by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com ~ All Photo’s taken by Nancy E. Hassel/LIPetPlace.com

Ahhh Howl-o-ween…where the adogable dogs and animals get dressed in their spookiest costumes to get their pumpkins filled with dog treats and win prizes for the best dressed costumes.  This weekend might as well be Halloween proper for pets as it is probably one of the busiest Pet Events weekend I have ever seen here!

For those of you who missed our Pet Events Newsletter this week, GASP, here is the run down of events.  Oh and please don’t dress up your dog if he or she doesn’t like it!

Howl-O-Ween Adoption Event
Saturday, October 25, 2010
10:00:00 AM – 4:00:00 AM
Brookhaven Animal Shelter
300 Horseblock Road
Brookhaven, NY 11719

Large adoption event at the shelter from 10am-4pm. There will be Music, Games, Arts and Crafts, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, and of course our Free adoptable animals! Come down and join us at 300 Horseblock Road, Brookhaven NY 11719. For more information call (631) 286-4940 Or email Ashely at aboyd@brookhaven.org.

“King or Queen of the Palace” Adoption Event & Costume Contest!
Saturday, October 25 (rain date October 26th)
11am-4pm
Pet Palace
500 Montauk Highway
Moriches, NY

Suffolk Barkfest 2014
Saturday, October 25, 2014
12:00- 3:00 pm
Holiday Inn Express Stonybrook
3131 Nesconset Hwy
Setauket, NY 11720

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine invites you to Barkfest 2014. A Pet Costume Contest for Long Island. On Saturday October 25th at 12 noon bring your pup in their best Halloween costume and join with other best dressed creatures!  Party 105 will be broadcasting live.  Free event!  For more info contact Susana Rojas at 516-246-9740 or by email at barkfest2014@gmail.com.

Friends of Valley Stream Dogs 3rd Annual Howl-o-ween Party
Saturday October 25, 2014
12-4pm
Valley Stream Dog Park
Verona Place
Valley Stream, NY 11580

Help Support The Friends Of Valley Stream Dogs! Join us at the dog park for our annual Howl-O-Ween Party. Come see local vendors and rescue groups, participate in our doggy costume competition, and enjoy raffles and fun. All are welcome (you don’t need to be a member for this event). Costume contest will be at 1pm, entry $10 (free to members of Friends of Valley Stream Dogs). Party is free, Costume contest $10 to non-FOVSD members. Raffle drawing will start at around 2pm.  For more info contact Denise Accardi-Barnard at vsdogrun@gmail.com or call (516) 350-8737.

Howl-o-ween Smushed Costume Faced Party!
Saturday, October 25, 2014
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Petco
227 Forest Avenue
Glen Cove, NY

Little Lucy’s Pet Parade
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014
Starting at 1pm
91 Jobs Lane
Southampton, NY 11968

Little Lucy’s Annual Halloween Pet Parade taking place this Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 1pm.  All to benefit the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation! LL will have Entertainment by Mr. Beau Hulse, Costume award Prizes by Little Lucy’s, Great Merchant Raffle Prizes, Adorable Adoptable Dogs from the SH Shelter & much more! For more information call (631) 287-2352 or email littlelucys@optonline.net.

Live Love Bark 2014 Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Party
Saturday, October 25, 2014
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Toomey’s Tavern on the Crik
251 So. Ketcham Ave
Amityville, NY 11701

We will be hosting our annual Howl-o-ween fundraiser on Saturday, October 25th (rain date, Sunday, October 26th) from 3 to 7 pm.  All dogs must be on-leash at all times. There will be tons of raffles and merchandise to purchase too! Raffles will be drawn at 6:30. The dog costume contest will be held at 4:30. There’s a $10 entry fee per dog. 3 winners will be selected by a special panel of judges! (to be announced!)  For more info contact Venessa Rotondi at 631-742-4491 or emaillivelovebarkdogrescue@gmail.com or click here.

Happy Howl-O-Ween Party & Open House
Sunday, October 26, 2014
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Kent Animal Shelter
2259 River Road
Calverton, NY 11933

Tricks and treats for kids and pets, raffle baskets, and scenic river family pet photos are planned for a Happy Howl-O-Ween Party & Open House at the Kent Animal Shelter on Sunday, October 26, 12-4PM (raindate November 1). Come meet Kents pro trainer and see our beautifully renovated kennels and grounds!  For more info call (631) 727-5731 or email Linda at linda@kentanimalshelter.com.

