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!
LI-DOG’s “Outstanding Accomplishments” Highlighted in AKC Family Dog!A recent issue of AKC Family Dog magazine features an article on LI-DOG and the groundbreaking work it has done to lift anti-dog laws and open public parks on Long Island to dog owners and their dogs. Titled “Who Let the Dogs In?” the article notes when LI-DOG started in 2004, there were only a few small dog parks and very little on-leash access to public parks on LI. Today, dog owners have more than three dozen dog parks for off-leash play and thousands of acres of parkland where they can walk their dogs on-leash–“thanks to the efforts of a dedicated nonprofit called LI-DOG,” according to the magazine. The American Kennel Club’s Vice President for Government Relations says in the article, “LI-DOG’s outstanding accomplishments are a testament to what local dog owners can achieve when they work together.” For a link to the article and more information, go to LI-DOG Article in AKC Family Dog!
LI-DOG is excited to announce that the November/December 2022 issue of AKC Family Dog magazine features an article on LI-DOG and the groundbreaking work it has done to lift anti-dog laws and open public parks on Long Island to dog owners and their dogs!
The article notes that when LI-DOG was founded as a nonprofit in 2004, there was only one small dog run on Suffolk County’s 40,000 acres of public parkland and almost all 5,000 acres of Nassau County parks were off limits to dogs, even on-leash. Today, Long Island dog owners have more than three dozen dog parks for off-leash play and thousands of acres of parkland where they can walk their leashed dogs—”thanks to the efforts of a dedicated nonprofit called LI-DOG,” according to the magazine.
Titled “Who Let the Dogs In?”, the article is a case study in how to change public policy through grass roots organizing, partnerships with elected officials, diligent research, and an unwavering determination to lift restrictions on dogs in public parks. The article highlights the important role public education efforts played in the group’s successful outcomes and how LI-DOG Pack Walks™, its popular group on-leash walks, promote responsible dog ownership and build good will for dog owners.
In the article, Sheila Goffe, the American Kennel Club’s Vice President for Government Relations, sums up LI-DOG’s work this way:
“LI-DOG’s outstanding accomplishments are a testament to what local dog owners can achieve when they work together. An important part of [LI-DOG’s] success was their ability to combat negative stereotypes and show that responsible dog owners are an important constituency. Also, their tenacity really paid off. Changing laws can take years and a lot of commitment, but LI-DOG showed it’s worth it.”
To read the full article, go to AKC Family Dog, “Who Let the Dogs In?”
We want to thank AKC Family Dog for the opportunity to tell our story and for their extraordinary endorsement of our work!
Rocco and his lovely bride Miss Lily Pad Photo Credit: Joann Garguola
Off-Key Tikki Waterside Bar & Grill
31 Baker Place, Patchogue
Just Added: Myrtle Beach Weekend Getaway Raffle Prize!
Join us for a HOWLING GOOD time at the LI-DOG Howl-o-Ween Pawty on the waterfront and “beach” at Off Key Tikki Bar & Grill in Patchogue on Sunday, Nov. 6th!
Enjoy the views, delicious food, tropical drinks, contests, music, raffles, and lots of fun for the pups!
Dress up your pup, or better yet both your pup and yourself in your Halloween finest. Then, take part in our Halloween costume contest and parade. You can compete in one of two categories–
Best Standalone Pet or Best Pet/Parent duo. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category. Costume contest and parade starts at 1:30 p.m.
Let your dog show their stuff in our “Tricks for Treats” contest, then let your pup demonstrate his or her inner “Pup-Casso” at our Paw Print printing booth. There’ll also be a scary, but not too scary, photo booth so you can take a memorable shot of your dog at the event.
You can order from Off Key Tikki’s new menu at its South Beach Bistro or just nosh on hot dogs, generously provided by Off Key Tikki. Off-Key Tikki is also concocting Halloween-themed drink specials to mark the occasion!
To add to the fun, rescue organization Yorkie911 will be on hand with their adorable, adoptable pups. Who knows your dog may find their new best dog-friend at the pawty!
