by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

On another cold and snowy night here on LI, my dog does not stay outside too long – as much as he loves the snow – he is out no more than 5 minutes.  So I can’t imagine being inside a warm home and having my dog tied up on a horribly inhumane heavy chain that limits the space he can walk around, a rickety dog house, or even worse an open wire crate for him and a frozen water bowl in these below freezing temperatures.  Yet one of Long Island’s dirty secrets is that this very prevelant here – and there is no reason for it.  There are tremendous rescue groups who go into to neighborhoods across LI and in a non-judgemental way – help the dogs, and educate the owners, provide proper dog houses, straw, light weight humane ties outs, food, water and help teach the owners to bring the dogs in when it is really really cold.  Many even provide veterinary care for the pets.  If it were not for these rescue groups like, Almost Home Rescue & Adoption, Unchained NY, Guardians of Rescue, Break the Chain and others – many dogs would definitely be dead this winter due to freezing to death.

As you read this and your dog is snuggle at your feet or in one of their many comfy cozy dog beds, (my dog has 3 different beds!),  I bet you can not imagine that this happens in many areas on LI.  Some of it can be lack of education on the owners part (I know what you’re thinking!), some of it is cultural i.e. the owners are first generation immigrants and that is how they kept their dogs in their countries and don’t know any better, and a lot of it is plain ingorance and animal abuse.

This past Friday, on Valentine’s day nearly 100 people showed up at Blydenburgh County Dog Park in Hauppuage, NY to bring awareness to this problem and to draw attention that not enough is being done by local and state law to protect animals from being left outdoors.  The event was organized by Linda Klampfl and her team at Almost Home Rescue & Adoption Inc. of LI and quickly many other rescue groups who work day in and out in the frigid temps to help LI’s chained dogs also joined in on the protest and press conference.

Photo courtesy of Almost Home.

If you read the NYS Argicutliture and Markets law Appropriate shelter for dogs left outdoors, it states:

Any person who owns or has custody or control of a dog that is
  left outdoors shall provide it with shelter appropriate  to  its  breed,
  physical  condition  and  the climate. Any person who knowingly violates
  the  provisions  of  this  section  shall  be  guilty  of  a  violation,
  punishable  by  a  fine of not less than fifty dollars nor more than one
  hundred dollars for a first offense, and a fine of  not  less  than  one
  hundred dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars for a second and
  subsequent  offenses.  Beginning  seventy-two  hours  after  a charge of
  violating this section, each day that a defendant fails to  correct  the
  deficiencies in the dog shelter for a dog that he or she owns or that is
  in  his  or  her  custody or control and that is left outdoors, so as to
  bring it into compliance with  the  provisions  of  this  section  shall
  constitute a separate offense.

First how crappy a $50 fine for the 1st offense? 2nd, 72 hours they have to correct it.  Think about how cold it is outside with all that snow on the ground?

For all dogs that  are  left  outdoors  in  inclement  weather,  a
  housing  facility,  which  must:  (1)  have  a  waterproof  roof; (2) be
  structurally  sound  with  insulation  appropriate  to  local   climatic
  conditions and sufficient to protect the dog from inclement weather; (3)
  be  constructed  to  allow each dog adequate freedom of movement to make
  normal postural adjustments, including the ability  to  stand  up,  turn
  around  and  lie  down  with  its  limbs outstretched; and (4) allow for
  effective removal of excretions, other waste material; dirt  and  trash.
  The  housing  facility  and the area immediately surrounding it shall be
  regularly cleaned to maintain a healthy and sanitary environment and  to
  minimize health hazards.
    4.  Inadequate  shelter  may  be  indicated  by  the appearance of the
  housing facility itself, including but not limited to, size,  structural
  soundness,  evidence  of crowding within the housing facility, healthful
  environment in the area immediately surrounding such facility, or by the
  appearance or physical condition of the dog.
    5. Upon a finding of any violation of this section, any  dog  or  dogs
  seized  pursuant  to  the  provisions of this article that have not been
  voluntarily surrendered by the owner or custodian or forfeited  pursuant
  to  court  order  shall  be returned to the owner or custodian only upon
   proof that appropriate shelter as required  by  this  section  is  being provided.

