long Island.  First, with both bowls there is a core that  can be frozen, just like you own ice packs you would put in a cooler.  I put both the FrostyCore™ and the bowl part (which contains the blue ice packs) in the freezer for two days.  You can just do overnight but I wanted to be sure they were frozen!

Then at 2pm on a 97 degree towards the end of July, I put them in the direct sun, with about the same amount of water.  I tested them about an hour later and both bowls had the same cold temperature.  I came back 4 hours after that – and although the FroBo’s water was definitely still cool, but the water in the FrostyBowlz was still very cold.

So if this were an Olympic competition, you could say the FrostyBowlz got the gold, but I think they were very close.  The FrostyBowlz has a few features that make it unique and safer if you have a dog that likes to chew.  First the FrostyCore is non-toxic and completely covered by the stainless steel parts of the bowl and it is a bit heaver and has better tracking on the bottom of the bowl.  It also has a moat, which is a pretty neat part of it.  So if you had wet food in the bowl instead of water, pour a little water in the moat and ants won’t be able to climb up into the food without falling in the moat!   But of course that won’t stop a fly from landing on the food, but still a cool idea.  You can put the stainless steel part of FrostyBowlz in the dishwasher, you cannot with the FroBo as it could get damaged.   The only thing I didn’t like, so far about the FrostyBowlz is that it only comes in one size, but the company, Talega Products,  is working on a larger version for larger dogs.  And I would suggest to the company a small version for the tiny pups out there too.  Igor seems to really like the FrostyBowlz:

For the FroBo, my dog Max uses it daily – but he is not a chewer so I don’t have to worry about him trying to knock the bowl over and chewing the plastic.  I wouldn’t recommend this bowl for dogs that chew, since it is made of plastic and the ice pack part of it is part of the bowls design, although your dog is not exposed to that part and it says it is also non-toxic.  The bowl part easily comes out to clean, refreeze and refill.  But you do have to refreeze it, so you should have another water bowl handy for your pup while it is in the freezer.

So I really like the concept of both bowls, and think if you are looking for a solution to keeping your pet’s water cool, without having to add ice cubes – both are a great option.  And with this hot, hot weather we have had all summer long both bowls are a great way to keep your pets water cold for up to 8 to 12 hours.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

It was a beautiful evening for the 3rd Annual ‘Unconditional Love’ event benefiting the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) on Saturday, July 21, 2012 in Southampton, NY.  Held at the beautiful waterfront private residence of Sandra McConnell the evening’s event included honoring event Chairwoman Jean Shafiroff and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s President Jonathan McCann honored Chuck and Ellen Scarborough at Southampton Animal Shelter.  Strolling the grounds there were also adoptable pets available for adoption at the shelter.  Summer and Smokey stood out in the crowd as well as the cutie pie, Captain Jack who came to the shelter scared and nervous – but thanks to the amazing trainers and staff, he was nothing but sweet, happy and said hello politely to anyone who came to him.

Captain Jack!

Over 300 people attended the elegant affair complete with a silent auction, cocktails and dinner and dancing to this year’s fete and live entertainment was provided by the Alex Donner Orchestra. The event was emceed by NBC’s Jane Hansen and some of the guests included Martin Shafiroff, Elizabeth Shafiroff, CeCe and Lee Black, Somers and Jonathan Farkas, Lydia and Rudy Touzet, Jean Little and Howard Marton, SASF Founder Susan Allen, Board Exec. V.P. Sony Schotland, Treasurer Steve Greenfield, Board members Joel Cooper and Jay Durante, and Darlene Rodriguez, David Ushery and Lynda Baquero from NBC, Southampton Village Mayor Mark Epley and his wife Marianne among many other guests.

The event helped raise over $375,000 for SASF which was founded in 2010  as a call to action when the town decided it could no longer care for the animals at the town shelter premises. Not only were the 225 animals currently housed there in jeopardy, so were all others that would be found.  The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation offers a low-cost spay/neuter clinic to help combat pet overpopulation. All privately owned pit bull type dogs are spayed or neutered free of charge.  Dog obedience classes are also offered to the public. The Shelter is a non-profit organization relying on the generosity of individuals and businesses to help save lives at the adoption center and provide much-needed programs that benefit homeless pet.

The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation was founded in 2010For more information please visit www.southamptonanimalshelter.com

See more pictures below!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Earlier today in Sayville a few hundred people came out in the morning despite the heat to watch the Frisbee competition, Everything’s Jake VI New York State Disc Dog Championship.  Held yearly at Gilette Park in Sayville, many local and some out of town dogs and their owners competed in the Frisbee Dog Competition.  Many of the breeds were the typical Border Collies and Australian Shepherds – but amongst the speed demons were a few that stood out, like Clancy the female Great Dane who jump so high into the air, seemingly straight up, to catch the Frisbee the crowd went nuts!  I happen to love Great Dane’s and have known a few in my life, but have never seen one so agile as this girl.

flying Great Dane!

Another dog was Bubbles an interesting mix, of Blue Heeler and Bulldog, small, but very cute and did a great job.  And of course there was the Jack Russell, (Parson Russell for you purists out there), mix who did excellent too.  (See the cover photo for an example!).

