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Dog Days of Summer - Part II!
The Romans referred to the days between August 3 and August 11 as "dies caniculares" or "days of the dog star," which was eventually translated as just "dog days." Hasn't this been one of the longest dog day summers you can remember? We hope that you and your furry friends are enjoying the best of what summer has to offer, despite the heat.
During what was probably the hottest and most humid weeks our air conditioner died. Kaput! Turns out that the compressor needed to be replaced - a costly repair indeed! But our dear and generous friends donated the funds necessary to fix it ASAP and we're up and running.
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The Numbers (through July 31) | |
| Dogs | Cats | | Intake: 110
Redemptions: 48
Adoptions: 59 | Intake: 185
Adoptions: 139 | | |
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Spay/Neuter Surgeries
737
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Empty the Shelters July 8 - 31
During the Bissell Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters Event 17 cats and 2 dogs went to their forever homes. A huge thank you to the Bissell Pet Foundation for their unwavering support for the lives of homeless pets. We're so proud to be a Bissell Pet Foundation Partner. Did you know that the purchase of every Bissell vacuum cleaner helps to fund the work of the Foundation?
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Other Happy Tails
Sam
Earlier this year we shared Sam's Story. Sam had been found lying along the side of a rural road. He was weak, lethargic and with bloody diarrhea. Sam was immediately transported to Cornell Emergency Care. Given his symptoms, Sam was tested for parvovirus and sadly, tested positive. We all know that treatment for parvo is expensive, challenging and with an unknown outcome. Sam spent a week in intensive care at Cornell, that included IV fluids, antibiotics and constant medical monitoring.
We’re thrilled to report that because of the life-saving care Sam received with your support, Sam’s story was rewritten. Sam tested negative for parvo and was recently adopted by one of our long time friends. While in Florida, she read Sam's story and immediately called her partner who was still at home in our area to make an appointment to visit Sam. The rest is history. Sam is now living a wonderful puppy life with his new best friend, Petey.
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Taco
So often the animals who come to us have been bounced from pillar to post before landing in a truly safe place where they can receive the care they so need and deserve. Such was the case for dear Taco. Taco's original owner left him with a neighbor to "watch him for a few days when he went out of town", with the intent never to return. His new family wasn't really looking for a dog, and after about six months, when Taco showed that he wasn't too fond of the new grandchild, we were contacted to find him a new home.
Comedic, fun loving, affectionate and truly entertaining, Taco has a huge presence for a 7-pound chihuahua! He'd greet you every morning with a four paw tap dance!
However, in order to be ready for adoption, Taco has needed costly veterinary care. First, was the standard neuter, testing, microchip, vaccinations etc., then the extensive dental surgery which left him with just a few teeth remaining. Most challenging and costly was his knee surgery. Taco was diagnosed with severe luxating patellas in both rear legs. The kneecaps just pop out of their sockets suddenly, can be painful and can worsen over time. Some dogs can live with this condition without pain, however Taco's case was so severe that it warranted an orthopedic consultation at Cornell. It was then we learned that surgery was Taco's best option. We were told that his surgery was going to be very costly, but we took the leap of faith that we'd be able to raise the funds with your help.
As luck would have it, a resident at Cornell Vet Hospital fell head over heels for him. She nursed him through his recovery while he traveled throughout the hospital in a custom fitted grocery cart. Taco, his new "parents" and five other dog siblings have recently moved to Boston where his "mom" will be doing a residency at Tufts University. Is that a happy tail or what?
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National News
According to Shelter Animals Count. the national trends we witnessed in 2023 continue into 2024. Overall adoptions are down 4% or 82K animals, with dogs being down 5%, but cat adoptions were actually 17% higher when compared to last year.
Redemptions (pets being returned to owners) are down a staggering 26%. Animals found as strays are simply not being claimed. Unfortunately, we are seeing a similar trend here. We are seeing our redemption rates drop from a high of 88% to around 76%. A recent report by Hills Science Diet attributes this decrease in redemptions to financial struggles so many are facing. We're seeing our redemption rates drop from a high of 88% a few years ago to about 76%.
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New York State Animal Protection Federation
The New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF) 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 well being of all animals through legislative and policy initiatives in New York. The Fed, as it's known in the animal welfare world, has been instrumental in advancing legislation to ban puppy mills, stop breed discrimination for homeowner insurance, advance legislation to improve standards of care for all shelters and rescue organizations in NYS and to secure funding for the Companion Animal Capital Fund to help shelters implement the necessary changes for those organizations.
Our Executive Director, Georgie Taylor, was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Directors representing the Humane Society of Schuyler County and the other animal welfare organizations in the Southern Tier.
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Summer is Time for Road Trips
Despite the heat, we've enjoyed a lot of time "on the road" this summer. It's a great chance to make new friends and maybe, just maybe, some of our canines will find their forever homes.
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Sidekick Soiree
A huge thank you to our very special and generous friends at Lakewood Vineyards for hosting the Third Annual Sidekick Soiree. The venue is always just perfect and the staff so accommodating and friendly. Guests enjoyed a mile long walk through the vineyards with their dogs, the music of Stratcat Willie and the Strays, gourmet hot dogs by Burns Gourmet Dogs and the opportunity for having a photograph taken of them by Marc Hall Photography. Lakewood also donated all of the proceeds from the sales of Sidekick that day. That's in addition to a portion of the sales of Sidekick all year long!
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News from Around the Country
According to Shelter Animals Count, the largest and most current source for sheltering data, a record 6.5 million dogs and cats entered shelters in 2023 with the trend expected to continue. Spaying or neutering pets is more important than ever, as is adoption and financial support.
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It's A Birthday!
We also celebrated Brewski's Second Birthday at Hop Notch Brewery in July.
Yulla (now adopted) certainly enjoyed the party!
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The Annual Grapehound Festival
The Grapehound Festival is a much-anticipated event throughout the Finger Lakes and it certainly is for us. All of those gorgeous greyhounds in one location is truly a sight to behold! The Greyhound community has been so generous, donating to us each and every year. We're thrilled to have made such good friends. A highlight of this year's event was a walk to Taughannock Falls - pretty spectacular!
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Finger Lakes RV Resorts
A huge thank you to Doug and Rachel or Finger Lakes RV Resorts for their generosity! Over the course of a four day weekend in July, they raised $2,000 for the Humane Society of Schuyler County!
What kind, lovely and generous new friends!
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ASPCA Cornell Maddie's Shelter Conference
Not all of our road trips were outdoors and, unfortunately, the dogs weren't invited to this one. Several of us attended the Annual ASPCA Cornell Maddie's Shelter Conference from July 12-July 14. We enjoyed the opportunity to connect with colleagues from near and far, talk with animal welfare experts and learn about the latest developments in animal care and sheltering.
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Wags to Riches:
Buy One – Get One Free on all men’s and women’s clothing continues! Shop our huge selection!
You don’t want to miss these great raffles!
Handmade Quilt made by Colleen Lafever to benefit the Humane Society of Schuyler County. $1,200 VALUE! Tickets are just $5 each or 5 for $20. Drawing is September 6th. You need not be present to win! Stop by Wags to Riches to get your lucky ticket today!
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Handmade Stained Glass Lamp by glass artisan Beth Lisk – Tickets available at Wags to Riches | |
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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John and Caroline have been working tirelessly this past month to collect and sort bottles and cans. In July alone, they "processed" 90,000 - yup, that's right 90,000 cans in July - a record month! THANK YOU!
Our can and bottle redemption shed is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. All proceeds benefit the care of our 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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