Crazy About Pets Sixth Edition by Creativity Unleashed

Maybe we can’t save them all...but we sure can try! ❤

Volume 6

Published by Creativity Unleashed Find Us On

@crazyaboutpetsmagazine

Look Inside for Information on Local Shelters and Rescues Helpful Tips and Advice Great Adoption Stories to Inspire You A Special Section on Fostering Pets And So Much More!

FREE Please Take One!

about

PETS In Fulton & Montgomery Counties

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

& Beyond

Go to: www.issuu.com/creativityunleashed - to read all issues of this magazine online

Sixth Edition 2018/19

Welcome Fellow Animal Lovers... to our sixth edition of “Crazy About Pets in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond”

Mike & Linda Palmieri

Each and every time we print a magazine we get even more passionate about bringing to light the many shelters and rescues in our area. We hope this serves as a vehicle to inspire people to adopt, volunteer, foster or donate. There is such a great need, anything anyone can do to help is greatly appreciated. We are fortunate to have an incredible network of rescues, shelters and people working feverishly in our area to help homeless pets find homes. What we try to do here is feature area shelters and rescues and give a platform to trainers and other professionals so they can write about things they think may benefit you, the animal parent. In this issue, we have written about some local area businesses who are graciously doing things to benefit pets in our area - see pages 3 and 20. We realize there are many more out there who do the same. Feel free to contact us and tell us about them and we will do our best to put them in a future issue. Every single business who has taken out an ad in this magazine is a partner in helping to bring about a match for a cat or dog waiting patiently. In this issue, we also talk about some very important topics - The Kirby and Quigley bill on page 38, the importance of Fostering (which cannot be stressed enough) on pages 26, 27 & 28, as well as the wonderful Buddy Program on page 29, which brings animals and people together at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter in Sprakers, NY. There are a few wonderful updates to tell you about from our last issue as well that may make your heart smile. We appreciate the support we have been given and are honored to call so many people our friends. It is with a great amount of gratitude for what you all do, that we are able to continue to publish this magazine in hopes of inspiring someone to adopt, foster or become a buddy to a pet. The benefits are many, the love is unconditional.

Brownie

Adopt • Foster • Volunteer • Donate

This is Tess, she was adopted by our family from Kitten Angels

Read my foster mom’s inspiring words on page 28!

Happy Reading! Linda and Mike Palmieri

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

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Capital District Veterinary Referral Hospital

Northway Animal Emergency Clinic

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

35 Fawn Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831

(518) 785-1094

(518) 761-2602

Upstate Veterinary Specialties

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435

152 Sparrowbush Road, Latham, NY 12110

518-783-3198

Looking for Love? Regional Animal Shelter 117 West Fulton Street, Gloversville, NY 12078

(518) 725-5956

Meet Bobo

On The Cover: Cassidy Christman, daughter of Rich and Marissa Christman of Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, with Jax, adoptable dog.

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

Bobo and Lucky are two of the awesome dogs waiting for forever homes at Regional Animal Shelter in Gloversville. Read their bios and you will see they are just happy dogs waiting patiently while being loved on by wonderful shelter volunteers and staff. Please consider going in for a visit - these guys and all of their friends would love to see you! Every dog and cat deserves a loving home!

Bobo is about 3 and will have been with the shelter for a year in July. Bobo initially came in as a stray and when his owner came forward he admitted that Bobo was too much for him to handle and surrendered him to our shelter. We later discovered that Bobo had previously lived in a home where there was a lot of domestic violence screaming yelling and chaos. He was a bundle of nerves and needed to go into foster to decompress. Since Bobo has been in foster with his trainer/foster mom Tammy he has come so far and is successfully learning how to be a dog again and that most humans are calm and loving. Bobo would do best in a home as the only dog. He does, however, love children and would do ﬁne in a home with kids.

SCAN HERE

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

www.regionalanimalshelter.org

Meet Lucky

Lucky is 7 years old and has been with the shelter since January 2017. His owner passed away and he was left behind. He was very depressed when he ﬁrst came to the shelter and it’s taken him a while to adjust to shelter life. He’s a happy healthy boy that loves to go for walks and play in the yard. He doesn’t do well with other animals so he really needs a home where he is the only pet. He does really well with teenage aged kids but smaller children make him nervous. He’s really a very sweet boy and loves to get belly rubs and be petted.

