Walkway event promotes pet safety

My colleague John Barry covered Hounds Over the Hudson — hosted by the Dutchess County SPCA — Saturday on the Walkway Over the Hudson.

Here is his story in today's Poughkeepsie Journal.

I stopped by to check things out and took a few pictures. It was a gorgeous day to be on the Walkway. The views were spectacular.

Dogs to strut across the Walkway Saturday

The Walkway Over the Hudson will be the scene Saturday of the Hounds Over the Hudson bridge festival, sponsored by the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and its counterpart across the river, the Ulster County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

It will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public with no registration required.

DCSPCA staff and volunteers will be providing information on the care of dogs and giving demonstrations with therapy dogs.

Members of the Humane Law Department will be giving demonstrations on how to prevent stress to dogs in hot weather.

A canine parade of adoptable shelter dogs will begin at 11 a.m. with each shelter meeting in the center of the bridge.

Note: The parade will be canceled if the temperature or weather conditions are unsafe for dogs on the Walkway.

Here are directions to both entrances — Highland to the west and City of Poughkeepsie to the east — to the linear park.

Hot weather tips from the DCSPCA

HYDE PARK — As summer temperatures continue to soar, the Dutchess Country SPCA is reminding residents to take precautions to keep their pets safe.

"Our companion animals suffer just like we do in the hot summer months and it is so important that we provide special care to ensure their well-being," said Joyce Garrity, executive director, Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The DCSPCA advises that pet owners take the following
precautions for pets:

• Never leave an animal unattended in a parked vehicle. Temperatures can rise quickly in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open. Heat stroke can be fatal to pets as well as to people.
• Keep lawn and garden pesticides out of the reach of your animals as they can be toxic to both dogs and cats. When walking your dog, stay away from streets that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides and/or other chemicals. Be sure to also keep citronella candles and insect coils in a secure place so that your animal does not have any contact with them.
• Make sure that clean, fresh water is always available for your pets. Do not leave a dog tied up outdoors. If your pet is allowed outdoors, make sure that it has access to a shady spot when it gets too hot. Paws can get burned on hot asphalt and concrete so take daily walks in the early morning or late evening to prevent your pet from becoming overheated. Take special care with animals with short-noses that may have trouble breathing in the heat and ones with white-colored ears, which burn easily in the sun.
• If you are caring for outdoor cats, make sure that they have access to a plentiful supply of water and keep feeding stations clean to prevent an invasion from ants and other insects.
• Keep a close eye on pets at a cookout. Reaching for tempting treats from the barbecue can result in burned paws and whiskers. And as tantalizing as it may be, do not give your pet treats from the grill as a sudden change in diet can result in a serious gastric upset. Also keep alcoholic beverages in a safe place and avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products that contain Xylitol, a sweetener.
• Not all dogs can swim, and precautions should be taken to prevent an accident from happening when you are at a pool, lake or ocean with your pet.
• Keep your pets well groomed to control fleas and ticks; however, don't shave your pets down too much as their fur insulates them from the heat and prevents sunburn. Ask your veterinarian for advice about how to handle emergencies for bee stings and insect bites, using pet first aid.
• Prevent "High-Rise Syndrome," a common tragedy that occurs when cats and dogs fall out of apartment windows during the sweltering months in the city. Keep all unscreened windows closed and make sure that adjustable screens are tightly secured to keep your pets safe.
• Learn how to spot signs of heat stress in your pet, which include the following symptoms: heavy breathing, a rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, heavy panting, glazed eyes, restlessness, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue and becoming unconscious. If your animal shows any of these symptoms, immediately call your veterinarian. Also take steps to gradually lower their body temperature; move the animal into an air-conditioned area and apply cold towels to the head, neck and chest or run cool water over the pet and allow the animal to drink small amounts of cool water.

Shelter gets $1M gift

HYDE PARK — A $1 million bequest has been given to the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Executive Director Joyce Garrity announced the gift at the organization’s Hope for the Animals Gala May 1.

The money was from the estate of City of Poughkeepsie resident Lorraine Lingad.

Garrity said Lingad, who was a secretary at her church, loved all animals and left a remarkable legacy for the community.

“Through her generosity, she will help the DCSPCA prevent cruelty to animals and to help homeless and abused animals be adopted into caring, responsible homes,” she said.

“I only wish she could known what an impact she will have on this community,” Garrity said.

