'Delightfully Sweet' Sugar: Smithtown Adoptable Pet Of The Week

SMITHTOWN, NY — She’s Sugar, spice and everything nice!

Sugar is a 6-year-old "delightfully sweet and petite" chocolate-colored Min-Pin (Miniature Pinscher and Boston Terrier) mix, the Smithtown Animal Shelter wrote about their Pet of the Week.

"Sugar's journey began under some very unfortunate circumstances, originally rescued by the shelter from a terrible breeding situation where she was used, neglected, and discarded," the shelter wrote. "After medical care for being malnourished and dehydrated, this tiny survivor was later adopted… only to be returned to the shelter two years later due to her fears when it comes to meeting new people. This poor girl has been failed by humans her entire life… and we are determined to find her a real happy furr-ever EVER happy ending!"

As a result of all Sugar has endured, it takes her some time and understanding to warm up to people, according to the shelter.

"The key to earning Sugar’s trust is simple: a little compassion, patience and understanding. Sugar appreciates receiving doggy treats, which helps her to learn that there are good humans out there who are loving and want to care for her. This Sugar-Pie is highly intelligent and loves to learn. She is also energetic and eager to please."

Sugar can become protective of her people. However, she will listen when corrected, according to the shelter.

"Sugar would be best suited in a quiet home with no other pets or children," it wrote. "Let’s get her story out to the world far and wide… if you’re not the right person for Sugar, you can still help by sharing her story on social media and with friends, neighbors and family."

If you are interested in meeting Sugar please fill out an application and schedule a date/time to properly interact in a domestic setting, which includes our Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs, and our Dog Walk trail. Family Pet Meet and Greets and at-home interactions are also welcome and an integral part of the adoption process.

While the shelter is open to the public, it asks that people call ahead to schedule an appointment.

Hours are currently Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays and Wednesday evenings are by appointment only.

To inquire about the Pet of the Week or to meet your potential soulmate, call the Smithtown Animal & Adoption Center at 631-360-7575.

The Smithtown Animal Shelter's primary concern is finding the perfect home for each animal that finds his/her way to it. The Animal Control Officers at the Smithtown Animal Shelter will go out of their way to ensure both the rescued and rescuer are made for one another. If you have other pets, you can arrange to bring your four-legged family member into the shelter or they can set up an at-home meet & greet to see how your prospective new addition does with other family members, pets or the household itself. Please allow yourself an hour minimum to meet with your potential new family member.

The shelter is also seeking foster volunteers. Foster parents provide temporary care for cats, kittens and dogs in their own homes. Some animals need as little as two weeks of care, while others may need care for an extended time. Potential fosters need to have no other pets or young children in the home.

If interested, download the Foster Application here.