Santa's Helpers...

Today, the volunteers will go to the shelter to spread some Christmas cheer to our four legged friends.  New toys for all!  We'll give them some love and kisses to go with their new toys, and hope it is enough to get them through Christmas alone.  Even though they may not have homes this Christmas, they have love.  Each of these dogs at the shelter holds a special place in our hearts.

Like Harry, one of the goofiest, sweetest boys around.  He is a young boy, part Greyhound, part Shepherd, equal parts of love.  He is a happy go lucky boy, who will bring an instant smile to the faces of all those who meet him.  Don't worry Harry, we have just the toy for you. ;)

And Ollie...this boy may have seen a lot in his time, but he is still young at heart.  Ollie is gentle and loving, and just wants to make you happy.  We have just the thing for you Ollie.

And cute little Lilly.  Whose face just begs to be kissed.  We all love you, and have a special toy for you too.

Darling Raisin...we would never forget you!  You have captured all of our hearts, with your loving demeanor.  One of the best girls at the shelter.  One day soon, we hope, you will have your own family to love, but for now, you have us.  And we love you lots!

Miss Asia, with your brown and blue eyes so pretty.  You've captured our hearts too.  We could never forget you this Christmas!  We have just the thing for you too!













You see, even though these dogs may not have homes this Christmas to call their own, they have a home in each of our hearts.  They make us laugh, give us love and so much more...Santa knows where you are, and will be there soon!

Cora's Rescue...

All of us have the power to do something good for an animal this holiday season.  Whether it be adopting a pet from a local shelter, donating money, food or blankets, volunteering or rescuing a lost soul.  Animals depend on us, and we can't fail them.

Excerpts From a Cat's Diary...

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage..

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released – and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now………

This was too funny not to share.  Thank you Maryann for finding it!

A Shelter Dog's Christmas Wish...

Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town, The shelter is full - we are lost, but not found.

Our names are hung on our kennels so bare, we hope every minute that someone will care. They'll come to adopt us and give us the call, "Come here, Max and Sparkie - come fetch your new ball!!

But for now we sit here and think of the days, we were treated so fondly - we had cute, baby ways. Once we were little, then we grew and we grew, now we're no longer young and we're no longer new.

So out the back door we were thrown like the trash, they reacted so quickly - why were they so rash? We "jump on the children, don't come when they call", we "bark when they leave us", or "climb over the wall". We should have been neutered, we should have been spayed, now we suffer the consequence mistakes that THEY made.

If only they'd trained us, if only we knew... we'd have done what they asked us and worshipped them, too.

We were left in the backyard, or worse -let to roam- now we're tired and lonely and out of a home. They dropped us off here and they kissed us good-bye... They said "Maybe someone else will give you a try." So now here we are, all confused and alone... in a shelter with others who long for a home.

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat, but with so many to care for, they can't stay long to chat, They move to the next kennel, giving each of us cheer...we know that they wonder how long we'll be here. We lay down to sleep and sweet dreams fill our heads, of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds. Then we wake to see sad eyes, brimming with tears, our friends filled with emptiness, worry, and fear.

If you can't adopt us and there's no room at the Inn - could you help with the bills and fill our food bin? We count on your kindness each day of the year, can you give more than hope to everyone here? The shelter that cares for us wants us to live, and more of us will, if more people will give.

-author unknown

Pitbulls and Priests...

I am going to delve into something controversial here, so I will apologize ahead of time.  You will appreciate my analogy as I go along.

Being a pitbull owner and lover, I have heard it all.  Every myth of the breed, their jaws lock, they're bad with other dogs, kids, etc., they are hard to train.  Basically, they are no good, mean dogs who eat people.  Now look at the photo below...