A portion of the bequest will go toward building a new $3 million Adoption and Education Center.

The DCSPCA now has 87 percent of the funds raised.

Board President Eric S. Ewing said that means the organization will be able to begin construction on the new facility without incurring any debt.

“The remainder of her gift will be used to support the operations so that we can continue to be a financially sound organization,” he said.

Beacon going to the dogs in April

Now that spring is officially here, it's time to start thinking about Beacon Barks.

This year the 4th-annual dog-inclusive festival that takes over Main Street in Beacon is scheduled for Saturday, April 24.

Click on the link above for more information.

Beacon Barks is a collaboration between the Dutchess County SPCA and The Beacon Barkery.

These pictures and video are from last year's event.




Photos and video by Michael Woyton/Poughkeepsie Journal.

Help the shelter feed their animals

A plea from the Dutchess County SPCA:

"You shouldn't be forced to choose between feeding your pet or giving up your best friend. The DCSPCA urges all animal lovers to make a donation of dog or cat food that will go directly to those in need in Dutchess County. If you can help, please make a pet food donation at either the shelter at 636 Violet Avenue (Rte 9G) in Hyde Park or at the Beacon Barkery, Main Street in Beacon or at Embassy Travel, Rte 82 Hopewell Jct. Thank you!"

And watch this video the shelter made:

Birthday girl donates to the shelter

From left, Jake Carson, dog Ryan, Eden Bogen, and Carson Bogen (Courtesy photo)

When Eden Bogen turned 6 on Nov. 27, she asked people coming to her party to bring food and other donations for the animals at the Dutchess County SPCA.

She and her family dropped by the shelter recent to deliver the items, including a car load of dog and cat food, along with paper towels and bleach.

Board member Ron Lane was on hand to present Bogen with a certificate of appreciation.

During her visit, Bogen and her brothers Carson Bogen and Jake Carson enjoyed meeting Ryan a black lab puppy from the shelter.

A few more pix and thoughts from Paws in the Park

Looks like most everyone had a good time at the Paws in the Park Petwalk Saturday at Bowdoin Park.

It was, of course, a benefit for the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hyde Park.

There were other nonprofits with booths there as well. As event coordinator Debbi Calabrese said, they like to share the wealth.


I decided not to take Kate with me this year. And I got asked a lot about where she was.

I took her to the last two Paws in the Parks and the last two Beacon Barks, and she always is a trooper.

But after April's Beacon Barks, I realized that Kate — now well over 14 years — was not really enjoying it.

There's an uncomfortable car ride and then the seemingly long event itself where there is never enough water, shade or comfy places to lie down.

And I'm sure Kate feels that way too. (Just kidding.) (Not really.)

So, while the weather turned out to be fantastic — overcast, with bits of sunshine, and low temperatures — I decided to go solo.

Besides, it's much easier for me to work — even though it's one of the more pleasant assignments I am given — it's still work.

Taking pictures, recording video, sending tweets, interviewing people and taking notes are lot easier without a leash in one hand.

However, there is a part of me that hates that I left Kate at home. She's never been a dog that been taken everywhere. I know some people who bring their dogs wherever they go, even if it's just to pick up a quart of milk.

Leaving her at home — this time — meant, in a not so small way, that Kate really is getting old. Is old.

This makes the thought that she isn't going to be with me forever all the more real.

Love them while you can. They deserve it.

More pix from Paws in the Park

Here are some more photos I took from Paws in the Park today.


























Photos by Michael Woyton/Poughkeepsie Journal

15th Paws in the Park fun for all

Amazingly, the weather forecasts were wrong for today. Menacing clouds gave way to blue skies at times for the 15th annual Paws in the Park Petwalk.

Held at Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie, the festival benefits the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hyde Park.

Here's the start of the walk.



There were contests for best tail wagging (please, dogs only!), best costume and look alikes (humans and pooches). Here is a video from the begging contest.



There were traditional agility courses, ball catching and Puppies of the Caribbean. A new agility course, with a NASCAR theme, is Tail-adega Nights. Here's a look.



The festival had dog-related vendors and nonprofit organizations, like Puppies Behind Bars, on hand.

Sally makes an appearance at Paws in the Park

Sally, the terrier mix who was rescued from a clothing donation bin in Sept. 2008, came to the petwalk today, accompanied by her owner Paula Clausi-VanSteenburgh of Highland.

