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Paw Prints: Meet shelter pets Quincy, Reilly, DJ, Margarita, Pesto and Logan!

by Heidi Sutton - July 15, 2022

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

Meet Quincy

A ten-year-old Pomeranian mix, this is Quincy, aka Fancy Pants!, and a proud member of Little Shelter’s Silver Paw Connection. This spry and sassy senior is vying to become the newest member of your family. Smart, curious, and a bit feisty, Poms have been nicknamed, “the little dog who thinks he can”, and our Quincy is supremely confident that he will win you over in no time flat! Full of personality, you’ll find his company both entertaining and inspiring. It has been said that: “Adopting a senior dog is like fast-forwarding to the best part.” The best is waiting for you at Little Shelter in Huntington….just ask for Quincy. Call 631-368-8770, ext. 21.

Meet Reilly and DJ

Currently at the Smithtown Animal Shelter, these 3-year-old brothers were left homeless when their mom passed away and are looking for another loving home to live out the rest of their lives together. DJ has a thick black coat and loves affection all the time from whomever will dish it out. He is a sweet boy and will cry for love and for his brother. Sporting an orange and white coat, Reilly takes a bit more time to warm up to new people, but is reported to be a lap cat when he does bond with a human. Call 631-360-7575.Rielly

Meet Margarita

This refreshing little lady is Margarita, a ten-year-old Poodle mix up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. The perfect accompaniment for a short walk or lounging by the pool, she is brimming with interesting tales, always keeping up her end of the conversation. Alert, intelligent, and still active, she is living proof that age is merely a number, remaining young at heart and mind. Loyal and loving, with a streak of independence, she would be a great addition for most families. Live the lime life with this Margarita by your side…salt is optional! Call 631-368-8770, ext. 21

Meet Pesto

Waiting patiently for his furever home, Pesto is a young short-haired cat who has been overlooked for too long! He likes snuggles and playtime and spends most of his time on the enclosed deck at Little Shelter in Huntington watching the birds and chipmunks. Come meet him today! Call 631-368-8770, ext. 36.

Meet Logan

Just look at that sweet face! Logan is a young yellow lab mix rescued from a shelter in south Louisiana and now up for adoption at Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton, He weighs about 82lb and is about one and a half years old. Logan is looking forward to finding a loving forever home where he can be safe and live out a happy long life. Come meet this sweetheart today! Call 631-727-5731, ext. 1.

Paw Print News:

Join Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, 33 Warner Road, Huntington for Anna & Raven’s Adopt & Rescue event on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be numerous dogs, cats, puppies and kittens available for adoption along with live music, handmade jewelry and raffle baskets. Call 631-368-8770 ext. 21 for more information.

Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of Aug. 11.

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

D. None of the Above: The complexities of plural nouns and words for animal groups

by Daniel Dunaief - July 13, 2022

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manymice-ga44ca13e4_1920 — Mice. Pixabay photo

By Daniel Dunaief

The English language makes no sense. As soon as you create a rule, exceptions crop up like mushrooms colonizing an open field.

Let’s start with the plural form of nouns.

“Add an ‘s’ and be done with it,” you might say. While that’s a simple solution, the language laughs in the face of such elegant simplicity.

Take the words “chief” and “thief.” Chief” becomes “chiefs” easily enough, as Kansas City football fans will readily tell you.

But then thief changes everything. The plural becomes “thieves,” as if someone robbed the word of its “f” and replaced it with something that sounds more vile and villainous.

The plural for hoof, as in the bottom of a horse’s foot, is hooves, but the acceptable plural for roof, which also only has one different letter way at the start of the word, is roofs. Yes, I know people say “rooves,” but that doesn’t make it accurate.

A root at the bottom of the tree that draws nutrients from the ground becomes roots. A single owl calling to another across the treetops utters a hoot. Several owls responding reply in hoots. So far, so good.

But then, what’s wrong with those things that are important for walking and that smell up a room when they sweat too much? How is it that foot, which also only differs in the initial letter, becomes feet?

Then there are the plural forms of animals. A mouse hunting for food with his rodent pals becomes mice, while a moose eating in a field with his family becomes, well, moose.

The moose, however, hasn’t cornered the market on words that describe an individual and a group. Deer, sheep, salmon and trout also don’t budge when switching from one to several.

And why are the words for a group of animals different? Couldn’t they all be packs, herds, groups or schools?

Wolves banding together to hunt, live and howl form a pack. A family of giraffes is, fittingly, called a tower. That seems appropriate for animals that are born 6 feet tall.

