STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Pet Dental Health Month is celebrated in February. While it may not be the most exciting pet month, it is still one of the most significant. Why? Since animals have teeth, they need to be cared for!
They also require dental care, just like we do. Many dogs and cats suffer from dental illness, so brushing your pet at home and getting regular dental cleanings from a professional will help.
A healthy mouth can extend your pet’s life, according to studies. Before they turn three, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will have a dental condition. Dental issues also affect areas other than the mouth. Dental disease can negatively impact the heart, kidneys, and other important organs. We prolong our pets’ health by regularly cleaning before serious issues surface.
Signs you should see your veterinarian
Bad breathAbnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouthPain in or around the mouthSwelling in the areas surrounding the mouthBroken or loose teethExtra teeth or retained baby teethTeeth that are discolored or covered in tartarReduced appetite or refusal to eatBleeding from the mouth
Animal Medical Center has prepared a list of do’s and don’t’s to refer to for the best at home dental care for your pet.
Meet Penny
Come meet me and 75+ of my adoptable friends at Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue’s Super Adoption Event, Furever Yours! Sunday, February 15th, 2026 at Paradise Island in Staten Island from 11am – 3pm!
Meet Penny! Penny is a gentle 15-year-old domestic long hair who has been through a lot in a short amount of time. After being left behind and abandoned in an apartment with other animals, she had to fend for herself—an experience that understandably left her shy and cautious at first.
Despite everything, Penny is learning to trust humans again and is showing her sweet, affectionate side. She enjoys gentle pets, quiet companionship, and cozy nap times, but don’t let her age fool you—she still lights up when it’s time to chase a laser toy.
Penny will need regular brushing to keep her long fur comfortable and free of mats, which also makes for a lovely bonding moment once she feels safe. She does well with other cats given proper introductions and would thrive in a calm, patient home where she can continue to come out of her shell at her own pace.
Penny may be a senior, but she has so much love left to give—and she deserves a soft place to land for her golden years.
Penny is currently being fostered in Staten Island, NY. Her adoption fee is $100.
To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’sLegacy)Louie’sLegacy
You might be thinking…
What type of toothpaste should I use to brush my pet’s teeth? You should choose a pet-safe toothpaste formulated for pets. Most pet stores and veterinary offices carry pet toothpaste. While the toothpaste flavor (e.g., poultry flavor) helps your dog tolerate the brushing experience, the mechanical action produces 95% or more of the results.What should I use to brush my pet’s teeth? Getting coverage and friction is the key to brushing your pet’s teeth. You may brush your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush or a pet dental cleansing pad to do this. Even plain gauze or Q-Tips are effective. The key to success is both friction and frequency.How often should I brush my pet’s teeth? Brushing your pet’s teeth twice daily after meals is ideal, but it is practical and impactful once daily. A few times per week is the absolute minimum to have any benefit. Also, establishing a routine is important to our pets. Tooth brushing is best done at the same time each day.Can I use human toothpaste to brush my pet’s teeth? Do not use human toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth. Most kinds of toothpaste formulated for humans contain fluoride in high enough concentrations that, if swallowed daily, would be toxic to your dog. Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) has compiled a list of approved products, including recommended toothpaste.Which teeth should I brush? Brush only the outside of your pet’s teeth. Brushing inside and/or the biting surfaces will not hurt but is unnecessary, as unwanted plaque buildup in these areas is less of a concern.
More options can be found here.
Meet Cordelia
Meet Cordelia, a 3-month-old, 9-ish pound (as of 2/5) Beagle/Australian Cattle Dog mix with the perfect blend of playful puppy energy and snuggly sweetness. This little lady is full of curiosity and enthusiasm for life — whether she’s zooming around with toys or curling up close for cuddles, Cordelia does everything with her whole heart.
Cordelia loves affection and happily soaks up pets, belly rubs, and attention. She enjoys playing with toys (and, like many puppies, is still learning that cords and corners are not toys — supervision and redirection are key!). Treats are a big hit, making her eager to learn and easy to motivate during training.
She gets along well with dogs, cats, kids, and people of all ages. Cordelia is crate trained and sleeps through the night in her crate. She’s working on house and pee pad training and is making steady progress. She already knows “sit” and is beginning to learn more commands.
