Spring 2017

Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2017 A Quality of Life Shelter 133 Hilltop Road • Sprakers, NY 12166 • 518-673-5670

Stan’s Remembering

Back when I was invited to comment on some highlights of our local animal shelter history, I was concerned about having to spend lots of energy doing research on ancient developments.

Following this initial concern, it dawned on me that I had been an interested observer and participant from the very beginning.

Indeed, it was in 1955 when I first arrived in Canajoharie to teach music that I became friendly with a fascinating colleague named Doug Ayres. I soon learned that while Doug was a personable and engaging conversationalist, he was also knowledgeable on a wide variety of subjects. This was especially so on the care of animals. Being a devoted pet owner himself, his concern was with the plight of sorry and homeless animals. This strong belief led to the formation of our current shelter and to the employment of a dedicated staff. Doug Ayres must be saluted as the prime visionary for the excellent facility that now bears his name.

[Stan McMillan’s research led as far as the framed letter left by Doug Ayres now displayed on Claire Custer’s office wall. In his wisdom, Doug Ayres wrote out much of the shelter history. The following is in Mr. Ayres’ own words.]

“The Animal Shelter Association, Inc. was founded in 1972 with temporary accommodations for animals on the Hill Top Farm of Miss Nina C. Rickard, Sprakers, who donated two acres of land on Hill Top Road for a permanent shelter. Ground was broken in the spring of 1974 and construction commenced under the supervision of Joseph Gold, Fort Plain. Many organizations, community groups, the Town of Root, a local trust, individuals, volunteers, all cooperated and the shelter was opened in 1974 with Mrs. Dorothy Snyder, Sprakers, as Shelter Manager.”

More information will be added in a future newsletter.

Board of Directors

Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc. Joseph Rosemyer - President Suzanne Stegich - 1st V.P. Dale Folmsbee - 2nd V.P. Elaine Nalli - R.S. Elizabeth Wilson - C.S.

Melanie Shibley - Treasurer Esther Frank Karen Fredericks Jeanne DeValve Stan McMillan

SHELTER STAFF Claire Custer, Manager • Lorraine Fredericks Marissa Christman • Rich Christman Veterinarians

Dr. Linda Kolnick • Dr. Tom Armitstead Fort Plain Animal Hospital • Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital Printed & Designed by Lee Newspapers, Inc. • 6113 St. Hwy. 5 Palatine Bridge, NY • 518-673-3237 • www.leepub.com

Greetings, It’s good weather time again, a perfect time to adopt your new best friend.

Don’t forget it is also peak season for fleas and ticks, so please be sure to protect your pets. Your vet can help!

If you are not familiar with what we do at the Ayres Shelter, please let me list some of the extra services we offer: ★ Dog training classes (Adirondack Dog Training) ★ Spay/neuter clinics for dogs and cats ★ Necessary vaccinations ★ Microchip placement (any animal) We certainly hope you will take advantage of these services. Of course, our main objective/mission remains the rescue and care of dogs and cats until we can place them in their forever homes.

We are currently fundraising for two capital projects. The first one is the paving of our parking area. The second is the rehabilitation of our main kennel area. So, if you are inclined to help us, your contribution would be greatly appreciated.

We are excited about all the great things that have happened at the shelter in the last few years. Please check us out on our website or come out and pay us a visit.

As always, we are so blessed to have the greatest staff, volunteers, supporters, veterinarians and, of course, an active and responsible board of directors.

Thanks for your support.

Joseph Rosemyer President - AMAS Board of Directors

★ U PCOMING E VENTS ★ Ayres Shelter Annual Golf Tournament July 15, 2017 Register 7-7:30AM • Tee Time 8AM Watch Facebook & Our Website For New and Exciting Events

For current information, check www.ayresanimalshelter.com or visit us on Facebook.

Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc. 133 Hilltop Road Sprakers, NY 12166

Kids and Pets Every year we receive invitations from area schools to do shelter-related programs for their students. For example, last year I spoke to three first-grade classes at the OESJ Elementary School and to Mrs. Douglass’s 4/5 class at the Wheelerville School in Caroga Lake. I was impressed with the amount of work that had gone on prior to my visit. The students in both schools were well informed about animal care and animal rights making my message of “why animals are brought to our shelter and what we do to help them” easier for them to understand. We are also lucky to have several schools who sponsor and deliver annual food/supply collections teaching their students to care and share with those less fortunate.

Teaching children at an early age to respect and protect animal life is key to preventing the horrible abuse cases we see all around us.

