by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com – Cover Photo by Melissa Marie Photography
The forgotten dogs…
While I am grateful these dogs are alive and well cared for in our municipal shelters across Long Island, (many, many shelter dogs do not have this chance), I am still heartbroken over the fact that these dogs have been in our shelters for years. YEARS, shall I say it again, Y E A R S! We all know dogs everywhere need to be saved, and I completely understand and am for that of course, however we collectively have over 1,000 dogs in our local Animal Shelters across Long Island, looking for homes. Over 1,000 dogs locally looking for homes. My own dog Cody was in the Islip Animal shelter for 6-months before I brought him home, maybe if I didn’t adopt him, he would still be there almost a year now. I get sad when I think of him there for that 6 months, I can’t even imagine the dogs for years.
Cody has brought so much joy and happiness into my life and now is even a little celebrity with his own facebook page. This holiday season, I hope you take a few minutes to read about each and everyone of the dogs in this article and mabye this will help open your eyes – and maybe, just maybe open your heart and home to one of the dogs in this list. And please, please, please share this to everyone you know, as a shelter is no place for a dog to live, the constant noise, the meet-and-greets that never come of anything, the concrete floors, stress levels, shall I go on? The best part, many dogs fall right into a routine and after a few weeks are like they were never even in the shelter, because dogs are resilent by nature, but rescued dogs they just know when they are safe and home – ask anyone who has adopted a dog and they will tell you the same thing. There many dogs featured below, please take your time reading about each one and sharing. Thank you.
Forgotten Dogs at Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter
300 Horseblock Road
Brookhaven, NY 11719
(631) 451-6950
Aboyd@brookhaven.org
Website
Mama is about as sweet as they come! She will melt your heart the minute you meet her. She was originally brought into the shelter very pregnant and ready to pop. She gave birth to 10 beautiful pups who have all been adopted. Sadly, no one ever adopted Mama and she sat watching her puppies leave one by one. She has the most amazing disposition and will be your best friend until the end of time. She loves everyone she meets of all ages and is housebroken and knows commands. Mama would like to be your one and only pet.
Forgotten Dogs at Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter:
3320 Beltagh Ave
Wantagh, New York 11793
(516) 785-5220
wendcar@tohmail.org
Website
Mason’s (#2318) been with us more than 2years. He is only about 3yrs old, sadly growning up here. Brought in stray when a Good Samaritan saw him digging through garbage. First, Mason was a nervous wreck & had to be carried into his kennel. He has settled in but is still anxious. Mason recently went to training to learn many things; the trainers were impressed. Mason NEEDS a home! He loves to run & play and loves water. An active home is best for him. At this time, Mason would do best in a home where he’s the only pet
Dean #3525, a mastiff mix, has been with us almost half of his 4 1/2yrs of life. He’s a big boy who is really a bit shy and a mush. Staff & volunteers love him; he’s been to training and enjoys walks, playtime, cuddles and being close. He knows “sit” and is happy learning new things like “down.” He’s fine walking past other dogs on leash but would prefer to be the only dog in the home. Dean does have a silly and playful side and since he is a strong boy he would do best in an experienced home.
Polar’s (#3987) one of our deafies. About 6yrs old, she’s been in the shelter 1/3 of her life.
A staff favorite, this beautiful girl was surrendered when her owner lost her home. Polar was really scared but has blossomed into a loving, sweet, submissive girl. She seems to understand hand signals… ‘thumbs up’ is her fav! She needs an experienced home, either as a single dog or one in which the family is familiar with deaf dog introduction. Since Polar can’t hear, she is mostly found in the back of her kennel sleeping, making it harder to find her home!
Forgotten Dogs at Town of Huntington Animal Shelter:
106 Deposit road
East Northport, NY 11731
(631) 754-8722
Sally is a 3 year-old pit mix who appears to have had little or no real human companionship. She has benefitted from her time at the shelter, learning basic obedience and working on her leash-walking. Sally needs to be the only pet in the home and would do best with older, teenage, children. Sally is sweet, but needs a firm and consistent handler. An experienced dog owner is preferred. Sally has been at the shelter for 2 years.
Jack is a happy boy who loves being around people. He is training on leash-walking but responds well to correction if needed. He plays well with other dogs and older children. He gets excited but never aggressive with human contact. Jack is neutered, negative for heart worm and up to date on his vaccinations. All dogs leave the shelter with HomeAgain microchip which is registered for life – Jack has been at the shelter for 1 year.