We’ve also invited special guests. Bond Vet will be available to talk about their animal hospital and veterinary services with giveaways and goodies for your pup. Plus, Carol Breuning will be on hand to do tarot card and psychic readings.
We’ll also have LOTS of raffle baskets for you to bid on. JUST ADDED: A three-night getaway to Myrtle Beach, SC, generously donated by an anonymous sponsor! This is LI-DOG’s most important fundraiser of the year, so please do take a chance on winning one of the GREAT raffle baskets donated by our sponsors—BarkBox, Brutus Bone Broth, Capo Ristorante, Chipotle, Craft Kitchen & Tap House, Earth Bath, Earth Rated, 1/2 Off Cards of Wantagh, IHOP/Oceanside, Jones Natural Chews, Kwong Ming of Wantagh, Lido Kosher Deli, Long Island Bagel Café, Matty’s Toy Stop, Palominos, Pindar Vineyards, Pizzaiola, Sangria 71, and Total Wine & More. Plus, many thanks to Alan Meschkow for donating a custom pencil sketch of YOUR dog, Gail Meschkow for a beautiful handknit sweater for your pup, and Bailey Applebee Dog for donations of kids crafts and other fun stuff for you and your pup!
An especially big THANK YOU to Off-Key Tikki for donating their fun, tropically-themed, harborside outdoor patio and “beach” for our dog pawty as well as food for our guests! It’s a great venue and we urge everyone to check them out throughout the year.
Be part of the fun and volunteer to help LI-DOG!
Volunteer Opportunities include:
***Email us at events@lidog.org with Howl-o-Ween Volunteer in the subject line. It’s easy and fun!***
Please be aware that dogs must remain leashed on non-retractable leads at all times, and as always, please walk you dog before entering the venue. Dogs are not permitted inside the restaurant.
To RSVP for our Howl-o-Ween Pawty, go to:
or email us at lidog_news@yahoo.com
We look forward to seeing you and your pups at our HOWL-O-WEEN Pawty! Happy Howling!
P.S. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour on Sat. night/early Sun. morning as Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday morning!
The Eisenhower Dog Park, which LI-DOG worked with Nassau County to get opened in 2012, has been renovated with artificial turf, new plantings, and a brightly painted butterfly bench. The dog park, which also features water fountains and a gazebo, was closed in Nov. 2021 so the renovation work could be done and was reopened with a ribbon cutting ceremony in May 2022. Local dog owners are pleased with the improvements. Check it out! For more information, go to Eisenhower Dog Park Renovated and Reopened!
The renovated Eisenhower Dog Park
Photo Credit: Joann Garguola
The Eisenhower Dog Park, which LI-DOG worked to get opened in 2012, has been renovated and as of mid-April 2022 reopened!
River On Her Way to the Dog Park Photo Credit: Jasmin Bevolas
The biggest change? Artificial turf has been laid down on both the large and small dog areas to reduce dust and mud since there were previously several large bare spots on the field. Additionally, a row of evergreens has been planted on the east side, as a natural border between the park and adjacent bike trail, as well as the residences across the street. Also incorporated into the park are a beautiful butterfly bench and a planter, both of which were painted by members of local Girl Scout troop number 3175.
The dog park was closed in November 2021, so the renovation work could be done and was reopened with an official ribbon cutting ceremony in May. LI-DOG worked with Nassau County and Pet Supplies Plus to get the dog park, which covers about an acre of land, opened in October 2012. The dog park also features additional benches, a gazebo and access to water.
The entrance to the dog park is located near the intersection of Salisbury Park Drive and Stewart Ave in Westbury. (Google Map)
Local dog owners are pleased with the improvements. Dog park enthusiast Jasmin Bevolas takes her rescue dog River there several times a week and said, “River really loves going to the park and seeing her friends and I’ve met some great people there as well!”
Come on down and check it out!
Photo Credit: Feng Sherri Hsiu
Sun., Oct. 3rd, 11 AM – 3 PM[lo]
The Refuge[lo]515 Broadhollow Rd., Melville[lc]
Does Sunday brunch outside with your pup on a big patio with tables and umbrellas and delicious food and drinks sound fun? If yes, then join us for Barkin’ Brunch with LI-DOG at The Refuge! Besides great food, they’ll be drink specials, dog treats, raffles and more. This is a fundraiser for LI-DOG, so please join us on Oct. 3rd for brunch! For more information, go to Barkin’ Brunch with LI-DOG at The Refuge!
