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

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 Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Hamptons Bound with your Hound?

Now that summer is in full swing and day trips and long weekends are in our near future – for many of us this means taking our pet along for the trip.  If you’re heading to the Hamptons for a day or weekend trip – and you want to know the best places to get pet supplies, a new outfit for your teacup poodle or need to board your pet for the weekend – here are our picks.

Are you renting a house that is not pet friendly and you need a place to board your dog that is not far from where you are staying? You will want to check out the East End Boarding Kennel.  The kennel is situated on four quiet, country acres in Westhampton, New York, south of Sunrise Highway. Open 365 days a year and can accommodate up to fifty dogs in an environment that is clean, safe, and secure. All dogs are housed in large individual (heated in cooler weathe) indoor- outdoor runs and enjoy time outside in one of our grassed exercise yard several times a day.

One Stop

Or if you are bringingyour pet with you where you’re staying and need some pet food, supplies and maybe even a pet bed – stop in  Southampton and go to One Stop Pet Shop (20 Hampton Rd).  The friendly staff of Janet, John or Sue will be there to help you with whatever you need and even though this store is in the heart of Southampton – their prices are very reasonable (better than some stores located ‘up island’).  If you can’t find what you are looking for – they can usually order it for you – but they are usually fully stocked with every pet need.  Open 7 days a week too.

If you are looking for some luxury for your dog, or a funny and unique t-shirt head down to Jobs Lane in Southampton and go to Little Lucy’s.  Named after the store owner’s dog, Lucy – the store is little too – but offers some gorgeous, interesting and not seen very often items for your pet.  Pat Hurley, the owner, provides her customers with new and unique pet items every season – you don’t want to miss it.  And just a few stores away – there is the Southampton Animal Foundation’s thrift shop – so every purchase made in the thrift shop goes towards helping their shelter animals.  You will be surprised what you can find in there! (There is also an additional store to the back of the shop – so two places to find a bargain and do some good at the same time.)

Little Lucy's

If you want your pet to have specialty food contact the Hampton Pet Chef.  Their vet approved home made, wholesome, fresh, and
natural pet made to order food, can also cater to your pets special needs.

If you are looking for a great place to bring the kids to see farm animals up close and personal and hear their amazing rescue stories be sure to stop at Amaryllis  Farm Equine Rescue in Sagaponack for a tour.  You will be touched by the stories of each animal at the farm and meet Christine and her daughter Rachel who work tirelessly day after day to care for each animal.  They also have all kinds of activities for kids, Pony Tail Little Kids Camp for one, the Amaryllis Saddle Club and more.

If you are looking to adopt a new pet into your family, Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton (on your way if you’re taking the LIE) has plenty of dogs, cats and kittens to choose from.  There is also the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation in Hampton Bays and also the Animal Rescue fund of the Hamptons in Wainscott.  You are bound to find you new furry love at one of these wonderful locations.

Planning on moving to the Hamptons full time, adopting a dog and need a way to keep your pet safe at home? Stop in Water Mill to   the Canine Control Company (720 Montauk Highway) and speak to Patty Veit about the Invisible Fence Brand.

And if you need a dog trainer or pet sitter – contact Waggin’ Tails Dog Walking service at (631) 283-1610.

Our next pet picks for day or weekend trippers you can’t miss will be of the North Fork, then Port Jefferson!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

While we may love the 4th of July and all the pomp and circumstance – it may be a very different story for our four legged and feathered friends. Sudden loud fireworks going off nearby, loud parties, or just having more friends and family over can very easily stress out your otherwise well behaved pets. To enjoy the 4th, here are some simple tips to help your pet and family make it through the weekend!

• Make sure you have a collar with ID tags on your pets at all times during this weekend.  Some owners like to take their pet’s flat collar off when they are in the house – but the first block buster that goes off could scare your pet so much they may bolt out your front door and take off.
• If you know your pet is terrified of loud noises, try using products like Rescue Remedy® or Canine Calm™ or in extreme cases contact your veterinarian for tranquilizer/valium pills ahead of time.
• Leave your pets home in a secured house.  Pets do not need to be at firework shows, it’s almost inhumane if you are not sure of how your dog may react.  Know your dog, some dogs don’t seem to mind, but think about their sensitive hearing.
• Having a 4th BBQ? Friends and family tend to want to feed your dog or cat while at a party, to avoid this ask them not to or have your pet in a safe cool room away from all the guests.  Check on the pet often, make sure he has fresh water and a comfy place to sleep away from the crowd.  (Lock the door if you can!) Guests that are not pet savvy could accidentally open or leave the door open and the pet could escape.
• Parades and pets.  Some dogs, horses, and yes even cats are fine while attending a parade with you.  Again, know your pet – if you see the animal shaking, panting, drooling, pulling on the leash – those are all signs of stress.  Some pets do not do well in large crowds, people, kids petting poking at them, loud sirens from fire trucks going by, etc.  If you see your dog is stressed – leave the parade – don’t comfort the dog with, “It’s ok” while petting the panicked animal – that will just make it worse.
• Bringing your dog out on your boat or too the beach? Bring plenty of cold bottled water, pet safe bug spray and sunscreen, extra leash and collar with ID, treats, doggie life jacket, and monitor them for overheating, bug bites, ticks and make sure their paws are not on hot surfaces for a long time -concrete and sand can be scorching- and of course bring poop pick up bags!
• Traveling for the 4th and bringing your pet?  Find out where the nearest 24hour emergency clinic is at your destination.  Make sure there are no Breed Restrictions at your location.  While en route use a safety harness that clips into the seatbelt of your car, or crate your pet while traveling. Have a first aid kit in your car especially for pets and bring extra pet food and water – you never know if your car breaks down you get stuck somewhere.