'Velvet Hippo' Blaze: Smithtown Adoptable Pet Of The Week

SMITHTOWN, NY — Blaze, a 10-year-old male pittie mix, is the Smithtown Animal Shelter's Pet of the Week.

Blaze is a longtime resident at the animal shelter. He was rescued by animal control officers after being abandoned and left in a cage at Blydenburgh Park.

"Blaze is a well-mannered, loving and affectionate gentleman," the shelter wrote. "In his spare time, Blaze enjoys playing in the pools, taking long walks and spending time with his favorite people. He dislikes the cold weather and is not a fan of the rain. Sweet Blaze can be protective of his people and suspicious of meeting new ones. However, this little quirk is easily managed and overcome by giving him treats … cookies are the way to his heart. Overall, this incredible boy is easygoing and mellow. Once he trusts you, he’ll love you and remain loyally at your side forever."

Blaze would do best in an adult-only home without other pets. Interested adopters must have experience with his breed, the shelter said.

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.