It's That Time Again....

Please join us for our 2nd Annual Fundraiser at The Nutty Irishman in Bay Shore on May 19th from 5-9 pm!  We had such a great time last year and thanks to all of you, raised a lot of money for the homeless animals of Islip Township.

We hope to see you there!

Join Us for An Amazing Fundraiser Event...

He's a Survivor and He's Homeless...

Timmy has not had a fair life by any means, and his plight continues.  He is still homeless.  You see, when Timmy first came into the shelter, one of his front legs had to be amputated due to injuries sustained from being a possible bait dog.  If you don't know what a bait dog is, it is a horrific existence for an animal.  Basically, in dog fighting rings, a weaker or non confrontational dog will be used to train the fighting dogs.  Many bait dogs suffer horrific injuries and, often times death.  Timmy is a very sweet, loving dog.  Having only three legs has not slowed him down one bit!  He has been in Shelter Link's care for almost a year now.  He is patiently awaiting his forever home.  Please watch Timmy's story.



We have started a Timmy campaign in our Cafe Press store.  We have devoted an entire line of products to help find Timmy a home, and also to spread the word about what happens to dogs like Timmy.  If you can't grant Timmy his wish of a forever home, perhaps you can help support Timmy by purchasing his items and spreading the word.  Shop here.

Timmy thanks you...

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...