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

By now if you are in the pet industry, you’ve known for quite a while that October is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, and it is now also Pit Bull Awareness month. But to the average Joe, someone who may own a family dog but isn’t engrossed in the pet industry or rescue, what does Adopt-A-Shelter Dog month really mean to them and the rest of the world?

Plain and simple – Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month is a month to bring awareness to the general public about getting them to think of going to their local shelter to adopt a dog. Personally I see the month as a way to educate the general public about how many dogs there are available locally at their own town municipal shelters and private shelters. I would love to see more people open their minds, hearts and eyes to shelters dogs and see that they make amazing pets. And to educate themselves about why they should not buy puppies in puppy stores.

In the past four Pet Events Newsletter I have been featuring Asia, a complete sweetheart of a pit mix with two different colored eyes, who loves people, kids, and dogs. Asia has been at the Town of Islip Animal and Adopt-a-Shelter Center for 19 months (that’s a year and 7 months people). They take great care of her, and she is even a little chubby, but she came into the shelter very preggers gave birth to her pups which of course were all adopted quickly, and she remains. If I could take her, I would – I went to visit her not to long ago and she was so silly in her kennel when
I was talking to her it was a riot, I was cracking up laughing her ‘please adopt me antics’ she was doing.  She is a very good dog – and was even featured on News 12 this morning. I really hope someone opens their home and hearts for this sweet girl.

The Town of Islip is having their Annual Adopt-a-thon tomorrow, Saturday, October 13, from 11am – 3pm at the shelter (210 S. Denver Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706) with a ton of vendors, music and of course TONS of adoptable pets. They are also announcing who will be the lucky family to bring Joey the pit pull puppy home who had over 100 applications for his adoption. LINK. I really hope in honor of Joey that the hundreds of people who applied to be his new family will go into the shelter and take the time to meet some of the dogs, cats, and bunnies there waiting for love.

There have been adopt-a-thons going on all across the country and right here on LI. Another upcoming fun offsite adoption for Kent Animal Shelter will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2012 from 11am to 3pm at Westhampton Pet (29 Riverhead Road in Westhampton Beach – Exit 63 off of Sunrise highway south). They will have dogs available for adoption. Bring your dog down to visit dressed in their best HOWL-O-Ween costume and a prize will be awarded for best dressed dog!

October may be Adopt-A-Shelter Dog month – but any chance you can get to go to your local shelter and meet a potential new family member, take it, you won’t be disappointed. A lot of adoptive pet parents and rescuers can tell you that somehow the dogs ‘know’ that you are their new person. It’s true – and you will be much happier with your decision knowing you are adopting and taking a dog home out of a loud, stressful environment to live he or she was meant to live. By your side!

Photo credit: Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers decided to pick a great theme for the month of January, National Train Your Dog month.  While you should be training and working with your dog all year, this campaign helps raise awareness of the importance of having a well trained dog.  Here on Long Island we are fortunate to have dog trainers offering all kinds of training methods from one end of Long Island to the other.  There really is no excuse to not take a training class, lecture or at least speaking to a trainer on what may best suit your dog and your situation, become a better dog owner and have a happier dog.

Often time’s dog owners have ‘heard’ things about certain training methods, and already have an assumption in their mind, like the prong collar is horrible and mean, or that they would never ever be able to do clicker training with their dog.  But once they are educated how to properly use ANY type of dog training method, you can see the transformation on their face on what they were originally thinking about. (The Human’s face!)

Every month in our Responsible Dog Owner Class (a dog training and education class for humans only) our volunteer dog trainers from Doggie U K9 Academy and Dog Training 101, go over nearly every type of collar, leash, harness, no-pull harness, etc. and talk about how each is meant to work.  Like not pulling or yanking your dog while he is wearing a prong collar, that they are self correcting, or when to ‘click’ that clicker so the dog starts to associate the click with doing the command correctly and getting rewarded.

