Animals

Sweetbriar Nature Center heads to Stony Brook Village for a Pop-Up Saturday event on Aug. 16. File photo by Serena Carpino

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO) has announced the return of Pop-Up Saturdays in Stony Brook Village this summer. This six-part series of family-friendly events will take place every Saturday from July 12 to August 16. Filled with animals, music, art, and magic, these events promise fun for all ages and will be held rain or shine. Pop-Up Saturdays are free to the public and will be located in Stony Brook Village’s Inner Court, near Crazy Beans and the Waterfall Garden. Events are weather permitting.

2025 Pop-Up Saturdays Lineup:

JULY 12 — Magic of Amore from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15pm. Come be dazzled by a magic show from one of New York’s top- rated magicians!; Marty Macaluso Caricature Artist from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Get your caricature drawn by this talented artist.

JULY 19 — Uncle Tony’s Reptile Shack from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m to 3:15 p.m. Come meet snakes, lizards, tortoises, and more at this interactive show; ARF Animal Rescue from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. The ARF Animal rescue will be here with their mobile adoption van along with some furry friends!

JULY 26 — Pixie Dust Storytellers from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Pixie Dust Storytellers brings magical, family-friendly character experiences to events across Long Island.

AUGUST 2 — School of Rock Port Jefferson from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. At School of Rock students learn to rock out on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and vocals. They will be here to perform an exciting set; Hope for Cleo Animal Rescue from noon to 3:30 p.m. Hope for Cleo is a nonprofit animal rescue organization hosting a puppy adoption event. Stop by to pet some cute puppies!

AUGUST 9 — Johnny Cuomo  from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.  to 3:15 p.m. Johnny Cuomo is a musician, storyteller, naturalist, teacher and author who has been sharing folk tales with people of all ages for many years.

AUGUST 16 — Sweetbriar Nature Center from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Sweetbriar Nature Center provides natural science education services for Long Island residents of all ages and engaging in native wildlife rehabilitation services.

The 2025 Pop-Up Saturdays are generously sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright and the office of Economic Development and Planning and Apple Bank. For more information, visit wmho.org.

Photo courtesy of America's VetDogs

As Independence Day celebrations begin by breaking out the grills, lawn chairs and festive food, America’s VetDogs of Smithtown wants to remind pet owners that fireworks can be scary to your four legged friends and can send them into a panic. With a little planning and the below tips, you can ensure your pets can enjoy the holiday, just as much as you do.

  • Create a safe place for your pet indoors by finding a room or area they are tucked away from loud booms of fireworks, preferably without windows can be helpful. Playing soft music or putting on the TV can help muffle the sounds of fireworks. Draw any blinds or shades to reduce the amount of bright flashes into the room. Remove any items in the room that your pet could chew or ingest, as animals can become destructive when frightened or stressed.
  • Exercise your pet earlier in the day before any planned celebrations. By getting the energy out, they’ll have less to exert if they become anxious during fireworks.
  • Feed your pet their meal an hour or two prior to the firework celebration. This could help them feel relaxed before celebrations begin.
  • Provide appropriate and pet safe distractions by cuddling or playing with them during fireworks. Stuffing a Nylabone or KONG with peanut butter, kibble or pumpkin and freezing it can help divert their attention and focus on licking the toy over the celebrations in the background.
  • Make sure your pet has proper ID. To prevent your pet from going missing, make sure your pet always wears an ID tag with your up-to-date contact information.
  • As a reminder, fireworks can be stressful on veterans suffering from PTSD in your area. Please be considerate of your neighbors by not setting them off late at night or close to their homes.

For more pet care tips, visit vetdogs.org

Press release submitted by the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve

Despite the rain, 45 junior anglers participated in the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve Junior Angler Tournament on Saturday, June 7.

The Friends group hosted two catch-and-release fishing competitions at Caleb Smith State Park Preserve in Smithtown. The first session included 5- to 8-year-olds in the morning, and the second in the afternoon, 9- to 12-year-olds.

Throughout the day, the junior anglers caught a total of 35 fish, according to Tom and Carol Tokosh, who run the Junior Angler Tournament every year. The variety of fish included pumpkinseed sunfish, which is a pan fish, and bass.