But what about a collection of bears? They’re a sleuth, while a group of bats is a cloud.

One goose pooping on a field is inconvenient and messy, but is still a goose. Two of them are geese. A group of them walking on the ground is a gaggle, while those same birds in flight become a skein.

People often describe the challenge of bringing people together as akin to herding cats. While the verb is accurate, the name for a group of cats is not: they are a clutter, a glaring or a pounce, although numerous other words also describe a cat confab.

Now, more than one dolphin, those adorable marine mammals that make cool clicking sounds and perform at aquariums, becomes a school, which is also true of more than one fish, even though other marine mammals, such as walruses become herds or pods

When several ducks get together, they aren’t a flock, despite the fact that they are birds. They are a raft, perhaps reflecting the fact that they look like independent floats sitting on the water. Sea lions also become rafts when they’re together in the water.

Returning to those hooting owls, they become a parliament. Sure, that makes sense.

A group of hippos is called a bloat. While hippos average 3,310 pounds as an adult, the same word doesn’t apply to the larger elephant, which is part of a herd.

A number of crows is a murder, reflecting, perhaps, their ominous role in literature.

Penguins may take the word group crown, having a wide array of terms for them when they get together. A group is called a colony, rookery or huddles. It doesn’t end there. Swimming penguins, like ducks, are a raft. More likely than not, you might guess the name for walking penguins: they are a waddle.

Between You and Me: Flying high at my house

by Leah Dunaief - July 13, 2022

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By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief

It was an ominous sound. Behind the closed glass doors of our fireplace, there seemed to be a fluttering. It must be an odd gust of wind, I hoped. Deep down, I knew it wasn’t. On closer but timid examination, I could make out the frantic beating of the wings of a bird that had somehow fallen down the chimney and was struggling to escape.

What to do?

If I opened the fireplace doors and the door to the back deck, would the bird immediately fly through the living room and out of the house? I doubted that. It was probably dazed and disoriented and would buzz around the ceiling, wildly flapping its wings. How could I steer it in the right direction? Maybe with a broom? Would it think I was attacking and peck at me?

When in doubt about any of life’s challenges, I often consult the support system of my office staff. I called, explained the situation to our always patient receptionist, and was immediately transferred to the member of the art department who most often deals with suburban wildlife.

“Get a small towel, open the fireplace doors a crack and see if you can catch the bird in the towel as it tries to fly out. You can carry it to the outside door and let it loose,” she suggested. Then, because she is a wonderfully generous human being, she asked if I wanted her husband to stop by.

I declined the offer, thanked her and did as she directed, nervously opening the doors a little and peering inside. At this point, the bird was lying on its side, under a low brick that protruded from the back of the fireplace. I was afraid it was dead. But then, it stood up and again began to flutter its wings. The probability of catching it in the towel seemed remote.

I closed the doors, went to the phone and called my friendly and helpful exterminator. “We don’t really do that kind of work,” he said with surprise. “But I can recommend a wildlife rescue person.” I’ll text you his phone number as soon as I can find it.” With that, he got off the phone, leaving me alone with a bird in my chimney.

I needed to mobilize. I called my neighbor, even though I knew she was terrified of birds in the house from a nasty experience she had as a child. Good soul that she is, she came right over and viewed the situation. The bird was definitely alive and fluttering. Poor thing. The count was now two nervous women and one nervous bird. Perhaps the most nervous was my friend.

I checked my texts, found the recommendation for the rescuer and immediately called. “I’ll be glad to help you out,” he said. “Where do you live?” When I told him, he assured me that he was nearby and could get there in just a few minutes. “My price is $150 for the visit and $100 to remove the bird,” he informed me. That gave me serious pause. “Um, I’ll call you back,” I said. “OK,” he replied and hung up.

I looked at my friend, who had heard the conversation, and who now looked back at me with a strange light in her eyes. “Are your plastic gloves still in the bottom drawer? she asked. Dashing into the kitchen, she reappeared, pulling on the gloves. To my surprise, she opened the doors, climbed into the fireplace, gently lifted the bird from under brick, ran across the room to the open door and put it down on the outside table. It stood still. We brought water and put the aluminum plate on the far side of the table. It still didn’t move, just watched us as we watched it. Then, as we started to move, it took off and flew away.

We cheered loudly, both for the bird and for my neighbor. She had managed to overcome her intense fear in order to preserve a life and also to save my purse.

