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.