Crazy About Pets Magazine Issue 4 • May 2017 by Creativity Unleashed

CRAZY

...because we love pets and we know “YOU” do too!

Jordan is available for adoption at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter. She is a 5 yr. old Blue Merle Catahoula Leopard Dog

about

PETS In Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond

Volume 4 • 2017

Never give up hope!

Tyson

See Ayres info on pg. 7

Beautiful Jordan’s story

Pg. 27

Jibby is 4 yrs. old and has been waiting a year for a forever home.

Tyson is enjoying life in his forever home after waiting 3 years!

• Information on Local Shelters • Why Calm is Good for Your Pooch • The Story of Megan • The RASE Program and so much more!

Charlie is a 1 yr. old Am Staff Terrier/Bulldog Mix He is available for adoption at The Regional Animal Shelter

Jibby is available for adoption at The Montgomery County SPCA

See pages 8, 20 & 21

See MCSPCA info on pg. 4

Boarding Options for your Best Friend Pgs. 14 & 15 Max with Giorgio

He is the youngest volunteer at the shelter Giorgio is available for adoption at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter. He is a 1 yr. old male Pit Bull/Sharpei mix See Ayres info on pg. 7

You Are Never Too Young To Volunteer! Pg. 18

Tobie

Published by:

FREE

Please Take One!

Issue 4 - May 2017

Welcome Fellow Animal Lovers...

To our fourth issue of “Crazy About Pets in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond”

Loving every moment of what we do here! The people involved in rescue and those who love pets are some of the most generous and compassionate people we have ever met. This issue is once again full of rescue/shelter information for everyone contemplating adding a Mike & Linda Palmieri new pet to their families or adopting for the first time. If we didn’t get to your rescue/shelter yet, no worries, we will include you as soon as we can. Do you know of a rescue you would like to see featured in a future issue? Please email us at linda@creativityunleashed.org. Do you have a story to tell? Let us know! You can either contact us via our Facebook page, call us at any of the numbers below or email us at the address above. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in bringing this magazine to fruition. Our contributors have graciously written articles and stories for each magazine. The advertisers featured in this magazine and all three past magazines are the only reason you are holding this right now. Without them believing in what we are doing here, we could not have gotten this printed. The rescues included have all been so thankful for the chance to be recognized on these pages. Honestly though, it is us who thank them, for the work they do every single day to save dogs/cats who find themselves at shelters through no fault of their own. This is just a small way to help get them out and pair them up Brownie with wonderful forever families. Have you seen our placemats out in 25 restaurants in Amsterdam, Broadalbin, Gloversville, Johnstown, Caroga Lake, Mayfield, Fonda and Fort Plain? Every 6 and 8 weeks we print a different mat in order to help shelter pets get noticed! We cannot express how thankful we are to those restaurants and advertisers for continuing to help us spread the word. This may be your first time picking up one of our magazines. If so, we have included an index on this page of past stories and the ones in this issue as well. You can go online to www.issuu.com/CreativityUnleashed and read all three past issues and this one will be up online shortly as well. We hope the stories on these pages encourage you to get involved in some way with animal rescue or perhaps they change your mind about adding a pet to your home. Thank you for picking up this copy of Crazy About Pets magazine! Happy Reading! Linda & Mike Palmieri

Call us at 518-842-6532 or check us out on

Have you missed any issues?

Go to www.issuu.com/CreativityUnleashed

Here is a list of the great stories and articles in each issue.

Pg. 10 Pg. 17 Pg. 19 Pg. 23 Pg. 24 Pg. 26 Pg. 29 Pg. 30 Pg. 5 Pg. 9 Pg. 10 Pg. 13 Pg. 14 Pg. 15 Pg. 16 Pg. 21 Pg. 25 Pg. 29 Pg. 34 Pg. 36

sue First Is

- Words From A Foster Mom by Brittany Palmieri - The Importance of Understanding Anesthesia by Dr. Crystal Murray - Words From A Bird Owner by Kristin Perras Leonard - The Story of Silas - his journey from a shelter to a service dog by Karyn Badgett - My Dog Got Loose - Now What? - by Gina Kline - Essential Doggie Basics by Leatrice Miller-Natola, CPDT, RM - Check Your Smile Colgate! By Tina Novak - Adopting An Older Dog - “The Story of Big-O” by Jennifer Herbs

sue Second Is

- Steve Caporizzo’s Pet Connection Story as told by Steve Caporizzo - The Leash Necessity by Leatrice Miller-Natola - Are You Thinking About Helping Your Dog Become A Canine Good Citizen Or A Registered Therapy Dog? by Brittany Palmieri - Saving Malina - as told by Pam Duffy - Zen’s Story - His Journey Into His New Mom’s Heart by France Blanco-Bardia - What Is The Mr. Mo Project - adopting senior dogs - Hiking Beneﬁts You And Your Pet - The Story Of LaVilla Dog Works, Johnstown - Fred Henry and Gina Papa - A New Puppy In The House by Dr. Crystal Murray - Dog Bites - And Tips On How To Avoid Them by Gina Kline - The Nose “Knows” by Tina Novak - The Story Of Sheila - Phil and Lorrie Venneman

ue Third Iss

Pgs. 6 & 7 - 7th Annual Pet Adoption Day at The Animal Hospital Pg. 8 - Choosing The Right Pet For You And Your Family by Dr. Crystal Murray Pg. 9 - A Great Read “Don’t Dump The Dog” by Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue in St. Louis, MO. Pg. 10 - A Healthy, Physically Fit Dog Is A Happy Dog by Brittany Palmieri Pg. 12 - Jenny Page, A Story Of Fate, Love and Family by Frankie Page Pg. 13 - Never Again by Stacy Raczynski Pg. 14 - “I Am Zeke” - I Am Not Just A Dog as told by Zeke Pg. 16 - Pet Care Tips During Your Illness And Recovery by Leatrice Miller Natola, CPDT, RM Pg. 17 - The Loss Of A Family Pet” - The Humane Society of the United States Pg. 18 - Joy - A Little Girl In Need Of Peace, Love And Healing as told by the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter family Pg. 30 - Why Do We Need To Clean Up After Our Dogs? by Gina Kline Pg. 33 - 25 Ways To Be A Responsible Pet Parent by Peggy Frezon Pg. 34 - One, Two, Three Dogs - The More To Love by Tina Novak Pg. 35 - Ruff ’N Fluff Rescue Beds on Etsy by Whitney Grifﬁn Pg. 36 - The Calming Comfort Of Cats by Tina Novak Pg. 38 - Including Your Pet In Your Estate Planning - by Del B. Salmon, Esq.

sue Fourth Is

Pgs. 6 & 7 - Meet Marissa and Rich Christman Pg. 10 - Camping With Your Dogs Can Be Fun by Brittany Palmieri Pgs. 14 & 15 - Boarding Options For Your Long Awaited Vacation Pgs. 16 & 17 - The Story Of Megan by Kevin Conrad Pg. 18 - Kait’s K-9 Promotion by Kait Litts Pg. 21 - The RASE Program - as told by Bobbi Jo Haverly Pg. 24 - Understanding Service Dogs And Their Role In Society as told by Silas, Service Dog Pg. 25 - What Should I Do If I Meet A Service Dog Team taken from www,pleasedontpetme.com Pg. 26 - Why Calm Is Good For Your Pooch by Leatrice Miller-Natola, CPDT, RM Pg. 27 - A Journey Towards A Home by Frankie Page Pg. 28 - Volunteering Is Great At Any Age by Melissa Witkowski Pg. 29 - Cute Puppies & Springtime Fun by Tina Novak Pg. 33 - Puppy or Adult? - that is the question! by Gina Kline Pg. 37 - Moving To A New Home With Your Cat? by Becky Hutchins

www.facebook.com/crazyaboutpetsmagazine

If you know of a shelter or have a story you would like to see featured in a future issue of this magazine, please call us at (518) 842-6532, email us at: creativityunleash123@yahoo.com or linda@creativityunleashed.org or go to our facebook page: www.facebook.com/crazyaboutpetsmagazine Please Note: The content in this magazine is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Please consult your own veterinarian if you have speciﬁc questions about any medical or social issues your pet may have. Published by Mike and Linda Palmieri - Creativity Unleashed - Amsterdam, NY 12010

2 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY If you experience a problem after your own vet’s actual hours, you can call on a pet emergency clinic in the area.

Capital District Veterinary Referral Hospital

222 Troy-Schenectady Rd., (Rte. 2), Latham, NY 12110

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75 Briggs St., Johnstown, NY (518) 762-1807

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(518) 785-1094

Upstate Veterinary Specialties 152 Sparrowbush Road, Latham, NY 12110

Scan Here

518-783-3198

Northway Animal Emergency Clinic 35 Fawn Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831

(518) 761-2602

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435

www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

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For Over a 100 years dogs and cats in Amsterdam have gotten plenty of love from the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Montgomery County SPCA as they await their forever families. SPCA Road, The MCSPCA cares for unwanted, abused, Amsterdam, NY 12010 abandoned and neglected animals, including 842-8050 hoarding situations. While they provide sanctuary for companion animals, their work goes far www.MC-SPCA.org Email: info@mc-spca.org beyond simply housing, feeding and loving these creatures. Shelter Manager, The MCSPCA’s programs and services include a Anthonio Baker low cost feline spay and neuter program, a foster Shelter Hours: care network, food for your pet, micro chipping for Mon, Wed-Sat. 12pm to 4pm; your pet, investigating cruelty and neglect comClosed Tues. & Sun. plaints, housing animals from cruelty and neglect Go online to investigations, animal legislation advocacy, eduwww.mc-spca.org cation and more. to join The MCSPCA is making progress with the our mailing list. new animal shelter. Floor plans are being ﬁnalYou will receive the ized. We are very proud that we have reached latest news and dates this point. We’re sure the community will be more about upcoming than satisﬁed with the new shelter. events and adoption We at the MCSPCA are proud of the difference clinics! You can also we make in the lives of both the animals and the view our wishlist individuals to whom we provide assistance.

Out of the Pits -

Montgomery County

if you would like to donate!

SCAN HERE to see all the pets currently adoptable at the MCSPCA

Check out Montgomery County SPCA on

and into your hearts Founded in 1994

Out of the Pits P.O. Box 2311 Albany, NY 12220

info@outofthepits.org

Out of the Pits seeks to educate the public about the true nature of the American Pit Bull Terrier and to make them aware that they used to be one of America’s favorite type of dogs. Our efforts are aimed at restoring the Pit bull type dog to its former position of esteem in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.

Our main focus is education. We visit dozens of schools with our certiﬁed therapy Pit Bulls to teach humane education throughout the New York Capital District, as well as nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Out of the Pits, Inc. is a registered 501c3 not‐for‐profit organization. All members of this • We are currently developing curriculum for working with organization are volunteers, and children in areas where Pit Bulls are particularly at risk 100% of all donations are • In the near future we hope to have fully developed dedicated to saving the dogs. presentations available for delivery at all levels from Your donations pay for their elementary through college. If interested in bringing one food, housing, and veterinary of our programs into your school, please contact us at care. IRS authorization numinfo@outofthepits.org. ber is 16-1560721. Right now, Sadly, Out of the Pits receives approximately we are able to save only a 1,000 requests per week to take unwanted Pit Bulls. small percentage of the abanShelter statistics are equally staggering – it is estimated doned and abused Pit Bulls that we are asked to accept that more than 80% of Pit Bulls in shelters are euthanized, into our program every day. and typically only 1 in 600 Pit Bulls finds a loving home. Many must be turned away Please visit www.outofthepits.org for Education and only because we lack suffiSpay/Neuter Information thru our low cost “Fix-A-Bull” cient funding and fosters. Your Program or to make a contribution to it. contribution or ability to foster If you are interested in fostering please will help save a dog’s life. contact adoptions@outofthepits.org

Check out Out of the Pits on or go to: www.outofthepits.org to ﬁnd out more!

or go to: www.mc-spca.org to ﬁnd out more!

With over 25 combined years experience, we guarantee that you and your pets will leave 100% satisﬁed. We love every animal like they are our own. 23+ years experience

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4 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

Basic Obedience Class Refresher Courses Available

Creating Well Balanced & Well Behaved Dogs Updated class schedule always on our website

www.pawsupcdt.com

Call/Text to make an appt. (518) 930-8253 or email: pawsupCDT@gmail.com

Thank You

From

James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society

437 Nine Mile Tree Rd., Gloversville, NY 12078 • 518-725-0115

We asked for your help and you responded in a big way! We have had nothing but love and support for these dogs and our shelter. The entire community, as well as local businesses, other rescues and shelters that we work with, and people all across the country have stepped up to help in this situation. These guys are getting a little better every day - check their progress on Facebook.

James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society

437 Nine Mile Tree Rd., Gloversville, NY 12078 • 518-725-0115

The Brennan Humane Society provides a tangible example of humane ethics and compassion for all living creatures. Open to the public: Mon. - Sat. 12 - 3: Sun. 11 - 2

The shelter serves the surrounding communities in many ways:

by providing shelter, food, water, medical care and safety to stray, homeless and unwanted cats and dogs, helps families ﬁnd lost pets, teaches about kindness and safety regarding pets, provides an aggressive Spay/Neuter Program for low income families in Fulton County, helps Seniors with their Pet Food Bank, provide work study opportunities for students, and advocates for Animal Law at the State and Federal levels.

Stratford 22 Follow us to ﬁnd out about upcoming court dates, and fundraisers. Facebook: James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society

7th Annual

ANIMAL ADVOCACY DAY June 6, 2017 • 9:30am - Noon

in the Well of the Legislative Ofﬁce Building in Albany 198 State St. Albany, NY Senate Co-Chairs

Senator Jim Tedisco • Senator Phil Boyle • Senator Sue Serino

Assembly Co-Chairs

Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal • Assemblymember Dean Murray

Scan Here to See All Pets Available for Adoption at Brennan

JABMHS Cat Neutering Our onsite fees are as follows; $40 - neutering $65 - neutering, and shots (rabies & distemper) $90 - neutering, shots & Fiv/Felv Tests

Male cats can be neutered on our site on Mondays and Fridays. Call 725-0115 for an appointment.

We offer both group and private cremation in your time of need. Please call for pricing and information. Check out James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society on or go to: www.pawsforyou.org to ﬁnd out more!

