Local Animals Available for Adoption This Week!!

Summer is in full swing, and there are plenty of awesome dogs and cats just waiting to find their forever homes right here on Long Island.  Speaking from experience, one great advantage of pooch adoption in the summer is not having to walk your new dog in bitter cold temperatures right away, and cats just make puuurect pets all year long.

And so I am pleased to introduce you to four very special furry friends available this week at The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter and Last Hope Animal Rescue right here in Wantagh!

Colleen (pictured) is a very sweet 4 year old feline who is just a little scared to be spending all her time in a cage (and who wouldn’t be?).  She would love to be an only cat in a home with grown-ups.  When I adopted my first cat 12 years ago, she was exactly the same way, and she turned out to be one of the greatest loves of my life.  Please consider rescuing Colleen and giving her the life she deserves. 

While Comet (pictured) is not one of Santa’s eight reindeers, he may as well be because he is just as magical!  Comet is a 1 year old male mixed breed who is super friendly and loves everyone he meets.  Who can resist a dog who loves belly rubs, toys and other dogs??  Comet appreciates patient introductions with people giving him treats, and some training in the future would help this guy gain some great confidence.  Comet has quite a bit of energy, and would love to become a member of an adult-only, dog experienced home with guardians who can provide structure for this active pooch.  For more information on Colleen, Comet, and other pets available for adoption at The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, please check out http://www.toh.li/.  

And at Last Hope this week, I’m pleased to introduce you to a sweet gal named Andrea (pictured).  Andrea is a very sweet tabby kitten, about 3 months old who was rescued by a volunteer and brought to a foster family where she was socialized and had all her medicals taken care of.  Andrea is super friendly and can’t wait to go to her forever home. 

And here’s a super cutie for you to feast your eyes on.  Check out this 4 year old Chihuahua/Terrier mix named Lucky (pictured).  Lucky lost her home when her elderly owner passed away.  Lucky did live with other dogs but we are told that she prefers male dogs to females. She bonds quickly with people, and also comes to you for reassurance that everything is all right.  She is just adorable and would make a great companion for one “lucky” family.   For more information on Andrea, Lucky, and other pets available for adoption at Last Hope Animal Rescue, please visit their website at  http://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/.

And just a reminder as those temperatures continue to rise… climbing temperatures can pose a real threat to our furry friends, and the Nassau County SPCA graciously offers the following tips to keep your pets cool during the heat:

-keep water bowls full of cool, fresh water 

-provide shaded areas for pet to rest in 

-use a misting hose to provide a cool area for a pet while outside 

-utilize a "kiddy pool" for dogs to splash and play in 

-exercise in the cool of the morning or at dusk - not during heat of the day 

-do not leave pets unattended outside when it gets too hot - bring pets inside 

-leave your pet at home when you are running errands (see below) 

Cars: The Nassau County SPCA encourages you to leave your pet home and inside when you dash to the store or the mall. The inside of a car heats up very quickly. On an 85-degree day, a car's interior temperature can climb to 120 degrees in 20 minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Another concern is dogs riding on uncovered pickup beds. The sun heats up the metal truck bed and can burn your pet's pads. Have Fido ride in the cab with you, put him in a secure crate, or please leave him at home and inside a cool place.   

Sun: If you leave your pet out in the yard, provide plenty of shade and water. Light colored pets may get sunburned--check with your veterinarian before applying sun block to your dog or cat's nose. Walk time for your dog should be in the morning or at dusk when the temperature drops--avoid strenuous play time outside in the heat of the day.  

Best Place for the Heat of the Day: The best place for your pet to be during the heat of the day is inside with you--especially if you have an air conditioner or fan.

Symptoms of heatstroke could include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack lack of appetite, dark tongue, vomiting, and lack of coordination. Contact your veterinarian.

If your animal is overcome by heat exhaustion, immediately immerse or spray the animal with cool running water (not cold water as that could cause shock) and continue until body temperature lowers. Give your pet water to drink and consult your veterinarian right away to determine if additional treatment is needed.

AND PLEASE REMEMBER…If you suspect an emergency situation has developed and you see someone else's animal in immediate danger from the heat, first consult the owner if possible and then contact your local police department and request immediate police response, than call the Nassau County SPCA at 516-THE-SPCA.

Thanks for reading! Stay cool, and remember...don't shop, adopt!