by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Last week after the earthquake and before the hurricane there was a pet conference taking place in Vienna, Virginia called BlogPaws – the 3^rd annual and all for the pet blogging community!  We, a few Long Island Pet Professional members, and many New York pet bloggers and from all across the country were fortunate enough to be in attendance at a furtastic conference.  One of the organizers, Caroline Golon is also a local Long Islander and of the Romeothecat.com blog fame – and she along with her BlogPaws partners, Yvonne DiVita and Tom Collins of Scratchings and Sniffings did an amazing job – dispite mother nature’s wrath!  BlogPaws 2011 was a great way for all of us in the pet blogging world to meet face to face – since so many of us follow each other on Twitter or are friends on Facebook, but nothing beats meeting in person.  The conference ran so smoothly and everyone was so excited to be there and meet each other – even all the pets!

The breakout sessions that I attended on Friday were fabulous and even if you think you know a lot – you can always learn so much at a conference like BlogPaws or even at a networking event.  I have pages and pages of notes to go over, and hundreds of business cards – many of which I already reached out too, and even found more pet people and media to follow on Twitter.  This was my first BlogPaws conference and I really hope to make the next one in Salt Lake City, Utah.   I mean seriously there were even people from Disney – this was the conference if you are a blogger not to miss.

And where else are you at a conference where you can bring your pet to sit in the breakout sessions with you?  Many times during a session a dog would bark in agreement with what the expert speaker was saying – it was quite funny – and made the conference just all that much more refreshing.  Some people even brought their cats, yes their cats, and their ferrets too.  All the pets seemed to be getting along and having just as much fun as the attendees themselves.

The only unfortunate thing about it was that we had to head back to Long Island because of rude Hurricane Irene, so many of us missed the 2^nd day.  Very disappointing, but we had to head back ahead of the storm.  But still attending the day & ½ that we did – it was pawsome!  And did I mention the ridiculously filled to the brim swag bag? Holy crap – we got so much amazing free stuff in the swag bag Max’s, my pit bull was too very excited when I got back!  In addition to the swag, the BlogPaws event raised over $12,500 and donated it to five different charities.  The next event is scheduled for next June in Salt Lake City – so who’s going?

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

If you’re like me the only time you really ever saw a Polo match was in the movie Pretty Woman or pictures of the sport in a magazine.  Long Island, however, has some interesting history with Polo, this centuries old sport dating back some 2,500 years – LI can claim that the Meadowbrook Polo Club is the oldest polo club in the US with roots dating back to 1879. But we are lucky that there are a few places on LI that you can go and watch this fascinating sport. Where else can you combine the athleticism of horses and riders hitting a ball with a mallet while riding full speed across a field all while being chased by opponents?  Seriously, football players have nothing compared to these polo players! (Sorry but throwing a ball and being tackled, big whoop!)

From someone who has been horse back riding since the age of 5, and has witnessed some amazing jumper horses at horse jumping competitions – I have never seen a horse with such intensity as such during a polo match this past Saturday in Bridgehampton.  I could almost swear the horses were watching the ball, eh em, keeping an eye on the ball, as much as the athletes from around the world who were riding (for lack of a better word) them.

Going into to watch the match with friends, we were technically ‘tailgating’ at the match (along with hundreds of other spectators), but I am now hooked and want to go back to learn more about the game itself, the teams and how they train the horses that participate.  That seems to be the most interesting part – that these horses seemingly love the game – are not in the least bit spooked by men wielding mallet at the ball, nearly crashing into each other and all while galloping, turning and putting their full bodies into the game.  It’s breathing taking to watch.

Polo Player Nacho Figueras with two adorable fans!

And of course at half time you get to go out onto the field and stomp the ‘divots,’ or walk across to see if you can spy any celebs under the VIP tent.  Or after the match you can get your picture taken with Nacho Figueras, the famed polo player and Ralph Lauren Model, father, and sorry ladies, husband too.

It’s not expensive to go either, for a car load of people (at Bridgehampton Polo Club), its just $20, and you can park and sit right up to the field to watch the event, and bring food to tail gate as well.  If you are looking to experience a different event in the Hamptons before the summer is over – there are just 2 Saturday’s left of the Blue Star Jets polo matches at Bridgehampton Polo Club – but check the other clubs listed below for their schedules and ticket prices. This is a fun family event to watch a very old sport featuring these majestic horses.

