Spring/Summer 2019 Newsletter

AYRES MEMORIAL ANIMAL SHELTER 2019 Spring/Summer Newsletter A Quality of Life Shelter 133 Hilltop Road • Sprakers, NY 12166 • 518-673-5670 ayresanimalshelter.org

President’s Message, Greetings, I hope your spring is enjoyable so far. In this letter I’d like to give you some reasons why you should adopt a shelter animal, a good move for you and for the creature you adopt.

FEATURED ANIMALS

• You will be saving a life. (Let me remind you that we are a no-kill shelter, but a real life for a pet is with a warm loving family).

• You will help break the cycle of pet overpopulations.

• You will help to stop the cruelty in mass breeding facilities.

• You will get the many advantages of acquiring an adult animal.

• You will have a lifetime resource available from knowledgeable shelter employees and volunteers.

• You can choose from a great selection of animals.

• You will have a pet that has received good care.

• You will be a savior for a shelter dog or cat. They need a second chance in a forever home.

Let me add an important fact. Spring is the time for us to get all our pets on flea and tick medications. Serious illnesses can result from bites from these insects.

Again, enjoy your spring and come visit us when you can.

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 Kim Gustafson Randie Lamphere Tara Hogan Julie Slaper

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

Jake

Bogger

3-4 year old male pittie mix.

3 year old male pittie.

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

RABIES

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Rabies Clinic

Always fatal, rabies is a dangerous viral infection. It is mostly transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, but can be transmitted when saliva enters any open wound or mucus membrane (ie. in mouth, nose, eyes). Licks or scratches from rabid animals can also transmit it. Please be advised that RABIES CASES HAVE RECENTLY BEEN DETECTED IN THIS AREA! The virus attacks the central nervous system of a mammal. Once an animal exhibits signs of rabies, it will suffer terribly and die soon.

While most animals will show signs of illness (ie. aggression, lack of balance), some may not display noticeable symptoms.

June 22 at 9:00am Canajoharie Vol. Fire Dept. Garage • 39 Mohawk St. Requested Donation of $10 to help defray program costs.

July 9 from 6:30 to 7:30pm

A person who is bitten should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical care. A domestic animal bite is handled differently from one by wildlife. Either way, both must be reported to the Public Health Department to be sure rabies is not a concern or to seek follow up treatment.

It is important to avoid feral animals. Children should be taught to avoid contact with all unfamiliar creatures, even if the animal seems friendly, and if such contact does occur, the child must inform a parent or responsible adult. All exposures to bats must be reported, especially if the exposure is in the room of a sleeping person.

The best method for preventing rabies is to keep pets current on their rabies vaccinations. The vaccines are readily available: each county Public Health Department sponsors low cost or free clinics.

For more information on the disease, contact the county’s Public Health Department or a veterinarian.

St. Johnsville Town Barn • 7431 Route 5.

Veterinarian administration fee $10 per animal.

August 10 from 9:00am to Noon Rural Grove Fire Dept. • 1192 Rt. 162, Rural Grove Veterinarian administration fee $10 per animal.

Initial vaccinations for dogs, cats and ferrets are due at three months of age, re-vaccination one year later, thereafter re-vaccination required every three years.

Pet owners re-vaccinating animals should bring the pet’s last rabies vaccination certificate.

! WARNING !

New reduced calorie peanut butter and other nut butters with less sugar include Xylitol as a sweetener. This chemical is deadly to dogs. Xylitol can also be found in some gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste.

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

Animal Intake/Adoptions 2018 January 1 – December 31

Took in 226 dogs Reunited 53 with their owners

Took in 159 cats Reunited 4 with their owners

Adopted 154

Adopted 122

POWER OF PAWS AND CLAWS According to the AARP Bulletin of April 2019, an interview with 2000 Americans aged 50 to 80 showed that most older Americans have pets.

Some of the benefits they claim involve reduced stress (79%), a way to stay physically active (64%), an ability to adhere to a regular routine (62%), a sense of being protected (51%), and, lastly, a distraction from pain (34%).

We’d like to add a word of caution. Part of our mission is to get our dogs and cats into warm loving homes that will nurture them. At the same time, we want our pet owners to be safe. According to an article in the Washington Post, elderly pet enthusiasts should be careful about getting large or strong pets. Walking such a pet and encountering a squirrel or other prey animal could result in owner injury.