Morning winners included Evie Filandro for most fish caught, Asher Rogienski for largest panfish, and Vincent Suarino for largest other fish. In the afternoon, Oliver Aravena received the trophy for most fish caught; Connor Biddle won largest panfish; and Dillian Dubeau won largest other fish.

Despite the weather, Tom Tokosh said, “Planning ahead made an enjoyable time for the Junior Anglers and their families.”

Participants in the tournament borrowed rods from the Friends group or brought their own. Tom Tokosh spent time making sure that the rods and reels were ready for the children to use. Carol Tokosh added fishing is a way to spend quality time together, and many families told her they had a fun day of fishing. At one point in the tournament, she asked a child if they caught a fish, and who said “no.”

“I asked if they were having fun, and the response was ‘yes’ with a smile,” Carol Tokosh said. “Many of the children were participants from previous years. There were many children fishing for the first time, and for others, it was the first fish they ever caught. It was wonderful to see the excitement on a child’s face when they caught a fish, and their families were also excited.”

A fishing rod/reel was raffled after each session, which was donated by Campsite Sports Store. In the morning session, a rod/reel and fishing backpack was donated in memory of Mike D’Agostino, who was one of the co-founders of the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve as well as one of the founders of the Junior Angler Tournament and photographer for the tournament. In the afternoon session, the Friends group raffled off a fishing backpack, which was donated in memory of Peter Paquette, the past treasurer of the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve, who was also a judge for the Junior Angler Tournament.

Catherine Hart, founder of Long Island Junior Anglers, brought a few of the new club’s members to the event: Mason (12), Arden (11), Katie (11), Charlie (10) and Henley (5). She described the tournament as “an unforgettable experience for kids and families across Long Island.

“From start to finish, the event was incredibly well-organized and welcoming — thanks to the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve, who truly go above and beyond to create a fun, educational, and supportive environment for young anglers,” she said, adding that such an event was “about more than just catching fish. They’re about getting kids outside, helping them connect with nature, and building confidence through hands-on learning. For many of our junior anglers,this was a highlight of their summer.”

All participants received goodie bags containing information about fishing and the preserve as well as word search puzzles, a park activity book and other fishing items.

Carol and Tom Tokosh said they were grateful for the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve staff for getting the park ready for the tournament and providing the worms for fishing. “We would also like to thank the volunteers from the Friends of Caleb Smith Preserve, judges, volunteers, Campsite Sports Shop and Bob from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.” The couple added they are already planning for next year’s event. “Until next year, have fun fishing.”

Children under the age of 15 are welcomed to fish at Willow Pond at Caleb Smith Preserve Park from April through October. For more information, call 631-265-1054. 

Photos by Carol Tokosh

METRO photo

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services in conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven will offer free rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter located at 300 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven. Although the clinic is available to all Suffolk County residents, the quantity of vaccine is limited and available only while supplies last. All dogs must be on leashes and all cats and ferrets must be in carriers.

New York State and Suffolk County laws require that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinating pets not only provides protection for the animals but also acts as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.

“Take the time to protect your beloved pets against rabies. They give us so much joy and love and deserve to be kept safe,” said County Executive Ed Romaine. For more information, call 631-451-6950.

The location of the proposed dog park in Nesconset. Photo courtesy of Change.org

By Caroline O’Callaghan

During the May 29 Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board Meeting, board representatives introduced a proposal for a dog park of about 5-10 acres to be built in Walter S. Commerdingers Jr. County Park forest located off of Browns Road in Nesconset. 

Residents chose to express their profound concerns over the threat of deforestation to not only the last untouched forest in Nesconset but all of Long Island’s forests. One of those residents was Mary-Anne Smith, who subsequently started a petition on change.org to spotlight the issue. 

In her petition titled Save the Last Forest of Nesconset, Smith asks “the Lake Ronkonkoma Advisory Board and Suffolk County Parks Department to please reconsider the location [of the dog park] and prioritize preserving natural spaces and forest, and utilize other alternative open space options in the area.” 

Smith went on to list the potential impacts of building the dog park, including its harm to both wildlife and humans. 

Some wildlife in the proposed area are at a higher risk of being harmed than others. They include eastern box turtles, northern long-eared bats and common nighthawks. Other less affected animals listed were resident and migratory songbirds, a pair of great horned owls, deer, turkeys and foxes. 