This is a pet friendly location (Bridgehampton) – but be sure that your pet if you bring him or her is leashed at all times and well behaved.

Polo Clubs Across Long Island:

The Meadowbrook Polo Club

Polo at Bethpage State Park

If you are on Twitter, follow @Poloatthepark

County Farms Polo in Medford, NY

A bit of Polo History:

According to Pro-Polo.com, Polo is arguably the oldest recorded team sport in known history, with the first matches being played in Persia over 2500 years ago. Initially thought to have been created by competing tribes of Central Asia, it was quickly taken up as a training method for the King’s elite cavalry. These matches could resemble a battle with up to 100 men to a side.

British officers themselves re-invented the game in 1862 after seeing a horsemanship exhibition in Manipur, India. The sport was introduced into England in 1869, and seven years later sportsman James Gordon Bennett imported it to the United States.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Last Thursday, August 4, 2011 dog owners in West Sayville rejoiced and celebrated at the brand new 1.5 acre dog park that opened officially complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony.  The ‘Cherry Avenue Dog Park’ came about due to the tireless work of Long Island Dog Owners Group (LI-Dog) to establish more parks throughout Long Island.  This dog park with was sponsored by Legislator Bill Lindsay was the third dog park created under the Five New Dog Parks initiative that LI-Dog championed and Leg. Lindsay supported the passing of the initiative in 2007.  There are now five Suffolk County Parks Department dog parks: West Hills; Bydenburgh; Robinson Farm; Mud Creek (off-leash beach) and now Cherry Avenue.

These parks, since they are Suffolk County Parks Department dog parks means anyone in Suffolk County can bring their too.  There are no town limitations like at other dog parks, but LI-Dog encourages dog owners to be responsible, clean up after their dog at the park, and to be mindful of other dog owners while your pooch is romping around in the runs.

I for one love the fact that there is a dog park at Blydenburgh – it has helped tremendously because there are less loose dogs throughout the trails of the park.  Blydenburgh has wonderful hiking trails that many local horse owners also utilize, and for years walking there with my dogs we would encounter loose dogs in the trails – the dog park has decreased the amount of loose dogs ten fold.  We hiked there with our dogs numerous times in the spring and I didn’t see one off leash dog, it is a great thing.

LI-Dog is currently helping Nassau dog owners try and get more parks in their county as well.  To find out more information or how to get involved to help go to www.lidog.org.

from l to r, Ginny Munger Kahn, president of LI-DOG; Joe Montuori, Suffolk County Parks Commissioner; Legislator Bill Lindsay, Julie Finnegan, LI-DOG member and her dog Oakley

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

On a sunny and beautiful afternoon this past Saturday, July 30, in Bridgehampton, over 100 guests and their four legged friends attended the first, ‘Unleashed Hits the Hamptons’ event.  Unleashed NY is a non-for-profit organization that launched in 2010 and is just a year old.  Unleashed has a unique approach to rescuing puppies and helping change the lives of middle school aged girls – Unleashed is an after school experiential leadership program for middle school girls that uses a social change curriculum focused on puppy rescue and welfare.  Unleashed focuses on a pivotal time in the girl’s lives and the girls learn to advocate for others; think critically about a complex social problem; and, most importantly, gain confidence in their ability to lead change.  This inaugural event in the Hamptons hopes to become an annual event to help raise funds and awareness about the cause.

The event was a star studded event bringing in pet celebrities and vendors alike including Erika Searl and her two dogs, Cubby and Ginger of the NYC TV Show Doggie Mom’s, and fantastic vendors such as; Hampton Pet Club, Life is Grruff, Hampton Pet Chef, Macaroni Kid and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, and lots of scrumptious hors d’oeurves passed for both people and pets. There were also casting agents in attendance for potential stars of  Animal Planet’s hit TV show ‘It’s Me or the Dog,’ featuring Victoria Stillwell.

Erika Searl, Cubby & Ginger for NYC's Doggie Mom's

“We were delighted to make our debut in the Hamptons this week and were so happy to attract so many   enthusiastic supporters of girls and puppies.  We look forward to making many new friends as we grow and develop this wonderful program. We invite anyone that is interested in Unleashed to check out our website to learn more about the great work that we do,’ said Shelly Wimpfheimer, Event Chair of Unleashed Hits the Hamptons.