You left paw prints on our hearts So many of our adopters, supporters, and volunteers have suffered the loss of beloved pets recently - we want to take a moment to remember them and grieve with them all.

This never gets easier, but the love we had for them never fades, just grows fonder.

WE HAVE SOME GREAT SUPPORT FOR THE SHELTER AMIMALS HERE IS A SAMPLE I felt the joy that Jaydene Scofield was exuding as she talked of her rescuing and fostering experiences. She is the middle generation of three generations of a family volunteering at Ayres Shelter. Alice Mayhan, Jay’s mother, used to go to the Hilltop Road shelter to wash dishes and walk dogs. She taught her daughter the joy of helping animals in need.

a big fan of car rides.

Alice is gone now, but her daughter and granddaughter carry on her legacy of love. Jaydene and her daughter Bretton go to the shelter to walk dogs and help where they can. They, with Jay’s friend Craig, take dogs to adoption clinics, and Bretton has sold vegetables and jewelry to make money for the shelter.

At three, Frodo was able to accept a new “sister.” Copper, a coonhound lab cross became a family member. She was adopted at three months and Jaydene feels it is time to prepare her for a career as a therapy dog. She loves people and she has a delightful personality. Therapy work seems to be part of Jay’s future with her partner Copper. I think it is pretty likely they will prove to be a successful team.

This little family also fosters dogs and adopts shelter pets to be part of the family. Spencer, a pitty mix, is now eleven years old and goes to work with Craig, the assistant manager at the fish hatchery.

He helped Craig make two kindergarten classes at one time feel welcome. Another canine addition is Kali, a Rottweiler cross. She is

When Jay fostered a pregnant female, the dog birthed her pups on the family couch, even though a whelping box was prepared for her. Nine pups of ten survived. Craig wanted one for his dad. Six others were adopted out, and, of course, Jay and the family kept one they named Frodo. He is a beagle –heeler cross.

The shelter has truly benefited from having Jaydene involved with these animals. She and her family are much appreciated.

UPCOMING EVENTS Lawn Sale at the Shelter (donations accepted) June 22nd, 9:00am to 4:00pm.

Hunter’s Pet Gala at the Garden Bug Amsterdam, June 1st from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Annual Golf Tournament

Canajoharie Country Club on July 13th.

Adoption Clinics

Every 2nd Saturday of the month at Harvey’s in Johnstown.

Every 3rd Saturday of the month at Benson’s in Johnstown.

Fundraiser at Hummingbird Hills Winery Oct 26th from 11:00 to 3:00pm.

Thanksgiving Pie Sale at Big Lots Palatine Bridge, Nov 27th from 9:30am until sold out.

Christmas Get Together Ayres Shelter, Dec 7th. Pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, wreaths, kissing balls and much more.

For current information, check ayresanimalshelter.org

Beggin’ for Adoption Jake

Smokey

Lucy & Billi Jo

3-4 Year Old Male Pittie Mix

4 Year Old Male Cattle Dog

3 Year Old Shepherd Mixes Bonded Pair

Zoey

Yager

3-4 Year Old Female Boxer Mix

5 Year Old Male Lab Mix

Morgan

Pebbles & BamBam

5-7 Year Old Female Pittie Mix

Papo

9 Year Old Male Pittie Mix Adult Home Only

12 Year Old Corgi/Pomeranian Mixes – Bonded Pair

Bernie 5-7 Year Old Male Lab/Rottie Mix

Twinkie

1-2 Year Old Female Bluetick Coonhound

Annie

4-5 Year Old Female Spitz Mix

Yogi 2-3 Year Old Male Pittie

Rae

Nikki

11 Year Old Female Pittie

5 Year Old Female Pittie

April

5 Year Old Female American Bulldog Mix

Yukon

5-7 Year Old Male Rottie/Shepherd Mix

Beggin’ for Adoption Bogger

Dakota

3 Year Old Male Pit Bull

3 Year Old Male Husky/Great Pyranese Mix

Fritz

Missy

3-5 Year Old Male Chihuahua Mix

3 Year Old Female Pittie

Blanche

Libby

Bridgett

Raven

3 Year Old Female Tortie

4-5 Year Old Female Longhair

5 Year Old Female Dilute Tortie - front declawed

Lucy

Sassy

Penny & Paisley

5-6 Year Old Female

2 Year Old Female

Tasha’s Kit 1

Tasha’s Kit 2

7 Wk Old Black Male

7 Wk Old Grey Female

6-8 Month Old Dilute Calico Female & Buff Female

5-7 Year Old Female Tiger

Cali 2-3 Year Old Female

100 Women Who Care donated $15,000 to the Ayres Shelter Women from Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie counties each donate $100 four times a year.

