4th Year of Free Dog Classes!

Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan recently announced that The Dog Federation of New York and The Town of Islip Animal Shelter have once again joined to offer the Responsible Dog Owner Class.

At a recent meeting, the Islip Town Board renewed its agreement with The Dog Federation of New York to offer the classes in 2011 until April 2012.  The three-hour classes are designed to help educate dog owners learn about basic puppy and dog behavior, training tools and techniques, children and dog safety, dog park etiquette, health and nutrition and New York State dog laws.

“This class is a wonderful opportunity for dog owners to learn from professionals and experts in the field in order to develop a closer bond with their pet, and we hope they’ll have fun at the same time,” said Supervisor Nolan.

“For over 27 years Canine Fence has focused on keeping pets safe at home and we are proud to once again sponsor the Dog Federation of New York’s Responsible Dog Ownership program in the Town of Islip so that residents learn the important responsibilities of dog ownership and how to have good canine citizens,” said Marketing Director, Tracy Scarfi of Canine Fence.

“I am so proud that the Town of Islip is continuing this program into it’s 4th year and thankful for Canine Fence company’s for continued support,” said Nancy Hassel, Founding Member of the Dog Federation of New York and Founder of Long Island Pet Professionals.  “The Town of Islip’s dedication to educating the public on responsible dog ownership and proper pet care has resulted in less owner turn-ins to the animal shelter after a participant has attended the class.  The Town of Islip is leading the way in this humane education program, and we hope more towns will follow. We are looking forward to another great year of educating!”

As a thank you for coming, participants will receive FREE goodie bags, loaded with essential and fun items for dog owners.  This class is for people ONLY—please leave your dogs at home!  Parents are encouraged to bring children over the age of 8.  As space is limited, please call the Islip Town Animal Shelter at (631) 224-5660 or email Nancy@LongIslandPetProfessionals.com for a reservation or for more information. (Email is best).

The upcoming schedule for the Dog Owner Education Class is as follows: April 13th, May 11th, June 15th, and July 13th all from 6-9 pm.

For updated information or more about the classes click here.

Pictured (left to right):, Maryflorence Brennan, of Canine Fence; Nancy Hassel, Founding Member of the Dog Federation of New York and Founder of Long Island Pet Professionals; and Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan.

by Pamela Fitzpatrick, of YourDogWalkers, shihtzu58@optonline.net

Huge turnout, Shelter Link Benefit

On Saturday, April 2, Shelter Link held their ‘Goodbye to Winter’ fundraiser at the Nutty Irishman in Bay Shore, NY. It was a great time, with lots of food, fun and raffles and a huge turnout from the community. Town of Islip Councilman Steve Flotteron and Shelter Supervisor Joanne Daly and other animal shelter staff members were there also.  The monies raised will help the Shelter Link a non-profit liaison to the Islip Animal shelter continue their work with the animals there, help with their rescue effort, and provide free spay and neuter program to pit bulls to qualifying residents of Islip township.  There was an awesome, emotionally moving video showcasing the dogs and cats at the shelter along with the hard working volunteers. There was barely a dry eye in the place! The Shelter Link team worked tirelessly to create a wonderful event; there were over one hundred beautifully wrapped gift baskets and lots of happy winners.  Best of all, funds raised will help Shelter Link continue its mission of saving animals.

Shelter Link also has a volunteer who is a dog trainer certified in evaluating dogs for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and have already passed a bunch of dogs at the shelter.  What’s better than that? You will be saving a life by adopting a wonderful dog from the shelter and can now brag your dog already has a CGC Diploma to boot.  Adopt, don’t shop!

Shelter link is a recognized, 501(C) 3 all-volunteer organization based in Islip.  They provide volunteers for the Islip Animal Shelter, and offer a feral cat spay and neuter program and a free pit bull spay neuter program to qualifying residents of Islip Township.  They also have a Foster Care Program and are seeking foster homes for rescued animals.  For more info, visit www.shelterlink.com.

Lovely Volunteers of Shelter Link