Jonathan McCann, President of SASF and Andy Nibley, Writer and Director of the film. (Courtesy Photo: SASF)

Sag Harbor - Education and awareness are the most important gift we can offer to help make changes in the lives of animals. The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) did a stellar job last Saturday night, September 10, 2011, when they hosted an amazing evening in Sag Harbor for local animal lovers beginning with an exhibit of animal paintings at the Demato Art Gallery hosted by owner Richard Demato.

The evening continued with a documentary film at the Bay Street Theater. The event was the collaboration of SASF president Jonathan McCann and a woman who travels to the Amish Country to rescue dogs from breeding farms or puppy mills. A panel comprised of the writer and director, producer of "Madonna of the Mills" Laura Amato, Suffolk County Legislator , Suffolk County Assemblyman Fred Thiele, and Humane Society of the U.S. Senior Director of Puppy Mill Campaign participated in a question and answer period following the film.

Everyone agreed that even one person can make a difference - over 90 percent of all puppies purchased from pet stores come from puppy mills - do not purchase a dog from a pet store. SASF is proud to partner with the volunteers who rescue dogs from Lancaster County puppy mills. SASF will rehabilitate and socialize all dogs before finding them a forever home.

Please visit the shelter and all of the rescued dogs at 102 Old Riverhead Road in Hampton Bays; 631-728- PETS (7387).

Richard Demato, with his wife, artist Harriet Sawyer (left) and Teri Meekins at gallery exhibition prior to screening at Bay Street Theatre. (Courtesy Photo: SASA)