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 Questions or Comments? Call 518-842-6532 or Check us out on Facebook: @creativityunleashedamsterdam or @crazyaboutpetsmagazine

2 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

Business Spotlight MCT Federal Credit Union in Amsterdam, NY helps shelter pets get adopted! It is so heartwarming to see how area businesses open their hearts and doors (and parking lots) to help area rescue pets get adopted. MCT Federal Credit Union began hosting adoption clinics for local rescues and shelters five years ago. Marketing and Public Relations Director Cindy Roberts said, “Everyone here is an animal lover and most of us have pets. A couple of us volunteer with local shelters and rescues, so doing adoption clinics here was an offshoot of that volunteer work, coupled with our commitment to serving the community.” MCT’s CEO Patty Macek has first-hand experience with the clinics. Patty is the proud “mommy” to a rescued lab-chow mix gifted to her by the credit union staff. “It wasn’t a total surprise because I had been asked after I purchased my house if I was ready for a dog. But I had no idea what kind of dog I was getting. What I didn’t expect was that this tiny puppy who fit in my hand would grow into the giant he turned out to be,” Macek laughed. Sulley is a frequent visitor to the credit union office, where he makes rounds among the staff collecting cookies and other treats. “As a not-for-profit credit union, we’re driven by a commitment to community service. We sponsor everything from city and school events, to sports teams and other nonprofits, so the clinics fit with this commitment,” Macek added. “Our members and the general public can take advantage of discounted adoption fees and we enjoy having the opportunity to help out.” Sulley MCT is pet-friendly, welcoming leashed pets, and the staff always has treats. MCT does both indoor and outdoor adoption clinics, depending on weather conditions. They frequently host clinics featuring animals from Amsterdam Kitten Adoptions and Ayers Memorial Animal in Sprakers. Other shelters or rescues interested in hosting adoption clinics at MCT should contact Cindy Roberts at 518-842-1840.

Amsterdam Kitten Adoptions Board Member, Chris Carpenter, holding Joker, who is available for adoption at AKA.

MCT Federal Credit Union is pet friendly. They offer loans for pet related financial emergencies and there are many benefits to being a member! Stop in or call today.

Pet-Friendly

Creating Financial Solutions.

FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

39 Market St., Amsterdam, NY

Pet related ﬁnancial emergencies can come up suddenly.

If you are in need of a loan, we can help...

Come see us today.

We make the loan process easy with our signature quick turn-around. When you need to borrow, think MCT ﬁrst for service that’s fast, friendly and focused on you. Federally Insured by NCUA

518-842-1840 • www.mct-fcu.org Personal Auto Home Equity Boats Mortgages Insurance and more CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 3

How do you connect with your dog? Did you ever consider doing an exercise regimen with your dog at your side? A program that helps you and your dog bond, while taking in the beautiful scenery, or trying something new that you and your dog had not done before? Jennifer DeCuyke, owner of Paws Up Certified Dog Training offers a program that does just that and so much more! It is called FitPawX What is FitPawX? - FitPawX is a 4 week program that includes several activities for you and your canine friend to have fun with while Bonding with your dog and Strengthening your relationship. You will learn how to be a great leader for your dog and how to develop team work skills. This program incorporates physical & mental stimulation to create a Well-Balanced & Well-Behaved Dog.

There are many ways to exercise your pet and stay connected. From the basic walk, or letting him/her run alongside you, to taking part in something different that will be a great benefit to both of you. The classes have become quite popular and are held in many different places, including the Amsterdam Overlook Bridge, different trails, parks and more. The program is offered to help prevent unruly behaviors such as barking, jumping, digging, chewing, etc. Professional workout programs & gear by Caninegym, FitPaws & more are used during the sessions. By bringing your dog to this program you will see a less anxious and much more well-behaved dog. FitPawX starts with a warm-up, and then includes either a local Hike or Jog/Walk, Balance and Strength Exercise or Agility Activity. At the end of the session there is a lesson on stretching and pet massage. Try it out and you will see that FitPawX will have you well on your way to bringing obedience & fitness together, while building a strong bond with your pet.

