By David Luces

For the seventh year running, the Long Island Bulldog Rescue will host its Barbecue and Yard Sale fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will be held at 304 Frowein Road in Center Moriches on the grounds of a horse farm.

“The fundraiser helps us cover the cost of medical bills and other services for these dogs,” explained Laurette Richin, executive director of LIBR. “It also allows us to educate people on the breed and it brings in people who are interested in either fostering or adopting.”

A number of bulldogs will be on hand for visitors to meet and interact with, as well as volunteers to answer questions.

Richin said while the Stony Brook based organization serves areas of the Northeast, the majority of bulldogs they take in are found on Long Island, which increases the need for them to find local foster homes and individuals who are willing to adopt.

The executive director said before adopting individuals should consider making sure a dog will fit their lifestyle and that they are ready to take on a full-time responsibility.

“There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about this breed,” she said. “Many believe that bulldogs are good for apartment dwellers — they are not necessarily couch potatoes.”

Richin mentioned bulldogs become very attached to their owners and said potential adopters should also consider how they may fit in with young children and other dogs or cats.

For the past 20 years Richin along with LIBR volunteers have rescued thousands of bulldogs; last year alone they saved 340.

For Richin, it all began when she was asked to stop by the Little Shelter Animal Rescue to check on an older bulldog. When she looked at the dog’s teeth she realized it was a puppy that was atrophied due to being in a crate all the time.

“I was leaving the shelter and I couldn’t stop thinking about it and I was like, I can’t leave it there,” she said.

Richin went back and took the dog home and helped nurse it back to health.

“It feels great to be able to help these dogs, it’s just wonderful,” the executive director said. “We’ve been grateful to the people that have donated to us over the years.”

The fundraiser will include a yard sale, a mobile dog grooming van from Jill’s Pet Spa, face painting, a Frisbee contest, a bake sale, raffles, mystery boxes, a visit from Jester Jim and a duck race. The barbecue will include hot dogs, hamburgers and pasta salad for sale donated by event sponsors Iavarone Brothers.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward providing medical, behavioral and other services to save the lives of bulldogs. Admission is free and the rain date is Sept. 22. For more information on LIBR visit www.longislandbulldogrescue.org.