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.07/30/2023 – LI-DOG’s Pooch a Palooza Luau 2023

This entry was posted in Latest News Headline and tagged 2023 July 30th LI-DOG Luau Pooch a Palooza The Pine Grove Inn on by

 

Dogs and People Enjoy Outdoor Fun at LI-DOG’s Pooch-a-Palooza Luau at The Pine Grove Inn!

For the first time, LI-DOG held its Pooch-a-Palooza Luau, a summer festival celebrating outdoor fun for our canine companions, at The Pine Grove Inn in E. Patchogue. The event, an important fundraiser for the all-volunteer nonprofit organization, featured music, games, raffles, brunch for people and their pups, dog-themed cocktails (for people only),  a craft booth and Tikki Bar Photo Booth. The event attracted more than 80 guests and volunteers. “We had a great time and we hope everyone who came with their dogs did, too,” said LI-DOG Events Chair Joann Garguola. To see the names of all our winners and get links to more photos, go to LI-DOG’s Pooch-a-Palooza Luau 2023.

 

07/30/2023 – LI-DOG’s Pooch a Palooza Luau 2023

This entry was posted in Latest News Article and tagged 2023 July 30th LI-DOG Luau Pooch a Palooza The Pine Grove Inn on by

 

DOGS AND PEOPLE ENJOY OUTDOOR FUN AT LI-DOG’S POOCH-A-PALOOZA LUAU AT THE PINE GROVE INN!

By Sam Desmond***

 

 

With the start of a new partnership with The Pine Grove Inn, the Long Island Dog Owners Group held their Pooch-a-Palooza Luau on Sun., July 30th on the banks of the Swan River in E. Patchogue.

One of the most well-attended events on LI-DOG’s calendar and an important fundraiser for the group, the Luau is a summer festival celebrating outdoor fun for our canine companions and the importance of dog-friendly venues.

This year, more than 60 people came with their dogs for an afternoon of games, raffles, and human and dog socializing. More than 20 volunteers helped LI-DOG run the event.

Numerous businesses and several individuals donated raffle baskets to help raise funds for LI-DOG’s ongoing work to open more public parkland in Nassau and Suffolk to our four-legged friends.

Donors included: Bark Box, Brutus Bone Broth, Chewy, Clovis Point Wines, Earth Bath, Great South Bay Brewery, Kitty Mulligans Irish Pub, Martial Arfs, My Human ”N” Me, Palominos, Personalize Your Pet, and The Ivy Kitchen and Bar. Plus, Alan Meschkow donated a custom pencil sketch of  the raffle winner’s dog and his wife Gail made a beautiful handknit sweater and hat set for a lucky pup and her pet parent. Gail Katz donated a basket of wine along with her beautiful hand-painted glasses.

The Pine Grove Inn generously donated their scenic outdoor patio and lawn for the event.

A special dog-friendly menu was curated for the event-goers’ canine palates with such items as grilled chicken and rice with carrots and green beans.

Pet parents were offered dog-themed cocktails like Beagle Mary’s, Tom Collies and Chi WaWa’s (margaritas, of course!).

“We are extremely grateful to the management and staff of The Pine Grove Inn for their generosity in donating their beautiful outdoor space for our fundraising event and for their enthusiastic and creative participation in making the event fun for our human and canine guests!” said LI-DOG president, Ginny Munger Kahn.

To get guests into the party spirit, DJ Mike Kaplow played music from the 50s, 60s and beyond.

A pet parent favorite of the event were the contests, which included the Biggest Lap Dog and Musical Sit games. The Biggest Lap Dog contest once again provided lots of entertainment as the pups climbed atop their hoomans, with some stopping mid-climb to check out the “man behind the curtain” (our DJ)! Prizes were given for 1st (Kimberly & Aspen), 2nd (Allan & Nate) and 3rd Place (Linda & Sollie).

Photo of three people with their dogs who won our Musical Sit contest

Winners of the Musical Sit Contest
Photo Credit: Joann Garguola

Musical Sit was also quite popular with more than a dozen dog and human contestants. The last dog to sit when the music stopped was eliminated. Prizes were awarded for 1st (Linda & Sollie—again!), 2nd (Jack & Tucker) and 3rd Place (Nira & Daisy).

Sixteen attendees won raffle baskets, which included items like a wine tasting at Clovis Point Vineyards in Jamesport, a basket of custom brews from Great South Bay Brewery, gift certificates to several Long Island restaurants, and dog toys, treats and other goodies.