Contact Jennifer one of the ways below as these classes fill up fast! The next one starts Oct. 21st, 2018 For more information about FitPawX and Paws Up Certified Dog Training, go to: www.pawsupcdt.org or call (518) 930-8253 or check it out on Facebook@pawsupcertifieddogtraining

“Creating Well Balanced & Well Behaved Dogs” Owner & trainer, Jennifer DeCuyke has a Level 2 certification from the Animal Behavior College along with being certified by the American Kennel Club and Therapy Dogs International. Jennifer will help you have a well-mannered dog by using positive reinforcement. She offers obedience programs for all skill levels. Offering both Private Find us on Facebook, Instagram and check out our website!

and Group Lessons

www.pawsupcdt.com Email: pawsupcdt@gmail.com CERTIFIED DOG TRAINING

By appoint. only

518-930-8253 “Be worry free when you and your four legged family member are apart.”

Kathy M. Foley

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

Priddle Point, Gloversville, NY 12078

518-301-1682 • kmf261@msn.com Excellent References Available Bonded and Insured

Also:

HOUSE SITTING (Regular Visits)

4 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

4790 State Hwy. 30, Amsterdam • (518) 212-6057 Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Delicious Daily Specials

Open Sun.-Thurs. 7am-8pm Fri. & Sat. 7am-9pm Now Serving Beer & Wine

Char-Broiled Steaks & Chops

Amsterdam Rte. 30 Sandwiches & Clubs Favorites... Breakfast All Day Authentic Greek & Italian Fare Salad Platters & Much More!

Scrumptious Desserts SENIOR SPECIALS featuring a wide assortment of $9.99 • 8 entrees Cheesecakes & Layer Cakes, Baklava & Pies to choose from! Reserve our large, private Party Room for any special occasion! Call (518) 212-6057

Teaching Love and Concern for Pets You are never too young or old to respect animals. Teaching children about shelter pets and how to respect them serves more than one purpose. When children learn to respect animals they also learn to respect other humans. A friend of mine, Annie Ciani is care-giver to a little girl named Basia. For months now they have been going to Ayres Memorial Shelter to volunteer their time and hang out with a special dog named Troy. This year Annie started an online fundraiser and was able to donate $400 to Ayres, including the adoption fee for Troy. She and Basia have visited Troy often and brought him Christmas and Easter toys. Since they have 6 pets of their own they are not able to adopt Troy themselves but would certainly do so if they could. Basia looks forward to visiting the shelter and this has had a positive eﬀect on her. Annie is conﬁdent that going to the shelter and helping out is teaching Basia to give back and have compassion for animals of all kinds. Shelter Director Marissa Christman says, “At Ayres there is a program called The Buddy Program, where people are matched up with shelter dogs so that they can experience life outside the kennel at least twice a month for an hour or so with someone other than a shelter volunteer or Basia on a visit with Troy worker. Not only does this do good for the dogs but you will never regret the time spent with one of our sweet babies. You will change the dog’s life and in turn they will change yours for the better. If you cannot adopt a dog, you can still help out by volunteering. Don’t feel bad about bringing them back to the shelter. Ayres loves our shelter dogs like we love their own animals. For most dogs in our care, the shelter is the best life they have known and by volunteering to spend time with them, you are going to help enrich that life even more! The pictures you share of you and them on your outing - could be the picture that gets them adopted! I promise - you won’t regret volunteering. “ Read more about the Buddy Program on page 29

Basia visiting Troy for Easter

Find out about sponsoring a dog or cat - You could help sponsor some or all of an animal’s adoption fee or help pay for a dog or cat’s medical bills while they are at the shelter. You can also sign up for the Buddy Program online (click on the Get Involved tab) or Call (518) 673-5670 or email marissa.ayresshelter@gmail.com

NOW OPEN! 44 E. Main Street Amsterdam, NY 12010 (across from Sharp Shooters)

Troy’s Adoption Fee has been sponsored by Basia and her family!

(518) 429-5917

Breakfast Sandwiches Pancakes Omelets Scrambled Egg Bowl Breakfast Quesadilla Home Fries

o donate call 466-3478

SCAN HERE

Call for our Daily Specials

Stop in today!