Photo Credit: Feng Sherri Hsiu
Sun., Oct. 3rd, 11 AM – 3 PM
The Refuge
515 Broadhollow Rd., Melville
How to find us: We’ll be out on the patio! Come thru the gate, to the right of the front entrance.
Are you ready to “PAWTEE”? Does Sunday brunch outside with your pup on a big patio with tables and umbrellas (socially-distanced, of course), delicious omelettes, waffles, mimosas and Bloody Mary’s sound great? If so, then please join us for Barkin’ Brunch with LI-DOG at The Refuge, just off Route 110 in Melville.
Besides great food, there’ll be drink specials, dog treats, raffles, and more! Visit The Refuge website to review their menus (Brunch and Brunch Cocktails) and their COVID Safety Plan. That’s Coco@nybulldogsisters, captured by her Mom Feng Sherri Hsiu, reading the Pawtee Menu at one of our previous brunches!
Due to COVID-19 guidelines, the outside bar is closed and the couches and chairs around it have been replaced with socially-distanced tables. In order to be seated at a table, you MUST have a reservation. The maximum reservation per table is limited to six guests if not family; ten guests if family. The Refuge strongly recommends making your reservation ahead of time by calling 631-577-4444, but you may still make a reservation when you arrive on a first come, first served basis. If you have a reservation, please let the hostess know that your party has arrived and then visit the LI-DOG table and check out our great raffle baskets!
This is a fund raising event to benefit LI-DOG – The Long Island Dog Owners Group. Please do take a chance at winning one of the GREAT raffle baskets generously donated by our sponsors–Earth Bath, Earth-Rated, Glo-mar, Lieb Cellars, and Otto’s Coffee Shop. Plus, thanks to Alan and Gail Meschkow, Bailey Applebee Dog, Gail Katz, and Sugarberry Bakery in Oceanside for their creative and much appreciated individual donations!
LI-DOG would also like to extend a special thanks to The Refuge and Tito’s Vodka for not only donating one of their popular raffle baskets for the event but also for including LI-DOG in the Tito’s x Refuge donation program for Long Island nonprofits. We are so grateful for their generous support!
PET PARENT ESSENTIALS FOR THE BRUNCH: Make sure to walk your dog outside the venue before entering, bring poop bags, and watch your dog closely. Please note that while well-socialized and fully vaccinated dogs are allowed on the grounds of the venue, ONLY service dogs are permitted to enter the indoor bar/restaurant area.
Brunch Reservations: Call The Refuge at 631-577-4444.
We look forward to seeing you at Barkin’ Brunch with LI-DOG at The Refuge!
Thank you for your support!
LI-DOG Named to New Coindre Hall Advisory BoardThe Coindre Hall Advisory Board is charged with providing recommendations to the Suffolk County Legislature for revitalizing Suffolk County’s unique and beautiful Coindre Hall park. The park, a former Gold Coast estate located in Huntington, has long attracted dog owners, but it has fallen into disrepair over the last 10 years. The County has allocated $1.5 million to refurbish the park, but it will need additional financial resources and creative ideas. For more information about the Board’s work, its members and meetings, go to LI-DOG Named to Coindre Hall Advisory Board.
Sat., July 18th, 10 AM to 12 PM
Mud Creek Off-Leash Beach, E. Patchogue
Does your dog like to swim? Does your dog like to socialize? If so then please join us for our LI-DOG Barkin’ Beach Cleanup and Doggie Meetup at Mud Creek Off-Leash Beach in E. Patchogue on Sat., July 18th! The beach, which is located on the gentle waters of the Great South Bay, has no amenities–no poop bag stations, no water, no bathrooms–so make sure to bring water for your dog and yourself. Moreover, because of COVID-19 restrictions, Masks are Required and we are asking everyone to sign a COVID-19 Agreement. For details, go to LI-DOG Barkin’ Beach Cleanup and Doggie Meetup!
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