5th Annual PJ Village Spooktacular & Annual Fetch Pet Parade!
Sunday, October 26, 2014
2pm
Fetch Pet Boutique
301 East Main Street
Port Jefferson, NY 11777

The Parade is sponsored by Fetch Doggy Boutique it will begin promptly at 2 pm in front of Fetch. Judy from The Puparazzi will be there to take photos for $12.00 per picture; they will start at noon and will go till 2:00pm. Pictures will be done on a first come, first serve basis. Prizes for best costumes! Fun for all! Bring your pet in their best howl-o-ween costume!  The festival will have other events sponsored by the PJ Chamber of Commerce – so you can enjoy the whole day with your spooky pup! For more info call Brittney Pearce at 631-331-0965 or email info@fetchdoggies.com

Dog Days at Old Westbury Gardens & Costume contest!
Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 2014
10 – 5pm on Sat., 1 – 4pm on Sunday.
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Rd
Westbury, NY 11590

Dog Days at the Gardens is back this weekend. Bring your dog for an invigorating walk and healthy exercise at Old Westbury Gardens. Dogs must be leashed.
Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, 10am-5pm.  On Sunday of Dog Days, enjoy our Fall Dog Festival! The festival features exhibits by animal welfare organizations, vendors, and rescue groups. Sunday, October 26, displays and activities 1-4pm, costume contest and parade at 3pm. Also on Sunday LI-Dog will be doing a pack walk during the event, click here for more info about that.  For more information about Dog Days or if you want to be a Vendor on Sunday – contact Paul Hunchak atphunchak@oldwestburygardens.org.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

The 2nd Annual Better With Pets summit, hosted by Purina, was held in New York City on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 and brought together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, rocket scientists, (yes actual an rocket scientist), and so many other wonderful people in the pet industry.  This year’s summit focused on how innovations and what is to come for pet care, pet products, veterinary care and nutrition.

Kicking off the summit was 14-year old entrepreneur Brooke Martin – who is so well spoken for her age, poised, bubbly and professional – it is a almost a ridiculous. Inventing a product called iCpooch, she talked about her product, the reason she came up with the idea and how she beat out 39 adults at a entrepreneurial weekend competition at a college, when she was the ripe old age of 12 years old.  I met Brooke at Global Pet Expo this past March and loved her spirit and drive to make our lives better with our pets.  Congrats Brooke!

Host of the event John Hockenberry with Mayo Clinic doctor, Ed Creagan who gave tremendous insight (most of us know this already) but how sick human patients were missing their pets so much while hospitialized that their health declined.  An example of one patient who stopped eating when he was separated from his dog, and his dog while in foster care also stopped eating.  When the dog was brought to the hospital to visit with the patient, both of them perked up and were much more responsive – the nurses couldn’t believe it.  I can.  Hospitals need to become better at dealing with patients that may be terminal or in the hospital for a long time to ALLOW visitation from the owners pets.  So glad this topic was talked about and thank you to Dr. Ed Creagan for being there to bring attention to this subject.

The amazing story of Bean and how her owner, Dr. Karen M. Vernau and another veterinarian Dr. Stan Marks didn’t give up on her and her story of hope and survivial is incredible.  It was great to meet Bean at the event.  Bean should actually not be alive today, living with a permenant feeding tube, who also could not breath properly with conditions such as muscular dystrophy to a malfunctiong esophagus, Bean is probably one of the first dogs, if not the first to have a tracheotomy.  This happy go lucky sweet dog is alive because of these incredible advances in human and veterinary medicine.

Victoria Stillwell was also one of the guest speakers at this year’s summit and throughout the day long event the speaker line up that was fun, (can you say Cats taking over the art world?), informative, moving and motivating. If you missed the event you have incredible luck as you can WATCH the entire summit here – how cool is that? Enjoy! (See more pictures below).

Just Manny the Frenchie hanging out during the event!

Fellow pet professional in attendance at the summit during the lunch break.

