Last Chance Animal Rescue Visits Riverhead Polish Fair

Riverhead rolled out the red carpet once again to the Polish Fair this past weekend. This annual event features something for everyone with more than 200 booths offering everything from kielbasa and pierogis to assorted arts and crafts. A Polka Dance Festival and an old-fashioned wedding complete with polka band serves as centerpiece of the festivities.

Last Chance Animal Rescue (LCAR), a non-profit that saves animals from rural high kill shelters where they are in imminent danger of euthanasia, was invited to join in this weekend’s celebration. The animals at Last Chance are pulled from such horrific shelters and sent to St Francis Farm, a sanctuary in South Carolina created by Whitney Knowlton, founder of LCAR, where they receive medical attention, training and socialization before embarking on a journey to the New York area to be placed with foster parents who provide a home environment until forever homes are found. All the good work that LCAR does has recently been recognized with the Pet Philanthropy Circle Award for outstanding commitment to saving and enhancing the quality of animal lives.

LCAR adoption events take place every Saturday and Sunday at local Petcos and Petsmarts on Long Island. On Sundays during the summer, Last Chance holds adoption events in Port Jefferson Village. In addition, the group attends special events like the Riverhead Polish Fair where the public has the opportunity to meet and adopt these great dogs.

Some of the dogs who attended this past Saturday’s Polish Fair are highlighted here. Please note that some have already been adopted while others are still searching for their forever families. (Their photos are labled above.)

Princess, a 2-year-old female rat terrier/beagle mix, is a sweet, loving girl though she experienced much abuse in her short 2 years on this earth. She was left chained to a tree outside in all sorts of inclement weather. No food or even water was given to her. Her emaciated body was ravaged, especially her pancreas. Thankfully, LCAR saved her and she’s no longer suffering. Princess was vetted and diagnosed with Pancreatic Enzyme Deficiency; her body could not absorb nutrients from food. There is an easy fix however. The enzymes that her body cannot produce must be sprinkled in powder form over her food. Princess has flourished through the loving care of LCAR and through her wonderful foster family.

Sophie, a 4-year-old female Collie mix, was on death row when Last Chance saved her. She loves people, but she’s not good with other dogs. She would be happy as top and only dog in the household. She is housebroken and prefers to curl up on a rug rather than a chair or sofa. There is a good chance that the only home this girl experienced is with her foster parents. She is so sweet and doesn’t even bark. She will make a great addition to any dog-less family.

Luna, a 3-year-old female Harrier mix, was rescued from NYC ACC in Manhattan moments before she was put to death. Luna loves her second chance at life. She is fun loving and will be right by your side for car rides or long walks in the park. Luna is great with other dogs and loves people.

Diesel, an approximately 14-year-old Shepherd/Terrier mix, is still full of life and as sweet as can be. She is great with children, dogs and cats. Diesel’s story is a sad one. After spending years with her former owner, she was dumped at the Babylon shelter. Used to having a family, she was suddenly lost and frightened. But Diesel got a second chance when she was saved on the day she was to be euthanized. She needs a family who will see this sweet girl and not her senior age. She has so much life to live and love to give. All she wants is that special person to share it with.

Buddy, a 4-year-old Corgi mix, was rescued from a high-kill shelter in South Carolina at the moment he was to die. This great boy loves kids and would make a great family dog. He is crate trained and very playful. Buddy is a cuddle bug, so make sure your lap is ready for him to jump into. All he wants is to curl up and be your best buddy. He is not good with dogs however, so you must be a one-dog family for Buddy to be happy.

*At the time of this writing, these dogs have not been adopted. Should you inquire only to find your choice has been adopted, the hope is that you will open your heart to another great dog ready for adoption through Last Chance Animal Rescue. Please check out their website for a list of adoptable dogs and cats at LCArescue.org.

Happy Endings

These great dogs found their forever homes on Saturday, August 15, 2015 while attending the Polish Fair in Riverhead.

Barbara Anne Kirshner is a regular contributor to DansPapers.com and the author of Madison Weatherbee-The Different Dachshund.