by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Mayday for Midnight

Mayday is a distress signal and this beautiful purebred female Doberman located right here on Long Island – well she is definitely in distress.  While many people don’t want to hear about dogs like Midnight, want to turn away – please take a moment to read her story.  She is begging you too.

Midnight is approximately 9-years old has lived the majority of her life outside – at the end of a chain.  Unfortunately this is more common than Long Islanders would like to think, especially those who pamper and spoil our dogs.  Think about it, a short haired dog living outside, and then think about how cold our winter was, and how much rain we have had the past month – Midnight was outside. Sadly there was another Doberman with her, a male – but he didn’t make it through the winter, and Midnight was left alone, outside, with no one.

However, Midnight’s luck started to turn for the better when a local non-profit rescue organization working in the area, RSVP (Responsible Solutions for Valued Pets), got word of the situation.  Most animal lovers would want to criticize, verbally bash the owners, call the ASPCA or police over Midnight’s situation – but RSVP and their volunteer dog behaviorist and trainer Kathleen Gallina of Zen Dog took a much different approach, one which may make you think differently.  Kathleen began to work with the owners to teach them how important Midnight is and taught them to care for her better.  The owners have been listening, and following her instructions – which if you’re a dog trainer or animal rescue person of any kind – getting an owner to listen and follow through is no small feat.

RSVP provided Midnight with an enclosed proper dog house, hay for warmth and comfort, a crate for inside the house and training advice.  Now at least Midnight can go into the dog house if it starts to rain and she the owners have been bringing her inside at night.  She is also lucky to have a care taker on the premises, (the owners tenant),  – which RSVP also helped teach how to care for Midnight. Kathleen and RSVP also check in on her at least two times a week, and give her bones to chew on.  RSVP also provided much needed veterinary care, she was already spayed, is current on vaccinations, heartworm negative, on Frontline, monthly heartguard, and glucosamine supplements.

Kathleen said, “We get out into the community and improve the quality of life for dogs on Long Island beginning with educating the owners and providing services that would otherwise never reach these dogs and owners.”  One of the other volunteers of RSVP is Samantha Mullen who lives somewhat nearby and they do outreach near the location.  RSVP has helped get many dogs spayed and neutered – that would have never been done, and thus prevented many litters of unwanted puppies.

Kathleen is a big Pit Bull advocate and that is the main breed she works with, but RSVP is always willing to help dogs in need, and where there immediately when they heard about Midnight. When I asked her what was it about Midnight that stuck out she said, “Midnight has a personality that just makes her shine, she is very appreciative of anything she is given. She is without a doubt an amazing companion dog.”

While Midnight is now getting much needed care and attention – she is still living outside, alone for the most part.  RSVP is desperately looking for a foster or even better a Forever home for this beautiful, regal, and oh so sweet Doberman. (And I can say that I met her yesterday – she definitely had that Doberman lean, was great on a leash and just so sweet to the 4 new people she met).  “Midnight may do well with a very appropriate male dog. Although I am sure she would love to have all the attention in an only pet home which is probably ideal,” said Kathleen.

So if you know of anyone who can help, and find this girl a loving, warm, happy home please contact Kathleen at zendog@optonline.net or Samantha Smullen161@optonline.net of RSVP.

Midnight

Meeting Midnight for the first time, so sweet.

Help, I need a home!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Mina’s Story

Margaret Norris was so excited last summer to bring home a new member of the family, Mina.  Adopted as a small kitten from Last Hope Animal Rescue last summer, Mina, a jet black cat who is now almost a year old cat had a very scary health problem just this past March.  After a visit to the vet for her rabies shot, Mina have such a very rare and uncommon reaction to the vaccination, it had doctor’s baffled.

“We adopted our kitty, Mina, from a shelter when she was two months old and she has been just the sweetest little girl – very affectionate, loves to be held and carried. Mina had been given vaccinations by the shelter vet before we got her, and got some additional vaccinations from our vet when she was four months old, with no problems.

