Buddy is a dog at Brookhaven Animal Shelter.  Prior to arriving at Brookhaven, he had lived ON THE END OF A CHAIN FOR YEARS.  He arrived at Brookhaven Shelter approximately 2 YEARS ago where his prospects for adoption grew increasingly more slim as he was a CAUTION DOG.  Buddy has "some very serious stranger issues" according to shelter staff.  In Early December, Buddy was set to be EUTHANIZED.  Word got out about his impending death and Kristina Howley, founder of BARKK Long Island Rescue, implored the public to make calls to the shelter supervisor, Mark Lyons; shelter director, Ashley Boyd and any other related Brookhaven officials to SPARE BUDDY's LIFE.  The calls worked and Buddy was given a reprieve until December 17 during which time, the shelter and it's officials would consider the BARKK Rescue application for Buddy the dog.  The rescue recognizes that Buddy has never been properly socialized and that, as such, he carries liability and the possibility to direct fear aggression towards humans.  The rescue has noted his challenges, and, having worked with dogs that have shown far more aggression than Buddy, agreed to ASSUME ALL LIABILITY for him and his care.

WE DEMAND that this dog be given the CHANCE of REHABILITATION with BARKK, a REPUTABLE LONG ISLAND RESCUE.  We INSIST that he be RELEASED to their CARE as soon as transportation is feasible.  FURTHER, we INSIST that any and all "CAUTION DOGS" at Brookhaven Shelter be EVALUATED by a CERTIFIED TRAINER and DEEMED unable to be REHABILITATED prior to being DESTROYED.  Further, as a PUBLIC SHELTER, the people of Brookhaven have a RIGHT to review all of this information. 

BELOW PLEASE FIND SOME of the CORRESPONDENCE between the RESCUE and BROOKHAVEN SHELTER:

ON DECEMBER 21st Ms. Howley posted this Facebook Report:  "For those of you waiting for an update on Buddy I am hoping to hear something today but have not as of yet. I sent the town the following email in hopes we can get an update. It's very frustrating it has taken this long. Buddy's initial stay was the 17th but I have been promised it is extended until a decision is made on my application. At this point the life of Buddy is literally in the hands of one person and i sincerely hope he has a love for dogs".

LATER THAT SAME DATE (DECEMBER 21): PER MS HOWLEY:

I received a response regarding Buddy and have replied accordingly. 

Ms. Howley

I expect input from my director and others as far as Buddy goes. I intend to meet with them tomorrow and then will call or write you with questions, if any. I will not comment on what you believe are operational issues regarding safety which is our responsibility. Nor will we be bullied into releasing Buddy without proper vetting. And, I am sorry you are already judging our operation. I am not sure of your credentials in your determination there are "..dogs far worse than Buddy.." I am sorry you are disappointed but we must first act in the interest of safety for human beings regardless of whatever liability waiver you suggest be signed. 

Martin W. Haley, Commissioner
Dept of General Services
Town of Brookhaven

Reply: 
No one is trying to bully anyone into releasing Buddy. Once he is released to my rescue, IF he is released to my rescue, he is my liability of which I'm happy and prepared to take on. As far as vetting goes, all of our dogs are properly vetted and cared for. Whatever vetting Buddy needs I assure you he will get. After all we are an animal rescue group. And as I said I understand the need for safety but there needs to be compromise for the sake of these dogs. Who is going to FIRST act in the interest of these shelter dogs? When do they get "heard"? Your website very clearly states "The Brookhaven Animal Shelter & Adoption Center staff is dedicated to helping the homeless pets in our township." "People helping animals and animals helping people". Well I'm a person who is trying to help an animal. Buddy is homeless. I'm asking where is the dedication by your staff in trying to help him? It's been weeks since his stay was first implemented and the longer he sits in a cage without human interaction the worse his behavior is going to get. Part of why I am involved in rescue is because I believe our voice is louder than their bark. I'm not judging your operations I am simply stating the course of events that have occurred and my disappointment in the lack of progress that has been made. I'm sure you can appreciate my frustration. My efforts in trying to help the helpless has turned into worse living conditions for Buddy and it haunts me every day. 

Kristina