2018 Spring/Summer

AYRES MEMORIAL ANIMAL SHELTER 2018 Spring/Summer Newsletter A Quality of Life Shelter 133 Hilltop Road • Sprakers, NY 12166 • 518-673-5670

Greetings, Sometime just after the first of the year 2017, a scrawny buffcolored male tiger started hanging around the entrance of our store. He was quite timid, but he did let us get within a few feet when we gave him food and water. Slowly we got closer, and after a few weeks, his trust allowed us to pick him up, however, just for a short time. We built him a makeshift shelter so he would have some protection against the snow and winds. After three months, he followed me into the store, and soon he was staying all night inside where he was warm and comfortable in his new bed. Next he was off to the vet. At only about six pounds, he was sick and loaded with fleas and ticks. Within a week he gained weight, started to play, and just loved it when we were around. Although he did spray here and there, scratch on a few things, throw up occasionally, and bite ever so lightly, slowly after a few months, the behavioral issues stopped. Buddy had settled in. After three plus years on the street, he adjusted to his new life and we adjusted to him. I am telling you this story because I feel that a lot of people do not understand that animals are much like we are. They need time to adjust to new surroundings, people, other pets, and they have good and bad days.

They get sick, they get old, and that’s when they need us the most.

The joy and happiness they bring us far outweighs the few naughty things they do. Rescue a stray from outside or from a shelter; you will not regret it!

Joseph M. Rosemyer President of the Board of Directors Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter

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 Kim Gustafson

SHELTER STAFF

Claire Custer, Manager • Lorraine Fredericks Marissa & Rich Christman • Carol Burns (sub)

VETERINARIANS Dr. Linda Kolnick • Dr. Tom Armitstead Fort Plain Animal Hospital • Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital Created by Graphic Design & Print Services by Lee Newspapers Inc. commercialprint@leepub.com • 518-673-0101

Meet Elaine Nalli, the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter Board Recording Secretary.

She is making friends with Grace, a loving 6 or 7 month old tiger cat.

UPCOMING EVENTS July 14: Annual Golf Tournament at the Canajoharie Country Club For current information, check ayresanimalshelter.org or visit us on Facebook.

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

AYRES SHELTER

Spay & Neuter Clinic We would like to Honor and Thank the Staff and Volunteers for all they do for us!

Our clinics are 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.

Love,

Rabies - $10 • Distemper - $15 Microchips available at $25 per pet AYRES SHELTER MEMBERS $5 DISCOUNT per pet

Ayres Animals

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

Shelter Report For the Year 2017 January 1 – December 31

Wish List & Needs

Took in 176 dogs

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

Reunited 57 with their owners Adopted: 111

IN MEMORY OF Robert Mosher Thomas Coppernoll William “Willy” Cook Edward Russo Elsie Horvat Thomas Herrick Joseph Ambrosino Alma Deeg Nancy Carter Taelor Bowman Jean Hayes Sharon Collins Cheryl Lighthall Faye Strobel

Lorraine Larbell Norma Jennings Ron Colegrove MaryJo Rave Kathleen Hoffman Betty Rowley Lilly Carter Norman “Scoop” Carter Shawn Lynch Betty Boyce Harold James Shaw Ethel Heisert

“Peanut” Collins “Jeter” Briggs “Teko” “Woobie” “Skeeter” Dubois “Kelly” “Casey” “Kora” and “Hailey” Bowman “Molly” and Yukon” Sperbeck “Nikki” Decker “Maggie” Webb “Sally” Roof “Orianna” Nare

Took in 144 cats/kittens Adopted: 132

IN HONOR OF Lisa Hill Stacey Mueller Linda Wilday Ann Rhodes Thomas and Joanne Mickle Staff and Volunteers of Ayres Shelter Lucy Bellinger Mary Finch (85th birthday)

Beth Close (birthday)

RESCUED

BY A FIREMAN

As our staff interviews people for possible adoptions, we always strive to find the best “person to pet” fit. A recent example is Sahara, a 6-month-old kitten whose family lost everything in a devastating house fire shortly after Christmas. Sahara was saved by a Town of Mohawk fireman who selflessly ran back into the burning home to rescue her. Due to her family’s uncertain living arrangements, they decided to surrender her to our shelter.

A couple from a good distance away saw her online and made the trip to meet her. They felt she would be the perfect playmate for another kitten they adopted from us last year. As they were leaving to take her home, Sahara’s new “mom” turned to me and said, “I believe this was meant to be.” When I asked why, she replied, “Because I am a house-fire survivor too. I understand what she’s gone through and feel like we already have a common bond!” I watched them leave, knowing in my heart that Sahara had found her “perfect match.”

Old Man Winter dealt us a nasty blow on Friday, March 2. We had a great deal of wet heavy snow. The porch roof on our new addition was strong enough to hold it, but as the snow on the main roof began to melt and slide, it took our porch with it to the ground.