Update – Shelter Pet of the Week: Leo

by Heidi Sutton - July 9, 2022

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Update: Leo has been adopted! Happy life sweet boy!

MEET LEO!

This week’s shelter pet is Leo, an 11-month-old lab mix currently waiting for his furever home at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. This handsome man is as sweet as can be. He has lived with two smaller dogs and a cat and did well with all of them. He is timid, so he would do best with children over 12 years old. Leo has some issues with separation anxiety and will need a home that can help him manage that. He would be a perfect addition to any family.

If you would like to meet Leo, 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. Visitor 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.

Update – Shelter Pet of the Week: Toby

by Heidi Sutton - July 9, 2022

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0-5 — Toby. Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

Update: Yay! Toby has been adopted!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Toby, a 12-year-old Chihuahua mix currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

This sweet senior has not had an easy life. He has been bounced from a few homes through a rescue in Florida and landed himself in Smithtown after getting loose on a busy road a few times.

Toby is very gentle and low key and is looking for the best possible home to show him some stability for his golden years. He gets along with everyone, but will need gentle dogs or older kids that will not pounce on him. He loves to go for walks and just be around people.

If you would like to meet Toby, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting.

Shelter Pet of the Week: King James

by Heidi Sutton - July 7, 2022

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MEET KING JAMES!

This week’s featured shelter pet is King James, a handsome rooster who was found as a stray and never claimed. He is now up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

James is a stunning big boy who adores treats. He will follow at a distance and cluck away, begging for his favorite goodies. James is quite vocal when he is happy and comfortable. He seems to be very social with other animals and has a curious and independent spirit.

James is a decent flyer for a chicken and will need an enclosed coop as that curiosity does get the better of him. He is a good boy, but the shelter does not have the facilities to keep him safe and happy long term. Their wish is to see him in a home with some girls to keep him company and a family that appreciates how sweet he can be.

WMHO’s Pop-Up Saturdays bring family fun to Stony Brook Village

by Press Release - July 6, 2022

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The Ward Melville Heritage Organization will be hosting seven Pop-Up Saturdays at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook on Saturdays from July 9 to Aug. 20, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This family friendly summer series will be filled with animals, magic, music, art and even Tai Chi.

Pop-Up Saturdays are free to the public and except where noted, will take place in Stony Brook Village Center’s Inner Court (by the Rustic Loft and Crazy Beans). Rain dates are the following day. The events are sponsored by Edward Jones located at 97 Main Street in Stony Brook Village.

On July 9, experience the Magic of Amore from 2 to 3 p.m., and meet kittens and cats from North Fork Country Kids Rescue Vixen from 2 to 4 p.m.

On July 16, Sweetbriar Nature Center of Smithtown will bring birds of prey and touchable animals from 2 to 3 p.m. and Silent Mind Tai Chi from 3 to 4 p.m.

On July 23, Brenda and Burke will be performing original and cover songs in the genres of R&B, Roots, Blues and Contemporary Acoustic from 2 to 4 p.m. in front of the Stony Brook Post Office, and Silent Mind Tai Chi returns from 3 to 4 p.m.

On July 30, Caricature artist Marty Macaluso (no rain date) will visit the village and draw caricatures of individuals and groups from 2 to 4 p.m. Silent Mind Tai Chi will also take place from 3 to 4 p.m.

On August 6, Sweetbriar Nature Center returns with birds of prey and animals to touch from 2 to 4 p.m., as well as Silent Mind Tai Chi from 3 to 4 p.m.

On August 13, enjoy storytelling and singing by Johnny Cuomo from 2 to 3 p.m. and enjoy the music of Burke and Brenda at the Stony Brook Post Office from 2pm to 4pm.

On August 20, the last pop-up Saturday, Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center will visit the center with adoptable dogs from 2 to 4 p.m. and the last Silent Mind Tai Chi class will take place from 3 to 4 p.m.

To learn more about Pop-Up Saturdays and the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, call 631-751-2244.

Shelter Pet of the Week: Apple Fritter

by Heidi Sutton - June 30, 2022

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apple fritter3 — Apple Fritter. Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

MEET APPLE FRITTER!

This week’s featured shelter pet is Apple Fritter, a 2-year-old Puggle Mix currently up for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

Apple Fritter. Photo from Smithtown Animal Shelter

Sweet Apple Fritter was found as a stray and was never claimed. This little lady loves people and is gentle natured. She will likely do well with another dog her size that can help show her the ropes. Apple was clearly not walked or exposed to the world because she shows a lot of fear. Her ideal home would be an active one with the ability to show her how to be confident and how to enjoy the world around her. She would be a wonderful addition to any home.

