East End Mini Golf Fundraiser Supports Local Animal Shelter

UPDATE: SASF’s Putt Putt for Pits fundraiser has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 14th due to the impending storm.

On Saturday, May 7th, join Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) for an afternoon of mini golf during SASF’s Putt Putt for Pits fundraiser. From 12 to 6 p.m., attendees will be treated to a catered BBQ, wine, beer, mini golf, adorable adoptees and endless entertainment.

Proceeds from the fundraiser, which will take place at the home of two SASF supporters, will provide much needed medical care for pit bulls, as well as help raise awareness for the breed.

“SASF would like to thank Allison and Larry for hosting this wonderful event. They are great foster parents and have helped many pit bulls during their time of need,” expressed Kate McEntee of Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. “Their own dog, Miss Sweetpea an SASF alumni, has brought so much love and happiness into their home- they wanted to show others how amazing pit bulls really are. Pit bulls are great dogs, and unfortunately our shelters here on Long Island are full of them.”

Gotti’s got an adorable smile. (Courtesy Photo)

Allison has always been fond of animals, especially dogs. When she moved from New Jersey to Quogue she knew she wanted to volunteer at a local shelter and settled on SASF, which led to her fostering adoptees. “This was my first time fostering and it has forever changed my life. I always had a love for dogs but had some hesitation with pit bulls,” Allison explained. “Once we let Miss Sweetpea into our lives we found out that pit bulls are one of the sweetest and most affectionate breed of dogs, they just need that chance to show you how loving they are.”

The non-profit organization hopes the event will help dispel the negative perception people have about the breed. “Pit bulls today have a bad reputation today,” noted McEntee. “However back in the day, they were known as “nanny dogs” because they were so loyal and loving to children. Putt Putt for Pits hopes to break this bad image of Pits today.”

Pit bulls only gained a poor reputation when they became the top breed used for dog fighting ringing. “From family dogs in the earliest of times; to the Little Rascal’s Petey; to Pitbulls for Parolees; to Police Dogs performing search & seizure, drug sniffing, bomb sniffing, and rescue,” explained McEntee. “It wasn’t until the pit bull was used for fighting that the Bad Rap began. SASF has successfully adopted out several hundred pit bulls to good homes and we are only half way into our 7th year!”

Allistair is another SASF adoptee. (Courtesy Photo)

“Our Dogs Playing For Life program has saved a number of dogs who were marked for euthanasia in other shelters, only to find out they are playful out of a kennel and in a pack,” she noted. Dogs Playing For Life aims to increase the rate of adoption through the play group program, which allows animals to interact and play in a group setting, teaching them how to socialize. The training & behavior modification program is featured at animal welfare conferences and to over 140 shelters internationally.

Tickets to Putt Putt for Pits are $75.

UPDATE: SASF’s Putt Putt for Pits fundraiser has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 14th due to the impending storm.

For tickets or more information, call 631-728-7387 or visit www.southamptonanimalshelter.com.