TO SEE MORE PETS AVAILABLE TO ADOPT

including our

“Belly Buster” Signature Sub (made with all the meat we have) Coffee, Tea, Soda and Bottled Water

Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter

133 Hilltop Rd., Sprakers, NY 12166 • (518) 673-5670 www.ayresmemorialshelter.org

Sandwiches Wraps Burgers Hot Dogs Subs

Open: Mon.-Fri. 8am - 6pm; Closed Sat. & Sun. CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 5

615 Albany St, Little Falls, NY 13365 • (315) 985-3738 Helping Animals Live Organization (H.A.L.O.) is an all volunteer animal rescue group that was founded in the late 1990s to address the critical need to help homeless cats in the Herkimer County and surrounding region. It was started by three women, Faye Bunk, Andrea Heckel, and Shirley Williams, who had worked together in another organization that was focusing on spay/neuter assistance with a limited rescue program. They started out in an apartment on Petrie Street in Little Falls, providing a home-like setting for the cats that they rescued.

R u b y

As anyone knows that is involved in animal rescue, the need for help found them outgrowing their space and they undertook a capital campaign to purchase a house, which they did on August 8, 2006 at 615 Albany Street in Little Falls. H.A.L.O. became a haven to unwanted cats, providing a sanctuary for those Ruby and her kittens animals who are not adopted and providing a loving home for Gordy them for the remainder of their lives, like Gordy, who was living in a horse barn and became injured, nearly losing his life. But his indomitable spirit has helped him through surgeries, loss of the sight in one eye, and a mouth condition called stomatitis. We like to say he has lived through most of his 9 lives. He is a favorite at H.A.L.O. House, we fondly call our shelter, and greets everyone who visits. H.A.L.O. has a dedicated volunteer staff who come in twice a day to maintain the shelter and care for the cats. In addition to this, we have a dedicated volunteer group of people who oversee the operation of the organization and conduct fundraising activities to raise the much-needed funds the organization needs to care for the cats and maintain the shelter. All of these people who volunteer their time are critical to H.A.L.O.’s success. If you would like to be a volunteer or may be interested in adopting one of our H.A.L.O. House cats, please call us at 315-985-3738 and visit our website at www.halorescue.net. Please like us on Facebook to keep up to date on H.A.L.O.’s upcoming events and see our featured pets looking for homes. H.A.L.O. is always in need of financial contributions to support our shelter and rescue efforts. They can be mailed to H.A.L.O., 615 Albany Street, Little Falls, NY 13365 and there is also a donation link on our website to contribute online.

For more information about H.A.L.O. go to their website at: www.halorescue.net or check out their Facebook page at H.A.L.O. Helping Animals Live Organization

Café in The Village ~ 883-8383 ~

17 W. Main St., Broadalbin Saturday, October 13th, 2018

at Harvey’s Home, Garden and Pet Center 250 N. Comrie Ave., Johnstown, NY 12095

Thank You!

To everyone who helped make this magazine possible, especially Tobie and Willow for your patience!

Monday-Friday 6-2pm; Saturday & Sunday 7-1 Sunday Breakfast Only

Can anyone open their heart and home to Tobey? Tobey with his foster sister

Tobey

Stories to share? Want to place an ad?

This is Tobey - he is completely blind! He has no eyes (early Gloucoma) He’s in foster with a female dog and cat! He loves people and it Is amazing how he handles life.

Linda@CreativityUnleashed.org (518) 842-6532 6 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

www.outofthepits.org

If you are interested in adopting Tobey please contact adoptions@outofthepits.org

“I can’t hear the birds over those barking dogs!”

Tina Novak, owner of

The Pooch Parlor

Located at the Galway Family Insurance Company at 5243 Rt. 147, Galway, New York 12074 (518) 843-1537 and (518) 882-2171

Tina graduated from the New York School of Dog Grooming in New York City. She has had her business for 28 years. Tina was a freelance writer for the Amsterdam Recorder writing the “Doggie Bag” column which, in 2008, was published into a book by the UPS store in Amsterdam. She has been on the WCSS radio talk show at various times with Sam Zurlo. For the past 8 years she has been a volunteer for our local Community Hospice. She is very active supporting the Ronald McDonald House, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation and the Bangor Humane Society, all in Bangor, Maine.