Of course, for the influencer-doggie, there was the Instagram-ready Tikki Bar Photo Booth and for souvenirs of the day, a Paw Print Craft where people could create a print of their pup’s paw and then decorate it with craft items.

“We had a great time and we hope everyone who came with their dogs did, too,” said LI-DOG Events Chair Joann Garguola.

The event would not have been possible without the considerable help of our volunteers, she added, thanking the crew that included Allan, Annemarie, Diane, Donna, Gina, Heath, Judy, Lana, Laurie, Lawrence, Lynn Kay, Matt, Melanie, Nira, Raquel, Roseann, Sabina and Sagar for staffing the welcome desk, signing up contestants for the games, judging our games, and running the raffle baskets to our guests.

“Great job to everyone who helped,” said Joann. “We look forward to doing this again!”

To see more photos from our Luau, go to:

LI-DOG on Meetup

LI-DOG on Facebook

 

***Sam Desmond is Contributing Editor at Suffolk County News, Long Island Advance and several other newspapers. She can be reached at snd.scribe@gmail.com.

 

 

.07/07/2023 – LI-DOG Dog Water Fountain Opening in Heckscher Park

This entry was posted in Dog-Friendly Events Latest News Headline and tagged 2023 Donation Heckscher Park Joan Cergol July 7th LI-DOG Dog Water Fountain on by

Photo Credit: Jackson Shrout

LI-DOG’s Dog Water Fountain Donation to Huntington’s Heckscher Park Celebrated on July 7th!

It was a hot and sunny day when Huntington Town Councilwoman Joan Cergol joined LI-DOG, other dog owners and their pups to celebrate the grand opening of a new dog water fountain donated by LI-DOG to Huntington’s Heckscher Park. The donation is part of an effort by LI-DOG to enhance the enjoyment of dog-friendly parks on Long Island by dog owners and their dogs. LI-DOG also made the donation in grateful acknowledgement of the Town of Huntington’s decision two years ago to allow on-leash dog walking in the town’s signature community park. To get details on the grand opening and LI-DOG’s donation, go to LI-DOG’s Dog Water Fountain Donation to Huntington’s Heckscher Park!

07/07/2023 – LI-DOG Dog Water Fountain Opening in Heckscher Park

This entry was posted in Latest News Article and tagged 2023 Dog Water Fountain Dog Water Fountain Opening Donation Heckscher Park Joan Cergol July 7th on by

 

LI-DOG’s Dog Water Fountain Donation to Huntington’s Heckscher Park Celebrated at Grand Opening on July 7th!

 

Photo Credit: Danielle Fliller

On a hot and beautiful July day, Huntington Town Councilwoman Joan Cergol and other Town officials joined LI-DOG, other dog owners and their pups to celebrate the grand opening of a new dog water fountain donated by LI-DOG to Huntington’s Heckscher Park!

LI-DOG has dedicated the dog water fountain to “the dogs and people who love Heckscher Park.”

The donation is part of an effort by LI-DOG to enhance the enjoyment of dog-friendly parks on Long Island by dog owners and their dogs. Two years ago, LI-DOG donated a park bench to the new dog run at dog-friendly Belmont Lake State Park in Babylon.

LI-DOG also made the donation in grateful acknowledgement of the Town of Huntington’s decision two years ago to allow on-leash dog walking in the town’s signature community park. That effort was led by Councilwoman Cergol who sponsored the resolution to allow on-leash dog walking in the park and oversaw the successful pilot program that led to the Town Board’s unanimous decision in Nov. 2020 to make Heckscher Park permanently dog-friendly. LI-DOG worked with Councilwoman Cergol to make sure dog owners were aware of the commonsense rules for walking dogs in the park such as keeping dogs on-leash and picking up after them.

The opening ceremony on July 7th was a great opportunity to thank Councilwoman Cergol personally for her leadership on this terrific accomplishment!

The stainless steel dog water fountain, which was made by Washington State-based Dog-On-It Parks, is located at the northwest corner of the Harry Chapin Rainbow Stage along the path. It features a slow-draining dog water bowl as well as a water faucet so people can fill their dogs’ own bowls with water.

On the water fountain is a silver plaque that reads:

Donated by LI-DOG (lidog.org)

For the Dogs and People Who Love Heckscher Park

The Town’s Dept. of General Services installed the dog water fountain and will maintain it. (It will be shut off during the winter.)

