by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Shelter Misconceptions

What is the average Long Island animal shelter misconception? To the layman or non-dog owner, most people think they are just loaded with pit bulls or labrabulls, and that is it.  While at each shelter you will see both of the above, if you actually go to your town municipal shelter you may be surprised to see a lot of the smaller designer mutts and purebred dogs of every breed.  Just recently at the Town of Islip’s adopt-a-thon there were at least 15 – 20 small to medium size dogs, if not more, of all breeds.  Our shelters on Long Island are overflowing with dogs, it’s really quite sad.  Where do all these dogs come from someone asked?  Some are strays, and more than most are turned-in by their owners – discarded like yesterday’s garbage, someone else’s problem now.  No one wants to think about that, or how lazy a person can be not giving that animal a chance.  Many dogs are turned in because of a behavioral problem like not being fully house broken, or  a 6-month old puppy that is chewing, duh!

Another shelter misconception is that all the animals there are unruly, not trained, aggressive or sick.  Many of our municipal and private shelters have amazing volunteers that give their time to help walk, socialize and do a bit of training with the pets housed there.  These wonderful volunteers, many times make the difference that pet needed, and helps them get adopted quicker.  If a pet is sick, the majority of our shelters vet the pets, give them the necessary vaccinations and medical attention that animal needs.

So what is your shelter misconception?  If you ‘re thinking about getting a dog and feared going to the shelter because it’s too sad or for any of the above reasons, I challenge you to go to your local shelter and see what it is really like. You might just fall for a beautiful pit bull with an amazing personality, and surprise yourself.  Or find that mutt that captures your heart.

Suggestion: Take the time to meet a few of the dogs’ in the shelter’s meet and greet rooms, instead of just walking the isles.  Many dogs’ personalities shine through better when out of their kennel run.  If the shelter has a volunteer staff, ask them about the dog, what they are like, behavior etc. – they will be able to tell you.

Did you know: That black dogs and older dogs are the most likely to not to get adopted, to get passed by, to possibly not make it out of the shelter.  Now think if that dog is black, is part or full pit bull and 4 or 5 years old, not good odds.  Adopting and older dog, and a black one, could be the best thing you ever do!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Did you know that October is “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month?”  In October we shine a light on the many living souls stuck in shelters waiting for a glance by a passer by, a chance to be noticed and saved.  Many of our municipal shelters across Long Island are packed full of dogs having anywhere from 50 dogs to 200 dogs waiting for homes.  While many of the shelters have wonderful volunteers walking the dogs and working tirelessly to help get dogs adopted – dogs are still relinquished for various (mostly absurd) reasons daily.  Recently at a local free rabies clinic, I witnessed over 150 dogs go by, within an hour, with owners doing the right thing, by getting their dogs vaccinated for rabies, however I did not see one male dog go by that was neutered, not one.  This was a day long event and I was just there for an hour, so you can imagine how many dogs passed through that day that were not spayed or neutered.  While I am sure this goes to no surprise for those working in the shelters, and our local non-profit groups, I was surprised to see that many in such a small amount of time.  One can only imagine that some of these pets will eventually add to our shelter population.

Adopting a shelter dog, as many people who have done so will tell you, the dog “knows” they are in a better place.  It may sound silly to the non-dog owner, but it is true.  Many shelter dogs, going from a loud noisy shelter with hard cold, wet, concrete floors – seem to show their appreciation once in a home.  The bond between a rescued dog and the new pet parent is undeniable.  So the next time you walk through the mall and see those cute, who knows where they came from, puppies on display for sale, think about the scared, lonely puppy in a shelter wondering how and why it got there.  Think seriously about adopting a dog – not buying one from a store for a ridiculous amount of money.  If you go to your local shelter and don’t see what you want, tell the staff in the front or shelter director what you are looking for and give them your name and contact information – unfortunately new dogs come in daily.  We have so many great non-for-profit rescues and shelters on Long Island you are bound to find a breed you are looking for.  And many of the popular designer mutts – while cute – end up in the shelter too. There are many designer ‘Labrabulls’ now in shelters too.  If you are looking for a purebred dog, many shelters are loaded with all kinds of pure breeds.  There is nothing wrong with wanting the breed you want, but today you more than likely can find that in a shelter or rescue very easily. Adopting a shelter dog will change the life of the dog or puppy you adopt and will most likely save the life of another dog – and will change your life for the better. 

Here is Max (Maximus) who I adopted 9-years ago this month when he was just 3 and ½ months old.  Aww what a good boy!

June 2, 2010
By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

June is Adopt-a-Cat Month

Did you know that June is “Adopt-a-Cat” month? It is appropriate, June being the time of year where kitten population seems to explode around our area. Most rescue organizations are inundated with unwanted mother cats and kittens, or feral kittens that were tame enough to be captured. Fortunately we have some wonderful organizations that take in many of these cats and kittens, but unfortunately they can’t take them all. Due to lack of space, funds to feed and care for them and specifically not enough people adopting them. A few of these organizations have actual “catteries” which are bigger than some people’s apartments, but the hope is not that they will live at the cattery forever – it’s that they will find a forever home. So if you have been thinking about getting a purring, snuggly cat or kitten, why not head down to your local shelter and see what is waiting there. While a kitten is irresistible, ask the shelter workers about a full grown cat that may have been there for a while, stuck in a cage, without the hope of adoption. An older cat may have outgrown the mischievousness antics of a kitten and make a nice transition into your home.

Some local places to look for you new furry friend are:

• Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) – www.arfhamptons.org
• All About Spay & Neuter – www.allaboutspayneuter.com
• Forgotten Friends of Long Island – www.forgottenfriendsoflongisland.org
• Freeport Animal Shelter – www.freeportanimalshelter.com
• Last Hope Animal Rescue – www.lasthopeanimalrescue.org
• Grateful Paw Cat Shelter – www.laphuntington.org
• Little Shelter – www.littleshelter.com
• Kent Animal Shelter – www.kentanimalshelter.com
• S.A.V.E.S., Inc. – www.northfork.com/saves
• Southampton Animal Shelter – www.southamptonanimalshelter.com

*Writers note: Every cat I ever had was a stray or feral kitten – that lived long healthy lives well into their late teens. Some of them being smartest cats I have ever met, to the funniest characters – the cats that adopted us were a joy to own, easy to take care of and a big part of our family.