Updated: Dec. 05, 2022, 2:29 p.m.| Published: Dec. 02, 2022, 7:30 a.m.
By Kelli DeSantis | kdesantis@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” — Anatole France
This quote has stuck with me. Growing up, we always had an animal to care for. Whether it be a gerbil, dog, cat, or turtle (not so furry), the idea was to learn to care for and love. Most importantly, they were a part of the family. It sprouted my love for animals, and it continued throughout my life. The love that I received was infinite. From the moment I woke up, walked out the door, and upon my return, the joy I received from them was immense.
Studies have shown that the companionship you get from these little loves has numerous benefits. It can calm you, ease frustrations, and lessen the feeling of isolation in these hectic times.
As noted by Johns Hopkins, caring for an animal can reduce stress, increase physical activity, decrease loneliness, and increase heart health. Taking 20-minute walks five times a week will keep you moving and your furry family member healthy and happy.
Aside from all of this, they are a proven mood booster. Pets increase several mood-boosting hormones, such as serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin. It’ll be hard not to smile when they greet you at the door or curl up next to you while you watch a movie.
Consider opening your heart and doors to those that could change your life. If you cannot adopt, please share with those that could benefit from this love.
Lots of wonderful events happening this weekend.
Council Member Joseph Borelli has teamed up with Louie’s Legacy. Below is a message from their team:
This Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022 Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue returns for its biggest adoption event of the year! The “Home for the Holiday” event, sponsored by Council Member Joseph Borelli (R-Staten Island) and Catholic Charities of Staten Island, will include over 100 adoptable puppies, kitten, dogs and cats, in search for their furever homes. Throughout the last several years, Borelli has allocated over $50,000 in discretionary funds to support the 501(c)(3) rescue organization. Louie’s Legacy helps connect the bridge for volunteers, fosters, animal welfare partners and shelters to rescue animals in need and places them in temporary foster care.
“I’m always proud to support Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue, especially as so many animals are in need of a home. Last year, the event was a huge success. We look forward to another great turnout and hope you’ll consider adopting a new addition to the family.”
The “Home for the Holidays” adoption event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mount Loretto Grounds located at 6541 Hylan Blvd.
Visitors will also have the chance to take holiday photos, bid on numerous raffle prizes and enjoy a few local vendors. Families hoping to adopt a new best friend at the event are encouraged to review Louie’s Legacy’s adoption process and submit an adoption application prior to the event at www.louieslegacy.org/adopt.
“The need for safe, responsible homes for animals is year-round, but during the holidays, we are working extra hard to give all of our rescued pets the gift of a loving, permanent home, and to bring a little cheer to our community too,” said Emily Gear, President and Founder of Louie’s Legacy.
To learn more about Louie’s Legacy, visit www.louieslegacy.org.
For additional information, call (718) 984-5151 or email borelli@council.nyc.gov.
An additional event will be Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Woodbridge High School (1 Samuel Lupo, Woodbridge, NJ)
ADOPTION EVENTS
As always, we are grateful for the volunteers devoted to helping these animals get adopted by loving families like you. It takes a significant amount of time and dedication to volunteer at the animal rescues listed below.
Volunteers organize pet events every week in and around the borough, send out announcements, hold fundraisers, help with supplies, clean cages, feed animals, ensure a pet’s medical needs are attended to, and so much more. All of this is done without pay, all for love, and behind the scenes.
If you cannot adopt, please consider volunteering, donating or fostering, or sharing this page with someone who can.
Nov. 5
- SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 1:00 to 4 p.m.
Nov. 6
- SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from noon to 3 p.m.
- SICAW will be at Bricktown Commons Petco, 165 Bricktown Way, Suite 1C, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m
Helping Animal Non-Profits Raise Money in 2023 with this special offer
Dan Rimada, owner and founder of Bodega Cats of NY is an artist that is offering a unique experience. Bodega Cats Of New York is accepting applications from 10 501c3 animal-related non-profits and will be giving away their artwork free of charge to help them fundraise for the coming year. They’re free to print on greeting cards, calendars, auction off, post on social media, print on t-shirts, hats, or stickers, etc.
To make it easier on the organizations who help support our four-legged friends, BCNY is giving away 10 licenses to use their artwork completely free of charge for animal-related non-profits. All you need to do is visit the website and apply. Applications start today.
