by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Fun Pet Product finds in Chicago at Total Pet Expo!

This past weekend LIPetPlace.com traveled to Chicago for the trade show Total Pet Expo to find new, innovative, fun and unique pet products to bring to you.  It may seem like a simple thing to do, but in this 60 million dollar a year industry, I like to see what booth pulls me in!  Here are some of our top picks:

How fun is this double ended dog toy, The Bomber by Zues?  Made of durable natual rubber, it bounces, it floats, you can throw it, kick it for your pup – in two sizes, and while any dog can play with this – it’s perfect for the larger breeds.

Love these cat housing systems by Crijo Pets, they go beyond scratching posts, provide fun cat walks and so much enrichment for your kitty.  Perfect for you cat at home, animal shelter or sanctuary. All the products are made in the USA. Scratching pads are easy to replace and the systems are easy to clean!

Got a messy mutt?  This new feeding system is made from BPA and PVC free FDA food quality silicone in which two stainless steal bowls easily fit into.  The silicone is easy to clean, provides a non-slip surface, can be used indoors or outdoors and comes in many different colors.  Messy Mutts makes this product in large and a small size for dogs and is coming out with cat sizes soon.

The IndestrucaBALL made from mango wood with chips inside so it is interesting to your pet.  Perfect for some of the breeds that rip apart or break other toys easily – this tough toy comes in two sizes and is from Aussie Naturals.

Want to make your own chicken or jerky treats at home? Uncle Ulrick’s just debuted this home kit where you can make the treats in your oven in 3 hours vs. many hours in a traditional dehydrator.  But if doing it at home isn’t your thing, you can pick up a bag of their own line of Chicken, Beef or sweet potato strips all made from USA sourced human quality ingredients.

Love Planet Dog products, if you are thinking of the Holidays – stock up on these finds for great stocking stuffers or house warming gifts to bring to your friend or families house for their dogs during the holidays.

If you’re taking your dog for a walk like this adorable guy Oakley, you need to have a the new DoggieDooAll attached to your leash! The double ended poop bag hold has just what ever poop picker upper needs, sanatizing hand wipes right in the middle of the holder.  No more will you have that yucky, unclean feelig after cleaning up from your pet.  Great for wiping your pups drool and paws too.

Photo credit: DoggieDooAll product show from website.

To see more products and PICTURES from the show, click here!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

As we fall into autumn, our daily pet care can get pushed aside due to our increased busy schedules. Here are some reminders to help you and your pets ease into the new season:
Training:

• Now that your kids are back in school, or your work schedule is more intense – do take the time to do dog training sessions with your dog as a refresher for both of you.  New noises, different schedules, and lack of attention could make your dog anxious and not listen quite as well.

• Make the sessions short and sweet with plenty of praise and/or treats.  Work on ‘stays’ recalls like ‘come’ or ‘home’ if your do knows that command and ‘wait’ for teaching them to wait at the door, (school buses, kids, deliveries, etc.), and wait for when you are arriving at the park – your dog should know he has to ‘wait’ before he can jump out of the car – until you say so!

• It’s important to also do these sessions outside of the home, in the yard, and in a different location altogether – as most dogs may be amazing at home – but get them in a new environment – and that goes out the window!

• If you got a new puppy or adopted a dog over the summer now is the time, before the holidays creep up, to look into a group dog training class to help with doggie socialization and a more structured training environment.

Pet supplies

Did you get your pet a summer collar or perhaps too much swimming in the pool, lake or salt water?  Time to purchase a new collar for the fall and winter – be sure the collar is fitted properly.  If you forgot to take their collar off in the summer while they were swimming, chances are the metal hardware you attach your leash to may be rusted and break.  Or the fabric or leather is not as strong anymore.  Investing in a good collar for the fall and winter is important to keep your pet safe.

If you have a cat that goes outside or gets into things, make sure their collar is a breakaway collar so it can safely come off if they get caught on something.  And if your cat is an indoor-outdoor cat, put a bell on that collar too – to give the birds at your bird feeder chance to hear them coming!

