New York’s Staten Island. Think about bringing a pet into your home. It’s an important and transformative choice that shouldn’t be taken lightly. There’s a lot to consider. Is your house pet-safe and appropriate? Is it within your means to care for an animal? How much time are you able to spend with your new pet?

Will you buy or adopt a pet?

By giving a dog, cat, horse, or any other animal a second chance at life, you are saving a life. In a past existence, some people might have been abused, abandoned, or left to fend for themselves on the streets. Adopting a dog gives it a safe, caring home where it can find happiness and health again.

Avoiding overcrowding: You may also find that the animal you fall in love with after visiting a shelter is not what you had in mind.

Support the community: Giving to a local organization is always a good idea, and these shelters provide beneficial services.

Breeding can be dangerous: Many dogs are kept in cruel conditions and forced to have as many babies as they can in puppy farms. Adopting has the dual advantages of avoiding these groups and advancing animal welfare.

You could fall in love:With thousands of shelters and many animals in need of care, it’s likely that you’ll find the ideal companion for your family.

The benefits of adopting an older dog: The majority of dogs in shelters are adults or adolescents rather than puppies. This suggests that since your dog is most likely already housebroken or familiar with a few basic commands, your life will be considerably simpler when you bring them home.

Meet Freddy

Introducing Freddy

Freddy is a very cute male kitten that is nine months old. Freddy was discovered outside in a less than ideal part of Staten Island. He participated in a TNR initiative. After being brought to safety, he showed us how amiable he was. Freddy has no intention of returning to a life on the streets.

Freddy likes being around people and getting petted. He is an inquisitive kitty who enjoys playing. He is prepared to find a forever home and has adapted well to indoor life. Freddy is FIV/FELV negative, vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped.

Please complete an online application at https://www.statenislandhopeanimalrescue.org/applications if you would like to meet and adopt this amazing pair (Courtesy of Staten Island Hope Rescue).Hope Rescue on Staten Island

Adoption events

December 21

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  Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue will be at Bricktown Commons Petco, 165 Bricktown Way, Suite 1C, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  
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  Louie s Legacy will be at PetSmart (Hylan Blvd) 2656 Hylan Blvd., from Noon to 2 p.m.
  

December 22.

• 
  Louie s Legacy will be at PetSmart (Woodbridge) 863 St. Georges Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, from Noon to 2 p.m.
  

Weekly event: Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m., Animal Care Centers of New York City is accepting adoptions for dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Rd. West. Visit www.nycacc.org for general information on adopting from ACC and other ACC-sponsored community-based programs.

This is Ludacris

Introducing Ludacris, a cute 4-month-old Border Collie mix that weighs 27 pounds as of 12/17. This adorable dog is incredibly loving, soft, sweet, and cuddly. He is amiable and gets along well with other dogs.

Please apply online at www.pupstarzrescue.org or send an email to rescue@pupstarzresc ue.org if you would like to adopt this Rockstar!

The website pupstarzrescue.org
Kindly follow us at @pupstarzrescue on Instagram.
Like our Facebook page! Facebook page: www.PupStarzRescue

**Puppies put in a lot of effort. Adopt an adult or senior who needs you if you’re not ready for a “new baby”! Furthermore, we are unable to guarantee a puppy’s breed, size, temperament, or age.** (Source: Pupstarz)Pupstarz

Ongoing

1. Free or inexpensive spay and neuter: Every neighborhood in the five boroughs is served by the ASPCA’s low-cost or free mobile spay and neuter van.

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. It’s also free if you own a pit bull, pit-bull hybrid, or some large breed canines.

For pre-visit instructions and the precise times the van will be in your area, visitaspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter or give 877-SPAY-NYC (877-772-9692) a call.

2. Submit a dog license application. Apply online to save time and postage. For additional information or to apply, go to nyc.gov/doglicense. Go to the gallery above to view the flyer.

Gifts for animal lovers

Julie Forlenza, a former teacher at I.S. 7, PS 62, and manager atWoof and Tails Lodge, took action after Hurricane Ian to help animals in shelters. Black Dog Portrait is her property. She has a remarkable enthusiasm for assisting animals. Visit her on Instagram or Facebook.

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 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 outStellar swork.

A Big Life for Buddyis a children s book written and illustrated by Sophia Di Meglio. It offers children a lighthearted look at an exceptional dog and teaches them about growing older, belonging, and the fact that loss is a natural part of life.

A Big Life for Buddy is a picture book that takes children on a journey through the cycle of life. When a wise owl delivers Buddy to his new family, the puppy knows nothing about humans, yet he grows up to live and act like one. Readers will immerse themselves in Buddy s daily life as he does everything from reading books to hosting tea parties with his animal friends. Buddy finds purpose in being part of a family and forming a bond with the young girl he grows up alongside. From the whimsical perspective of an extraordinary dog, readers will learn what it means to belong, grow old, and understand that loss is a part of life. (Courtesy/SophiaDi Meglio/Amazon)SophiaDi Meglio/Amazon

Hiking trails

• Greenbelt Nature Conservancy Center

• High Rock Park

• Trail behind St. Andrews Church

• Mt. Loretto Unique Area

• Mount Moses

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 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 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, visitnycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.

Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including those at 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.

For more information on rules and regulations, visitnycgovparks.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 orpetpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 oraspca.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 visitwww.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) ordec.ny.gov/

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) ordec.ny.gov/

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