Cecil is a 3 yr old Pit bull turned in by his owner because they were movng. He is endless energy and needs lots of exercise and training. He is not for a first time dog owner. He needs a owner that is familiar how to train a dog and be consistant. Cecil has been at the shelter for 3 yeas! 3 years. 🙁
Buddy is a 2 and a half year-old male Lurcher mix. (http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Lurcher) Buddy was surrendered by his owner due to a housing complication. Buddy is a smart dog who has had a tough time adjusting to life in a shelter. His kennel behavior is poor and fear-based, but outside of his kennel Buddy is affectionate and playful – he has been in he shelter for 1 year.
Susie is a 6 yr old simply delightful girl who lost her home due to eviction. She is extremely sweet and affectionate despite her size! She loves when people play with her and is looking for the right family to love her! Do not let her size fool you: her heart is as big as her entire body! She has been in the shelter for 3 years – THREE years! 🙁
Stewy is a handsome boy around two years of age. He came in as a stray and so we have had to spend time getting to know him. What we have learned is that Stewy’s heart is a reflection of his stature, that is to say large. Stewy is working hard learning his basic commands and leash training. Due to his size, around 70 lbs, and tall, he would do best in a home with older teenage children. Potential adopters should be experienced as Stewy is sweet but needs consistent training right now. Stewy has been in the animal shelter for 1 year.
Forgotten Dogs at Town of Islip Animal Shelter:
210 South Denver Ave
Bay Shore, NY 11706
livelovebarkdogrescue@gmail.com
(631) 224-5660 or (631) 742-4491
Islip Animals
Hazel is a petite American Staffordshire Terrier mix who is roughly 3 years old. She came to the shelter on June 14, 2013. She has been in training for close to two years. She knows her basic commands, walks well on a leash and is housebroken. She needs to be the only animal in the home and would do best with older children. She loves playtime and belly rubs. Hazel’s adoption is paid for by Live.Love.Bark and she goes home with a collar, martingale, leash, a bed, bag of food, toys and treats and Free training for her is provided as well.
Sandy is a sweet female yellow Lab/ Pit mix, who is about 3 years old. She’s been at the shelter since November 11, 2013. She enjoys playtime, especially with squeaky toys and tennis balls. She would do great in an active home. She is currently in training and knows all of her basic commands, she walks nicely on a leash, and is house-trained. Sandy needs to be the only pet in the home, but gets along great with children. Sandy’s adoption is paid for by Live.Love.Bark and goes home with a collar, leash, bed, food, toys, and free training.
Scrabble is a handsome male Pit mix who is about two and a half years old. He’s been at the shelter since January 17, 2014. He is an active dog who loves to run and play. He knows all of his basic commands, walks well on a leash, and does wonderfully in public settings. Scrabble gets along with all dogs and cats. He would do best with older children due to his energy level. His adoption is paid for by Live.Love.Bark and he goes home with a collar, leash, bed, food, toys, and free training.
Momma is a petite Pit mix who came to the shelter pregnant and gave birth to her last litter of pups. She came in on May 6, 2014. She’s about 6 years old and loves to be outside, able to run around or go in the pool. Momma knows most of her basic commands and is house broken. Momma needs to be the only animal in the home and would do best with children five and up. Her adoption is paid for by Live.Love.Bark and she goes home with a collar, leash, bed, food, and more.
Desi is a female Pit who is about two years old. She has been at the shelter since June 14, 2014. She grew up in a cage. She is a good girl who is in training and getting proper socialization. Desi is an active girl who would do great with some room to run around. Desi needs a home without little children due to her energy and strength. She tested well with cats. Desi’s adoption is paid for by Live.Love.Bark and she goes home with a collar, leash, bed, toys, food, and more.
Cinnabon is an adorable female Pit mix who is about three years old. She just celebrated her one year anniversary at the shelter (11/6/14). This playful girl is very athletic and would make an incredible agility dog. She is a good listener and is learning her commands. She knows sit, down and come so far. She needs a home without other animals and would do best with children five and up due to her energy level. Cinnabon’s adoption is paid for by Live.Love.Bark and she goes home with a collar, leash, food, bed, toys and treats.
