Whether you are looking to adopt or buy a special pet to call your own there are different local places you can go.
First, there's the pet shop. Main Street’s Pick of the Litter just picked up new management under Elizabeth Persico, and sells dogs and cats from its storefront. Pick of the Litter has been in business for 15 years but new owner Persico is just four months into her stint as owner. The puppies are under her personal care and the care of four other people on staff.
“It’s a tough job taking care of them,” said Persico. “But we love them all.”
Some of the puppies come from local Long Island breeders, and others are bred by the owners themselves, Persico said. They also offer grooming in the shop.
For those going the adoption route, the Smithtown Animal Shelter on East Main Street houses cats and dogs that, according to manager Monica Stevens, are mainly strays, found by town residents or injured.
“Kittens and small breed dogs are most popularly adopted here,” said Stevens. “But some older dogs and cats get adopted as well, which is great.”
Stevens explained that adult cats are able to roam around the shelter while kittens stay in cages, and dogs have kennels inside, but also have plenty of time outside on walks and runs. She said there are always lots of donations coming in from different people to care for the animals there.
According to Stevens, there is a long adoption process to go through to ensure a pet is being taken in by the right owner.
Lastly, Chihuahua lovers should check out the local breeder on Landing Avenue in Smithtown. Owner and breeder of the Chihuahuas, Timothy Foley, has been breeding for five years now.
Foley adopts Chihuahuas from dog shows and he also rescues them. He currently has 15 chihuahuas he is caring for and who are looking for good owners.
Foley trains the dogs that don't get adopted from him to compete in some Long Island and out-of-state dog shows. There are a few champions among his pack of Chihuahuas, Foley said.
“When you breed dogs, you have to do the right thing by them,” said Foley. “I really have a passion for this breed.”
