The Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council and the North Fork Animal Welfare League are teaming up in an event aimed at bringing families together. On Aug. 17, the Cutchogue Village Green is going to the dogs with a multi-group adoption event and the first ever “Eastminster” Dog Show.

The multi-group adoption event is the first-of-its-kind on the North Fork. One of the main reasons for the event is to help promote adoptions over other less-compassionate means of securing a family pet. Opening the event to other organizations in our animal welfare community ensures that there is a large selection of animals available for adoption, along with giving more animals a broader audience to find homes. Staging the event mid-August, with a family-fun theme, will provide maximum exposure for our area’s homeless pets. The following groups are participating: ARF (Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons), Bideawee, Kent Animal Shelter, Last Chance Animal Rescue, Long Island Greyhound Connection, North Fork Animal Welfare League (Southold Animal Shelter & Riverhead Animal Shelter), Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, and Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter.

“The Dog Days of Summer is a collaborative event that will not just help get more animals into loving homes, but will also act as an educational vehicle for the public,” says Gillian Wood Pultz, North Fork Animal Welfare League’s executive director. “By having beautiful adoptable dogs from an agency like East Hampton’s ARF, alongside the equally beautiful dogs from the Town of Hempstead, will show the public that great dogs are available at their local shelter – there’s nothing ‘broken’ about shelter pets – the only thing ‘wrong’ with rescued animals is that there’s a human who has failed them in their past.”

In keeping with the foundation of a kid-friendly family fun event, there will be plenty to do for non-furry family members, too. Face painting, pet-themed crafts led by Theresa Maritato (Theresa’s Programs) and Penny Kelley (Southold Library Teen Dept), food and ice cream will be available. The event is also acting as a fundraiser for the North Fork Animal Welfare League – money collected for the Eastminster Dog Show will go towards helping save more homeless animals.

The Eastminster Dog Show is a novelty competition with prizes in categories like silliest walk and best kisser. The Westminster parody is open to anyone with a dog and five dollars; registration will be available onsite.

The event will also feature vendors and pet-related booths like a pet communicator. A large variety of local businesses and artisans have contributed to the Chinese auction. Many factions have come together to make this a true celebration of community, pets and the people who love them.  The event is being sponsored by M&T Bank, which has been an ongoing supporter of the League for the past few years through sponsorships, inkind donations, volunteer manpower, and more. The prime location and many amenities are being provided by the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council, through the guidance of their president, Robert Snowden. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council, it was their impetus to have a Dog Show and it really plugs into the League’s philosophy that animals are part of the family. What could reinforce this belief more than bringing everyone out to enjoy a gorgeous day with their furry family members in a prime East End location,” says Pultz. “We thank Mr. Snowden and his team for including animals in need during one of their popular height-of-the-season summer events.”

What: Dog Days of Summer

Where: Village Green Cutchogue 927320 Route 25, Cutchogue)

When: August 17, 2019

10 am – 4 pm (Dog Show: 1 – 3 pm)

General admission is free.