Wonderful people to the rescue! A clinic was scheduled for Saturday, March 10, and people would need access to this door. Our Man of Action president, Joe Rosemyer arranged heavy equipment to remove the snow and lined up a contractor to rebuild. Then he did a quick board vote to spend the needed emergency money. He also included an instruction to Claire, our dedicated manager, not to shovel this snow pile since she planned to tackle it!

All is back to normal at 133 Hilltop as you can see in the second picture. We are all quite ready to welcome some spring weather.

Do random acts of kindness every day.

BE CREATIVE!

-Dog Lover

M’Lady Shoppe Over 12,000 Bottles of Wine To Choose From!

Dale Folmsbee | Shop Owner/Stylist 210 Cunningham Road Canajoharie, NY 13317

518-673-5114

Fine Wine & Liquor

Perms • Highlights | Mens - Womens - Kids Haircuts

Bogger 3 Year Old Male Pit Bull

Beggin’ for Adoption Tuck 7-8 Year Old Male Shepherd Mix

April

5 Year Old Female American Bulldog Mix

Buster

Bruno

10 Year Old Male Beagle/ Doxin Mix

4-5 Year Old Male Beagle

Camper

Catalina

2-4 Year Old Male Husky Mix

2-3 Year Old Female Lab Mix

ADOPTED Daisy 4 Year Old Female Husky Mix

Cookie Cullen

6 Year Old Female Jack Russell

10 Year Old Male Pit Bull

Doc

Cali

2-3 Year Old Male Mountain Cur/Boxer Mix

1 Year Old Female Pit Bull

ADOPTED Karma Female Pit Bull

Hayden

Katherine Jax

8 Year Old Female Foxhound

Sapphire

4 Year Old Male Lab/Boxer Mix

10+ Year Old Female Beagle Mix

2 Year Old Female Pit Bull

ADOPTED

SPECIAL NEEDS

Troy

Trixie Baby

ADOPTED

4 Year Old Female Pit Bull

10-11 Yr Old Female Greyhound/ Husky Mix

Jordan

8 Yr Old Male Dutch Shepherd Mix

6 Year Old Female Catahoula Leopard Dog

SPONSORED!

Bobby 4-5 Yr Old Male Lab/Terrier Mix

SPONSORED!

Beggin’ for Adoption Snuggles

Honey Bear

Eddie

Oz

12 Year Old Male

Adult Female

8 Year Old Male

3-5 Year Old Female

SPONSORED!

Jim

Loni

Donny

Lily

10 Year Old Male

2-3 Year Old Female

10 Year Old Male

3 Year Old Female

ADOPTED

ADOPTED

Panda

Brick

Carrie

Debbie

7 Month Old Female

3-4 Year Old Male

1 Year Old Female

3-4 Year Old Female

ADOPTED Hollister

Kitty

Minnie

4-5 Year Old Male

10 Year Old Female

2-4 Year Old Female

TARA HOGAN has always been dedicated to her family, her pets (well, they are family too, after all), and her job as a school psychologist. But there was one thing that was missing in her life and that was giving back to her community and teaching her children that same value. Thanks to another spotlighted volunteer, she has joined the “Ayres shelter family” as she lovingly refers to them all. Her son also does some yard work during the summer months and her daughter often joins her at the shelter. It all started with running into Melissa Witowski last year while Melissa and her family were out socializing a shelter dog while he waited on his furever home.

Tara started asking questions and learned that she too could become a “shelter buddy.” She came up to the shelter, signed the paperwork and got started, but she didn’t stop there, no no. As shelter staff Marissa Christman says, “Tara has been absolutely amazing for the shelter. It is hard to believe she has only been with us a year.”

Here is a sample of what Tara has done in her one year stint with the shelter thus far. She created the new sign that you see adorning the front yard and the one that is displayed on the corner of Rte. 162 and Hilltop Rd. She can be seen washing dishes or cleaning up (to stay warm she says...but we secretly think it is because she will do anything to help). Tara and her daughter have been asked to assist with obedience classes. On occasion, there will be an opening in the classes held, so the staff will add one of the shelter dogs into the mix to better assist them socially for that transition into a new home. Tara, and sometimes Maura, worked with the dog chosen to join the class. It was a big commitment as they had to go back

EXCITING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY to benefit both you and our shelter dogs!

As another new season approaches, I thought about all of the goals that I have for Ayres and its many animals.

We want to get them the best homes possible. This is my main goal!

In the next few months I want to find at least one dedicated volunteer per dog that we have in our care. I want that dog to be ensured an outing at least twice a month for an hour or so each time. (Ayres may be out in the middle of nowhere, but little do people know, we have 30 – 40 dogs at any given time. We hardly ever turn down a dog needing our help.) We have had much

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT week after week until the class was over. Let’s not stop there; she has more crafts up her sleeve. She designed and donated a quilt in order to pay for one of the shelter dogs to attend a training class. Most recently she took time out of her busy schedule to man the Easter bake sale booth.

