LI-DOG

.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.

 

 

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

This entry was posted in Dog-Friendly Events Event Headline Archive and tagged 2023 July 30th LI-DOG Pooch-a-Palooza Luau The Pine Grove Inn on by

LI-DOG Pooch-a-Palooza Luau!

Sun., July 30th, Noon to 4 PM

Pine Grove Inn

1 1st St., E. Patchogue, NY

You and your dog are invited to join LI-DOG for our Pooch-a-Palooza Luau on the banks of the Swan River at The Pine Grove Inn in E. Patchogue on Sunday, July 30th! There’ll be music, games, raffles, prizes, delicious food including a special doggy menu for the pups, dog-themed drinks and more!  This is an important fundraiser for LI-DOG, so please join us! For more information about this special day with your dog, go to LI-DOG Pooch-a-Palooza Luau at The Pine Grove Inn!

.07/07/2023 – Dog Water Fountain Opening at Heckscher Park

This entry was posted in Dog-Friendly Events Event Headline Archive and tagged Dog Water Fountain Donation Heckscher Park Joan Cergol LI-DOG on by

 

LI-DOG Dog Water Fountain Opening at Heckscher Park!

Friday, July 7th, 12:30 p.m.

25A & Prime Ave., 11 Prime Ave.

Huntington Village

You and your dog are invited to join LI-DOG on Friday, July 7th at 12:30 p.m. as we 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 for dog owners and their dogs. The donation is also being made in thanks to the Town of Huntington for making its premiere community park dog-friendly two years ago. For details on the Grand Opening, go to Dog Water Fountain Opening at Heckscher Park!

 

.11/30/2022 – LI-DOG Article in AKC Family Dog Magazine

This entry was posted in Latest News Headline and tagged AKC AKC Family Dog LI-DOG November December 2022 Issue on by

Who Let The Dogs In Story in AKC Family DogLI-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! 

11/30/2022 – LI-DOG Article in AKC Family Dog Magazine

This entry was posted in Latest News Article and tagged AKC AKC Family Dog LI-DOG Who Let the Dogs In on by

 

 

LI-DOG’s “Outstanding Accomplishments” Highlighted in AKC Family Dog  

 

Magazine Charts LI-DOG’s Work to Lift Anti-Dog Laws in Long Island Parks

Who Let The Dogs In Story 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!

 

 

 

 

11/6/2022 – LI-DOG Howl-o-Ween Pawty!

This entry was posted in Dog-Friendly Events Event Archive and tagged 2022 Howl-o-Ween Pawty LI-DOG Nov. 6th Off-Key Tikki on by

 

LI-DOG Howl-o-Ween Pawty

Sun., Nov. 6th, Noon – 4 PM

Costume Contest and Parade Starts 1:30 PM

 

Rocco and his lovely bride Miss Lily Pad Photo Credit: Joann Garguola

Off-Key Tikki Waterside Bar & Grill

31 Baker Place, Patchogue

(Google Map)

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.
 

 

Tickets for the Howl-o-Ween Pawty will be available at the door!

 

Be part of the fun and volunteer to help LI-DOG!

Volunteer Opportunities include:

  • Meet-and-greet pet parents and their pups and collect entrance fee for anyone who did not prepay
  • Sell raffle tickets
  • Give out raffle baskets to our winners
  • Help with the games and the costume parade by being a judge
  • Help set up and/or take down

***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:

LI-DOG on Meetup

LI-DOG on Facebook

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!

 

 

.06/10/2022 – Eisenhower Dog Park Renovated and Reopened

This entry was posted in Latest News Headline and tagged Eisenhower Dog Park LI-DOG Nassau County River on by

 

Eisenhower Dog Park Renovated and Reopened!

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!  

 

06/10/2022 – Eisenhower Dog Park Renovated and Reopened

This entry was posted in Latest News Article and tagged Eisenhower Dog Park LI-DOG Nassau County Renovated Reopened on by

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!

 

.10/03/2021 – Barkin Brunch with LI-DOG at The Refuge 2021

This entry was posted in Dog-Friendly Events Event Headline Archive and tagged Barkin' Brunch Dog-Friendly Event LI-DOG The Refuge Tito's Vodka on by

 

Photo Credit: Feng Sherri Hsiu

Barkin’ Brunch with LI-DOG at The Refuge!

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!