Animal House

Just keep in mind that a "bull terrier" is the Spuds McKenzie dog and not a "pit bull". For years I thought Spuds was a pit bull!! LOL The bull terriers have a very distinct snout.

Lisa E.

I know this is off topic, but there was no posting about it. Can someone please go and knock some sense into the people trying to shut down the Angel's Gate animal hospice?

Living in the suburbs has obviously warped people's minds into thinking that their precious little neighborhood is more important than the welfare of a living thing.

We live in a pathetic state of being in this world of ours.

I stopped by the side of the road, rural fields and ranch homes with acreage, near my house after a small miniature dog, looked like mixed breed, just a hauling down a busy road. I hurried after the little thing and he didn't like me on his tail at all. So I herded him down a driveway that leads to a home with chickens and animals roaming about. The little stinker turned around and gave me hell - barking and acting so naughty. I left him in the driveway and hoped the residents would get him. I had nothing with me to encourage his cooperation and I was afraid he'd bolt into very fast traffic.

I can imagine how hard it is if someone sees Vivi and then just has to stop and watch her disappear. Heartbreaking!

Cynthia

PS( Living in the subburbs makes some people crazy. They drive too fast and act like they own the world, and don't want to slow down for God's creatures.) No offense to those good animal loving people who live in the burbs and respect nature and all its wonders including homeless hurting animals.

Georgie Boy
It just breaks my heart to see what human beings do to God's little creatures. Thank you for bringing this to everyones attention and hopefully we can do something to help and support this wonderful organization. I sent my donation today. Everyone please take a look at their website http://angelsgate.org/default.htm and do what you can to help them.

I sent in my donation as soon as I read about it. How wonderful to give such loving care to the animals in need. God Bless their sweet and kind souls.

Regarding Angel's Gate -

There is an article in today's Newsday about the public hearing tonight, the results of which could close Angel's Gate. Such a wonderful organization and people are complaining!!! This NIMBYism has to stop! Please go to Newsday.com and read the article.
Lois T

The Katrina animals that are rescued are traumatized, something akin to Post Traumatic Stress syndrome.

At the Doggie event this weekend, a woman asked me to read her Dalmation, a Katrina rescue dog. The dog was a growler. The poor dog was in great emotional pain and trauma over what he lived through in Katrina. When I confirmed what the new owner knew in her heart to be true, she cried giant tears. He's getting better, she said. He's now playing ball.

If people understood the real suffering and tenderness and needs of their (or any) pets or animals, perhaps they'd have more mercy and understanding.

Newsday article about "Angel's Gate:

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-liange0405,0,1915653.story?coll=ny-top-headlines

Cupid is gone.
This is a cut and paste of what I sent to Kathleen, I can't retype it over and over I'm crying too much.Have to be together to see Mylie 9 AM tomorrow. My friend David and I did reiki on her Sunday, and her name went on the wall. (in Jerusalem) Jenn said she was starting to bear a little weight on the hind legs Monday, she went home , the owner wanted to rent a cart but we had no extra one.
I was there yesterday, we were trying to reach the owner to check, She didn't answer calls. I called the clinic this morning about something else and started talking about my plans for Cupid...I was told that the owner took her to the family vet on Tuesday and had her put to sleep....no other info than that she was overwhelmed, she sheoculdnlt take it any more. (again, this is third hand) I am DEVASTATED. She had turned a corner. She needed (AND DESERVED) more time.

I have to try to go to sleep early because I'm out there the whole day tomorrow at the animal hospital. At least they didn't wait till I went in to tell me.

I know Susan Marino very well....I'm wondering if Cupid's owner knew that she could have sent the dog there (not far from their home) for a few days respite care until they got the cart..Susan would have charged her little or nothing..I didn't get to talk to the woman much becasue I wasnpt here every day...just missed her Sunday, she used to come in a at least once a day with home cooked food and toys, etc. Cupid had started eating well again after her last surgery...I am wondering if she developed post-partum depression or something, because she has a very young infant. An RN friend told me that can come a little later..We never expected Ann to choose this, not at this point especially. She had several of our cell phones with an invite to call any hour day or night for support. Maybe she thought we didn't mean it. I don't know.