In this day and age, I think the state can come up with a much better law to protect companion animals such as our pets. Or wait how about some free education – or way to help the dogs, owners, etc. like the rescue groups are doing?

I remember watching Animal Planet’s ‘Animal Cops’ and so many times the ASPCA officer’s hands were tied to making an arrest or taking action, because the owner was in within the limit of the NYS law – but the pet was clearly neglected or suffering.  When asked about support from officials about the laws, many of the rescue groups in Suffolk county said they sure feel the lack of support from goverment animal organizations.

Linda Klampfl of Almost Home said, “The two key points is that we need stronger, more specific laws and we need an organization who will enforce it. The Suffolk County Police Department tells us to call the Suffolk County SPCA because there is nothing they (SPCD) can do.  But the SPCA does NOTHING to prosecute owners or enforce the laws.”

Photo Credit: Unchained NY

Photo credit, Almost Home Rescue & Adoption, Inc.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

What a whirlwind of Westminster events in New York City this weekend!  Starting with the first ever Master’s Agility Championship this past Saturday – which was a blur of flying dogs – and as you may have heard there were many mixed breeds competing.  If you have never watched agility in person, I would highly recommend planning to attend the event next year – you won’t be disappointed.  It was so much fun to watch every dog, the super fast ones making it through the course in 30 seconds flat and the older slower dogs meandering through – which was pure entertainment for the crowd.

This American Eskimo dog flew through the course!

This doxie wasn’t too fast and wasn’t too slow.

This dog was Logan, and 11 year old Amercian Staffordshire Terrier, aka pit!

And now we are at the 2nd day at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – for the evening’s Best in Show.  If you are reading this and have always thought about coming, especially if you are on Long Island or in the tri-state area and can easily get to Madison Square Garden, and you are a dog lover, there is no reason not too attend.  This year there were upwards of 3,000 dogs competing for the coveted title of Best in Show.  This is the 138th annual event of the show – and the excitement in the air is like any of your favorite sporting event.  It is for our love of dogs that bring people from around the world to the event.  I have been to Westminster at least 8 times and look forward to it ever year – for the dogs of course!

Beautiful Irish Setter

Lion or dog? Tibetan Mastiff!

Everyone loves a Golden Retriever

Portuguese Water dog

American Staffordshire Terrier – gorgeous!

New to Westminster this year the Chinook.

To see a lot more pictures click here and some Westminster Dog Breed Trivia click here!

And the Best in Show winner is Sky the Wire Fox Terrier!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

The annual New York Pet Fashion Show took place at the Hotel Pennsylvania at the Penn Top ball room Friday night, February 7, 2013 and, this year it was even more over the top than in past years.  I have never seen so many tiara’s in one room before – on people and dogs there!  The lavish event is a benefit every year for a different animal rescue group, and this year the Mayor’s Alliance of NYC was the beneficiary.  The event promotes dog adoption and the majority of the runway models, the dogs, were all dogs from various shelters looking for their furever homes.  The outrageous fashions and pomp and circumstance around the event is all about and for helping rescue groups and animals.  (And that my friends is the best part!)

Jill Rappaport from the Today Show, amazing animal adovate and rescuer too!

Darsey Mitchell and her famous dog Millie LaRue and animal adovate and rescuer Prince Lorenzo Borghese! (The theme of the night after all was Royalty!)

Amazing Therapy Dogs Beau (the Husky) and Bocker the Labradoodle saying hello! Both of these dogs and their humans, Caroline Loevner (Beau’s mom) and Marie (Bockers Mom) devote a tremendous amount of time volunteering as therapy dogs, helping other people so much.  It was great to see them and have them as the Big dogs representing!

Candy Udell of London Jewelers and Our Cause for Paws walked the runway too.

Summer Strand and Miss California and their pups!

The night began with pictures on the red carpet, provided by the Dirty Dog Doormat, it was red after all.

This adorable 8 year Pom was at the event, and up for adoption through Long Island’s Bobbi & the Strays Rescue group.