For the human residents of the Browns Road and Edgewood Avenue area, Smith brought to light the risks of developing the space, such as increases in road flooding, pollution run-off, property taxes, air-conditioning and electricity costs of nearby homes and urban heat island effect. Smith also said that the proposed dog park would create a decline in property values. 

One of the chief complaints listed on the petition was the legality of the dog park proposal. This is due to the forest being a county park, which requires the approval of the county or park authority for any further development to be done. In order for the proposal to be legal, a 

core group of residents or public supporters must first form a demonstration, choose the site of the potential park, create a budget and finally present their own proposal for the dog park to the designated authorities. 

Based on Smith’s petition, it is unclear if this process was followed accordingly, which suggests that the proposal may not have been supported by the public in the first place. Smith expressed that she was “not against the idea of [more] dog parks” but rather opposed the unnecessary expulsion of the ecosystem in which the forest plays host to given the limited forests left on Long Island. She also mentioned how the Gibbs Pond Dog Park is less than a mile away from the site. This was to suggest that building a second park in close proximity to Gibbs would be redundant. 

Ultimately, the petition amassed over 700 signatures, resulting in the decision of policymakers to no longer develop the Nesconset forest into a dog park. Smith thanked the signers, stating, “because of your support, our voices were heard!”

For more information visit the website Save the Last Forest of Nesconset: www.change.org

From left, Kate and Goldie. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Animal Shelter
From left, Goldie and Kate. Photo courtesy of Smithtown Animal Shelter

This week’s featured shelter pets are the fabulous mother-daughter duo Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

These exquisite beauties both boast stunning tabby coats; Goldie’s is white with magnificent shades of brown, and Kate’s is white with stunning hues of gray, giving her a unique and exotic look. Goldie (Mom) is approximately four years old, and her daughter “Kitty Kate” was born less than a year ago.

Upon first introduction, you will quickly learn that Goldie adores people and is incredibly outgoing and friendly. She will not hesitate to approach you enthusiastically, seeking attention and good petting behind her ears. It takes Kate a little longer to warm up. She’ll quietly observe her mom interact for a bit until she decides to approach for some love and affection, too. It is extraordinary to witness the endearing dynamic between this beautiful mother and daughter and how much joy they have to offer one lucky family.

This pair will warm your heart and offer a lifetime of cherished memories to share. They are bonded and need to be adopted together. Both would likely fit purr-fectly in most homes, including those with older children, possibly cats, and calm dogs. Goldie is diabetic and will need a home that can manage that. They both have FIV, which is a minor issue.

If you are interested in meeting Goldie and Kate please fill out an application to schedule time to properly interact with them in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room.The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter, 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown is open 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.

A Black Racer. Photo by John L. Turner

By John L. Turner

John Turner

I became excited at discovering the four large plywood boards laying in the woods at the edge of a Town of Brookhaven preserve in Coram. While the dumping of the material was a thoughtless and selfish act by some careless individual, I knew the four boards laying haphazardly on top of each other nevertheless provided an opportunity to see what was living beneath, as boards like this create habitat that a number of different animals like to use. I was not to be disappointed.

Lifting up the top board until it was vertical along its long side, I peered down to see a curled up Ring-necked snake. A little more than a foot long and the thickness of your pinky, the ring-necked lives up to its name with a bright yellow ring around its neck matched by a pretty yellow belly. The top of the snake is grey (in other individuals I’ve seen the dorsal or top side is more like a muted mauve color) making for an attractive if diminutive serpent. The snake moved off the board giving me the opportunity to lift the next one — which revealed a few crickets but no snakes. 

A milk snake. Photo by John Turner

I leaned the second board up against the first and slowly turned over the third board — success! Laying there in the middle of the damp board was a slightly curled milk snake.  The milk snake is highly attractive, possessing irregularly shaped burgundy colored splotches on its back and sides which are outlined in black on a base of white. The extent of the splotches makes the white in between look like rings or bands. Milk snakes get their name because they were once common around milking barns or cow sheds where they fed on the small mammals plentiful there. 

Of the seventeen snake species found in New York State, eleven are native to Long Island — besides the two aforementioned species, others are the Northern water snake, smooth green snake, Eastern hognose snake, the Northern brown or DeKay’s snake, Northern redbelly snake, Eastern worm snake, Northern Black Racer, common garter snake, and its cousin — the Eastern ribbon snake. We once had a twelfth snake, a venomous one — the timber rattlesnake but this species has been extirpated from Long Island due to a combination of direct persecution and habitat destruction. 