I have read recently on some blogs dog trainers bashing each other for their various training methods, and I think this negativity doesn’t help the dog training industry.  I have used treats, positive rewards, and evaluate (over days and weeks) what might work best for each dog.  And let me tell you many dogs react, act differently to different training methods.  I have worked with dogs who could care less if you are holding a filet mignon in front of them – if they are aggressive or leash aggressive they don’t give a bleep what food you have.  It’s not always about food reward.  While most dogs are food motivated, not all are.

I have worked with dogs in the past year, that were so highly aggressive towards humans that most behaviorists would suggested they be put to sleep.  One dog who was so aggressive (territorially so) when she in her house, she came very close to attacking me (and viciously) more times than I could count. She was only like this at the door when I arrived at the house to walk her (the owners were not there).  Why go back and work with the dog?  Because I could see how there was an amazing dog in there – she was fantastic with her owner – super smart and very well trained – but at the door it was almost like she was seriously bi-polar and would go off the deep end.  Once out of the house (with TONS of patience on my part), she was just the most fantastic dog, friendly to people – so well trained on and off leash – it was well, insane.  It did take me four months to get a leash on the dog, FOUR months! Did I mention the patience part?  Once she trusted me, she loved going for walks, listened, watched me for commands, and even was very affectionate and sweet.  This same dog that was trying to kill me at the door – the transformation was awesome.  (This dog was abandoned and her owner was the only one that could get near her, and luckily for her he did and was very committed to working with her).  Oddly enough she ended up being one of my favorite dogs to walk and work with because of how she blossomed.  I don’t take credit for her training – I give her owner all the kudos for it, but if I was not patient and gave up on her I would never have seen her wonderful transformation.  She was a dog that was food motivated and the only way to get her out of the house was to bribe her with treats – but on a walk, she wanted your attention and didn’t need the food, verbal praise and petting she adored.  So it was interesting to see a dog you had to use food with in one instance and not in others.

Most dogs want to bond with you, learn from you, some love to have a job to do – and your verbal reward and attention is all they are striving for.  Think about the drug and bomb sniffing dogs, ever watch what the handlers reward them with? It’s usually some sort of toy, tug toy, ball, handmade toy or something along those lines, not food.  It’s still a positive reward, but it’s not food.

To be a dog owner, and want a well trained well mannered dog – you as the dog owner need to do your research.  Find out about different training methods, interview different trainers, get referrals, and if one trainer doesn’t work out – don’t be discouraged, move on to the next trainer.  I have had people hire me after they went through a dog trainer or two – and I asked what did the other trainers tell you – and often times, I would say, well I agree with what they said, you need to do your homework, work with the dog, etc.  So sometimes it’s not that the first and second trainer you met with didn’t work, it’s that the owner didn’t want to follow their instructions or do the work!  A well behaved dog does not happen over night.  I mean do you expect your human kids to learn to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ by telling them only once to do it? I doubt it.

Another piece of advice would be don’t be scared of trying different training methods – you might go through a couple before you get to the one that you see the light bulb over your dog’s head go off!

You can find many different dog trainers in your area by clicking here.

4th Year of Free Dog Classes!

Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan recently announced that The Dog Federation of New York and The Town of Islip Animal Shelter have once again joined to offer the Responsible Dog Owner Class.

At a recent meeting, the Islip Town Board renewed its agreement with The Dog Federation of New York to offer the classes in 2011 until April 2012.  The three-hour classes are designed to help educate dog owners learn about basic puppy and dog behavior, training tools and techniques, children and dog safety, dog park etiquette, health and nutrition and New York State dog laws.

“This class is a wonderful opportunity for dog owners to learn from professionals and experts in the field in order to develop a closer bond with their pet, and we hope they’ll have fun at the same time,” said Supervisor Nolan.

“For over 27 years Canine Fence has focused on keeping pets safe at home and we are proud to once again sponsor the Dog Federation of New York’s Responsible Dog Ownership program in the Town of Islip so that residents learn the important responsibilities of dog ownership and how to have good canine citizens,” said Marketing Director, Tracy Scarfi of Canine Fence.

“I am so proud that the Town of Islip is continuing this program into it’s 4th year and thankful for Canine Fence company’s for continued support,” said Nancy Hassel, Founding Member of the Dog Federation of New York and Founder of Long Island Pet Professionals.  “The Town of Islip’s dedication to educating the public on responsible dog ownership and proper pet care has resulted in less owner turn-ins to the animal shelter after a participant has attended the class.  The Town of Islip is leading the way in this humane education program, and we hope more towns will follow. We are looking forward to another great year of educating!”

As a thank you for coming, participants will receive FREE goodie bags, loaded with essential and fun items for dog owners.  This class is for people ONLY—please leave your dogs at home!  Parents are encouraged to bring children over the age of 8.  As space is limited, please call the Islip Town Animal Shelter at (631) 224-5660 or email Nancy@LongIslandPetProfessionals.com for a reservation or for more information. (Email is best).

The upcoming schedule for the Dog Owner Education Class is as follows: April 13th, May 11th, June 15th, and July 13th all from 6-9 pm.

For updated information or more about the classes click here.

by Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Adoption fees eliminated at Islip Animal Shelter

Yesterday the Town of Islip’s Supervisor Phil Nolan was proud to announce the elimination of adoption fees at the Islip Animal Shelter. At a press conference at the animal shelter Supervisor Phil Nolan, Commissioner Chris Andrade and Shelter Supervisor Joanne Daly were there to announce the news to Long Island. Mr. Nolan said, “Waiving the adoption fees for our shelter is a win-win for our Town,” said Supervisor Nolan. “Not only will we be able to find more great pets a loving family, but we will also be cutting back on our shelter expenses associated with medical care and animal food.”

The Town Board approved this with a vote of 4-1 to eliminate the $50 fee to adopt a pet from the Islip Animal Shelter. The elimination of the fees will make it easier to find homes for pets, as well as reuniting lost pets with their owners. In addition, this move will save money for the Town by reducing veterinary and maintenance costs.

Potential adopters should know however that although adoption fees have been eliminated, the Town still mandates a thorough screening process to make sure that the pets find good homes. Those wishing to adopt a pet from the Islip Animal Shelter will still have to meet several criteria before being allowed to take a pet home with them. They are not just giving out pets to anyone who comes along, which is a very good thing. Adopters will still have to pay a small fee for the New York State dog license which is required by NYS law and maintained by the town.

If you have never been to the Town of Islip Animal Shelter, and are looking for a pet to add as a member of your family – this is one of the best run municipal animal shelters around. Joanne Daly who is the shelter supervisor is a dedicated animal lover has a big heart and leads her staff to care for the animals with compassion and dedication. They also have a wonderful all volunteer group, called Shelter Link who work daily with the animals by giving them love and attention, daily walks and socialization.

The shelter also has many different purebred dogs waiting for homes. Just yesterday there were so many breeds it was amazing to see. Amongst the breeds there were: a huge all black Great Dane, a blued eyed Husky, a Belgian Malinois (what a sweetheart!), a small Poodle, an old Shar Pei, two Pekingese, a 6-month Chihuahua who just came in, a Cocker Spaniel, a Boxer, a Yorkie (just adopted!) and of course the happiest most gorgeous American Pit Bull Terriers and pit mixes. There are some really adorable cats there too.

If you are looking for a dog, cat, puppy or kitten, I would highly recommend going to the Town of Islip and seeing for yourself how well the animals are treated there and that need homes. The Town of Islip also offers a Free Responsible Dog Ownership Program that anyone can attend to learn about training, dog behavior, health and well being, dog park etiquette and much more and has been offering this successful program for 3-years now. No other town in the state offers this program and class attendees who were often at their wits end about relinquish their dog until they took this class.

If you are interested in adopting a pet please contact the shelter at 631-224-5660 or you can visit the Town of Islip Shelter website at www.islipcares.com.

Don’t shop, adopt locally.