by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

It’s not very often when hunters, animal welfare and animal rights advocates get together to protest against a deer cull.  That’s right protested together against the upcoming deer cull set to take place in February on the East End of Long Island.  Nearly 200 people showed up on Saturday, January 18, 2014, at the protest which began at Hook Windmill in East Hampton, NY, organized by Long Island Orchestrating for Nature (LION).  The protestors started at Hook Mill and then walked down Newtown Lane to Herrick park.  Chanting and along the way, and while passing the high end shops on Newtown Lane, many store owners came out to clap and cheer everyone on – so you can see a lot of people are against the cull.

The deer cull will have federal sharp shooters with silencers and night vision to kill up to 3,000 deer across the South and North Forks in the dark of night. East Hampton, Southold and the Town of Brookhaven are signed up for this.  Southampton has still yet to decided (at press time) and thank your Riverhead for not signing on to this and caving under peer pressure.  The Long Island Farm Buearu who have secured a grant of $250,000 to have the deer killed have also asked the towns and villages to chip in $15,000 to $25,000 towards this slaughter.

Hunters are protesting because they want to be able to hunt the deer and donate and eat the deer meat, (yuck!) and to keep the population down.   And I guesss their argument makes sense, as they have to pay for their licenses to hunt, yet the towns and villages will use your tax dollars to pay the sharp shooters?  In speaking with a few residents along the way, they are really agains the cull.  A good friend of mine, Todd, who has lived in East Hampton for well over 10 years, he said, “why don’t they just extend the hunting season?  Instead they are using our tax dollars, it’s ridiculous.”  They could also use birth control efforts like they do on Fire Island to keep the population down, I said.

I am personally not a fan of hunting of any sort and I love seeing deer wherever they are, and lived in Southampton for 6 years, and never had an issue with deer destroying anything where I lived.  And isn’t it ironic – that today  on my way out to East Hampton, I took the back roads, I didn’t see ONE deer, then on my way back, not only did I take different back roads, but I walked through a wildlife preserve near Sag Harbor, not ONE deer, and didn’t see any, anywhere the rest of the way back.

The towns are estimating that there are 30,000+ deer on both forks and throughout Riverhead.  30,000! Really, how did they count them?  Don’t you know deer travel and move around – so how did they come to that number?  Where is the proof of this?

People for the cull that live on the east end are claiming the deer are causing lyme disease, damage to their property or crops and car accidents.  Yes, there are car accidents due to deer it is sad for both parties involved. And lyme disease is common – but you can get Lyme’s disease from a deer tick on any part of Long Island – as the ticks are also on mice and other smaller animals.  Lyme disease is from the tick, not deer!  Ever walk through Bydenburgh in Hauppauge with your dog? You are bound to find ticks, yet there are no deer at that park. Gardiner’s Park in Bay Shore, any where really – you can even get a tick on you from your own landscaped backyard.  I know someone who got Lyme’s Disease that lives in NYC.

The thought of sharp shooters on the back of pick up trucks, walking around shooting deer at night is just un-nerving. Because that is a safe way to do it, can you hear my sarcasm?  For the residents of the east end I would be worried about my personal safety, children’s safety and for my pets safety.  What about tourists that are out visiting off season who don’t know bout the cull at night?  Not to mention of course the beautiful deer that will pay the ultimate price.  This cull, seems like an accident waiting to happen – and this is coming from a complete non-alarmist – but if you really think about how dumb this plan is.  There has got to be a better way.

During the protest a local East Hampton resident and his two young daugthers stopped and he said explaining to his girls, “the hunters are hear protesting against the people who don’t want the deer to be killed.” I said, “Actually everyone is here together, hunters and animal welfare advocates, they all want to stop the cull.” He was surprised.  We were discussing it along with a few other people and he too said, he doesn’t want it to happen, that he is worried for his and his family’s safety.

The deer are part of the wildlife on our Island, and I think it really sad that our elected officials think this is a good way to do things.  We are way too much of a throw away society and this is just another example of it.  (Maybe the elected officials can get a grant to clean up our island? Have you driven around anywhere lately – and noticed the TONS of garbage on the side of the road? But hey lets kill deer who are not contributing to the mess or pollution that humans do daily here.)

