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

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!  

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.

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...

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!

Could You Be The One?

Read more about Kringle here.

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.

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!

I Don't Know How You Do It...

I often hear these words spoken when I tell people I volunteer at the Islip Animal Shelter and foster dogs.  If I had a $1 for every time I heard someone say that, I would be rich.  It is just sad.  It is very easy for people to live blissfully unaware of the trials and tribulations of the dogs here in our community and beyond, but I choose not to be blissfully unaware.  I am painfully aware of the tragedies that occur, and the many homeless animals and their sad stories, as are the other members of Shelter Link and the staff at animal shelters across the country.  I have seen horrific images of animals beaten and battered, starved, scarred and worse.  I often wonder what kind of world we live in, that these acts so freely occur with little to no repercussions.  For example, take a look at the darling Hope, who is at the Islip Animal Shelter.

This darling, beautiful girl, not only sports an atrocious crop job to her ears, which I am sure was not professionally done and was very painful for her, but she also bears many scars, perhaps the result of people trying to profit from fighting her.  DISGUSTING.  Yet, her kind spirit and love of humans remains, despite their heinous acts towards her.  Truly, these dogs ability to forgive our race amazes me daily. 

So you say I don't know how you do it.  This is how I do it.  I go to the shelter and give love to dogs that may never have known any.  I throw them a ball.  I teach them how to sit and stay.  I give them treats.  I welcome dogs into my home that have no other chance, and give them hope, and find them a  family who will give them everything they deserve and more.  I get emotional, sad at times, but joyous most others.  I choose not to turn a blind eye to the outrageous epidemic of homeless animals and cruelty towards them.  And I get so much more in return.  That's how I do it.  

So ask yourself this, how do you not do it?

Friday's Friends...Sammy

Today's Friday's Friends will be a little different, as I will be featuring one of our foster dogs, Sammy.  Sammy is an absolutely adorable, sweet Lhasa Apso/ Shih Tzu Mix.  Sammy has been in our care now since September.  He came out of the shelter a bit of a mess, ear infections with multiple bacteria, eye problems and a terrible skin condition which left him missing a lot of his fur.

He certainly was a little worse for the ware.  But those days are long behind him!  He has been staying with Maryann, one of our volunteers, and she along with Jack and Rita, has nursed Sammy back to health!  His fur is growing back beautifully, and his ears are all cleared up.  Take a look at Sammy now.

What a difference, right?!  It's like it isn't even the same dog.  We found out that Sammy has a wheat allergy, which isn't uncommon, that made his skin terribly itchy and his fur fall out.  Now that he is eating wheat free, his coat looks great!  He's even had a few haircuts!  We also found out that Sammy has dry eye, which is very common in this breed, and does need to take eye drops daily.  Trust me, he is worth the extra effort.

Sammy is such a sweet, balanced dog.  He's just plain happy all the time, and is a joy to be around.  He has no behavior issues period.  He loves to take walks, play with his toys, be with people, and will make you smile all the time.  He is great with kids and other dogs, and may even set an example for your current dog as how to behave, he's that good.  We have taken very good care of him, and nursed him back to health, and now he just needs to find his forever home.  Sammy will enhance your life for the better.  Read more about him here.  He would love to be home for Christmas!  I am pretty sure that's what he told Santa he wants this year. ;)

I am happy to report Skye is at her forever home, and I will be checking in on her this weekend.  It was so hard for me to let her go, I shed a lot of tears.  But she has found a great family, who will love and cherish her as much as I did.  Skye is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met, just so loving, and I don't know who is luckier, her new parents or her.  After a lot of thought, I will foster again, because the alternative just isn't acceptable, no matter how emotional it is to turn the leash over to the new family.

Just a reminder that today is the fundraiser at Michele Leschik's home with Nook & Cranny, and tomorrow is the 1st Annual Jingle Bell Walk at the Maritime Museum.  Hopefully you can make it to one of these events, and help support us.  I will have some big news for you next week, so stay tuned...

Have a great Friday!

Friday's Friends...

Last week, I totally forgot to post Friday's Friend with all the after Thanksgiving stuff.   So I will add a few extra this week.  All of our animals at the Islip Animal Shelter would love to be home for the holidays!

Look at Muggs!  He is one of the sweetest guys around!  Just look at that face!  Muggs is a Boxer Am Staff Mix, and is so gentle.  He loves people, and would make a great addition to any family!  How can you deny that darling overbite?  Come meet him, and see what a great dog he is!  See more about Muggs here.

Oh, Gypsy, such a ham!  Gypsy is a super sweet Terrier Mix.  She is playful and loves people!  She is known to drop to her back at any moment to get a belly rub.  She is just a joy, and would love a family to love!  See more about Gypsy here.

Or what about Othello?  Othello is a beautiful Border Collie Akita Mix.  Just look at that gorgeous coat!  He is truly stunning.  He loves to chase balls, and play.  He is an all around great guy, who would love to find his forever home.  See more about Othello here.

Meet Oscar!  He is an American Bulldog Am Staff Mix.  Oscar hasn't always had an easy life, as you can see by his scars, but he  still loves people.  He is playful and sweet, and deserves a good home.  Won't you come and meet him?  See more about Oscar here.

Or maybe you are looking for a feline friend, check out Miss Abby, a beautiful Calico kitty.  She is blind in one eye, but that doesn't slow her down.  Abby is very friendly, and enjoys being held.  She would make a great addition to any family.  See more about Abby here.






