The Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs, two Smithtown-based nonprofits that provide guide and service dogs to individuals with disabilities, is in urgent need for volunteer temp (temporary) homes across Long Island and the New York Tri-state area, to open their hearts and homes during the Omicron surge to host a puppy or trained dog, from anywhere between 1 to 3 weeks and continue to support their training during the duration of the stay.
Temp homes provide a puppy/mature dog a safe and friendly home with a loving environment where a puppy will learn, or an adult dog will maintain, housebreaking, obedience, excellent house manners, and socialization.
Requirements include a fenced in yard or access to daily and frequent walks, attend an online orientation class, access to a smart phone for virtual home check and is comfortable with emailing, texting and attending virtual classes. Veterinary care, dog food and supplies are provided by the Foundation and VetDogs.
Anyone interested in becoming a Temp Home volunteer, can apply directly online at: guidedog.org.
B-roll of Foundation puppies and dogs in training can be found here.
Jay Gao of Stony Brook snapped these incredible shots on Dec. 31, 2021 from Crane Neck Point Beach. He writes, ‘My wife and I were taking a walk from West Meadow Beach in the afternoon. When we arrived the rocky area near Crane Neck Point, to our surprise, we saw several harbor seals resting on the rocks. It was low tide, so I could get close enough to take these photos.’
Supervisor Edmund J. Smyth and his Louisiana rescue dog, Louie
Huntington Supervisor Edmund J. Smyth invites residents to participate in the Betty White Challenge sweeping the nation.
“In honor of what would have been the legendary Betty White’s 100th birthday on January 17, I’m asking her fans — and all dog lovers who can afford to do so – to donate $5 in her name to our Give a Dog a Dream charity, which funds medically necessary surgeries for shelter dogs in need, or donate a wish list item to our shelter,” said Supervisor Ed Smyth.
While the Huntington Animal Shelter takes donations of all types of items (blankets, detergent, food, etc.), the items the shelter needs most are flat collars (sizes M, L, XL), flat leashes, treats, and indestructible toys.
Give a Dog a Dream Inc. is a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that specializes in veterinary care and advanced dog behavior modification training. Proceeds fund medically necessary surgeries and behavior modification training for Town of Huntington Animal Shelter dogs.
Due to COVID-19-related staffing shortages, the Huntington Animal Shelter is open by appointment only at this time; please call ahead to drop off items or schedule a visit with our dogs at (631) 754-8722. The Huntington Animal Shelter is located at 106 Deposit Road, East Northport, NY 11731 Monday-Friday (8am – 6pm), Weekends (9am – 4pm). After-Hours Emergency Calls Only (631) 351-3234.
The Town of Huntington Cat Shelter, located next door to the dog shelter (at 104 Deposit Road), is managed by Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center. For details on donating to the cat shelter, please call (631) 651-9788.
The #BettyWhite Challenge encourages fans of the late actress, who was an animal advocate and passed away on December 31, 2021 at the age of 99, to donate $5 to animal rescues and shelters in her name. January 17, 2022 would have been White’s 100th birthday.
Welcome to the first Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets!
Shelter Pets of the Month
Randi
Meet Randi!
This inquisitive young lady is Randi, a 5-year-old tabby available for adoption at Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center in Huntington. Randi wants to watch whatever you are doing, and then double-check your work! This beauty likes to play and be pampered. Why not stop by and visit with her? Call 631-368-8770 for more information.
Barney
Meet Barney!
Barney is available for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. This lowriding handsome man is a Dachshund mix believed to be 10 to 12 years old. He seems to have slight hearing and sight impairments and his hips are significantly arthritic. He is happy to go for walks and be around people and has a fighting spirit. Barney would do best with quiet dogs his size and in a home with older children. Call 631-360-7575.
Rudy and Sophia
Meet Rudy and Sophia!