Did your pet loose his or her ID tags? While many pets these days are microchipped, it is still important to have an up to date ID tag with current phone number, (cell phone is best as most people don’t change their cell number), and email address.  One great new product that you can get is the Twigo pet tag. This fun new tag requires no engraving and are instantly personalize-able with a ballpoint pen – simply write, boil and wear. The tags self-attach and are completely silent, ideal for those who dislike the jingling noise and remove their pet’s tags while inside the house.

Clothing – remember when it used to seem crazy to dress our pets?  That notion is a thing of the past as our pets are pampered, live inside with us and are used to AC and heat.  So in the cooler weather, your pet may need a properly fitted coat to go on that walk to go potty.  Last winter was brutally cold here on LI and I had to put two coats on my dog to walk him – his short hair would not have kept him warm for long outside. Raincoats are a great option to – to keep your pup from getting soaked and less time for you to dry them off when you get back inside.

Seasonal allergies

You may be sneezing at ragweed; did you know your pets could also be affected by seasonal allergies?  They can loose their fur, be scratching and chewing themselves raw.  Bring your pet to a good veterinarian who is an expert in allergies and have your pet tested.  It may be food they are allergic to – or it could be seasonal – knowing is the power you will have to properly treat your pet and not play a guessing game.

Pests

This time of year is the perfect time to go for a long walk in the woods with your dog, see the fall foliage – and check for ticks.  Yep, ticks are out until the temperature drops below freezing.  So after that hike, check your dog thoroughly before you go back into the house, bring a flea and tick comb or tick spoon with you so you can remove that tick promptly.  You should also check in-between your pets paw pads, not just for ticks but sticks, stones, splinters, rocks and any cuts or scraps so you can treat them.

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Have you been #KissedbyaPit? The new campaign raising awareness of amazing, sweet, adoptable Pit Bulls – we are sharing many that are available for adoption! We are accepting #KissedbyaPit pictures of adoptable pit bulls from area shelters on Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens!  All you have to do is click here to submit them.  See all the amazing kiss-a-bull pitties waiting for homes here on LI – and please share!

Apple is Paws Unite People’s favorite Princess. She is a 4 year old AmBully, and her mission in life is to just make you happy. We pulled her from a local shelter and she is waiting for a home. She’s currently in a foster home with a cat, adores all size people, & is ok with dogs smaller than her. (big dogs scare her, as she was hurt by one) Why not make our favorite princess a member of your castle? After all… every princess deserves their happy ending. For more information on how to adopt this sweetie, email Adoptions@pawsunitepeople.com or call (516) 721-2552.

Juma is a 5 year old pit bull who was very shy and has a very funny submissive smile! She could use a home that will give her the patience and love she needs to grow in to the best dog she has the potential of becoming. Juma has come a long way here at our shelter. With the help of volunteers like Anastasia, and our staff, she is learning that people are kind and kinda cool!
The Southampton Animal Shelter is located in Red Creek Park in Hampton Bays and we are open 7 days a week. Stop by or call (631) 728-7387 to find out more about Juma!

Matthew Valentino, dog trainer at SASF and Juma!

Titus, a rescue who is living the life now of doggie bliss, (of Titus and his girl Hailey), is a kissing fool. He raises money for rescue by sharing his loving kisses with anyone who wants to be kissed by a pit! Titus’s human mom is with Tuff Tails who help locally by pulling dogs from area shelters on Long Island.

Titus kissing gwampa as he calls him!

Honey and her foster mom Anna are in love 🙂 Her 4-legged foster sister Brooklyn is also in love aww!! Honey is a small pittie mix who was rescued from a bad situation. She is sort of shy and needed someone to help her know what it’s like to be just a dog. She is about 2 years old, spayed and up to date with vaccines. We were thrilled to pull this girl out of the shelter and into the loving arms of her fosters. Please email info@tufftails.org to learn more about fostering it saves lives thank you!! xo

Faye is a total sweetheart who is about 3 years old. She came to Islip Animal Shelter as a pregnant stray. She gave birth at the shelter. All her puppies got adopted and she’s been spayed. Now she’s ready for a home of her own. Faye is thrilled to be around people. She loves everyone she meets. She loves to cuddle and give kisses and sit in your lap. Adopt this dog and let her love you! Contact livelovebarkdogrescue@gmail.com for more info on Faye!

