'Diamond In The Ruff' Blaze: Smithtown Adoptable Pet Of The Week

SMITHTOWN, NY — Blaze, an 11-year-old male bully mix, is the Smithtown Animal Shelter's Pet of the Week.

Blaze has spent five years — 1,825 days — at the shelter waiting for his second chance at a happy home, according to the shelter.

"This diamond in the RUFF is a staff favorite and for plenty of good reasons," the shelter wrote. "Blaze ... is chocolate brown with white patches, loyal, and affectionate, despite being left for dead locked in a cage at Blydenburgh Park over five years ago."

Shelter staff wrote a paragraph of what they felt Blaze would say if he could speak:

"Please don’t think of me to be ungrateful. My people here at the shelter have taught me what it is to feel joy, and the bliss of wet grass in between my paw pads. They give me a supply of unlimited toys and I have delicious treats spoon fed to me daily. They showed me what love looks like… when I was expendable and cast aside by the people who I loved so deeply. I’ve watched the days go by. I’ve watched people pass by my kennel because of how I look, or because I am older than they would prefer. I’m happy for all of my friends who went on to find their furrever family. But I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I go to sleep every night dreaming of that day… when that person stops at the sight of my wagging tail and doesn’t keep walking. I know that I am not a puppy anymore and my years might be limited… but I can promise that every day I get the chance to wake up next to you will be a day filled with unconditional gratitude, face kisses and a paw resting on your lap. My manners are impeccable (I am told) and I will walk at your pace, no matter how slow (or fast) you want to go. I can promise you that whatever time we get together will feel like a lifetime of grateful memories… if you give me that one chance to love you."

Blaze has always made his caretakers feel love and appreciated, but shelter staff feel he deserves a home and a human he can call his own.

"He is an easy going guy who isn't afraid to show his sweet side once he gets to know you," the shelter wrote. "Blaze is incredibly loyal and protective of his people so his soulmate will need to be cognizant of his stranger danger instinct. However, Blaze is quick to warm up to new friends who have no objections to blackmailing him with treats. Blaze loves outdoor activities such as a romp in the yard, a leisurely walk, and splashing around in a kiddie pool. He is not a fan of the rain or cold and prefers a lot of extra snuggles on the couch while binge watching crime dramas on those types of days. Blaze has so much love to share! It is our sincere hope that this milestone anniversary will be the last one he has to endure until he celebrates his 'gotcha day' anniversary with that special person."

Caretakers at the shelter believe Blaze would do best in a home without children or other pets.

"He deserves to be the only child to be spoiled for the duration of his beautiful life."

If you are interested in meeting Blaze, please call ahead to schedule an hour to properly interact with him in a domestic setting, which includes the shelter's Meet and Greet Room, the dog runs and the 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.