by Robyn Elman, President & Founder of In Home Pet Services, Inc., Certified Pet Tech

Would you know what to do if your pet or a client’s pet was choking? Do you know the most common case of poisoning veterinarians are seeing right now? Would you know the steps to save your pets life if he or she was hit by a car? Taking a Pet First Aid & CPR class can teach you how to calmly and confidently deal with any of these situations and other pet emergencies.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association 1 out of every 4 more pets would have survived if only ONE Pet First Aid Technique was applied prior to receiving emergency veterinary care. While taking a Pet First Aid & CPR class is vital for anyone who owns a pet, it is essential for anyone who works with pets on a volunteer or professional basis – whether it be a shelter worker, animal rescuer, dog trainer, groomer, animal control officer, or pet sitter.

The next class offered in our area will be on Saturday, November 4th, 2012 from 9:30am to 1:30pm and is held at Bid-a-wee’s educational building in Wantagh, (3300 Beltagh Avenue  Wantagh, NY 11793), across from Last Hope Animal Shelter.  The class is a lot of fun and students will learn from lecture, demonstration, and a lot of hands on practice in the class. Upon completing the class, students will know how to handle ANY emergency that can happen with their pet or a pet in their care, and also receive a 2-year certificate, emergency muzzle, full manual, and more.  This class is perfect for every day pet owners and pet professionals that work with animals on a regular basis. Register online at In Home Pet Services, Inc. or on the In Home Pet Services facebook page. The cost of the class is $85 per person and proceeds will be donated to Pet Safe Coalition – a non-profit group that teaches emergency preparedness and works with local government in setting up shelters for pets displaced in natural disasters.  Many pet accidents and emergencies happen during the holiday season, and this is the last class in our area for the year, being prepared for any pet emergency may just help you save a pet’s life!

Recent News 12 Video on Pet First Aid & CPR

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

If you are in the pet industry or just someone who is passionate about dogs, you may have your inbox or Facebook wall inundated with dogs and cats up for adoption.  Most of us have seen the horrible conditions of puppymills, dogs that need homes desperately and those pictures and stories pull at our heart strings.  I, as most people would agree, we wish there were homes for every single homeless dog or cat on the face of the planet.  I do as much as a can as someone in the pet industry, just like many others, but I am not a shelter director or volunteer of a rescue group.  While every picture may pull at your heart strings, it’s the ones that have been languishing in our own backyard in the town municipal shelters that really get me.  Go to ANY Long Island municipal shelter and you will find them packed full of amazing dogs desperate for homes.

Two years ago a wonderful thing happened at the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter, the old shelter director who was there and seemingly not as passionate about the animals, retired, and Dori Scofield the Founder of Save-A-Pet animal rescue took over as the new shelter director.  I have been to the Brookhaven shelter 2 times.  The first time was 3 years ago in July to evaluate a Doberman, Jordan, who was forced to lie on a concrete kennel for 4 months, who also had a back injury.  Another great shelter director from another town convinced the former shelter director to let her be adopted out.  I don’t know why she was not being allowed to be adopted, but she wasn’t.  So I went there, not knowing what to expect and was greeted by Jonnie one of the shelter employees, and she was fantastic and really cared very much for Jordan.  After meeting Jordan and wanting her for myself, I posted her info and pictures to the Special Needs Doberman FB page, and within a week she was adopted by a lovely lady, Karen in Deer Park.  Karen took such good care of Miss Jordan and loved her so much, sadly Jordan died of cancer about a year after her adoption, but I was so thankful to Karen for giving her a loving and princess home.

The day I met Jordan outside of the shelter, I asked Jonnie if I could go inside and have a tour of the shelter, she said absolutely.  And someone from the staff took me on a tour.  It was heartbreaking, dogs were double and triple in their runs, it was very warm inside, and the dogs seemed so depressed that they would barely get up to greet you.   I saw this with my own eyes and couldn’t believe it as I have been to many other LI shelters and never saw dogs just lay there.  I had to squat down to get the dog’s attention and some would then get up and say hello others wouldn’t.  It was really draining.  We got Jordan out into a loving home and a Cane Corso who was there out about two weeks later into a rescue group, but what about all the other dogs?  I knew nothing would change until the former shelter director was out of there.

Dori Scofield

So I am happy to report that I went there recently and met with Dori, and what a difference, it’s unbelievable.  Not only did the shelter look so much cleaner, the runs were cool with the new AC unit that was installed, and the dogs were very active, and most were very, very happy to see you.  Their tails wagged so much they were a blur!

