S U S Q U E H A N NA SPC A
TALEWAGS
Fighting Animal Abuse
Since last September, the SSPCA has
been involved in three animal abuse
cases, all of which have resulted in
substantial bills and Shelter costs. We
have taken in 58 cats from a man in
Milford, with medical costs of $9,933;
seized 28 cats from a woman in
Burlington at a cost of $5,380; and
acquired 45 starving dogs — German
Nicole now weighs 60 lbs, up from 34½.
Shorthairs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks (plus
8 puppies born in our possession), Vizslas and Weimaraners — from a
breeder in Worcester. We have incurred considerable costs which could
amount to as much as $80,000. The breeder is accused of 45 charges
of animal abuse related to the dogs, and we have been in court for six
months in an effort to sort things out, seek restitution, and attain legal
custody of the animals—a lengthy and emotional process.
This Summer 2012 issue
of TALEWAGS ends the
SSPCA’s multiple-year
newsletter hiatus. Learn
about our recent challenges
and victories, the people
behind the scenes, and
the wonderful animals of
Otsego County.
These cases have taken a toll on our budget and our staff. Caring for the
animals and preparing the necessary information for Jim Ferrar i—our
pro bono lawyer who kindly volunteered his services—to present in
court has been costly and time-consuming. So has photographing,
evaluating and distributing these animals to nearby veterinarians and
kennels (the Shelter doesn’t have room for them all).
On June 12, 2012, as the breeder had not posted the bond required for
him to maintain ownership of the animals, at long last, we were able to
begin the search for homes for the 53 dogs and puppies. The problem
of restitution for our heavy expenses will be addressed in criminal court
at a later date.
The SSPCA has proudly taken a strong stand against animal abuse, a
promising sign that the futures of all our animals in Otsego County
will have happy outcomes.
IT’S A GOOD IDEA!
Microchip your pets. Most animals that end up in shelters
can’t be identified and can’t get home.
WOOF IT
UP !
PRIZES G
ALORE!
Jo in Us J
u ly 29
for the
HOUNDS O
F
HY DE HA
LL
See page
2 for det
ails
Happy Tails
Last year, 222 cats and 197 dogs entered the Shelter; 120 cats and
91 dogs found happy homes, while owners of lost dogs reclaimed 74, a
goodly number. Many of these ecstatic new owners sent in photographs
of their new pets, all happily ensconced in their new homes with their
new pet and people pals. When we hear from these owners it always
gladdens our hearts, as so many of our Shelter friends deserve these
happy new lives, and they are so amenable to their new families when
they get there. Here are a few stories with some very happy endings:
BROWNIE
SAVE THE DATE
THE HOUNDS OF HYDE HALL:
A FUN & GAMES DAY FOR DOGS
Sun, July 29, 1– 4 pm
Bring your dogs to Hyde Hall for the
Egg and Spoon Relay, Bobbing for Bones,
and THE HUNT.
An SSPCA Benefit, sponsored by Ernie Puppy and
his servants, Sally Graumlich and Tim Campbell,
and Hyde Hall.
SSPCA DOG WASH
& NAIL CLIPPING
Sat, July 21, 10:30 am–2:30 pm
Sat, Sept 15, 10:30 am–2:30 pm
Location: SSPCA Shelter. Appointments
appreciated, walk-ins welcome, leashes
required. Minimum donation: $15.
FREE RABIES CLINIC
Thurs, Dec 6, 4–6 pm
Location: The Better Exchange
Brownie and her sister Jessie were
surrendered to us in August 2011
because the family was no longer able
to keep them. Jessie was a very relaxed
and outgoing dog, but Brownie came
to us terribly un-socialized and fearful.
New people, sounds, and experiences
would make her extremely nervous.
Brownie and her new pal.
As fearful as she was, she would never
hurt anyone; instead she tried to hide or escape as quickly as possible.
Jessie was adopted after a few months but, sadly, no one was interested
in Brownie. People who visited the Shelter looking for a dog to adopt
would meet her, but as soon as they saw how nervous she was, they
turned to other prospects.
