Winter 2018 Newsletter!

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

President’s Message Why Pets Are Valuable to Us Health experts indicate studies have proven that animals, especially dogs and cats, are good for us. They help us reduce stress, get more exercise and find companionship, according to the C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).

Anne Millington donated some pet food and $1,000 raised by family & friends in lieu of gifts for her birthday.

Studies reported by the N.I.H. (National Institutes of Health) report that older adults with a pet have less arthritis, healthier weight and a lower risk of heart disease. Pet ownership can also help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The bond between people and their pets can also result in happiness and fewer feelings of loneliness. It can improve memory and provide comfort during difficult times.

We also highly recommend adopting your pet from a shelter or rescue agency. It is always important to take your pet to a veterinarian regularly.

Best of luck, 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 Randy Lamphere

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

Dale Folmsbee (VP), Anne Millington, Joe Rosemyer (Pres.)

“When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend.

I feel a soul.”

- A.D. Williams

UPCOMING EVENTS Nov. 21: Bake Sale (Bakers needed) 9:30-All Gone Dec. 1: Open House at the Shelter 12-4PM For current information, check ayresanimalshelter.org or visit us on Facebook.

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

Obesity Is a Serious Topic We all know the myriad ill effects obesity can cause in humans. But when it comes to our dogs and cats, let’s be honest - the immense love we have for our pets can sometimes spill over into an overabundance of food. Our hearts may feel compelled to “fatten up” an adopted pet that may have been a victim of abuse or neglect, or begs incessantly at the table, or simply “looks too thin.” But obesity in the animal world is equally as serious as it is in humans, and potentially deadly... and it’s reaching epidemic proportions.

If you have an overweight dog or cat and need support or a guiding hand, please contact your vet. He or she can provide all the tools and insight required to help your pet shed those excess pounds and to incorporate a custom-made diet and exercise plan into their life. It all begins with you as a responsible and loving pet owner!

So the next time you’re tempted to fall prey to those pitiful puppy-dog eyes or miserable meows, you might want to skip the extra treat and opt for an extra play session with your pup or kitty instead! You and your pet will both happily reap the benefits or years to come.

Dogs and cats are opportunists, stemming all the way back to their pre-domestication days spent in the wild when food was hunted and competition was fie ce. They are hard-wired to frequently “wolf” down whatever quantities of food their owners serve - and keep eating - even if that means consuming unhealthy amounts. Sharing table food, excessive rewarding with treats, and free feeding can all be recipes for disaster. Did you know that dog and cat obesity can result in arthritis, heart and lung problems, high blood pressure, joint injuries, tumors, skin disorders, a shortened life expectancy, and many other ailments? Sad, but oh so true.

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

IN MEMORY OF Amanda Leto Erica Downes Sarah Dietrich Brenda Blovsky Fremont Bettie Boyce Joel A Thomas Ann Freebing Carol Carbino Doris Mae Risedorph Linda Burgess Dennis Johnson Ronald Colgrove Jane Jones

Hector Gonzales Norman Carter Stacia Francisco Maude Smullen Florentina Humes Jim Hines Rodney Hart Janet Bronk “Lulu”Coville (dog) “Simon” VanGorder (dog) “Charlie Beeps” MacDonald (cat) “Little Dude” Lamphere (cat)

IN HONOR OF Cassidy Christman (1st Birthday) Baize Wintermute (8th Birthday) Brianna Battisti (10th Birthday) Lilly (10th Birthday) Randi Lamphere ( Birthday) Cheryl Brownell (for her retirement) Thomas Mickle (for Father’s Day)

A VOLUNTEER STORY On a sunny and clear crisp autumn day, I met up with Frankie and Michael Page at the shelter. By one o’clock, they had already socialized three dogs out in the community, one of which was sponsored at the monthly pet adoption at Benson’s Pet Center. They were in no rush to leave: they were clearly “at home” already.