Doesn't that dog look like it's going to eat me?!  That's my pitbull, Cleo.  Man, isn't she cute sleeping with her tongue hanging out?!  I adopted her 2 years ago from the Islip Animal Shelter, and she has been the love of my life since.  She is gentle, sweet and an all around great girl.  She is amazing with my kids, you should see what they do to her. ;)  She is great with my other dog and cat.  She is well mannered and trained.  She is my snuggle partner at night when I lay in my bed and watch tv.  She is my daughter's soccer partner when she is playing in the backyard.  She is super friendly and may hand you my tv if you wanted it.  She sleeps every night with my oldest, and cuddles with her bestie Coco, my black lab mix.  She plays with my 14 year old cat, who knew, a pitbull that doesn't eat cats and kids!  Boy, did I get a rare one.  In actuality, my pitbull is typical of what most pitbulls are like.  They are not the vicious mean dogs the media makes them out to be.  Heck, they aren't even in the top 5 on the bite list of people.  

The problem is the media jumps on any story of a pitbull attack they can find.  They don't publicize other dog breed attacks.  I myself have been bitten, pretty darn bad at that.  I have permanent damage to the left arm.  Looks like I was shot.  And gasp.....it wasn't a pitbull.  It was a german shepherd.  One would think I may be prejudice towards all shepherds now, but in truth, I am not.  It was an isolated incidence.  It can happen.  But I don't blame the breed in general for my injury.  This was one dog, in one particular situation.  In fact, I don't even blame the dog.  He got scared.  It shouldn't have happened, but he has never bitten again.  

Now, where do I get my priest analogy?  Well, I will tell you.  In recent years, there have been many a priest charged and found guilty of molesting children.  (I told you, this was going to get controversial, but bear with me.  There is a valid point.)  Do you and everyone you know, think all priests are child molesters?  Do you let the few publicized media events, make up your mind and create a prejudice towards all men in colored robs with crosses around their necks?  

Do you cringe at church on Sunday, and put a protective arm around your children?  Do you tell people to stay away from them or they may be next?  No, that would be insane!  So why, please, please, please, tell me, why do people blame all pitbulls for what a few have done?  Really, when you think about it, it's the same thing.  Those dogs were more than likely not in a good situation, not with a good family caring for them.  No, they were being used by horrible people, to protect their drug dealing homes, or for profit in fighting rings.  Do you really think dogs want to pitted against each other and fight to the death?  I think not.   

I hope, I have made you think a bit about this topic.  I, myself, have never been bit by a pitbull, only attacked with kisses.  I socialize with many pitbulls at the shelter, who have never met me before.  Some, have been in not great situations, as you can see by their scars, and even THEY, still give me love for the 20-30 minutes I spend with them a day.  

Please don't DISCRIMINATE, EDUCATE!  Your next best friend is waiting for you.  

Cider's Adventure...

Green grass, fast moving squirrels, squeaky noises, yummy smells, laughing children and plenty of telephone poles!  I sure do love this adventure!  My adventure out of the shelter that is.  I spent over a year at the Town of Islip Animal Shelter.  I would spend my days dreaming of all the wonderful times I would have once I found my forever home.  I am halfway there, as I have found a foster home, which has promised to love and nurture me until my forever family comes along.

Now, I don't like to brag but...I am house trained, crate trained and am quite the charmer.  No pee's, no poo's and no chews!  I told you I was good!  I love to cuddle and being brushed is my favorite pastime.  Children are my favorite, but I sure do love "big people" too!  Long walks every day make me so happy!  I am rediscovering the world around me, and it is sure is fun!

I was introduced to running next to a bicycle, and boy, was I a natural!  The only adventure left is my search for an adventurous family to call my own.

Aren't I super cute baking with my foster mommy!

To give the super sweet and loving Cider the adventure of his life, contact us at www.shelterlink.com.  Nothing would make him happier than a family to call his own for Christmas!  

Save the Date!

Meet Zoe...

I got an email Tuesday morning about a 3 month old female pitbull puppy that was being cared for by an emergency vet.  Zoe, was found in a nearby park by a good samaritan and brought to the emergency vet.  Zoe has mange which she is being treated for and a fractured elbow.  She desperately needs surgery to fix her elbow.  We went down and took Zoe into our care, and she is staying here with me and my family.

