September-October 2024 Newsletter | |
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
There's nothing like those first chilly days of autumn to turn your thoughts to flannel shirts, crisp apple cider, and the sound of leaves crunching beneath your feet. However you choose to celebrate the season, whether it be cozying up next to a fire or hiking through the woods, fall is a perfect time of year to explore all that the season has to offer with a canine companion.
Below you’ll meet just a few of our wonderful canines waiting to join you on your next adventure and our furry felines ready to curl up by a warm fire.
This newsletter has been a bit of a work in progress over the past couple of weeks, but the scope of the newsletter changed dramatically with an announcement on Tuesday the 24th.
So, given all the news we’d like to share, let’s make this a September/October edition. Grab a cup of cider and join us for a bit.
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Biggest Surprise Party Ever!
On Tuesday, Tom Golisano, philanthropist, civic leader and entrepreneur, made an historic announcement. Mr. Golisano donated $360 Million to 82 not-for-profit organizations across New York State.
The Humane Society of Schuyler County is honored to be the recipient of a gift of $1.5 million dollars to be gifted over four years.
We were one of 23 animal welfare organizations who benefitted from his incredible generosity.
This gift is truly transformational and if used wisely, will help to ensure the sustainability of our organization for many, many years to come. Today we can breathe a sigh of relief, but we can't step back. Caring for an ever-growing number of companion pets and the increased costs of veterinary care, food supplies and on-going expenses, we face an annual budget of $500K a year which will only continue to grow,
As we plan for the future we will continue to "run a lean, tight ship", and spend wisely. We will continue our fundraising efforts, and we ask you, our dear friends, to join us on this exciting journey. Together we will care for more animals, expand our programs, better serve our communities and save more lives.
Please celebrate this incredibly generous gift from an incredibly generous man with us!
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The Numbers (through July 31)
It continues to be a very busy year with a record-breaking number of animals coming to us in need of shelter, care and veterinary attention. With requests for intake coming in almost daily, as of the end of August......
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| Dogs | Cats | | Intake: 129
Redemptions: 58
Adoptions: 70 | Intake: 204
Adoptions: 149 | | |
Life Has Just Begun Anew for These Lucky Pets | |
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Bozen......
At the end of June, we received a request from another area shelter to help with a deaf, elderly stray in poor condition who had certainly been around the block. As it turns out, he’d travelled a lot further than around the block. He had been microchipped in Italy! One can only imagine that he was once loved and cared for until something went terribly wrong. Given his Italian roots and the fact that he was all white like the Dolomite Mountain range, we named him Bozen after the major city in that region.
Bozen arrived thin, with infected skin, ears and eyes, overgrown nails and in need of neutering and dental cleaning and extractions. After several months of medications, medicated baths several times a week and a lot of TLC, he was ready to be neutered and undergo his dental work.
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This very sweet soul captured the heart of a longtime volunteer and dear friend, who has always had a soft spot for the elderly and the needy. We’re happy to share his Happy Adoption Day pictures below!
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Bozen on his way to his new home | |
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Tuck
Tuck arrived at the shelter as a stray on April 1st. But his condition was far from a joke. This lovely young silver lab suffered from severe hair loss, was severely emaciated and in overall very poor condition. With medication, a highly regimented diet and lots of TLC, Tuck was adopted about two months later by.... of all people.... the woman who found him as a stray! While he was with us Tuck was becoming increasingly handsome with each passing day. But now, just 5 months after his arrival, Tuck is every bit the absolutely gorgeous, healthy and happy boy we knew he could and should be!
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Tuck, ready for his new home. | |
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Lana........The Third Time’s a Charm
This lovely lady originally came to a municipal area shelter where she had arrived as a stray. A huge transition for someone who had once been a loved house pet.
Lana loves people but wasn’t so fond of other cats. That’s a tough gig when you’re in a shelter surrounded by other cats. Soon after her arrival, Lana was transferred to the Horseheads Community Shelter, where it was a bit quieter, but of course she still spent the majority of her time in a cage. Sadly, about six months later the Horseheads shelter announced their closing. The good folks there reached out to area shelters to place all the remaining animals before they closed their doors. The last of the residents, Lana had not yet found placement, so came to us, her third shelter.
As the saying goes, the third time is a charm! Lana was recently adopted and is settling in in her new home as queen of her castle – just what she had hoped for.
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October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
In 1981, the American Humane Association founded Adopt A Dog Month in response to the growing number of dogs and puppies entering shelters every year. According to the ASPCA some 3 – 4 million dogs enter shelters across the country annually.