Rudy, an 11-year-old Yorkie mix, and Sophia, an 11-year-Bassett Hound are up for adoption at Little Shelter in Huntington. These bonded friends eagerly reconnect with wagging tails, swapping stories and catching up on one another’s day before setting off on their walks. Social and outgoing, this duo will expand your world, drawing others into your circle with their charming personalities. They like other dogs and cats and would do best in a home with children ages 12 and up. Call 631-368-8770.
Paw News
Betty White Challenge
Fans of the late Betty White have found a great way to honor the beloved actress. The “Betty White Challenge,” an online event set for Jan. 17, on what would’ve been the TV icon’s 100th birthday, has been gaining steam among fans online. The social media challenge encourages people to donate $5 to their favorite animal shelters and animal-welfare groups in her name. Read more about Betty White on page B23.
Adopt, don’t shop
Each year, it’s estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet. The number of euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. When you adopt, you save a loving animal by making them part of your family and open up shelter space for another animal who might desperately need it.
Free adoptions
To celebrate the legacy of Betty White, Little Shelter Animal Rescue, 33 Warner Ave., Huntington will waive adoption fees to qualified adopters for senior cats and dogs, 10 years or older, from Jan. 17 to 21. For more information, call 631-368-8770.
5 tips to keep pets safe and warm this winter
Just as people prepare their homes, cars and families for extreme temperatures and weather events of winter, it’s important to remember pets’ needs this time of year. As cold weather sets in, Dr. Jennifer Freeman, DVM, resident veterinarian at PetSmart, shares these tips to prepare and ensure your pets are warm and happy throughout winter.
Take caution when outdoors
When temperatures reach levels of extreme cold, Freeman recommends limiting outdoor walks and monitoring your pet’s behavior for signs of stress or discomfort. Letting your dog outside to use the bathroom or go for a quick walk is OK, but never leave a pet outside for a long period of time, especially during a winter storm. “Don’t let your dog off its leash after snowfall, as snow can mask familiar scents,” Freeman said. “This can cause your pet to become disoriented or lost if they get too far away.”
Add extra layers
Despite efforts to limit time outdoors, your pet needs to go outside for bathroom breaks and exercise. Pets who are small, short-haired, old or have any health issues or illnesses may be more sensitive to cold weather. Pet sweaters can help keep your pet warm. If your pet is shivering, that’s a sign they need extra layers. To help trap body heat and protect paws from extreme cold, consider using booties when venturing outside.
Watch out for hazardous chemicals
Many people use snow-melting products like deicers, antifreeze and salt, which can cause skin irritation and be fatal if ingested by your pet. Pet parents should keep an eye on their pets when they’re outside and be mindful of hazards. After a walk, it’s important to thoroughly rinse your pet’s paws and stomach especially after walking in areas where these products are frequently used.
Keep skin protected
Just like humans, many pets get dry skin during the winter. When your pet needs a bath, try using a pet-friendly moisturizing shampoo to help keep skin healthy and hydrated. If your pet’s skin seems extra dry, supplements like fish oil can be added to your pets’ food to help the skin and coat. It’s important to keep an eye on skin health and check with your vet if issues persist as they could be signs of larger problems.
Ensure ID information is current
While winter emergencies may add to the importance, it’s crucial your pet wears a tag displaying your phone number year-round. Microchip and register your pet with current contact information and tuck a copy of their vaccination and medical records, veterinary contact information and a current photo in your emergency kit
*Check out the next Paw Prints in theissue of February 10 in print and online.
Update: Yeti was adopted on Dec. 21, 2021. Way to go Yeti!
MEET YETI!
This week’s shelter pet is Yeti, a 2-year-old female shepherd mix who was recued from a high kill shelter in Georgia. She is now safe at Kent Animal Shelter and ready for her furever home. This sweet girl is friendly to all people and dogs and loves to go for long walks.
Yeti shows best outside of her current kennel and would love to have the opportunity to meet you! She comes spayed, microchipped and is up to date on all her shots.
Kent Animal Shelter is located at 2259 River Road in Calverton. The shelter is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about Yeti, call 727-5731, ext. 1 or visit kentanimalshelter.com.