Beke Lubeach of Goodbone Marketing,  Caroline Goldin of Romeo the Cat and Crayons and Collars, Dr.   Nancy Hassel (me!) and Dana Humphrey of Whitegate PR.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Fun Pet Product finds in Chicago at Total Pet Expo!

This past weekend LIPetPlace.com traveled to Chicago for the trade show Total Pet Expo to find new, innovative, fun and unique pet products to bring to you.  It may seem like a simple thing to do, but in this 60 million dollar a year industry, I like to see what booth pulls me in!  Here are some of our top picks:

How fun is this double ended dog toy, The Bomber by Zues?  Made of durable natual rubber, it bounces, it floats, you can throw it, kick it for your pup – in two sizes, and while any dog can play with this – it’s perfect for the larger breeds.

Love these cat housing systems by Crijo Pets, they go beyond scratching posts, provide fun cat walks and so much enrichment for your kitty.  Perfect for you cat at home, animal shelter or sanctuary. All the products are made in the USA. Scratching pads are easy to replace and the systems are easy to clean!

Got a messy mutt?  This new feeding system is made from BPA and PVC free FDA food quality silicone in which two stainless steal bowls easily fit into.  The silicone is easy to clean, provides a non-slip surface, can be used indoors or outdoors and comes in many different colors.  Messy Mutts makes this product in large and a small size for dogs and is coming out with cat sizes soon.

The IndestrucaBALL made from mango wood with chips inside so it is interesting to your pet.  Perfect for some of the breeds that rip apart or break other toys easily – this tough toy comes in two sizes and is from Aussie Naturals.

Want to make your own chicken or jerky treats at home? Uncle Ulrick’s just debuted this home kit where you can make the treats in your oven in 3 hours vs. many hours in a traditional dehydrator.  But if doing it at home isn’t your thing, you can pick up a bag of their own line of Chicken, Beef or sweet potato strips all made from USA sourced human quality ingredients.

Love Planet Dog products, if you are thinking of the Holidays – stock up on these finds for great stocking stuffers or house warming gifts to bring to your friend or families house for their dogs during the holidays.

If you’re taking your dog for a walk like this adorable guy Oakley, you need to have a the new DoggieDooAll attached to your leash! The double ended poop bag hold has just what ever poop picker upper needs, sanatizing hand wipes right in the middle of the holder.  No more will you have that yucky, unclean feelig after cleaning up from your pet.  Great for wiping your pups drool and paws too.

Photo credit: DoggieDooAll product show from website.

To see more products and PICTURES from the show, click here!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

As we fall into autumn, our daily pet care can get pushed aside due to our increased busy schedules. Here are some reminders to help you and your pets ease into the new season:
Training:

• Now that your kids are back in school, or your work schedule is more intense – do take the time to do dog training sessions with your dog as a refresher for both of you.  New noises, different schedules, and lack of attention could make your dog anxious and not listen quite as well.

• Make the sessions short and sweet with plenty of praise and/or treats.  Work on ‘stays’ recalls like ‘come’ or ‘home’ if your do knows that command and ‘wait’ for teaching them to wait at the door, (school buses, kids, deliveries, etc.), and wait for when you are arriving at the park – your dog should know he has to ‘wait’ before he can jump out of the car – until you say so!

• It’s important to also do these sessions outside of the home, in the yard, and in a different location altogether – as most dogs may be amazing at home – but get them in a new environment – and that goes out the window!

• If you got a new puppy or adopted a dog over the summer now is the time, before the holidays creep up, to look into a group dog training class to help with doggie socialization and a more structured training environment.

Pet supplies

Did you get your pet a summer collar or perhaps too much swimming in the pool, lake or salt water?  Time to purchase a new collar for the fall and winter – be sure the collar is fitted properly.  If you forgot to take their collar off in the summer while they were swimming, chances are the metal hardware you attach your leash to may be rusted and break.  Or the fabric or leather is not as strong anymore.  Investing in a good collar for the fall and winter is important to keep your pet safe.

If you have a cat that goes outside or gets into things, make sure their collar is a breakaway collar so it can safely come off if they get caught on something.  And if your cat is an indoor-outdoor cat, put a bell on that collar too – to give the birds at your bird feeder chance to hear them coming!

