by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

This time of year, many kids are asking Santa and their parents for their very first puppy. Some parents may be ready for it, but is your child? Are they old enough to understand the responsibilities of what it is to have a puppy in the house? With our local Long Island shelters and animal rescue groups so full overflowing with dogs looking for homes, you may want to think of adopting a dog that is a little older. Let’s face it, puppies are cute, we love them, but they are a lot of work. Sadly, many families give up their puppies after the holidays once the see how big the dog is getting, or didn’t understand what they were get themselves into, and some kids loose interest of after the novelty wears off and that puppy starts teething.

Many older shelter and rescue dogs are already housebroken, know basic commands, and may have previously lived with a family and could be a great fit for your family dynamic. Some shelter dogs are just a one or two years old who may still be puppyish without that puppy behavior. Also many shelters, like the Town of Islip (www.shelterlink.com), Town of North Hempstead (www.theshelterconnection.com) and the Town of Huntington (http://www.laphuntington.org/) have non-profit volunteer groups that walk the shelter dogs daily, socialize them and give them attention they so desperately need. They are a great resource when looking for that new addition because the volunteers can tell you different things about each dog’s personality and who may be suitable for your family.

Town shelters and private non-profit shelters like Kent Animal Shelter (www.kentanimalshelter.com) and Little Shelter (www.LittleShelter.com) also offer a big variety of breeds, mixed breeds and dogs of all different sizes. So if you desire one of the mixed breeds that are currently very popular and so over priced, check your local shelter first or go to www.petfinder.com and look there. You may find just the perfect dog for your family.

Think about waiting until after the holidays to adopt. This way you can do your research and find a dog breed or mix you like. Research is very important to know what kind of breed you and your family are getting into. Many people get a dog breed based on looks, but have no idea what the dog was originally bred for. Some behavioral issues that owners think are a problem – are really just that breeds’ natural behavior. Educate yourself and family on the breed you are getting. Take the time to sit down and talk with your kids and explain all the rules and responsibilities of having a new furry friend. Hire a dog trainer to come in first and sit with the whole family to go over the details of bringing a puppy in, this may better prepare your kids. Some excellent dog trainers can be found here: www.longislandpetprofessionals.com/member-directory/

If you are adamant about getting a puppy of a certain breed, first check to see if there is a local breed rescue group.  It can be as simple as googling the type of dog you are looking for, and the words “Breed Rescue of Long Island, or New York.”  You will be amazed what comes up. (I am still amazed that people don’t know this).  Still can’t find that purebred you are looking for, at the very at least go to a reputable breeder. Go to American Kennel Club’s breeder referral page www.akc.org/breederinfo/breeder_search.cfm and look for local breed clubs, and from there you can find a local reputable breeder. Another resource is the United Kennel Club, check their breeder directory www.ukcdogs.com. You can also attend local dog shows and talk to handlers and breeders of the particular breed you are interested in to learn more about it. Bringing a new dog into your family is a big responsibility, but is also very rewarding, and you just may wonder how you lived your life without a dog!

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!