STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Grief and loss are unavoidable aspects of life. However, overcoming these feelings can be difficult. With their unwavering affection and company, Pets may be an integral part of this journey.
According to research, pets can offer tremendous emotional support during trying times. Their presence can provide consolation, a sense of routine and normalcy, and reduced feelings of loneliness.
Additionally, pets offer a compassionate environment for grieving. When words fail or social interaction becomes too much, they can provide solace.
This is Teddy
Meet Teddy!
This handsome 1-year-old Lab/Hound mix is on the lookout for his perfect forever family-and his ultimate sidekick!
Teddy is a true ladies’ man and, while he may be a little shy at first, he forms deep bonds with those he trusts. Once he feels at home, he turns into a playful goofball, happily entertaining himself with toys and bones or snuggling up on the couch with his favorite human.
Teddy is still a bit timid around new people and unfamiliar environments, and city life can be a little overwhelming for him. He’d do best in a quiet setting with a fenced yard, and would love an older dog sibling to help him build his confidence.
He’s pad-trained and working hard on transitioning to outdoor potty training while adjusting to all the sights and sounds around him. With patience, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement, Teddy will blossom into a loyal, affectionate companion — ready to share his big heart with the right family!
Teddy is currently being fostered on Staten Island. His adoption fee is $425.
To adopt this animal, please visit www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/LouiesLegacy)LouiesLegacy
Physical benefits of pet companionship
Pets, particularly dogs, encourage physical activity. Regular walks and playtime can help distract from grief, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, which can help combat feelings of depression often associated with grief.
Animal companions may lower the risk of heart illness, including heart attack and stroke, according to studies that explicitly examined pet ownership and cardiovascular disease. According to Harvard Health, pet owners had fewer risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as lower blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, even when other health indicators, such as smoking, socioeconomic status, and body mass index (BMI), were the same.
Emotional benefits of pets
In times of loss, pets provide stability and comfort by offering unconditional love and companionship. They can also provide a therapeutic feeling of purpose and responsibility, helping to bridge the gap left by a loved one’s absence.
Upcoming event
SICAW presents its Annual Holiday Fair.
Saturday
Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Immanuel Union Church
693 Jewett Ave.
S.I., N.Y. 10314LouiesLegacy
ADOPTION EVENTS
If you want to adopt, please remember that there are loving senior and disabled pets who need your care and attention, too. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering or sharing the information with someone who could use some good company.
Nov. 9
- Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue will be at Petco, 2975 Richmond Ave., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Louie’s Legacy will be at PetSmart, 2656 Hylan Blvd., from noon to 2 p.m.
Weekly event: Animal Care Centers of New York City is open to adopt dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Rd. West from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs through ACC, go to www.nycacc.org.
Meet Kenzie
Meet Kenzie!
She is a 2-year-old, 7 pound, gray domestic medium hair cat.
The first thing you’ll notice about Kenzie is how beautiful she is, with her gray fur and light yellow-green eyes. But what really makes her so lovely is how incredibly calm and gentle she is. Kenzie loves to relax on an armchair or underneath the table and come out for pets and snuggles. She is quite independent and happy to entertain herself.
Kenzie may take a day or two to warm up to other cats, but as long as they give her some space she’s a great roommate. She does really well with children of all ages and is fully litter box trained.
If you’re looking for a relaxed cat who will gladly sit with you and appreciate you petting her face, back, and belly, Kenzie could be a perfect match! She is a sweet girl looking for a forever family to love and snuggle her.
Kenzie is being fostered in Teaneck, N.J.
The adoption fee for adult cats is $100.
To adopt this animal, please visit www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/LouiesLegacy)LouiesLegacy
Gifts for animal lovers
Julie Forlenza, a former teacher at I.S. 7, PS 62, and manager at Woof and Tails Lodge , took action after Hurricane Ian to help animals in shelters. She is the owner of Black Dog Portrait. Her passion for helping animals is exceptional. Check her out on Facebook or Instagram.
Stellar Villa is a New York City-based artist who recently raised over $11,500 for pet shelters after she single-handedly created 1,252 custom pieces of art of people’s pets over 21 days. Now, she is working to create ongoing partnerships with local animal shelters to continue raising money. If you’re looking for a gift for a dog lover, check out Stellar’s work.
Ongoing
1. Low-cost or free spay and neuter: The ASPCA’s free and low-cost mobile spay and neuter van travels throughout the five boroughs in every neighborhood.
Low-income pet owners in the five boroughs with proof of public assistance, such as welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability, food stamps, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or public housing qualify for free spay/neuter services for their cat or dog. If you have a pit bull, pit-bull mix, or certain large breed dogs, it’s also free.
For the exact times, the van will be in your area, as well as pre-visit instructions, visit aspca.org/pet-care/spayneuter, or call 877-SPAY-NYC (877-772-9692).
2. Apply for a dog license. Save time and postage by applying online. For an application or more information, visit nyc.gov/doglicense. View the
flyer in the gallery above.
Hiking trails
Dog-friendly parks
· Allison Park, off-leash area, the field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery, and the pond
· Amundsen Trail, off-leash area, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
· Arthur Von Briesen Park, off-leash area, lawn area, mid-park on the right side
· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields closer to Ramona Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, the open field above picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)
· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area, lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road
· Conference House Park, dog run, Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street
· Cozzens Woods Park, off-leash area, Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road
· Crescent Beach Park, off-leash area, Tennyson Drive, and Glover Avenue; located in the meadow area leading to the beach
· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street
· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond ball field
· Ida Court Playground, dog run, Ida Court between North Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East
· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace; just below the playground
· Siedenburg Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street
· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments
· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: On sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day
· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field
· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to the left of Cornelia Avenue
For more information with rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including those at New York City beaches. However, from Oct. 1 through May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Midland Beach and South Beach.
For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Al fresco dining with your dog
· Angelina’s Ristorante, 339 Ellis St., Tottenville, 718-227-2900
· The Burrito Bar, 585 Forest Ave., West Brighton, 718-815-9200
· Ciro Pizza Café, 862 Huguenot Ave., Huguenot, 718-605-0620
· Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn, 4254 Arthur Kill Rd., Charleston, 718-984-1202
· Shake Shack, Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave., New Springville, 929-529-0513
Pet poison helplines
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.
As the seasons change, keep in mind the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/
To report animal cruelty
To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
Environmental conservation
To contact an environmental conservation police officer or report suspected violations, contact the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) or dec.ny.gov/