The day also featured veterinarian, Dr. Barry Browning, who provided consultation for all of those nagging problems plaguing pet owners every day.  Shelly also said, “We thank all of those who made this day possible, especially our generous sponsors, Ellen Kapit, Sotheby’s Realty, Middle Sister Wines, Pfizer Animal Health, Archie the Dog, Game Day Girl, Pine Barrens Printing, Scopinich Signs, Long Island Pet Professionals, the Zonta Club of Peconic, Dr. and Mrs. Fred Small and Julia, and last but not least, our generous hostess, Mary Moran.”

So many dogs were romping around, devouring yummy treats and gourmet pet food while enjoying a beautiful day in the Hamptons all for a wonderful cause and great new program.

To find out more about UnleashedNY go to their website and like them on Facebook too. If you are a local rescue group that would like to get involved with this program – please email info@unleashedny.org to find out more information.

More Pictures below!

Kim Loper & Andrew LoMonaco of Life is Grruff!

Bonnie Mollin Emmerich of Hampton Pet Chef

Amber

Raymond

Dusty

Erika Searl of Doggie Moms holding Ginger and Nancy Hassel Founder of Long Island Pet Professionals holding Cubby

by Susan Chamberlain of 14KaratParrot

Bird Owner’s Guide to Selling Your Home

Are you planning to sell your home this year? Watch any television program geared toward helping people sell their homes, and you’ll learn that one of the first pieces of advice realtors give is “Relocate the pets!” It isn’t always practical to move the pets out for open houses and showings, and if you have numerous birds, it may be close to impossible.

This is the one time you can look at your birds as part of the décor. Use them to enhance the ambience of your home. I’ve sold two homes with most of my birds present. The first house was in New York and quite small, so I boarded my four Amazon parrots with a friend during the open house. The macaw, Senegal parrots and budgies remained in the house-for-sale and didn’t seem to detract from the showing. Because the ‘green gang’ and their cages were absent, the space looked larger, and the house was peaceful and quiet.

My parrots actually added to the appeal of my house in Florida. It was a piling house surrounded by tropical foliage on a barrier island, and the birds fit right in. Several of them were on the screened porch, and the Amazons and macaw were indoors. Large windows and sliding glass doors brought the outside in, and the birds seemed to be a natural part of the décor. Cages and surrounding areas were kept scrupulously clean at all times so that the house could be shown on 30 minutes notice. Consider marketing your home as your new full-time job. Estimate how long it will take to get your house ready for impromptu showings, and let your realtor know how much lead time you’ll require.

Buyers are waiting for great deals in a sluggish market and there are a lot of homes for sale, but you can compete. The first impression is the lasting impression. What will the buyer see first? A jumble of cages, bird food and play stands in the living room won’t pass muster, especially if the potential buyer isn’t a ‘bird person’.  Before you even call a Realtor®, convert your bird room back into a dining room or den. Remove the swings and perches hanging from the ceiling and stow the assortment of parrot paraphernalia that’s cluttering your bookshelves. Shampoo or replace carpeting. Green stains will not go over well.

Yvonne Papaemanuel a Licensed Sales Agent and Certified Buyer Representative (LSA/CBR) with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Ronkonkoma, NY agreed. “They’re our pets and we love them, but it doesn’t mean the potential buyer does. Cleanliness is key to everything, right alongside de-cluttering. Put all pet food and accessories away.”

Realtor® Janie Howland, an associate with Re/Max of the Islands on Sanibel Island, FL, concurred. “With any animal, I ask the seller to make the pet area as clean as possible. You don’t want people walking over bird seed or smelling pet odors. One advantage of birds over cats and dogs is that there’s virtually no odor.

“In my experience, most people like birds, but some might be put off by a very loud bird. In that case, I might move the cage to the smallest bedroom, or the den — to a room that isn’t the focal point of the home,” continued Frese. “I wouldn’t want a home that is perfect in every way to be remembered as the ‘house with that awful bird in it’! If the sellers are motivated, they should do whatever they can to minimize the negative impact of their animals. They know how their pets react to strangers coming into the room. For instance, covering the cage might keep a loud bird quiet.”

Once your house is in contract, you can begin looking for your new home. Are you looking at a development or a condo? Review the rules regarding noise and pets. Are you planning an outdoor aviary? Check the zoning regulations.  Do you want cathedral ceilings so your macaw will have plenty of headroom?  A roll-in shower for bird cages? A sunporch for your cockatiels? Happy house hunting!