Dori has, along with Jonnie and Mary Ann, established a new volunteer program, have some trainers in working with the dogs, painted the shelter so it looks less drab and more cheery.  The dogs have their own kennels – and a few big differences are that they established a volunteer program for volunteers to exercise and work with the animals there and Dori put the dogs on a healthier food – Natural Balance Chicken & Sweet Potato.  Instead of just getting whatever brand of food and constantly switching the foods as many other shelters have to do.  The same food daily helps the dogs from getting sick.

They also have a 501 c 3 non-for-profit group called Help the Animals Fund, and they pay for everything the town does not like: cat traps for spaying and neutering feral strays around the Town of Brookhaven; surgeries for the pets in the shelter; healthier food, micro chipping; and more.  From January 1, of this year to July 1st of this year Help the Animals Fund already has spent $28,000 for the shelter animals.  Amazing! Amazing yes, but they could always use more, as pets sadly are always coming in.  Help the Animals Fund is also always applying for grants, so if you are someone from a corporation reading this and can help, please contact them at their information below.

The day I called Dori for an interview, she said 18 dogs came into the shelter.  In one day.  Really people of Brookhaven? Sigh.  The Town of Brookhaven, if you didn’t know is larger than all of Nassau County, maybe not as many people as Nassau, but it is a lot of responsibly for one shelter to cover so much territory.  As of the time of publishing this article there are about 200 dogs and puppies at the shelter and 100 cats and kittens.  I would personally love to see all the private rescue groups that help out only out of state dogs, start helping a couple of dogs a month from our town shelters.  Think about the dogs sitting there for a year or year and half with seemingly no hope of a home.  I know Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton, Little Shelter and Last Hope has been helping them out by taking many of the dogs and Dori’s own Save A Pet does too – but the need is very high for all private rescue groups to help our local animals too.

I asked Dori what she would like to see at the shelter to help to continue to improve it and she said, “For less dogs to enter into the shelter and owners taking more responsibility when owning a pet, for example: spaying and neutering them – we have a low cost spay clinic right here on our grounds that can help with that. I would love to work together with more rescue groups, and we always need volunteers to walk the dogs, spend time with them, etc. and of course please put licenses, updated identification on your pets as well as registered micro chips. It is so important for their safe return.”

They have three large dog runs in the back of the shelter and when I was there they both had a dog in them each, bounding around with happiness that they were getting their brief time outside.  One is fully equipped with agility equipment too made by a volunteer.  There are also newly built outdoor runs, and they are covered by a large awing, so that when dogs cages are being cleaned they can spend some time in the fresh air too.  Dori would like more of these runs built as well as a walking trail and more exercise pens.

“This job is 24/7 and almost daily my heart is broken but I consider it an honor and a privilege to be serving the animals of the Town of Brookhaven. This is where I grew up and have been living me whole life,” said Dori Scofield.

Another great thing about the shelter is they are open Sundays, as most municipal shelters are not.  They also have Furry Friday’s at the town of Brookhaven town hall from 11 to 3 where they have adoptable pets from the shelter there – out of the shelter environment for you too meet. The dogs and cats also go to offsite adoption events such as Petco fairs and other community events.  And Dori also initiated a training program complete with a graduation ceremony for the dogs that pass – how cute is that?  It’s their ‘Trainabulls’ program. The shelter has always been populated by the many orphaned Bully breeds so Dori decided to get them some basic obedience to help make their adjustment to a new home easier. Just getting them out and about does so much for their well being.

Behind every animal is a person you are helping. The Brookhaven Animal Shelter helps people in need who sometimes just need a bag of food or perhaps some training advice to help them keep their dog or cat in their home. And nothing heals a broken heart better than a new companion. Helping people find that new furry family member it very special.

So a lot of very positive things have changed at the shelter over the past 2 years while Dori has been running it, but the one thing that has not changed is how many dogs still get abandoned at the shelter.  It is an uphill battle as there may be a great adoption day, but the next day 18 dogs could come in.  So if you are thinking about getting a dog, please visit the shelter.  A suggestion too –  if you see a dog you like ask them to take the dog out of the noisy shelter and spend some time with it in their outdoor meet and greet area – you never know the dog may just be the love you have been missing! And if you have lost a dog or cat, please go to the shelter. Chances are he/she will be there as the Animal Control Officers answer calls all day for stray and injured dogs and cats.

To become a volunteer at the shelter, you have to fill out a town application and if you qualify you will be given a safety and education class prior to starting your volunteering.  To apply you can go to the animal shelter or go online to www.brookhaven.org/animalshelter.

The shelter also has a wish list, so please see below and donate what you can!