The concept is to give back. All money collected is kept in this area. If you are interested in joining these women, you can contact Amy Karas at 518-365-0525. Pictured are some WWC group members with some Ayres Board members and various grateful canines.

Donations from Palatine Nursing Home.

Sarah Looman, Activity Director, coordinated the donation drive for the shelter.

Donations from Berean Bean kids’ bingo group. Pictured are shelter employee Marissa Christman with a pup and helper Maura Dimezza.

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

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

Puppies - $70 (Plus $50*) One or two distemper vaccinations, rabies shot (for pups over 3 months old), one or two wormings, flea treatment (if needed), microchip.

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 spay/neuter refundable deposit to be taken for all kittens and puppies at adoption.

Credit Cards Are Now Accepted

IN MEMORY OF Jennie Laux Elizabeth Donahue Gretchen Garvine James Papa Audrey Voght Amanda Leto Marion Harris Alan Brown Marge Denofrio Margaret Crews James Law Ronnie Smith Lisa Dean Laura Hutton

Carol Gros William McDonald Lewis Quackenbush Leona Smith John Geweye Tom Wall Alice Mayhan Louise Kubas Marguerite Summerson Alan Wainwright Janice Woodcock Edward Law Sherwood Dingman

Jim Hines Savannah Bursese Rosemary Brown Sherry Stacey Verna Bickeler “Skeeter” DuBois “Hershey” “Kelley”, “Casey”, “Hailey” and “Kara” Bowman “Willow” Elford “Heiko” Berard “Sam” Melcher

*Quotations indicate animals.

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 Address Phone # Email

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

IN HONOR OF Suzanne Painter Marissa Christman Tom & Joanne Mickle Rich Christman Anne Rhodes Ranella Lamphere “Jack McLasky’s 12th Birthday (dog).

Sara Zappone-Alfree Sharon Marie Markwardt Melissa Witkowski “Louie” Bashwinger “Bailey” Brenick

This is the story of a puppy mill survivor. He was brought into the world to be a money maker for the breeder. To make this happen, he was put in a pet store as young as possible. A puppy’s first few months are critical to his mental and physical development and to his socializing skills. Instead of getting the healthy interaction he needed, he was stuck in a cage with limited human and animal exposure. He was not adopted, but rather returned to the breeder. Imagine being told at the tender age of four months that you are now too old to be adopted as a puppy and not worth being kept around to reach adulthood. That’s really harsh, but not uncommon in mills.

Happy Endings

Luckily our shelter heard, and our shelter responded. The puppy was fostered by a staff member to give him the socializing and training he so badly needed. As his confidence grew, a family asked to meet him. They had promised their youngest daughter a puppy for her birthday as they had done for her older sister. They had been searching for the right fit when they heard about our little boy. It was love at first sight! The puppy was great with everyone in the family, especially his new, young, soon-to-be owner. The day his new family took him home, a whole new life began for little Moonshine. His “girl” included him in everything she did. She taught him to walk on a leash and even wore face paint and fake ears to copy her puppy on a “Look Alike Day” at school! And on her soccer team’s picture day, she got special permission from her coach to include Moonshine in her photo. We are so lucky that Moonshine’s family has kept us updated on his progress. And every new picture shows him enjoying the love of his very own girl. We are so grateful to her and her family for giving this little puppy mill survivor the life that “puppy dreams are made of!”

Another happy ending to share!

Della - now Callie - came to the shelter a skinny, frightened girl. She learned so much from her shelter friends, both two and four legged.

But even with how much we loved her, she knew there was a home out there for her. And boy did she ever find the perfect one! Callie is more loved than she could have ever dreamed of, goes to work every day, and has a great doggy brother, Gus, to show her the ropes of a loved family pet. She even has a kitty sister to cuddle in front of the fire with! What more could a lovely hound dog need?

Thank you so much to the wonderful Miller family for opening their home and hearts to a hound dog that will always have a piece of our hearts! Have a happy life! ♥

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