This sweet female pit mix is about a year and a half old. We haven’t been able to decide on a good enough name for her yet. She is super sweet and is all about snuggling. She loves cuddles and kisses. She’s a little shy when it comes to playtime, but she’s slowing learning how to play and how much fun toys can be. She would be a great family dog, she just needs a high-fenced yard, because she can jump! Meet this girl today and give her the home she deserves! (Also at Islip Animal Shelter!)

Puppies! We still have some Pit Bull puppies available for adoption! All from the same litter, but ranging in color and gender. Come fill out an application on one for a lifetime of kisses!
(Available at Islip Animal Shelter!)

Sox is a lovable 10 month old pit mix boy who we took in from our community outreach program. He absolutely loves playing with his pittie foster siblings and adores his foster baby sister. Sox is excelling at his obedience training and is also house broken and crate trained. Don’t miss out on this lovable goof! He is adoptable from Unchained New York. Please visit www.unchainednewyork.org for more info or email us at info@unchainednewyork.org.

Cissy is a beautiful 2 year old red nose who is a mush with everyone at the shelter. She does play well with some dogs, but can be selective, Cissy would not do well in a home with cats. She is full of love and kisses. Cissy is available for adoption at the North Fork Animal Welfare League – Riverhead Shelter, call them today at(631) 369-6189 or by email beashelterhero@gmail.com.

Buster is a handsome boy who would do best as an only pet and would not be recommended for a family with small children. His favorite thing is going for car rides and visits from his best friend Val. Buster is so loved by some of our volunteers that they come to pick him up to take him out to lunch. When Buster loves you, he loves you 100%. Buster is available for adoption at the North Fork Animal Welfare League – Riverhead Shelter, call them today at(631) 369-6189 or by email beashelterhero@gmail.com.

Contessa #7926, a 5 1/2 year Retriever/Terrier mix is lovebug! She’s been waiting patiently since 2012 and aches to give kisses. In the shelter she’s found some k9 companions for long walks and she is the official front office dog. She’s wiggly & happy, kissey, house-broken, crate trained, knows sit, stay and give paw. Contessa needs a home without cats or small children. Companionship of adults with teens is more her speed. She would benefit from continued training on leash manners (she likes to pull). Contessa needs loves, a dog bed with her favorite toys and yearns for a home.  Contessa is available at the Town Of Hempstead Animal Shelter.

Zorro is a young neutered male who has all vaccinations, likes dogs and is energetic by not hyperactive.   He is available for adoption at the North Hempstead Animal Shelter. Visit www.theshelterconnection.com, email tsc@theshelterconnection.com or call (516) 626-8948 for more info.   Or go there to meet him in person, 75 Marino Avenue, Port Washington, NY.

King is an adult neutered male who likes dogs but needs to get to know people one on one, but loves EVERYONE at shelter!  Visit www.theshelterconnection.com, email tsc@theshelterconnection.com or call (516) 626-8948 for more info.   Or go there to meet him in person, 75 Marino Avenue, Port Washington, NY.

Chief is a young neutered male, energetic and loveable may like dogs/awaiting further evaluation. Available at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter.

Frankie is an adorable 7-8 month old pit mix. This girl is as sweet as they come. Frankie loves paying attention to her human and learning her commands. She’s super smart too! Frankie is mild mannered (especially for her age) and would make a great family dog! Frankie is available at Islip Town Animal Shelter!

Keller is a handsome boy who is deaf. He is a sweet boy who loves people and enjoys having the chance to run around and be a dog. He is very calm and collected in his cage, and will sit right next to you if given the chance. He is currently being trained with hand commands. He knows sit, down, stay and come. Because he is deaf, we’d feel more comfortable adopting him out to a home without small children or overly-active dogs. Come meet him today at Islip Animal Shelter!

Hazel is a sweet girl who is very friendly and enjoys her time outside and her playtime. She needs a home without cats. She should be fine in a home with children. She knows sit and down and is learning more and more each week! Please come meet her today!  Hazel is available at Islip Town Animal Shelter!

