LI Dog Passes 900 Days Spent In Animal Shelter

BABYLON, NY — Sandy, Babylon Animal Shelter’s longest resident, will pass her 900th day at the shelter this Valentine’s Day.

Sandy, a 5-year-old pitbull terrier became an adoptable pet on August 29, 2019. Volunteer Christine Franke, who works closely with Sandy, told Patch that her story is one that’s sad, yet too familiar, among shelter dogs.

“Sandy and another dog, Dutchess, were tethered outside,” Franke said. “ They had escaped and were brought to the shelter.”

The dogs were found to be heartworm positive, and have since been successfully treated. Sandy had been known to escape her home, Franke said, but her owners never came for her. Their previous owners were also charged with animal neglect, Franke said.

Franke, who has volunteered at the shelter for 11 years, said that Sandy was “nervous and scared” when she first arrived.

But with time, patience, and love, she adjusted to the shelter’s environment. Franke explained that each dog spends the majority of its time in their shelter cage, and has about one hour of exercise each day.

“We’re no certified trainers, but we all just try to give them that freedom in a short amount of time that they get daily,” Franke said.

Sandy knows basic commands, Franke said. She can be nervous with new people, but once she bonds with someone, they’re friends for life.

Only a real home, Franke said, is where Sandy can reach her full potential.
“She's cared for and loved for, but it's not home,” she said. “It's not enough.”

Sandy needs a low-traffic home, and likely will need to be crated or put out of sight when people come over. She also needs a home with no other pets and a secured, fenced yard, the shelter said.Sandy's adoption comes with three months of paid training, Franke said, to help her transition and be the best that she can be.

“We want to see her succeed,” Franke said. “That's really important support that you need.”

Franke told Patch that it’s heartbreaking to have watched Sandy stay in the shelter for so long. The shelter has made many efforts to get her adopted, such as creating a Facebook page, Sandy Needs A Family.

“She's definitely one of the harder sells but she really is a sweet dog,” Franke said. “You just have to get through the barrier and invest the time.”

If you think you're the family Sandy's been patiently waiting for, visit the Babylon Animal Shelter website, email BAARC@townofbabylon.com, or call 631 -643-9270