STATEN ISLAND, NY — These days have been hard for many people: making ends meet, looking after each other and caring for loved ones. These beautiful animals are a kind of therapy for us. Their love is endless and unwavering. No matter what happens, their greetings when you come home are comfort and care. They understand us better than we think.

Smithsonian has published some exciting findings about your little dogs and their ancestors.

“A study published today in Current Biology suggests instead that the genetic makeup for today’s tiny dog ​​breeds lurked in the DNA of ancient wolves that lived more than 50,000 years ago, long before domestication began,” said Alex Fox, a freelance journalist.

We want to highlight local advocacy groups trying to find homes for these sweet souls. If you have time, please stop by, share, or adopt if possible.

Louie’s Legacy has a constant and far-reaching impact in our community. They host adoption events throughout New York City and are a good source of information. They started in 2006 with a dog named Louie. Here is their story:

The story of Louie’s Legacy began with a special little dog – Louie, of course. Louie was a basset hound mix with red fur and mixed-colored eyes and belonged to a shelter with a 99% kill rate when he and its founder, Emily, met one fateful day.

Louie’s Legacy posts weekly and is committed to finding homes for these sweet souls. If you have a moment, stop by.

Meet Heather

VOLUNTEERS

We are ever grateful to the volunteers who organize pet events in the county and surrounding areas each week, send out announcements, run fundraisers, help with supplies, clean cages, feed animals, make sure pets’ medical needs are met, and so much more.

GIFTS FOR ANIMAL LOVERS

Julie Forlenza, a former teacher at IS 7, PS 62 and manager of Woof and Tails Lodge, took action to help animals in shelters after Hurricane Ian. She is the owner of Black Dog Portrait. Her passion for helping animals is extraordinary. Visit her on Facebook or Instagram.

Stellar Villa is a New York City-based artist who recently raised over $11,500 for animal shelters after single-handedly creating 1,252 custom pieces of art of other people’s pets in 21 days. Now she’s working to create lasting 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.

…

ONGOING

1. Low-cost or free sterilization: The ASPCA’s free and low-cost mobile sterilization van travels throughout all neighborhoods in the five boroughs.

Low-income pet owners in the five boroughs who can prove they receive social assistance benefits such as welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability, food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or public housing are eligible for free spay/neuter services for their cat or dog. If you have a pit bull, pit bull mix or certain large dog breeds, spay/neuter services are also free.

For exact times the transporter will be in your area and 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. To apply or for more information, visit nyc.gov/doglicense. View the

Flyer in the gallery above.

HIKING TRAILS

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, free-running area, lawn area, park centre on the right side

· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind the sports fields closer to Ramona Avenue

· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, open field above the picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue

· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (grass area)

· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area, grassy 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 grassy area leading to the beach

· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street

· Father Macris Park, free-running area, lawn behind the ball field

· Ida Court Playground, Dog Run, Ida Court between North Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East

· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, at the end of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace; directly below the playground

· Siedenburg Park, free-running area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street

· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from Parkview Apartments

· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: On sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day

· Willowbrook Park, free-running area, archery range

· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, left of Cornelia Avenue

For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.

Dogs are not allowed on any bathing facilities, including those on New York City beaches. However, from October 1 to May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.

Dogs on a leash are allowed on the boardwalk in Midland Beach and South Beach.

For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.

EATING OUTDOORS 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 Cafe, 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

PET POISONOUS AWARENESS HELPLINES

If you believe your pet has ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.

As the seasons change, think about the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/

REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY

To report an incident of animal cruelty, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

To contact an environmental police officer or report suspected violations, contact the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) or dec.ny.gov/