Write/ or call/ email:
Patrick Vecchio - Town Supervisor

Also: Smithtown Town Council members- Patricia Biancaniello; Thomas McCarthy; Edward Wehrheim; Joanne Gray, 99 West Main Street, Smithtown NY 11787 Tel (631) 360-7600

Also: Smithtown Town Attorney Yvonne Lieffrig P.O. Box 575, Smithtown, NY 11787
Tel (631) 360-7570 Fax (631) 360-7719

Let The TIMES OF SMITHTOWN know how you feel: http://www.timesofsmithtown.com/

For updates, see our website: www.angelsgate.org

Nancy, That's such heart breaking news about Cupid... I'm so very sorry.

Nancy -
I'm so sorry to hear about Cupid. Two babies in two days. How sad.

Vivi you now have two doggie angels watching over you and Angel Susan A. Please go to a foot soldier so you can go home where you belong!
Lois T

Father tender
Shepherd hear us,
Bless Your little "lambs" tonight
Through the darkness
Be You near them
Keep them safe till morning's light!
(paraphrase of Beliefnet member Sara Heunice)

Creator God, You who've created time and eternity, be with us in every moment of the day. We raise, Oh, Father, our prayer tonight for Vivi, Biggie, and Sniffles. Hold them in Your warm and assuring embrace, and walk with them until night turns to dawn, and they are welcomed back into their family homes. Father, let them find that special volunteer who'll help them, and until that time, send angels to be their guardians. I'm sure that Susan A. and whippet angels; Nell and Cupid would love the job!We rejoice with Teddy's family that he is found!!!Thank you for the healing taking place in Madison, Pamela,and Baby Girl. Enfold Lance in Your angels' healing wings! Let JL's tests go better than expected. Thank you for the healing taking place in Dante, Murphy, and Felice. Enfold Jazz and McGee in Your angels' healing wings. Thank you for helping CJ and Duke!
Bless and comfort all who mourn. Welcome all who make the Journey to Paradise tonight--reunite them with their families and companion animals. Let little Nell, and her new buddy Cupid sleep at your feet tonight until Heaven becomes home. Bless protect and guide Vivi's angels. Support them with St. Francis, St. Anthony, and Your heavenly host! Author of All write a swift and happy ending to this story. Let this experience cause our faith in You to grow, regardless of faith tradition, or expression!
Restore us with sleep, and hope, knowing YOU ARE IN CHARGE! AMEN!

CANDLES: http://www.gratefulness.org

Dearest Father--Just a P.S.! Thank you for Darlene, and all her fellow conspirators/designers/posters!
Thank you for the healing power of laughter!! AMEN!

ATTENTION BOOZERS/ANIMAL LOVERS IN NY!!!!!:

I have been informed The Bobbi and the Strays benefit this Thursday is now a OPEN BAR!!!! You just may bring home a bachelor or bachelorette whether you want it or not ;-)

Details as follows;
On Thurs., June 22, Posh Nightclub at the Garden City Hotel hosts a Charity Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction to benefit Bobbi and the Strays.

For those who have been on the Vivi trail since its earliest days at JFK Airport, Bobbi's outpost in the airport cargo areas was a frequent meeting spot and "refueling" station for posters and flyers.

While Vivi eventually headed northward, Bobbi and the Strays continues to do its quiet, unassuming work, helping homeless dogs and cats in this under-served area of southeast Queens.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Bidding begins at 8 p.m. Ticket price is $35, which includes buffet and OPEN BAR!

Alas, hotel magnate Brian Rosenberg is happily married and will not be on the block.

For ticket information, email egiurco@optonline.net, or call (516) 679-5556.