Frisbee competitions are rare here on LI vs. agility, obedience and rally competitions and it’s really fun event to witness – the crowd gets really into it too.  I know I was cheering when the Dane jumped, what looked like 4 feet into the air!  These dogs are really focused and if your interested in getting involved with your dog check out the Mid-Atlantic Disc Dogs website to learn more.

I would say as with anything with your dog, give it time, some dogs take to it quicker than others, and for some dogs the Frisbee may not be his thing.  My own dog Max would rather chew the Frisbee than catch it, he prefers jumping for a tennis ball.

For more information on Everything’s Jake Disc Dog contact Dan Heuber email discdanandcarley@yahoo.com and check out the photo’s below!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Elwood!

Friday’s stormy weather could not keep at least 60 die hard Pack Ethic supporters and fans away from the ‘Whine & Apawtiser’s’ fundraising event at held at Baiting Hollow Vineyard & Horse Farm.  The event drew in people as far away as New Hampshire and even Elwood and his mom Karen Quigley traveled 7 hours (traffic!) from Philadelphia to be part of the festivities. Who is Elwood you ask? Only one of the World’s Ugliest Dog’s – no really he is the 2007 winner of the world wide contest.  It just goes to show people are not just passionate about animal rescue but know an amazing group when they see it.

Eric Bellows and Keri Whitfield are the life and breathe of the pack of dogs they live with, reform if needed, train and adopt out of Pack Ethic.  As their website says, “Two people – One Home – Twenty Four hours of care…Pack Ethic Rescue is a dream – realized.” Whine and Apawtisers was a fundraising event to help them continue what they do to save lives – and they are not your typical rescue group, as the pack lives with them and are not kenneled.

There were ton’s of raffle baskets, and art auction done by Pack Ethic dogs and ones that have been adopted.  There was also a generous donations of beautiful photos raffle off, taken by a Kyle Hubbs, a Junior pack leader and excellent photographer at just 14 years old.

A alumni of Pack Ethic, Remi a female pit bull was there with her owners.  Eric told me that when Remi she arrived at Pack Ethic as a mere pup she was so terrified of everything she wouldn’t even move.  You can see now from her picture that she is very well adjusted and so, so sweet!  Owned by a lovely couple right here on Long Island now, and living the life of love.

Remi!

I had a great conversation with Eric and it always so nice to talk to a fellow dog enthusiast, trainer, and animal lover who gets it. On hand to greet the many visitors was Vesper, an old dog who suffered a lifetime of abuse until Pack Ethic took him in.  Vesper was on the move at the event practically the entire night, and he definitely knew who his people were with a happy wag and kiss to their faces, very sweet to see. Read his full story here.

Eric and Vesper

If you have never seen a video of the awesome work that Eric does with his pack, you have to check out his Youtube channel.  It will not only put you in awe of the pack and of the day in and day out hard work Eric puts in.

If you couldn’t make the event, and want to make a donation, click here, any amount will help. Pack Ethic Rescue is a registered 501c3 tax exempt charitable organization and donations are tax deductible.

More photo’s of the event here:

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

It was a busy pet events day this past Saturday, June 9th, 2012 in the Hamptons.  In Southampton, Paws Across the Hamptons took place in Southampton Village starting at Lola Prentice Park and over a hundred dog owners and very eager dogs yipped and yapped through the streets for a mile and a half walk. The dog walk was fundraiser for the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation – and there were a lot of local adorable adoptable dogs and puppies on hand.  NBC News Anchor, Southampton resident and long time animal rescue supporters Chuck Scarborough, his wife Ellen and their dog took part in the walk.  Mayor Mark Epley his wife Mariane and their rescue dog were also on hand for the festivities.  Even celebrity English bulldog Igor did the walk, well part of it anyway.  Everyone was having a wooftastic time and after this event ended, many of the dog walkers and their dogs headed to the Pet Fest that was taking place in Bridgehampton, NY.

This first Pet Fest brought out many rescue groups from all across Long Island and vendors too.  With dogs dancing, frisbee dog demo’s, a training demo from Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, and a Fashion show put on by Gregg Ohler, publisher of Cesar’s Way magazine and Ada Nievesof the Pre-Westminster fashion show – there was something for everyone to enjoy.  Many adoptable pets were available through the rescue groups there.  (I fell in love with Shiloh an 9-week old brindle pit bull puppy who was rescued locally from the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton, see her picture below!).

This day long event took place at the Bridgehampton Historical Society and was brought to the Hamptons by Watermill resident and animal advocate, Jewel Morris.   In the evening there was a VIP event for the Pet Hero Awards, a ceremony where many people in the pet rescue world and were honored for their hard work, dedication, passion and even lifelong commitment to helping animals in need.  Many touching and even funny speeches were given about each award recipient.  Jill Rappaport of the Today Show was honored the Pet Humanitarian of the Year award for all her work she has done and continues to do with many different organizations.  See all the award winners here.   See below for slide show of the day and evening’s event!

Gregg R. Oehler, Publisher of Cesar's Way Magazine with Jewel Morris, Founding Presidnet of the Pet Philanthrophy Circle

Actress Aida Turturro looking on as Jill Rappaport of the Today Show, receives Humanitarian of the Year Award

Jill Rappaport of the Today Show with Debi Boies, Co-Founder of Pilots N Paws