All of these animals would love to be home for the holidays enjoying their new families.  We have so many beautiful dogs and cats at the shelter, that you needn't look any further.  Our adoption fees are minimal in comparison to purchasing an animal, plus you are saving a life!  If you are looking to add a furry addition to your family, the Islip Animal Shelter is the place to go.

Thanks for reading, and Happy Friday!

Friday's Friends...

Yup, it's that day again already, time for Friday's Friends.

Check out Timmy!  Timmy hasn't always had an easy life, and he would love to be a part of your family.  Don't let the fact that he only has 3 legs fool you, this loving boy can still run and play with the best of them!  Timmy is about 2 years old, and does need to be the only animal in your home.  He's had a rough life, so won't you give him the happy ending he deserves?  Read more about Timmy here.

Or what about Simon and Theodore?  These two sweet male Wheaten Terriers came in together, and if at all possible, we would love to see them stay together. These two will sniff the same grain of sand at the same time. It is hysterical to see them together.  They are both goofy and fun loving guys, who deserve a chance at a forever home.  See more about them here, and here.

Here we have Miss Fiona.  Fiona is a small am staff mix with big personality.  She absolutely loves people and is very affectionate.  Fiona has received lots of training at the shelter, and it is amazing to watch her work.  They say statistically it is tough to get black dogs, yet alone a black am staff mix adopted, so why not come down, and fall in love with Fiona, and debunk those statistics.
See more about Fiona here.

Thanks for reading and Happy Friday!

Friday's Friends...

Here are this week's Friday's Friends.  If you are not ready to adopt, why not try fostering with us?  You get the benefit of getting to know the dog you choose first, with tons of support from Shelter Link.  Shelter Link takes care of all medical costs, all you need to do is open your home and heart.  As a doggy foster mommy, I can't say enough how rewarding this experience is for me.  Being able to nurture Skye and watch her be a dog is just awesome!  Every day we find joy having her here.

Oh my girl Peanut, how I love her so much!  All of us at the shelter do.  She is just the most wonderful sweet girl ever!  Her favorite thing to do is snuggle up against you.  She thinks she is a lap dog!  Her coat is super soft, and you couldn't find a more gentle girl.  She would make an amazing addition to any family.  She loves to just hang out.  Peanut needs to be with a family without cats.  Won't you come down and meet Peanut?  I guarantee you, you will instantly fall in love with her!  See more about Peanut here.

Or what about Dodger?  Such a mellow sweet guy!  Just a big sweetheart with a happy wagging tail, who we all think is just the best!  He's the kind of dog who is happy to lay by your feet and just hang out, or play ball ball with you.  He is a mixed breed, approximately 5 years old.  Dodger is so gentle and loving.  He would be perfect for any family looking for a sweet loving guy.  See more about Dodger here.

Or maybe you are looking for a feline friend.  We always have lots of beautiful cats and kittens at the shelter waiting for families.

Whatever your preference of pet and temperament, Islip Animal Shelter is sure to have what you are looking for!  Please come by and see for yourself all the great animals we have!  Adopting from us means you give a new life to a pet in need.

Happy Friday!

Skye...

{please pause the music player at the bottom before watching}

To adopt Skye, contact us here.

Friday's Friends...

Every Friday, I will post Friday's Friends, featuring a few of our beautiful dogs at the Islip Animal Shelter.  A lot of people say when I tell them I volunteer at the shelter, oh it's all Pitbulls.  Wrong, very wrong.  Yes, we do have a lot of great Pitbulls, but we also have so many other breeds at the shelter, from little Yorkies and Chihuahuas, to Beagles, Labrador's, Huskies and more.  You'd be surprised to learn that many of the animals in Islip's shelter are pure breed.  It's amazing that these expensive and sought after breeds, become residents at the shelter.  So if you are one of the people who think that there are only Pitbulls at the shelter, you are very mistaken.  Take a look at some of Friday Friends:

Meet Jackson, an absolutely beautiful and sweet Husky/Akita Mix.  Jackson is a young playful boy, somewhere around the age of one.  Besides being devastatingly handsome, with the softest coat ever, he is gentle, intelligent and eager to please you.  He has learned basic obedience commands very quickly, and enjoys learning.  He's got a great personality, and would make a great addition to any family.  To see more about Jackson, click here.

Look at Sparrow, a wonderful sweet female Jack Russell. She is a gentle girl that is playful and affectionate. She is intelligent and just loves to be with people. She is energetic but not your typically Jack. She too, will make a wonderful addition to your family.  To see more about Sparrow, click here.

Or what about Pattycake, a Lab/Shepherd Mix.  What a great girl! She is very playful and funny. She loves people and is very outgoing and energetic. She is a character and guaranteed to make you smile. She will make a wonderful addition to an active family that wants to include her.  See more about Pattycake here.

Are you wondering what happened to Stanley, the dog rescued in yesterday's video?  We were too!

Respect-A-Bull took Stanley in, put him in a foster home and continued where the rescuer had left off. While with Respect-A-Bull, Stanley had surgery to repair a problem with his eyes and continued mange treatment. His second foster home, previous adopters from Respect-A-Bull, decided that they couldn't part with Stanley and he joined their family officially. We couldn't be happier for Stanley, his adoptive "parents" and his adoptive brother Taylor, a Respect-A-Bull program graduate himself!

So there you have it, a very happy ending to what may not have been.  Truly, an inspirational story.

Have a great Friday!