If you would like to meet Apple Fritter, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting.

Summer Times: Animal adventures await at the Long Island Game Farm

by Cayla Rosenhagen - June 26, 2022

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By Cayla Rosenhagen

Since 1970, the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park and Children’s Zoo in Manorville has been a premier location for families and people of all ages to visit and learn about all the feathered, furred, and scaled creatures with whom we share the Earth. It’s an ideal spot to foster environmental awareness, appreciation, and respect.

I hadn’t visited the Game Farm since I was very young, so returning here was extremely nostalgic for me. The moment I entered the gates and stepped onto the boardwalk surrounded by rich green forest, memories all started coming back to me. I was greeted by a friendly parrot and soon made my way to the first interactive exhibit — Bambiland. I was in utter awe spending time with the friendly, young Fallow Deer. They pranced around happily in their paddock and eagerly approached visitors, seeking food and attention.

In a similar fashion to the deer enclosure, the goat nursery also allows guests to step into the world of these curious creatures. It’s the perfect place for human kids to encounter goat kids. I felt nothing but sheer delight playing with and bottle-feeding the affectionate babies. I certainly had a difficult time leaving the goat pen, but I was prompted by my excitement to visit with all the other animals on the farm.

Throughout the day, I learned about and met all kinds of animals, from African Spurred Tortoises and Grant’s Zebras to peafowl and wallabies. There were also alpacas, llamas, bison, sheep, donkeys, rabbits, and more.

The kind and welcoming staff members’ immense wealth of knowledge about the animals, as well as the abundance of informational signage all around the park greatly contributed to my experience and generated quite a few “wow!” moments.

Additionally, I was fortunate to see Bobo, the almost-two-year-old reticulated giraffe majestically grazing and interacting with zookeepers. The gentle giant recently returned to the Game Farm from an extended vacation in the South, where the warmer winter weather is more tolerable to him. You can visit him all summer long, until he heads back down south again in October.

Although I only saw Bobo from just outside his enclosure, guests do have the opportunity to get closer and even feed him with the V.I.P. Animal Tour. This all-inclusive package also encompasses wallaby, emu, zebra, and ring-tailed lemur encounters, and bottle-feeding opportunities at the nursery. There are also several individual encounters experiences, such as those with the zebras and camels, and children’s pony rides, some for additional fees.

Aside from the remarkable array of creatures to meet, the Game Farm offers amenities such as their snack bar with kid-friendly menu items, gift shop, picnic grounds, and playground areas.

The Long Island Game Farm is located at 489 Chapman Blvd. in Manorville. Weather permitting, you can visit the Game Farm any day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September. General admission tickets cost $24.95 for adults (ages 13-61), $21.95 for seniors (age 62 and older), $18.95 for kids (ages 3-12) and toddlers and babies two and under are free! For more information, please call 631-878-6644 or visit www.longislandgamefarm.com.

Author Cayla Rosenhagen is a local high school student who enjoys capturing the unique charm of the community through photography and journalism. She serves on the board of directors for the Four Harbors Audubon Society and Brookhaven’s Youth Board, is the founder and coordinator of Beach Bucket Brigade, a community outreach program dedicated to environmental awareness, engagement, and education, and pens a column for TBR News Media titled Cayla’s Column.

*This article originally appeared in TBR News Media’s 2022 Summer Times Supplement.

CatVideoFest returns to Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre July 10

by Press Release - June 23, 2022

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Featuring a Pop-up Kitten Adoption from Golden Paw Society

CatVideoFest returns to the Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington on Sunday July 10 at 2 p.m. (come early for the cats) with a hilarious and adorable compilation reel of the latest, best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and, of course, classic internet powerhouses. The screening will include a kitten adoption pop-up with the local rescue Golden Paw Society, Inc. Everyone is welcome to come and meet the cats, with a portion of the film’s ticket sales going to help support the Golden Paw Society.

Bringing the joy of cat videos to the masses and raising money for cats in need, CatVideoFest is a cute and hilarious collection of the cat videos – brought to the big screen for one special day each year. Come celebrate our love of our feline friends at this great family-friendly screening and adoption event.

Tickets are $17 Public | $12 Cinema Arts Centre Members
Tickets: https://bit.ly/CatVideoFest2022CAC

You can also purchase tickets or find more information about this and other events on the Cinema Arts Centre website: www.cinemaartscentre.org

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