According to an article on rattlesnakes written by Richard Welch, published in the Long Island Forum: “Between 1869 and 1899, fifty timber rattlesnakes were killed on or near the grounds of the South Side Sportsmen’s Club.” The Club is now Connetquot River State Park. The last known individual was killed around 1912 apparently while sunning itself on the railroad tracks in Oakdale. 

Welch concludes his article: “On fish-shape Paumonauk, the buzz of crotalus’ rattle is only a ghost in the woods,” crotalus being the genus to which the timber rattlesnake belongs.       

Smooth green snake. Photo by John Turner

My holy grail of Long Island snakes long has been the smooth green snake. This beautiful tropical looking species, lime green with yellow tinges on the lower sides with white on the bottom, is a snake I’ve wanted to see on Long Island for at least 50 years and finally on May 20, 2025 I found one, tipped off to the spot by another  individual interested in snakes! I celebrated with a tasty beer that night. Green snakes were once relatively common on Long Island but has become increasingly rare due to the dual impacts of habitat destruction and pet collecting and is now reported from just a few locations on the island. 

Black Racers live up to their name, being able to move at remarkable rates of speed when pressed, an activity which I’ve seen twice with glossy black serpents looking  supercharged heading off through a thicket of blueberry thickets. They also are able climbers and I once watched a Black Racer climb a multi-flora rose bush in a field in Yaphank in just a few seconds, avoiding thorns as it went, honing in on a bird’s nest to look for eggs or hatchlings — it was out of luck as the nest turned out to be empty, one that was probably used the year before.    

The Eastern hognose snake is another species that has become increasingly rare here. So named because of its upturned snout like a hog, this species is an eater of toads and a dweller of sandy habitats, and often displays a behavior when disturbed that’s right out of a Disney movie. 

When agitated the snake at first may lunge at the object causing the disturbance; this is a bluff as the mouth stays closed. Then often but not always the hognose begins to writhe spasmodically going into its “death throes,” turning belly up and flaying its tongue out of its mouth. Sometimes there’s blood in the corner of its mouth because of capillaries in its mouth lining it can break to spill blood, adding a convincing element to its “death.” But give this “dead” snake a couple of minutes of playing ‘possum and if the coast is clear it will move away. 

I’ve seen this behavior twice — once while co-leading a hike in the Manorville Hills of the Long Island Pine Barrens where we encountered a hognose on the edge of the trail that quickly “died” and the second time while exploring the Albany Pine Bush. I had turned over a large board to find not one but two hognose snakes beneath. 

Displaying opposite behaviors, one quickly shot away while the other remained in place and began its death feign act. I moved a few steps away and watched for several minutes as the snake became active again, darting its tongue out repeatedly to gain sensory information to determine if the “coast was clear.” (This is how snakes “smell” — by pulling in scent molecules and processing them in their Jacobsen’s organ located in their nasal chamber).    

Northern water snakes live up to their name, frequenting wetland areas throughout the central and eastern parts of Suffolk County. The species is an attractive mix of tan, brown, and black, sometimes with patches of grey. They are fond of fish and frogs and can sometimes be seen swimming along the edges of a pond or stream in search of prey. The last one I saw was on the edge of a wetland on the south side of the east-west trail that crosses over Quantuck Creek at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge. 

The Brown, Redbelly and Eastern worm snakes are all small species rarely seen since they spend much of their time underground; the Redbelly is very rare on Long Island and the one native species I have not seen.  I remember a field in East Meadow that had an abundance of Brown snakes; it became developed to provide housing for students at Hofstra University.  

The closely related common garter snake and Eastern ribbon snake are quite similar in appearance and can be easily confused. While not absolute, they typically segregate by habitat with the garter found in dry uplands and the ribbon using wetter areas.  Also, ribbon snakes are the thinner of the two, possess a longer tail, and have a diagnostic little white dot in front of their eye that the garter lacks.   

Garter snakes are sometimes mistakenly called “garden snakes,” based on a mishearing of their name. The name garter comes from the longitudinal stripes once found on women’s garter belts, said long stripes being a conspicuous feature on this species. They are the most common snake species on Long Island. 