WHITE COTTAGE GARDENS Fine Floral Design

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Come see us for all your floral needs: Holidays, Special Occasions, Funerals and more. ~ We Do Fruit Baskets ~

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194 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010 518-843-1060 • 518-935-7831 • Fax 518-843-1062 Email: whitecottagegardens@yahoo.com

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Amsterdam Kitten Adoptions have most of their adoption clinics and fundraisers at Super Shoes in Amsterdam - check out their facebook page for the next adoption Please Join In and Show Your Support!clinic!

This is an empowering gathering for animal lovers - who work together in hopes of making life better for our animal friends. Featuring Steve Caporizzo of Pet Connection as EMCEE If you have any questions about Animal Advocacy Day, call State Senator James Tedisco’s ofﬁce at 518-885-1829 or email tedisco@nysenate.gov

You can check out Animal Advocacy Day on

www.facebook.com/nysanimaladvocacyday

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CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 5

It takes a huge heart to do this every single day!

Meet Marissa and Rich Christman...

Together they work and volunteer with shelter staff and other volunteers toward a better future for dogs/cats finding themselves at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter in Sprakers. Rich and Marissa are the owners of Adirondack Dog Training, LLC. Besides working at the shelter, fostering shelter dogs in their home and owning a business, they have also recently added pet sitting - in your own home and dog walking to the list of things they do. This past Christmas I noticed a post Rich had put up of Marissa sitting on the floor on Christmas filling stockings with gifts (from wonderful supporters) for all of the Ayres shelter pets. The words he wrote intrigued me. Then, on the fourth anniversary of the Minden barn raid, which saved 51 dogs, I saw another Facebook post from Out of the Pits, Inc. In it Cyd Cross mentions a determined young woman who would not stop until she got these dogs to safety. That young woman is Marissa Christman. It also reminded me of many of our shelter friends who give so unselfishly of their time Marissa and Rich with their dog, Suzie Q and energy every single day. I asked Marissa if she would share some things about how she got into rescue itself, what it means to her and to let us know how others can help as well. Here are her candid answers: When did rescue become an important part of your life? I was practically born into rescue - just as our baby girl will be. I am not sure when exactly it became so important, because I was so young. But because of my mom, it is such an enormous part of my life – I literally cannot imagine not being involved. I remember when I was little, I obviously couldn’t handle all the dogs I do now, but I would be wondering around outside and one day I came walking back with a purebred great dane who I found just walking around loose. He was bigger than me and my mom sure couldn’t believe it! I used to love to read to the dogs, I was at the shelter so often, the Marissa started rescuing dogs at an early age! dogs knew me well. There was a Yellow Lab named Marshall who came in, terrified of everyone and a little bit of an intimidating dog, from years of abuse. My mom used to get so upset (and worried) but, I kept on sneaking in with him to read to him and spend time with him. That handsome lab boy came around and found himself a perfect forever home. Those simple little things will always stay with me and be a huge part of how Ayres dogs and cats have impacted my life so drastically. How did you end up working/volunteering at Ayres? My mom began working at Ayres when I was still in elementary school. I don’t remember exactly when I started going with her, but I was 6 to 8 years old – so at least 15 years ago! I honestly cannot remember Ayres ever not being a part of my life. How do you balance your own time with your pets with the time you work/volunteer at the shelter?

Marissa has been known to sleep on the ﬂoor with the dogs if she thinks they need the extra love and attention.

Marissa with Chase

Photo Credit:Kait’s K-9 Promotion

This takes a lot of work! Thankfully our dogs can take turns going to work with us sometimes. We don’t get many little dogs in, so sometimes ours even help to socialize or test big dogs to see how they would do, or they play with other little dogs so that those dogs have some socialization while they wait for their homes. Our dogs are so great at sharing – they are so understanding, it is as if they know that we are helping dogs that they were once like. All our dogs are rescues, and they know some days when we get home, we just want to cuddle, which they soak right up! You were instrumental in bringing to light the situation in Minden and a part of the rescue effort - what gave you the courage to complete the mission of saving the Minden dogs? Ah, this is a simple one. I was young and thought nothing bad could ever happen to me! (I had just graduated High School 5 months before.) Someone came to the shelter complaining about “Sickpuppyz Pitbull Kennel” and how since they had no proof of what was going on there, no one could really do anything. So I decided to get proof. I reached out to one of the men involved and set up a time to meet/buy a puppy. That was late November. I went, met the man, and got my phone out. I recorded everything from the puppies to the barn full of cold, chained pitbulls who only had cement to lay on – while still feeling the weather elements from the broken window, holes in the barn walls and lack of doors. Then I went public, posted it everywhere and was put in contact with a great investigator who wanted to help these dogs – and he did! cont’d on next page

6 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

It takes a huge heart to do this every single day! Cont’d How did you meet Rich and what is it like to work so closely with someone who shares the same values/compassion/love for pets as you do? Rich and I met at a shelter fundraiser event. We spoke a little on and off about dogs, but just as friends. Then about a year and a half later, we had started talking about veterinarian suggestions and we had our first date at a fundraiser for another local shelter. From there it was history! Rich began volunteering at Ayres on Sundays, and as our relationship grew, so did his involvement with Ayres. I knew what we had was incredibly special, because his love for animals was pure – not for recognition – but entirely for the animals. We moved in together only two months after we started dating. Rich has been an incredible partner in every aspect of rescue and building our lives together. We built the training business together, rescued many animals off of the garage sale sites/craigslist, searched for so many lost dogs, learned to bottle feed baby kittens, saved a cat out of a tree and so much more! He has picked me up when the stress of the world has gotten me down, he has pushed me forward when it seems like it is all bad news and he has taught me an incredible amount when it comes to dogs and myself. I have become an entirely different (and better) person in life and especially in rescue in the two and a half years I have spent with Rich building our life in rescue. ♥ What is your biggest hope for Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter and what can we do to help bring about that dream? Ah, this is a hard one. I want so much for Ayres. • I want to start a reliable and impacting Foster/Training Program for our dogs to go into a structured foster home that will work on any baggage the dog may have – behavioral or just basic obedience work. • I want our Shelter Buddy Program to expand so that every one of our dogs would have a Volunteer that they were matched with and they would get a guaranteed outing at least twice a month. We currently have an amazing group of volunteers who get some of our dogs out almost weekly and the improvement it has had on each dog’s state of mind while waiting for their homes is great. When each volunteer’s Shelter Buddy gets adopted – they will be paired with another dog to spend time with until they too find their forever home. If you wanted to recruit volunteers to help rescue pets, what are some of the words you would say to them? People’s most common reason for not wanting to volunteer is that it is sad. Sad to think about the dogs or cats in the shelters, sad to have to leave them or bring them back. But that is the wrong way to think about it. Imagine what a walk can do for that dog’s day. Imagine what socializing timid kitties could do to get them better ready for their forever home. Imagine you taking a picture of a dog that you are spending time with and posting it on social media – that could be the picture that gets that dog noticed by a possible new family. You volunteering might be hard at first, but the huge impact it could have on even one animal could be life changing. It could be the one extra positive thing that that dog or cat needs to be more noticeable to possible adopters. There’s so much good that can come out of volunteering, and once you start and realize exactly what impact you are having on that animal – you will only think of the good that you are doing and you will see just how much you are changing lives.

Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter Ayres Memorial Shelter

133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, New York • (518) 673-5670

Adirondack Dog Training LLC 518-316-0999

Hours: Tue. 12-5; Wed. 12-7; Thu.-Sat. 12-5

Individual and Group Classes held at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter 133 Hilltop Rd., Sprakers, NY 12166

Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter operates as a No-Kill “quality of life” shelter, and the devoted workers are committed to making sure that every animal in their care has exactly that.

All would-be adoptive families are carefully screened before being allowed to take home any pet. In this way, each adopted animal is assured of a good and loving home. Ayres Animal Shelter Our surgical suite

is up and running! We would like to extend a huge thank you to Dr. Linda Kolnick for her part in making this possible!!

If you have an animal that needs to be spayed or neutered, please call us at 518-673-5670 to be put on our list.

SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC

CAT NEUTER (MALE) CAT SPAY(FEMALE) DOG NEUTER (MALE)

DOG SPAY

(FEMALE)

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

$55 $45 $45 $70

(under 20#) $70 (20-50#) $85 (51-75#) $115 (76-90#) $135 (91-109#) $155 (over 110#) $175

(under 20#) $70 $90 (20-50#) $85 $105 (51-75#) $125 $145 (75-90#) $145 $185 (91-109) $165 (over 109)) $200 $220

Every animal must have a valid rabies certiﬁcate Rabies and DHPP shots available at the clinic - Rabies $10 • Distemper $15 Microchips are available at $25 per pet In need of dedicated, adult, dog experienced volunteers. If you are interested please contact us to ﬁll out an application.

If you would like to make a donation to our shelter please send it to the address above. Our wish list includes: Clay cat litter,. Grain free dog food, Purina Dog Chow, Nylabones, Martingale collars. Check out Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter on or go to: www.ayresanimalshelter.com

Also: Private in home lessons, pet sitting and dog walking available email: adirondackdogtraining@gmail.com Check us out on facebook at facebook.com/adirondackdogtraining

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CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 7

Regional Animal Shelter 117 West Fulton St., Gloversville, NY 12078

(518) 725-5956

Hours: Mon – Sun: 7am – 9am & 4pm – 6pm or by appt.

The Regional Animal Shelter is a volunteer run not-for-proﬁt, no-kill animal shelter founded in 2002

What We Do

Reunite - stray dogs with their families. Rescue - animals from bad situations. Adopt dogs - into new, loving homes. Spay & Neuter

to decrease the number of unwanted animals.

Educate the public

and dogs owners on animal health, training, and awareness.

to see pets available for adoption and ﬁnd out more about Regional Animal Shelter

Adopting from Regional Animal Shelter is an easy process: We will help you find the dog that is perfect for you and your family. It involves finding out a little about you and your home, visiting with the dogs and talking with one of the animal shelter professionals. After you have met and decided which amazing animal you would like to adopt, we will ask that you fill out an application. Applications are available at the shelter; they must be completed in full and returned to the shelter office. If you are unable to make it to the shelter, please contact us and we will send you an application.

You can find Regional Animal Shelter pets on placemats in many area restaurants, check it out!

Check out Regional Animal Shelter on or go to: www.regionalanimalshelter.org to ﬁnd out more!

Come in and be Inspired! So many gifts in one place! Alex and Ani Pandora Vera Bradley Mantraband Spartina Joseph Ribkoff John Medeiros Lilla P Jack Rogers Brighton and so much more!

Come say hello to Jackson! 4943 St. Hwy 30, Sanford Farms Plaza, Amsterdam, NY 12010

842-9220

Mon.-Wed. 9:30-7:00 Thu.-Sat. 9:30-7:30; Sun. 10:00-4:00

www.Junesgiftboutique.com 8 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

Mohawk Hudson Humane Society Menands • Latham • Saratoga mohawkhumane.org Animal Care Center 3 Oakland Avenue Menands, NY 12204 518) 434-8128 MHHS is the oldest and largest animal protection group in the Capital Region. Caring for over 6,000 animals every year, the Society is dedicated to saving the lives of orphaned pets. The Society is the SPCA for both Albany and Rensselaer Counties. MHHS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization funded by donations.

Open Every Day

Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm Saturday & Sunday 10 am-5 pm Visit our website for our other locations.

New Animal Care Center Opens in June 2017!

Stop By and Meet A New Friend We Also Provide: • Low-Cost Spay/Neuter • Pet Food Pantry • Education and Outreach • Cruelty Investigation • Volunteer Opportunities

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Camping With Your Dogs Can Be Fun

Brittany Palmieri with Petey, a Registered Therapy Dog

Brittany is a Veterinary Assistant at Country Valley Veterinary Clinic and is studying to be a Vet Tech. She lives with her husband Dan, their three cats Tillie, Patrick and Stoopie and their two dogs, Petey (featured on our cover w/Tillie), and Jenny (A.K.A. Mama). She has been fostering dogs for over 3 years now through Out of the Pits, Inc. and has guided many wonderful pets to their forever homes. Each and every one of them has left a pawprint on her heart - and Petey’s too!

Brittany and Petey at Indian Lake

It’s finally here! The warm weather is finally upon us and if you are anything like us, we will be spending time camping and love to bring our dogs along. Our dogs have come camping with us since we have had them in our lives and we wouldn’t have it any other way. That being said, we have also encountered some situations that have left us feeling a little…confused. If you have ever brought your dog along with you than you know that they are required to have their rabies vaccine in order to stay, but there are also other safety rules and ideas to help make everyone’s trip fun! To me, the number one rule of all, for both safety and DEC regulations, is that “pets must be confined or leashed to restrict them to the campsite of the owner.” I remember very well camping last year and having a sweet old Labrador wander into our campsite, his owners were nowhere to be found nor were they looking for him. I returned him to his campsite and owners but he came by again the next day. Please remember that not all dogs are good around other dogs. Just because yours is, doesn’t mean it is safe for them to wander the campgrounds, for many different reasons.

Dan with Petey and Jenny at Sacandaga River

Another very important DEC rule/regulation is to not leave your pet unattended. There is not much more aggravating than having to hear a dog barking at their Jenny at Piseco Lake campsite while their owner left them behind. Many people escape to camping because they enjoy the peace and quiet that the wilderness provides, please respect that. Some people do not even enjoy the company of dogs (imagine that!) and thus will not appreciate your dogs bark. Ultimately, not all dogs are able to come camping along with you. But a lot of dogs truly enjoy being out there as long as they behave properly! Make sure it’s always fun for everyone involved, even fellow campers!

Petey enjoying his time at Rock Lake

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Stop in and say hello to Hunter!