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Once again, the Bissell Pet Foundation offers more pets the opportunity to find forever homes. From October 1st though the 15th the adoption fee for all eligible pets will be just $50 with approved application. A portion of the adoption fee being subsidized by the Bissell Pet Foundation. We are thrilled to, once again, partner with Bissell to find forever homes for our shelter pets.
To see adoptable dogs and cats visit our website www.schuylerhumane.org, stop by on Mondays and Fridays 10 –1pm, Saturdays 10 – 4 pm and Sundays from 2-5 pm or call us at 607-594-2255 to schedule an appointment at another time.
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The New York State Animal Protection Federation is the voice of New York’s animal shelters, humane societies and animal welfare organizations.
Formed in 2010, the NYSAPF was established to safeguard the wellbeing of all animals through legislative and policy initiatives in New York. With a united voice, the NYSAPF works to create a humane community where animals benefit from progressive, lifesaving programs developed through the collaboration of our member organizations.
The NYSAPF is also an educational resource for its member organizations striving to maintain the highest standard in animal welfare and care.
Key budget initiatives for 2024
· Companion Animal Capital Fund (CACF). Continue state support at $5 million, plus retroactively applying current eligibility standards to previous years’ re-appropriations. This goal is in preparation for the 2025 launch of statewide shelter/rescue standard licensing & inspection.
· Companion Animal Welfare Unit. Ensure funding Companion Animal Welfare Unit at the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets ($2 million appropriation in the 2023 State Budget) is included in the 2024 State Budget. This goal is also in preparation for the 2025 launch of statewide shelter/rescue standard licensing & inspection.
· Animal Crimes Fund. $2.5 million in the 2024 State Budget to help offset the costs of caring for live evidence in animal crimes cases
Georgie Taylor was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the New York State Animal Protection Federation. A long-time member of the NYSAPF, the Humane Society of Schuyler County, is honored to serve on the Board to help advance the organization’s initiatives and to represent shelters from the Southern Tier.
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Saturday October 5th
This year the Humane Society of Schuyler County will be a beneficiary of one amazing young girl’s generosity. Please join us to make Sarah’s dream come true.
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Save the Date - Howl-O-Ween at Atwater Vineyards – Thursday October 31st
It promises to be a howlin’ good time to benefit the animals of the Humane Society of Schuyler County. Watch for details coming soon!
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Wags to Riches:
From warm, woolly sweaters to coats, cuddly scarves and a bit of fall home decor...you’ll find it all at Wags to Riches! And the Buy One – Get One Free on all men’s and women’s clothing continues! Shop our huge selection!
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Wags to Riches Needs Volunteers | |
Wags to Riches
313 North Franklin Street
Watkins Glen
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 – 5
Sunday 12 – 4
Closed Tuesday
For information please call the store at (607)210-4263. Pets are always welcome!
The store is staffed by volunteers and
All proceeds from Wags to RIches benefit the care of shelter animals
To keep you abreast of all the latest treasures to be found at Wags to Riches, we have launched an Instagram page.
Find us at @wags_to_riches_wg.
Please follow us!
Or Check out our Facebook page.
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Caroline wants to remind you to stay hydrated despite the cooler temperatures. Please drop off your redeemable bottles and cans in our can shed, located at the west end of the property. It’s open 24 x 7 and all proceeds benefit the care of shelter animals.
The can shed is located at the west end of our property.
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Shelter Adoption Hours:
Friday: 10 am - 1 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday: 2 pm - 5 pm
Monday: 10 am - 1 pm
Please call to set up an appointment outside of those hours
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Thank you!
Our small, dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to find permanent, loving homes for every pet who crosses our door and to serve the needs of our community. We couldn’t do the work we do without your generous support. For that, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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Please direct all mail to:
The Humane Society of Schuyler County
124 Marina Drive
Montour Falls, NY 14865
Our phone, fax and email all remain the same.
Phone: 607-594-2255
Fax: 845-501-3211
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Other ways to help:
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Visit Chewy.com to see our Wish List and make donations of Alpo canned dog and Fancy Feast/Friskies cat food. The cats prefer non-fish flavors and pate (not shreds or chunks)! Chewy will ship directly to us and shipping is free for orders over $49.00.
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$5 Fridays. Using Facebook, we have started a weekly campaign to raise funds for the animals at the shelter - proving that we are stronger together! Make sure to follow us on Facebook.
The Humane Society of Schuyler County is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing animal welfare in our community. All contributions are tax deductible. You can donate online, via our PayPal account, or send checks to us directly at 124 Marina Drive, Montour Falls, NY 14865
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We are proud to be a United Way Agency
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