Biting and Other Problems

If you have aggressive birds, post signs in front of cages warning people away. Ms. Papaemanuel suggested keeping it friendly with something like, “We know we’re cute, but please don’t touch!”

Tell your agent not to allow people to poke at the birds, or remain in the house to supervise if you feel it’s necessary. “It’s better to be absent during showings,” according to Papaemanuel, “because it makes it easier for potential buyers to imagine the home as their own. If you remain in the home, tend to the pets but leave all the talking to the agent. Don’t hover. Stay out of the way. On the plus side, there may be some questions that need answering and you can do so on the spot.”

Janie Howland addressed another situation that occurs quite frequently. “When another realtor shows one of my listings and there are animals present, I warn them about what to expect. I instruct the realtor to control the client. I tell them not to approach the cage and not to stick their fingers in the cage. If I have any misgivings, I’ll accompany them to the showing.” (It should be noted that Ms. Howland sells homes on an island where it is not unusual to encounter 6-foot iguanas on a porch or pet peacocks in the yard!)

Some people are superstitious about birds indoors. Others may be fearful. Ask your Realtor® to advise potential clients that you have pet birds prior to a showing, and if necessary, arrange to temporarily relocate the feathered members of your family.

“During an open house, you never know who’s coming through, so you can’t forewarn potential buyers that birds are present,” said Papaemanuel. “Keep the attention off the birds, even if you need to cover them during an open house. Keep the focus on the house.”

Security

In general, people perceive exotic birds as valuable. Don’t include your birds in virtual tour or online photos, especially if the address of your home is included in the listing. Using a real estate agent makes it more likely that prospects will be screened to some degree.

“Don’t mention pending trips, work schedules or other away-from-home activities in front of prospective buyers,” Yvonne Papaemanuel advised, “Remove daily calendars and phone numbers from sight. If a buyer asks you about availability for a future showing, say you’ll get back to the sales agent with the information.  You never know who’s walking into your house. For added security, work with certified buyer’s agent. That agent is working for the buyer, much like a personal shopper and the buyer is going to be screened and pre-approved.”

Bird owner’s Top Ten Selling Tips

De-clutter.  Pack non-essential items and stack boxes neatly in the garage or other non-living area. If necessary, rent a storage unit. Store bird carriers, travel cages, play stands and other avian ‘furniture’ out of sight.  Potential buyers will open cabinet doors and drawers. Make sure bird food is neatly organized in a designated space.

De-personalize: Remove family photos and personal items from view. Yes, you can leave that gorgeous macaw portrait over the fireplace, but remove and store knick-knacks and other decorative avian items. Take your beloved “Beware of Attack Parrot” sign down and pack it away for you next home.

Deodorize. Healthy birds and clean cages are not odiferous. Make sure cages are pristine. Wash floors, shampoo the rugs, launder draperies and bedding and don’t smoke indoors. One of the first things prospective buyers notice is how the house smells. Simmer a little potpourri on the stove prior to a showing, and open the windows for fresh air.

Dust! Be aware that people with allergies may look at your home. Mist your birds daily to reduce dander. Change cage tray paper just prior to a showing. Use an electronic air filter to further reduce airborne allergens. Change or wash air conditioner filters frequently, and vacuum daily. When possible, open windows during showings.

Advertise in bird related publications and on avian websites. What makes your home ideal for your birds may attract a buyer with birds. My current home has a 28 foot conservatory style room that’s perfect for birds and it’s right up the hill from a top-notch bird store!

Are your birds nervous around strangers?  Cover the cages or advise people not to approach them. Take your bird out for a ride during showings or relocate your pet to a friend’s house.

Noisy birds?  Relocate to a friend’s or cover the cages. Play soft background music to soothe the tropical soul.

Do you have an unused area to relocate birds, such as finished basement, enclosed porch or playroom?  Designate that area as a temporary bird room.

Move cage to a large room or area so it doesn’t dominate the room. Buy some large, inexpensive potted palms at Home Depot and place them strategically near cages for a tropical look.

Is your bird’s cage beginning to look shabby? This is the ideal time to purchase a new one. Think of it as a ‘home improvement’ that will help sell your house!

©Susan Chamberlain 2011–No part of this article may be reprinted or reproduced without the express, written permission of the author.