The day for the grand opening was sunny and hot. By the time the speeches were over and the water fountain was running, the dogs in attendance were eagerly drinking from the fountain—a good sign that it will be put to good use by people and their pups!

To see photos from the water fountain opening, go to the LI-DOG Dog Water Fountain Opening album on our Facebook Group.

 

 

 

.06/29/2023 – Legislation to Allow Dogs in NYS Parks On Hold

This entry was posted in Latest News Headline and tagged Assemb Stern Legislation LI-DOG Petition NYS Beaches On Hold Sen. Martinez on by

 

No Dogs Allowed Sign

Legislation to Allow Dogs in ALL NYS Parks Including Beaches On Hold

Legislation Remains Top Priority for Bills’ Sponsors

Please Continue to Share LI-DOG’s Petition to Lift the Dog Ban on NYS’s Long Island Beaches!

Unfortunately, the legislation introduced by NYS Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Steve Stern allowing dogs in all New York State parks including beaches (with restrictions) did not succeed in the Legislative term ended in June. Apparently, it is not unusual for new legislation to be deferred to the next session. The legislation has been amended to address concerns that arose in their respective Parks Committees and we have been assured passing the bills continues to be a high priority for both Sen. Martinez and Assemb. Stern. Please continue to share our petition to Lift the Dog Ban on NYS’s LI Beaches with all your dog-loving NY friends and family! We’re confident with YOUR support and the support of Sen. Martinez and Assemb. Stern, we will lift the ban on dogs on New York State beaches on Long Island for good! For more information, read Legislation to Allow Dogs in NYS Parks On Hold.

 

06/29/2023 – Legislation to Allow Dogs in NYS Parks On Hold

This entry was posted in Latest News Article and tagged Assemb Stern Legislation LI-DOG Petition NYS Beaches On Hold Sen. Martinez on by

 

No Dogs Allowed Sign

Photo Credit: Joann Garguola

Legislation to Allow Dogs in ALL NYS Parks Including Beaches on Hold

Legislation Remains Top Priority for Bills’ Sponsors

Please Continue to Share the Petition to Lift the Ban on Dogs on NYS Beaches on Long Island!

Unfortunately, the legislation introduced by NYS Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Steve Stern allowing dogs in all New York State parks including beaches (with restrictions) did not succeed in the Legislative term that ended in June. Early on, we had been cautioned that it is not unusual for a new piece of legislation to be deferred to the next session of the Legislature.

We understand there was much discussion and concern regarding the bills in their respective Parks Committees and therefore, the bills were amended to address those concerns. For example, dogs are not allowed specifically on beaches where people swim and sunbathe. The overall intent of the legislation, however, remains clear: Dogs will be allowed in all NYS Parks.

While we are disappointed the legislation did not move further, we have been assured that passing this legislation continues to be a high priority for both Sen. Martinez and Assemb. Stern.

We want to thank everyone who emailed and called their NYS elected officials and members of the Parks Committees in support of the legislation, and we thank you in advance for your continued support as we push forward.

We also want to thank the almost 7,000 New Yorkers who have already signed our petition. The people who have signed come from all over New York State from Rochester to Riverhead! Please continue to share the petition to Lift the Ban on Dogs on NYS’s LI Beaches with all your dog-loving NY friends and family (if they have not already signed), so that we have thousands more signatures by the end of the year!

Many of LI-DOG’s most successful campaigns have taken two, three or even more years to complete. We are confident with the leadership and support of elected officials like Sen. Martinez and Assemb. Stern and with YOUR continued support and help, we will lift the ban on dogs on New York State beaches on Long Island for good!

 

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

This entry was posted in Latest News Headline Archive and tagged Dog Water Fountain Heckscher Park Huntington LI-DOG Donation on by

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

This entry was posted in Latest News Archive and tagged Dog Water Fountain Heckscher Park Joan Cergol LI-DOG Donation on by

 

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

This entry was posted in Latest News Headline and tagged Allow Dogs in all NYS Parks Legislation LI Beaches Martinez Stern on by

No Dogs Allowed Sign

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

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.

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

This entry was posted in Latest News Article and tagged A.6244 Assemblyman Stern LI-DOG Petition Lift the Dog Ban on NYS Beaches NYS Legislatiion S.4993 Sen. Martinez on by

 

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!