Animals

New York Islanders partner with Guide Dog Foundation to raise and train Monte

The Guide Dog Foundation, a New York based-non-profit that provides guide dogs to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, is thrilled to partner again with the New York Islanders in their “Puppy with a Purpose” program supported by Canidae. In celebration of the Foundation’s 75th anniversary, the Islanders will train future guide dog “Monte.”

Monte, a 9-week-old, male black Labrador puppy, made his debut with the Islanders on October 11th during the team’s fifth annual ‘Pucks and Paws 2022’ calendar photoshoot. The calendar, benefitting the Guide Dog Foundation and supported by Canidae, will go on sale in time for “Black Friday” shopping.  Calendars will be available for purchase online via the Islanders website and at home games.

Monte, a black Labrador, will undergo basic training and socialization with the Islanders’ staff, fans and public for the next 14-16 months. The Islanders will host Monte at community events and select home games to assist in raising him to be a confident and calm future guide dog. Fans can follow Monte on Instagram at @NYIslesPup to stay up to date on his training and local appearances.

Following his puppy raising, Monte will return to the Guide Dog Foundation campus in Smithtown, NY to begin his formal guide dog training. Concluding his training, Monte will be matched at no cost with an individual who is blind or visually impaired.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to partner again with our friends at the New York Islanders to help celebrate the Guide Dog Foundation’s 75th anniversary,” John Miller, President and CEO, Guide Dog Foundation said. “What’s better than to be here in our hometown on Long Island to continue this partnership for the third time with the New York Islanders? The partnership is outstanding. Ownership, coaches, the team, and fans, all have embraced the program and we couldn’t be any happier to continue this life changing program with the team.”

Monte is the third dog the Islanders has partnered with the Smithtown based organization to raise and train. In June, the Islanders and America’s VetDogs, sister organization to the Guide Dog Foundation, placed service dog in training Tori with retired U.S. Navy Veteran and FDNY Lieutenant Chris Roberto. The Islanders first dog Radar was successfully placed as a guide dog in August 2020 with gold medalist Paralympian swimmer and Long Island native Anastasia Pagonis.

It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog; however, all of the VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual.  Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations, and service and fraternal clubs.

ABOUT GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION

For 75 years, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. (www.GuideDog.org), has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to people who are blind, have low vision, or have other special needs. The Guide Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving clients from across the United States and Canada. The Foundation relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to serve people with disabilities.

Photo from Pal-O-Mine
Corporate sponsor sought to provide matching funds

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc., a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, is asking Long Islanders to participate in the Great Pal-O-Mine Coin Challenge to help raise funds for its vital programs. The challenge will run through December 23rd with prizes awarded to the individuals bringing in the most coins.

Here’s how it works. School students, employees, volunteers, staff and the general public can pick up designated coin jars at Pal-O-Mine located at 829 Old Nichols Road, Islandia. Then, collect change in all denominations. Once their jar is filled, it can be returned to Pal-O-Mine where it will be weighed and entered into the heaviest jar competition. There will be two opportunities to win special Pal-O-Mine holiday baskets. A Harvest basket will be awarded on November 24th and a Winter basket will be awarded on December 23rd.

At this time Pal-O-Mine is looking for a corporate sponsor to provide a minimum donation of $5,000 to serve as a matching gift to the funds raised through the Great Pal-O-Mine Coin Challenge. If you are interested, call Pal-O-Mine at 631.348-1389. All the coins collected by Pal-O-Mine will be turned into the bank to help meet the coin shortage.

Long Islanders who wish to participate in the Great Pal-O-Mine Coin Challenge and would like additional information or to pick up their designated coin jar, contact Pal-O-Mine at: 631-348-1389.

About Pal-O-Mine

Founded in 1995 by Lisa Gatti, Pal-O-Mine is a private, not for profit organization providing a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, as well as those who have been abused or neglected, veterans and the economically compromised.  Pal-O-Mine offers a broad range of programs many of which involve the organization’s herd of therapy horses and livestock. Pal-O-Mine relies on grants and contributions from private citizens, foundations and businesses to help raise funds. For more information on Pal-O-Mine, visit:www.pal-o-mine.org 

October may be known as the month of pumpkin-flavored everything, apple-picking, fall foliage, and haunted houses but it’s also Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a rescue initiative started by the American Humane Society in 1981 to help the estimated 3 to 4 million animals waiting in shelters every year get the loving, forever homes that they deserve.

Be a hero this month and adopt a dog from your local shelter or rescue group. You’ll be saving his or her life and greatly improving your own as dogs are amazing, supportive and heroic companions. Kent Animal Shelter, Little Shelter, Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue & Adoption Center and the Smithtown Animal Shelter have many adoptable dogs waiting for a loving home.

Click on the photos above for adoptable dogs at:

Kent Animal Shelter, 2259 River Road, Calverton

Call 631-727-5731 or visit www.kentanimalshtler.com

Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, 33 Warner Road, Huntington

Call 631-368-8770 or visit www.littleshelter.org

Save-A-Pet Rescue & Adoption Center, 608 Route 112, Port Jefferson Station

Call 631-473-6333 or visit www.saveapetusa.org

Smithtown Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, 410 East Main Street, Smithtown

Call 631-360-7575 or visit www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com

 

Haley

This week’s shelter pet is Haley, an 8-year-old female/spayed Pit/terrier mix waiting at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for her furever home. 

Sweet Haley lost both of her parents within a few weeks of each other. Despite that trauma, she seeks love (and food) from anyone she meets. Haley is an affectionate dog, but she can be a bit protective, so her ideal home is one without children. She lived with a cat and had a smaller dog best friend she loved to play with. With the exception of a small weight problem, Haley is a healthy girl and would love a happy home to spend her golden years in. 

