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.05/09/2023 – LI-DOG Set to Donate Dog Water Fountain at Heckscher Park

LI-DOG Set to Donate Dog Water Fountain in Huntington’s Heckscher Park!

The donation of a dog water fountain is part of an ongoing effort by LI-DOG to enhance the enjoyment of dog-friendly parks on Long Island by people and their dogs. LI-DOG also noted the donation is being made in acknowledgement of the Town Board’s unanimous decision in Nov. 2020 to make Huntington’s main community park dog-friendly. The dog water fountain features a slow-draining bowl so dogs have time to drink as well as a faucet so people can fill their dogs’ own bowls with water. For more information, go to LI-DOG Set to Donate Dog Water Fountain to Heckscher Park! 


05/09/2023 – LI-DOG Set to Donate Dog Water Fountain at Heckscher Park

 

Huntington’s Heckscher Park to Get Dog Water Fountain Donated by LI-DOG!

 

In grateful acknowledgement of the Town’s decision two years ago to make Heckscher Park dog-friendly and in an ongoing effort to enhance the enjoyment of dog-friendly parks on Long Island, LI-DOG is set to donate a dog water fountain for the dogs and people who enjoy Huntington’s Heckscher Park.

LI-DOG is working on the project with Huntington Councilwoman Joan Cergol, who sponsored the resolution to allow dogs in Heckscher Park and oversaw a successful pilot program that resulted in the Town Board’s unanimous decision in Nov. 2020, to permanently allow on-leash dog walking in Huntington’s main community park.

The stainless steel water fountain, which is made by Washington-based Dog-On-It-Parks, features a dog water bowl designed to drain slowly so dogs have a chance to drink as well as a water faucet so people can fill their dogs’ own bowls with water.

The water fountain is expected to arrive in late May. The Town’s Dept. of General Services will install the fountain and maintain it.

A resolution to accept LI-DOG’s donation will be introduced at the Town Board’s May 9th meeting at 2 p.m. Anyone who’d like to join us at the meeting to accept our donation is welcome to come!

LI-DOG will also work with Councilwoman Cergol to schedule an official opening of the dog water fountain once it’s installed in the next few weeks.

We hope you’ll be able to join us!


.04/24/2023 – NYS Legislation To Allow Dogs on Beaches

No Dogs Allowed Sign

Legislation Introduced to Allow Dogs in ALL NYS Parks including Beaches!

Contact Your NYS Senator and NYS Assemblymember TODAY!

In a big step towards lifting the ban on dogs on New York State beaches on Long Island, NYS Senator Monica Martinez and NYS Assemblymember Steve Stern, both from Long Island, have introduced bills to allow dogs in all NYS parks including beaches. The Long Island Region of the NYS Office of Parks manages 14,000 acres of public parks with access to the shoreline, yet prohibits access to all beaches on Long Island to people with dogs. The legislation protects sensitive wildlife areas and the Parks Commissioner’s authority to restrict dogs from bathing beaches and other areas typically set off-limits to dogs. However, NYS parks cover thousands of acres of trails and shoreline that are appropriate for people with dogs. To find out what you can do to help lift the dog ban on NYS’s LI beaches, go to: Legislation Introduced to Allow Dogs in all NYS Parks. Call your NYS Senator and NYS Assemblymember TODAY. The next few weeks are critical to getting this legislation passed!


04/24/2023 – NYS Legislation To Allow Dogs on Beaches

 

No Dogs Allowed Sign

Photo Credit: Joann Garguola

Legislation Introduced to Allow Dogs in ALL New York State Parks including Beaches!

 

Contact Your NYS Senator and Assemblymember NOW to Support/Co-Sponsor S.4993 in the Senate and A.6244 in the Assembly!

