by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Breath of Fresh Air

While many of our volunteer fire companies on Long Island have been struggling to keep our animal friends safe, they are unable to purchase pet oxygen masks and as a result animals from dogs to cats are being put in serious danger, with many dying from the effects of smoke asphyxiation.  Pets in Suffolk County will now be breathing easier, and so will some of our local fire departments all because of the efforts of two teenage boys in Dix Hills and their partnership with Canine Fence.    Matthew and Marc Klinger, 15 and 13, co-founders of the Paws4Air foundation wanted to change that.  They started Paws4Air when they found out that their fire department did not carry pet oxygen masks on any of their fire trucks. Fire departments cannot use their money to buy these masks, because they can only purchase equipment that is used to help humans. They quickly used their birthday money to purchase the sets needed for their fire department. “Our goal is to equip every first response truck in Suffolk County with the much needed pet oxygen masks.” said Matthew and Marc.

Paws4Air created pet oxygen awareness bands that they sell to raise funds and awareness. Bands can be purchased from their website www.paws4air.org . They have had great help in selling the bands to students in their school district, Half Hollow Hills from the Animal Friends and Advocates Clubs at both the high schools, East and West, and the Leaders Club at West Hollow Middle School.

With their good fortune to partner up with Canine Fence, Paws4Air will be able to obtain their goal much faster!  Canine Fence have generously pledged to donate 50 Project Breathe O2 pet masks to help in the effort to equip every first response fire truck in Suffolk County, Long Island. As well as match one set for every one set purchased through fundraising by Paws 4Air. With the donations from Canine Fence and the sales of awareness bands, Paws4Air were able to give the fire companies in Commack, East Northport, and Elwood pet oxygen masks. In the next few weeks, many more fire departments in the Suffolk county area will be getting their sets!

Thanks to the efforts of two young men, and their charitable organization Paws4Air along with the contributions of Canine Fence® steps are being taken in the right direction.

Photo (left to right) Maryflorence Brennan (Canine Fence), Kieran Keane (Commack Fire Department), Marc Klinger (Paws4Air), Matthew Klinger (Paws4Air)

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

The 2nd Annual ‘Bark for Life’ was held on Sunday, April 10 at Martha Clara Vineyards was a wonderful event and great success!  With over 150 people and their dogs in tow, they took strides against cancer, by raising funds for the American Cancer Society and having fur flying good time.  With music in the air, wine in some glasses, contests, raffle prizes and fabulous vendors – people came from all across Long Island to take part in the event.  The dogs at this event were so were wonderfully behaved, from the tiniest furball to the large mastiffs, Dobermans, Goldens, American Pit Bull Terriers, Boxers and so many different breeds  – and they all were having a great time.  (And there owners too!) Couldn’t make it?  You could still make a donation to American Cancer Society.  Can’t wait until next year!

Check out the photo’sbelow by Meredith Festa:

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Choosing the right veterinarian for your pet is an important decision.  These days there are many more veterinarians to choose from than say 20-years ago.  There are specialists vs. general practioners – just like in human medicine.  For routine visits, you want to choose a general practioner veterinarian.

Word of mouth is a good referral, but not the only thing you should depend on.  If you hear of a vet that a friend of family member likes, do your research.  Google the doctor’s name, see what comes up. If you like what you see, make an appointment without your pet to interview the doctor.  This is after all the person who will entrust your pet’s health to. If this doctor refuses the interview/appointment, move on.  If he or she does agree to it, you should also ask for a tour of the animal hospital while there, (if it’s not offered to you), the doctor should be proud to show you the facility.  You would want to see a very clean, neat, well cared for front office and back area, and behind the exam rooms.

Find out if the doctor regularly attends veterinary seminars to keep up with current veterinary practices and standards. If they do not, this is a red flag! Many vets continue old school practices of veterinary medicine which may no longer be up to par with what is available today.  Ask the doctor how long your appointment will be with your pet, a good vet will book 1/2 hour appointments, so your pet is thoroughly examined, and you are not rushed out the door.  You should walk away feeling educated and informed about your dogs’ health, not with unanswered questions or an uneasy feeling. Ultimately you want to have a comfortable relationship with your veterinarian and know your pet is in good hands.  Do your homework, research and keep yourself informed!