And who will I see there?
Lydia

“The Shame of Angel’s Gate”
To over 200 animals, it’s the place that they call jail
A place to wait to die; or to escape and roam the streets
Over 200 lost souls, of every shape and size
A cat who had his ears cut off, and one born with no eyes
There are many that are paralyzed, but somehow they drag themselves around
Thanks to therapy, surgery, even wheels, they bleed from their tummies and there is no end in sight
Some cats have leukemia, while AID’s cats fill a room
They’re given a life of neglect and pain, just more impending doom
There’s a Greyhound who broke her back, in the middle of a race
Whose owners no longer could use her; if there was a God she wouldn’t be forced to live at this place
Each has their own story, some are bad and some are worse
Until they get to Angel’s Gate, where they did not know it would be worse !
A nurse who gave her home, and her heart to those in need
When everyone else would have done them a favor and put them to sleep, and knew it was a good deed
It’s hard to live up to a name, when your name is Angel’s Gate
But 200 hearts have found Hell on earth, right here in New York State
Everyone deserves a home, a home where they are loved
And Angel’s Gate provides ongoing pain, instead of relief from God above
Now they’re trying to take away, the only home they know
The best thing that could happen to these animals, but Marino just won’t go
Don’t let some bitter neighbors, with hardness in their hearts
Take away Marino’s meal ticket as she will fall apart
It’s these neighbors, not Marino who makes a sacrifice
And puts up with over 200 sad pets and Vic
Perhaps Marino will give these animals a break and let them go in peace
Then they could be spared the pain that is never ending, just so Marino can herself have a feeling of being needed
Caring about the animals and knowing when to let go would spare these animals pain and they’ve seen enough of that
Too bad for Marino, the little selfish brat
End these animals pain, it’s a pain that only they know, and the right decision would be that Angel’s Gate must go

I did not post the above, but to tell you the truth, I had some of the same concerns. Above all, animals need companionship and love and relief from pain. May God care for the souls and hearts of all the hurting animals (and people too).

Statement on AG's website:

"The issue of the discrimination against some of our volunteers, namely people with disabilities has come into sharp focus. Susan has spoken out loudly when ever addressing the statements of our neighbors about the "strange" or "weird" people they see helping us. Angel's Gate is proud to have people with disabilities as volunteers. We believe that they bring a special understanding and love that the animals benefit from and in turn they benefit from their work here, as well."

I hope some of the supporters read this statement which shows Susan and Victor have hit rock bottom. To use an incident where there was a complaint by a concerned neighbor of a suspicious looking person hanging around the area was turned and used in this way. How dare they make such accusations. This is dispicable and a clear indication of the type of people they are.

At the end of the day, AG will look back years from now and see how the move allowed them to grow, house more animals as well as utilize more volunteers , have additional parking and do an even better job.

Little Shelter Animal Rescue has been around 79 years. Don't you think if they were doing something wrong, they would have been out of business long ago?
A lot of shelters and rescues have the handicapped helping them. I can't see a problem in that. I for one support Little Shelter!

BTW, this particular blog is so old, it no longer shows on the screen.Move on to another blog.

Thank you Ruby for your comment about the handicapped. I so agree. Some of the most tender and compassionate people I have met have been people with severe handicaps.

Not only do these people help the animals, but they also can help teach acceptance and compassion to those more fortunate.

Having this arthritis and my rapid progression into being termed "handicapped" myself has taught me many lessons. One is tenderness. Because of the pain in my own body, I would never give another person a firm handshake for fear they might also have the same arthritis in their hands. My pastor of the church learned this very quickly and would always greet me with a very tender embrace laying one hand over mine and the other supporting my hands when leaving after Sunday services. I so appreciated his realizing this without my even mentioning this. His tenderness came as a result of having a mother who also had severe arthritis.

That same tenderness can probably be displayed by many of these handicapped people when handling these sweet little injured animals. What better people to realize the pain and suffering of these animals.

Thank you again for your comment, Ruby. God gives some people handicaps and I feel for certain reasons, and as we know God does not make mistakes!

You have the opportunity to be greater
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Knock, Knock...its opportunity. Gods will, An Omen, An angel from heaven is sending a message to Angelsgate.
Time to move to a bigger better place for the greater good of the animals. A chance to be greater.

They need to help those animals. They can sell their price-e FS house and purchase many acres of land and a larger facility in a more accepting community. They should take money donated & give the animals a better last part of their lives. AG should focus on giving the animals a bigger, better, more improved location. Somewhere nearer to mass transit, so volunteers can have better easier access and the animals can get better end care.