She comes spayed, microchipped and up to date on her shots.

If you are interested in meeting Haley, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes a dog run and a Meet and Greet Room. 

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Shelter operating hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.

Buddy

MEET BUDDY!

This week’s shelter pet is Buddy, a 7-year-old domestic shorthair, neutered male up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.   

Buddy’s mom passed away and he lost the only home and family he has ever known. This handsome man is outgoing and adventurous. He loves meeting new people, being petted and wandering around figuring out the new world around him.

Buddy has been around children as young as 3 years old and did well with them. He has always been an only pet, but with time will likely adjust to new furry siblings. If you are interested in meeting Buddy, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting.

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Shelter operating hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.

Stock photo

By Matthew Kearns, DVM

Dr. Matthew Kearns

“My dog keeps licking at one area. Why does she do it?!!!!” The answer is quite simple. However, the diagnosis and treatment is quite complicated (and often quite frustrating). The answer is something called an acral lick granuloma. 

Acral lick granulomas form when a dog repetitively licks at a spot (usually on one of the front legs) until a raised, inflamed, firm, hairless nodular growth on the skin. Breeds that are considered more at risk are Doberman Pinscher, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, boxer, and Irish Setter.

Acral lick granulomas are multi-factorial, meaning many factors cause this condition. Additionally, acral lick granulomas usually have a primary cause and secondary complications. Primary causes include allergies (most common), trauma to the area, arthritis, skin parasites, deep fungal infections, tumors and behavioral issues. 

Most veterinarians (including myself) will treat these conditions initially empirically. What this means is we will treat for the symptoms without investigating a cause. Treating empirically is a less expensive way (this keeps pet owners happy in my experience) to proceed and works in some cases. When it doesn’t, then a diagnostic workup is indicated (this does not keep pet owners happy in my experience). 

Testing includes X-rays, bloodwork, cultures, and biopsies. Diagnosis of allergies (both food and environmental) is very important to either rule in, or rule out as part of the workup. This can include changing your dog’s diet, bloodwork, or even skin allergy testing.

Treatment for acral lick granulomas includes management of both the itch/pain, as well as the infection. Breaking the “itch-lick” cycle is very important. A combination of corticosteroids (cortisone derivatives) and antibiotics can be quite effective and is used initially by many veterinarians to see if they can resolve the problem without a large diagnostic workup. 

Topical medications can be quite effective if the patient does not lick it off. Some sort of covering like a sock or bandage (if the patient will not pull off or eat) or an Elizabethan collar to keep the patient from licking at the area is often used with medication to break the cycle. 

If a specific type of infection, whether it be fungal or bacterial, long-term antibiotics or antifungals may be needed. Also realize that even if your dog leaves the granuloma for long periods of time, flare ups are possible which requires treatment again.

Acral lick granulomas have a unique behavioral component to them. Dogs that have lick granulomas many times have other compulsive disorders or separation anxiety. Medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selected serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used in conjunction with other medications to break the “itch-lick” cycle in compulsive patients.

If your veterinarian makes a diagnosis or tentative diagnosis of an acral lick granuloma be patient with your dog and your veterinarian.

Dr. Kearns practices veterinary medicine from his Port Jefferson office and is pictured with his son Matthew and his dog Jasmine. 

Photo from Emma Clark Library

As part of  The Great Give Back, a Suffolk Cooperative Library System initiative to provide opportunities for library patrons to participate in meaningful, service-oriented activities, Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket will hold a Pet Food Drive from Sept. 27 to Oct. 16. They will be collecting new, unopened pet food (both canned and dry) in the Library lobby. All are welcome to donate (residents or non-residents) during Library hours. For more information, call 631-941-4080.

MEET ZEUS!

This week’s shelter pet is Zeus, a 3-year-old male Golden Retriever. This handsome boy was rescued from a Florida shelter by a local family and then surrendered to the Smithtown Animal Shelter. He is a sweet and affectionate dog that craves human contact and company. 

Zeus clearly lacked proper socialization in his early years. He is a timid and jumpy and needs a strong, loving and experienced leader to help him gain confidence so he may enjoy the world around him. Because of his fears, the shelter would prefer him to go to a home with no children or other pets. 

Zeus is also currently being treated for heartworm disease. He will only be available for foster or foster to adopt until his treatment is complete and he is cleared to be neutered.

This poor boy has been failed in the past; let’s write him the happy ending he deserves!

If you are interested in meeting Zeus, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting, which includes a dog run and a Meet and Greet Room.  

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Shelter operating hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.

MEET WILLOW!

Willow is a spry 7-year-old female cat who was recently diagosed with diabetes and needs insulin injections twice a day. Her 97-year-old owner can no longer take care of her and now she is looking for a new loving home.

Willow loves catnip and small and medium dogs but does not like many other cats. Her front paws are declawed so she needs to be an indoor cat. The former owner’s daughter has offered to supplement the cost of insulin for the first year. 

Do you have space in your heart and home for Willow? She brings love and great companionship.  Please contact Stephanie at [email protected].

Pogo. Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

MEET POGO!

This week’s shelter pet is Pogo, a male Domestic Shorthair currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. Pogo is estimated to be about 5 years old and came to the shelter as a stray. He is a rear leg amputee and a bit on the shy side. This sweet boy would thrive best in a quiet home with a warm lap to curl up in. He is neutered, microchipped and up to date on his vaccines. 

If you are interested in meeting Pogo, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room.  

The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. Shelter operating hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sundays and Wednesday evenings by appointment only). 631-360-7575, www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.