 

Find Your NYS Senator    Find Your NYS Assemblymember

 

Check out recent media coverage:

Newsday, Dog Ban on Long Island’s State Beaches Could be Lifted Under Proposed Legislation

CBS NewsNY, Legislation Moving Through Albany to Allow Dogs to have State Park Beach Access

In a big step towards lifting the ban on dogs on New York State beaches on Long Island, New York State Senator Monica Martinez, the former Deputy LI Regional Director of NYS Parks and now NYS Senator from Brentwood, has introduced S.4993–a bill to allow dogs in ALL NY State Parks, including beaches! New York Assemblyman Steve Stern from Dix Hills, who has worked with LI-DOG since 2021 to lift the ban on dogs on NYS LI beaches, swiftly followed suit by introducing A.6244 in the NYS Assembly.

Specifically, the bill says:  “Dogs shall be allowed in all New York State Parks…including but not limited to trails and beaches.”

The next few weeks are critical to getting this legislation passed in both the Senate and Assembly. Email or call your NYS Senator and NYS Assemblymember today!

The New York State Office of Parks manages 14,000 acres of Long Island parks with shoreline access yet prohibits ALL access to beaches on Long Island to people with dogs. Denying access to so much recreational space to dog owners who pay taxes that support this public parkland is unacceptable.

New Yorkers want change. LI-DOG launched a petition to Lift the Dog Ban on New York’s Long Island Beaches in 2021. The petition has more than 6,700 signers, but we need more! If you haven’t already signed our petition, sign it today!

It is important to note the bill protects sensitive wildlife areas and gives the Parks Commissioner the authority to restrict access to swimming beaches, playgrounds and other areas typically set off-limits to dogs. In other words, the Commissioner still has the power to restrict dogs from beaches where people sunbathe and swim. However, NYS parks cover thousands of acres of shoreline and trails that are appropriate for people with dogs.

The law requires:

  • Owners to pick up after their dogs and properly dispose of waste.
  • New York State parks to install clean up stations including garbage cans and biodegradable waste bags.
  • All dogs be under the control of their owners and that they be leashed at all times, unless a state park designates a specific unleashed area (such as the new dog run at Belmont Lake State Park).

In addition, as is common throughout New York State, dog owners are responsible for any damage or harm caused by their dogs. To read the bill, go NYS Legislative Information. Type in: S04993, that’s S, zero, 4993.

NY State elected officials must work to lift the ban on dogs on Long Island beaches. Denying access to this major public recreational resource to so many people who own dogs and pay taxes that support this public land is unacceptable. Let New Yorkers bring their dogs to the beach!

What You Can Do: Email or Call Your NYS Senator and NYS Assemblymember TODAY!

Key points to communicate to elected officials:

  • Please co-sponsor S.4993 (for your Senator) and A.6244 (for your Assemblymember), which will allow dogs in ALL NYS parks including beaches.
  • People with dogs support public parks through their taxes, but are banned from all beaches in NYS public parks on LI.
  • Access to public parks is a basic right and need. It’s not right to cut off access to so much public land to so many people.
  • The bill protects endangered wildlife and the power of the Parks Commissioner to restrict dogs from bathing beaches, playgrounds and other areas typically set off-limits to dogs.
  • Support for this common-sense bill will make a big positive change in the quality of life of thousands of New Yorkers.
  • It’s time for New York State to catch up with other areas around the country from Maine to Florida and Washington State to California that have found ways to accommodate people with dogs on their beaches!

Make sure to let all your dog-loving friends and family in New York State know about the bill and ask them to contact their NYS Senator and their NYS Assemblymember to co-sponsor and support S.4993 in the Senate and A.6244 in the Assembly.

In addition, if you haven’t already signed our petition to Lift the Ban on Dogs on New York State Beaches on Long Island, sign it NOW and urge all your dog-loving friends and family in New York to sign, too! Don’t forget to leave a comment. Comments from people are a powerful way to strengthen our message to elected officials.

Also, make sure to share our posts on social media including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the hashtags #DogFriendlyLIBeaches, #LIDogFriendlyBeaches, and #timeforaccess.

