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!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com, Updated January 22, 2016

With the subfreezing temperatures hitting us tonight and tomorrow – and during the winter months, most pet owners know to bring their pets inside.  Here is a list of places to call if you see a pet that is left outdoors and has no proper shelter (but who are we kidding – even with proper shelter it is way to cold for a pet to be left outdoors!)

Photo Credit: Unchained NY (taken on Long Island January 2014)

Nassau County:

Contact the Nassau County SPCA at Abuse Hotline Phone: 516-THE-SPCA (843-7722) or if you are not sure if it is abuse i.e. maybe the owner is not well either call their adminstration office at (516) 812-7771.

Animal Shelters that you can contact if the pet is in your town:

Cove Animal Rescue
40 Shore Rd
Glen Cove, NY 11542
(516) 676-5913 
CoveAnimalRescue@gmail.com

Hempstead Town Animal Shelter
3320 Beltagh Ave
Wantagh
(516) 785-5220

Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter
75 Marino Avenue (West of Port Washington Boulevard)
Port Washington, New York 11050
(516) 869-6311

Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter
150 Miller Place
Syosset, NY 11791
(516) 677-5784

Suffolk County Animal Shelters:

Babylon Animal Shelter
51 Lamar Street
West Babylon, NY
(631) 643-9270

Brookhaven Animal Shelter
300 Horseblock Road
Brookhaven, NY 11719
(631) 286-4940

Huntington Animal Shelter
106 Deposit Rd
East Northport, NY 11731
(631) 754-8722
After-Hours Emergency Only
Phone: (631) 351-3234

Islip Animal Shelter
210 South Denver Avenue
Bay Shore, NY 11706
(631) 224-5660

Riverhead Animal Shelter
532A Youngs Avenue
Calverton, NY 11933
(631) 369-6189

Smithtown Animal Shelter
410 E Main Street
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 360-7575

Southampton Animal Shelter
102 Old Riverhead Rd WEST
Hampton Bays, NY 11946
(631) 728-7387

Southold Animal Shelter
165 Peconic Lane
Peconic, NY 11958
(631) 765-1811

Suffolk County SPCA (631) 382-7722.

Emergency Vets open 24 Hours are:

Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists
3250 Veterans Highway
Bohemia, NY 11716
(631) 285-7780

Animal Emergency Service
6230 Jericho Tpke
Commack, NY 11725
(631) 462-6044

New York Veterinary Specialty Center
2233 Broadhollow Rd.
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(631) 249-2899

Animal Emergency Service P.C.
280 Middle Country Road
Selden, NY 11784
(631) 698-2225

Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island
75 Sunrise Highway
West Islip, NY 11795
(631) 587 – 0800

Long Island Veterinary Specialists
163 S. Service Rd
Plainview, NY
(516) 501-1700

Nassau Animal Emergency Group
740 Old Country Rd.
Westbury, NY
(516) 333-6262

The Center for Specialized Veterinary Care
609-5 Cantiague Rock Rd.
Westbury, NY 11590
(516) 420-0000

Riverhead Emergency Vet – Pet – ER
67 Commerce Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 369-4513

West Hills Animal Hospital and Emergency Center
800 West Jericho Turnpike
Huntington, NY
(631) 351-6116

Please do not leave your pets out long to go potty and do not take them for long walks. Check their paw pads when you bring them back inside for any cuts or scrapes.  If you have booties, and a warm coat for your dog please be sure to put them on before they go outdoors.

If you have an indoor/outdoor cat – keep the cat inside until the temperatures go above freezing.

Wonderful organizations that you can call for help if the SPCA’s or animal shetlers can’t help are as follows: (please note this list may be updated!)

Unchained NY

Guardians of Rescue

Break the Chain

Pet Safe Coalition

Pets should enjoy the snow, supervised of course, and never left out in it.  Bulldogs Izzy & Igor romp and have fun and go right back inside their warm house.

by Nancy E. Hassel,  LIPetPlace.com

A common misconception among pet owners is that having your pets microchipped, that once the dog or cat is chipped, then your pet is protected.  If your pet ever gets lost, the microchip will help bring your beloved pet back to you.  Yes, the microchip has brought countless pets back to their owners – we have all read the amazing stories of pets being reunited after long journeys all because of the microchip.   Did you know how many pets are microchipped – but their pet parents fail to register them?

I know you might be sitting there reading this, saying, “What? I thought the rescue I adopted Buddy from registered him?”  Or, “I thought when I got him from the animal shelter they registered him with my info before I left with him.”  Nope.  Wait let me say that louder NOPE!

Many pets go missing especially during the holidays – and while the pet may be microchipped, more often than not, if they are found by a good samaratin and brought to an animal shelter or veterianarian office to be scanned for a microchip – and the chip is not registered.   So the shelter then has no idea who the pet belongs to and most shelters after a 7-day hold on the pet, the pet is then put up for adoption.