For the sake of the animals. Those AG people should not be pig headed and bullish. Sticking out their chests like proud roosters is not going to help the animals.

So, AG stop crowing about how all you care about is the animals and put your donated funds where it belongs...Care for the animals in the best possible way.
In a bigger, better, cleaner facility with better access.

God is sending you a message direct from the gates of heaven. Praise the lord

Re: Angel's Gate
As it turns out, the problem is more that the area is zoned residential - for single family homes - than someone disputing that good work is being done at the location. The operation was and is in violation of the zoning law and while there isn’t a section of the Code that deals specifically with animal hospices – after all, this is a new concept, the code does state what residences may be used for - stating , “the use is to be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling unit. Furthermore, the use shall not have an adverse effect on the surrounding residences. The following uses and similar uses are not to be permitted as occupations: beauty parlors, hairdressing and manicuring establishments, barbershops; tearooms; tourist homes; convalescent homes; funeral homes; retail or wholesale shops or stores; dancing schools; real estate offices; veterinarian offices; and animal hospitals and biological or medical testing laboratories”. Certainly, an animal hospice is more akin to a veterinarian operation or animal hospital than a single family dwelling.
At a minimum, it would take the acquiescence of the neighbors to allow this. And they don’t seem amenable to doing that – the next door neighbor and the one across the street are on record as leading the opposition to this. Frankly, if I owned a house worth in the area of $800,000 or $900,000 like the houses on that street, I might be inclined to think that the usage of a residence for an animal hospice is inappropriate. And that’s not considering the other aspects of this operation such as noise, odors, runoff or strays.

It fell to the Town Council to decide if amending the zoning code to eliminate the practice of animal hospice care in residential portions of the township was necessary. And finally, they did decide. In the face of raucous public demonstrations at the meetings, they made the brave decision to take action. As the announcement (the wording of which has since been changed on the website run by Angel’s Gate) stated, “The Smithtown Town Board led by Supervisor Pat Vecchio voted 4 to 1 to amend the zoning code to eliminate the practice of animal hospice care in residential portions of the township. He stated that after a 10 day waiting period during which the State of New York must sign off on the changes, Angel's Gate will be in violation of the code and subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Town Attorney.”

TOWN CODE: Allowed in 5 zoning districts - NOT Residential - Victor and Susan bought a Residential Home !

ANIMAL HOSPICE -- All or part of the premises, buildings and facilities utilized for the purpose of taking in and providing for the care and treatment of sick, abandoned, homeless, injured, deformed and/or terminally ill animals. [Added 7-11-2006]

(1)Animal boarding; kennel; veterinarian; animal hospice ; animal hospital. The following requirements shall be met: [Amended 7-11-2006]




(a)Outside pens or exercise runs shall be maintained in the WSI Zone only, provided that such runs are located at least 100 feet from all property lines and at least 200 feet from any residence district. Such runs shall be enclosed on all sides by a wall or solid fence between five and six feet in height.




(b)In the WSI District, side yard requirements shall be increased to 50 feet, unless the proposed building will comply with Subsection C(1)(c) below.




(c)In the NB, CB, and SCB Districts, all treatment rooms, cages, pens, runs and kennels shall be maintained within a completely enclosed soundproof building. Structural plans and specifications shall bear the certification of an acoustical engineer verifying that the proposed structure will achieve the required sound transmission loss, pursuant to Chapter 207, Noise, of the Town Code. [Amended 7-25-2006]




(d)Appropriate equipment shall be provided to absorb odors and adequate service provided for the removal of refuse.

Animal hospital, veterinarian---- or kennel; animal hospice ; NOT PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL

Statements from Susan Marino at the BZA hearing....

- 2-3 weeks of dead animals in a freezer in her home. 14 animals died there this week alone!

- animal feces and urine don't smell - urine is like water and poop is fossilized!

- animals don't make noise - 200 of them although she claimed to not know how many she has!

- aids and leukemia cats feces go in the garbage ( it's double bagged )!

- used needles taken away by the groomer !

Is this place out of control or what!