First-Ever 'Eastminster' Dog Show Fosters Adoptions

CUTCHOGUE, NY — A brand-new dog show is headed to the North Fork Saturday, with the goal of finding homeless pets their forever families.

The Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council and the North Fork Animal Welfare League are teaming up — on Saturday, the Cutchogue Village Green is "going to the dogs" with a multi-group adoption event and the first ever “Eastminster” Dog Show.

The event will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the dog show from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Village Green on Main Road in Cutchogue. General admission is free.

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, a release said.

"Opening the event to other organizations the 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," organizers said.

Participating are Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, or ARF, Bideawee, Kent Animal Shelter, Last Chance Animal Rescue, Long Island Greyhound Connection, North Fork Animal Welfare League, with both the Southold Animal Shelter and Riverhead Animal Shelter included, 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,” said 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.”

The event will include family friendly activities including face painting, a Chinese auction, and pet-themed crafts led by Theresa Maritato and Penny Kelley; food and ice cream will be available. The event is also acting as a fundraiser for the North Fork Animal Welfare League.

The Eastminster Dog Show is a novelty competition with prizes in categories including "Silliest Walk" and "Best Kisser." The Westminster parody is open to anyone with a dog and $5, organizers said; registration will be available onsite.

The event will also feature vendors and pet-related booths including a pet communicator.

“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?” Pultz.