Merry everything to all. These adoptable pets will make you smile every day. Dec. 30-31

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When adopting a pet, many people first consider buying a new puppy or kitten. Senior pets are sometimes overlooked in shelters and at adoption events, but seniors have more to offer than you think. They’re calm (no puppy or kitten shenanigans), loving and loyal companions. Rescue agencies say because they’ve often been through hard times, they’re especially thankful to find families to call their own.

And while many people live by the “adopt, don’t shop” rule, senior pets often get left behind at these shelters with an uncertain future. Shelters are frequently overcrowded, and older dogs are often among the first to be euthanized. In choosing an older animal, you are truly saving a life.

Here are a few benefits of adopting a senior pet.

1. It’s rewarding

Giving a senior a second chance and letting them into your heart is an incredibly rewarding experience.

2. They require less exercise

Senior pets tend to sleep more and typically require less exercise than their younger counterparts. So, if you don’t have the time to commit to long sessions at the dog park, a senior pet who likes a daily stroll around the neighborhood or prefers to chill out at the café may be your ideal pet.

3. Their personalities are already developed

When adopting a senior pet, their personality is already developed, so you’ll better understand whether the pet will suit your lifestyle and fit in with your family.

4. Senior pets are usually already trained

Senior pets often already know many skills, including toilet training, walking calmly on a lead, waiting for food, interacting nicely with other dogs, and much more. The training requirements can be a lot less than for a puppy.

Meet Champion…

Thank you to the dedicated rescue agencies for their hard work and efforts to find a good home for these wonderful animals. They do this because they know how special they are and how they can enrich your lives.

ADOPTION EVENTS

Dec. 30

• SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Dec. 31

• SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Hello Fox!

FLAGSHIP BREWING DOG CLUB

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, 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, there will be a guest speaker to talk about their specialty or knowledge regarding the welfare of their treasured, loyal friends.

For more information, visit https://www.restaurantji.com/ny/staten-island/the-flagship-brewing-company-/ or call 718-448-5284.DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS

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 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/.