It also makes them more likely to enjoy the love and companionship of pets for the rest of their lives. We appreciate the efforts of our area schools for teaching these important values and for inviting us to be a part of that education.

Ayres Shelter Spay & Neuter Clinic

Our clinics are now held right at Ayres Shelter (133 Hilltop Rd., Sprakers, NY 12166) Call for more information 518-673-5670 LIMITED APPOINTMENTS Call ahead to be put on our waiting list Every animal must have a valid rabies certificate.

Rabies and DHPP shots available at the clinic.

Rabies - $10 • Distemper - $15 Microchips available at $25 per pet

AYRES SHELTER MEMBERS $5 DISCOUNT per pet.

No animal accepted at clinic without full payment of fees prior to surgery

Montgomery County Rabies Vaccination Clinic

Jenna Wiedimann of Caroga Lake Saturday, June 24th decided for her 9AM-11AM Canjo Fire Dept. Garage, ninth birthday party 39 Mohawk St., Canajoharie to do something different.

Tuesday, August 1st She asked guests 6:30-7:30PM Palatine Town Barn, to bring a donation 7431 Stone Arabia Rd., Fort Plain for the shelter in lieu of gifts.

Call for info 673-5670

Fetch

Pet Grooming & Accessories 28 Church Street Canajoharie, NY 13317 518-949-3130 Teresa & David Bunce

Memorial Contributions Russell Swartz Thelma Laymon Edward Hohensheldt Helen Regal Merlyn Regal Beth E. Jump Jamie Homkey Marion Stevens Victor Politi Sandra Kerzic Ramona Walrath Alexander Zimmerman, MD

Brian McConville Delbert Becker Peter F. Syzdek Robert E. Earhardt Nancy Roosevelt Wyatt Hemstreet Joann Hudyncia Mary E. Wall Daniel V. Sala Noel Miller Suzanne Leavitt Joy Amatangelo Ann Seigafuse

Pet Memorials:

Skeeter DuBois Sam Melcher Wendy Lu Sam

Mason

Contributions In Honor Of: Karen & Blaine Nellis Lynda Kearney’s Kim Geesler Birthday Mark Clavin Colton & Kenzie Brad & Mary Frey’s Dowgielewicz’s Anniversary Birthday Shelter Report For the year 2016 We took in 202 dogs/puppies We adopted 152 dogs/puppies and reunited 34 dogs with their owners.

We took in 157 cats/kittens We adopted 132 cat/kittens

Wish List and Needs Clay Litter • Garbage Bags • Dye Free Dog Food (4 Health, Purina One, Iams, Rachel Ray) Paper Towels • Bleach • Sponges • Dish Soap

★ FEATURED PETS ★

This handsome 6 to 7 year old Shepherd is neutered, healthy and a huge lover! Mason would do best in a home with no cats, small dogs or young children. Mason is good with select larger dogs. He would love a home in the country where it is peaceful. All of the people and noises of cities tend to make him nervous. Mason is a great companion. He loves swimming, hiking, riding with his big smile out of the window or sunroof, playing ball, or lounging around soaking up the sun.

Mason knows a lot of commands, does great on a leash and is very smart. He surely is ready to steal your heart.

Diesel

Diesel is a 5 to 6 year old American Mu - the best kind of dog. He is a big boy who weighs 70 pounds. Diesel is good with older kids and some female dogs. He would do best in a home with no cats or small dogs. Diesel just graduated from Beginners level obedience class. He knows sit, down, place, stay and leave it/drop it. Diesel did great! He is housebroken, crate trained and he loves riding in the car, going for walks, or just hanging out chewing on a yummy bone. Diesel would make the perfect addition to a family.