One family came to the Shelter to volunteer, wanting to spend time
with dogs that needed a little extra attention. We suggested they work
with Brownie, as she was the most needy. The family and Brownie
bonded, and many visits ensued. Eventually, one of the daughters
convinced her parents to consider adopting Brownie. They then brought
their dog to meet her and, as the two dogs also bonded, Brownie’s
great new life began. Since her adoption in March, Brownie has been
a wonderful addition to her new family, and they love her very much.
Everyone is hoping that when she finishes her training classes she’ll
be ready for the 4-H Dog Show in August.
PICKING UP A NEW PET FROM THE SSPCA?
Cats must leave the Shelter in a carrier. You can purchase a cardboard carrier
from us for $5. Dogs must have a collar and leash.
2
“I cannot thank your organization enough for alerting us to this boy (Roscoe, now called Harasstus). He is
a perfect fit. The degree of professionalism, commitment to the animals and successful placement, as well
as knowledge of proper animal handling displayed by your organization far, far exceeded that of other
organizations I have worked with.” – T R A C Y, C H E R RY VA L L E Y
WESLEY
When Wesley and his 35 abused feline
housemates entered the Shelter in 2009 we
estimated he was under a year old. He was very
scared and, while he slowly began to show
some signs of improvement, he retained some
little behavioral idiosyncrasies that made
him less of a candidate for adoption than the
other friendly and outgoing cats. He didn’t like
Wonderful Wesley and Jane.
to be held and, though he might accept small
amounts of affection—strictly on his own terms—he could at times
show a little attitude. In time, he gained some special privileges,
preferring for the most part to spend his days and nights atop the front
desk, greeting people.
One day in June 2011, someone up and adopted him, happy to give
him a home regardless of his personality quirks. Soon after, we heard
from his owner, Jane, that he was beginning to come around. And then,
as more time passed, Jane reported that he had become extremely
personable and affectionate. And to this day, we receive regular updates
on wonderful Wesley, and he keeps on coming back with Jane to visit
all his old Shelter friends.
SHEEBA
Sheeba came to us in January 2011.
Her owner had passed away and there
was no one to care for her any longer.
She was very sad. At that time she was
probably 12 to 14 years old. Two months
later she was adopted, and her new
family absolutely LOVES her! Here she
is with her new people. Lucky Sheeba!
Sheeba, with her happy family.
Visit www.susquehannasspca.org for information on our adorable
adoptables, dog and cat care, veterinary clinics, dog control officers,
boarding kennels, upcoming events, and our SSPCA products. Thanks
to Susan O’Handley of Central NY Mobile Marketing for providing
design services and content management for our website!
3
WISH LIST
• Paper Towels
• Bleach
• Dish Detergent
• Canned Dog Food
• Cat & Dog Treats
• Toys
• Clay Cat Litter
• Copy Paper
• Sponges
• HE Laundry Detergent
• Pine Sol
• $$$
Our Wish List is on
Amazon.com — they’ll deliver!
What We’ve Been Doing …
Workin’ at the Dog Wash.
The gigantic Memorial Day Yard Sale took
up the entire parking lot at the Shelter.
On February 11, Dogs on Parade, followed by the annual SSPCA Dog
Show, sponsored by Dog Wild Canine Supply, took place during Winter
Carnival. On April 1st we held a first-time Spay/Neuter Clinic designed to
help county residents who are unable to afford to have their cat spayed
or neutered. Dr. Joan K. Puritz of the Oneonta Veterinary Hospital
attended; rabies vaccinations were included. The Dog Wash on May 19
cleaned up lots of dogs, whose people gave the SSPCA a minimum
donation of $15 for their furry friends to have a bath and pedicure. The
third annual SSPCA Yard Sale took place in the Shelter parking lot over
Memorial Day weekend. There was something out there for absolutely
everyone. The Bank of Cooperstown and the NBT branches in
Cooperstown, Oneonta, Cherry Valley, Edmeston, and Richfield Springs
participated in our popular Spring Basket Raffle, which added extra funds
in support of our mission. For the third year the SSPCA brought cats
and dogs to Curtis Lumber’s PET-A-PALOOZA in New Berlin on June 16.