There are a few law suits fighting to stop this cull, both by hunters and by The East Hampton Group for Wildlife that want to stop this.  If you want to get more invovled contact LION by clicking here and ask what you can do to help stop this cull.

Even the littlest protesters where there.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

In light of the recent tragic death of a dog at a local Long Island pet sitting and doggie daycare center in Oyster Bay, here is important information for pet owners on how to choose a pet sitter or doggie day care facility.

There are many trusted pet care professionals to help you with your pet sitting and doggie day care needs.  A few things you should do as a dog owner prior to dropping your pet off in someone else’s care are:

• Visit the facility or pet sitter’s home if you are boarding your pet there.

• Ask to see all areas in which your dog may be in, backyard, doggie run area, and where your pet will be kept during its stay.

• The pet sitter should have you fill out paper work, with all your contact info, veterinarian and emergency contact info, any food allergies, medical issues your pet may have, or special needs or instructions for your pet.   This is something that should be done by all pet sitters or dog walkers who are taking your pet into their care whether it is for a walk or overnight stay at their facility/home.

• You should have a meet and greet with your pet at the doggie day care and definitely with any pet sitter you are going to hire.  It just helps to see how your dog and the sitter do when meeting.

• Ask how many dogs are at the facility at one time and how many pet care givers are present supervising the pets in their care – and what their qualifications are to be doing so.

• How do they screen the dogs coming into their facility? How do you know what dogs are there when your dog is there?

• Ask where is the closest veterinarian facility to them.

“We do a one night trial first prior with new dog clients that stay at our in-home boarding facility prior to them staying for a longer term stay – it’s mandatory.  We do this so we can get to know the dog and so that you’re dog is comfortable at our facility.  I have to be able to trust all the dogs in my care,” said Robyn Elman President of In Home Pet Services, Inc.  “Sometimes dogs can get territorial after staying a few times with us and they need to be reevaluated if they can stay with us again.”

Elman went on to say, “We also only keep similar size dogs here we never have dogs of different sizes together and only a few dogs at a time stay.  Our staff is also fully trained in Pet CPR & First aid and so are all of our franchisee locations.  We do the utmost to ensure your pet is safe, well cared for and has fun while staying with us.”

Many pet sitters are able to text you pictures and video of your pets while they are in their care, and send you updates as well.  It’s a great way to feel at ease while you are away or just at work to see your pet is being well cared for.

While the death of a pet is rare occurrence at a doggie day, you are better off with as much information about the facility you are bringing your pet too. Ask questions, get a tour of the facility and when you leave you should feel comfortable about bringing your pet there, the same goes for the pet sitter or dog walker you are hire.

The adorable pup below is a stock photo from LIPetPlace and is not the dog who died.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Doggie Day Trip – the NoFo! (That’s North Fork of Long Island!)

If you have yet to visit the North Fork (NoFo) of Long Island with your pup – you are missing out!  The NoFo is the perfect day-trip destination if you are looking to do wine tasting, pumpkin or apple picking, a walk on the beach or to enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the quaint towns with your dog!

Recently I took my dog Max, who is 12 years old on a doggie day trip to the NoFo for all of the above.  My cousin came with me and we had such a relaxing day, and Max had a great time exploring some old haunts and new ones too – pretty dog-gone good for a senior pup!

We first went to Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead – and it is pet friendly, leashed of course, and offers some of the most spectacular grounds to walk along.  You can bring a picnic lunch and hang outside at one of the many tables or picnic benches provided, and sip some MCV wine as your dog chills out.  I prefer to walk Max around the grounds, being respectful of all the beautiful farm animals they have there (goats, sheep, turtles, cows, horses and more), and then back to picnic area to enjoy wine and cheese.  This way you get some of that puppy (or senior dog) energy out first.

Meet n greet!

After an hour or so, we headed to Love Lane in Mattituck – to go where else, but Love Lane Kitchen for lunch.  They have a lovely little outdoor patio next to the restaurant where we could sit with Max and enjoy a delicious lunch.  After lunch we walked around Love Lane visited some of the shops (please note: I didn’t bring Max into the stores, but there is a pet boutique on Love Lane you can visit with your pup).