Zoe is an absolute joy!  The perfect puppy.  She's sweet, playful, knows a few commands even!  She adores my children and my dogs.  The is a great place for her since she is being exposed to everything a puppy should be, kids, dogs and cats.  We are all very smitten with her already.

Zoe is taking pain meds and has a splint to keep her elbow in place, but it will only buy us a little time.  It is imperative she has this surgery so she can live pain free and grow up a healthy girl with proper use of her leg.  We need your help.  The vet who was caring for Zoe has generously offered to do the surgery at cost.  We are doing a chip-in to get the funds needed for her surgery.  We are hoping Zoe can have her surgery Monday.  We have two other rescue groups willing to donate as well.  We need a group effort in order to give this girl the life she deserves.  She's only a baby, and she needs us.  Please help if you can, a little will go a long way, even just a few dollars.  And please share Zoe's story.



Once Zoe has recovered a bit, we will get her all the needed vaccines and spayed.  She is going to make one lucky family a cherished pet!  She is just such a great little girl, always happy, with a wagging tail and kiss for you.

Thank you so much!

Goodbye Winter Fundraiser...

Wow!  What a night!  Thank you so much to everyone who donated items, came to our event and worked our event!  We had such a great turnout, and so much fun!  And a special thank you to Barbara, her friend and her students for giving the kids an amazing night!  The children got to become dogs, cats and more, thanks to the talents of Barbara and her students who painted their faces.  It was truly an amazing night for an amazing cause.

Shorty's Happy Ending...

About 2 months ago, Shorty, a beautiful deaf pitbull was placed into foster care with one of our amazing volunteers, Elizabeth.  We all loved Shorty so much and just knew we had to find him the home he deserved.  And Elizabeth did!  Shorty was adopted by Elizabeth's friend, and now lives in a happy home with 5 kids, 2 adults and 2 other dogs.  Man, did he luck out!

Here's what Michael, Shorty's new Dad had to say:

Many people who do not spend the time researching dogs and their characteristics, being deaf and a Pitbull would give two strikes against Shorty. However, pitbulls and deaf dogs are extremely misunderstood. Shorty is a gentle, loving and affectionate dog who wouldn’t hurt a fly. He has transitioned beautifully into our home of 5 children and two other dogs. He is easily trainable with hand signals and signs, and continues to make daily progress learning the rules of our home. He fills our hearts with love, laughter and joy. Welcome to your forever home Shorty!

We are so very happy for Shorty and his new family!  Take a look at him in his new home.

What a beautiful family!  Nothing makes us happier than seeing one of beloved dogs in a great home!  Shorty is an amazing dog, sweet and gentle, and there are so many more like him at the Islip Animal Shelter.  Come down and give one of them their happy ending.

Friday's Friends...Gypsy

Gypsy is one of the many great dogs at the shelter looking for a forever home.

Here is what Joanne, one of our volunteers who walks her everyday, recently wrote about her:

“Gypsy is such an affectionate dog. Everyday, when I walk through the door leading to her kennel (the 6th down on the right), I see her peering alertly from her kennel already waiting for me. I walk down the run, our eyes meet, and then she immediately goes right to the exit shoot, waiting for me to open it. Getting her out is so easy. She is very disciplined, knows all her commands, and listens so well. I bend down and kiss her – she now has lipstick on her cheek!! It‘s like she waits for me to give her that kiss “hello”. As soon as we get outside to the play area, she rolls over onto her back and waits for her belly rub, totally relaxed and happy with her eyes gently closing. After rubbing her belly for awhile, I say “O.K., Gypsy, come on, let’s walk” (she gets up…she understands). We walk side by side around the play area and then, when I kneel down to kiss and hug her again, she stops. She knows I adore her. Later, when I take her back to her kennel, I tell her I’m going to fix her blanket. She looks at me and doesn’t go on the blanket until I’m finished. Then she lies down, content and happy. She is very low maintenance. Just wants to be loved. I pray every night that she finds her forever home.”