What We Are Doing Now …
Each month, SSPCA staff members take animals to visit the residents
of Pathfinder Village. The animals are showered with hugs, kisses, and
caresses, and in return they brighten up the day for the residents.
We also welcome small groups to tour the Shelter. We have worked with
our local Brownies, Boy and Girl Scout troops, SUNY and Hartwick College
students, Springbrook residents, ARC, and the BOCES volunteer program.
And What We Always Do!
Baked goods (and cheerful bakers) were
a highlight at the Yard Sale.
Our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is an established national management
plan in which stray and feral cats already living outdoors are humanely
trapped, evaluated, vaccinated, and sterilized by veterinarians. Healthy
adult cats are returned to their familiar habitat under the lifelong care
of volunteers. We also support a low-cost Spay/Neuter Assistance Program
for animal owners with limited income. Owners are reimbursed a
previously agreed-upon amount for having their animals spayed/neutered.
THANK YOU DAKOTA!
Dakota McCord, an animal care technician, has
been with us at the Shelter since August 2010. She’s
very loyal and dedicated to all our animals, and she
has three dogs and two cats of her own.
Astro checks out the goods brought by
Girl Scout Troop 787, Richfield Springs.
4
The Better Exchange Gift Shop
Organized in the early 1960s to support
the activities of the SSPCA and to
serve the community as a vital source
for clothes and household goods, the
Better Exchange generates almost
25% of the income for the operation of
the Shelter. The shop is staffed entirely
by volunteers (we have over 30),
some of whom have been with the
Bursting at the seams.
organization for as long as 20 years.
Their dedication and cheerful service are both exemplary and
essential to the success of the store.
We are also most grateful to those who donate gently used items for
sale, as well as to those who shop here. Perfect, ‘next to new’ donations
can be delivered to the Better Exchange Thrift Shop during operating
hours. Tax-deduction forms are available. Every penny earned goes
directly to the care and housing of the animals in the Shelter.
We thank you for supporting the SSPCA! And then, when you visit the
Better Exchange, you get to thank all the volunteers for everything they
do for our animals!
KELLY STEELE has been a volunteer at the Better
Exchange for 10 years. She views the SSPCA and its
animals as a large part of her life. It was here that she
found her “favorite feline”—Homer—and adopted
him two years ago.
PEGGY LEO has also been a volunteer at the Better
Exchange for 10 years. She shares with us a depth of
compassion for our animals that is well evidenced
by the thoughtfulness and humor that she brings to
our organization.
SHIRLEY DICKISON has been a Better Exchange
volunteer for one year. Weekend shoppers can
look forward to seeing Shirley each week, as she so
generously donates her time every Saturday.
Want to help at the Shelter or the Better Exchange? Call: 547-8111.
Please spay/neuter your pets. It will help all the animals of Otsego County.
5
The Better Exchange is
always looking for
donations. We need:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Clothing and shoes
Small household appliances
Small items of furniture
Housewares
Linens
Books (please, no text
books or encyclopedias)
• Toys
• Decorative items
• CDs, DVDs and video tapes
4841 State Highway 28
Cooperstown NY 13326
(607) 547-9462
Tue – Fri: 10 am – 4 pm
Sat: 10 am –2 pm
SSPCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anne Keith
Christine Amos
PRESIDENT
James Forbes
Rich McCaffery
VICE-PRESIDENT
Patricia Grillo
S E C R E TA RY
Deni Wicks
TRE ASURER
Lucy Hamilton
Maureen Hansen
Barbara Lamb
Garet Livermore
Melissa Manikas
Pat McBrearty
John Ryland
Allegra Schecter
Lyman Townsend
Liz Mackey
E X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R
How You Can Help Our
Animals in Need …
The SSPCA, a private, nonprofit organization, receives no state, county,
or federal funding, nor any from the ASPCA. We rely on contributions
from you to bring our services to Otsego County. Your tax-deductible gift
or bequest helps us give needy animals a well-deserved second chance.
WILLS AND BEQUESTS
In this country we have a long and inspiring tradition of sharing
with charitable organizations. Planning to protect the future of the
SSPCA through a bequest gives the satisfaction of not only providing a
tax-deductible benefit for your estate, but also of knowing now that
you will be helping secure into the future the lives and happiness of
many animals of Otsego County. The SSPCA has been the beneficiary
of a number of substantial bequests in the past; we would be
pleased to discuss the possibility of one from you as well. If you are
interested, check the box on the donation form below.