She is playful and spirited, and will thrive in a home excited to continue her training, provide structure, and enjoy lots of playtime and cuddles.
If you’re looking for a smart, affectionate puppy who will grow into an amazing companion with a little guidance and love, Cordelia is ready to steal your heart.
If you would like to adopt this Rockstar, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
www.pupstarzrescue.org
Please Follow us on Instagram: @pupstarzrescue
Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/PupStarzRescue
**Puppies are hard work. If you are not ready for a ‘new baby’ please adopt an adult or senior who need you! PupStarz rescue cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament, or age of any dog**
**Please note that puppies can grow .5-2.5lbs a week based on their breed** (Courtesy/PupStarz)PupStarzAdoption Events
If you want to adopt, please remember that there are loving senior and disabled pets who need your care and attention, too. If you cannot adopt, please consider fostering or sharing the information with someone who could use companionship.
Feb. 14
SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Feb. 15
SICAW will be at PetSmart, 1525 Forest Ave., from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.Staten Island Animal Hope Rescue will be at Petco, located at 165 Bricktown Way, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.Super Adoption Event
Furever Yours 2026
Sunday, Feb.15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Paradise Island, 225 Ellis St.
Come meet me and 75+ of my adoptable friends at Louie’s Legacy Animal Rescue’s Super Adoption Event, Furever Yours! Sunday, February 15th, 2026 at Paradise Island in Staten Island from 11am – 3pm!
Meet Waffles — a 5-year-old Beagle mix weighing 25-lbs with a heart of gold and a nose that never clocks out.
Waffles is a happy, medium-to-high energy girl who’s always ready for her next adventure (especially if snacks are involved). She’s very food-motivated, which makes her a fun and rewarding candidate for training — though fair warning: when her nose catches a scent, she may temporarily forget she has ears. Classic Beagle behavior!
She loves staying active, going on walks, and exploring the world one sniff at a time. Waffles would thrive in a home that enjoys keeping her both physically and mentally engaged — think long walks, enrichment toys, and maybe a securely fenced yard for safe sniffing sessions.
Waffles is looking for a family who appreciates her curious spirit, can laugh at her nose-led mischief, and will give her the structure and love she deserves. She is crate and house trained but does need consistency to maintain that level of training. In return, she promises endless tail wags, loyal companionship, and a whole lot of Beagle charm.
If you are ready for a fun-loving, scent-seeking sidekick, Waffles might just be your perfect match. She is being fostered in Staten Island, NY and her adoption fee is $550.
To adopt this animal, please visit https://www.louieslegacy.org/adopt (Courtesy/Louie’sLegacy)Louie’sLegacy
Animal Care Centers of New York City is open for adoptions of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits at 3139 Veterans Road West on Monday and Tuesday, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For general information on adopting from ACC and other community-based programs, visit www.nycacc.org.
You can also visit ACC to register and purchase a NYC dog license from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Meet Paul
Meet Paul — the tiny kitten with big league dreams.
This little guy doesn’t just chase toys… he studies them like he’s reviewing football plays, plotting his next move with the focus of a future soccer champ. Give him a crinkly ball, and suddenly he’s sprinting down an imaginary field, scoring the winning goal for Team Paul.
And don’t even get him started on jumping. One minute he’s on the couch, the next he’s soaring through the air like he’s training for the Olympic high jump. But never disturbing one piece of furniture or what is on it. He’s Super Bowl champ! If there were medals for enthusiasm, he’d already have a whole shelf of gold (and his crinkly toys).
But behind all that athletic ambition is a heart as soft as his fur. Paul is pure sweetness—affectionate, curious, and ready to turn your home into a place filled with laughter and love. He’s the kind of young cat who will curl up beside you after a long day, purr like he’s telling you all his secrets, and remind you what joy feels like.
That’s Paul! – full of charm, playfulness, and just the right amount of “future Olympian” energy:
Give Paul a home, and he’ll give you his whole heart. (Make him your Valentine!) Don’t miss the chance to welcome this delightful little superstar into your family
Adopting Paul means gaining a loyal companion, a daily entertainer, and a tiny athlete who will keep you smiling and will be your best friend forever.
SICAW will be at PetSmart Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 2:30 to 5p.m and Sunday February 15, 2026 from 12 noon to 3pm.