See more information about Gypsy here. Please contact us on our website, www.shelterlink.com if you would like to foster Gypsy.

An Evening for the Animals...

We hope you'll join us!

Really?

My husband texted me this morning about an article in today's New York Post.  The article was about the top dogs that bite.  And what did they name as the city's most vicious dog, Pit bulls.  Of course they had found a photo of some mean snarling pit bull to put alongside it.  Maybe the Post should have investigated why the number of "reported" pit bull bites is higher than any other breed.  Do you think maybe it has to do with the fact that they are the most neglected, abused dog breed there is?  That they are often discarded and left for dead by their uncaring owners who try to profit off of them instead of getting a real job.  I challenge any newspaper to do an article about the tribulations this breed faces.  To help educate the public about this breed instead of playing into their fears.  That's an article I would find worth while reading.

The pit bull I know is sweet and gentle.  They are abused, mistreated and over bred.  They are starved, un-socialized and used for profit.  The pit bull I know, despite all of this, still loves humans.  Still has their universal happy tail, wagging so hard when they see us, that their whole body shakes.  Still loves to give us a kiss to let us know they love us.  That is the pit bull I know.  I want to read articles about that.  Can't someone write a piece about that?

Utah needs a home!

Meet Utah, a very sweet male Cattle dog and Pit bull mix.  He is about 4 years old.  His current family, even though they love him, need to find him a better placement.  They have 3 young children and are suffering from this economy like most people, and can't provide adequately for their dog.

Utah was adopted from North Shore Animal League 4 years ago when he was about 8 months old.  Jack, shelter link member and certified dog trainer, went and met with Utah to evaluate him.  Jack felt Utah was a very nice dog, just needs more exercise.  He really enjoyed bike riding and walking with Jack.  He has been in a home with children his whole life, and has no problem with them.  He also seemed just fine with other dogs.

Isn't his color great!?  I love his black and white speckled coat.  I got to meet him today and take his photos.  He was tentative at first, but after walking for a bit, he relaxed and greeted me.  He's truly a very nice dog.  You could see Utah relax after walking for a few minutes, and really settle into his walk.  He was very good on the leash, didn't pull, and enjoyed sniffing and exploring.

Utah would make a great addition to a family that would like to include him!  If you are interested in adopting Utah, please contact us at ctrottaphotography@verizon.net. Please save this boy from going to the shelter!

One Person...

I came into the shelter and I was afraid.
As people came by, I sat back in my cage.
No one thought I was friendly, but I wanted to be.
I need one person to spend some time with me.

One day I was taken to a place called the pen.
It's a place I'd been to before, now and then.
But this time it was different, for you see
There were some nice folks looking at me.
I tried to be loving, but I was still shy.
I was returned to my cage, I guess I knew why.

I made up my mind, if I got another chance
I'd shake off my shyness and take a bold chance.

One day it happened, I was out in the pen
I couldn't let that shy thing happen again.
I was happy and loving, and felt the love back
I was playful and cute, really on the right track.

And all that effort paid off, you see
When the person watching said he'd adopt me.

I had found my one person, and he had found me.

Marty~ December 19, 2006

Don't Pity a Shelter Dog...

So True...

The Life...

I really have the life.

I get up each morning, eat my breakfast, and some dogs go outside to play.  There are always toys there for me, and nice people to toss them around.  I love to run after them.

Then I go back to my kennel.  I'm still happy.  I know lots of people will be walking the corridor looking for a dog to call their own. "There's a nice family, maybe they'll adopt me"- but they just moved on.  I guess I was the wrong color or breed for them.  I'm a pit bull and many people mistakenly think I'm a tough guy. Not so.  I love everyone.  In fact, it isn't well known but "Pit" stands for "People I Trust."

Won't you trust me to be the kind of pet you've always dreamed of?