It was truly hard to believe it was the same starved pooch from a year ago.

Are you gearing up for Paws in the Park?

It's time again for Paws in the Park, to benefit the Dutchess County SPCA.

The Paws in the Park Petwalk will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Bowdoin Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

The first Petwalk, held in 1994, raised $9000 to benefit the shelter. About 90 people participated. Since then, the yearly event has grown to include hundreds of participants and vendors and provided a lot of fun on a late summer day.

Last year, it raised almost $50,000.

Besides agility and other activities, the festival this year has a "sport" called Tail-adega Nights, a game for dogs based on sports car racing, dog agility and obedience.

Here are some stories from past blog entries about Paws in the Park.

As of today, the weather forecast calls for cloudy skies with a 30 percent chance of showers. The high should be around 72.

Here's hoping it won't be as hot as in past years.

Directions to Bowdoin Park can be found here.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Pantera — Maine coon
"Thirty-two cats and one dog round out this crazy crew seized by our Humane Law Tean from an overcrowded cat house. Pantera, a handsome, orange male Maine Coon needs a little socialization, which is not surprising due to his minimal interaction with humans and maximum interaction with other felines. He's currently in our free-range room, so stop in and see Pantera, or any of the other guys from this collection."

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Bingo — Terrier
"Looking for a smart dog? One that is strong and likes to play? One that will also curl up on top of you to enjoy a late afternoon nap? Bingo! We've got what you are after! Young adult tan-and-white male terrier fits this description to at T-19. So, if you play your card right, you might just have the winning ticket to take this hot number home. Best in a home with no cats, and preferably one that is familiar with the breed's characteristics, because Bingo is most definitely a character!"

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Wonderboy — Tiger
"We are thinking about renaming this orange tiger male 'Wanderboy' since he has this desire to try and get out of the building. Not a good idea since this escapee can no longer see! Injured from a run-in with a car, this sweet boy lost vision in both eyes, with one being surgically removed. Obviously with no ill effect on his desire to be mobile! Good with other animals and people of all ages, he's one of the most affectionate cats we've been graced with in a long time."

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Ready for adoption — video edition

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for? And people, this is the fourth time in a year and a half we've mentioned that Canela needs a home. Someone, please, step up to the plate!

This week's featured pet:
Canela — Terrier/boxer mix
"Fawn colored body. Black muzzle. Looks like this female terrier mix stuck her nose in someplace it shouldn't have been. The right place to stick her nose in would be around the playground as this young girl has plenty of energy and loves to walk, sit, fetch, play. Watch the video above and see Canela play fetch on the new zip line at the shelter!"


The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Chloe — Lab/Terrier mix
"For Sale. For Rent. Foreclosed. Forgotten. Any one of the aforementioned words has provided us with an increased amount of animals left by owners when they relocate. Chloe is a female lab/terrier mix who was left behind when her owners moved. She has a good grasp of basic obedience commands, is very intelligent and has a tremendous amount of potential. Chloe would do best in a home experienced with terriers or other 'working' breeds."

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Shanna — Mastiff
"Got a big yard? 'Cause we've got a BIG dog! Shanna is a 4-year-old Mastiff female who loves to play. Her initial imposing looks soon fade to a jolly demeanor when she realizes it's time for a walk. Good with some commands ("sit" is a popular one with her), she would do best in a home with grown children and parents who are experienced with the breed."

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Dogs to show off at 'Show Off' in Fishkill

FISHKILL — Head to Doug Phillips Park on Route 52 Sunday with your pooch for the Town of Fishkill's annual Dog Show Off.

Taking place from 1 to 4 p.m., there will be demonstrations, vendors and a low-cost rabies licensing clinic.

Donations of blankets, newspapers, towels and bleach will be given to the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Hyde Park.

There will also be a raffle and bake sale to raise money to improve the park.

While you are there, you can pick up information and applications for the new fee to use Friendly Paws Dog Park. The fee takes effect June 1.

Here's my story about the new fee than ran today in the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Squirrel — Rottweiler/Shepherd
"She may be a little nuts, but you won't find this squirrel in any tree! This female rottie/shepherd mix is a bit on the active side as well as a tad bit skittish. A calm adult-only home would be the best for her, somewhere she can nest up and relax. Once a stable routine is formed for her, Squirrel will blossom into a wonderful family pet."

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.