MEMORIALS AND TRIBUTES
Memorial and tribute donations are special ways to commemorate loved
ones and pets. Family and friends can make a lasting impact through
a memorial donation for a person or pet to the SSPCA. Tribute donations
are an ideal way to celebrate a special occasion such as a retirement,
birthday, wedding, or anniversary. Please remember the SSPCA when
you honor your family or friends. You’ll help our animals, too.
Please include the donation form below with your contribution;
you may also donate through PayPal at www.susquehannaspca.org.
And please acceptour heartfelt thanks.
✁
I/we would like to
give to the SSPCA,
and become a:
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Top Dog ($1,000+)
Fat Cat ($750)
Garfield ($500)
Snoopy ($100)
Cat’s Meow ($75)
Best Friend ($50)
Purrfect Pal ($25)
❑
Please send me
information about how
I/we can remember the
SSPCA in my/our Will.
NAME
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE / EMAIL
❑ Enclosed is my check, payable to the Susquehanna SPCA, in the amount of $________________
❑ Please charge my ■ MasterCard ■ Visa ■ Discover in the amount of $___________________
NAME AS IT APPEARS ON THE CARD
C R E D I T C A R D N U M B E R / E X P I R AT I O N DAT E / S E C U R I T Y C O D E
❑ I/we would like to make our gift in ■ Honor of ■ Memory of ______________________________
Please return this form to the SSPCA at 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326. Thank you!
6
IN MEMORY OF OUR FRIENDS AND ANIMALS • 2011/ 2012
AUDREY NAATZ
William Naatz
JEREMY FRANCE
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Greenberg
Edward Macaulay &
Elizabeth Ayer
Patricia Snyder
Emily L. Bassett
Nora Kear Clark
Mr. & Mrs. David Brandow
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Fox
Francine Z. Stayter
Mr. & Mrs. David Kiser
Peggy Seeger
Friends at MeadWestvaco
Karen J. Palmer
Sheila R. Eldred
June Weinheimer
N E WSLE T TE R D E SI G N CO U RTE SY O F D E N I CO L A D E SI G N, CO O P E R STOW N N Y
ELISE FORTIN
Timothy & Doris Wayman
Mr. & Mrs. David Sullivan
HELEN WOOD
Lynette Christian &
Alexander Imperi
Florence & Don Savage
Charles & Teresa Fox
Mrs. Joseph F. Mercun
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Rosner
RICHARD KRUMPUS
Barbara Sherin
Robert & Nancy Allen
Mary J. Wood
Mona J. Hall
Peter & Corrine Woodward
Joan P. Clark
FRANCES LULA FOX
Cherry Valley Fire Dept.
Andrew & Claudia Lusk
JO WHITE
Anne Blabey
CHARLES L. SAGE
Barbara S. Burr
Zach Harris &
Mary Wayman
James & Rebecca Connolly
James & Christine Nord
Bill & Norma Slawson
Linda L. Ackley
Philip E. Santos
AUGIE GARDELLA
Edward Gardella
“Stanley”
Anne Keith
Lin Vincent
“Alice”
Anne Keith
Frank Kolbert &
Frank Farmer
Lin & Gib Vincent
“Randy”
Linda Buzzutto
“Odi”
Emily J. Wilson
“Fantasia”
Laura Folts
“Flipper”
Ann Morris
ESTHER MAYNE
Steven & Elaine
McWilliams
KEITH HORTH
Michael Leary
George & Joanne Long
EVELYN DELONG
Mary E. Babcock
DOROTHY GARDNER
Katherine Lewis
Barbara & Fred Burns
