June 28, 2010
By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

About 9 years ago, I heard from a fellow pet lover about a new pet store opening in North Babylon, and that I had to go there and check it out. When I asked why, what was so special about it? I was told, just go and see for yourself. So I did. At the time I was shopping at the local big box chain pet store, and wasn’t really impressed but there were not a lot of options to choose from. I remember when I was kid going to the local pet store in Babylon Village where the owner was always very personable and helpful and he seemed to know a heck of a lot about all kinds of pets. I got that same feeling when I walked into Cozy Pet in North Babylon and met the owner, Sue Carmody.

Sue was immediately warm and friendly, had a lot of knowledge about the products in her store and always remembered my dog’s name each time I came in – and gave her extra treats. That personal customer service and attention is what kept me coming back to Cozy Pet. Not to mention that the quality of products were much better than the big box store. So in approaching the 10 year anniversary of Cozy Pet I sat down with Sue to talk about the shop.

What drew you to opening a home town pet boutique? “I started a Mom & Pop type store because I grew up in a small general food store as a child. I have always believed that the small business person is the life-line of this country and you can certainly get a warmer more personal welcomed feeling in such a store.”

What is your background in the pet industry? ”I have long and extensive background in canine, feline and horse care. I worked for a Vet Hospital for several years and I’m an experienced Medical Tech and Registered Medical Assistant. I’ve conducted a 5 year clinical study on dog food, cat food and canine nutrition, gaining extensive knowledge in nutrition, supplements, skin and coat conditions and health related diet problems. I have also worked in animal rescue for over 25 years.”

What is your position on pet foods? “I believe in feeding all-natural foods to our pets because they are not in the wild therefore they can not choose proper nourishment for themselves. We are their caretakers and it is up to us to do what is best for their health and well being. Chemical and animal by-products in their diet can cause many medical problems. Also dogs and cats should eat a meat protein based diet and not a grain one that is in most of the non-natural foods.”

You have grooming at Cozy Pet, what do you do to set Cozy Pet’s grooming apart? “Our grooming is an open door welcome to stay shop. So if you want to stay with your dog while it’s being groomed you are welcome to do so. It is a one-on-one service for your pet, like a hair appointment for yourself. We do not cram dogs into crates and keep them all day for several hours. Our client’s dogs are much more relaxed and have a groomer who is only working on one dog at a time. We do not use cage dryers – we only use hand blowers which is much safer for the dog. All our shampoos are natural, of the best quality and when a dog comes in we can check its skin and coat to use the best shampoo for that dog. We also have Oatmeal and Medicated shampoo that we can use on problem skin. Our rooms are sanitized as well as our equipment so each dog is safe from fleas & kennel cough. All go home with bows, bandannas and treats.

What do you like most about owning your own shop? “The best thing about having this shop is that I am able to talk to people and help to educate them on nutrition for their pet’s diet. My favorite thing is to welcome each dog that comes in for grooming or just to shop with its owner, I love seeing them and giving out a “goody” bone. It makes my day complete to get a kiss and a tail wag!”

Cozy Pet started in smaller store, but has recently expanded into a larger store a few storefronts down from the original location. And if your scratching your head saying, “Isn’t Cozy Pet in Babylon Village?” You would be correct there is a second location operated by her son, and has all the same great qualities as the North Babylon location.

One thing I will say as a customer is that Cozy Pet always gives back to the community through working with different rescues, hosting events and of course with great customer service. And while big box pet stores still pop up, the dedicated customer service of an owner of a mom & pop pet boutique will keep customers coming back, again and again.

www.cozypettlc.com

June 25, 2010
by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Hitting the road with your pet

Summer time and road trips go hand in hand and many people now travel with their pet. It is great to be able to bring your pet, but you should prepare properly so in case of an emergency or if your car breaks down, your pets will be safe. Even if you are just taking a road trip to the East End of Long Island it is good to be prepared. Some things to consider are:

• Knowing where the local emergency veterinarian is where you are traveling to.
• Have an extra dog leash, collar, foldable cat carrier, pet food, water and water bowl.
• If your pet is not used to being in the car accept for going to the vet or groomers office, then think about taking them on shorter trips to get them used to it a few weeks prior.
• Rescue Remedy is a great product to help calm a pet while on the road, and is a natural product.
• Traveling with a dog can be a lot of fun, but safety even inside the car is important. Crating a dog while in the car works great, and many people who show dogs, this is the only way how they will travel with their dog while on the road. There are also seat belts for dogs these days, mainly harnesses that have seatbelt attachments.
• Bring a portable pet first-aid kit and have any medication your pet is on with, as well as medical records from the pets vet.
• Make sure where you are traveling too does not have breed restrictions on dogs, or species of certain reptiles. Some areas can confiscate a breed of dog or reptile that may be outlawed. Check state and local laws before you leave town with your pet.
• Staying at a hotel? Make sure it is pet friendly, highly recommend for pets and has amenities for pets nearby or has a listing for you when you arrive.
• Parks – make sure if you decide to go into a park with your pet, that the pet is actually allowed there first. Camping? Some parks require a lot of paperwork if you are bringing a dog, i.e. proof of dog license, rabies vaccination proof and more. Check first!
• Leaving your pet home? Book a pet sitter or day care in advance as they fill up fast in the summer months. You can find local places here:

A few other things to take into consideration are, if the weather is different where you are traveling too. Is it hotter? Pets can have different reactions to such. Never brought your pet with you before? Sometimes a new environment can throw off even the calmest pet, be sure to watch for signs of distress. Just because you’re eating out, new foods or adding things to your diet, doesn’t mean you should do the same with your pet. Try to stick to their normal eating schedule and regular food and treats they eat at home. Most of all enjoy your vacation with your pet, but these above tips should help that!