Emma was with us for nearly a year until we thought she was finally safe and in a forever home. She was adopted almost two years ago, and recently was returned because of the owner’s medical issues. Emma is a sweet Pit mix who is about 5 years old now. She knows her sit and come command and walks decently on a leash. She gets along great with children but needs a home without other animals. Emma’s adoption is paid for by Live.Love.Bark and she goes home with a collar, leash, bed, food, toys, and more.
Forgotten Dogs at North Fork Animal Welfare League – Towns of Riverhead & Southold Animal Shelter:
165 Peconic lane
Peconic, NY 11958
(631) 765-1811
Website
manager@nfawl.org
Sasha is 4 years old love all people!! is great in the car!! Good with kids . She was found running loose two years ago during a blizzard.
Cinnie: I came to the shelter is 2011 I got lost from my family and could not find my way home. I ended up at the shelter and my family has never come looking. I have been here 4 years and want nothing more then a family. I love long walks, car rides, I know many commands and am told I am very smart and trainable. I would like to be the only pet in the home although I might be willing to share my family with a special dog.
Spudster: I am 4 years old and I love every human I meet! I was living in a car with my owner and another dog when a good Samaritan who was trying to make my life better took me. I know it was a really nice thought but I ended up in a tiny pen with many very loud dogs around me. I was so scared! A volunteer noticed how scared I was and asked the shelter to take me in. Thank goodness they did! Now I am waiting for my forever home! I have some special health needs. Spudster has been in the shelter for 1.5 years.
Titan is a sweet guy he loves to play and snuggle ! he is a volunteer favorite. No cats! 3 years old . He came in as a stray he was emaciated and had a terrible skin infection. He is now healthy and ready for his family! He has been at the shelter for about 2 years.
Gracie is 9 years old she was used as a backyard breeder for years. She lived outside in a pen all year long. She finally go away and ended up at the shelter . She is very sweet but must me the only animal! Gracie has been at the shelter for 1.5 years.
Lefty is a sweet girl a little shy at first meeting but once she knows you she is a love. high energy girl who loves long walks and to play! Lefty has been at the shelter for over a year. She is good with some other dogs. (I personally met her last year, what a sweetie).
Coco was left behind when her owner moved. She loves people! Is ok with some other dogs. She loves to play! Coco has been in the shelter for over 1.5 years.
Forgotten dogs at Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter
75 Marino Avenue
Port Washington, New York 11050
(516) 767-4615
The Shelter Connection
tuddag@northhempsteadny.gov
Zeus: In Greek mythology he was the highest of the gods and we all think the highest of our Zeus too! At the shelter for over three years now, Zeus knows all of his basic commands and beyond, and would be grateful to share a home with a human companion as goofy and fun-loving as himself. Could you be that person?
Zeus has been at the shelter since December 2011. 🙁
Forgotten dogs at Smithtown Animal Shelter Foundation:
410 E Main St
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 360-7575
website
animalshelter@tosgov.com
Dinah is a 4yr old spayed female Bull Terrier Mix. She came into the shelter as a stray on 2/10/14. She gets along with most dogs, but does great with male dogs. She would be best in a home with no kids or cats. She is very intelligent, easy to train and has a lot of energy.
Kiko is a 4yr old female spayed pit bull. She was found as a stray and came into the shelter on 11/5/2012! She goes to the Dog Park and does great! But living in a home she becomes very dominant, and will do best as the only pet. No Cats! No small children, as Kiko is very strong and doesn’t know her own strength. She is 75 pounds of love!
Stella is an 8yr old Pit Bull, and was surrendered by her owner to the shelter in 2013. Her owner had to move and could not take her. Stella gets along with some dogs, but she would do best in an only pet home, as she can be territorial. She does not like when people stick there hands in the kennel, because she is protecting her home. A calm household is what Stella is looking for with No cats. She is 56 pounds.
Forgotten dogs at Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation:
102 Old Riverhead Road West
Hampton Bays, NY 11946
(631) 728-7387
Website
Cowboy has not had much in his lifetime & has spent most of his 7 years in a kennel. Cowboy is looking for a home where he can finally live his authentic self. Cowboy is smart, athletic, & loves physical & mental activities like fetch & tug. Cowboy is one smart dog & loves to please the people he loves. Cowboy has lots of training. No dog should sit in a shelter for a majority of their life but Cowboys has as he patiently waits for his forever home. Cowboy will snuggle, loves physical play time he’s your guy.
by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com
UPDATE – see bottom of this post!