Steven & Nancy Lutz
Smith Cooperstown
Terry & Elizabeth Lifgren
MAY ARCHER
Kathleen Eckermann
JOHN MAZERAK
Ed & Cameron Lorenz
BONNIE KAIDO
James & Jill Stoecklin
Alvin & Patricia Winne
Hartwick Emergency
Squad
AGNES VANDYKE
Pamela Karwan
Nancy & Patrick O’Hara
MRS. BIRD
John & Rebecca Scriber
PETER WRIGHT
Dr. Lawrence &
Esther Barnowsky
Brian Hennigan
Dr. Alan Kozak
Timothy Campbell &
Sally Graumlich
Jerry & Michele Townsend
Heidi & Randy Parkhurst
Catherine T. Sanford
Rosemarie Koenig
Nancy Hartmann
Susan & Frank Miosek
Eric & Lisa Mooney
Gayle Abramson
Carla M. Ceruzzi
Hugh & Donna Gene
Francis
JOSEPH FIEDERER
Jean & Herbert Siems
BUD BALLARD
Stephen A. Rudloff
“Molly”
Robert & May-Britt Joyce
Peter, Maria & Erik
Deysenroth
Roxanne Hansel
“Sophie”
Anne Keith
“Stefano”
Denise Nickol
“Mo” & “Red Bear”
Dennis & Peggy Fowler
“Miquelon”
Maureen Hansen
“Tansey”
Frank Farmer &
Frank Kolbert
BETTY POPPE
Bruce & Rosemary
Brodersen
Ronald & Sue Streek
Carol A. Everett
JOAN LAVALLEY
Frank Farmer
& Frank Kolbert
Deborah Noseworthy
Gladys G. Howe
KEN CAROZZA
Marita D. Carozza
HENRY SCHECHER, JR
Jane D. Prior
Lorayne M. Traina
Phyllis B. Dunning
WILLIAM HARRISON
Bassett Healthcare
JAREN VAGLIARDO
Karen A. Maier Vagliardo
FRANCES DAVIS RANDALL
Caroline Rahill
Charlotte H. Murphy
Pathfinder Village
Russell & Virginia Folk
Mary Claire &
Ned Cancelmo
RUTH JOHNSON
SUNY Oneonta
Shine Fund
ESTHER MAYNE
Richard & Dora Cooke
Gary & Lois Fisher
Betty Hoag
Linda P. Morehouse
Barbara Anderson
CAMILE RAE
Tammy A. Simpson
RUTH CALLAHAN
Debra & Donald
Schwartz
Dorothy LaGasse
Rudy & Beverly Ballard
Mary Dresser
Esther Hughes
ROY & SONIA DAVIE
Robert & Marianne Hall
Anne & John Roman
Jessie & Eric Thorsland
Jean E. Fieg
STEVEN MERTZ
David & Evelyn Sullivan
Paul D. Dabulewicz
Peter N. Livshin
DOROTHEA KUPPENS
Jim & Janet Frankl
RUTH JOHNSON
Nancy Sacco
BARBARA HALL
Jane & Peter Johngren
Jim & Paula Bugonian
Louise W. Weisser
Janice Eichler
William & Elizabeth Clark
GRETCHEN LINDENMAYER
Joann M. Lindenmayer
Martha & Elliott Helfand
Fred & Carla Eckler
Karen Goebel
Kurt & Poh Ken Zurmuhlen
Cherryl & Tom
Tomaszewski
Lester A. Sittler
David Morris
Dave Klapetzky
Ann (Garlock) Moore
NATHALIE LAIDLAW
Anne Keith
KATHERINE GRACE
Kenneth M. Drumm
CAROLINE SCHEMM
Homer & Mavis Lindstadt
Brian Lindstadt
Bassett Medical Center
Edward & Mary Schreck
John Brodt
Richard J. Hensel
ANTHONY BANHART
Bob & Mooch Wilson
Deni Wicks
CHRISTOPHER ATTRIDGE
NYCM Insurance
EDWARD BAUMGARDNER
Billie Jones
Robert L. Smith
Herbert & Jean Siems
RICHARD DAVIDSON
Bob & Ann Morris
HELEN A. FUSCHETTO
Marshall R.C. Webster, Jr
“Fozzie”
Allstadt Hardin Foundation
“Fletcher”
Felicia Blum
“Jake”
Nick & Emily Marcalus
“Cooper”
Jane Forbes Clark
Ann Morris
“Grace”
Jane Forbes Clark
“Sam”
Leanna Jensen
“Gracie”
Felicia Blum
Ellen G. Wilbur
Gib & Lin Vincent
“Nannette”
Felicia Blum
Jane Forbes Clark
Frank Farmer &
Frank Kolbert
7
“Fuzz Fuzz”
Shaun Ireland
“Whodini”
Gib & Lin Vincent
“Tino”
Frank Farmer &
Frank Kolbert
“Biggie"