This week’s shelter pet is Max, an eight-year-old Corgi mix, patiently waiting at the Smithtown Animal Shelter for his furever home.
Max
A surrender, Max may have experienced some type of trauma in the past. As a result, he is a little cautious when meeting new people before warming up to you. However, anyone who knows Max will tell you it is well worth a few visits to gain his trust. Once he lets you into his heart, the affection and love he gives is truly endless.
Max would be best suited in a home without cats and young children. He does get along with mellow dogs who know not to play too rough.
*Due to the health risk presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be limited public access to the shelter. If you are interested in meeting Max, please fill out an adoption application online. Once you have an approved application, you may meet with Max outside. The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. For more information, call 631-360-7575.
Update: Yoo Hoo has been adopted! Happy life Yoo Hoo!
MEET YOO HOO!
This week’s shelter pet is Yoo-Hoo, a Female Domestic Medium Hair Mix at the Smithtown Animal Shelter who is estimated to be ten-to-twelve years old. She was found abandoned, thin and matted as part of a feral cat colony. Her unique coloring and stunning green eyes are hard to resist. Yoo-Hoo loves to snuggle and hang out in the sun. She has a hyperthyroid condition, but this can be managed through a prescription diet and vet visits twice a year. Yoo-Hoo would do well in a home with children and other animals that respect her personal space.
If you are interested in meeting Yoo- Hoo, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her in a domestic setting, which includes a Meet and Greet Room.
Currently, there are a variety of male and female cats & kittens available to adopt or foster. If you are looking for a fun loving, yarn tossing ball of love, stop by the Kitten Nursery or the Cat Condos at the Smithtown Animal Shelter and find a PURR-fect soulmate or two!
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 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.
Update: Huck has been adopted! Now Ruger, this sweet man finally got his #fureverhome home and a very #happilyeverafter.
MEET HUCKLEBERRY!
Huck
Attention German Shepherd fans!This week’s featured shelter of the week is Huckleberry (Huck), a gorgeous 2 1/2 year old pure bred German Shepherd waiting at the Smithtown Animal& Adoption Shelter for his furever home.
Huck is a working breed dog and needs a home with a strong leader and the ability to work with and exercise him regularly. This beauty is fiercely loyal and highly intelligent and he loves to learn new tricks and commands. He is loving and affectionate with his family unit! Sadly, his prior adopters were not equipped to give him the stimulation that he requires.
A home with German Shepherd experience is preferred.
If you are interested in meeting Huck, please fill out an adoption application online at www.townofsmithtownanimalshelter.com. The Smithtown Animal & Adoption Shelter is located at 410 Middle Country Road, Smithtown. For more information, call 631-360-7575.
Sweet longhaired Pearl was found as a stray cat looking for food and love.She came to the Smithtown Animal Shelter skinny and matted, but happy to meet people and eat up all of the love the shelter staff gave her.
Pearl is estimated to be around 4 years old and is very petite in stature. If you would like to meet this sweetheart, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with her 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). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com.
Update: Oreo has been adopted! Happy life to her and her new family.
MEET OREO, NEO AND MISTY!
NeoMisty
This week’s shelter pets are Oreo, Neo and Misty, available for adoption at the Smithtown Animal Shelter. These siblings are 1.5 years old and lost their home when their family had to move. Neo is a grey tabby male. Misty is a grey and white female. Oreo is a black and white female. They are spayed/ neutered.
We would love to see them go together, but they are not bonded and may be separated. They are understandably very shell-shocked over being in the shelter, but they are slowly beginning to come out and look for love. These cats would do best in a quiet and calm environment.
If you are interested in meeting these sweethearts, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with them 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). For more information, call 631-360-7575 or visit www.smithtownanimalshelter.com
Welcome to the first Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets!
Just as people prepare their homes, cars and families for extreme temperatures and weather events of winter, it’s important to remember pets’ needs this time of year. As cold weather sets in, Dr. Jennifer Freeman, DVM, resident veterinarian at PetSmart, shares these tips to prepare and ensure your pets are warm and happy throughout winter.
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