Nice weather and glorious smells are in the air! Dogs are being walked “on leash” with their owners. Some dogs are “breaking free” and running in other people’s yards and into the streets. For those dog owners who have nicely fenced in yards or invisible fences to let your dogs run free - we commend you. However, you also must respect your neighbor’s privacy. “Mrs Smith” loves dogs but she wants to relax and be in her yard as well. She can’t hold a conversation with “Mr. Smith” because the neighbor’s dogs just bark continually. Barking dogs have become a big complaint in Guilderland and residential areas elsewhere. Dogs running free without the owner can be a real problem. The dogs defecate on neighbors’ lawns, they ﬁght with neighbors dogs that are fenced in or have their own invisible fence. They scare and knock down children who may be outside playing or riding their bikes. Dog owners need to be responsible for where their dogs are at all times. Pick up your dog’s poop! Dog walkers should always have their poop bags handy to pick up during their walks. In most communities this is the law. Parents need to be responsible for their children as well. Rules and structure should be followed so everyone can enjoy life on a beautiful day! Stress levels for all need to be considered. Have you ever traveled with your pet? Have you ever stayed in a “pet-friendly” hotel or motel? It’s a great way for pet owners to keep their pets with them while they are away. Do your research and you CAN take your dog along! But remember - “DOGS BARK!”. They see and hear noises and they BARK! If someone walks down the hotel hallway, past their room, they bark! Then every dog in the hotel barks as well. It’s like sleeping at an animal shelter. One dog starts and the rest follow along - just like children do at times. The good thing is, when you do stay at a pet-friendly hotel the hotel staﬀ will put you in the pet-friendly rooms they have designated to keep all pet owners in the same area of the hotel. Those of you who don’t have pets will be accommodated to a standard room away from those barking dogs. Pet owners should follow all hotels rules and pick up your poop! There are designated areas for your dog to go to the bathroom on the hotel property, with pickup bags available and trash cans right there. It is very important when traveling to always keep your dog on a leash and non-slip harness. Tags should include your cell phone number as well, since you won’t be at your HOME PHONE number at that time.

Have a Happy Summer & Be Safe! - By Tina Novak

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

First Choice Financial Federal Credit Union

MHM is Crazy About Pets! A T

A T

A W

For more information or to donate call 466-3478 Local, Loyal and Here to Stay! 355 Hales Mills Road, Gloversville

518-725-3191

329 S. Kingsboro Ave., Inside Wal-Mart Supercenter

518-725-4413

Come see us at our New Location - Open Now! 3677 State Highway 30, Broadalbin, NY 12025 (next to Subway)

518-883-7156

www.fcfinancialcu.org

Paul B. Harding, Esq.

Victor L. Mazzotti, Esq.

Rosemarie Riddell Bogdan, Esq.

1222 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309 Phone: 518.862.1200 or 1800LAW1010®

www.1800LAW1010.com

Attorney Advertising

Prior Results Do Not Guarantee A Similar Outcome

CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 7

The Pain is Real The thing is…when we adopt that beautiful pet we rarely think of the fact that we will most likely outlive them. We may even have experienced the pain of a beloved pet loss in the past, but most often it does not deter us from adopting again. When that awful day comes that we need to say goodbye, either through illness, accident or old age, the pain is strikingly real. So many of us do not even know how to handle the emotions that surround us when a beloved pet dies. Thankfully there are ways we can remember our pets and groups in the area that are designed to help us get through it with others facing the same loss. The pain NEVER goes away, but knowing that others care and understand makes a big difference in helping to get through it. People try and deal with pet loss in many different ways. Placing that love in your heart in a place of “adopting again” is not for everyone. Sometimes you need a place to go to help sort out how you feel before adopting again. Animal Companion Bereavement Group led by Estelle Giles-Monroe, MSW, LCSWR is a group provided by Upstate Veterinary Specialties, PLLC. and is only offered for clients of Upstate Veterinary Specialists. They have been meeting since 2012 in a supportive atmosphere to share the pain of losing friends, service animals and companions. The meetings are held at Capital District Behavioral Health at 20 Century Hill Drive, Suite 202 in Latham, New York 12110. They offer supportive, judgement-free environment where people gather to discuss their losses, share stories, etc. Individual therapy sessions are also offered for those who feel unable to sit with others right away after their loss. Please call (518) 783-3198 to find out more. For the general public - Animal Protective Foundation hosts a free Pet Bereavement Support Group every third Wednesday of the month at 6PM in the Animal Protective Foundation education room. Additional sessions are hosted every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Mohawk Humane Society in Menands at 3 Oakland Avenue at 5:30PM. Both groups are led by Estelle Giles-Monroe, MSW, LCSWR These group sessions are made possible by a generous local sponsorship from Roger Blankfein, DVM of In The Comfort of Home, a house call pet euthanasia service. For more information about the APF group email: cdbh06@gmail.com or call the APF at (518) 374-3944, ext. 101 or for information about the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society group go to: www.mohawkhumane.org/petloss.html to find our more or call (518) 434-8128 ext. 206

You don’t have to go through a pet loss alone. Please reach out if you need help and support. Estelle A. Giles-Monroe is a Therapist at Capital District Behavioral Health, PLCC. She studied Children and Families at Rutgers University Graduate School of Social Work. Check out CDBH on Facebook

friendly, fun, and inviting atmosphere with light hearted staff.

