A colorful new addition to Detective Luis G. Alvarez Memorial Park in Oceanside is bringing together animal lovers, students, volunteers and rescue advocates through a project designed to celebrate pets while raising awareness about animal welfare.
Community members gathered on May 31 for the unveiling of the Pet Rock Garden, a collaborative project spearheaded by Oceanside resident Roy Ruland, a retired NYPD detective, 9/11 first responder and longtime animal rescue volunteer.
The garden features hand-painted rocks decorated with paw prints, animal-themed artwork and messages honoring the special bond between people and their pets.
Ruland, 61, has spent years working with animal rescue organizations both on Long Island and in Puerto Rico. Through his partnership with North Fork Country Kids Animal Rescue in Aquebogue and other independent rescue groups, he regularly transports donated food, medicine and supplies to shelters and rescuers across Puerto Rico while helping find permanent homes for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens on Long Island.
"The whole idea was to create something positive for the community that celebrates our love of animals," Ruland said. "Whether someone has a pet now, had one in the past or simply cares about animals, this is a place where they can feel connected."
The project was completed with the help of Oceanside Library teens, students from West Islip High School and members of the Oceanside Community Warriors, a volunteer group known for local beautification and cleanup projects. Many of the painted rocks were created by students and community members, while others were donated by supporters of animal rescue efforts both locally and in Puerto Rico.
Among those attending the unveiling were about 10 students and a teacher from West Islip High School, Oceanside Library teen volunteers, members of the Oceanside Community Warriors and animal rescue advocates from throughout Long Island.
The idea for the garden originated after Ruland saw similar community projects during his travels. He envisioned a space where families could paint a rock representing a beloved pet and return years later to revisit the memory.
"It isn't meant to be a memorial," Ruland explained. "It's more of a celebration. A child can paint a rock when they get a new puppy or kitten and come back years later and remember that special time."
The project also serves as an extension of Ruland's rescue work in Puerto Rico, where he travels annually to assist local animal welfare organizations still struggling with the effects of hurricanes, limited resources and widespread stray animal populations.
Ruland became involved in rescue efforts several years ago after helping transport a rescued puppy from Puerto Rico. The experience inspired him to become more involved, eventually leading him to make yearly trips there to deliver donations and work alongside local rescuers.
His efforts have received support from numerous community groups and local businesses that have organized donation drives for food, toys, medication and reflective collars used to protect street dogs.
Many of the collars are distributed to dogs that have been trapped, vaccinated and spayed or neutered before being released. The reflective material helps make the animals visible to drivers at night, reducing the risk of them being hit by vehicles.
"People here have been incredibly generous," Ruland said. "Every donation helps. When I bring supplies over and tell rescuers that they came from students or residents on Long Island, they're overwhelmed with gratitude."
The unveiling also highlighted the work of Virginia Scudder, founder and director of North Fork Country Kids Animal Rescue. Scudder has worked closely with Ruland to rescue and find new homes for animals from Puerto Rico, helping connect them with adoptive families throughout Long Island.
Through those efforts, dozens of animals have been placed in new homes, while many others have received medical care and temporary foster placements before adoption.
Ruland expressed belief that projects such as the Pet Rock Garden resonate because they unite people from all backgrounds around a shared compassion for animals.
"Animals bring people together," he said. "Most people have had a pet, loved a pet or cared about an animal at some point in their lives. When people come together to help, whether it's through donations, fostering, adopting or projects like this, it strengthens the entire community."
Community members are encouraged to continue adding painted rocks to the garden, making it an evolving display that reflects Oceanside's ongoing support for animal welfare.
Those interested in donating, fostering or adopting animals can learn more through North Fork Country Kids Animal Rescue by visiting NorthForkCountryKids.org.