Our next stop, the bay beach of course, so Max could dip his toes in the water!  There is a dog friendly beach called Bailey’s Beach in Mattituck, but we actually just drove to a bay beach in Jamesport and just stopped there for a little while, there were no ‘no dog’ signs and since it was off season no one was there – perfect.

Love it!  Max stayed on his leash – a good recomendation to do so with your dog, and be respectful of the surrounding neighborhood and beaches, and obey any signs posted.  We then headed to one of the many local pumpkin farms to get pumpkins, mums, sunflowers and a few farm stand veggies that are in season.

There are so many things to do, see and enjoy with your dog on the NoFo and people are very friendly.  It is doable for a day trip, for sure.  I am baffled when I hear of people that have been born and raised on LI – but have never been to the NoFo – it’s crazy! 🙂  Dogs like to get out and explore new areas and see new things – the NoFo is the perfect fall getaway, for a daycation, that is not too far away.  You and your pup will be so relaxed by the time you get back home and the sceenary is beautiful no matter where you go on the North Fork.

But if you want to spend a weekend there – lucky for us there are now two hotels that I know of that are also pet friendly close to the NoFo!  The first is the Hyatt East End in Riverhead – they are pet friendly for dogs up to 50lbs and have beautiful accomodations.  Located right next to the Long Island Aquarium, in Riverhead village, you can walk your dog along the beautiful river front steps from the hotel.

The second hotel is the Hotel Indigo East End also in Riverhead, but closer to Calverton and also offer pet friendly accomodations.

And if you are looking for a dog trainer or pet sitter while on the NoFo, contact Dawn Bennett of North Fork School of Dog Training – she might even give you some info on places to go with your dog that I haven’t mentioned above.

And some tips if you do take a Doggie Day Trip:

• Go during the week if you can, it is less crowded and that means less traffic.
• Bring supplies for your dog: water, food, pet first aid kit (just in case), poop bags to pick up.
• Be sure to stop and walk your dog and let him or her do his business along the way (and of course clean up after your dog).
• Ask if you can bring your dog onto the property of a vineyard (although most are dog friendly), and the same for any of the pumpkin/apple farms.  Be courteous and know your dog!  If your pup is going to freak out if he sees a cow – be sure to have something with your to distract him (think high value treats, toys, ball, etc.)
• If your dog is not used to long car rides, start taking him for some rides each day longer and longer that lead up to a daycation trip, so he gets used to it.
• Bring an extra leash and collar with you – and be sure to have up-to-date ID tags on him, just in case.
• And most of all have fun, take lots of pictures and enjoy!

Another favorite spot is Greenport, a photo of Max there from a few years ago!  To see More Pictures of our NoFo Doggie Day trip, CLICK HERE!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Lifers…

By now you should know that October is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, and while so many people do adopt from shelters (thank you!), many dogs are there way too long – and are overlooked.  A potential adopter may be walking through a local shelter and find out that a dog they are looking at has been there for a year or two and walk away thinking, “there has to be something wrong with that dog.” Which is a real shame.  I encourage you, if you are a potential adoper to stop before you move on and give the dog a chance.  Ask the volunteer or shelter worker about the dog and find out his or her personality, likes and take some time in the adoption room to get to know the dog.  Ask to have them bring the dog outside away from the noise and really take some time with the dog.  You may just find this is the dog for you, the dog that you too were going to over look.  I double-dog dare ya to find out more about the lifer dog that is desperately wishing for his own furever home.

There is a really great quote, that sums it up: “Rescuing one dog may not change the world, but for that one dog, his world will be changed forever.”

Each week, for the next 4 weeks, you will see a ‘Lifer’s’ series of articles here – how can you change a local lifer dogs life? By adopting of course, but if you can’t adopt or foster, you can share his or her story by sharing the article, and just possibly your share can change the world for one of the dogs below!

Thank you to the participating shelters who care for and lobby to find these ‘lifers’ a home.