Last Friday I went with my friend and fellow LIPP member Ellen Ganci of SnapDog Designs for a walk with our dogs at Belmont Lake State park, and before we even got out of our cars there was a loose, American Eskimo dog speeding across the empty parking lot towards us. I called the dog over to see if it would come to me, with no apparent owner nearby or person with the dog – but the dog barked and frantically bolted back to the direction where it came from. We got our dogs out from our cars (Max & Dobby!), and walked away from the direction of where the dog was, equipped with an extra leash just in case she did come over to us. I kept looking back and the dog was coming in and out of the wooded trail from where she originally came out of and was circling back in that direction. I said to Ellen, “I hope there isn’t a dead body back there or that it’s owner collapsed in the woods or something.” As the dog’s behavior was odd – almost Lassie like in the way she kept popping out from the same spot and going back in. So I called the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter and spoke with their super nice volunteer coordinator Sheryl. I told her the situation and she said she would send over and Animal Control officer. Sheryl took my name and number so they could call me back if they couldn’t spot her in the trails.
We proceeded on our walk and before we even finished the first lap around the park, I saw the animal control van going through the parking lot, then wooded trails looking for her. Ellen said, “That was fast – upstate I wouldn’t even know who to call about a lost dog in the woods – or if anyone would even come to help given the size of the town and personnel to handle it.” I said, “The town animal control officers down here are usually very good, respond quickly. I actually some of the Animal Shelter #’s programed into my cell phone – in a just in case emergency.”
When we got over to the parking lot I waved down the van and the Animal Control officer said, she is very skittish and wouldn’t come near me, bolted when she saw me get close.” I agreed. He then said, “I will come back with a trap to see if I can get her.” Ellen left, the office left and I took Max for another lap – and didn’t see the dog anywhere. After I left I thought I hope they find her, with Southern State parkway being so close, I was worried she would run out into traffic.
About 45 minutes later in my office, my cell phone rang and it was Sheryl, “Hi, is this Nancy?” Yes I said. “Nancy we got the dog!” I think I said, “Holy s**t that was fast, amazing! Thank you for letting me know!” Or something along those lines – so happy they were able to get her – this news made my day. Sheryl proceeded to tell me that they set a trap by where she was, and she must have been really hungry because she went right in. Then she told me, she was lactating – and must have recently had puppies. My heart stopped. I said, “Maybe that is why she was circling back so much – maybe her puppies are in the woods. Can you send the AC back to check?”
They went back and a few people along with Sheryl and scoured the woods and didn’t find any puppies. We went back the next day too, and didn’t see anything. I did go to the shelter to visit the beautiful American Eskimo – and she was very skinny, so she was either loose for a while or had owners and they dumped her there – maybe after her pups were old enough. I don’t know.
So a simple thing you can do is program all the Town municipal Animal Shelter phone numbers into your cell phone so if this ever happens when you are out and about or on a walk you can call them very quickly. It’s also helpful if you have a few extra leashes in your car, some extra treats too. But be very careful approaching a stray or loose dog as they could get scared and run away, bite you or go after your own dog. It’s best to leave it to the experts – and program the numbers into your phone! And for your own dogs, be sure you have their dog tags up to date with you cell phone # on it, microchipped and a current picture of your dog just in case he gets loose.
For more information on the American Eskimo call the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter at (631) 643-9270 and her case # ID 13-150.
Here is a list of the town animal shelters & phone #’s now start adding those numbers to your contact lists!
Long Island Town Municipal Shelters:
Town of Babylon Animal Shelter
51 Lamar Street
West Babylon – 11702
631-643-9270
Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter & Adoption Center
300 Horseblock Road
Brookhaven – 11719
631-286-4940
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
3320 Beltagh Avenue
Wantagh – 11793
516-785-5220
Town of Huntington Animal Shelter/Adoption Center
106 Deposit Road
East Northport – 11731
631-754-8722
Town of Islip Animal Shelter
210 South Denver Avenue
Bay Shore – 11706
631-224-5660
Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter
75 Marino Avenue
Port Washington – 11050
516-944-8220
Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter
150 Miller Place
Syosset – 11773
516-677-5784
Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter
210 East Main Street
Smithtown – 11745
631-360-7575
Town of Southampton Animal Shelter – Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation
102 Old River Road
Hampton Bays – 11946
631-728-7387
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