Hosted by Aida Nieves and Gregg Oehler, Publisher of Cesar’s Way Magazine and MC’d by  Maria Milito of Q104.3!

This was not for the humans, but for the dogs…by Frenchie’s Kitchen, fresh, healthy food for dogs. (Can’t wait for my Max to try some!)

This cutie was getting the royal treatment! BOL!!
For many more pictures from the evening, CLICK HERE!!

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com & Long Island Pet Professionals

Savvy pet consumers are looking more at labels when they shop for pet products and to many it is important that the pet prodcut they are buying is made here in America.   Select pet retailers are starting to put Made in the USA sections in their stores, and even some small pet retail stores go as far as having 70 to 80% of their products being made in the USA.  But unfortunately that is not the norm for all pet retailers.  ”I can’t tell you how many times I pick up a cute pet item for my dog and when I read the label and it’s not made here, I put it down,” said, Linda Williams a consumer who owns 3 dogs and has no kids. “It is very important to me that I can support our local economy by purchasing products for our dogs that are made here – while they seem to somewhat more available – it’s not always the case.”

With that in mind, Long Island Pet Professionals, (LIPP) and Whitegate PR put together the first ever exlusive event for Made in the USA pet products at their upcoming ‘NYC Re-Tails & Sales Expo’ on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 from 11am – 5pm at Honda of Manhattan (627 11th Ave, at 47th Street, New York, NY 10036).  This one day pawtriotic event will have vendors at the event featuring their ‘Made in America,’ (locally made and sourced), pet products on display and for sale.  NYC and tri-state area retailers will be in attendance, for this exclusive event, to meet and learn about Made in the USA pet products and bring those products into their store for their costumers.  The event is for retailers, not the general public, to learn about the products, connect with the manufacturers and utimately form a lasting relationship to continue to support locally made and sourced pet products.

“As more and more pet retailers look for that ‘Made in America’ seal, we are very happy to be bringing this first ever boutique pet expo, showcasing American crafted and sourced pet products!” stated Nancy E. Hassel, founder and President of Long Island Pet Professionals. “This is something that hasn’t been done before and I am delighted to partner with pet industry expert Dana Humphrey of Whitegate PR to bring this event to NYC and have pet retailers and pet product makers meet face to face!”

“The amount of money people spend on their pets is expected to pass $60 billion,” Craig Rexford, vice president and publisher of Pet Age magazine, said. “The industry continues to grow, creating new business opportunities for both manufacturers and retailers. This event is a great opportunity for manufacturers with unique products to connect directly with retailers.”

Each retailer will have a scheduled appointment with each pet vendor on site. At this exclusive event transportation will be provided within NYC to invited retailers. Pet celebrities and influencers will be in attendance and VIP tickets will be given to retailers for a surprise event following the expo!  This is the perfect opportunity for pet retailers to meet the makers of fabulous American-made pet products.

“We are thrilled to have Pet Age Magazine as our Media Sponsor and Made in the USA, Certified sponsoring this event.  The buzz about the event has been tremendous and we are already talking about hosting the event yearly,” said Dana Humphrey, Owner of WhitegatePR.

Brought to you by Long Island Pet Professionals and Whitegate PR. NYC retailers and members of the media, to request an exclusive invite call Nancy Hassel at (631) 446-1105 or Dana Humphrey at (619) 414-9307. To become a vendor at this B2B pet expo – email Nancy@longislandpetprofessionals.com or Dana@whitegatepr.com to find out how. Limited vendor space left! Sponsorship opportunities available. (At press time of 1/31/14 there is only 1 vendor space left for this exclusive event!)

To learn more about the event, see the vendors who will be there or to register as a retailer or press to attend click here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyc-re-tails-sales-expo-tickets-9438333309

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

It’s not very often when hunters, animal welfare and animal rights advocates get together to protest against a deer cull.  That’s right protested together against the upcoming deer cull set to take place in February on the East End of Long Island.  Nearly 200 people showed up on Saturday, January 18, 2014, at the protest which began at Hook Windmill in East Hampton, NY, organized by Long Island Orchestrating for Nature (LION).  The protestors started at Hook Mill and then walked down Newtown Lane to Herrick park.  Chanting and along the way, and while passing the high end shops on Newtown Lane, many store owners came out to clap and cheer everyone on – so you can see a lot of people are against the cull.

