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Pets, Pets, Pets
Rather than rehash the dispute, it's time to focus on lessons derived from Duke's debacle. First the dog himself proved to be remarkable. He spent two thirds of his life in the pound, yet kept his cool, never becoming stressed or cage crazed. I saw him in his pen and during family visitations. He'd ignore dogs that passed and would greet all visitors with a wag. The press dubbed him- "Duke the Death Row Dog" but his breed's stigma, the undeserved Pit prejudice sullied his chances. Despite his sound temperament, presumed innocence, and exemplary behavior while incarcerated, Duke's life would never have been spared without the tireless efforts of his advocates and owner. The Islip Shelter staff adored Duke, caring for the big galoot as if he were their own. Former shelter supervisor Matt Caracciolo believed in his peaceful prisoner and took every opportunity to sing his praises despite the Town's official policy of "no comment". Duke's attorney, Amy Chaitoff, well versed in animal law, left no legal stone unturned. Supporters took up Duke's cause with contributions, rallies, websites, and letter writing campaigns. Duke owes a huge debt of gratitude to behaviorist, Jeff Kolbjornsen of Elite Animal Trainers. Jeff has defended high profile dogs before; he has protected others put in perilous situations. Once Jeff evaluated Duke and saw that his temperament was sound- this Pit was unfazed by even the most aggressive dogs- Jeff dedicated himself to winning Duke's pardon. Jeff will also guide Duke and family, if need be, as the canine ex con re-acclimates to civilian life. Jeff says we must always protect our dogs; understand our legal rights, know our neighbors. That's Duke's legacy. This caveat also encompasses the full spectrum of owner responsibility. We alone orchestrate our dogs' welfare plus the well-being of the people and animals they encounter. It's not enough to profess we love our dogs. We need to protect them via adequate socialization and training, constant supervision ("It's 10 PM, do you know where your dog is?"), secure fencing and ID tags, proper nutrition and veterinary care, and in most cases- spay/ neuter. As for Duke, the photogenic Pit grew accustomed to press conferences. He knew the drill. On at least 3 previous occasions, he had been paraded before the media and then back into Islip Shelter. Friday's hoopla, however, was different. Some weird woman was waving a steak. Better yet- he got to take the juicy treat home with him- finally free after 4 years behind bars. That's 28 long ones in dog years. In some respects the many adoptable dogs and cats this week at Oyster Bay Town Shelter (677-5784) Miller Pl. Syosset are not as fortunate as Duke is now. They do not have a home or family waiting patiently for them to return. "Bonnie" #1030 is a young Cattle Dog/ Pointer mix who "shows" better out of her kennel while "Lalah" #1069 is a Shepherd/ Terrier puppy who, of course, will need foundation training. See more photos on the shelter's Petfinder site.
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