Did your pet loose his or her ID tags? While many pets these days are microchipped, it is still important to have an up to date ID tag with current phone number, (cell phone is best as most people don’t change their cell number), and email address.  One great new product that you can get is the Twigo pet tag. This fun new tag requires no engraving and are instantly personalize-able with a ballpoint pen – simply write, boil and wear. The tags self-attach and are completely silent, ideal for those who dislike the jingling noise and remove their pet’s tags while inside the house.

Clothing – remember when it used to seem crazy to dress our pets?  That notion is a thing of the past as our pets are pampered, live inside with us and are used to AC and heat.  So in the cooler weather, your pet may need a properly fitted coat to go on that walk to go potty.  Last winter was brutally cold here on LI and I had to put two coats on my dog to walk him – his short hair would not have kept him warm for long outside. Raincoats are a great option to – to keep your pup from getting soaked and less time for you to dry them off when you get back inside.

Seasonal allergies

You may be sneezing at ragweed; did you know your pets could also be affected by seasonal allergies?  They can loose their fur, be scratching and chewing themselves raw.  Bring your pet to a good veterinarian who is an expert in allergies and have your pet tested.  It may be food they are allergic to – or it could be seasonal – knowing is the power you will have to properly treat your pet and not play a guessing game.

Pests

This time of year is the perfect time to go for a long walk in the woods with your dog, see the fall foliage – and check for ticks.  Yep, ticks are out until the temperature drops below freezing.  So after that hike, check your dog thoroughly before you go back into the house, bring a flea and tick comb or tick spoon with you so you can remove that tick promptly.  You should also check in-between your pets paw pads, not just for ticks but sticks, stones, splinters, rocks and any cuts or scraps so you can treat them.

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Have you been #KissedbyaPit? The new campaign raising awareness of amazing, sweet, adoptable Pit Bulls – we are sharing many that are available for adoption! We are accepting #KissedbyaPit pictures of adoptable pit bulls from area shelters on Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens!  All you have to do is click here to submit them.  See all the amazing kiss-a-bull pitties waiting for homes here on LI – and please share!

Apple is Paws Unite People’s favorite Princess. She is a 4 year old AmBully, and her mission in life is to just make you happy. We pulled her from a local shelter and she is waiting for a home. She’s currently in a foster home with a cat, adores all size people, & is ok with dogs smaller than her. (big dogs scare her, as she was hurt by one) Why not make our favorite princess a member of your castle? After all… every princess deserves their happy ending. For more information on how to adopt this sweetie, email Adoptions@pawsunitepeople.com or call (516) 721-2552.

Juma is a 5 year old pit bull who was very shy and has a very funny submissive smile! She could use a home that will give her the patience and love she needs to grow in to the best dog she has the potential of becoming. Juma has come a long way here at our shelter. With the help of volunteers like Anastasia, and our staff, she is learning that people are kind and kinda cool!
The Southampton Animal Shelter is located in Red Creek Park in Hampton Bays and we are open 7 days a week. Stop by or call (631) 728-7387 to find out more about Juma!

Matthew Valentino, dog trainer at SASF and Juma!

Titus, a rescue who is living the life now of doggie bliss, (of Titus and his girl Hailey), is a kissing fool. He raises money for rescue by sharing his loving kisses with anyone who wants to be kissed by a pit! Titus’s human mom is with Tuff Tails who help locally by pulling dogs from area shelters on Long Island.

Titus kissing gwampa as he calls him!

Honey and her foster mom Anna are in love Her 4-legged foster sister Brooklyn is also in love aww!! Honey is a small pittie mix who was rescued from a bad situation. She is sort of shy and needed someone to help her know what it’s like to be just a dog. She is about 2 years old, spayed and up to date with vaccines. We were thrilled to pull this girl out of the shelter and into the loving arms of her fosters. Please email info@tufftails.org to learn more about fostering it saves lives thank you!! xo

Faye is a total sweetheart who is about 3 years old. She came to Islip Animal Shelter as a pregnant stray. She gave birth at the shelter. All her puppies got adopted and she’s been spayed. Now she’s ready for a home of her own. Faye is thrilled to be around people. She loves everyone she meets. She loves to cuddle and give kisses and sit in your lap. Adopt this dog and let her love you! Contact livelovebarkdogrescue@gmail.com for more info on Faye!