They met each other 20 years ago, and for Frankie, living without a pet in her life was not an option. She grew up with a menagerie of them. Michael did not anticipate what his future would hold regarding pets, but he can now honestly say that his life would be incomplete without them. Michael and Frankie are the proud “parents” of fi e fur babies. Gilligan and Ava are the cats and their dogs’ names are Jenny, Forrest, and Wynona.

Three of these creatures came from Ayres.

Frankie first met Marissa, a staff member, a few years ago.

When the shelter took in an overbred rescue named Joy, Marissa called Frankie to come and meet her. Frankie said that the minute she and Michael got out of their vehicle, they knew that this was the start of something big for them. Michael explained that they had taken a break from volunteering due to politics.

They missed it immensely and it seemed that fate intercepted that day. Their one dog was not receptive to Joy and although Frankie said it broke her heart, they stayed around and started volunteering again. They are now also friends with Joy’s “mom,” so that was a bonus…additional extended “family.”

Frankie recalled the time as volunteers that they took their first dog or an outing. Jordan seemed leery of them so Frankie did what dog owners all over the world do to calm their dogs… she sang (Miley Cyrus) songs to her. Jordan has come out of her

shell since then and makes friends everywhere she goes. “She’s a celebrity at T.J. Maxx,” added Frankie.

When pit bulls were mentioned as scary dogs, Michael said, “I am lucky that I don’t feel that way.” They both said they work diligently to break the barrier that people put up. They are continuously teaching a better understanding of the breed.

When asked what advice they might give to someone who is considering volunteering, they suggest that the person just try it. If it works, that is great. If it doesn’t, that’s okay, too.

They also said that you can decide how much you want to do.

People often say to them, ”I don’t know how you do it.” Their reply is a firm, “It would be so hard for us NOT to do it again.”

Michael said, “There is no better therapy in the entire world than shelter volunteering.” Frankie elaborated that it is the best feeling to see a glimmer of happiness in dog and volunteer as well. As most Ayres’ volunteers have said, and these two were no exception, they are not sad to return the dogs to the shelter because they see the 24/7 love that the staff provides. “The staff gives us the fun stuff. They’re the real heroes…the worker bees!” No, my friends, we would have to disagree just a little bit…for you all are the heroes.

As the interview was wrapping up, two young ladies who had been at Benson’s earlier were witnessed out walking Jada. Frankie animatedly ran to greet them. She was so excited for Jada to get the chance at this potential match. While we looked on, Michael quietly said, ”That’s the fun part right there.”