“Puppies that people purchase at a pet stores – or adopt from a private rescue group, may be microchipped already – but you need to register your new pet with your information, immediately,” said Joanne Daly, Shelter Supervisor of the Town of Islip Animal Shelter and Adopt-a-Pet Center.  ”You are usually given paper work from a rescue group, animal shelter or pet store with what company the pet’s microchip is registed with, new pet owners need to call that company and have the microchip put under their name.  We chip our pets here, and put the information in the adoption packet and on the number of the chip on the medical records to so that when the pet owner brings their newly adopted pet to the vet, the vet also has the microchip info.”

So what to do?  You need to register your pet with a microchip company.  Putting in your information, means putting in your most up to date info.  Most people keep the same cell phone number, so having that in there would be my first choice.  And also your home number and alternate number just in case they can reach you at the first number.

When I asked how common is it for a dog to be brought to the animal shelter with a microchip that is not registered,  Ms. Daly answered, ” It happens quite often.”

Now most vet offices and animal shelters have a universal scanner to detect all types of microchips, which makes it much easier for your pet to be identified.  Joanne said, “We have even picked up dogs that are microchipped overseas with our universal scanner.  We always scan any animal brought in twice at our shelter to insure it was not missed if the pet is chipped.”

Here are some companies you can look into on microchipping your pet.

www.petmicrochiplookup.org

www.avidid.com – microchipping company

www.homeagain.com

www.24petwatch.com – 24PetWatch’s Lost Pet Recovery is there to not only identify your pet, but to reunite you as soon as they’re found. Thanks to 24PetWatch’s microchip, you can be reunited safely and quickly.

www.petlink.net

Joanne Daly also said, “Cats too should be micropped, even if they are an indoor cat, accidents happen and indoor cats do get outside.”

If your pet is not microchipped, most animal shelters can microchip your pet, as well as rescue groups and even your vet’s office may provide the service.  A lot of private rescue groups also offer low cost microchipping on a regular basis.

If you’re pet is lost, and he does not have a collar with ID tags or a microchip, the first thing you should do is contact your local town municipal shelter and let them know, and if you can bring them a picture with all your appropriate contact info.  I would also contact the privately owned animal shelters too – to let them know your pet is missing, send them a picture, age if the the pet is on meds, etc.

Social media has exploded over recent years with ‘Lost and Found pages on Facebook’.  Look in your local area, town, city, state to see if there is one set up for you.  Post the picture of your pet, where and when he was lost, if the pet is in need of meds, friendly, nervous around strangers, etc.  This will be very helpful in finding your pet.

On Long Island – https://www.facebook.com/Lostandfound.petslongisland

In Queens – https://www.facebook.com/QueensLostandFoundPets

In Staten Island https://www.facebook.com/lostand.statenisland?fref=ts

Missing Pets USA

Another website that is very helpful is Pet Amber Alert, they offer many services to help you recover your pet if gone missing, even putting out a phone call to thousands in your surrounding neighborhood letting your community know a pet is missing.

You can also easliy search Facebook for pages near where you live for similar pages. Craigslist is another popular site to post your missing pet in the pets section where you live. And the good old fashioned way of posting fliers around your neighborhood with photo, and contact number for someone to call you if they have your pet.

Bottom line? If your pet is microchipped, stop what you are doing and make sure your pet is registered with you!

Thanks to Laura Jeane and Gus who inspired this article!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Part 3 of our Lifer Series…overlooked dogs that have been in a shelter for 6 months or longer. Please share their stories so they too can find their furever home during October which is Adopt-a-Shelter dog Month.

Meet Ms. HoneyBee, one of the most beautiful, gentle souls up for adoption at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Honey came to the shelter as a stray on the 4^th of July. She was found cowering on the streets; so frighten by the sound of fireworks we could hardly get her onto our truck.

Honey is a 6 year young pure breed Cane Corso. Honey’s spirit was broken when she came to us and she was depressed for quite some time. But after some “Good Ole” TLC Honey has blossomed into the perfect lady.  At some point Honey was loved by someone because she knows many commands: sit – down- stay- paw and she is also housetrained. Please give Honey the second chance and forever home she deserves; come to the shelter to adopt her.

Bio on Lady Rebecca

Meet Lady Rebecca. She is 75lbs of pure, unconditional love. Our Lady is a canine cancer survivor and now she needs a home to live the joys of a second chance at life.  Lady Rebecca loves, loves, LOVES people but prefers to be your one and only pet.  If you can foster or give this great girl a forever home, please contact Save-a-Pet in Port Jefferson atsaveapetny@yahoo.com or 631.473.6333 and request to meet her today.

Part 2 of our Lifer Series…overlooked dogs that have been in a shelter for 6 months or longer. Please share their stories so they too can find their furever home during October which is Adopt-a-Shelter dog Month.

This is Mia from Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption, Inc. Mia is a 4yr old spayed female. Mia is good with kids (older kids due to her size) and is dog selective best paired with a submissive dog, NO CATS. Mia loves belly rubs and going to the beach! Mia had 13 puppies all her puppies were adopted and Momma Mia has been waiting since March 2011 for her forever home! Please contact Jen 631-627-3665 or jen@almoshomeli.org.