This sweet female pit mix is about a year and a half old. We haven’t been able to decide on a good enough name for her yet. She is super sweet and is all about snuggling. She loves cuddles and kisses. She’s a little shy when it comes to playtime, but she’s slowing learning how to play and how much fun toys can be. She would be a great family dog, she just needs a high-fenced yard, because she can jump! Meet this girl today and give her the home she deserves! (Also at Islip Animal Shelter!)

Puppies! We still have some Pit Bull puppies available for adoption! All from the same litter, but ranging in color and gender. Come fill out an application on one for a lifetime of kisses!
(Available at Islip Animal Shelter!)

Sox is a lovable 10 month old pit mix boy who we took in from our community outreach program. He absolutely loves playing with his pittie foster siblings and adores his foster baby sister. Sox is excelling at his obedience training and is also house broken and crate trained. Don’t miss out on this lovable goof! He is adoptable from Unchained New York. Please visit www.unchainednewyork.org for more info or email us at info@unchainednewyork.org.

Cissy is a beautiful 2 year old red nose who is a mush with everyone at the shelter. She does play well with some dogs, but can be selective, Cissy would not do well in a home with cats. She is full of love and kisses. Cissy is available for adoption at the North Fork Animal Welfare League – Riverhead Shelter, call them today at(631) 369-6189 or by email beashelterhero@gmail.com.

Buster is a handsome boy who would do best as an only pet and would not be recommended for a family with small children. His favorite thing is going for car rides and visits from his best friend Val. Buster is so loved by some of our volunteers that they come to pick him up to take him out to lunch. When Buster loves you, he loves you 100%. Buster is available for adoption at the North Fork Animal Welfare League – Riverhead Shelter, call them today at(631) 369-6189 or by email beashelterhero@gmail.com.

Zorro is a young neutered male who has all vaccinations, likes dogs and is energetic by not hyperactive.   He is available for adoption at the North Hempstead Animal Shelter. Visit www.theshelterconnection.com, email tsc@theshelterconnection.com or call (516) 626-8948 for more info.   Or go there to meet him in person, 75 Marino Avenue, Port Washington, NY.

King is an adult neutered male who likes dogs but needs to get to know people one on one, but loves EVERYONE at shelter!  Visit www.theshelterconnection.com, email tsc@theshelterconnection.com or call (516) 626-8948 for more info.   Or go there to meet him in person, 75 Marino Avenue, Port Washington, NY.

Chief is a young neutered male, energetic and loveable may like dogs/awaiting further evaluation. Available at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter.

Frankie is an adorable 7-8 month old pit mix. This girl is as sweet as they come. Frankie loves paying attention to her human and learning her commands. She’s super smart too! Frankie is mild mannered (especially for her age) and would make a great family dog! Frankie is available at Islip Town Animal Shelter!

Keller is a handsome boy who is deaf. He is a sweet boy who loves people and enjoys having the chance to run around and be a dog. He is very calm and collected in his cage, and will sit right next to you if given the chance. He is currently being trained with hand commands. He knows sit, down, stay and come. Because he is deaf, we’d feel more comfortable adopting him out to a home without small children or overly-active dogs. Come meet him today at Islip Animal Shelter!

Hazel is a sweet girl who is very friendly and enjoys her time outside and her playtime. She needs a home without cats. She should be fine in a home with children. She knows sit and down and is learning more and more each week! Please come meet her today!  Hazel is available at Islip Town Animal Shelter!

Momma is an adorable, petite Pit mix who recently gave birth to her last litter of pups. She is now recovered, spayed and ready for adoption! Momma is sweet girl who lets you smush her and is happy LOVES to be with people. Momma is part of Live Love Bark’s training program and will be learning to walk nicely on a leash as well as basic obedience commands. Momma loves to just lean on her human and get some lovin’. Momma is available at Islip Animal Shelter too!

And look who I got a kiss from, Hailey! Titus and Hailey had a kissy booth over the weekend to raise funds for their mom’s non-profit animal rescue Tuff Tails!