Momma is an adorable, petite Pit mix who recently gave birth to her last litter of pups. She is now recovered, spayed and ready for adoption! Momma is sweet girl who lets you smush her and is happy LOVES to be with people. Momma is part of Live Love Bark’s training program and will be learning to walk nicely on a leash as well as basic obedience commands. Momma loves to just lean on her human and get some lovin’. Momma is available at Islip Animal Shelter too!

And look who I got a kiss from, Hailey! Titus and Hailey had a kissy booth over the weekend to raise funds for their mom’s non-profit animal rescue Tuff Tails!

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Historical mansions on Long Island are not something you would first think of to bring your dog too – but here on LI we are very fortunate enough to have many such places to explore and take in the history with our pups!  A new series of articles will feature many different places in bought Nassau and Suffolk counties over the next few weeks.

We start with the Castle and grounds at Sands Point, N.Y. that is located just north of Port Washington in Nassau County.  While we have a few castles on Long Island – which really is amazing in and of itself – the fact that you can bring your dog to such places may be unheard of in other parts of the country.  Sands Point is a hidden gem if you are looking for a different spot to spend the day with your pup.  While there are some restrictions to where you can bring your dogs on the grounds – it is well worth the trip and experience.  How often can you take a picture of your dog, like this one below of Phineas in front of a castle?

The history of Sands Point is quite fascinating, known as the Guggenheim Estate, and now cared for by the Friends of the Sands Point Preserve.  The estate was built in 1920 and modeled after the Kilkenny Castle in Ireland.  The castle is 100,000 square feet built with limestone and was originally served as the servant’s quarters and horse stables.

The Hempstead House which was the property’s main residence, overlooks the Long Island Sound is a 50,000 square foot Tudor-style home thta is 225 long and 135 wide with 40 rooms and 60 foot tall entry way.

The house is off limits to dogs – but you can walk right up to it with your pup or walk on the large grounds adjacent to the house that overlook the stunning view of the Long Island Sound and Connecticut.

There are also hiking trails that you can walk your dog through, picnic tables to hang out with your pup and while there is a beach – they do ask that you don’t let your dog in the water. If you’re looking for a new spot to take your dog too, Sands Point is well worth it – and I imagine in the fall it will be beautiful with the leaves changing.  Respect the areas that say dogs aren’t allowed to keep this piece of LI history dog friendly!  For more pictures, click here!

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

In the past few weeks two new dog parks have opened on Long Island for dog owners and their pups to enjoy.

The first opening on Sunday, June 8, 2014 was held in the village of Southampton with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Mark Elpey with his wife Marianne and their dog along with the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, (ARF) and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation who also hosted Hampton’s Dog Walk immediately following.

This much needed new addition boasts 1-full acre of fenced in doggie bliss.  At the opening approximately 100 dogs were running, playing, rolling in the grass as their owners looked on with joy.  100 dogs, not one incident doggie growls – almost as if they all knew this was their place to just be and have fun.

The park is adorned with benches, poop pick up bag stations, an adorable sculpture of a dog – but of course.  There is also a founders rock, which the dogs were, well marking as you can imagine.   This park is a wonderful addition to the already dog friendly village of Southampton in which a lot of the beaches you can bring your dogs to and also have area hiking trails.  And now residents do not have to drive up to Springs in East Hampton where the only other dog park on the South Fork is located.  The Lola Prentice Dog park is located right in the heart of Southampton Village on Windmill lane next to the police station.  There is free parking right in front of the park and is open from dawn to dusk.

The organizers of the park are looking into to bringing in a water line into the park to install a pump or watering station.  While the park is one open acre – their may be plans to make a section of the park for little dogs.

To see more pictures from the opening day of the park, click here!

The 2nd dog park that opened was this past Saturday, June 21, 2014 in Dix Hills – however it is not a fenced in park but beautiful woodland trails nearly 2-miles at the Dix Hills Park.  Techinically it always had dogs being walked in there, but it is now officially a dog friendly place to walk with your dog.  LI-Dog was on hand for the ribbon cutting as well as officials from the Town of Huntington, and many excited dog owners.  LI-Dog lead a Pack Walk through the trails, gave out maps to anyone who was there to follow along, and information about the park.  To see more pictures from the park opening click here! Contact LI-Dog for more information about the park.