Beggin’ for Adoption Tucker Brutus

3 Year Old Male Lab Mix

Mason

Giorgio

6 Year Old Male Shepherd Mix

1 Year Old Male Pit Bull/Sharpei Mix

8 Year Old Male Staffordshire Terrier

Trig 7-8 Year Old Male Beagle

ADOPTED Sparky

Jordan

4-5 Year Old Male Cattle Dog

Jax

Rowdy 3-4 Year Old Male Lab/Hound Mix

2 Year Old Male Yellow Lab/Boxer Mix

5 Year Old Female Blue Merle Catahoula Leopard

ADOPTED Diesel

Grover

5 Year Old Male Pit Bull

Baby 9 Year Old Female Greyhoud Mix

King 2 Year Old Male Pit Bull

ADOPTED

Rylie

Hal

3-5 Year Old Female Pit Bull Mix

10 Year Old Male American Eskimo Mix

5-6 Year Old Male Rottweiler Mix

Reuben 1-1 1/2 Year Old Male Pit Bull Mix

Tuck 4-5 Year Old Male Shepherd Mix

April 4 Year Old Female Pit Bull Mix

Molly 10 Month Old Female Pit Bull Mix

Bogy 2 Year Old Male Black Lab

Beggin’ for Adoption Snuggles 13-14 Year Old Male

Bridget 11 Month Old Female Tortie

Teddy

Oz

6-7 Year Old Male

1 Year Old Female

Link 2 Year Old Male

Gabby Sabrina

8 Year Old Female

Donny 9-10 Year Old Male

1 Year Old Female

Olivia’s Kittens

Cosmo

Layla

4 1/2 Weeks Old - 5 Kittens

2 Year Old Male

1 Year Old Female

ADOPTED Phoebe

Kramer 2 Year Old Male

7 Year Old Female Maine Coon Mix

Zack 3 1/2 Year Old Male Snowshoe/Ragdoll Mix

ADOPTED

Tigger 12-15 Year Old Male

~ Joy’s Journey Home ~ ~ Ryan Howell’s Story ~

When I met Joy, she was well on her way to recovery. She had been through surgeries and medication, recovered from infections and had begun to gain weight. Her hair was growing back and she was walking pain free. Joy had been loved back to life by a group of people, staff and volunteers, who always go above and beyond in caring for their charges. What I remember most about our first meeting was how incredibly loving she was. I was amazed that she could love like that after all the suffering she had endured, and she wasn’t stingy with that love either! It was freely given, in enormous amounts.

I was a little nervous about our home visit: with three other dogs in the house, I assumed it would not go well. The poor girl was fragile. How would she feel? Scared, stressed? What she felt like was making herself at home on my couch and giving kisses! Joy spent a trial weekend with us and secured her place in my heart and on my bed in record time, I had no doubts Joy was home!

In the five months that this sweet girl has been with us, she has amazed me on so many levels. She loves to ride in the car and go for walks. She loves to run in the yard and sleep all day on the couch. She is a bed and pillow hog, but she looks so lovingly at you that you don’t even notice. She plays with the puppy and has recently discovered a sunny spot on the porch that I have to bribe her to leave sometimes. She is always full of kisses, and loves to curl up in my lap, and she will remind me if I forget to pet her! This girl is the perfect companion in every way.

Joy is completely well now. Her past is, I hope, a very distant memory. She knows she is loved, and that she will always be cared for - her eyes tell me that she knows. She belongs here.

This is where she was meant to be. I think she knows that too!

Joy is a perfect example of the rescue, recovery and rehab that happens at Ayres. Without these amazing, dedicated people, her story would have been very different. Many heartfelt thanks to all of you!

Valerie Feagles

Ryan Howell has been receiving services at Liberty ARC for many years. He is a fun young man who loves to talk. His favorite community activity is assisting the elderly at the Capstone Nursing Home. The folks there watch for him every week and he is in high demand. They enjoy his company while he assists them to their hair appointments. He cares about other people... sometimes so much so that the little things that you and I let roll off of our back, he digests and may have difficulty working through.

When Ryan was moving from one Liberty home to another, his mother advocated that he move in with a roommate that would agree to Ryan having a dog. So that is just exactly what he did.

The first dog he chose had actually already been spoken for. He and his staff moved on to plan B and went to Ayres.

Ryan was looking for a small dog, a lap dog, a loving dog. He was drawn to Curly because he has soft fur (for petting of course).

He took him on a few walks and knew that Curly was the one for him. After submitting an application, he was on pins and needles that someone else might get to adopt Curly over him. When he received the call that he was approved, he was very excited and immediately started shopping for items to fit Curly’s needs.

Curly is already wearing a “Therapy Dog” vest and he and Ryan are attending classes so that Curly can become a registered emotional therapy dog. Curly is providing comfort to Ryan when words are jumbled in Ryan’s head. Curly may have been “just a shelter dog” to some people out there. We at the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter knew differently. Curly received much love, devotion, and attention during his stint at the shelter. Luckily for that... because these two were destined to meet and Curly needed to be ready. To Ryan, Curly has become his advocate when he is feeling most vulnerable. This is a connection in the most pure form. No rhyme or reason but yet it has surely given them both a new sense of direction and purpose.

Just a reminder when you are adopting A pet, take the time to meet the scared ones, Shy ones, the ones that don’t stick out to you.