Choosing the Right Level of Care for Your Pet

5877 Route 30 South, Amsterdam, New York 12010

As with everything we do in life, we can choose the level of care we provide our pets. I hope that we can all agree, however, that all pets deserve at least a certain minimum standard of care. Today I will attempt to outline some basic needs for dogs and cats. At a minimum, dogs require a nutritious diet, a climate controlled living space, plenty of human companionship, exercise and basic veterinary care. Because I am a veterinarian, I will talk about the latter. All dogs need an initial series of vaccinations. “Puppy shots” are protecting against two main and very real diseases, parvovirus and distemper virus. We see parvovirus frequently in these parts, so protection is absolutely essential. Puppies receive vaccinations starting at about 8 weeks of age, repeating every 3 to 4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age. Additionally, all puppies need a rabies vaccination just after 3 months of age. Rabies vaccinations will be required throughout a dog’s life, and distemper/parvovirus boosters should also be given periodically in almost all cases. Finally, all dogs need parasite control. There are a variety of options available, but at a minimum, we should protect our dogs against ﬂeas, ticks, heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms. There are many other diseases that we should consider preventing, unwanted pregnancies must be guarded against, and dental care, grooming, and regular veterinary care should all be provided, but the details are beyond the scope of this article. I would recommend discussing these things with your veterinarian and agreeing on an individual plan that best suits the needs of you and your best friend. Just as dogs have basic needs, cats also do. Again, all cats require a healthy diet, companionship, and a safe place to stay. Like puppies, kittens need a series of vaccinations. With cats, at a minimum we want to protect against two main upper respiratory diseases, rhinotracheitis (“herpes,” which is not contagious to humans) and calicivirus, as well as the almost always fatal intestinal disease, panleukopenia. We will give a combination vaccine for these diseases as a series, just like with puppies. Cats also require vaccination against rabies. All kittens need to be dewormed, and parasite prevention going forward is required for cats that go outside, and strongly recommended even for indoor only cats, since mice come inside and carry diseases with them! Again, just as with dogs, there are other tests and vaccinations most veterinarians will strongly recommend, and it is almost always best to spay or neuter your cat. Please contact your local veterinarian to schedule routine care for your pet, and to discuss many of the other measures we didn’t discuss yet here! Your pet is completely dependent on your being a good guardian to keep him healthy and happy.

Check out CVVC on

or go to www.countryvalleyvet.com. To make an appointment call (518) 843-2882

Dr. Crystal Murray, DVM owner of

(518) 843-2882 Dr. Murray graduated from Cornell University Veterinary School in 1996. She did a brief stint as an emergency veterinarian before settling into a career with small animals, mostly dogs and cats. Crystal lived in NJ prior to moving up to NY in 2006. She bought the closed Mohawk Valley Veterinary Hospital in 2010. Crystal redesigned the building to improve its utility as a veterinary hospital, and supervised its complete renovation. She opened Country Valley Veterinary Clinic a few months after this. In her spare time, Crystal is the mother of two wonderful children, and the guardian of two dogs, four cats, one horse and too many chickens.

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CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 11

Mountain Rottie Rescue of New York, Inc.

Safe At Last Animal Rescue

A 501(c)3 non proﬁt organization

ROTTIE RESCUE OF NEW YORK

Mountain Rottie Rescue of NY P.O. Box 109 Monticello, New York, 12701

or email us at: Mountainappl@yahoo.com

Most of our dogs come from kill shelters in the North and South. Some are owner surrenders and some are cruelty cases - we offer rehabilitation & training to these dogs and have successfully placed most of our cruelty cases into new loving homes. All our our dogs are temperament tested . Any dog adopted from Mountain Rottie Rescue of New York has been fostered in a home prior to adoption. All of our dogs are up to date on vaccines, heart-worm tested and on prevention, spayed /neutered, microchipped & activated .

MRR of NY is located in the Catskill Mountains,The Capital District of New York and Central New York areas. We are dedicated to re-homing homeless dogs, Rottweilers and other breeds as well .

Mountain Rottie Rescue is always in need of volunteers, fosters and monetary donations to help us continue our mission!

Foster Parents Wanted:

Apply to become a foster parent: Foster homes are one of the most important aspects of rescue and the backbone of our work! If this is something you would like to do then please contact us for a foster application & become part of our rescue team!!.

Sponsor A Rottweiler:

an all-volunteer 501c3 not-for-proﬁt corporation dedicated to saving the lives of shelter animals.

Mission

P.O. Box 36 Fultonham, NY 12071

or email us at: Info@safeatlast.net

Thank you for helping us save pets in need, one life at a time.

It is Safe At Last’s mission to help ease the suffering, as well as stop it at its source. We do this by taking animals into our organization from shelters across the country. We are dedicated to assisting shelters which are overloaded with the never-ending inﬂux of new animals (now being seen in record numbers). Our goal is to ease the ﬁnancial plight of shelters by sending the bulk of our adoptions fees back to them, to be used for food, medicines, cleaning supplies, and other necessaries.

All prospective adopters must be approved through our application review & approval process. When going to our website click on Adoption Info and click Register - a password will be sent to your email. Go back into our website and using your name and password; you can then access the online adoption form by clicking on Forms/Applications. Click Adoption/New and after completed, submit the form. A volunteer will be in touch to keep you updated and continue with the review process. After you are approved for adoption you may meet one of our fur babies who are being fostered in private homes. Momma Francine is approx. 2 years old. She came to us from rescue friends in Gallia County Ohio. Beagle/ Dachshund Mix, a sweetheart who loves and adores her humans. She will need her new adoptive family to have patience with her as she gets acquainted with them. Francine came to us with her two pups after being dumped in a barn. .

Contact us for further information on how to Sponsor -a -Rott ( when you SponsorA- Rott, you will recieve updates and pictures of your Sponsored dog, when the dog is Adopted we will send you pictures of the Adopted dog in their new home.

Check out Mountain Rottie Rescue on or go to: www.mountainrottierescue.org to ﬁnd out more!

Check out Safe At Last Animal Rescue on or go to: www.safeatlast.net to ﬁnd out more!

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Pawsome Pups Persevere Pawsome Pups Persevere was created by a shelter volunteer, Marissa Hebert

The goal is to raise money to provide dogs with mental and physical stimulation while they are at the shelter in hopes of decreasing mental Dogs are like people, they need to get deterioration and increasing their chances for out and be exercised but they also adoption. Funds are also used to assist with boarding need mental stimulation. expenses for dogs that need rescue, yet have not Pawsome Pups Persevere delivers found a foster home , as well as providing food and bones, treats and other items to toys to foster families to decrease the cost for local rescues assisting volunteers in saving lives! area shelters to help dogs stay

happy while they wait for their forever family

These are just some of the items Pawsome Pups Persevere donates to shelter dogs

A very happy dog at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society enjoying a chew toy and visit from Pawsome Pups Persevere.

Check this out!!

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on Facebook... wonderful cakes, treats and more for your best friend!

Email: pawsomepupspersevere@yahoo.com If you would like to order bones, treats, etc. to donate to Pawsome Pups Persevere you can go to: www.dogsupplies.com

Marissa recently appeared on Martin, Harding & Mazzotti Capital Region Pet Show. To see the video go to their facebook page and click on videos - go to the video named:

Marissa’s Pawsome Passion

The Cat Sanctuary & Information Center

(formerly the Gloversville Cat Sanctuary and Information Center)

NEEDS A HOME!

Currently, we have no home to continue in rescue. Cats and kittens are in need of shelter and warmth in our area when we are contacted for help and we have no way to help them. I can’t thank our donors enough for making The Cat Sanctuary a success for all the years prior to the city zoning shut down We know what we can do together. We can do it again and better - but it can’t be a one man/woman show.

Please Join us...There is such a need in this area...

We are looking to raise a substantial amount of funds to be able to buy a property with existing structures that will take minimal work to get up and running as a sort of hospice house and an adoption clinic for starters. It will be in a rescue friendly municipality in a correctly zoned location, and this will be conﬁrmed before purchase. We are looking to remain as close to Gloversville as possible. There are many in the community who wish to continue helping the stray and feral cat population, and that is where our work, time, and energy are needed. If you have an suggestions or would like to help with any future fundraisers, etc. please contact me or message me. Thanks so much to everyone who has been so supportive of what we are trying to do to help the local cats and kittens in need!

The Cat Sanctuary & Information Center

Watch Marissa talk about Pawsome Pups and also about Marissa’s Pawsome Treats as well!

or go to: Check out Pawsome Pups Persevere on www.crowdrise.com/pawsomepupsper/fundraiser/marissahebert to donate!

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mdeuel@bmanuf.com or info@bmanuf.com CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 13

Looking forward to your long awaited vacation? Take the time to consider where or how your pets will “vacation” while you are away.

We have listed a few ideas here for you as you plan your summer, special occasions, or day care options for your pets… Harvey’s Home Garden and Pet Center - Johnstown 250 N. Comrie Ave., Johnstown, NY 12095 • (518) 762-7613

There are so many options! Our area is full of wonderful choices - day care options, dog walkers, pet sitters, and boarding facilities. Many will gladly meet with you or take you on a tour. Some of these facilities even have cameras available in your dogs “room” so you can view them from your smart phone. In order to know the best solution, you need to access whether your dog is “social” or would prefer to be in his/her own environment while he/she waits for you to come home. Some dogs may do best in their own home with a pet sitter coming in a few times a day or a pet sitter who either stays at your home or takes the dog in to their own home. Other dogs may love the luxurious spa like environment offered by many new pet hotels. We have listed a few options to choose from - this is by no means a full list. Please go online and type in pet boarding/pet sitting in your area if you don’t see a business close to where you live. Do your research only you know what is best for your pet. Give them a call - be sure to interview them, bring your dog/dogs to meet them. It is never a good idea to leave your pets in a place you have not PERSONALLY inspected. You will want to make sure it is clean and safe and that any other dogs they may come in contact with while there are up to date on shots and free of parasites. Please ask for proof of LIABILITY insurance as well. With so many options available you can rest assured your pet will be in good hands while you are away. But please plan ahead, call early to schedule. Be sure your dog is current on vaccinations and ensure that your vet is always listed among your emergency contacts. The safety and well being of your pet depends on you making sure they are safe as they can’t do that themselves.

Have a great trip with no worries!

It is always difﬁcult when you have to leave your pet behind to travel. Harvey’s new Pet Hotel is loaded with every comfort possible for your pet. When you are missing them, you can access the web cam and see what they are doing! Yes! You can see your pet and your pet can see you. You can dispense a treat and or scent for them. At Harvey’s Home, Garden and Pet we know your dog is a trusted friend and family member! We carry all the best in natural and holistic Dog foods, treats and snacks, as well as quality supplies and training products. We offer both professional grooming, and a self-serve dog wash to keep your friend clean and fresh! Harvey’s also has a great Day Care Program full of comforts for your pet! We all have responsibilities that cause us to be away from home for long hours. At Harvey’s they may even make friends and enjoy socializing with others! Less daytime worry for you, less anxiety for them. Also, offering training - we feature on-staff training along with B.A.R.K ‘n Friends, LLC. - see website for details. Sign up or make appointments online - www.harveyshomeandgarden.com See ad on pg. 39

B.A.R.K. ‘n Friends, LLC 693 State Highway 67, Fort Plain, NY 12095 • (518) 705-8469

When you go away send the dogs to BARK INN to stay with B.A.R.K. ‘n Friends! We are insured, safe, and the dogs stay in my home center so someone is home both day and night. We board a limited number of dogs (limit is 4) because we want each and every dog to have a relaxing, calm experience while they are with us. Dogs go for lovely walks in the woods 4 to 5 times a day. They ALL LOVE our walks in the woods! When the dogs are not out in the play area or walking they are in our radiant heat ﬂoor center in a large pen with a crate available for sleeping at night. Leatrice is a certiﬁed dog trainer so all dogs get a bit of training while here because it just happens naturally. All dogs must be human and dog friendly. Stop the worry when you are away and send you dogs to BARK INN today! Check us out on Facebook or online at: www.barknfriendsllc.com See ad on pg. 27

Milton Manor Pet Spa & Resort 612 Route 29, Middle Grove, NY 12850 • (518) 587-6673

Milton Manor Pet Spa & Resort offers some of the best pet lodging and accommodations in the Saratoga Springs NY area. Built from an old horse farm in 1985, Milton Manor is located on over 25 acres of beautiful country just a few minutes away from Saratoga. Our pet spa and resort offers high quality luxury pet lodging with 24 hour doggie door access to private patios, professional grooming, doggie daycare with rubber floors indoors and artificial turf outdoors and many other services for dogs, cats, and exotic pets including a Board & Train program, last call 10PM potty breaks and web cams. At Milton Manor, we realize that there is “no place like home” for your pets and that we cannot duplicate the environment they are accustomed to. It is our sincere intent, however, to provide a safe, comfortable and caring environment for your pets. Offering Doggie Day Care Monday through Friday (Dogs 25 -80 pounds) Come take a tour of our facilities 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, no appointment needed! To find out more: www.miltonmanor.com See ad on pg. 23

Galway Veterinary Hospital 5072 Sacandaga Rd, Galway, New York • Call (518) 882-1850

We are excited to offer veterinarian-supervised boarding with a range of accommodations to ensure the best care for your pet during their time with us. Pets are housed in climate-controlled accommodations selected by their owners. If for some reason the chosen accommodation is not compatible and your pet becomes anxious, we will adjust their stay to suit the personal needs of your cherished pet. All dogs will be taken outside for long walks at least three times daily. Each day, your pet’s temporary home will be cleaned and their bedding replaced and laundered. You do not need to bring anything for your pet to stay with us, however you may bring some items from home to make your pet’s accommodations more familiar. We provide beds, blankets and comforters, as well as food and water bowls. Many owners bring a special blanket, toys, and treats for their pet. All pets receive a complimentary bath on the day they return home! Check out more information at: www.galwayveterinaryhospital.com See ad on pg. 35

14 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

Pet Boarding Options, cont’d

There are many different options, visit the person or facility beforehand and make sure you have any documentation required for their stay. Pet Sitters Plus Bark-n-Play - Fonda Rover.com 16 W. Main St., Fonda, New York Priddle Point Rd, Mayﬁeld, New York • (518) 301-1682 Dog Boarding, Kathy says...“Pet Sitters Plus” evolved out of my genuine love of animals (518) 853-2050 House Sitting,

and rescuing animals. I always take the dog or cat that no one else wanted the unadoptable pet that might be euthanized. I go into people’s homes which I feel is the best place for your four legged family member while you are either away on vacation, working long hrs or just out for a bit. Your pets become an extended part of my family, I love them all. I spend time visiting with your pet unless your cat is extremely scared having me in the house. I will also bring in the mail, newspaper, check the house to make sure everything is ok and secure, water plants, etc. Your pets receive a lot of love and attention, fresh water and food, medications if needed. I start as early as 7am with visits throughout the day up until 9pm. I am extremely ﬂexible have many excellent references throughout the area I am bonded and insured. You never have to worry about your pets or your home while in my care. If you should you need my services or just want more information please feel free to contact me. See ad on pg. 28

Dog Walking, Bark-n-Play is your one stop shop for your furry family needs. Doggie Day Care They offer grooming, doggie daycare and a luxury pet hotel and Drop-In Visits. (with a large fenced in yard). Paws up! Certified Dog Training, has Go online also teamed up with Bark-n-Play and recommends Bark-n-Play’s to find a trusted sitter boarding and daycare services, along with their natural, made in you can look in your area the USA products. The luxury pet hotel offers individual bedrooms and check out reviews, with cameras so you can check on your pets while you are away. references and Bark-n-Play is the place where leaving for vacation is made easy. credentials. Every They are staffed with experienced and certified employees. stay includes premium insurance, 24/7 Find out more or book an appointment at emergency support www.BarknPlayLLC.com and cute photo updates. See ad on pg. 4

This is just an example of the many options available to you and your pets, please go online and check out all options in your area.