I am a  handsome 9 year old basset hound mix with beautiful markings.  I prefer a one person family that just wants to hang out with me, their only dog. I only have a few needs – food, treats, and a nice fenced yard.  I love to go out and bark at anything that catches my eye. So maybe a home in the country is best. And of course, I love to be inside to take naps and watch what you are doing.  I’m not one that cares for a harness – too much fuss.  As a matter of fact, I will go for a walk, but if you are too busy – I am just fine going out in  my fenced yard. ~ Contact Lisa Packer at lpacker458@msn.com.

Noelle is a Pointer mix who is between three and four years old. She has been at the shelter since October of 2012. She loves to run and play outside and would do great in a home with a yard. She is friendly and will give kisses. She is possessive of her toys though, so please no children under the age of 8. She gets along with some dogs and cats. Visit her at the Town of Islip Adopt A Pet center at 201 S. Denver Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706.

Photo credit: Sole Riley

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Lifers…

By now you should know that October is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, and while so many people do adopt from shelters (thank you!), many dogs are there way too long – and are overlooked.  A potential adopter may be walking through a local shelter and find out that a dog they are looking at has been there for a year or two and walk away thinking, “there has to be something wrong with that dog.” Which is a real shame.  I encourage you, if you are a potential adoper to stop before you move on and give the dog a chance.  Ask the volunteer or shelter worker about the dog and find out his or her personality, likes and take some time in the adoption room to get to know the dog.  Ask to have them bring the dog outside away from the noise and really take some time with the dog.  You may just find this is the dog for you, the dog that you too were going to over look.  I double-dog dare ya to find out more about the lifer dog that is desperately wishing for his own furever home.

There is a really great quote, that sums it up: ”Rescuing one dog may not change the world, but for that one dog, his world will be changed forever.”

Each week, for the next 4 weeks, you will see a ‘Lifer’s’ series of articles here – how can you change a local lifer dogs life? By adopting of course, but if you can’t adopt or foster, you can share his or her story by sharing the article, and just possibly your share can change the world for one of the dogs below!

Thank you to the participating shelters who care for and lobby to find these ‘lifers’ a home.

Envy is a female Pit Bull about 4 years old that needs a home without cats. She gets along with some dogs. Would be fine with children. She has been with the shelter since August of 2012. She waits patiently and quietly in her cage every day but is always overlooked. When out of the cage she loves to roll around on the grass or floor and likes her belly rubbed. She is a happy girl who can entertain herself. Envy is deaf and will need to be taught hand signals for her training. Envy is at the Town of Islip Animal Shelter - call (631) 224-5660 or go to 210 S. Denver Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706

This is Ruby from Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption, Inc. Ruby is approx. 4-5 years old, spayed . Ruby loves car rides and going for long walks/jogs! Ruby loves people of all ages, good with children, a real snuggle bug but must be the only pet. She has been with our rescue for 3 years now waiting for her forever home! Please contact Jen @ 631-627-3665 or jen@almosthomeli.org

This beautiful girl is Mona, she has been at the shelter since 2011. Mona is a very happy and playful young three year old and approximately 60 pounds. Mona is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, micro-chipped and heart-worm negative…what more could you ask for. She will bring you sunshine everyday and be a great exercise partner. Could Mona be your perfect match, come down and meet her at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. Call 631.286.4940 to arrange a date to meet this doll.

Photo by Sole Riley. Sparky was found as a stray in Southampton. This 9 year old still has a lot of energy and has a great love of life. He needs a home without other dogs or cats. A great companion, he enjoys going for long walks and watching movies. Sparky is part of ARF’s Scholarship Program which helps our older animals and special needs animals with minor medical conditions, find homes. The scholarship program will provide financial assistance to the person or family that adopts Sparky into their loving home. Sparky has been at ARF for a few years. For more information call our adoption team at 631-537-0400 x203.

This week is Julie's one year anniversary at the Islip Animal Shelter and Adopt-A-Pet Center. She is a sweet senior Rottie mix who is roughly 7 years old. She would make a great pet for anyone looking for a mature companion. She loves her tennis balls but calms down quick. Julie would prefer to be the only pet and would do best in a home without children. Visit Julie at the Islip Animal Shelter and Adopt-A-Pet Center at 210 South Denver Ave, Bay Shore, New York 11706

Please note the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter is now open again – they have, as of press time of this article, 209 dogs that need homes there.  Please contact the shelter or go visit to help the animals there. 209 DOGS!

Want to feature your rescue dog in this 4-part Lifer Series of articles?

Please email Info@LIPetPlace.com, send a jpg of the dog, description about the dog, what shelter the dog is in, how long the dog has been in the shelter, and Contact info, etc.  The dog must be in a municipal shelter at least 6-months or more and/or with official non-profit Rescue group shelter.  Thank you!