The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

pets

Puttin’ on the Dog Festival by Adopt-a-Dog Brings Out Dog Lovers in Droves

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PHOTOS BY HANNAH ROSENBERG

 
Petunia an English bulldog, in her tutu

Dog lovers were out in full force at the 31st annual Puttin’ On The Dog Festival that took place in Greenwich’s Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Sunday, September 16th. The annual event was created by Adopt-a-Dog, a non-profit whose mission has been to save, socialize and secure loving homes for unwanted or abandoned dogs. The Armonk-based organization has been serving the tri-state area and beyond for more than three decades and their shelter is open seven days a week.

The fun-filled event had approximately 5,000 attendees and featured dog demonstrations, food trucks, vendors, competitions for dogs to enter and adoptable dogs. Originally the day was conceptualized to help match abandoned dogs with potential adoptive families but the day has grown into an event where people bring out their families, including their furry ones for fun and socializing with other dogs and their owners. The event yielded 20 applications for adoption and the organization was happy to report several matches were made as of press time.

Ellie Gottlieb with dog, Ozzy

How to Prevent Pet Loss: Local Experts Weigh In

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Laura Hill-Sulli, her husband Andre and dog Piper.

When Pleasantville resident Laura Hill-Sulli’s four-legged friend, Piper, went missing nearly four years ago she felt like she was living in her own personal nightmare.

Hill-Sulli’s story is like most who have had the unfortunate and agonizing experience of losing their pet. As Piper was playing in the yard, a neighbor walked by with their new puppy and Piper ran after it. When the neighbor went to grab Piper to bring her home, Piper panicked and ran off.

“We never had the need to have our yard fenced in because Piper always listened to us,” Hill-Sulli said. “I couldn’t understand why she would take off.”

Hill-Sulli immediately took to social media posting photos of Piper, a seven-year-old Merle Shetland Sheepdog, on several forums devoted to finding missing pets. She also left clothing outside her home to entice Piper with a familiar scent, made thousands of fliers and posted them throughout the community, contacted local rescue organizations, shelters and animal hospitals, and enlisted a pet communicator with the hope her family and Piper would be reunited.

“Every day we would receive what we would consider a valid sighting. So, at all hours of the day and night we would go to where the sighting was,” Hill-Sulli said. “The hardest part for me was we would get a phone call from someone who was so positive that they saw Piper. We would scour the area of where they claimed the sighting to be and we came up with nothing. It was like chasing the wind.”

When Piper was discovered in a gated community in Mount Kisco following her two-month adventure, Hill-Sulli took steps to ensure Piper would never go missing again. Along with erecting a metal spindle fence along their property, Piper is now microchipped and is always accompanied outside.

“I always had hope that we would get her back,” Hill-Sulli said. “Piper came running right over to me and I promptly picked her up and burst into tears.”

While Piper was found by someone who saw a posting on Facebook forum, Lost Pets of the Hudson Valley, Lisa Bonanno-Spence, of the SPCA of Westchester in Briarcliff Manor, said Facebook is a great resource to swiftly spread the word when a pet goes missing, but stressed the importance of contacting the police department, animal control and local shelters immediately.

“If no one knows your dog is missing in your neighborhood, they can’t help you,” said SPCA dog trainer Lisa Ricker. “The most important thing is getting the information to your local shelters because you want them to know right away that your dog is missing.”

Ricker added that having your dog microchipped enables shelters and animal control officers to reunite owners with their pets much faster. Off the roughly 200 stray or lost dogs the shelter gets a year, Ricker said many of them aren’t microchipped. It would make the search process go faster if the pet was microchipped and the microchip was registered, she said.

With dogs often running of their leash or out the door, jumping fences, bolting through an invisible fence, or digging holes under fencing, Ricker and Bonanno-Spence suggested pet owners train their dogs and attach a GPS tracker on their collar to pinpoint their exact location if they run off.

“You have to find what works for you,” Ricker said. “It’s an important resource because it can track your dog.”

Candy Higgins, who is on the board of directors for A New Chance Animal Rescue in Bedford Hills, advised pet owners use both a collar and a harness when walking their dog, especially on the Fourth of July or during thunderstorms when loud noises can often startle pets and cause them to run away.

She recommended pet owners not chase after their dog if they do get loose, citing that dogs have a flight instinct and will go into survival mode. Higgins also advised community members to contact their local authorities if they spot a missing dog. She stressed how vital it is to ensure a lost dog stays in an area to increase recovery, adding that approaching an already skittish animal may propel them to run off expanding the search zone.