Wish List:

Natural Balance dog food will run out on September 1^st.  Now the town of course will feed the animals, but like most municipalities do not have the budget to pay for better quality food.  So if you would like to donate a bag or more of Natural Balance Chicken & Sweet Potato dog food to the town they would very much appreciate it.

• Large Kuranda Beds – always in need of them.
• Real Paper Towels – you know the durable kind.
• Clothe Towels and blankets
• Cat food-dry and canned
• Toys, leashes, collars
• And most of all we wish for a loving home for all our orphaned companion animals!

Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue and Adoption Center was established in1994. Dori kept the animals at her house until she and a friend raised enough money to open up the only other existing shelter in Brookhaven Town. It is a non-profit 501c3 organization that rescues, rehabilitates and adopts out dogs and cats. It relies solely on donations and is located at 608 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station 11776. www.saveapetli.org.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

There is an epidemic sweeping across Long Island and the country too, it’s Distracted Dog Walking!  Be careful that you don’t get swept up in this risky behavior.  Dog owners everywhere are walking their dogs completely distracted and constantly looking down.  What could they be looking down at, when they should be watching where they are going and more importantly where their dog is and what they are doing?  Why their cell phone of course – or should I say smart phone (which in this case seems to making people dumber!).  Remember the days when we walked our dogs without the distraction of a text, email, phone call, super duper important Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest update?  I ask you can you actually remember that?  I can and sometimes I really miss those days.

We are all guilty of it.  But I always make a point to lock my phone and put it in my dog’s Doggie Go Pack that hangs from his leash, so if I get a text or email, I don’t hear it or notice it until I get back to where I started or to my car.  Just yesterday while walking Max at a local park, I watched as an approaching dog owner was so busy reading whatever was so damn important on her phone, not paying attention to her dog, (who was zipped about 20 feet ahead her on a retractable leash grrrr), and she nearly walked right off the path into the lake.  I was cracking up – but of course she really could have hurt herself, or more importantly hurt her dog. (Put the phone away lady!)

Dog owners, is it really that hard to walk your dog and bond with him or her, maybe do some training, without you being on the phone? And by the way chatting so loudly – no one wants to hear your conversation.  Your poor dog is being neglected as you walk and talk, text, FB and tweet.

I have also had people approaching so engrossed in their loud conversation that they don’t realize their dog nearly tripped a jogger, knocked over an nice elderly couple walking by or pooped and they didn’t pick up!  Sheesh!

Do I take a quick picture of my dog on my smart phone and post it to FB when we are out on a walk?  Sure, because he is so damn cute – but then the phone gets put away so we can enjoy the rest of walk!

I double dog dare you to put the phone away, walk your dog, breathe, take in the scenery, and pay attention to your pup.  He will, and you will be much better off for it.  Go ahead I dare you!    Tell me your story about Distracted Dog Walking in the comment section below…

Max!

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

With summer almost upon us, and vacations or day-cations being planned, as pet owners we may think we are limited as to places or people our pets can stay with while we are away.  Often times we rely on family or friends to watch our pets, but that may not always be fair to them.  And sometimes our family or friends may not be as responsible about our pets as a professional pet sitter or pet boarding facility might be.  I have heard stories of dogs getting out because a family or friend watching the pet forgot to close the gate or door – especially if they are not pet owners it is easy for them to forget by accident or habit (not worrying about a pet getting loose).  Last year I knew of a Doberman in a local shelter who got out after the owners brother left the gate open – the dog wound up at a local shelter and was there for weeks, and almost got adopted out.  The dog had no ID and the owner was in a different country for over a month and didn’t know the dog was missing.  The happy ending to this story is that the dog and owner were reunited when she got back – but it might not always be the case.

In our world today, we are fortunate to have many pet professionals who are experienced, trained, licensed, insured and bonded who are available to care for your pet.  Whether it is someone staying at your house, stopping in to take your pet out or clean a cage, or if you are leaving the pet overnight at a pet sitters house or boarding facility.  This is their passion, caring for pets, and their livelihood – so why not interview a pet sitter or visit a boarding facility. Ask your friends and veterinarian for referrals of who they hire to care for their pets when they go away.  It could make your vacation that much more pleasant knowing your pet is in the hands of a professional.  Many companies can even send you emails or text message updates about your pet, and some are even equipped with live camera feeds of your pet.  On Long Island and the surrounding Burroughs there are many sitters and boarding facilities for you to choose from. Check out the ones below and contact them for more information about their services:

Queens & Nassau County:

In Home Pet Services, Inc., in Bellerose, NY, has a cage free, boarding facility that provides boarding for their clients and all the IHPS locations are able to access this if there is room available.  Call Robyn Elman at (718)-347-PETS (7387) for more info.