Dennis & Peggy Fowler
DOC LEAHY
W. Oneonta Fire Dept.
Mary B. Dorn
Christopher &
Patricia Skovira
Lutz Feed Company
Roberta & Lyall Sage
Ethel Munson
Esther Nordberg
Kenneth Maruszewski &
Nicole Jenks
Dolores Stalder
Joe & Mary Ann Hartmann
Thomas Hickey
Gary & Margaret Bonker
Marian Green
James A. Collison
Elaine C. Steiner
Joyce R. Atchinson
Norman & Nancy Bronson
Diana Marlette
Richard & Joan Kollgaard
Janet & Richard Thom
Molly & William Swain
Carol & Edward Forman
Charles & Donna Null
Nicholas & Mary Giudice
Eleanor A. Peppmuller
WILLIAM BURR
Rite Aid Pharmacy
Jeffrey Pinney
Kathy & Franklin Lockwood
Linda R. Hoffman
Molly & William Swain
Frederick & Phyllis Foster
EVELYN WILSHERE
Carol King
DOROTHY M. BOHM
Ronald R. Haus-Atty at Law
WILLIAM KEATING
Mary Devenpeck
JOSEPHINE REEVES
Janice Vartuli
EDWARD G. HOCH
Marilyn Jones PT
Janette & John Tan
Emily Eastwick
Jane & Dan Hoch
JOYCE CHEVELIER
Maria & Charles Dimick
ANNE SVENDSEN
Elizabeth Davis
“Eli”
Frank Farmer &
Frank Kolbert
“Corky”
Rosemarie Koenig
“Chip” & “Theo”
Frank Farmer &
Frank Kolbert
“Dexter”
Dennis & Peggy Fowler
“Casey”
Sherri Goodspeed
“Honey”
Charles L. Sage
The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals insures humane treatment of animals
in Otsego County, working to provide interim care for mistreated, surrendered, and homeless pets and
to provide educational resources to heighten public awareness and legislation. We hope the residents of
Otsego County will understand and practice responsible animal care in conjunction with a continual
decrease in unwanted pet populations through effective spaying and neutering practices.
I F YO U R E C E I V E A D D I T I O N A L N E W S L E T T E R S P L E A S E S H A R E T H E M W I T H YO U R F R I E N D S .
SUSQUEHANNA SPCA
Louis Busch Hager Animal Shelter
4841 State Highway 28
Cooperstown NY 13326
(607) 547-8111
info@susquehannaspca.org
www.susquehannaspca.org
So, You Want to Adopt a Pet?
Adoption fees help cover the
cost of our veterinary services:
DOGS
• Over six months: $70
• Under six months: $75
• Adult Dog under 30 lbs: $90
CATS
• SPECIAL! Over six months:
$45 (regularly $60)
• Under six months: $65
DEALS
• 25% discount for Senior
Citizens (60+ years)
• 25% discount for Senior
Pets (6+ years)
• 50% discount for Senior
Citizens who adopt
Senior Pets
First, choose your new cat or dog –
or cat AND dog – and then complete
an adoption application, which we
then need to process, giving you a little
bit of downtime. If you haven’t owned
a pet you’ll need to find a veterinarian,
so you should look for one on our
website: www.susquehannaspca.org.
Once approved, we will schedule a
Tiny Toffee is waiting for you.
pick-up time. All pets receive Rabies
and Distemper vaccinations, deworming medication and, for cats, a
feline Leukemia/FIV test. Your new pal will be spayed or neutered prior
to leaving the Shelter. Everyone gets a tiny microchip with an ID
number, injected just under the skin, where it remains safely for life and
is easily read by a scanner. That’s it. It’s all very simple. So come on in,
there’s somebody with a cold, wet nose waiting just for you.
See www.susquehannaspca.com for our adorable adoptables!