Crazy About Pets Magazine

visit our facebook page: www.facebook.com/crazyaboutpetsmagazine Tell us what you think of this magazine, submit ideas, stories, etc. Let’s talk! If you would like to email you can reach us at: linda@creativityunleashed.org

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The Story of Megan

- By Kevin Conrad

I recently reconnected with a co-worker from over 30 years ago on Facebook - Kevin Conrad. One day I came across an incredibly well written, heartfelt tribute to his dog Megan. I asked him for permission to share it in this magazine. Reading this has reminded me to be grateful for each day with my pets and to think about ﬁnding the time to write down my thoughts about them as well. What a perfect way to honor your beloved pet! Here is Kevin’s story as it appeared on Facebook on December 31st, 2016 In September of 2001, my then wife and I were looking for a companion for our newly adopted 8 month old lab mix, Daisy. We came across an ad for the Saratoga shelter that had a pup that happened to be the same age as Daisy. We took the kids in to meet this strange mix of Australian Shepherd and God knows what, beagle maybe? The pup just sat at the back of her kennel just looking up at us with her head down, spirit broken. She was an odd one of sorts; head was too small for her body, she had these dew claws on her hind legs that could double for that velociraptor type appendage that we all know so well since Jurassic Park. Two of these dew claws had been growing out of both hind legs, looking very formidable for this odd looking pup. We discovered that in her short 8 months on this planet, she was given up 3 times to the shelter and this day was to be her last day on this earth. Well, I couldn’t have that, so we took her home after making sure that she and Daisy were compatible. The pups name was Morgan, which also happens to be my step daughter’s name. Now, I’m against changing a rescue dogs name, it really is the only thing that they own and truly know, but we couldn’t have two Morgan’s in the house, and my step daughter refused to change hers, so Morgan the dog was now Megan! You see what I did there? Over the years, I’ve called her many things, all out of love; Shmegan, Shmegma, Shmeckie, Shmeggie, Shmeckers, Shmeckadoodle, Megamoo, Meggy, Puddles, Puppers, Pupper doodle doo….there are more, but you get the idea. Megan

This pup took on a renewed energy and spirit as I let them in our one acre fenced in back yard. Her herding skills immediately came into play as the two chased each other throughout the yard. That night, I saw the damage that was done to Megan’s psyche through the physical abuse she must’ve endured prior to joining our family. We were down in our game room, playing pool. As I walked around the table for a better shot, Megan saw me with the pool cue in hand walking toward her, the poor girl cowered, then peed. It broke my heart to see this, and through the next months, it was obvious through her actions, that this dog had been through unimaginable horrors. Megan was in her first heat when she came to us. I had her spayed, and those dew claws taken care of. They were constantly getting hung up in just about everything, even sometimes bleeding as she tried to free herself from some rogue blanket or pillow. After coming home from surgery, she was clearly not in a good mood. She wanted no part of this family who just caused her more pain. I was alone with her, sat down on the floor cross legged on the other side of the room. She came right to me, climbed right in my lap. She could not get close enough to me. If she could crawl up inside of me, I’m sure she would’ve. This pup, who was never shown love, was clearly starving for it. Now, we only had Daisy for 3 weeks prior to adopting Megan. In those 3 weeks, Daisy was the picture perfect dog; well behaved, never chewed up the furniture, rugs, and so on. We could leave her for a few hours unattended and come home and she would greet us with the house just as we left it. Megan, on the A Kevin and Megan selfie! other hand, proved to be a challenge. The first time we left them together unattended, we came home to every lower kitchen cabinet door opened, and everything pulled out of each cabinet spread all over the floor. The next time, I thought I was smarter than her and put her in my workout room. I came home that time to find the sheetrock dug out to a 5 inch hole next to the door knob, and the padding on my free weight bench was completely shredded off of the bench! By recommendation of her vet, we got a collapsible crate due to her severe separation anxiety. Well, as I was putting the thing up, she was right there, tail wagging, getting in the way. No sooner was it up, she climbed right in and laid down. No dog could ever look more content than her at that moment. She loved the damned thing, even though I felt so guilty, thinking Daisy is blowing her raspberries on the other side of the crate while we are gone. Megan eventually learned to trust that we were always coming back and after about a year, the crate had disappeared. Don’t get me wrong, Megan was always a handful. She was never too fond of any other dogs except for her sister Daisy. I mean like in need of the Dog Whisperer type of disdain for her fellow mutts. She has certainly mellowed in her old age and now ‘tolerates’ any pooches she might come across. My ex would always call her stupid, but quite the contrary, she was a brilliant dog. She’s the only dog I know that could turn a round doorknob with her paws. I’ve seen her do so many different things in her life to show how smart she was; one that comes to mind is a time she was walking in the grass, which was infiltrated with those little white flowers that don’t grow any higher than the grass. They attract bees and she stepped on one and felt its wrath. To this day, she will not step on a flower again. Fast forward to winter of 2010. I split with my wife and am unable to see my girls for a stretch of 9 months. The longest 9 months of my life. We finally agree that I can get them on weekends and my life is complete again. November 1, 2012, I lose Daisy to a perforated tumor on her spleen. My ex is getting frustrated with Megan and is asking me to take her full time, which was impossible in the situation I was living. You see, my landlord was kind enough to let me have the girls on weekends, even though he did not allow pets of any sort in his apartments. Having them longer would not be possible until I found more suitable living arrangements. I finally got my own place in September of 2013, and it didn’t take long for my ex to give up Megan full time to me. Actually, it took the day I moved in, and I went and picked up Megan, and we both never looked back! She’s my girl, my rock, my constant. 16 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

Cont’d on next page

The Story of Megan, cont’d - By Kevin Conrad

Megan was great, still a fireball for a 12 year old dog when she came to me in my new place. Full of lumps and bumps, but probably the happiest dog I knew. She started coming to camp with me in the summers and absolutely loved it. But each summer, I noticed how difficult it was becoming for her. I had to cut my vacation short this past summer because she simply could not handle the terrain. It was stressing her out, and frankly, me as well. I was happy to spend the rest of my week home alone with my girl, and she was clearly more comfortable at home. As I write this, I’ve watched her slow down. I’ve seen a sharp decline since the morning of my father’s funeral this past November 12th. She all of a sudden has lost the ability to hold her bowels and urine for longer periods of time. There are more good days than bad as far as accidents go, but she clearly is winding down. She is almost half of what her weight was when she was 2, granted, she was overweight, but Kevin and Megan at camp she is clearly underweight. She has been very unsteady on her feet, and most days I need to carry her up and down the 5 steps to the backyard. She’s very slow to get up on her feet from a long nap, and after she comes in, I am so conflicted, as she demonstrates that she still has a zest for life. The walk outside limbers her up and she comes inside with the excitement of a dog over half her age - runs in circles around the dining room table waiting for her jerky treat. Anyone who has taken care of a geriatric dog knows the challenges and rewards to it. You become even closer spiritually to your canine companion because of all of this extra care you need to give. It’s all worth it. She has been a comfort to me in some of my hardest times; sickness, death, divorce, you name it. Each Megan enjoying some outside time day my girl is with me, I look at as a gift. She will let me know when she has tired of her time here on earth, and when that day comes, I will give her the final gift of a peaceful journey to be with her sister Daisy, and all my other doggie kids I have had the great fortune of sharing my life with. So, with this said, I thank you Megan, for staying here with me for your 16th birthday, born January 1, 2001! 6 weeks ago, I really thought you were days away from the Rainbow Bridge. You will be pampered and spoiled more than ever! Happy Birthday baby girl!

Note: Kevin’s dog, Megan passed just before the printing of this magazine. Clearly, Megan knew unconditional love with Kevin and gave it back every single day. Hopefully this story inspires you to be grateful for every moment you have with your own beloved pets. Keeping a journal of the good times (and bad) will create a legacy you will cherish for years to come. Fred & Gina’s

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Kait’s K-9 Promotion

- an idea born from a love for pets...

I ﬁrst noticed Kait’s K-9 Promotion on Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter’s Facebook page. Kait Litts loves pets! She spends her free time taking photo’s of shelter pets and posting them to help aid in adoptions. Kait has her own Facebook page for Kait’s K-9 Promotion. I contacted Kait and asked her to tell me a bit about herself in hopes of inspiring others to ﬁnd a way to help shelter pets. There really is so much that can be done - so many different ways to volunteer.

My name is Kait Litts, I am 25 years old and work at the Upstate Canine Academy is Cliﬅon Park. At the UCA I manage the daycare prog�am. During my days, I star�ed capt�ring pict�res on my phone of the daycare dogs during their happiest moments. I wanted to take it a step f�r�her and volunteer at local shelters to help dogs find their f�rever homes. I believe ever� shelter dog can not receive enough promotion. The more they get, the more likely they’ll be to find a loving home they most cer�ainly deser�e!! My good friend Amanda Zara donated her Nikon camera and Kait Litts with Marissa Christman and Bo the beagle. her laptop to me so I could star� accomplishing this promotional goal. I volunteer my free time to animal shelters around the Capital Region. When I ar�ive at a facilit� a handler will take out each dog one by one so we can play and get to know each other. I take notes and lear� as much as I can about each dog. I take notes on their backg�ounds (how they came into the shelter) their behaviors and personalities. Once I have connected with the dogs, I’ll int�oduce the camera. We let each dog play and release energ� while I capt�re their happiness. Then throughout the week when I have free time during my days, I promote the dogs online. I am passionate about giving a higher qualit� of life to as many dogs as I possibly can. If this promotion can help these shelter dogs to find their f�rever homes then I feel like I’m doing something that matters. I feel like this is my pur�ose in life right now and my hope is that it all pays off.

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Pineview Commons has a full range of social and recreational activities both on and off premises Arts and Crafts • Shopping Trips • Exercise Classes • Sight-Seeing Tours • Picnics • Veteran Recognition Events and so much more! On-site Beautician and Barber services are also available for resident convenience Our rates are only a fraction of the costs of traditional nursing home care or around the clock home care programs. Monthly rates vary depending on the accommodations desired. Residents have a choice of selecting a suite, private or semi-private room.

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Look Who’s Turning Five!

- By Regional Shelter volunteers

The Regional Animal Shelter 117 W. Fulton St., Gloversville, NY 12078 Regional Animal Shelter in Gloversville is excited to be celebrating it’s 5th year birthday this year! Please join us for the many activities we have planned throughout the year! Visit our website at www.regionalanimalshelter.org for a list of all of our events planned! The shelter is currently operating out of it’s small yet mighty Annex location directly across the street from the Rail Station Park and just behind the Gloversville Transit station on West Fulton Street. Regional Animal Shelter is a not-for-proﬁt, no-kill, volunteer operated animal shelter. Our mission is to engage the hearts, hands, and mind of the community to help animals. We provide immediate shelter and care for any homeless or abused animals and either reunite these animals with their owners or ﬁnd them new, loving homes. We actively promote animal and owner education, training, and public awareness in hopes that one day our services will not be needed.

Pilot

The doors of the Annex were opened in May of 2012. Our small, eight-kennel shelter has been warm and inviting to any dog who has needed a place to stay, be it just for a night or until they could find a new home. In the past 5 years, over 660 dogs have passed through our doors, the majority of whom have been happily reunited with their owners following a brief adventure while 210 have been adopted into new furever families. Regional demonstrates a tremendous commitment to meeting the needs of the dogs, whatever they may be. Often our dogs have medical issues, dietary restrictions, or require training or rehabilitation before they are ready to go to their new homes and families; we are proud of the fact that they can stay with us for as long as it takes to find their forever homes. Our longtime resident, Pilot (aka Pi-Pi or the DogFather) who has been living quite happily at the shelter for now 3 years, celebrates his birthday with quite a party with his shelter family each year, a testament to how much he is loved and cared for. Regional is fully staffed by an incredibly dedicated group of volunteers who are deeply invested in the well-being and care of all dogs at our shelter. Volunteers are trained in pet first aid and canine body language (to name a few things) and strive to make Regional a safe, serene, and loving environment for all dogs that enter the shelter. We do not receive funding from any government entity or national animal welfare organization and instead are supported solely by donations from our very generous community; all of the money raised and donated goes directly to provide for the needs of our dogs. Although we operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to ensure the safety and well-being of our dogs, we are open to the public from 7-9 am and 4-6 pm each day. Our shelter schedule is built around a traditional work schedule and volunteers are present (at minimum, though often special volunteers visit at other times and take dogs on special outings) at breakfast, dinner and at a bedtime shift (when we are not open to the public). We have found that this schedule seems to allow our dogs to transition well into their new homes. While our hours aren’t always the most convenient for visitors (and we do offer visits by appointment at other times as well) we find that this schedule is what is in the best interest of the dogs. It’s also worth noting that when a dog goes to his or her forever home many of the volunteers gather to send the dog and their new family off with lots of well wishes and a bag of goodies and supplies. The dogs remain a part of our hearts long after they’ve been adopted. You adopt a dog and in doing so join our family too! A Celebration was recently held at the shelter with cupcakes and puppy kisses (at our smooching booth).

The volunteers at Regional are very much looking forward to what the future holds! If you would like to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, please visit our website or visit the shelter any day! Here’s to ﬁve (and many more) amazing years for the small shelter with the big heart!