Remember: The next few weeks are critical. Email or Call Your NYS Senator and your NYS Assemblymember TODAY!

 


.06/11/2023 – LI-DOG Pooch-a-Palooza Luau

LI-DOG Pooch-a-Palooza Luau!

Sun., June 11th, Noon – 4 PM
The Baja Boathouse, Patchogue

You and your leashed dog are invited to join LI-DOG for our Pooch-a-Palooza Luau on the waterfront at The Baja Boathouse on Sun., June 11th. There’ll be contests and games, free food, music, tropical drinks and lots of fun for the pups! Discounted advance tickets are now on sale! For tickets and more information, check out the LI-DOG Pooch-a-Palooza Luau! 


06/11/2023 – LI-DOG Pooch-a-Palooza Luau

 

$15 Advance Tickets on Sale Now!




LI-DOG Pooch-a-Palooza Luau

 

Photo Credit: Joann Garguola

Sun., June 11th, Noon – 4 PM

The Baja Boathouse (formerly Off-Key Tikki)

31 Baker Pl.

Patchogue, NY

(Google Map) 

How to find us: Look for The Baja Boathouse sign!

Leash up your pup and join us on the beautiful waterfront at The Baja Boathouse (formerly Off Key Tikki) on Sunday, June 11th for LI-DOG’s Pooch-a-Palooza Luau! Enjoy beautiful views, delicious food, tropical drinks, music, contests, raffles, and lots of fun for the pups!

There will be many fun games with chances to win exciting prizes for both people and pups including our “Biggest Lap Dog Contest” – always a fan favorite!

Pups (and People): Be sure to come decked out in your favorite luau outfits and pose for memorable summer photos at the Tikki Bar Photo Booth.

Visit the raffle tables to take a chance at winning one of the many raffle baskets and prizes generously donated by our sponsors.

Sit and take in the view as you listen to some summer jams and sip delicious tropical drinks. Truly a special day to spend with your dogs!

Discount advance tickets are NOW available for only $15 per person (dogs are free!). On the day of the event, tickets will be $20 at the door.

Get your tickets now at:

LI-DOG Pooch a Palooza Luau




Please Note: Discount advance ticket sales end at 6 p.m. Saturday (6/10) night!

This is a fund-raising event to benefit LI-DOG. Donations support LI-DOG’s work to increase access to parkland and beaches for Long Island dog owners and their pets.

This is a dog-friendly event, but dogs must remain leashed on non-retractable leads at all times and are not allowed inside the restaurant.

Besides getting your ticket, please also RSVP so we know how many people to expect:

LI-DOG on Meetup

LI-DOG on Facebook

or email us at lidog_news@yahoo.com

Please note: This event will be held Rain or Shine.

We look forward to seeing you and your dog at our Pooch-a-Palooza Luau!

 


.05/04/2023 – LI-DOG 2023 Events Meeting   Recently updated !

LI-DOG 2023 Events Meeting!

Thurs., May 4th, 7 – 9 PM
Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, Plainview

New Members Welcome! Join us on May 4th to learn about all the fun, exciting events LI-DOG is hosting and participating in this year and how you can help!  Our May 4th meeting will focus primarily on our big, upcoming Pooch-a-Palooza Luau. Come help brainstorm ideas for games and contests and fun activities for our guests. For more information, go to LI-DOG 2023 Events Meeting! 


05/04/2023 – LI-DOG 2023 Events Meeting   Recently updated !

 

Photo Credit: Joann Garguola

LI-DOG 2023 Events Meeting!

Thurs., May 4th, 7 – 9 PM

Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library

999 Old Country Rd, Plainview, NY

(Google Map)

How to find us: We will be in Meeting Room B, which is downstairs.

New members encouraged! Learn about ways you can help LI-DOG!

Come join us on Thursday, May 4th at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library to hear about the exciting events LI-DOG is planning this year and how you can help!