Envy is a female Pit Bull about 4 years old that needs a home without cats. She gets along with some dogs. Would be fine with children. She has been with the shelter since August of 2012. She waits patiently and quietly in her cage every day but is always overlooked. When out of the cage she loves to roll around on the grass or floor and likes her belly rubbed. She is a happy girl who can entertain herself. Envy is deaf and will need to be taught hand signals for her training. Envy is at the Town of Islip Animal Shelter - call (631) 224-5660 or go to 210 S. Denver Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706

This is Ruby from Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption, Inc. Ruby is approx. 4-5 years old, spayed . Ruby loves car rides and going for long walks/jogs! Ruby loves people of all ages, good with children, a real snuggle bug but must be the only pet. She has been with our rescue for 3 years now waiting for her forever home! Please contact Jen @ 631-627-3665 or jen@almosthomeli.org

This beautiful girl is Mona, she has been at the shelter since 2011. Mona is a very happy and playful young three year old and approximately 60 pounds. Mona is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, micro-chipped and heart-worm negative…what more could you ask for. She will bring you sunshine everyday and be a great exercise partner. Could Mona be your perfect match, come down and meet her at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. Call 631.286.4940 to arrange a date to meet this doll.

Photo by Sole Riley. Sparky was found as a stray in Southampton. This 9 year old still has a lot of energy and has a great love of life. He needs a home without other dogs or cats. A great companion, he enjoys going for long walks and watching movies. Sparky is part of ARF’s Scholarship Program which helps our older animals and special needs animals with minor medical conditions, find homes. The scholarship program will provide financial assistance to the person or family that adopts Sparky into their loving home. Sparky has been at ARF for a few years. For more information call our adoption team at 631-537-0400 x203.

This week is Julie's one year anniversary at the Islip Animal Shelter and Adopt-A-Pet Center. She is a sweet senior Rottie mix who is roughly 7 years old. She would make a great pet for anyone looking for a mature companion. She loves her tennis balls but calms down quick. Julie would prefer to be the only pet and would do best in a home without children. Visit Julie at the Islip Animal Shelter and Adopt-A-Pet Center at 210 South Denver Ave, Bay Shore, New York 11706

Please note the Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter is now open again – they have, as of press time of this article, 209 dogs that need homes there.  Please contact the shelter or go visit to help the animals there. 209 DOGS!

Want to feature your rescue dog in this 4-part Lifer Series of articles?

Please email Info@LIPetPlace.com, send a jpg of the dog, description about the dog, what shelter the dog is in, how long the dog has been in the shelter, and Contact info, etc.  The dog must be in a municipal shelter at least 6-months or more and/or with official non-profit Rescue group shelter.  Thank you!

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

While the summer winds down, kids go back to school, and the air changes – we look back this summer to some great ‘Summer Pets’ pictures submitted by their owners.  I personally love September and the gorgeous weather it usually offers.  It is a great month to get out there with your pets and enjoy the many events it has to offer.  So if you have had a busy summer, and your two-legged kids are back in their schedules – it’s time to spend quality time with your pets!  Thanks to everyone who submitted photo’s – see below and check our Facebook page to see more.  Happy September!

This is Lotus Flower, a rescued pitbull. She absolutely loves to swim, her nickname is the pitfish! This is of Lotus with her box turtle friend at the pond behind my house in Jamesport, NY. Photograph by Devon Shepherd.

"The boys are always ready for a swim...lol" Owned and photographed by Lourdes Lebron

This is Penny-Lane Russo & she just adores butterflies! Her mom, Rose Russo who took this lovely picture, planted this butterfly bush for her birthday, how sweet!

This was a senior terrier mix we met who scaled the 128 steps down to the beach on the North Fork to go swimming! Taken by LIPetPlace.com

the lovely Bocker Labradoodle! When Bocker is not out doing tons of Pet Therapy work or attending many different pet events with his mom Marie, he is hanging out and relaxing in Hampton Bays, NY! Photo taken by his mom Marie!

Titus couldn't wait to get off the Ferry and explore Ocean Beach, Fire Island, NY! So much fun with Titus & Hailey that day! Photo by LIPetPlace.com

This beautiful parrot was at a pet fair with the Long Island Parrot Society! Taken by LIPetPlace.com

This donkey who was lucky enough to be adopted - was with his donkey sibling and human mom at the Pony Swim on the North Fork! Photo by LIPetPlace.com

Many more Summer Pets PHOTOS here!

Enjoy! And thanks to their pet parents for giving them such fun filled lives!

My Max, at 12 years old he still loves a dip in the bay! Photo by LIPetPlace.com