Many people don’t like snakes and some even fear them, perhaps since a few are venomous, although with the demise of the timber rattlesnake no venomous snakes remain on Long Island. Objectively, there is nothing to fear of snakes and in reality they are unique and fascinating life forms with interesting behaviors and strategies they employ in order to survive. And quite frankly they have much more reason to fear us than us to fear them given the sad, knee jerk reaction by some to kill any snake they see. For readers who like and appreciate snakes enough to have read to the end of this article, I hope you see one of our native species soon perhaps by also becoming a flipper of boards! 

A resident of Setauket, author John L. Turner is a naturalist, conservation co-chair of the Four Harbors Audubon Society, and Conservation Policy Advocate for the Seatuck Environmental Association.

Moxy and Principessa

Adopt Moxy and Principessa!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Introducing this week’s shelter pets, Moxy and Principessa. This endearing brother/sister duo arrived at the Smithtown Animal Shelter after their Dad fell upon hard times and could no longer care for them. They loved their Dad so very much and are having a difficult time adjusting to shelter life. Their ability to love deeply is truly heartwarming, and our greatest wish is to find them a loving home where they can enjoy their golden years.

Moxy is a stunning nine-year-old domestic short-hair orange tabby.  He exudes warmth and affection. Moxy would love nothing more than a chance to bring joy to a lucky family’s heart and home. A little patience and kindness will be rewarded with endless loyalty and companionship. He would do well in a quiet home with other cats and possibly calm dogs, but not children.

Principessa is a gorgeous nine-year-old domestic short-hair torti female.  Her affectionate nature makes her the perfect companion, ready to share her love and warmth with a caring family. Expect a double dose of purring, lap naps, and snuggles while in the company of this sweet pair. Principessa would thrive in most home environments, including those with older kids, other cats, and possibly calm dogs.

These two lovely siblings bring double the love and companionship—if you’re looking to add warmth and joy to your home, consider opening your heart to Moxy and Principessa. They’re ready to shower their new family with endless love!

If you are interested in meeting  Moxy and Principessa please fill out an application to schedule time to properly interact with them in a domestic setting.

All of the felines at the Shelter are current on vaccines and have received a full workup (blood work, Feline HIV & Leukemia tested, physical exam etc) by a board certified Veterinarian.

The Town of Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter, 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown is open 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.

 

Cicada. Pixabay photo

By Peter Sloniewsky

In 2025, Brood XIV of periodical cicadas are emerging across the eastern United States. This specific brood is among the three largest of all the periodical cicada broods, which famously emerge every 17 years. Beyond its size, this brood is not unique in any biological manner, although it was the first observed by European settlers in the Plymouth Colony. 

Cicadas courtesy of Three Village resident, Herman Warner. Photo by Beth Heller Mason

Broods of cicadas emerge every 17years: the length of time that is required for the cicadas to grow into adulthood. These broods are categorized by their generally synchronized emergence timing, although stragglers are also important for continued genetic diversity and interbreeding between broods. 

University of Connecticut entomologist Chris Simon emphasized the prevalence of misconceptions surrounding that 17-year period. 

“They don’t hatch out of the ground; they hatched from eggs in tree branches seventeen years ago,” Simon wrote in an email. “They are not sleeping underground, they are actively growing and passing through five juvenile stages.” 

Simon also addressed some other misconceptions about the insects while elaborating on their environmental importance. 

“They will benefit the local environment by fertilizing the soil, and feeding birds, turtles, snakes, fish… etc. above ground and soil invertebrates and moles underground,” Simon wrote. “Periodical cicadas are not dangerous… we are much more of an imposition on them, clearing their trees and building asphalt parking lots on top of them.” 

She added: “They don’t fly around in large groups and they don’t ‘emerge in writhing masses.’” 

Three Village resident Herman Werner said he had noticed an unusual number of cicadas on his property, but noted that their impact had indeed been minimal. 

“They don’t really bother anything,” Werner said. “[They] just get louder as the day gets warmer.” 

Simon stressed that people should try to enjoy the moment of emergence rather than considering the cicadas a threat.

“Rather than thinking of them as alarming or ‘annoying,’ think of having a ‘David Attenborough special’ in your own backyard,” Simon said. “They don’t invade. They have been there the whole time, quietly feeding on roots underground.” 

Simon also added an anecdote about the origin of the insects’ scientific name. 