“Call the number on the poster, call animal control, call the local veterinarian,” Higgins said. “The best possible thing you can do is report the dog, remember everything about the dog and what direction it was going in, and not approach or chase them.”

While there are no foolproof tactics to prevent your dog from getting loose, animal experts emphasized keeping all equipment, including microchips, GPS trackers, fences, and leashes in good working condition.

With the SPCA reuniting at least 120 dogs with their families annually, Ricker said it’s gratifying knowing the pet has a home to return to and the family is happy.

“It’s much nicer to know the dog is sleeping in their home at night instead of a shelter,” Bonanno-Spence added.

Local Jeweler Supports the SPCA of Westchester

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Scott and his American Bulldog rescue
Walk down King Street in Chappaqua, NY and you’ll spot tons of local businesses. Be it a clothing store, nail salon or a jewelry store–they’re all over. Many of these businesses have been around for decades and have well served the residents of the area. However, these businesses are not just good for selling products to locals, but many also grant significant support to various charities. Desires by Mikolay, one of the jewelers in town, is well known for its support of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, or better known to many as the SPCA located in Briarcliff Manor.

Scott and Tara Mikolay, the powerhouse husband and wife team that owns Desires, became involved with the SPCA in 2008 because of their joint passion for animals. The couple has had six of their own rescue dogs over the years, ranging from an Australian Cattle Dog to an American Bulldog, so the idea of supporting a charity to raise awareness and support for rescue animals was a “natural fit,” according to Tara.

Tara and Scott care so deeply for the SPCA that they wanted to expand their contributions beyond the personal level by getting their business involved. Since 2008, they have hosted Shop for a Cause, a charity shopping event where they donate 10% of the night’s proceeds to the SPCA. This year, Desires had record success, raising over $4,000 over the course of the evening. The night was so successful because of the staff’s dedication to the cause, as well as the love and support brought in by each client.

In total, Desires has raised more than $45,000 for the organization through the annual holiday event as well as by offering “Gifts with Impact” throughout each year. Tara explained that it is incredibly useful to have “a platform in one of the most generous towns in the country.”

Mini, a beloved pug rescued by the Mikolays. She passed away this year at 16 years.
Although shopping for jewelry is one great way to help the SPCA, there are many other ways to get involved. The SPCA is always in need of committed volunteers and they have an Amazon wish list with products they need for the shelters. Even something as simple as liking the SPCA on Facebook can make a difference and according to Tara, “your impact, however big or small, is so meaningful.”

Tara explained that the SPCA is more than just a rescue organization. Their programs range from taking tireless care of each dog they take in to working to change animal abuse laws and education.

Tara and Scott’s connection to the SPCA runs deep. “Rescuing dogs for us is the only option. There are so many dogs in need and we have been blessed with the love of all of our dogs,” Tara said. The couple is even on the lookout for a companion for their current dog, Gus, and they will certainly be looking to rescue. With more than 1,300 orphaned animals rescued at the SPCA last year alone chances are Gus may just find a “furry friend” there.

Pets Make a House a Home

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Kristen Rice, Executive Director of Adopt-A-Dog, a pet rescue, shelter and adoption agency in Armonk, with Petey, one of the dogs currently available for adoption.
Kristen Rice, Executive Director of Adopt-A-Dog, a pet rescue, shelter and adoption agency in Armonk,
with Petey, one of the dogs currently available for adoption.

Article and Photos by Marianne A. Campolongo

Nothing is better after a long day at work or school than coming home to a pet at your door. Whether it’s a dog wagging her tail and waiting to join you on a walk outside or a cat purring as he rubs against your legs waiting for you to pick him up, when you have a pet, coming home is always a treat.

Whether you have a dog or a cat, exotic fish or birds, or some other creature, your home is never empty when you have a pet.

Pet ownership has “a number of benefits,” according to Dr. Mary Padilla, a veterinarian who has owned North Castle Veterinary Hospital in Armonk for more than 30 years. “For some people, it’s companionship; for some people, it’s structure. It’s an easy relationship. There is not as much emotional stuff going on. It can be an undemanding, non-judgmental situation,” she said.

She said that pets are great for children as they both tend to be more “in the moment.” She added, with a laugh, “It’s someone else to blame when something is broken.”