                                                                                                                                                  Marty 1/10/11

The above work is written by Shelter Link volunteer, Marty.  Marty is the first volunteer at the Islip Animal Shelter.  He has been volunteering there now for six years.  Marty's experiences at the shelter have inspired him to write.  In fact, he has a collection of original poems and stories which I will be sharing here.  They give you an inside look into shelter life and are quite thought provoking.

Hammy, a sweet, gentle boy at the Islip Animal Shelter.

Thanks for reading!

He's Perfect...

Come meet Timmy at the Islip Animal Shelter.  See more here.

Could You Be The One?

Read more about Kringle here.

Shorty...

I am so happy for one of my favorite boys at the shelter, Shorty.  Shorty left the shelter on Saturday to stay with one of our volunteers, Elizabeth.  He is the latest dog to join the ranks of Shelter Link's foster dogs.  Elizabeth loves Shorty as much as I do, and decided she had to foster him.  It was a nerve wracking morning waiting to see how Shorty would get along with Elizabeth's two dogs, but in true Shorty fashion, mellow, calm,  and happy-go-lucky, the dogs did great together.  I watched Shorty happily get into Jack's truck to go off and get groomed before arriving at his new home.  It was a very sweet moment to witness.  He looked very curious as he sat and waited for Jack.  Take a look at my boy now that he is all cleaned up!

I have never seen his coat so white!  I can only imagine how good it must have felt to get all cleaned up. He looks amazing!  Shorty is super special to me.  I have been taking him out at the shelter since August when I started volunteering.  Not only is he the most gentle, happy soul, he also just happens to be deaf.  You would think that being deaf would make this boy nervous, but it has quite the opposite effect for him.  He is so calm and well balanced.  He's just a big mush, happy to give you a kiss or play with a toy.  And that one ear up, matches his silly personality.

Shorty is doing awesome at Elizabeth's house.  He is throughly enjoying sleeping in a warm dog bed, and playing with his toys.  He loves going for walks too with his new best bud.

Shorty will be meeting my two dogs this weekend to see how they get along.  I am crossing my fingers! We'll be watching Shorty in a few weeks for Elizabeth, and it will be a trial of some sorts to see how he does here.  If all goes well, we may be adding this gentle giant to our pack.  I can't wait to see him this Sunday outside of the shelter enjoying life!

For those of you deterred from adopting a deaf dog, think twice about it.  Sometimes not being able to hear is a beautiful thing for a dog.  No loud stimuli to make them nervous or crazy.  I have found that a large part of what makes Shorty such an amazing mellow guy, is his lack of hearing.  And training is easier than you think, Shorty knows a lot of basic commands with the use of hand signals.  I'll keep you updated on Shorty's progress.

Thanks for reading!

Corky...

I am so in love with this boy, I just had to share him here.  This is Corky.  He is AWESOME.  Not only is he undeniably cute, come on you can't disagree with that, he is so darn sweet!  He's the perfect size, not too little, not too big.  And, he knows a lot of basic commands.  Someone definitely spent some time training this boy.  His only drawback is he needs to be the only animal in the home, but after meeting him, you'll find that you won't need any other animals.  He will give you more love than you can imagine.  He will gladly jump into your lap and snuggle with you.  He's really just the perfect companion, and will make your life sweeter.  Come down to the shelter and meet Corky!  I bet you, you will fall in love too.

See more about Corky here.

Finding a forever home...

It's been quite the month with all this snow!  But it doesn't stop the search for a forever home for a super special boy, Kringle.  Kringle has been in foster care with one of our volunteers, Connie, now for about 2 months.  The reason he is so special is he grew up at the shelter.  He knew nothing more than the inside of his kennel, and the 30 minutes a day he might get out to the runs.

Fast forward a year into his life, and he is in home, albeit temporary, has successfully completed obedience class, is house broken, loves people, loves going for walks and playing in the snow and really just loves life in general.  This boy is just a sweetheart, and would make an awesome member of your family. His story is truly a rags to riches one.  Please think about adding Kringle to your family.  He is way more than just good looks ;)

To adopt Kringle, click here.