The art collection is inspired by the feline residents of New York City, and their love of humans. These cats are iconic to the city and have become part of its identity. Check out his artwork.
Find more information and the application to apply for this free artwork on their website www.bodegacatsofnewyork.com. Applications submissions start today. The artwork is free for the non-profit to use in any way they see fit, so apply and start fundraising!
GIFTS FOR ANIMAL LOVERS
Julie Forlenza, a former teacher at I.S. 7, PS 62, ring and run dog walkers, and manager at Woof and Tails Lodge, went into action after Hurricane Ian to help animals in shelters. She is the owner of Black Dog Portrait. Her passion for helping animals is exceptional. Happy to have her in our community. Check her out on Facebook or Instagram.
Stellar Villa is a New York City-based artist who recently raised over $11,500 for pet shelters after she single-handedly created 1,252 custom pieces of art of people’s pets over the course of 21 days. Now, she is working to create ongoing partnerships with local animal shelters to continue raising money. If you’re looking for a gift for a dog lover, check out Stellar’s work.
Weekly event: Animal Care Centers of New York City is open for adoptions of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Rd. W from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs through ACC please go to www.nycacc.org.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Do you love dogs? Do you love beer? Then fetch a cold one at the Flagship Brewing Co.’s Dog Club. The club meets every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the Flagship Brewery taproom at 40 Minthorne St., off Bay Street.
The Flagship’s Dog Club is for that special breed of dog and beer lovers who can bring their (well-behaved) pups to the meetings. Once a month, there will be a guest speaker to talk about their own specialty or knowledge regarding the welfare of their treasured, loyal friends.
For more information, visit click here or call 718-448-5284.
ONGOING
1. Low-cost or free spay and neuter: The ASPCA’s free and low-cost mobile spay and neuter van travels throughout the five boroughs in every neighborhood.
Low-income pet owners in the five boroughs with proof of public assistance, such as welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability, food stamps, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or public housing qualify for free spay/neuter services for their cat or dog. If you have a pit bull, pit-bull mix, or certain large breed dogs, it’s also free.
For the exact times, the van will be in your area, as well as pre-visit instructions, visit aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter, or call 877-SPAY-NYC (877-772-9692).
2. Apply for a dog license. Save time and postage by applying online. For an application or more information, visit nyc.gov/doglicense. View the flyer in the gallery above.
3. Fuzzy RX. Telehealth promotes veterinary health that is available 24/7 vet chat on a one-to-one and personalized treatment. They can connect with your veterinarians immediately from the gamut of diarrhea, ear, physical, and skin issues.
AL FRESCO DINING WITH YOUR DOG
· Angelina’s Ristorante, 339 Ellis St., Tottenville, 718-227-2900
· The Burrito Bar, 585 Forest Ave., West Brighton, 718-815-9200
· Ciro Pizza Café, 862 Huguenot Ave., Huguenot, 718-605-0620
· Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn, 4254 Arthur Kill Rd., Charleston, 718-984-1202
· Shake Shack, Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave., New Springville, 929-529-0513
· Silver Lake Golf Course, 915 Victory Blvd., Silver Lake, 718-442-4653
Call ahead for reservations. For more information, check out NYC Dogs in restaurant rules.
DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS
· Allison Park, off-leash area, the field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery, and the pond
· Amundsen Trail, off-leash area, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
· Arthur Von Briesen Park, off-leash area, lawn area, mid-park on the right side
· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields closer to Ramona Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, the open field above the picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)
· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area, lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road
· Conference House Park, dog run, Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street
· Cozzens Woods Park, off-leash area, Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road
· Crescent Beach Park, off-leash area, Tennyson Drive, and Glover Avenue; located in the meadow area leading to the beach
· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street
· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond the ball field
· Ida Court Playground, dog run, Ida Court between North Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East
· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace; just below the playground
· Siedenburg Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street
· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments
· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: On sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day
· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field
· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to the left of Cornelia Avenue
For more information with rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including New York City beaches. However, from Oct. 1 through May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Midland Beach and South Beach.
For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
PET POISON HELPLINES
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.
As the seasons change, keep in mind the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/
TO REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY
To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
To contact an environmental conservation police officer or report suspected violations, contact the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) or dec.ny.gov/.