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Bobbi Jo Haverly has taken a passion for teaching children and combined it with what she sees as a need for people to be educated about pets and turned it into a truly wonderful idea - The RASE program. RASE stands for Regional Animal Shelter Educates and was started by Bobbi Jo in 2016.

Bobbi Jo holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Currently she is the owner of a preschool, called Miss Bobbi Jo’s. She has volunteered at the Regional Animal Shelter for the past five years, since the shelter first opened up at the Annex on Fulton Street in Gloversville, NY. Having started as a dog walker she is now the self proclaimed “organizer” as she and another shelter volunteer keep up with inventory and incoming donations, every Sunday. She is also on the Sunshine Committee which consists of people who volunteer to write personalized thank you notes to people who donate. Bobbi Jo takes her dog Ross, a Certified Therapy Dog to schools to give children some much needed information about being a responsible pet owner. She feels that it is so very important for children to realize that owning a pet is a big commitment, and to learn to recognize the signs of a neglected pet. Her thought as she sees many dogs come into the shelter is that if people were educated at a young age about the proper way to care for and love a dog, then eventually there would be less dogs waiting in shelters for forever homes. Bobbi Jo has visited all three Johnstown Schools as well as other schools in the area When she comes into the classroom she shows the children a video of shelter dogs from the Regional Animal Shelter, explaining what role the shelter plays in the community and how they themselves can have an impact by planning supply drives. This year she has taken RASE one step further in one special education class whose teacher asked her if she would like do an entire year curriculum in 2017, one 1/2 hour class a month. Her dog Ross attends each class with her and is a willing participant in the class, even having had his ears cleaned during one session! Another of Bobbi Jo’s lesson plans include the chilBobbi Jo Haverly reads to a class with her dren being able to walk Ross down the halls of the school so they can get a feel for the power RASE instructorservice dog Ross looking on. of a bigger dog and the responsibility they have when they are holding that leash. At the time of this interview the students in the class were writing down some of the things they had learned about pet care as well as drawing photos. Bobbi Jo will be bringing these pages to the printer and coming back with a book for the children as a keepsake for the class. Bobbi Jo is proud of how far RASE has already come and her hope is that one day, many more shelters in the area will work with her to bring this program into schools and clubs in their areas with the same basic hope of educating young people to properly care for pets. In addition to that, she looks forward to the day when the Regional Animal Shelter in Gloversville is able to expand and move into a new, larger facility. Her goal is to have an “Education” Room where there could be school field trips to learn about pet care, as well as low cost hands on training with young dog owners so both could benefit from it. In addition to going into the schools, the RASE Program has also been used to train children from the ages of 12-15 on how to “work” in an animal shelter. Last year the Board approved a program for 12-15 year olds to intern at the shelter by cleaning, painting and picking up yard waste in order to teach them what goes on at a shelter and how to take care of animals. The program lasts for 4 weeks. Before the interns are chosen to participate they must write a short essay answering specific questions about pets and their experience with them. 3 children signed up to come into the shelter for the first program and for the second program, which started on May 21st, there were 12 children. At the end of each day there may be a socialization time with well-behaved shelter dogs which only serves to make the experience even more of a positive one. If you would like more information about having Bobbi Jo bring the RASE Program into your school, or would like to sign up your child for future shelter programs, please email bobbijo@regionalanimalshelter.org or call the shelter for more information. See pages 8 & 20 for more information about The Regional Animal Shelter

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Great News!

We now have a cat house where we have cats that are available for adoption!

We have a cat food pantry at the cat house for those in need. Please contact H.O.P.E. to arrange a pickup time. Please consider donating to the food pantry if you can.

H.O.P.E. Cat House 122 Broad Street Schuylerville, NY

Entrance is on the side of the building along Ferry Street.

For more info: 518-428-2994

Open by appointment for private meetings with the kitties

A Day Out With Your Dog(s)

(518) 428-2994 • info@hopeanimalrescue.org

We help people and pets ﬁnd each other. Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) is a not for proﬁt 501(c)(3) organization of volunteers from Saratoga and surrounding counties of New York State. H.O.P.E. is dedicated to assisting previously abandoned, orphaned and neglected animals. They give these homeless animals a second chance for a wonderful life; to be part of a family, to be a therapy pet, or just to be someone’s best friend. Their ultimate goal is to find suitable adopters who will provide them with a lifelong commitment of love and care. Here are some ways you can help:

We can all agree that a day of shopping, a nice meal and walking around in the beautiful city of Saratoga Springs, NY is a great way to spend a day! But when you can also bring your dog (or dogs) along with you then your day becomes even better!

Many businesses and restaurants in Saratoga Springs have this cute little decal near their entrance. When you see it, you know that you and your well-behaved dog are welcome inside. Started over six years ago, Saratoga’s Dog Friendly Downtown has grown to include over 30 businesses and restaurants. To ﬁnd out more about Saratoga’s Dog Friendly Downtown go to: dogfriendlydowntown.blogspot.com

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• Donating online at www.hopeanimalrescue.org • We are in need of litter, paper towels and cleaning supplies for the new cat house • Volunteering your time • Sponsoring an animal $30 cat, $50 dog • Helping us educate people in basic pet care and responsibility, contact us if interested • Transporting cats and dogs and supplies to adoption clinics, veterinarian appointments and event.

WE NEED FOSTERS!

H.O.P.E. has an urgent need for fosters for dogs and cats. f you can help, please call! H.O.P.E. relies on donations from caring individuals to continue our life saving work. We also have fundraisers throughout the year to help with the many expenses incurred. All donations are tax deductible.

Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist is not just our name. It is our mission. Check out Homes For Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) on or go to: www.hopeanimalrescue.org

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Ballston Spa, New York 6010 County Farm Rd Ballston Spa, New York

Call (518) 885-4113 Monday - Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Sundays & Holidays.

The Saratoga County Animal Shelter spends a lot of time out in the community, holding & participating in adoption events, fund raisers, charity walks, clinics & much more. Check out our events page for all the upcoming fun! These are great family friendly events and always for a great cause!

Pet Connection airs on Monday and Thursday during the 5:30 news cast. The Saratoga County Animal Shelter is scheduled for the 4th Monday of the month.

Would you like to donate to our shelter? Checks can be made payable to Saratoga County Animal Shelter or SCAS and dropped off or mailed to the shelter at: 6010 County Farm road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

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We have opportunities for both dog and cat volunteers. If you are interested, please go online and sign up or call to ﬁnd out more. We are also in need of fosters for cats, kittens and sometimes for dogs until they are ready to be adopted. Call Leta at 883-4113 ext. 107 if you can help out.

Senior To Senior Program

The mission of the Senior to Senior Animal Adoption is to place senior dogs and cats, ages 5+ and older, with loving senior citizens, age 60+. It has been proven in countless studies that seniors thrive from the companionship of a pet. The Senior to Senior Animal Adoption Program is a joint program between the Saratoga County Ofﬁce for the Aging and the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. Program Guidelines: Any Saratoga County Senior, 60+, wishing to adopt a senior pet is encouraged to visit the Animal Shelter or check out the available pets on the website. Saratoga County Ofﬁce for the Aging will pay all adoption fees and for the cost of spaying/neutering these pets. The senior just needs to pay a $6 license fee.

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CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 23

Understanding Service Dogs and Their Role in Society

Hey, let’s admit it - when we see a service dog most of us just want to get closer and observe, maybe reach out and pet the nice doggy, but please don’t! First of all, I would like to thank my friend Karyn Badgett for allowing me to reprint her Facebook post from three years ago. Spoken from her beloved service dog Silas’ point of view, this gives us an understanding of what a service dog is thinking while on duty. Sadly, Silas has passed away, but Karyn has graciously allowed me to share his wonderful photos for this story. (see original article about Karyn and Silas in our ﬁrst Crazy About Pets magazine by going online at www.issuu.com/creativityunleashed - pg. 23)

Dear EVERYONE : Now that the sun is beginning to shine, the warm temperatures are beckoning us outdoors. I will be out and about more frequently with my mom, aka my handler. Please take a few minutes and read the following link regarding appropriate courtesies around a Service Dog Team. (please note: the information on the link is printed on the next page) If you would please abide by these “rules to follow,” it will help keep me focused and on task in assisting her abilities and needs, as well as allowing me to be keen to any changing cardiac events in my mom. Every Service Dog is different in their partnerships, and some have dual duties, like me. I am a mobility dog and medical alert & response. I am very aware, but calm and quiet when I work. My strength and balance keeps mom upright and stable. There are many motions to keep her balanced that you may not even see me do. We thrive in sync. When I am working, I am her equipment, like a cane, walker or wheelchair. I know when something is happening with her heart, or sometimes, if there is a health issue with someone near to us. I am a proven super-sniffer. If we happen upon you unexpectedly, that is wonderful, but please don’t be offended if we keep a bit of distance if you use strong detergent or wear bold scents. If you plan a get-together with mom, I gently ask that do not wear heavy cologne, perfume or fragranced lotion, as this can hinder sensing. I check mom’s hand and wrist at random, but with frequency. I am not being annoying or unmannerly. I stand, walk, sit and lay very close to her because of this. Most often there is a part of me that is always in physical contact with her. If something is wrong with mom’s heart, I will take her hand in my mouth. I am not biting her. This is only the very beginning step of my alert and response. Please, let me do what I am trained to do. Trust me, I WILL let you know if I, or we, need your help. Etiquette around us is of vital importance, as any distraction to me could place her at risk. It’s not that I don’t love you and am not happy to encounter you. I am! It takes a lot devotion to my handler, self control and specialized training to contain my joy when I see you. But, I am on the job. Sometimes mom clearly looks like she needs me, other days, not so much. Either scenario, I am at her side for a reason and with a purpose. If I am with her, I am on duty. Please ignore me. When I work at my best, mom stays safe. That is my duty. My job. My purpose. My life. This is what I do, and I do it very, very well. Thank you, friends <3 xoxo ~SD Silas

Silas

But of thee it shall be said, This dog watched beside a bed, Day and night unweary, Karyn and her new Service Dog - Voodoo

Service Dog Voodoo loving on his sister, Zuzu

“To Flush, My Dog” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Check out the next page to ﬁnd out about proper etiquette to use when you spot a service dog with their owner... 24 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

www.PleaseDontPetMe.com is a website dedicated to Service Dogs We would like to thank Liz Bossoli for allowing us to print this article taken from it.

What should I do if I meet a service dog team? Most importantly, do not distract the dog or interfere with his job. In order to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities, service dogs must be able focus on either their handler, or the task at hand. Even though service dogs are trained to the highest of standards and typically ignore distractions, they are not infallible. A distracted service dog could slip up on a key part of his job and put he and his partner in danger. Some things that can distract a service dog are: Calling to the dog, Making kissy, barking or other sounds at the dog. Petting the dog without permission. Please do not allow young children or pets to interfere with a service dog team.

Do not be offended...

A. If a service dog handler will not let you pet his or her dog. Some service dog handlers have a strict “no petting” policy and some don’t. If a handler doesn’t allow petting, it may be because it would prevent the dog from performing his or her job correctly. It is up to the handler to decide, on a case by case basis, whether others may pet the service dog. B. If a service dog handler doesn’t stop to chat. Many service dog handlers are happy to answer respectful questions about their service dogs. However, this may not always be possible, as the handler may be in a hurry, may not feel well, or have other reasons not to be able to stop and talk at that moment.

Never offer food to a service dog without first receiving permission from his handler. Even service dogs can be

tempted by food. While service dogs are trained to ignore food on the ground and not to beg when there is food around, it can still serve as a distraction. Furthermore, not all dogs can eat all food- even dog food or dog treats. Feeding a service dog something that can cause an adverse reaction could not only make the dog sick, but this would also mean the dog cannot work until he is better. This would effectively take away his handler’s independence.

Offer help but do not insist. Service dog handlers are very appreciative of others who ask them if they need any help. If you think a service

dog handler may need some help, ask before acting. Do not attempt to take the dog’s leash or harness from the handler and do not attempt to physically move or direct a handler unless he or she has given you permission to do so. If a service dog handler rejects your offer to help, please respect his or her wishes. Navigating roads with traffic can be very challenging for a service dog team. Many drivers and fellow pedestrians try to help, but end up making things more difficult for the team. Do not honk your horn at a service dog team to indicate that it is safe to cross the street, as this can make it more difficult for the handler to observe other signals that traffic has stopped. Do not announce from afar that it is safe to cross the street. If you are a fellow pedestrian, simply ask the handler if he or she would like help crossing the street.

Treat service dog handlers with dignity. Speak to the handler, not to the dog. Speak to the handler as you would anyone else and do not ask personal questions about his or her disability.

Do not ask a service dog handler to have his or her dog demonstrate a task. It is in poor taste to ask a service dog handler to cue the dog to demonstrate a task. Service

dogs’ jobs revolve around mitigating their handlers’ disabilities, and disabilities are very personal matters. Furthermore, many service dogs do work that is dependent on very specific circumstances that cannot be recreated on a whim.

Do not draw unnecessary attention to a service dog team. Pointing, exclaiming things like, “Look, a dog!” and doing other things to make a spectacle of a service dog team are rude and make service dog handlers feel uncomfortable. Allow a service dog handler to go about his or her business just as you would anyone else. Do not photograph or video record a service dog team without permission.

Use an encounter with a service dog team as an opportunity to educate children (and adults!) Explain to children what a service dog does and why it is important not to interfere with the team’s work. Also explain that not all disabilities are obvious to others.

If you would like to find out more about service dogs go to www.pleasedontpetme.com Thank you for taking the time to read about how to handle interactions with a service dog team. Keeping these points in mind when meeting or just passing by a service dog team will make a world of difference and the handler will certainly be appreciative.

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(518) 843-1890 164 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010 CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 25

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Real life, practical training solutions for you and your dog utilizing positive reinforcement, structure and clear communication Leatrice Miller-Natola, owner of B.A.R.K. ‘n Friends, LLC is shown with her two dogs Buzz and Em

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By Leatrice Miller-Natola, CPDT, RM

Everyone loves to play with their dog, right? Playing is a great way to burn energy, get exercise and socialize with humans. However, constant overexcitement is a different matter and can create a ton of problems for you and your dog. Some humans inadvertently train their dog to be in a constant state of overexcitement which is bad for their health and their relationship with the world around them. There are several ways to decrease the chances of creating an overexcited dog.

