LoVE MY PET
Knuckles and Teddy Pet Parents: John & Kerri Passamenti, South Setauket
![]()
Knuckles and Teddy Pet Parents: John & Kerri Passamenti, South Setauket
Ask any pet owner to name the members of their family, and they may name their spouse, their children and often, their dog, cat, parrot or whatever beloved creature with whom they share their home. Pets are typically cared for with abiding love, and their health and well being are as important as any twolegged member of the clan. And while some members may not get along so well with others under the same roof, everyone gets along, to a greater or lesser degree, with the family dog, cat, et al. If you subscribe to the idea, as I do, that love multiplies, it doesn’t divide, then pets in a home increase the love. Better to illustrate the point, when a second child is born, the love for the first child isn’t cut in half. Rather the love for the offspring is doubled. In many ways, adding a pet is akin to adding a child to the family mix.
Hence it comes as no surprise that we, at Times Beacon Record News Media, received well over 100 pictures of adored pets for this week’s Valentine Day’s offering, Love My Pet. To be able to feature the many dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds and even a frog, we are publishing a separate section.
BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF
In the past, I have smiled to myself upon seeing readers in a delicatessen or luncheonette flipping the pet pages of the newspaper and staring at each picture as they are eating their lunch.
The love we have for our pets is joyfully uncomplicated. Perhaps that explains part of the adoration. Another explanation might be that pets, with the exception of parrots, don’t talk. Something to be said for that. Enjoy the paper and website. Happy St. Valentine’s Day!
Maple Pet Parent: Tiffany Rafaniello, Centereach
Flower Pet Parent: JoAnn Bell, Port Jefferson
Rollo
Pet Parent: Rachel Burress, Sound Beach
Simon
Pet Parent: Ginny Drews, Sound Beach
Darla
Pet Parents: The Dzvonar Family, Port Jefferson Station
Sirius
Pet Parents: Steph & Dan Koutrakos, MillerPlace
Joelsy Bear
Pet Parent: Kathleen Weisinger, Mount Sinai
Beans
Pet
Pet
Pet
Pet Parents: Carl & Elizabeth Bongiorno, East Setauket
Pet Parents: The Dimaiuta Family, Miller Place
Pet Parent: Tiffany Rafaniello, Centereach
Pet Parents: Harriet & Howard Litvack, Smithtown
Pet Parents: The Underwood Family, East Setauket
Pet
Knuckles and Teddy
Pet Parents: John & Kerri Passamenti, South Setauket
Tucker
Pet Parents: The Mandracchia Family, East Setauket
Pet Parents: The Van Dyke Family, Lake Grove
Pet Parents: Carl & Elizabeth Bongiorno, East Setauket
Pet Parent: Diane Peritore, East Setauket
Stuffing
Pet Parent: Jennifer Croce, Coram
Pet Parent: Allison Vendetto, Lake Ronkonkoma
Pet Parent: Thalia Berrospi, Port Je erson
Pet Parents: The Davey Family, Stony Brook
Spud
Pet Parent: Ti any Rafaniello, Centereach
Simba
Pet Parent: Carol Bergano, Stony Brook
Oreo
Pet Parent: Christina Vendetto, Lake Ronkonkoma
Pet Parents: The Underwood Family, East Setauket
Welcome to the 14th edition of Paw Prints, a monthly column for animal lovers dedicated to helping shelter pets find their furever home!
This beautiful sweet and spicy 4-year old Yorkie mix is currently up for adoption at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. Stella was surrendered by her family because they could no longer take care of her. She is looking for love for Valentine's Day and hopes that she will have a short stay at the animal shelter. Weighing in at 10.6 pounds, she is crate trained, up to date on vaccinations, spayed, micro-chipped and heartworm negative. She will do best as the only pet in an adult household as she has a food guarding issue. Call 631-451-6955.
Meet
These two brothers were going door to door crying to get into people's homes until a Good Samaritan brought them to the Smithtown Animal Shelter in December. Estimated to be approximately 7 months old, they are shy at first but incredibly sweet once they decide to trust you. Minion had a bad injury that led to the loss of his eye, but he is happy and healthy otherwise. These siblings are bonded and would like to be adopted together if possible. For more information or to set up a meet and greet, call 631-360-7575.
Ready for a new beginning, this twoyear-old Terrier mix at Little Shelter in Huntington knows that you get endless second chances to take it one chance at a time. While a bit shy around new people, Izzy lights up around other dogs and loves to play, showing her true personality. Once she feels comfortable with someone, she will happily model her latest sweater purchase, welcoming your adoration and pets. Hoping Cupid’s arrow will find its mark and she’ll soon become your Valentine, Izzy is looking for that special someone that will cherish her forever, promising her whole heart in return. Stop by to meet Izzy today! Call 631-368-8770, ext. 21.
Bonnie is a 2-year-old, female pittie mix currently up for adoption at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. This sweetheart is gentle, good with kids ages 10 and up, and prefers to be the only pet in the home. She will give you so much love that you won’t need another four-legged friend. She is a snuggle bug and loves every person she meets! If you are interested in meeting Bonnie, please visit www.Brookhavenny.gov/AnimalShelter and submit a matchmaker application or call 631451-6955.
“Treated me as a top priority and was with me every step of the way.”
This adorable and sweet girl is looking for love. She was brought to the Brookhaven Animal Shelter by an Animal Control Officer after being taken out of a bad situation. She arrived a bit shy and nervous, but she has so many friends now and has really come a long way with socialization. Currently she is available and actively looking for her soul-mate. Nichie is playful and energetic yet gentle and affectionate. She is a big girl, very strong, not a jumper, and loves attention and toys.
Nichie is continuing to work on her social skills, loves her dog bed, sits on command and is very treat motivated. She will do best with kids over the age of 16 as she can be hand shy and shows mild bone guarding. No cats please and she will require a meet and greet with a dog. Nichie is 62.6 pounds, three years young, up to date on vaccinations, micro-chipped and heartworm negative. If you would like to meet her, call 631-451-6950.
Check out the next Paw Prints in the issue of March 9.
www.NorthShoreInjuryLawyer.com
“You won’t nd a kinder, more compassionate person to represent you.” “Meticulous, intelligent, caring person and lawyer.”
True love is as close as your nearest animal shelter.