“Avoid saying things like a certain area of the country was ‘spared’ from a ‘Magicicada’ emergence!” Simon wrote. “Rather, those areas were denied the spectacle! Periodical cicadas are ‘magical’; that is why they were renamed ‘Magiciada.’”

Libra

Welcome to the 42nd edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home.

Libra

 

Meet Libra

The Libra personality is known for being fair-minded and having the ability to see both sides of every argument. They are renowned for their charm, diplomatic spirit, and tempered nature. A six year old Terrier mix at Little Shelter in Huntington, this Libra’s horoscope predicts a soon-to-be forever home and a bright future. Well-balanced and interesting, he has an independent personality and would prefer to be the only pet in the household, confident he can fulfill the role of best friend and loyal partner. This handsome fellow has both the spunk of a Terrier and an astrologist’s insight, so if the stars align for you, stop by to meet him today. 631-368-8770 *Libra is mostly housebroken.

Sunny

Meet Sunny

Dappy Sunny at the Smithtown Animal Shelter has a disposition that matches his name. This 80 pound 4-year-old Alaskan Malamute is sweet, attentive, smart and quite the talker! Like an old fashioned crooner, he is handsome, a gentleman and sings lament-like howls when he is feeling neglected. This breed is highly intelligent, acitve and has grooming needs that a potential home would have to be equipped to provide. Any family would be lucky to add this handsome man to their ranks.  He would do best in a home with older children and no cats. 631-360-7575.

Ricky

Meet Ricky

Little Ricky’s eyes tell the story of a soul that’s been through far too much. Rescued from death row at NYCACC, this precious Puggle arrived at the door of Save-A-Pet in Port Jefferson Station sad, confused, and suffering from painful ear and skin infections—neglect no dog should ever endure.

Despite it all, Ricky is pure sweetness. He is quiet, gentle, and full of love just waiting to be received. He’s been healing beautifully with proper medical care and a safe place to rest, and now, all he needs is a home where he can finally feel safe and cherished.

Ricky would thrive in a calm, peaceful environment, ideally with someone who understands that sometimes the most broken hearts make the most loyal companions. He’s the kind of dog who will curl up beside you, gaze at you with those soulful eyes, and remind you daily what love really looks like.

After everything he’s endured, Little Ricky  is ready to give his heart to the person who offers it to him. 631-473-6333

Maddie

Meet Maddie

Meet Maddie — a sweet, gentle 8-year-old soul with a heart full of love! Maddie came to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter as a stray, and it was clear she had been through a lot. She was found with chains tied to her collar, which she had chewed through in an effort to free herself. But despite her tough past, Maddie has proven to be resilient and incredibly loving. 

Now that she’s safe and warm in the shelter, Maddie sleeps soundly, knowing she’s in a safe place. She adores being around people, offering affection and companionship to everyone she meets. She’s a calm and loving girl, who would do wonderfully in a home with kids. Maddie deserves the chance to experience the good life she’s been waiting for. This gem of a dog is ready to be someone’s loyal, loving companion. Will that be you? 631-451-6955

Sylvie

Meet Sylvie

This petite beauty is a dilute tortie with a heart as soft as her fur. Sylvie was rescued from a high-intake shelter in Georgia and is now safe at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton. Even after a rough start, she’s kept her gentle, loving spirit shining bright. The purr-fect mix of affectionate and independent she’ll happily curl up for some pets and attention, then retreat to her favorite perch on the cat tree to quietly watch the world go by. Sylvie would make a wonderful companion for someone looking to share peaceful days and cozy nights. She’s ready to leave her past behind and start her forever with someone who’ll treasure her. 631-727-5731, Ext.

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Pet-A-Palooza heads to Little Shelter

Join Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, 33 Warner Road, Huntington for its annual Pet-A-Palooza fundraiser celebration on June 14 and June 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring a huge Chinese auction, games for kids, face painting, BBQ, Blessing of the Animals service on June 15 at 3 p.m., “Dogs on Parade” dog contest, doggie swimsuit contest and many animals for adoption. Meet Anna and Raven from WALK 97.5 FM on June 14. 631-368-8770, www.littleshelter.org

Rescue is a lifestyle. Adopt, don’t shop.

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of July 10.

Paw Prints is generously sponsored by Mark T. Freeley, Esq.