June 21, 2010
By Pamela Fitzpatrick, of YourDogWalkers, shihtzu58@optonline.net

This Friday, June 25^th, is TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY (TYDTWD). Businesses, pet care professionals, and animal shelters around the work will work together to better the lives of shelter dogs everywhere by participating. Created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International, TYDTWD is designed to celebrate our canine companions and encourage the adoption of dogs from humane societies, animal shelters and rescue groups. This annual event allows employers to recognize a special day to promote pet adoptions. If you can, join us in celebrating dogs on their special day!

If bringing your dog to work is impossible, ask your employer if you can organize an off-hours event for the dog lovers in your group.

If you plan to participate in Take Your Dog to Work Day, there are a few steps you need to take to get ready.

1. Get Permission Unless you are the boss, get permission. In all cases, talk to co-workers to make sure that no one is allergic or has issues with dogs. Make sure that there is adequate room for your dog and those of others and that that everyone can get along. Assess your space- can you safely and responsibly keep your pet there during the work day? This is especially critical if you share space with others.
2. Is Your Dog a good Candidate? In order to participate in this event, your dog must be well behaved, socialized with both people and dogs, and able to deal with the stress of an unfamiliar environment. Knowledge of basic obedience commands is a must! Health is another important factor to consider…..make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccines, is in good health and well groomed. Don’t bring a puppy or very young dog. If in doubt……err on the side of caution. (You can always bring photos of your dog if you decide they’re better off at home) If you work close to home, you might want to consider bringing your dog in for a half day the first time to see how things go. Remember that one of the main purposes of this event is to encourage animal adoptions, so you want your dog you demonstrate his best qualities.
3. Be Prepared Make sure you have the right supplies for the comfort and safety of all. Make sure to have a leash and collar, water/food bowls, dog treats, and toys. Don’t forget to bring a bag for waste cleanup.

Hopefully you will have the opportunity to introduce your four legged “best friend” to your co-workers this Friday. For more information on this event, visit the PetSitters International website at www.takeyourdog.

June 20, 2010
By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Pet Insurance Company help saves cats life, owners wallet.

People often ask me about pet insurance, should they get it, what company is best and how it works. Pet owners hesitating on getting pet insurance or looking for a great company need to read the amazing testimonial below about how Trupanion Pet Medical insurance saved this cat’s life and the owner’s wallet.

“A few months ago we adopted brother and sister twin kittens. Being a new pet owner I was new to the idea of pet insurance. I was offered a free 30 day trial of Trupanion and decided to give it a try. Not even two weeks later, I came home to find one of my cats, Roku, extremely sick. He had vomited and barely had enough energy to lift his head from where he was lying. Our vet recommended bringing him into the clinic immediately. After being examined, Roku’s blood pressure was dangerously low and the vet was concerned. To complicate matters it was Friday and the vet clinic was closed for the weekend. At my vet’s recommendation I took Roku to an emergency clinic where they had to perform emergency surgery for a possible blocked intestine. They had strong suspicions that he might have swallowed a foreign object or that he had contracted FIP (feline intestinal paracytosis) which is a deadly disease in cats. So one surgery and multiple tests later, the clinic bill had skyrocketed to over $4000. Not exactly the kind of money you keep lying around. I was freaked out by the bill but knew that I had the Trupanion trial. After submitting my claim, I was reimbursed for 90% of the entire bill, no questions asked. I had the check in my hands before the charge was even printed on my credit card statement. All of this and I hadn’t even made my first monthly payment to Trupanion.

Roku completely recovered from his surgery and is totally healthy today. Who knows how things would have gone if I was reluctant to get the procedures he needed to get better because I couldn’t afford them. Needless to say I have kept my monthly Trupanion service and would recommend their insurance to anyone. I’ve never experienced an insurance company that was easier to deal with. They truly care about pets and pet owners.” Sincerely, Tara Minogue

To find out more about Trupanion and the 30-day trial go to www.trupanion.com, or contact our local Long Island Territory Partner, Thomas Russo via email at thomas.russo@trupanion.com.

Roku & Ikka

June 16, 2010
by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

A great Dog Day Afternoon was had by all who attended on Saturday, June 26th! Check below for a slide show of some of the dogs that visited our booth, maybe your dog was pictured!

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

The 2nd Annual “Dog Day Afternoon Agility Expo & Pet Fair” is coming up fast and will be held on Saturday, June 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This year the event will be held outside and attendees will be allowed to bring their well behaved, leashed dogs to participate in all the tail waggin’ fun. The event will be held at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, (West Roe Boulevard, Patchogue, NY 11772), and includes educational shows and demonstrations throughout the day with all kinds of animals including dogs, parrots, chinchillas, rabbits, and much more. Once again hosted by the Suffolk County Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee and the Suffolk Academy of Law.

There will be over 20 rescue groups of all kinds will be in attendance with their animals. Participants will enjoy a fun filled outdoor day of entertainment, vendors, food, and lots of raffles. Admission is $10.00 per car. Bring your dog for exciting run through the agility course run by the fine folks from Doggie U K9 Academy of Bay Shore.

This fantastic day was a huge success last year and we are looking forward to another great day of woofing around and happy pups and their owners. If your furry friend does not play well with others leave them on the couch in the AC!

For additional information, call Co-chair, Amy Chaitoff at (631) 265-0155. (This family fun event Rain date is Sunday, June 27th). **There are still vendor and sponsorship opportunities for this event, interested parties should also contact Amy Chaitoff.

Be sure to stop by the Long Island Pet Professionals booth to learn more about us and