This year we’re hosting and participating in several, fun dog-friendly events! (Your dog, of course, is welcome to join you.) Among them:

  • LI-DOG’s Poocha-a-Palooza Luau at Baja Boathouse (formerly Off Key Tikki) on Sun., June 11th
  • The Port Paws Dog Festival in Port Jefferson on Sat. and Sun., July 15th and July 16th
  • LI-DOG’s Doggie Beach Pawty at Mud Creek Off-Leash Beach in E. Patchogue on Sat., July 22nd
  • Barkin’ Brunch at The Refuge on Sun., October 8th
  • LI-DOG’s Howl-o-Ween Pawty TBD

On event days opportunities to help include, but are not limited to:

  • Greeting participants and their dogs!
  • Setting up the LI-DOG booth and venue
  • Selling raffle tickets for our gift baskets
  • Helping to run doggie games and judge our contests

Whether you want to be part of the planning or learn how you can enjoy a fun day with lots of dogs, while helping LI-DOG, this meeting is the place to start.

Our meeting on May 4th will focus mainly on the Pooch-a-Palooza Luau. Help come up with ideas for games/contests and fun activities for our guests!

Please let us know if you can join us.

To RSVP, go to:

LI-DOG on Meetup

LI-DOG on Facebook

or email at lidog_news@yahoo.com

Light refreshments will be served!

If you can’t attend the meeting, but would like to volunteer, let us know! Email us at events@lidog.org.

All our events are dog-friendly, but unfortunately, only service dogs are allowed in the library for the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you and hearing your ideas at our Events Meeting on May 4th!

 

 


05/20/2023 – LI-DOG Pack Walk at Dix Hills Park   Recently updated !

 

Photo Credit: Joann Garguola

LI-DOG Pack Walk™ at Dix Hills Park!

Sat., May 20th, 11 AM – 1 PM 

575 Vanderbilt Pkwy., 
Dix Hills, NY

(Google Map)

How to find us: Look for the big parking lot on the right after you enter the park and the people and dogs near the brown sign at the trailhead.

Please join us for our May LI-DOG Pack Walk™ on the lovely Woodland Trail in Dix Hills Park, Huntington! LI-DOG Pack Walks™–group on-leash walks–are a great way to enjoy Long Island’s beautiful parks with your dog, while meeting new friends and their pups.

The trail, which is covered by trees and is a bit hilly, is one of the nicest dog-friendly trails on Long Island. Make sure to wear good walking shoes as the trail can be gravelly in spots.

The walk will take about an hour as we follow the 2-mile-long Woodland Trail around the perimeter of the park. There are several places where you can cut the walk short, though, if you want.

Please be aware that dogs must remain leashed AT ALL TIMES on the Pack Walk™. Please also make sure to bring poop bags–as clean-up is a must! Also, no retractable leashes as we’ll be walking as a group and people and dogs can get tangled.

Please arrive 15 minutes early so you can sign in and we can start on time.

To RSVP, go to:

LI-DOG on Meetup

LI-DOG on Facebook

or email lidog_news@yahoo.com

We hope you can join us at Dix Hills Park on Sat., the 20th!

***In the event of inclement weather, please check our Meetup or Facebook Group as we will post any weather-related changes by 10 am Saturday morning. If there is no announcement, the Pack Walk is on!


.05/20/2023 – LI-DOG Pack Walk at Dix Hills Park   Recently updated !

LI-DOG Pack Walk™ at Dix Hills Park

Sat., May 20th, 11 AM to 1 PM
575 Vanderbilt Pkwy., Dix Hills, NY

Please join us for our LI-DOG Pack Walk™ at Dix Hills Park on Sat., May 20th at 11 in the morning. Our group on-leash walk will take us on the lovely Woodland Trail around the 2-mile long perimeter of the park. You can cut the walk shorter, though, if you want. For details, check out LI-DOG Pack Walk™ at Dix Hills Park!