What are dogs...

Dogs are so much more than just pets.  

When we are sad, they will gently put their heads on our laps as if to say it will be alright.

When we are sick, they will lay by our side and quietly offer their love.

When we are happy, they will rejoice with us, with a wagging tail and lick of the face.

When we are lost, they will help us find our way, and maybe even lead us into a better direction.

When life becomes too fast, they will help slow us down.

When we loose site of what really matters, they will show us what does.

Dogs are so much more than pets.  They are companions, friends, teachers, therapists, family and more.  You just need to let them.

Friday's Friends...

It takes mere minutes for a dog to capture my heart.  And do we have some sweethearts at the shelter right now!  Take a look.

Meet Puddy! He is just so cute.  Look at those ears! His funny ears, match his funny disposition.  Puddy is a sweet boy that would love a family to play with.  Can you resist that face?  I can't.  Come meet Puddy and see if you can resist those great ears.  See more about Puddy here.

Meet sweet Laddie.  He is a collie mix. He is very intelligent and knows many obedience commands already. He also knows how to sit up and walk on his hind legs which is very funny to see. He is a wonderful dog that will make a great addition to the family. Please come to the shelter and meet this sweetheart of a guy.  See more about Laddie here.

Meet Dallas!  Isn't he devastatingly handsome?!  Don't let the good looks fool you, this boy offers way more than that!  He's full of personality and charm, and really loves being with people.  He is sure to win your heart once you meet him.  See more about Dallas here.






Come on by the Islip Animal Shelter and see how long it takes for one of our dogs to capture your heart.

Thanks for reading!  Happy Friday!

Kringle...

A little over a year ago, I met this sweet boy, when he was just a pup at the Islip Animal Shelter.  He was next to my dog Cleo.  Imagine my surprise when I started volunteering at the shelter in August to see he was still there.  Krinlge is a sweet heart of a guy, whose amazingly beautiful crystal green eyes were mistook for being intense, while he is quite the opposite.  Finally after a year at the shelter, Shelter Link member Connie, brought Kringle into her home to foster him.  Then the transformation began.

Krinlge was a shy guy at the shelter, a little nervous, and now he is a happy go lucky dog!  Kringle is loving life at Connie's, and is the top dog at his obedience class.  Connie, along with other members of Shelter Link, has spent a lot of time working with Kringle and giving him the love he deserves.  We all think the world of him.  To see him now after spending the entire first year of his life at the shelter, is amazing to say the least.  Now all he needs is his forever family to give him his happy ending.

Come on, just look at that face!  Don't you just want to kiss those cheeks!  Kringle is a little over  a year old, and is a sweet, playful husky/weimaraner mix.  He has the most stunning eyes you have ever seen, and has a gorgeous coat.  He is a complete love and is great with children.  This sweet boy is so deserving of a family to call his own.  Please think about adopting our sweet guy, or help us spread the word about him.  He is sure to enrich your life!  See more about him here.

Kringle says thanks for reading, and I hope to meet you soon!

Happy New Year!

2010 was a great year for Shelter Link.  We saw lots of adoptions at the Islip Animal Shelter, yay!  Our programs grew successfully.  We had quite a few dogs in foster care.  We started a low cost spay/neuter program for our residents.  We have more volunteers than ever, who are each amazing.  We attended many local events.  We started free dog training classes.  Our blog began.  But most of all, we were there for our furry friends.

2011 will be an even bigger year for us.  We will work hard to make it so.  For as long as there are animals in need, we will be there.

We would like to thank you for your support this year, whether it was a monetary donation, coming to one of our events, or just stopping by to say hi at our table at our events.  We appreciate it all!  We wish you and yours a Happy Healthy New Year, and encourage you to join our ranks.  You will be hard pressed to find a more fulfilling way to spend your free time.

Bernard and all his friends at the Islip Shelter say thanks and Happy New Year too!