When not at the shelter, she can also be seen helping out Theresa and David Bunce at Fetch. From that friendship, she has gained trust, respect and kindness. Fetch has been very generous to the shelter with their grooming efforts and Tara has been right there alongside these activities, learning a new trade so it seems. Tara now feels confident enough to do basic grooming on her own. Is there anything this woman can’t do?

While talking with Tara, she was quoted in saying something very important: “I never feel bad about bringing them back (after a day out in the community) because they are so loved and cared for. Sometimes they beat me back through the door, as if to say, ‘Hi, I’m back!’” Tara will admit that they find a way into her family’s heart though. Some so much that they end up a part of her family. What’s a girl to do? Make room for more?

Perhaps. But if the family simply just has no more room, the next best thing is time. Time at the shelter. “Giving back does not have to cost a dime,” she says. This is where she is wrong.

She has given back more than we could ever begin to say. Her time and energy is worth its weight in gold. Thank you Tara, for all that you do!

success because of the amazing volunteers we have who come up any chance they can (some from an hour or more away) to spend time with their shelter buddy.

Not only do outings with human friends benefit the dogs, they benefit the volunteer as well. The volunteer can enjoy a special canine without the expense and responsibility of ownership. When an outing is over, it is not a sad event to return the animals to the kennels.

We work with our charges and give them lots of time and love.

For most of the dogs in our care, the shelter is the best life they’ve ever known. You, as a volunteer for a dog, would be able to enrich his life. The bond you share with the dog we select as a match for you could turn his life around. Pictures you share of your experiences could be key to a successful adoption also.

I promise – you won’t regret volunteering.

SUPPORTING AYRES MEMORIAL ANIMAL SHELTER

ADOPT A PE T !

Levels of support: Member $25 Friend $50 Sponsor $100 Donor $150 Benefactor $200+ Other $

Dogs - $125

Your Choice

Two distemper vaccinations, rabies shot, two wormings, flea treatment (if needed), spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm test, lyme test.

Cats - $50 Two distemper vaccinations, rabies shot, two wormings, flea treatment (if needed), FELV/FIV test, ear mite treatment (if needed).

If you would like to help with fund-raisers, please call Dale at 518-673-5114. We always need help, especially bakers!

If you would like to volunteer at the shelter, call Claire at 518-673-5670 (afternoons).

Please provide your name

Puppies - $70 (Plus $35*)

Address

One or two distemper vaccinations, rabies shot (for pups over 3 months old), one or two wormings, flea treatment (if needed), microchip.

Phone #

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). *State law requires $35 spay/neuter refundable deposit to be taken for all kittens and puppies at adoption.

Credit Cards Are Now Accepted

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

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

Mahatma Gandhi

“It’s okay! My dog is friendly.”

Five Reasons to Adopt TWO Kittens

No! No! No! It’s not okay!

1. One kitten can be lonely.

2. Two kittens keep each other busy instead of bugging you.

3. You will have fewer behavioral issues with two.

Just because your dog is friendly, does not mean other dogs are. Some may be nervous, reactive, fearful, or in training. Some may be owned by people who want to be left alone.

Never let your dog run up to another dog.

Respect others – people and dogs – and their need for space. If you have no voice control over your dog, keep him/her leashed.

4. Having two kittens is very entertaining.

5. YOU WILL SAVE TWO LIVES INSTEAD OF ONE!

(Internet)

(Internet)

Special Help for Jax Some dogs that come through our doors aren’t as ready for adoption as they need to be in order to succeed as a part of a loving family. They need some training and some guidance in order to be able to do that. Kate, at Run by Dogs, gives those dogs just that - a chance.

On March 5th, Jax’s journey to being ready for his forever family began! Jax started his board and train to learn how to contain his energy and to control himself when he gets overexcited. While at the shelter, Jax had nipped a few people merely because he was never properly socialized or taught the correct way to meet new people. With the tools that Run by Dogs is going to teach him, we are confident that Jax will find his very own happy ending.

If you would like to follow up on Jax’s story, please visit our website and click on the “Getting a New Leash on Life” tab. You can also find information on there about finding Run by Dogs on Facebook, as well as finding our new Facebook Page dedicated to the training that our dogs need. You will be able to find out about events that we are having to raise money for this training fund, how to donate specifically to this fund and learn of other dogs that are with us that will also need this training to find their own happilyever-afters.

*A special thank you to Karl and Sharon for making the beautiful snowmen and those who bought them, because that helped to raise the money for Jax to get this opportunity!*

Run by Dogs

Web Design & Facebook Page by Marissa Christman • AdoptaPet.com and Petfinder.com photos - Nancy Bell