There are a few simple tips to keep in mind when interacting with your dog:

• Avoid using your body as a dog toy. Yes, this really happens and your dog loves it, but it trains your dog to learn that jumping all over humans and grabbing their clothes, hands, and so on, is acceptable. Then, when you want your dog to be calm around humans, all the dog knows it that humans are great toys! It’s ridiculous to expect all dogs to know they are only allowed to jump on humans when they initiate play. Thus, the dog has learned to be overexcited in the presence of humans. Solution: Instead of using your body as a toy, use an actual toy when playing with Fido. • Set limits on where play happens. Designate speciﬁc places where play is permitted so your dog is clear about where to be excited. If they can be excited in the house, outside, and everywhere, they can end up ALWAYS seeking play because it feels good. Dogs just want to feel good. They enjoy play and excitement. However, they also enjoy being calm and relaxed. Solution: Set some rules. In my home, play is only allowed outside or in our basement. My golden retriever LOVES play and tends to be an overexcited girl. I do give her a toy in the evenings to play with in the house, however, I give it to HER to play with so I am not involved in the play other than to get the toy. This way her excitement level is kept low and she learns to entertain herself instead of depending on humans to make her feel good. • Keep toys put away. If toys are all over the house and constantly available, it can cause problems. One problem is that your dog is constantly seeking play and is amped up. Solution: Put the toys away. Let your dog relax. It’s good for them and for you as well. • Avoid constantly exciting your dog. Dogs need relaxation and calm just as much as humans do. Dogs can suffer from stress related illnesses that result in all sorts of health issues. Therefore, let your dog relax! Give them their exercise, play and appropriate interaction and then, just leave them alone. When you relax, let your dog do the same. If they are having trouble doing that, add a leash and keep them next to you. Basic obedience training can help you learn how to teach your dog to relax! Em is resting beautifully next to me as I write this article. She wasn’t always like that, but with time and patience, she has learned how to be calm when appropriate. She still gets overexcited because that is part of her personality and its ﬁne and often quite entertaining. She has learned to enjoy relaxing and sometimes is annoyed when we insist she goes for a walk. Calm Humans = Calm Dogs: Remember if YOU are calm, your dog will eventually calm down as well. Your dog will literally match your energy and the energy in the household. If your dog is excited, avoid asking them to calm down until the environment is calm. Once the environment is calm, THEN ask your dog to calm down. This is something that needs to be trained with patience, consistency, and time. Try just adding a leash and waiting. It helps if your dog is trained “sit” when you ask for it. When sitting and relaxing, with your dog on leash, in a calm environment, tell your dog to “sit”, then just wait. When your dog lays down, give them a good treat they really like. Keep doing that whenever YOU are relaxed and the environment is relaxed. As time goes on, you will eventually be able to keep your dog relaxed even when the environment is a bit crazy. They learn to love it and it’s good for them! The best part is that calm dogs don’t get in trouble! If you want to help your dog learn to relax, contact me: Leatrice, owner and operator of B.A.R.K. ‘n Friends, LLC. 518-705-8469 (cell) or 518-762-8804 Leatrice Miller Natola, CPDT, located in Johnstown, NY.

Check out B.A.R.K. ‘n Friends, LLC on 26 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond MAY 2017

or go to: www.barknfriendsllc.com

A Journey Towards A Home

Frankie Page, with her dog Jenny

Frankie Page was born and raised in Johnstown, NY. She is employed by W.B. Mason Co. as a Senior Regional Manager in the Human Resources Dept. Frankie and her husband, Mike have three dogs - Jenny (Bullmastiff/American Bulldog), Forrest (Pitbull) and Wynona (Pitbull/ Lab/Chihuahua mix) along with two cats - Mr. Nasty and Krusty. They are both dedicated to improving the lives of shelter animals, and are currently blessed to be working with Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter. Their hobbies include: being consumed by the dogs! They love to take them camping almost every weekend in the Summer, and are continuously training them in obedience. Forrest just received his CGC, and their next goal for him is agility training. Frankie and Mike are actively working to help eliminate the negative stigma of the Pitbull breed. See Jenny’s story on page 12 of our November 2016 Crazy About Pets magazine at: www.issuu.com/creativityunleashed

by Frankie Page

In September of 2016 my husband Mike and I were introduced to a very special girl who had been struggling and needed some extra time and attention - that girl was Jordan, a six year old Catahoula Leopard/Pitbull mix who immediately captured our hearts. Jordan’s beginnings were very unfortunate, she was dropped off at a high kill shelter by humans that no longer wanted her and was put on “Death Row” at Brooklyn ACC. On the brink of being euthanized because her former owners felt she was too hyper, Jordan was pulled from being euthanized and spent months in a private rescue and rehab who tried to find her a permanent home or a no kill shelter to ensure her safety. A year passed, the shelters were full until one day when this city dog found her way to the country setting of Upstate New York and became part of an amazing family made up of two and four legged members – the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter. Upon initially arriving at Ayres Jordan struggled, much like anyone would who had been abandoned and had never experienced the security of calling somewhere a true home. Change is difficult and we all react to it differently. In Jordan’s case she experienced kennel anxiety, developed some nervous chewing habits and began to emotionally shut down – she was a broken soul. I’ve always been a firm believer that there is an energy that causes human beings and animals to find each other, both parties relying on the other to fill a void or to give a purpose. In the fall of 2016 that time had come, Jordan had entered our lives and we had a job to do, we needed to heal this dog’s physical body, mend her heartbreak and restore her faith in humans. Within weeks of developing our relationship this timid girl began to come out of her shell and live again. She started running, smelled everything that was new in the world, gained enough confidence to play and soon enough that goofy, big headed dog smile emerged. Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, the dog that a short time ago would not leave her kennel run due to uncertainty would now tuck her back legs under her and do the “Scooby Doo” run out the door when she knew it was time to go on her next big adventure. Gone are the days of chewing on her tail anxiously, now that tail just wags uncontrollably from happiness. Just like most humans, Jordan has her special needs – she is perfectly imperfect and is looking for just the right fit for her adoptive family. The perfect family would be one in which Jordan gets a lot of structured outdoor adventures, is full of squeaky toys (or footballs) and where she is the only pet. After all that she has been through, doesn’t she finally deserve all of the love to herself anyway?

Jordan is a wonderful girl and is available for adoption through Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter. Frankie and her husband Mike take her out every Sunday for walks and outings. Please see page 7 to ﬁnd out more about Ayres or check out their facebook page.

B.A.R.K. ‘n Friends, LLC Full Service Dog Training & Behavior Modification 693 State Highway 67, Johnstown, NY 12095

Pet Dog Training, Behavior Modification, Obedience Classes, Overnight Boarding Trainer/Owner Leatrice Miller Natola, CPDT, RM

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CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 27

Volunteering is great at any age!

Little Max will have wonderful stories to tell...

Melissa Witkowski and her husband Chris have been volunteers for 3 years at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter in Sprakers. When Melissa and Chris found out they were expecting they didn’t even need to decide whether or not to continue taking pets for walks and outings every Sunday. They knew they would include their newborn baby in every weekend visit possible...and that is what they have done. By doing so they will be teaching Max a wonderful lesson about helping others and the joy that it brings to all of those involved. Here, Melissa talks about her family volunteering at the shelter... Being a volunteer at Ayres has been an amazing experience for me and my family. It has brought us so much joy and love. Ayres is not just a shelter to us, they are family. When you volunteer you are a part of so much more. I’m so fortunate enough to be bringing Max up and volunteering there. It’s important to us that Max gives back in this world and there is no other place I would rather him do that. Sometimes it’s tough bringing Max. He doesn’t love the car to say the least but we never miss it. I like to think that it helps the dogs we take out to be with him too. Ty, one of our shelter buddies that has since been adopted, enjoyed being with Max more than us. I hope the pictures we post of Max with some shelter dogs helps them get adopted too! We love Ayres and what it has done for our family. You do it for the dogs and for a greater cause but in the end it fulﬁlls you in a way I can’t explain. We are so thankful we are a small part of this wonderful shelter! Melissa and Chris Witkowski

Max, with Giorgio, who is currently available for adoption at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter

Nothing teaches hope, kindness, courage, and compassion like HELPING OTHERS

Melissa, with Max, before going on one of their family walks with a shelter dog.

Trigger is shown here before a walk, and is currently available for adoption at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter

Ty, who has since been adopted after waiting three years, gives Max a smooch before an outing.

Max is the youngest volunteer at Ayres proving that you can be a volunteer at any age!

~ In Home pet sitting for dogs and cats ~ Administration of medicines and injections if needed ~ Help with behavioral issues ~ Lots of love

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“Be worry free when you and your four legged family member are apart.”

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518-301-1682 kmf261@msn.com 28 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

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“Cute Puppies & Springtime Fun” As the sounds of Spring arrive, so do the thoughts of wanting to own and rescue puppies, kittens, rabbits and chicks. Before we get too excited we have to remember the yard work needs to be tackled and we all want to be outside. Our pets also want to be with us. Please be careful not to leave them outside in the sunshine too long, as they can get sunburned. They also dehydrate at a faster rate. Always have food, fresh water and shade for your pets. If you have a dog house available for their serenity, be careful that the bees have not made it into their home. Tina Novak, owner of

The Pooch Parlor

Relocated to the Village of Galway Insurance Company 5243 Rt. 147, Galway, New York 12010

(518) 843-1537

Tina graduated from the New York School of Dog Grooming in New York City. She has been in business for 25 years at The Pooch Parlor. Tina was a freelance writer for the Amsterdam Recorder writing the “Doggie Bag” column. She has been on the WCSS radio talk show with Sam Zurlo. Tina currently volunteers for our local Community Hospice and has been volunteering for Make-A-Wish Northeast Foundation for 22 yrs. She was also a past 9th grade religion advisor at St. Stephen’s Church. Tina was the owner of TNT Twirlers for 14 years, for which she is currently being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and past and original ﬂag team instructor under the direction of Michael P. Pallotta.

Rabies shots, all vaccinations, and ﬂea and tick treatments should be up to date. I have started removing ticks already from my clients’ pets in April! Be aware of ticks when you are out doing your yard work or when you are in grassy, wooded areas. Not only do ticks attach themselves to your pet’s body but to yours as well. Applying basic training commands with your puppy right from the start is also part of responsible pet ownership. “Sit”, “Stay”, “Off (no jump)” and “No Bite” are always important manners to be learned early on. These commands will be greatly appreciated by your family, friends, veterinarian, groomer and will come in handy in social settings and any place you bring your dog. He/she should always have his leash, collar and/or harness on at all times. NO EXCUSES! Make sure he/she has an identiﬁcation tag on as well, attached to the leash or collar, that states your name & telephone number. Another good idea is to have your veterinarian’s number with you at all times in case of emergencies. Follow these tips and your Spring and Summer with your pets will be wonderful. Happy Summer Everyone!!

- By Tina Novak

If you have any questions for Tina, call her at The Pooch Parlor - (518) 843-1537

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CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 29

Kitten Angels - Delmar, NY The Animal Support Project (TASP) is a 501.c.3 charity based here in the Capital region. TASP performs Crisis Intervention directly with companion animal owners to keep animals living with their families. In extreme cases where no other solution is possible and space is available, we will foster and re-home animals to ensure their best interest. We are the region’s ONLY all-volunteer, all-species companion animal safety net. P.O. Box 68, Cropseyville, NY 12052 Phone: (518) 727-8591 Email: taspinfo@yahoo.com

Our Mission: The mission of The Animal Support Project is to proactively reduce animal shelter populations and companion animal euthanasia and suffering.

One on one assistance offered on all aspects of animal ownership, to help you and your companion animal live together in health and harmony. When times are tough, we help with: • Animal Transport • Vaccinations • Spay / Neuter • Diagnostics, Veterinary Services • Animal Food / Supplies Please call • Boarding • Grooming • Feral Cat Trap-Neuter–Release or email • Local and National Animal Disaster Response if you • Flea, Heartworm Preventative & Deworming would like • Hospice • Behavioral Training & Counseling to volunteer! • Communications & Lending Library • Legal Counsel • Fencing & Kennel Installation • Rescue-Foster-Rehab-Rehome *All services are offered either free or at our cost. For more information ﬁll out our contact form on our website at www.theanimalsupportproject.org TASP holds Fantasy Pet Photo clinics during the year to raise money to continue their work. It is a vital part of our fundraising. Visit our Events Calendar page to ﬁnd the photo clinic nearest to you and other events we will be attending.

Check out The Animal Support Project on ororgogo to:to: www.theanimalsupportproject.org ﬁnd out more! www.kittenangels.org to ﬁnd to out more!

501(c)3 not for proﬁt rescue

233 Houseman Street. Mayﬁeld, NY 12117 Phone: (518) 573-9906 Email: adoptions@kittenangels.org

We are a non-proﬁt organization dedicated to rescue of abandoned & orphaned kittens, pregnant cats, mama cats & their kittens through foster care. So many kittens are in need of a loving home.

If you would like to get involved with Kittens Angels you can become a foster parent, adopt one of our kitties, or volunteer!

Kitten Angels runs weekly adoption clinics

• Saturdays at PetSmart located in Mohawk Commons at 406 Balltown Rd. (cor. of State St. and Balltown Rd.) in Niskayuna from 11am - 3pm • Saturdays at PetCo located in the Fresh Market Commons at 664 New Loudon Rd., Latham from 11am - 3pm • Sundays at Pet Supplies Plus located in The University Plaza at 1235 Western Ave., Albany from 11am - 3pm • Alternate Sundays at PetSmart located in the Amsterdam Commons at 4930 State Hwy. 30, Amsterdam from 11am - 2pm

• At other select events around the Capital Region. You can also see available cats at: petﬁnder.org/shelters/NY868.html or ﬁnd us on FACEBOOK: Kitten Angels

Our fosters help us rescue all these amazing kittens and your donations help us feed, spay/neuter, vaccinate and get veterinary care, and save so many more. All donations to Kitten Angels are tax deductible.Thank you so much for all your care and support.