Dr. Padilla said, “Research has been done about the benefits of touch. For some people, it’s the only contact that they have,” she added, stressing that the calming aspects of touch provide both physical and emotional benefits for those of all ages.

“We are an animal ourselves. They [pets] make a family complete.” –Jim Dempsey

Besides treating all kinds of animals in her daily veterinary practice, Dr. Padilla has a small menagerie at home. In addition to two cats, DD and Ludie, she has a small flock of finches in a flight cage, a large piece of furniture filled with plants and birds. It allows them to really stretch their wings. “Birds are social. They like to be with other birds,” she said. Adding to the mix, her husband has two large tanks filled with tropical fish.

Kristen Rice is the Executive Director of Adopt-A-Dog, a non-profit rescue and animal shelter that began in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1981, but has been housed in Armonk since 2002. Though the shelter has housed and found homes for cats as well as dogs in the past, it is currently home to about 35 dogs of all ages seeking homes. “I’m very blessed to have a job I don’t dread going to. I love my work, being around dogs and people who love dogs too,” she said.

Owning a pet “is an opportunity for parents to teach their kids about being kind and respectful, being able to enjoy the presence of someone else in the world,” Rice said. Echoing Dr. Padilla she continued, “There’s no judgment, just natural play. They have a lot of fun together and they’re also buddies.”

Rice has three senior dogs, ages 14-17, that she adopted from the shelter: Kirby, Jillian, and Rusty.

Tyler Zuckerman owns Pleasant Grooming of Armonk with his father, Stu. His dog Nike, a Golden Retriever, comes to work with him each day, greeting customers and acting as the store’s mascot. In addition to grooming, they sell accessories, run a dog training school, a doggie day care, and also connect customers with dog breeders to help them find the right pet. His father has a Cockapoo which he rescued eight years ago. All-in-all, Tyler has had nine dogs over the years, one of whom used to pick him up from the bus stop. “It was a good thing growing up with dogs,” he said. Despite taking Claritin daily due to an allergy to dogs, he wouldn’t be without one in his life.

Armonk resident Jim Dempsey is the editor and publisher of Pet Gazette, a pet magazine he and his wife have published in Armonk since 1998. They now publish four editions of the magazine in Westchester, Long Island, Fairfield, and New York City.

Dempsey said that bringing a pet into your home “is a connection to the natural world. We share the earth with them. We are an animal ourselves. They make a family complete. I’ll never forget watching my cat give birth. I was probably eight years old. Wow! That taught me more about life. That’s just unbelievable. Having a pet in a family allows a family to understand caring for something other than themselves. For a child to understand that in life, it’s important. Especially these days, a pet forces you to put that technology down.” Currently, Dempsey gets his pet fix by playing with a neighbor’s dog. “I just lost the best dog I ever had,” he said. “I’ve had every pet–birds, cats, dogs, bunnies.” He is considering getting a pair of Great Danes, but needs time to mourn the loss of his dog. Pets truly become a member of the family, and their loss can be difficult due to the depth of the bond between human and pet.

This bond is one of the great benefits of bringing a pet into your home. “The beautiful thing about Great Danes–they have a short lifespan–I’m 60 now so since we’re in a transition period I’m thinking about how long I’ll be able to chase after a dog,” said Dempsey.

Dempsey, Rice, and Zuckerman all stressed that people need to think about finding pets that are suitable for their stage in life, their children’s ages, and temperaments. “Because I work so much, having older dogs is good,” said Rice. They sleep all day and just need a shorter walk. I can give them a nice quiet place to spend their golden years. For my lifestyle an older dog is great. If I had kids and was home more, I’d look into a younger dog.”

Adopt-A-Dog always aims to have a mix of dogs of all ages, Rice said, to meet the needs of those looking to adopt. Zuckerman said, “We locate dogs for people from various breeders around the country. Do they have kids, how many, are they active, do the kids have allergies? There’s a lot of different things to look into. They become part of the family.”

When you bring an animal home, said Rice, you will receive “a lifetime of unconditional love. The companionship is unparalleled in my opinion. It’s not just a pet, it’s a member of your family. For me coming home to my dogs makes me happy. It’s just an amazing experience. Overall the experience is just one of happiness.”

Marianne Campolongo is a freelance writer and photographer from Chappaqua. She has had six cats, two dogs and a variety of fish in her life. Having recently lost two cats after 14 years, she gets her pet fix enjoying her daughter’s two new kittens. Visit campyphotos.com.