A couple of weeks ago I took her in for her final vaccine, for rabies. She seemed fine for a day or so, and then gradually began to become very lethargic and stopped eating and drinking. Four days after the vaccine I took her back to the vet because she hadn’t had anything to eat or drink for more than 24 hours. She had begun hiding behind furniture and wouldn’t come out. When I took her in to the vet she could barely pick her head up off the examining table, and when the vet palpitated her abdomen she practically snarled at him.

He kept her at his clinic for four days and she seemed slightly better after she got some IV fluids and an antibiotic. Unfortunately, her blood tests came back showing that she was extremely anemic, and she would need blood transfusions. At this point he was stymied as to what was causing the symptoms because apparently it is highly unusual to have this kind of a reaction to the rabies vaccine. (There are some other very rare reactions, but anemia isn’t one of them.)

He sent her to a veterinary internal medicine specialist, who was also baffled. The specialist vet gave her two kitty blood transfusions, did ultrasound and discovered her spleen was enlarged, and did a whole bunch of other tests which ruled out feline leukemia and blood parasites. His final diagnosis was that the rabies vaccine somehow caused her immune system to attack her red blood cells, so he put her on steroids to suppress the immune response.

Fortunately, all of this treatment saved the kitty’s life, but it came at a cost of almost $4000. Luckily for us, we decided to buy Trupanion Pet Health Insurance a few months ago, so we will only end up paying $400 instead. When we signed up for the policy I kind of thought it was a waste of money, but not any more. While the insurance is relatively inexpensive- $20 a month for Mina – for young animals, I’ve decided to add our two older animals to the policy too. Pet health insurance – $20 a month – not having to watch our beloved kitty die because the treatment is too expensive – priceless.”

Margaret initially knew a friend that had pet health insurance and heard about Trupanion through her veterinarian’s office.  She said they are very happy with Trupanion, the plan, policies and customer service.  For Mina her future prognosis is good, she does have to go for follow up blood count at the vet soon – but Margaret said she is back to her old happy, sweet, playful self.  Margaret also said, although Mina had this ordeal, she will still always vaccinate her other pets with the rabies vaccination – as this was such a rare thing to happen – that the doctor’s never heard of this before.  The rabies vaccination is also required by New York State Law – and since we have had outbreaks in raccoons over the last few years in our area – it would be irresponsible and unlawful not to vaccinate.

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

Who rescued who?
Tyler’s “Happy Tail”

Caring for a pet has been found to have both physical and mental benefit for owners. Interacting with a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and decrease stress and anxiety. Pet adoption is actually a two way street – rescued animals give back so much that sometimes it can be hard to tell who rescued who.

I met Heather and Tyler at the Bayport parade in March and Heather graciously agreed to share their story. Tyler is an adorable little ball of fluff- the kind of puppy you can’t help but fall in love with instantly. He is just about 4 months old, and has lived with his new family for a little over a month.

Last fall, Heather was in a car accident which left her and her daughter seriously injured. In addition to the physical injuries, the accident was emotionally devastating, leaving them both suffering from post traumatic stress. Heather’s daughter is a twin, so her distress affected her sibling as well. Heather’s husband Michael thought that adopting a dog might provide a needed distraction and help his family heal. Preferring a puppy, Heather and Michael were both determined to adopt an animal in need.

After doing a lot of research, Michael and Heather contacted Anarchy Animal Rescue.  This group was founded in 2010 with the dual goals of facilitating pet adoption while rescuing animals suffering in puppy mills. Tyler was born in a puppy mill, and most likely would have ended up being over bred, eventually discarded when his use was finished.

Tyler was in need of a family to love, and Heather and her family needed a bright spot in a bleak time. Adopting Tyler into their family really did the trick! Heather told me how he loves to cuddle, and instantly blended right in to their routine. He greets the family every morning and rides along to take the kids to school. He is bright, and doing very well with housebreaking and obedience training for such a young dog.

What a great story! Tyler got his forever home with a loving family that really needed him too.

Please…..if you’re considering adding a dog or cat to your family, consider adoption. There are so many needy animals, young and old, purebreds and mixes, who are waiting anxiously for someone to take them home. From my own experience, I have found that rescued pets are truly grateful, it’s as if they know that you saved them. Rescue a pet, you’ll be glad you did!

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