Another Dog Abandonded in Brooklyn Heights

Is this a sign of the times? I find it hard to believe that it's a coincidence that two dogs were abandoned at Hillside Dog Run in two days. The state of the economy and the city's banning of large dogs and certain breeds in public housing has to play a role here.

In any case, I am glad that our community is so willing to help. Thanks to everyone on the Hillside Yahoo Group that has helped, is helping or offered to help these great dogs.

Here's info on Sweetie who was rescued in the park yesterday.

Sweet puppy for adoption: a beautiful and super-sweet black and white female Pit mix puppy, approximately 5 months old and 40lbs. At first no one knew this dog was abandoned today because she was playing so well and actively with the other dogs at Hillside Dog Park. But it became apparent after many hours that the puppy’s prior owners intentionally left her. No tags, no microchip, no collar. She’s currently being fostered with a neighborhood family that already has a 10-month old puppy (and a 8 year old daughter), and won’t be able to foster this new pup for long.

As you’ll see from the photo, this pup is very sweet, playful, and is great with children and other dogs. This is an active dog and will need a good amount of daily exercise (at least an hour at Hillside for some off-leash fun).

My fellow neighbors, the economic crisis is overflowing the animal shelters with abandoned dogs. There’s no room left. Let’s take care of our own during these tough times, from our neighbors to our pups.

If you’ve been thinking of adopting, now’s the time–these dogs will make their new owners very happy.

For more information or for an interview to see one of these dogs, please contact me at mparker@hillsidedogs.org.

A special thanks goes to Matthew Parker, President of the Friends of Hillside Dog Park. He is currently fostering Akita (whom I posted about Monday) and has this to say about him.

Warning: if you meet Akita you’re going to want to make him part of your life. As Friends of Hillside Dog Park president, I see a lot of dogs, and they are all good, but Akita is exceptional. He’ll make a great companion for someone who wants a big dog, but also one that’s laid back and well trained. I think he’d do fine even in a small apartment. Someone’s going to adopt a great dog. If you’ve been thinking about it, and you want a big dog (he’s an underweight 72 lbs and will likely be at least 80lbs), he’s right here in Brooklyn Heights waiting to meet you.

Beautiful Akita/Shepherd Mix Abandoned in Brooklyn

This came in from the Hillside Dog Run Yahoo Group. The gorgeous dog was found yesterday and the foster dad is looking for a home for him as soon as possible.

Hillsiders:

This morning someone chained a dog to the fence at the corner of Columbia Heights and Vine and left him there with a bowl of water.

I've taken the dog back to my house and he's in the backyard with food and water.

This is a beautiful dog and super friendly. After I fed him, he curled up in my lap for tummy scratches. I haven't heard him bark yet, even when I've left him for a few minutes.

He knows how to sit, stay, give paw. He's unneutered and appears to be between 2-4 years. He's also playful and seems to be just fine around other dogs.

He's a bit underweight and dirty at the moment. I'm taking him over to the vet when she opens this morning to get him checked.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a wonderful, beautiful and well behaved dog, someone's going to get very lucky with this one. I only wish I could keep him myself. I'm waiting for my friend who's involved in Akita rescue to wake up, but it would be great to find this dog a home as soon as possible. He's gorgeous.

Update:

We just got back from the vet. She thinks he's about 4-5 years. Just gave him a rabies and distemper vaccine. His heartworm and parasite test came back negative. She says he's in good health.

Once he gets another 5 lbs on him, he'll be in great shape. He weighed in today at 72 lbs. He's a real looker (see photos).

Great disposition!!

Looking to adopt him to a good owner as soon as possible. Please spread the word, or if you're looking for a great dog--he's right here. I wish I could keep him.

If you are interested in adopting this handsome man, or can help in another way contact Matthew at mparker@hillsidedogs.org.

Breed Specific Legistlation Event

The following is free and open to the public:

Breed Specific Legislation: Justifiable Discrimination?

Presented by the Committee on Legal Issues Pertaining to Animals
New York City Bar Association, Meeting Hall
42 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Tuesday, May 5, 2009, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

American Staffordshire Bull Terriers ("Pit Bulls"), Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Doberman Pinschers have all been the subject of Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). Is BSL a solution to prevent dog bites, dog fighting and abandonment, or an over-inclusive policy that wrongly discriminates against certain breeds, penalizing responsible people and their pets? A panel of experts will discuss the law and policy surrounding this controversial issue.

Panelists:

Debora Bresch, Esq. — Legislative Liaison, ASPCA
Deborah DiIorio — In Our Hands Rescue
Michael McGraw —Director of Media Relations, PETA
Heather McManus, Esq.— Senior Attorney, American Kennel Club
Ledy VanKavage, Esq. — Senior Legislative Analyst, Best Friends Animal Society
Moderators:

Bina Ahmad, Esq., Christine Mott, Esq.

If anyone is able to go, I would love to hear about it.

This Diamond Can Be Your Best Friend

My friend and colleague Dani Santanella has contacted me about a sweet little dog that needs to be re-homed.


Diamond is looking for a forever home. Her current owner is blind, expecting a guide dog later this month and is unable to care for both of them.

Diamond loves people and good with dogs off leash. She is about 35-40 pounds and needs basic training and exercise. If you are interested in adopting Diamond, please contact Dani at 347.416.2535 for more information.