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

It was a busy pet events day this past Saturday, June 9th, 2012 in the Hamptons.  In Southampton, Paws Across the Hamptons took place in Southampton Village starting at Lola Prentice Park and over a hundred dog owners and very eager dogs yipped and yapped through the streets for a mile and a half walk. The dog walk was fundraiser for the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation – and there were a lot of local adorable adoptable dogs and puppies on hand.  NBC News Anchor, Southampton resident and long time animal rescue supporters Chuck Scarborough, his wife Ellen and their dog took part in the walk.  Mayor Mark Epley his wife Mariane and their rescue dog were also on hand for the festivities.  Even celebrity English bulldog Igor did the walk, well part of it anyway.  Everyone was having a wooftastic time and after this event ended, many of the dog walkers and their dogs headed to the Pet Fest that was taking place in Bridgehampton, NY.

This first Pet Fest brought out many rescue groups from all across Long Island and vendors too.  With dogs dancing, frisbee dog demo’s, a training demo from Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, and a Fashion show put on by Gregg Ohler, publisher of Cesar’s Way magazine and Ada Nievesof the Pre-Westminster fashion show – there was something for everyone to enjoy.  Many adoptable pets were available through the rescue groups there.  (I fell in love with Shiloh an 9-week old brindle pit bull puppy who was rescued locally from the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Southampton, see her picture below!).

This day long event took place at the Bridgehampton Historical Society and was brought to the Hamptons by Watermill resident and animal advocate, Jewel Morris.   In the evening there was a VIP event for the Pet Hero Awards, a ceremony where many people in the pet rescue world and were honored for their hard work, dedication, passion and even lifelong commitment to helping animals in need.  Many touching and even funny speeches were given about each award recipient.  Jill Rappaport of the Today Show was honored the Pet Humanitarian of the Year award for all her work she has done and continues to do with many different organizations.  See all the award winners here.   See below for slide show of the day and evening’s event!

Gregg R. Oehler, Publisher of Cesar's Way Magazine with Jewel Morris, Founding Presidnet of the Pet Philanthrophy Circle

Actress Aida Turturro looking on as Jill Rappaport of the Today Show, receives Humanitarian of the Year Award

Jill Rappaport of the Today Show with Debi Boies, Co-Founder of Pilots N Paws

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

There is an epidemic sweeping across Long Island and the country too, it’s Distracted Dog Walking!  Be careful that you don’t get swept up in this risky behavior.  Dog owners everywhere are walking their dogs completely distracted and constantly looking down.  What could they be looking down at, when they should be watching where they are going and more importantly where their dog is and what they are doing?  Why their cell phone of course – or should I say smart phone (which in this case seems to making people dumber!).  Remember the days when we walked our dogs without the distraction of a text, email, phone call, super duper important Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest update?  I ask you can you actually remember that?  I can and sometimes I really miss those days.

We are all guilty of it.  But I always make a point to lock my phone and put it in my dog’s Doggie Go Pack that hangs from his leash, so if I get a text or email, I don’t hear it or notice it until I get back to where I started or to my car.  Just yesterday while walking Max at a local park, I watched as an approaching dog owner was so busy reading whatever was so damn important on her phone, not paying attention to her dog, (who was zipped about 20 feet ahead her on a retractable leash grrrr), and she nearly walked right off the path into the lake.  I was cracking up – but of course she really could have hurt herself, or more importantly hurt her dog. (Put the phone away lady!)

Dog owners, is it really that hard to walk your dog and bond with him or her, maybe do some training, without you being on the phone? And by the way chatting so loudly – no one wants to hear your conversation.  Your poor dog is being neglected as you walk and talk, text, FB and tweet.

I have also had people approaching so engrossed in their loud conversation that they don’t realize their dog nearly tripped a jogger, knocked over an nice elderly couple walking by or pooped and they didn’t pick up!  Sheesh!

Do I take a quick picture of my dog on my smart phone and post it to FB when we are out on a walk?  Sure, because he is so damn cute – but then the phone gets put away so we can enjoy the rest of walk!

I double dog dare you to put the phone away, walk your dog, breathe, take in the scenery, and pay attention to your pup.  He will, and you will be much better off for it.  Go ahead I dare you!    Tell me your story about Distracted Dog Walking in the comment section below…

Max!