April is upon us…Shower yourself with a new pet! April 1-2

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — For many Americans, their pet is more than a companion; they are family members. According to The Humane Society of the United States, 70% of households have one pet. Caring for an animal is a huge responsibility. It’s a commitment to ensure they get food, exercise, housing, grooming and veterinary care.

It is essential for those who have never had a pet to research what it takes to care for an animal thoroughly. You will need to ensure you can meet the animal’s behavioral, social and physiological needs.

All too often, an animal is adopted, and without the new owners researching what it takes, they end up returning them. Adopting should never be an impulsive decision; instead, it should be well thought out and planned. Before you decide to bring an animal into your family, ask yourself the following questions:

Am I prepared to care for the animal for their entire lives?

Although the average lifespan of a dog or cat is 12, some have lived 15 to 20 years.

Do I have time to care for a pet?

Caring for a pet involves daily exercise, grooming, feeding, love and attention. Kittens and puppies will take more time initially; older pets have already been trained and can jump right in.

Do I have enough space?

If you’re considering getting a dog – do you have a yard? Is it secure? Your home size should be a factor in the pet you choose. Also, if you are renting, be sure to get consent from the landlord first.

There are many more questions you should ask yourself before adopting. Researching is key. If you do decide to adopt, you won’t regret it.

Meet your new fur friend!

ADOPTION EVENTS

North Shore Animal Rescue is a valuable partner to Louie’s Legacy and our joint mission to save animals. Their support is critical in ensuring that more animals find loving homes and are cared for properly. One way in which they assist in this effort is by lending their adoption truck for our big events, like Home for the Holidays, at no cost to us. In return, it is important for us to show our appreciation by supporting North Shore Animal Rescue’s events and initiatives. This not only helps to strengthen the partnership but also ensures that more animals are being helped and adopted into loving homes.

April 1

• Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue will be at Petco, 2975 Richmond Ave., from 1 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.
• Louie’s Legacy will be at the Annual Elias Bernstein IS 7′s Sugar Walk from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.Elias Bernstein IS 7 and Wolfe’s Pond Park / School Courtyard. Located at 1270 Huguenot Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10312. The Annual Sugar Walk benefits the school and local rescues. It is a way Elias Bernstein IS7 gives back to the community. Adult dogs are permitted to walk with their owners/handlers, and must be well-behaved and on a leash at all times. There will be refreshments, raffles, a DJ and an NYPD Rock Wall. The walk will start promptly at 9:00am.
• Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m

April 2

• Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart (Flatiron) – 1107 Broadway Suite 101, Manhattan, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m
• SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• SICAW will be at Petco, 165 Bricktown Way, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Meet Kimberly!

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

THANK YOU TO OUR RESCUE TEAMS

We are always grateful to the volunteers who organize pet events every week in and around the borough, send out announcements, hold fundraisers, help with supplies, clean cages, feed animals, make sure the pets’ medical needs are attended to and so much more. All of this is done without pay, all for love, and behind the scenes.

SICAW’s pet events are listed below, along with local places to eat with your dog and dog-friendly parks on Staten Island. Click through the photos above to meet the lovable dogs and cats up for adoption this weekend.

GIFTS FOR ANIMAL LOVERS

Julie Forlenza, a former teacher at IS 7, P.S. 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. 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 Road West 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, a guest speaker will talk about their specialty or knowledge regarding the welfare of their treasured, loyal friends.

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 basis and get personalized treatment. They can connect with your veterinarians immediately for conditions that run the gamut of diarrhea, ear, physical, and skin issues.

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 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/