For more information about SICAW’s adoption process or to fill out an adoption application, visit https://www.sicawsaves.org/adoption-process or contact SICAW at 718.948.5623, Mon-Sat 9 am-8 pm.
(Courtesy/SICAW)SICAWGifts for animal lovers
Stellar Villa is a New York City-based artist who recently raised over $11,500 for pet shelters after she single-handedly created 1,252 custom pieces of art of people’s pets over 21 days. Now, she is working to create ongoing partnerships with local animal shelters to continue raising money. If you’re looking for a gift for a dog lover, check out Stellar’s work.
Sophia Di Meglio wrote and illustrated A Big Life for Buddy, a children’s book that offers a lighthearted look at an exceptional dog and teaches children about growing older, belonging, and the naturalness of loss.
Meet Leo and Fluffy
These adoptable pets could use your help…It’s National Pet Dental Health Month! Feb. 14-15
Hiking trailsDog-friendly parks
· Allison Park, off-leash area, the field at the end of the trail bordered by Prospect Avenue, Sailors Snug Harbor Cemetery, and the pond
· Amundsen Trail, off-leash area, between Amboy Road and Hylan Boulevard
· Arthur Von Briesen Park, off-leash area, lawn area, mid-park on the right side
· Bloomingdale Park, dog run, Maguire Avenue behind athletic fields, closer to Ramona Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, the open field above the picnic area near Royal Oak Road and Rice Avenue
· Clove Lakes Park, off-leash area, Brookside Avenue between Alpine Court and Kingsley Avenue (lawn area)
· Clove’s Tail Park, off-leash area, lawn area, corner of Victory Boulevard and Little Clove Road
· Conference House Park, dog run, Clermont Avenue and Massachusetts Street
· Cozzens Woods Park, off-leash area, Page Avenue between Hylan Boulevard and Amboy Road
· Crescent Beach Park, off-leash area, Tennyson Drive, and Glover Avenue. Located in the meadow area leading to the beach
· Evergreen Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue and Evergreen Street
· Father Macris Park, off-leash area, lawn beyond ball field
· Ida Court Playground, dog run, Ida Court between N. Railroad Street and Drumgoole Road East
· Lemon Creek Park, off-leash area, the bottom of Seguine Avenue at Johnston Terrace, just below the playground
· Siedenburg Park, off-leash area, Greaves Avenue, and Evergreen Street
· Silver Lake Park, dog run, Victory Boulevard below the pavilion, across from the Parkview Apartments
· South Beach Park, off-leash area. Note: Dogs are permitted on the sand only after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
· Willowbrook Park, off-leash area, Archery Range Field
· Wolfe’s Pond Park, dog run, to the left of Cornelia Avenue
For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Dogs cannot enter any bathing facilities, including those at New York City beaches. However, from Oct. 1 through May 1, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Midland Beach and South Beach.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Midland Beach and South Beach.
For more information on rules and regulations, visit nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas.
Meet Barnadine
Meet Barnadine, an 11-week-old, 13-pound (as of 2/10), adorable Boxer mix. This delightful puppy is soft, sweet, cuddly and super loving. He is great with other dogs and friendly.
If you would like to adopt this Rockstar, please email rescue@pupstarzrescue.org or visit www.pupstarzrescue.org for an application!
www.pupstarzrescue.org
Please Follow us on Instagram: @pupstarzrescue
Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/PupStarzRescue
**Puppies are hard work. If you are not ready for a ‘new baby’ please adopt an adult or senior who need you! In addition, we cannot guarantee the breed, size, temperament or age of a puppy.**
**Please note that puppies can grow .5-2.5lbs a week based on their breed**
(Courtesy/PupStarz)PupStarz
PET POISON HELPLINES
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact the Pet Poison hotline at 855-764-7661 or petpoisonhelpline.com, or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or aspca.org.
As the seasons change, keep in mind the plants that are poisonous to animals: https://www.rover.com/blog/poisonous-plants/
TO REPORT ANIMAL CRUELTY
To report an incident of animal abuse, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
To contact an environmental conservation police officer or report suspected violations, contact the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center at 844-DEC-ECOS (844-332-3267) or dec.ny.gov/.provides financial support for