Good News: Cats Rescued, Dog Has Good Showing

As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to nitty-gritty breakdowns of government and school district issues. But some stories are simply inspiring, often showing that at the heart of our communities is a desire to do good. Here are some of the touching headlines from the past seven days.

Firefighters Spare No Effort in Cat Rescue

When Setauket firefighters responded to an incident at a home on Tree Road in South Setauket on Feb. 3 shortly after 10 p.m., they found a house filled with smoke from a boiler fire – and two pet cats who were suffering from apparent smoke inhalation.

Assistant chief Bill Rohr said the firefighters administered oxygen therapy. "They were unresponsive when we found them, after the oxygen therapy they both reacted positively to treatment and became much more lively," he said.

The home was otherwise unoccupied at the time of the incident. A neighbor took the cats for veterinary treatment. According to fire district manager Dave Sterne, the special oxygen therapy equipment used in the rescue had been donated to the Setauket Fire Department specifically to help animals in distress.

Free Youth Program Tackles Wrestling Skills

Many in the Westhampton area don’t know that in their backyard there is a free wrestling program that has slipped under the radar for nearly 9 years.

The program, called Westhampton Youth Wrestling, is run by a team of volunteer coaches who two times a week, get on the mat and teach kids the art of wrestling.

The program was started by father and son Vinny and Jeff Ciolino, who wanted to provide another activity for the area’s youth in the winter.

Dachshund Shines at Dog Show

Dora the Explorer sat lounging in her blue armchair, almost perfectly still except for her breath, and posed for photos. The 1-1/2 year old miniature dachshund had just finished a long weekend of competition – which culminated Monday in her achievement at the Westminster Dog Show: She was named a winner's bitch, an honor given to the best female in her class.

Her proud owner is Robin Gianopoulos of Stony Brook.

"[She is] tired for a few days after the dog shows. This week they were tough because of the weather," Gianopoulos said. "But she loves to show. She gets in there and does her little thing."

Student Chosen to Attend National Security Forum

Miller Place High School junior JC Guido has been selected to attend a six day National Youth Leadership Forum on national security beginning Feb. 19 in Washington, D.C.