The ones that hide under their beds or Blankets or litter pans. The ones that hiss, The ones that bark and shake and cry and Look at you with confusion, the ones that cower, The ones with boring colors or missing limbs, the older ones, the frail ones, the ones who seem beyond repair, the ones who seem to have given up.

Because they are not... They haven’t. they need you. And sometimes you Just really need them too.

Taken From The Internet

SUPPORTING AYRES MEMORIAL ANIMAL SHELTER Levels of support: Member $25 Friend $50 Sponsor $100 Donor $150 Benefactor $200+ Other $ ______ Your Choice _____________________________ If you would like to help with fund-raisers, please call Dale at 673-5114. We always need help, especially bakers!

If you would like to volunteer at the shelter, call Claire at 673-5670 (afternoons).

Please provide your name ____________________ Address _________________________________ __________________________________ Phone # ___________________

Dogs - $125 Two distemper vaccinations, rabies shot, two wormings, flea treatment (if needed), spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm test, lime test.

Cats - $50

email ___________________________________ Please send your support choice, this form, and your check to Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter 133 Hilltop Rd., Sprakers, NY 12166

Two distemper vaccinations, rabies shot, two wormings, flea treatment (if needed), FELV/FIV test, ear mite treatment (if needed)

Puppies - $70 (Plus $35*)

The greatness

One or two distemper vaccinations, rabies shot (for pups of a nation and over 3 months old), one or two wormings, flea treatment (if needed), microchip its moral

Kittens - $15 (Plus $35*) One or two distemper vaccinations, rabies shot (for kittens over 3 months old), one or two wormings, flea treatment (if needed), FELV/FIV test (if old enough), ear mite treatment (if needed)

Credit Cards Are Now Accepted *State law requires $35 spay/neuter refundable deposit to be taken for all kittens and puppies at adoption.

progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

Mahatma Gandhi

wrathofgrapes51@gmail.com

M’Lady Unisex Salon FOR TODAY’S LOOK

Dale Folmsbee - Owner/Operator 210 Cunningham Road, Canajoharie, NY

518-673-5114 Permanents - Highlights - Lowlights Men’s - Kid’s Haircuts

Peanut Butter Treats

2 tablespoons corn oil 1/2 cup of peanut butter (or more) 1 cup water 1 cup whole wheat flour 2 cups white flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oil, peanut butter and water. Add flour, one cup at a time. Then knead into firm ball. Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet; bake for 20 minutes. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.

Smaller Collar Diet Bone

For the dog that needs to lose a few pounds 1 cup beef broth 1/4 cup skim milk 1 tablespoon margarine 1/2 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese 3 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix shredded cheddar cheese with the flour. Add skim milk, margarine and beef broth. Knead dough until firm and roll to 1/4 inch thickness. Stamp out with cookie cutter and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Makes 2 1/2 dozen.

from M. Bledsoe’s The Doggy Bone Cookbook

Happy Endings

Dexter

Ty

Dexter came to Ayres after a Good Sa-

Ty came to us when his owner no longer wanted him. We didn’t understand why and neither did he. Ty was quite the lover boy! He spent months being paired with shelter buddies Melissa and Chris and their young son Max. Ty loved every minute of it. The year that Ty spent with us was filled with love, but we are so happy to announce that just shy of his year anniversary, he found his forever mom and dad. His mom says how much she loves him, how great he has been doing meeting all the family and friends, and how he knows this is his home.

maritan and animal lover found him wandering outside of Canajoharie with a badly injured back leg. Dexter was skinny and scared. He had been dealing with the pain for a while.

We rushed him to our vet and they kept him overnight. When we went to pick him up the next day, he was feeling better already. After a month of shelter care on his leg, he was ready for adoption. One of our volunteers, Tara, got paired with Dexter and after taking him out a couple of times, she surprised us all when she informed us that her husband made an exception to their “two dog limit.” Dexter quickly worked magic on him we guess! They are all so lucky because of it.

Dexter is living the life he always dreamed of with an amazing family who loves him and two “big” brothers (Shih-tzus!) who are learning what it is like having a goofy big brother dog in the house.

Web Design by Nancy Bell • Facebook Page by Marissa Christman

Upper Catskill String Quartet

Weddings & Special Occasions ~ Contact Beth Brandel 234-8220

Upcoming Concerts: Sunday, July 2 - Jefferson Maple Museum Sunday, July 9 - Landis Arboretum Sunday, July 16 - TBA Sunday, July 23 - Warnerville Methodist Church Sunday, July 30 - TBA