STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As Independence Day approaches, pet owners should be aware that the festivities that bring joy to humans can cause significant anxiety and danger for their four-legged companions.
A Psychology Today study reveals that at least 25% of dog owners report their pets experience anxiety due to loud noises, with an overwhelming 83% identifying fireworks as triggering the worst reactions, including trembling, pacing, and escape attempts.
“Our pets are cherished family members, and it’s our responsibility to ensure their safety during celebrations,” said Petland’s Veterinary Operations Manager, Sarah Hettinger, DVM. “It is important for pet owners to be proactive in seeking veterinary advice regarding the treatment of their pets who experience anxiety.”
Meet Kia…
Meet Kia!
She is a 7-week-old, 11-pound Pittie mix. She may be small now, but she’s got a big heart and even bigger personality waiting to shine! She is still learning about the world – everything is new, exciting, and a little wobbly. She loves playing with toys and cuddling, and is working hard on potty and crate training.
Kia isn’t quite ready to go home just yet; she's eligible to move into a foster-to-adopt home starting June 14, and will be officially available for adoption on June 28 after receiving age-appropriate veterinary care. We're sharing Kia early because we know the right family will be ready and waiting when the time comes.
If you’re looking for your new best friend, Kia is your girl. She will be your loyal shadow and cuddle buddy!
Kia's adoption fee is $550. To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’sLegacy)Louie’sLegacy
Experts recommend several strategies to keep pets safe during Fourth of July celebrations. Keeping pets indoors is crucial, as loud fireworks can frighten them into running away. Creating a quiet, comfortable, and safe space inside your home can provide security, with calming music or white noise helping to mask the sounds of fireworks.
Proper identification is essential – pets should wear up-to-date ID tags, and microchipping provides an additional safety measure if they escape. Pet owners should also avoid sharing holiday foods that could be harmful, as barbecue items like onions, grapes, and certain meats can cause gastrointestinal issues or toxicity.
For pet-specific concerns, owners should always consult their veterinarian.
Special Event
Saturday, June 28, 2025
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
7381 Amboy Rd.
Join us for an adoption event sponsored by DiTommaso Real Estate!
Meet adorable adoptables, win fun raffles, and help support local rescues through donations. (Courtesy/DITOMMASO)DITOMMASO
Adoption Events
June 28
- Louie’s Legacy will be at the DiTommaso Real Estate adoption event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event flyer is shown above.
- Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, Woodbridge, New Jersey, 863 St. Georges Ave., from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m
June 29
- Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, East Brunswick, New Jersey, 300 State Route 18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m
- Louie’s Legacy at the Staten Island Mall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. They will be there with adoptable animals and opportunities to learn about fostering, adoption, and volunteering.
- Staten Island Animal Hope Rescue will be at Petco, located at 165 Bricktown Way, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Animal Care Centers of New York City is open for adoptions of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Road West on Monday and Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs through ACC, go to www.nycacc.org
You can also visit ACC to register and purchase a NYC license for your dog from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Meet Lincoln…
Meet Lincoln!
This adorable 2.5-month-old, 3-lb kitten is all charm, energy, and cuddly sweetness wrapped in one tiny gray-and-white package! Rescued after being found wandering the streets, Lincoln has fully embraced the good life—and he's ready to bring that joy into a forever home.
Lincoln has a friendly and outgoing personality. From day one, he’s been affectionate, curious, and full of playful energy. He’s been raised in a multi-cat household and gets along wonderfully with his foster sister, often engaging in long play sessions filled with zoomies, wrestling, and plenty of pouncing.
Favorite activities include:
Chasing spiral toys and balls
Climbing cat trees like a tiny monkey
Carrying his toys around like trophies
Napping at your feet (or on your pillow)
Cuddling in your arms, baby-style, while you rub his belly
Lincoln adores people of all ages and enjoys being held and pet. He's the ultimate food buddy too—expect him to perch on your shoulder or give you the most convincing “please share” eyes when you're eating. He lives for churus and will quickly become your snack-time sidekick.
House-trained, crate-trained, and an expert snuggler, Lincoln is equal parts playful and affectionate. He’s the kind of kitten who will spend hours entertaining himself and you, then curl up by your side to snooze.
Lincoln would thrive in a home with another playful kitty, or with humans who can match his energy and love for toys, treats, and attention. He’s a little shadow with a big heart and a huge personality.
Ready to meet your new best friend?
? Apply at www.pupstarzrescue.org or email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org to make Lincoln part of your family! (Courtesy/Pupstarz)PupStarz
Gifts for animal lovers
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 out Stellar’s work.
Sophia Di Meglio wrote and illustrated A Big Life for Buddy, a children’s book that offers a lighthearted look at an exceptional dog and teaches children about growing older, belonging, and the fact that loss is a natural part of life.
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, 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 N. 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 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.
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.
Meet Pixie…
Meet Pixie, a 7-year-old, wonderful Cocker/Dachshund mix. She is friendly and gets along with other dogs well!
If you would like to adopt this dog, please visit email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
www.pupstarzrescue.org
Please Follow us on Instagram: @pupstarzrescue
Like us on FaceBook! www.facebook.com/PupStarzRescue
PupStarz rescue cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament or age of any dog.(Courtesy/Pupstarz)PupStarz
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/.