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From the Heart of a Rescuer I think very few people actually set out to become animal rescuers. I believe many of those that are have encountered a pivotal moment in their life involving an animal and something inside them changed. It was at that moment that they realized that they had that very unique and special gift that only rescuers have. It's something that is part of you, something in your DNA that makes you do what you do. Most people don't even know they have it Renee Earl from the Regional Animal in them until it's called upon, and once Shelter with Petey (formerly Prancer) that resource within them is tapped, then Photo Credit: Jessica Painter Photography it never goes away. Rescue is so much more than saving animals, you are constantly learning- learning about animals, learning about people and mostly learning about yourself. You find yourself doing things you never thought you had the strength to do, wanting to give up but somehow continuing to fight. You realize that there is something out there more important than yourself, and so much bigger than just you. You do your part, save the animals you can, celebrate the wins, cry over the losses and at the end of the day you accept that the work that you do will never be finished. Animal rescue is not about getting accolades or recognition and it's far from glamorous. Most of what you do is done without anyone ever knowing you did anything, except for many a few people and the animal you saved. It's certainly not a life that's meant for everyone, but for those of us who rescue, it is life we would not change.

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518-725-4413

www.fcfinancialcu.org

@ 518.842.5080 CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 31

Wilton, NY a volunteer based, non proﬁt, 501c3 organization that literally saves dogs from death row PO Box 2297, Wilton, NY 1283 •

(518) 223-5589

Email: info@11thhourrescueny.org

Their only crime, is that they’re out of time. 11th Hour Canine Rescue NY, Inc. is made up of dedicated individuals who believe that innocent pets deserve love and a place to live where they are honored and cared for. No dog deserves to die simply because it does not have a home. We rescue dogs at their 11th Hour--when they are scheduled to be put to death by shelters that can no longer care for them. We give the dogs all the medical attention they require, a place to live, and through our adoption services, a second chance at a happy and fulﬁlled life.We are afﬁliated with many like-minded animal groups throughout the U.S. Featured on Pet Connection every third Thursday and Friday of the month!

We attend many different events in hopes of adopting out our dogs. Please go online to ﬁnd out where we will be next. If you would like to help out there are many ways you can do so... Volunteer your time, Donate Items, Donate Money

Use your strengths to make our organization stronger! Check out 11th Hour Canine Rescue NY on

or go to: www.11thhourrescueny.org to ﬁnd out more!

HAPPY ENDING (BEGINNING) She had been waiting for her forever home at Upstate Underdog Rescue for quite some time.

If you’ve been thinking about taking the foster plunge, DO IT!! There are ALWAYS dogs waiting.

We believe that EVERY dog has a superpower. Some dogs can leap over tall buildings (well, almost), some run so fast they almost ﬂy, some give the BEST kisses and hugs, and all of them want to love and be loved.

Please check our website www.upstateunderdogrescue.org or message us for more information.

Sometimes, people can’t adopt or foster a dog because their living situation won’t allow for it, even though they love dogs and really want to help. There ARE many OTHER ways you can help!

• Be a surrogate parent for a dog class • Be the extra human on a pack walk • Help with fundraising • Help post available dogs on Facebook • Help at an adoption event

Check out Upstate Underdog Rescue, Inc. on or go to: www.upstateunderdogrescue.org to ﬁnd out more!

This handsome guy is waiting patiently for his forever family...

Her Superhero did come forward! She has been adopted into a wonderful, loving home and Upstate Underdog Rescue could not be happier with this perfect match!

Lulu is pictured here at home with her dad.

46 E. Main St. Downtown Amsterdam

518.847-4700

Repairs Upgrades Tune-ups Virus Removal Optimization

For small rescues like Upstate Underdog, having knowledgeable, committed foster homes lined up is the ONLY way we can take dogs out of shelters. We are especially in need of quiet, kid-free, other-animal-free homes (or homes that can safely separate other animals) where dogs can decompress until they’re ready to ﬁnd their superpower.

Lovable, Adoptable Underdog Leo

Does Everyone Remember Lulu?

Bob says that she’s an awesome girl! She commands attention everywhere she goes and every person she meets wants her. Although he still sometimes moves too slowly for her, she’s patiently training him. Bob loves to cook and they frequently share home cooked meals together. It turns out that Lulu loves lamb!

Upstate Underdog Rescue, Inc. - Troy

Upstate Underdog Rescue (a 501c3 charity) works to reduce the number of dogs euthanized at upstate NY shelters through fostering & supported adoptions. UUR’s mission: to match Underdogs with families, and provide the support needed to make a great new pack!

Computer Service & Repair

A+ Certiﬁed Techs Open Weekdays www.TheGeekPantology.com

32 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

Leo is a 6.5-year-old boy of mysterious, but adorable, heritage. He’s an independent little guy who likes hanging out with his human on his own terms. He’s not much of lap dog (he’d rather play with his toys near you than sit on top of you), but he definitely enjoys a good chin scratch and belly rub! He happily shares his home with cats, and is fine with low-key dogs who respect his space. He’s also good with respectful kids. Leo has been diagnosed with a grade 4 heart murmur, which will require ongoing medical support. (The heart murmur doesn’t slow him down, though--he adores a good walk!) Leo came to UUR from a local shelter who originally brought him to New York from a southern shelter. Although he’s tested negative for heartworm so far, we’re erring on the side of caution because of his pre-existing heart murmur and holding off finalizing his adoption until he’s been up north for a full nine months and can be declared completely heartworm free. We are accepting applications and setting up meetings for him, but we won’t make any decisions about adoption until mid-summer. We just want to make sure we can give his forever humans as complete a picture of his health as we possibility can. You can be Leo’s superhero by finding out more about him and our adoption process at

www.upstateunderdogrescue.org

Puppy or adult? - that is the question!

As the warmer weather approaches many people have the age old debate on whether to get a puppy or an adult dog. There is no wrong answer, just a right answer for your family and lifestyle. True or false - I have to get a puppy to train it the way I want? FALSE - every day all over the country United States military and police departments are assigning han-

Gina Kline with her dog Tikanni Blue

Gina is the owner of

Out of the Dog House Dog Training

Hagaman, New York 12086 (518) 265-2842 and

Animal Control Ofﬁcer for the City of Amsterdam

Gina is an ABCDT Certiﬁed Dog Trainer and runs Amsterdam Kitten Adoptions as well

dlers to dogs they have never met for training. In most cases these dogs are between 11 an 14 months old. Why you may ask? Because at that age growth plates are closed, attention span is longer and dogs are able to spend more time training. Anyone who has ever watched a K-9 demo can tell you the skills involved with these amazing animals. Puppies can also be fun and will also learn all of the things that adults can learn but the training is different. Puppies require house training, 4 am wake up calls to go out and the ever fun teething stages. They also provide lots of entertainment as we watch them discover new things and their reactions to those things. The main thing is to do your research!! The Dog Breed Bible is a fantastic and simple resource for the most common breeds of dogs. Do you want to pay a groomer, deal with mass amounts of shedding or put a jacket on your dog in the winter? Do you have small children or infants or no children at all? Is your lifestyle more chill on the couch or adventure in the wild? All of these are questions you should ask yourself before picking any comMarshall, above, is panion animal. Speak with local trainers about their experiences and don't 2 years old. He is available be afraid to get second or third opinions. for adoption through Finally, check with your local shelters and rescues as there are MountainRottieRescue.org SEE MORE ABOUT thousands of dogs looking for homes from pure breds to mutts of all sizes! MRR ON PG. 12

Check out “Out of the Dog House Dog Training” on There are so many shelters, rescue organizations and people who help shelter pets every single day. We regret that we could not portray even more of them in this issue. But you can help! If you know of a shelter or rescue that we could portray on the pages of our next issue, please let us know. Send a Facebook message, an email or call us. We will start compiling stories and information right away for the next issue of Crazy About Pets. Mike and Linda Palmieri

Creativity Unleashed (518) 842-6532 creativityunleash123@yahoo.com • linda@creativityunleashed.org www.facebook.com/crazyaboutpetsmagazine

or Call Gina Kline at (518) 265-2842

Catherine Morsellino Franchisee

36 North Main Street Gloversville, NY 12078 518-725-6999

Walmart Kiosks Gloversville Amsterdam

4458 State Highway 30 Amsterdam, NY 12010 518-842-4211

Independently Owned and Operated

www.jacksonhewitt.com

CHEVROLET • BUICK • GMC

mangino.com

4447 State Hwy 30, Amsterdam

843-5702

1484 Saratoga Rd., Ballston Spa 885-5301 CRAZY ABOUT PETS PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond November 2016 - 33 29 CRAZY ABOUT in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

Peaceful Acres Horses

501(c)3 Organization

a “Wellness Sanctuary for People and Horses”

3740 Rynex Corners Rd. Pattersonville, NY 12137 • (518) 887-3178

Mission:

Peaceful Acres Horses is an Authentic - Compassionate - Healing Community for People and Horses!

PAH’s Vision is to provide a stable, nature based environment for both people and horses to regain strength and trust through compassion, encouragement and care. Peaceful Acres Horses was named The Small Not for Proﬁt Organization in NY’s Capital Region by The Non-Proﬁt Business Council in 2010

Joining Peaceful Acres Horses as a Volunteer CareGiver offers more than just a time to care for rescued horses, donkeys and mules!

You will also: Meet amazing, like-minded, compassionate people! Find peace and time in nature! You will be exercising your body and improving your overall wellness! You will have time to reﬂect, breathe fresh air and yes.... Horse and Donkey Around!! PAH is in search of people who wish to become PAH Members, volunteer CareGivers who have Our volunteer is on our website 3 or moreapplication hours a week to spend at www.peacefulacreshorses.com the Sanctuary caring for our Amazing Rescued Residents.

Nanci Beyerl founded Peaceful Acres Horses in 2003

Being a volunteer CareGiver at PAH is open to adult membership only.

Peaceful Acres Horses (PAH), a “Sanctuary for People and Horses,” a not-for-proﬁt organization located on 156 pristine acres in rural Schenectady County in upstate New York. It was founded in 2003 and incorporated in 2007, with 501(c)3 status achieved in March 2009.

We are The Original Country Club, where peace, well-being and compassion are our primary focus for both people and horses.

PAH Feed Partners provide the funding necessary to purchase hay and grain for the rescued equine residents at Peaceful Acres Horses. Your support literally provides the life sustaining feed they require daily to live a healthy and happy life in sanctuary at PAH. PAH needs you, because the rescues need PAH! Donations may be made by check:

Payable to Peaceful Acres Horses, Inc. (memo Feed Partner), or online through Network For Good on PAH’s site. All contributions are tax deductible. Any and All donation amounts will be used to help the horses!

Check out Peaceful Acres on

or go to: www.peacefulacreshorses.com email: nanci@peacefulacreshorses.com

4696 St. Hwy. 30 Amsterdam (518) 843-9080

Got Barn?

Mon-Fri 10-5; Sat 10-3 Closed Sunday Owners, Mike and Joan Kilinski would like to help you with any storage need you have, whether it is a shed, garage, pool house or gazebo.

In business for 34 years at the same location!

Sheds Gazebos Garages ANY SIZE Livestock Buildings ANY COLOR ANY FINISH!

So Many To Choose From! Scan here to visit our website

The Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has feral cats that need a cozy barn to live in. The cats are spayed or neutered, tested negative for Feline Leukemia and FIV, rabies vaccinated and checked by a vet. We ask as a caregiver that you provide them food and water daily

Ask Us About

RENT TO OWN No Credit Check! Stop in for details

Email: bunkbarn3@aol.com

www.bunkbarnsheds.com 34 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

There will be no adoption fee

Please help give them a nice place to live Montgomery County

PO Box 484 SPCA Rd Amsterdam, NY 12010

Please contact MCSPCA at 518-842-8050

The Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, Inc. 501c(3) Non Proﬁt Organization

The only Shelter in Schoharie County, we are a No-Kill shelter founded in 1975 by a group of residents of Schoharie County who were disturbed by the plight of the many starved, abused, and stray animals in this area. ASSV is a not-for-proﬁt organization. It is comprised entirely of volunteer members and Board of 304 Howes Cave Rd. Directors with the exception of the shelter manager and Howes Cave, NY 12092 support staff. The goal of the ASSV is to alleviate stray animal suffering and to maintain a shelter to house, Phone: (518) 296-8390 feed, and care for these animals until safe and loving Fax: (518) 296-8392 homes are found for them. ASSV also strives to Shelter Hours: Wed.-Sun. 1pm - 5pm educate the public to spay or neuter their pets to eliminate the problem of unwanted offspring. Monetary donations can be sent via Paypal or via check or money order to: Volunteers are always needed

ASSV PO Box 40 Howes Cave, NY 12092 In addition to monetary donations, we are currently in need of the following items: 32-gallon garbage bags Non-clumping cat Litter Dog leashes Dog collars Corner litter boxes

Whether you can volunteer for ASSV on a regular basis, or just a few hours now and then, we can likely use your help! Volunteers assist in the operations of our shelter in many ways – assisting shelter staff with on-site animal care duties, maintenance, and administrative chores, as well as helping at fundraising events, running errands, and more. Please contact the shelter by phone or email to learn more about our current volunteer stafﬁng needs.

Click here for more information about the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley

The Mr. Mo Project - Clifton Park

Run by a 501c3 non-proﬁt group called Rowdy To The Rescue, the Mr. Mo Project was established to save countless shelter dogs since 2011. Chris Hughes founded the Mr. Mo Project with his wife Mariesa. They ﬁght to save senior shelter dogs nationwide to honor their lives and the life of their late and beloved senior dog, Mr. Mo.

Photography by: Tanya Bissaillon Photography - Mariesa and Chris with their adopted senior dogs

The Mr. Mo Project saves senior dogs from kill shelters across the United States. These dogs often come with hefty vet bills in order to regain their health so they can live comfortably in their forever foster homes. But, the Mr. Mo Project doesn’t stop after covering their initial medical costs, they continue covering the medical needs of each dog in their program for the remainder of their life. This takes the ﬁnancial demand of a senior dog, that often deters people from adopting them, out of the question and provides homes that give these seniors “The Best of Life for the Rest of Life.” From routine vet visits and medications to emergency surgeries and 24 hour care, the Mr. Mo Project spends an average of $15,000 per month on the dogs in their program. Often these dogs have lived a life of neglect and/or abuse before being dumped at a shelter or left out on the streets in their golden years. Without this organization these dogs wouldn’t know comfort, love and peace in their ﬁnal days, months or years - and every dog deserves to feel that in their life. If you would like to mail a donation please send it to: PO Box: Direct Mail Donations The Mr. Mo Project 641 Grooms Road #235 , Clifton Park, N.Y. 12065 Moses

Check out Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley on or go to: www.schoharieanimalshelter.org to ﬁnd out more!