The deer cull will have federal sharp shooters with silencers and night vision to kill up to 3,000 deer across the South and North Forks in the dark of night. East Hampton, Southold and the Town of Brookhaven are signed up for this.  Southampton has still yet to decided (at press time) and thank your Riverhead for not signing on to this and caving under peer pressure.  The Long Island Farm Buearu who have secured a grant of $250,000 to have the deer killed have also asked the towns and villages to chip in $15,000 to $25,000 towards this slaughter.

Hunters are protesting because they want to be able to hunt the deer and donate and eat the deer meat, (yuck!) and to keep the population down.   And I guesss their argument makes sense, as they have to pay for their licenses to hunt, yet the towns and villages will use your tax dollars to pay the sharp shooters?  In speaking with a few residents along the way, they are really agains the cull.  A good friend of mine, Todd, who has lived in East Hampton for well over 10 years, he said, “why don’t they just extend the hunting season?  Instead they are using our tax dollars, it’s ridiculous.”  They could also use birth control efforts like they do on Fire Island to keep the population down, I said.

I am personally not a fan of hunting of any sort and I love seeing deer wherever they are, and lived in Southampton for 6 years, and never had an issue with deer destroying anything where I lived.  And isn’t it ironic – that today  on my way out to East Hampton, I took the back roads, I didn’t see ONE deer, then on my way back, not only did I take different back roads, but I walked through a wildlife preserve near Sag Harbor, not ONE deer, and didn’t see any, anywhere the rest of the way back.

The towns are estimating that there are 30,000+ deer on both forks and throughout Riverhead.  30,000! Really, how did they count them?  Don’t you know deer travel and move around – so how did they come to that number?  Where is the proof of this?

People for the cull that live on the east end are claiming the deer are causing lyme disease, damage to their property or crops and car accidents.  Yes, there are car accidents due to deer it is sad for both parties involved. And lyme disease is common – but you can get Lyme’s disease from a deer tick on any part of Long Island – as the ticks are also on mice and other smaller animals.  Lyme disease is from the tick, not deer!  Ever walk through Bydenburgh in Hauppauge with your dog? You are bound to find ticks, yet there are no deer at that park. Gardiner’s Park in Bay Shore, any where really – you can even get a tick on you from your own landscaped backyard.  I know someone who got Lyme’s Disease that lives in NYC.

The thought of sharp shooters on the back of pick up trucks, walking around shooting deer at night is just un-nerving. Because that is a safe way to do it, can you hear my sarcasm?  For the residents of the east end I would be worried about my personal safety, children’s safety and for my pets safety.  What about tourists that are out visiting off season who don’t know bout the cull at night?  Not to mention of course the beautiful deer that will pay the ultimate price.  This cull, seems like an accident waiting to happen – and this is coming from a complete non-alarmist – but if you really think about how dumb this plan is.  There has got to be a better way.

During the protest a local East Hampton resident and his two young daugthers stopped and he said explaining to his girls, “the hunters are hear protesting against the people who don’t want the deer to be killed.” I said, “Actually everyone is here together, hunters and animal welfare advocates, they all want to stop the cull.” He was surprised.  We were discussing it along with a few other people and he too said, he doesn’t want it to happen, that he is worried for his and his family’s safety.

The deer are part of the wildlife on our Island, and I think it really sad that our elected officials think this is a good way to do things.  We are way too much of a throw away society and this is just another example of it.  (Maybe the elected officials can get a grant to clean up our island? Have you driven around anywhere lately – and noticed the TONS of garbage on the side of the road? But hey lets kill deer who are not contributing to the mess or pollution that humans do daily here.)

There are a few law suits fighting to stop this cull, both by hunters and by The East Hampton Group for Wildlife that want to stop this.  If you want to get more invovled contact LION by clicking here and ask what you can do to help stop this cull.

Even the littlest protesters where there.