Paws and Reflect Choosing, and Keeping, the Gift that Keeps on Giving

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With everyone in agreement, the Frasch family recently welcomed their newest addition–Buster.
With everyone in agreement, the Frasch family recently welcomed their newest addition–Buster.

By Eileen Gallagher

All across the country, parents hear the same refrain from their children– “Can’t we get a [dog/cat/rabbit/hamster/bird]?” As the holidays approach, the requests get more urgent, and increasingly difficult to resist. Who wouldn’t want to see a child’s eyes light up at the sight of a cuddly ball of fur in a festive box? And it’s not just children that receive pets as gifts for special occasions. Parents are surprised with a gift that keeps on giving, as well as spouses, significant others, siblings, and roommates.

Is it wise to bring a pet home for the holidays? According to Stephanie Petruccelli, an long time assistant at Mt Kisco Veterinary Clinic, it’s all in the planning. “As long as the whole family is on board, especially the parents,” she advised. “It’s a whole family responsibility.”

“Avoid impulse buys,” continued Petruccelli. Taking the time to visit shelters or breeders is important in finding the right fit for your home situation. For example, some families have a more active lifestyle than others, and might do well with an energetic dog. Others might be more suited to have a calmer, more sedentary pet.

Charmaine McCleave, owner of Charmaine’s Dog Salon in Somers, stressed taking the age of the children into account. Her “pet peeve” is hearing people say that their dog is matted because their children didn’t keep up with the brushing and grooming. Parents are the ones who will ultimately be responsible for the care of any pet, reminded McCleave, herself the mother of three boys. “Children are children, and often forget to brush their own hair.”

McCleave brought up another point –cats and dogs are a 10 to 15 year or longer commitment. Your child might be going off to college and leaving you as the sole caregiver. Knowing this ahead of time makes the adjustment less jarring.

If you are unsure about surprising your family with the right pet, Petruccelli offered a creative suggestion. “Make up a gift basket with a picture of a dog or cat and some toys and supplies to put under the tree, and then go as a family after the holiday to pick out your new companion.”

Asked if she has seen many cases of returned pets after the holidays are over, Petruccelli said not really in this area. “People are making educated as opposed to snap decisions.” She stressed that the two most important factors in getting a pet for the holidays, or at any time for that matter, are to be prepared, and to avoid impulse decisions.

The Frasch family decided to take the plunge and recently brought home their golden-doodle puppy, Buster. Georgia Frasch, who happens to be one of the moderators of the Facebook group “Chappaqua Moms,” shared their story.

“We believe our children should grow up with animal love, compassion, responsibility, and empathy,” said Frasch, herself a longtime dog rescuer. For 30 years, she had either fostered or permanently adopted dogs she found abandoned in the streets of her neighborhood in Manhattan. She would have loved to rescue a dog for her family, but one of her daughters, seven year old Gracie Bea, is very allergic. “We needed to be really careful about the breed,” Frasch explained. After watching their friends’ puppy (a sibling of Buster) for 12 hours with no breathing issues for her daughter, Frasch felt comfortable having Buster join their family.

Was everyone in the Frasch family in on the decision? “This will be a member of our family,” Frasch had said to her husband. “If you’re not on board with this, I don’t want to do it.” Frasch’s three children, Honor, Christian, and Gracie Bea, had all wanted a dog for years, but their parents were waiting until the time was right.

Buster, named for the special nickname Frasch’s father Joseph had for 10 year old Christian, is very much loved and appreciated. Frasch told of the close relationship between her father and son before her father passed away, and how Christian always said that he would love to have a boy dog so he could name him Buster in honor of his grandfather. When Buster became available, with his sibling Bella living right down the street, the Frasch’s knew the time was right.

If you do decide to make a happy addition, keep it fun but do your homework first. It is best to have food, an appropriately sized crate, bedding, toys, a collar, and a leash on hand before Fluffy or Fido comes to stay. Arrange an appointment with a veterinarian and, if this is a first pet, a trainer as well. “Baby-proof” your home which might have such holiday hazards as small toys, ribbons, and wrapping paper. And enjoy the new member of your family!

Eileen Gallagher is an 11- year resident of Chappaqua and the mother of four boys, two of the canine variety. An avid dog lover, she recently joined the organization “Puppy Rescue Mission,” an organization which assists in bringing dogs home from war to their military companions.