Go to: www.facebook.com/Gremlin on or go to www.mrmoproject.com to ﬁnd out more!

Now serving you from two locations!

Servicing the Capital Region for over 25 years!

James H. Smith, Jr., D.V.M.

Our exceptionally-qualiﬁed staff is continuously committed to achieving the highest standards of excellence. • Galway Veterinary Hospital is a full-service veterinary medical facility. • We offer excellence in veterinary care to our clients and their cherished pets. • Now offering veterinarian supervised boarding!

5072 Sacandaga Rd., Galway, N.Y. 12074

518.882.1850

M-F 8-5 and S 8-12 • Closed Sunday

galwayveterinaryhospital.com

Are you ready for a great spring and summer season? We are!

Spring Pond Supplies • Aquatic Plants Fish • On-Site Water Feature Displays Annuals • Perennials

Decker’s specializes in all outdoor living space design and installation such as landscape plantings, patios, walkways, retaining walls, fire pits and custom ponds, pondless waterfalls and other aquatic landscape features. Our pond shop has all your water gardening supplies for your DIY project as well as, aquatic plants, pond ﬁsh and expert staff.

1632 Main St., Rt. 5s, Pattersonville, NY

1157 New Loudon Rd., Rte. 9, Latham, NY

518.887.5552

5.00 off

a $20.00 purchase w/this ad at either location

Not valid with any other discounts or coupons. Exp. 12/31/17 • Crazy Pets Mag

www.DeckersPondscapes.com for upcoming Pond Workshops and Seminars

CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 35

Free To Be Me Rescue

Saratoga Springs, New York

Delmar, NY

(518) 956-1804

freetobemerescue@gmail.com

Ways You Can Help

Our goal is to never say no to a pet in need. We rescue local strays through shelters, owner surrenders and from puppy mills. We do this regardless of age and health. We work with a group of great volunteers and foster homes. We treat them medically, emotionally and through rehabilitation. This may take weeks to months before they are ready for their forever homes. We thoroughly screen all applications and try to match up the perfect home environment for that particular dog or cat. There will be some that unfortunately due to health issues will live out their lives with us. We owe that to them, and we want them to be comfortable and happy no matter how long that may be.

Even if you cannot adopt, we are always looking for volunteers and foster homes. You can help out on our adoption clinics Our cats can be met at & fundraisers, spend time with our rescues to get them well The Healthy Pet Center adjusted to people or possibly 237 N. Greenbush Rd., Troy even become a foster family. There are so many things you during normal business hours. can do, even if you are unable to Our dogs can be met at our adopt. Come see us and talk to adoption clinics and by appt. us. Without great volunteers, no rescue group could survive, so If there is a particular pet you are our door is always open to you. interested in, please ﬁll out an application.

Check out Free To Be Me Rescue on or go to: www.freetobemerescue.org to ﬁnd out more!

Founded in 2010

Rottieempirerescue@gmail.com or rerevents@yahoo.com We are a 501c3 tax exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible.

Our mission

is to rescue and rehome dogs in forever homes, and to avoid the need for rehoming in the future by promoting responsible pet ownership. We seek to educate the public on issues facing companion domestic animals through articles, public awareness and events to promote humane treatment of animals, including the responsibilities and duties of ownership of Rottweilers and other “bully” breeds. We encourage and facilitate proper veterinary care including vaccinations, spaying and neutering.

If you would like to meet any of our adoptable dogs a meeting can be arranged. We also have adoption clinics twice a month at Bensons Pet Center in Clifton Park, NY. Many of our dogs attend the clinics but if you are looking to meet a speciﬁc dog please message us or email us.

Adoption applications are available at rottieempirerescue.com We are always looking for foster homes foster applications are also available on our website.

Check out Rottie Empire Rescue on or go to: www.rottieempirerescue.com to ﬁnd out more!

Delicious Comfort Food, Served With A Smile!

gs Town! o D t s Every Wed Night is Italian Night Be in

Hours: 11am - 8pm Monday-Saturday • Closed Sunday

tballs & Our Mea are e Sausag E! AD M HOME

Every Thurs. Night is Chicken Night Every Fri. NIght is Seafood Night w/Mac & Cheese 48 FRESHLY MADE DINNERS TO CHOOSE FROM! Every Sat. NIght All include Soup & Salad is Beef Night Lunch Specials • New York City Onions Sabrett NYC Style Dog • Old Fashioned Milkshakes

Always Fresh!

Call in advance for orders 725-DOGS (3647)

No one leaves hungry or unhappy!

BIG MIKE’S

118 N. Pine Street, Gloversville, NY 12078

(Off Intersection of Rts. 30A & 29A)

36 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

m! e h T t o G We’ve

The ORIGINAL Mexican Hots Recipe from Brownies in Amsterdam!

Moving to a New Home with Your Cat? Helpful Hints from Becky Hutchins and Van Allen Apartments

Planning a move to a new home with your cat? Have you considered how to make it easier for your fabulous feline friend? At Van Allen Apartments, the area’s ﬁrst Pets are Welcome community, we welcome residents with cats. Professional pet trainer Becky Hutchins offers tips for cat owners to help them with their big move.

1. Get them used to their carrier, have it out in and available prior to the move. Start feeding them near it and when they go in, you can place treats in it. Make it a comfortable and safe place to be; maybe add a favorite blanket they like to lay on. 2. If your cats were used to going outside before the move, start keeping them inside at least a week prior to the move. You don’t want to worry about having to ﬁnd your cat when the movers arrive! 3. Keep your cat in a separate room while moving boxes and furniture out of your home. Another option is to board them while the move is happening. Several veterinarian ofﬁces in the area can help with that. 4. Once you move into your new home, let them have their own safe space. Maybe in your bedroom or a spare room. Leave the carrier open in the area with their litter box, food, and water bowls, and scratching post and toys. Let them adjust gradually and come out on their own. Don’t forget to kitty-proof your new home! Make sure there aren’t windows with loose screens or spots where you could potentially lose your furry friend. Once your kitty (or kitties) becomes comfortable with exploring on their own, set up an additional litter box where it will be permanently kept. You may need to gradually move the original litter box closer to the permanent one over time. This will give them time to adjust still as well. It will also help to engage your cat in interactive play sessions so they have some positive associations in their new home. Have some great toys and treats to encourage their venturing out into their new environment!

MORE SPACE. MORE STYLE.

• Unbelievable space • White or stained cabinets • Granite countertops • Private patios • LED lighting

Becky teaches classes at her training facility, Good Choice Dog Training, in Albany, NY. Becky has been professionally training dogs and people for more than a decade. Becky is a certiﬁed knowledge-assessed professional dog trainer through the Certiﬁcation Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She is also a member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers. She volunteers her time as a dog trainer with the Albany Damien Center’s PAWS program, helping clients with HIV/ AIDS manage and care for their dogs, and also works with shelter dogs at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands, NY. She also holds special classes for foster dogs in rescue from local rescue organizations.

NOW LEASING

1, 2 & 3 Bedrooms Going Fast!

• Resident clubhouse • Fitness center • Pool and BBQ area • Pet friendly • Dog park & trail

Tour Furnished Model Home!

I-90 EXIT 8, WASHINGTON AVE • N. GREENBUSH (518) 300-4289 • www.VanAllenApartments.com CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 37

Mohawk, NY 514 State Rt. 5S, Mohawk, NY 13407

Phone: (315) 866-3255 Email: herkhumane@ntcnet.com Mailing Address: P.O. Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407

Adoption Fees:

DOGS & PUPPIES - $100.00

Dogs that have already been spayed or neutered) This fee includes distemper vaccine and worming. Twelve weeks of age and up also includes rabies vaccine (1 year).

CATS & KITTENS - $80.00

(Cats that have already been spayed or neutered) This fee includes distemper vaccine and worming. Twelve weeks of age and up also include rabies vaccine (1 year) and Felv/Fiv Test. There is an additional $5.00 charge for the Felv/Fiv Test PLEASE NOTE: There is no Felv/Fiv Test for kittens under twelve (12) weeks of age.

Celebrating 100 years of providing a safe haven for animals

The Herkimer County Humane Society is a non-proﬁt, 501c3 charitable organization dedicated to providing shelter and safe haven for stray dogs and cats, until their forever homes are found.

Feline Guardian Angels - Amsterdam Committed to protect the welfare of our community felines one cat at a time.

Feline Guardian Angels is an established formed 501(c)3 charitable organization staffed by a small group of 5 experienced volunteers. FGA is a spay/neuter advocacy strictly for feral and stray cats which serves our local Montgomery County community.

We are currently in desperate need of volunteers! If you can help, even for a few hours a month, please call.

• We employ skilled, caring, compassionate shelter workers

• We are always looking for volunteers to work various tasks at the shelter and also to help board members with fundraisers and other events. Please call the shelter for an application.

• We work directly with ACOs/ DCOs and law enforcement in the County to provide an effective in-take process for stray cats and dogs.

We appreciate our community, county, members, contributors and donators for providing funding to help us in our day-to-day care of the animals and all shelter operations. Adoption Applications can be found online at herkhumane.org

Please go online and check out our dogs & cats and view our wish list! Check out Herkimer County Humane Society on or go to: www.herkhumane.org to ﬁnd out more!

Our Mission: TO REDUCE: The Feral Cat overpopulation through spay/neuter/release (TNR) assistance.

TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS TO HELP PROTECT:

Homeless Cats from neglect, abuse, and abandonment.

TO ADVOCATE: For their welfare through education and direct assistance to improve quality of life and stabilization of colonies. TO PROMOTE: Greater appreciation of feral cats and human interactions/responsibility.

To date this year, we have Spayed/Neutered 34 Cats!

To find out more about TNR please call 466-3478 If you would like to send a donation to Feline Guardian Angels: P.O. Box 462, Amsterdam, NY 12010

Check out Feline Guardian Angels on

Capital District Veterinary Referral Hospital

Big, Goofy, Fun-Loving Boy Needs Home! This awesome guy is waiting patiently for his forever family...

Butch Don’t let that serious photo-face fool you! This boy’s lovingly given nicknames include “goofy” and “goonhead” if that tells you anything about his true personality. He is a happy go lucky, fun loving young man who wants to be wherever his people are. Give him a toy and he can toss it around to himself, keeping busy all on his own. He absolutely LOVES to play whether it be with his people kicking him a ball or a female dog who is as playful and outgoing as he is! He is potty trained, crate trained, and does well in the bathtub. He will happily hop right into the car to go anywhere you want to go and would gladly be your new running partner. Activity is something he needs and enjoys very much, being a very puppy-like young adult. He would likely love hiking, etc. and has even made a go at swimming, which he is learning as he goes!

Butch is currently being fostered and is available for adoption. Please go online to complete an application:

www.outofthepits.org

38 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

or email: fga12010@hotmail.com

• • • •

24 Hour Veterinary Emergency Care Board Certified Specialty Services Advanced Diagnostic Tools Compassionate, Collaborative Approach To Medicine

... because he’s needed at home 222 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110 TEL: 518.785.1094 WEB:

www.IVGCapitalDistrict.com

518-853-2084

Serving traditional Italian and American food LUNCH • DINNER Tues & Wed 11am-9pm Thurs - Sat 11am -10pm Sunday 11am - 8pm

FREE DELIVERY

22 West Main Street, Fonda, New York 12068

Stop by and see our newly remodeled store!

See us for all of your home and pet supply needs!

It’s our 30th Year in Business!

Harvey’s has been a family run business since it opened it’s doors in 1987 as Johnstown Agway and continues to run with those same family values today. We pride ourselves with helping customers with our extensive knowledge on everything from pets to gardens and everything in between.

Now Offering Dog Training We are partnering with B.A.R.K n’ Friends, LLC, with dog trainers in house as well.

Now Open!

Pet Hotel & Doggy Daycare

Call for details

WE CARRY THESE PET FOODS

It is always difficult when you have to leave your pet behind to travel. Harvey’s has built a great Pet Hotel full of comforts for your pet! And when you are missing them, you can access the web cam and see what they are doing!

CALL 762-7613 OR GO ONLINE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Professional Dog & Cat Grooming Starting

24.99 BUY 7 Get your 8th FREE

Your pet will be pampered in a brand new spa-like environment!

NEW!

LOYALTY PROGRAM

For every $1.00 you spend you get 1 point.

200 points = $10.00 OFF

Featuring Products by

Basic Dog Wash

Includes TropiClean Shampoo, Towel, Apron, Dryer, Furminator Brush to Groom, Ear & Eye Wipes

1699

Premium Dog Wash $ Includes SPA Shampoo OR Flea & Tick Shampoo, Cologne, Towel, Apron, Dryer, Furminator Brush to Groom, Ear & Eye Wipes

1899

YOUR NEXT PURCHASE!

Excludes Stoves, Wood Pellets, and Coal ASK how you can save hundreds when you take advantage of our Loyalty & Frequent Buyers Programs!

Everything you need for your spring & summer planting is right here Bird Food, Bird Houses and Feeders and so much more! Mon.-Fri. 9 - 7 SAT. 9 - 5 518-762-7613 (Store) SUN. 10 - 3

250 N. COMRIE AVE., JOHNSTOWN, NY, 12095

518-762-9671 (Heating Center)

www.harveyshomeandgarden.com CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017 - 39

Adult Literacy & Corrections Education

736-4340

www.HFMBoces.org The OfďŹ ce of Adult Literacy & Corrections Education provides instruction for adults based on assessment of their academic needs. d math ing, writing an S gh school entering a hi of al go e th with Builds skills class. equivalency Preparation alency (HSE) iv qu E l oo ch ÂŽ High S ) n as the GED (formerly know Assessing take the Test to ts en ud st Prepares ASC) ompletion (T Secondary C ducation and Civics E ge ua ng La d Secon English as a Students for Enrolled e bl ila va A g E-Learnin es available Evening Class Morning and ent in read kill Developm

You can do this! Call today for more information and to reserve your seat.

These are adult education classes intended for people age 21 and older. Learners age 18-20 will be admitted based on an interview with the teacher and as space and funding is available.

Glove City Commons 43-47 North Main St. Gloversville

Helping you toward a brighter future.

40 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond May 2017

Upper Level of United Presbyterian Church 25 Church St., Amsterdam