In Home Pet Services of Nassau’s Gold Coast offers boarding in Great Neck, NY, for small and medium sized dogs. They also have cage free boarding with 3-4 walks a day, a private dog run to play off leash, toys, treats, bedding, and more. Call Heather information (516) 829-0707.

In Home Pet Services of East Nassau offers boarding for cats as well as dog walking and other pet sitting services.  They are located in Levittown, NY. Contact Danielle Citarella at (516) 442-2822. Meow!

The Barrie Inn in Woodmere, NY, is celebrating 10 years of service this year, but also offer cage less boarding in their facility specializing in overnight boarding for all dog breeds. tel: 516-569-PAWS (7297).

Crawford Dog and Cat Clinic in Garden City, NY, offers veterinary supervised kenneling for dogs and cats. Pets stay in their own runs or cages. Dogs are walked 2 – 3 times a day. Contact Keith Niesenbaum, VMD for more information.

Little Paws Of Hope – Boarding Daycare, Training offers in-home boarding that is cage free. Each pet has personal attention, walks, swimming, movie night, socialization and live web cams to check in on your pet’s fun.  They are located in Levittown and can be reached at 917-519-5708.

Goodnight Lucky has a rather unique approach to dog boarding: they board dogs with loving host families, where each dog has free roam in the home of a true dog lover and his regular routines and schedules are maintained.  They offer this service throughout Nassau County, western Suffolk County & eastern Queens.
Suffolk County:

Fetch! Pet Care of Islip to Lindy, offers private boarding at various boarder’s homes, incorporating them into their family while clients are away.

Fetch! Pet Care of North Central Suffolk County offers private boarding in their pet sitters homes where pet’s are integrated into their sitter’s home environment as part of the family. Pets will not be caged or kenneled during his/her stay unless specifically requested by pet parent. They also offer In-Home where their sitter arrives at your home at 6:30 pm & stay until 8:00 am. Visits include a dog walks (where applicable).

Huntington:

Devine Solutions located in Huntington Station, NY, provides boarding for small and big dogs in their home.  Call Jennifer Devine at (631) 697-5995.

We Board Labs, Inc. located in Huntington open their home to caring for well-behaved Labrador Retrievers.  Dogs have free run of their entire home and quarter acre, fenced-in shady yard; it is not a kennel. Call (631) 549-8263 for more info.

The K-9 Keeper located in Huntington offers cozy, cage-free, family-style boarding in our home. And they also welcome dogs that have special needs. (631) 219-3719.

Medford:

Paw-Fect Dog Training and Pet Sitting, Inc., located in Medford, NY offers pet sitting in their home where the pets are treated just like if they were in their own homes. Any size dog is welcome contact Lissa Blom at 516-779-2309. Email is lissablom@yahoo.com.

Centereach:

Pet Peeves Dog Training LLC located in Centereach, NY, provides boarding for all their clients at an affordable rate.

East End:

C-Dogs Unlimited LLC, in Calverton, NY, offers home boarding in a country setting, complete with professional grooming services. They also offer personalized care in a holistic environment with reasonable rates.

Dog Town NY located on the North Fork in Southold offers the only Dog Boarding, Daycare (socialization) & Grooming on the North fork. Call 631-765-8844 to find out more.

East End Boarding Kennel located in Westhampton Beach, NY, is a boarding kennel situated on four quiet country acres and your dog will be attended to by caring and attentive staff. 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 indoor- outdoor runs and enjoy time outside in one of our grassed exercise yard several times a day.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Port Jeff for Pets adopt-a-thon and Art Walk weekend was this past Saturday & Sunday, May 19 & 20th and it drew a lot of rescue organizations from Long Island and the North East.  Hosted by Guardians of Rescue and in the parking lot of Chase Bank in Port Jefferson, NY.  It was a beautiful May weekend and a lot of wonderful cats, dogs, kittens and puppies were on hand looking for potential new homes – and the Long Island Parrot Society was there with beautiful birds.  See below for the many pictures taken throughout the weekend…and if you couldn’t make it there are many dogs and cats that were there that may not have found a home.  Contact information is below their picture.

"Please adopt me!" Vivian the Boston Terrier, 3yrs, www.nebostonrescue.com

Long Island Parrot Society

Princess - For adoption at the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter - call 631-286-4940

Boston cupcakes!

Romeo! This picture doesn't do this COMPLETE sweetheart justice! What a love bug! Town of Babylon Animal Shelter 631-643-9270

Aww 2 week old rescued kitten!

Long Island Bulldog Rescue Group 'Kiss a Bull' booth - too funny!