by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Elwood!

Friday’s stormy weather could not keep at least 60 die hard Pack Ethic supporters and fans away from the ‘Whine & Apawtiser’s’ fundraising event at held at Baiting Hollow Vineyard & Horse Farm.  The event drew in people as far away as New Hampshire and even Elwood and his mom Karen Quigley traveled 7 hours (traffic!) from Philadelphia to be part of the festivities. Who is Elwood you ask? Only one of the World’s Ugliest Dog’s – no really he is the 2007 winner of the world wide contest.  It just goes to show people are not just passionate about animal rescue but know an amazing group when they see it.

Eric Bellows and Keri Whitfield are the life and breathe of the pack of dogs they live with, reform if needed, train and adopt out of Pack Ethic.  As their website says, “Two people – One Home – Twenty Four hours of care…Pack Ethic Rescue is a dream – realized.” Whine and Apawtisers was a fundraising event to help them continue what they do to save lives – and they are not your typical rescue group, as the pack lives with them and are not kenneled.

There were ton’s of raffle baskets, and art auction done by Pack Ethic dogs and ones that have been adopted.  There was also a generous donations of beautiful photos raffle off, taken by a Kyle Hubbs, a Junior pack leader and excellent photographer at just 14 years old.

A alumni of Pack Ethic, Remi a female pit bull was there with her owners.  Eric told me that when Remi she arrived at Pack Ethic as a mere pup she was so terrified of everything she wouldn’t even move.  You can see now from her picture that she is very well adjusted and so, so sweet!  Owned by a lovely couple right here on Long Island now, and living the life of love.

Remi!

I had a great conversation with Eric and it always so nice to talk to a fellow dog enthusiast, trainer, and animal lover who gets it. On hand to greet the many visitors was Vesper, an old dog who suffered a lifetime of abuse until Pack Ethic took him in.  Vesper was on the move at the event practically the entire night, and he definitely knew who his people were with a happy wag and kiss to their faces, very sweet to see. Read his full story here.

Eric and Vesper

If you have never seen a video of the awesome work that Eric does with his pack, you have to check out his Youtube channel.  It will not only put you in awe of the pack and of the day in and day out hard work Eric puts in.

If you couldn’t make the event, and want to make a donation, click here, any amount will help. Pack Ethic Rescue is a registered 501c3 tax exempt charitable organization and donations are tax deductible.

More photo’s of the event here:

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

Festive Fun at Fido Fitness!

This coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 21st and May 22nd from 11am – 4pm each day, Fido Fitness Club will be hosting a ‘Grand Opening Celebration, Street Fair and Adopt-a-thon’ at their location in Woodmere, NY.  This free canine and community event will feature something for everyone in your family, from your four legged fur-kids to your two legged less furry kids.  This festive event will include activities such as: pet, craft and other vendors; pet photography; raffles; training and agility demos throughout both days, (that’s for the dogs!); Low-cost micro chipping; music; balloons and face painting for the human kids; food; animal communication and Reiki sessions; educational information by children’s emergency services and a even silent art auction to help a local dog injured in a recent tragic car accident.

Dog owners in the area and from surrounding areas are encouraged to come by and tour the new indoor dog park, meet other dog owners in the community and see what Fido Fitness Club has to offer – and maybe even adopt a new four-legged family member.  While this event is free to attend, any and all proceeds or donations from the event will go directly to Tavi & Friends a local area non-for-profit animal rescue group.

Co-owners, Ellen Adler and Evelyn Franklin, of Fido Fitness Club wanted to have an event that would be a fun community event bringing together local dog owners and their families, but also wanted to help out a local rescue group.  “We are so passionate about our dogs and all pets in general. Many of our client’s dogs were either rescued from substandard environments or adopted from shelters.  Not all dogs are as fortunate as our canine clients and have a great place to play every day with other dogs. We support Tavi and Friends rescue efforts and really wanted to find a way to help them raise much needed funds and awareness about their wonderful animal rescue group,” stated Co-Owner Evelyn Franklin. “We are so happy so many others are joining us for this weekend celebration.  There will be something for everyone that attends.”

While the event starts at 11am on Saturday, at noon there will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony by local community leaders doing the honors.

“Fido Fitness Club is a perfect fit for our neighborhood – a safe, clean environment to run and play with your dog,” said Co-Owner Ellen Adler.  “We are very much looking forward this fun filled and fur filled weekend!”

For more information on the event go to: www.FidoFitnessClub.com

About Fido Fitness Club: Fido Fitness Club is a one-of-a-kind, 4000 square foot facility located in the hamlet of Woodmere, New York. Fido Fitness Club provides a safe, off-leash space for dogs to run, socialize with their owners and other dogs, and spend the day in quality monitored daycare. With easy access to the local train station, Fido Fitness Club is an ideal resource for commuters or anyone who wants to leave their dog in a safe, nurturing environment.  Founded by dog lovers Ellen Adler and Evelyn Franklin, for dog lovers, Fido Fitness Club meets the highest standards for pet-safety and support.  Dedicated to bringing out the best in every dog, Fido Fitness Club amenities are geared to the physical and emotional wellbeing of dogs. At Fido Fitness’s Dog Park, dogs can play off-leash in a safe environment and owners can feel confident that their dog is getting sufficient exercise and playtime regardless of the weather and time of day.  Creating a healthy balance between play and rest, Fido Fitness Club encourages dogs to socialize, explore their natural curiosity, and spend their time engaged in positive activities so when they return home, they are calm, confident, and eager to interact with their owners.  Owners can also view their dog while at the club by the live web cam set up.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

On Saturday, May 7th, hundreds of people and their four legged friends gathered at Four Towns Firefighters Training Center in Merrick to support the Merrick Lions Club 2nd Annual Purple Hearts Pups  “Just for Fun” Dog Show event.  On the gorgeous spring day, families and dog lovers united for this one great cause all while having a lot of dog gone fun.

Purple Hearts Pup became a reality through the Merrick Lions Club.  As a new club starting out two years ago they were looking for a cause to support and get behind to be an integral part of the community and keep members involved.  Lisa Siano who is the chair of the event, felt that something needed to be done for the Veterans because her twin sister, Toni Pincus, is a puppy raiser with the Guide Foundation in Smithtown. Toni’s first puppy, Raleigh, was giving to Walter Reade Army hospital to work in the Physical Therapy department with the amputee’s coming home from the war.  The merging of the two gave birth to the idea of a fundraising event called “Purple Heart Pups.” The Merrick Lions quickly became a 501(c) (3) organization, and their effort to raise money for disabled veterans continues through various activities in addition to Saturday’s event.  “I got involved with the Club simply because two people who I knew asked me. When I first heard about the PHP, I knew despite anyone’s politics on the war, we have to support those who protect us,” said Audrey Shapiro a Merrick Lions Club member and volunteer for the event.

Purple Heart Pups was created to seek to aid disabled and amputee veterans by providing financial support to America’s VetDogs and the National Amputee Foundation.

Check out all the pictures from the days event below taken by Ben Whalen and Nancy Hassel.

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: