Archive for October, 2008

CALLING ALL POODLE LOVERS….Can anyone help???????

October 25, 2008

URGENT…….

The Town of Islip Shelter has 3 female poodles in desperate need of homes! Here is their story:
>
> “These 3 poor little girls were abandoned in a garage and were in
> terrible condition when they came into Islip Animal Shelter.
> Shelter staff picked them up, cleaned them up, and have been caring for
> them. They are just the sweetest little girls. They adore
> people and love to just sit in your lap. They are older and
> sadly they have very little or no teeth at all. It does not
> stop them from smiling at you and when they do they melt your
> heart. These girls are all tiny as you can see from the picture
> that they are just a bit bigger than a human female hand. Who
> knows what lives these poor little girls lived. What we do know
> is that they are happy and love curling up either together or on
> your lap. They love to be picked up and carried around with
> you. They just need someplace to live out their remaining years
> were they will be loved and cared for. If we can get all 3 into
> one home it would be a wonderful gift for them but if we have to
> break them up in order to get them into great homes we will. We
> ask for a home with no small children as they are a bit fragile
> due to their tiny size.
>

We have named them after the Brady Bunch girls
> Marsha – White
> Jan – Dark Gray
> Cindy – Apricot
>
> There are more pictures available if you would like to see them.
> Anything you can do to help these wonderful little girls find a
> great home would be very much appreciated”
>

Adopting a senior dog, especially one in need like these, can be a very rewarding experience. Please consider opening your heart and home to one or all!

For more information, you can visit or call the Town of Islip Animal Shelter:

DIRECTIONS (from Sayville)
Sunrise Hwy. west(Rt. 27) to exit 44 south(Brentwood Rd.) Loop around to Sunrise Hwy. east. Stay on Service Rd. Make a right onto South Denver Ave.

Monday-Friday 9:00-4:30
Saturday 9:00-4:30

Email: animalshelter@townofislip-ny.gov


Let’s take a walk……..

October 24, 2008

There are lots of places within a short drive from Sayville where you can take your dog for a walk, it’s great exercise for them and for you! Just use common sense, and follow these basics:

- Do a health check: Make sure your dog is in good health, and up to date on all immunizations. Young puppies are especially at risk so check with your vet to make sure your dog is ready for this kind of adventure.

- Never bring an aggressive dog, or a female in heat. Make sure that you can control your dog at all times. If in doubt, don’t do it! Remember that you are responsible for your dogs behavior, both ethically and legally.

- Clean up after your dog. Bring plastic bags (pet stores sell a leash attachment which holds a supply) and dispose of pet waste in trash receptacles. A small bottle of hand sanitizer is handy for human clean up if there’s no water available.

- Make sure to bring water for your dog to drink. It’s easy for dogs to get overheated, and a supply of fresh water is essential. We pack portable dog bowls which fold up for easy transport. Pet stores also carry a refillable water bottle bowl/combo.

- Obey the posted regulations at each park.

Here are some local parks where you can bring your dog for an on leash walk. As a general rule in Suffolk County Parks, dogs are not allowed in picnic areas, protected bathing areas, and sanitary facilities.

Gardiner County Park, West Bay Shore (Montauk Highway about one-half mile east of the Robert Moses Causeway)

This is one of our favorites parks, it has nature/ fitness trails and restrooms. There is a pump to get water for your dog (bring your own bowl) and a clean- up bags are available. It’s an easy walk to the water, with a great view of the lighthouse.
Dogs are also allowed in the undeveloped areas of the following Suffolk County Parks

Heckscher State Park, East Islip
Belmont Lake State Park, Babylon
Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park

In Montauk, check out Hither Hills State Park, ( dogs are allowed only in areas of the park north of Montauk Parkway, east of Napeague Harbor and west of overlook parking. They are not allowed in camping, bathing, or picnic areas) or Montauk Point State Park (certain areas only)

Responsible Dog Owner- Speaker series

October 21, 2008

 

For Immediate Release:
 Supervisor Nolan

Announces Speaker Series
at Responsible Dog Owner Class
Animal Law Attorney Amy L. Chaitoff 

 Islip, NY – Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan is pleased to announce that Animal Attorney Amy L. Chaitoff will be a guest speaker on Wednesday, November 5th at the next FREE “responsible dog ownership” class.  Future speakers will be announced at a later date.    

A little background on these classes:

 In March 2008, Supervisor Nolan first offered these free, two- hour classes which were created and taught by Nancy E. Hassel of the Dog Federation of New York. 

 

 Soon after, other municipalities began offering the course because of the success of the Islip Town model. 

 

Classes feature commentary and training tips by trainers, vets and other animal professionals, educating both first-time and veteran dog owners in a fun learning atmosphere.

 

 

Participants receive free  goodie bags, loaded with essential items for dog owners. 

 

Please note this class is for people only;  you are asked to leave your dog at
 home, as they will not be permitted in the classroom. Parents
are encouraged to bring children over the age of ten.   

As space is limited, interested dog owners should call the
Town at 631-224-5660 to reserve a spot.  For additional information
about the program, please contact Nancy E. Hassel at The Dog Federation of New York by email at nancy1272@yahoo.com

PAWS FOR A CAUSE

October 21, 2008

Blackjack and I participated in the Bayport-Bluepoint Lions Club third annual “Paws for a Cause”  walk on Sunday, to benefit the Guide Dog Foundation.  We walked with a nice group of people down to Corey Beach- it was a 2 .5 mile walk on a nice (but brisk) morning.  The money raised will help sponsor a guide dog.

Dogs and Lawns…..continued

October 21, 2008

Well, its been 6 months since we put in the artificial turf, and I thought I’d do an update. Its October, and I still have a beautiful GREEN lawn (no pee spots)!!!! The turf does pickup some leaves (like a carpet would- they sit on top) but there arent too many trees near the yard so its not a big deal. My family all agree that, for this multi-dog household, its well worth the expense. It didnt heat up significantly, even during the “dog days” of summer !  The poop pickup was not so much of a chore because the end result was a nice green lawn. From a distance, you can not tell that its artificial. Will be interesting to see how it is with snow and ice on top.  We love it!

SCHOOL DAYS (for your dog)

October 21, 2008

Summers over and the kids are back in school…..maybe its time for your dog to take some classes too?  Dog training can involve so much more than just the basic commands (sit, down, stay) that we all think of, and its a great way to bond with your dog and strengthen your relationship, while having FUN!

Basic training classes

In addition to helping your dog to be a polite, agreeable companion, being able to control your dog can save their life! (think run -away dog on a busy street)

Owners actually begin training a new dog as soon as they bring it into their house- housebreaking can start as early as 8 weeks of age.  There are different ways to get obedience training for your dog- you can learn in a group or work one one one with w professional trainer.  Please note that what should actually be happening is YOU are being trained-  you learn how to teach your dog and reinforce the techniques you’ve both learned during the training session.  Training will be most effective if all family members take part in the training  (or at least reinforce it at home) to ensure consistency.  Group classes will also help socialize a dog and get them used to being around other people and dogs.

A puppy should not be brought to a group setting until it has completed all required vaccinations (around 4 months of age). “ Puppy Kindergarten” is a popular way to train young dogs.

A puppy, just like a child, requires discipline, consistency, and patience. Owners need to take the time to train their puppy as well as take steps to make their home safe. The puppy training phase is an important part of raising a healthy and happy dog in a safe home environment.

Basic (or beginner’s) obedience is typically a short course ranging from 6-10 weeks where owners learn how to communicate with and train their dog in a few simple commands. Walking properly on a leash, (heeling) is often the first training required prior to learning other commands. Obedience training is often a prerequisite for more advanced training- you must be able to control your dog and they should be able comply immediately with every command given.

Advanced Obedience Training and more

Once you’ve mastered the basic commands, maybe you and your dog are ready to take it to the next level. The American and United Kennel Clubs (AKC and UKC) offer titles in Competition Obedience. Agility is also a great sport to try with your dog.

Some links for more info:
LI-Dog Resources and Links ( www.lidog.org )
Long Island Agility ( www.liagility.com )

PAWS- A Sayville Rescue Group…………

October 21, 2008

Did you know that Sayville has its very own rescue group? PAWS (the Pine Animal Welfare Society) is a local organization founded in 1992. This group of dedicated volunteers has rescued over 3000 homeless animals in our area!

There are many details involved with placing dogs and cats for adoption. Volunteers screen potential adopters, and work hard to ensure a great match between the animals and prospective owners. As part of the adoption process, each animal’s personality and temperament is taken into consideration along with the needs of all family members..

Right now, there are wonderful dogs, puppies, cats and kittens waiting for a forever home. If you are interested in adopting, please contact PAWS today. You can email them at pawsrescue2005@hotmail.com.

Since PAWS is completely supported by volunteer efforts and donations, they need the help of the community to succeed. There are many ways you can help them help homeless animals in our area! They are always looking for help with foster care, fundraising, and trapping/transport.