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

Baby Girl

Avery & Addison

7-9 Year Old Female Chihuahua/Jack Russell Mix

2-4 Year Old Female Huskies

Camper

Milo

2-4 Year Old Male Husky Mix

2-3 Male Boxer Mix

Cherish 6-9 Year Old Female

Jada

Heather

2 Year Old Female Staffordshire Bull Terrier

4 Year Old Female

Boris

Jake

Senior Male Pit Bull

3-4 Year Old Male Pit Bull Mix

ADOPTED Lance

2-4 Year Old Male American Bulldog

Jeremy

ADOPTED Mia 9 Year Old Female Beagle Mix

Nova

Sapphire

2 Year Old Female Pit Bull Mix

2-4 Year Old Male Tripod Pit Bull

2 Year Old Female Pit Bull

ADOPTED Troy

Murphy

Baby

10-11 Yr Old Female Greyhound/Husky Mix

3-4 Year Old Male Soft Coated Wheaton Terrier

Jordan 6 Year Old Female Catahoula Leopard Dog

8 Yr Old Male Dutch Shepherd Mix

Bobby 4-5 Yr Old Male Lab/Terrier Mix

Beggin’ for Adoption Shelly

Stormy

Sunshine

Thurman

4-5 Year Old Female Shepherd/Hound Mix

4 Year Old Female German Shepherd

1 Year Old Female Redbone Coonhound

3-4 Year Old Male Terrier/Spaniel Mix

Yeti

Luke

Kendra

Alex

1 Year Old Male Pit Bull

3-4 Month Old Male

1-3 Year Old Female

4 Month Old Male

Donny

Dustin

Elise

Lucy

10 Year Old Male

4 Year Old Male Manx

2 Year Old Female

5-6 Year Old Female

Pebbles & Skip

Fancy

Sassy

10-12 Year Old Female

2 Year Old Female

Kitty 10 Year Old Female

7 Month Old Calico and Male Bonded Siblings

IN MEMORY OF MAUDE SMULLEN Maude Smullen took pride in caring for the kennels and kennel dogs during the years she worked at Ayres. The love she felt for all breeds and “mixes” was apparent to those who worked with her and to those who visited our shelter. But she was especially fond of her Chow Chows. They always got an extra hug and a few extra toys. When one of our Chows accidentally ended up in a different shelter, Maude didn’t hesitate to make the lengthy drive to bring her “Flower” safely back home to Ayres. Her heart was really stolen, though, by Gordy, a beautiful Shepherd/Husky mix. Maude always made

SHELTER MYTH BUSTERS – AYRES EDITION MYTH:

“Dog kennels are like jail cells.”

We’ve all heard our share of disheartening comments about shelter dogs in their kennels, or maybe even thought them ourselves at times. “Look how miserable he looks in that kennel!” “They’re just locked in there day and night - like prison!”

“Kennels are so cold; that dog is shivering.” “They must be bored out of their minds.” It’s easy to become misinformed when you’ve never actually visited a shelter, spent time with shelter animals, or spoke with staff and volunteers. But take a look at this picture of Ayres resident Baby in her kennel!

Yes, those are all HER toys stacked up next to her - and that’s a genuinely radiant expression on her face.

Kennels are actually more like furnished bedrooms for our Ayres shelter pups. They are brimming with all the comforting amenities they could possibly need: cozy beds, blankets to snuggle on, their favorite bones and chew sticks, TOYS, food/water, and treats. And just like you wouldn’t spend 24/7 in your bedroom, neither do they. Dogs at the shelter regularly get lots of quality outdoor playtime, walks, outings with shelter buddies, and even enjoy

sure he had a big comforter and a complete collection of toys in both his inside kennel and his outside run. She even placed his dish of food on his outside blanket so he could (as she put it) “have breakfast on the veranda!” The care and comfort of her dogs was a top priority to her. After Maude retired, she still called to check on “her guys” and covered her refrigerator with pictures of them alongside those of her own boys, Jake and Nico. Earlier this year, when Maude passed, I’m sure the Rainbow Bridge was lined with a hundred dogs excitedly barking and wagging their tails as they eagerly waited to welcome their “mom” home.

helping out in the office from time to time! Their kennel is a place they can return to after their activites, stretch out, and completely unwind and relax - knowing they are perfectly loved and safe.

After reviewing all of this evidence - still believe dog kennels are like jail cells?

Myth = BUSTED!!

ADOPT A PE T !

Dogs - $125 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).

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 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 $50*)

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).

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

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

Credit Cards Are Now Accepted

The Paw Pact It means that when you adopt me You will love me my whole life.

No matter what.

When you move you will take me with you.

When you have a baby you won’t give me up.

If you get another pet, you will still love me.

The Paw Pact = FOREVER

For the best seat in the house, move the dog.

Scholarships The shelter gives two modest scholarships to graduating students in our service areas. The two this year are Nicole Folmsbee and Jocelyn Hammons. In this issue, we will give a bit of information about our special scholars.

Nicole has worked with the dogs at Ayres, cleaned kennels, and washed dishes since her freshman year in FondaFultonville. She enjoyed working with special needs dogs like April, one of her favorites. April suffered from extreme shyness and needed extra time and attention from a caring human. Nicole was delighted to help her. Even as a small child Nicole took great satisfaction in assisting creatures.

Jocelyn called the two years that she volunteered for us “the best two years of her life.” Upon leaving the shelter to start college, she gave the dogs a gift card for Benson’s. She will be advancing her education at Gordon College.

We are glad to be able to assist Nicole in our small way in her quest to become a vet tech, and Jocelyn in her education as well. Both young women thanked the shelter for their experience there and for the scholarship. We wish them the best and thank them for their years of volunteer service.

Summer Fun!

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