4462 NY-30 Amsterdam, NY 12010

Stop in and check our selection of hand crafted jewelry, body jewelry, paintings, prints, hand crafted dog leashes, t-shirts, healing tools and herbal tea, gift certiﬁcates, and more!

518-332-1987 Cassandra Clark, Owner

My dear friend Marlene lost her kitty Boomer recently, and chose me speciﬁcally to tattoo her special memorial. Boomer would always put out his paw gently on her as if to say "my hooman". Marlene raised Boomer from the moment he was born, and left quite a pawprint on her heart. I am honored that Marlene asked me to tattoo her beloved Boomer, who will forever be with her. - Cassandra

20%

of the cost of all pet portraits will be donated to a local shelter or rescue of your choice!

@Jellyfishdaydreamstattoo

8 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

www.tattoosbycassandra.com

Who could forget this face on Page 2 in issue #5?

Do you believe that every dog has a purpose? Many of us do!

We are certain that our Brownie guided us to choose Tobie after we swore oﬀ EVER having another dog. The pain of losing her was just too great. It may not be for all, but for some folks the best way to start the process of healing is to go in to a local shelter or rescue and just visit, see if any of the dogs/cats “speak” to you. This happened in a beautiful way in mid-January of 2018 when Jay-Z (who had been waiting for 22 months for even 1 visitor) spotted his family, who came in to visit the pets at Yonkers Animal Hospital. His new owner Kristy Hobson and her family are certain they were guided to choose Jay Z by their beloved Chloe, who had passed on at an early age of 5 due to kidney failure a few weeks earlier. Read on to ﬁnd out how a special dog has helped heal a broken-hearted family. - Intro By Linda Palmieri

Well it’s Jay Z of course from the Yonkers Animal Shelter. This guy waited 22 months with no visitors! This is an excerpt from our opening letter in our last Crazy About Pets magazine... Like others who are surely following the posts on his very own Facebook page, we want to see a wonderful family adopt Jay Z so he can live that life every shelter pet deserves. For this reason, we are making Jay Z the poster dog for this edition of the magazine, with his very own spot on page 2. After all, the shelters and rescues mentioned on these pages, and so many more we have not gotten to yet, have their own Jay Z’s.

One day in January of 2018 he wiggled himself right into the hearts of a special family who needed him as much as he needed them! Thank you to the staff at Yonkers Animal Shelter for the superb job you do keeping the photos of your rescued pets in the forefront on Facebook. There is still a Jay Z page, it is now called Jay Z isn’t waiting anymore • Adopted There you will now find some of Jay Z’s friends who also would love to have the same loving type of forever home as he has now.

This is Kristy with her

beautiful dog Chloe. After We had just lost our dog, Chloe in December of 2017. She had passed of acute kidney disease. It she passed Kristy wrote some was shocking and she went fast! Our family had never been through a pet loss. We had adopted heartfelt messages about her from the Hartford, CT. pound 5 years ago and she loved us and only us as she was very selecChloe on Facebook to help tive with others, both dogs and people. She had a lot of skin and allergy issues as well, but we had heal her broken heart. A friend made a commitment and that was my girl and my family and I did everything we had to do to reached out with these words... be responsible dog owners. We never gave up hope that she would suddenly like to be around other people because she would have been loved by so many more! This is why it warms my heart that our newly adopted dog, Jay Z, gets along and loves so many of my family and friends... In my view my house was not a home anymore after the tragedy of Chloe’s passing. I missed the love a dog brings to a family, the routine I had had with her in our lives. Without her my heart was so broken. I started looking at the Yonkers shelter page due to an old friend, Julie Netto. She and I worked Kristy says she is in at The Cheesecake Factory years ago together. love with her Jay Z! And on the day the family I always followed her and her Louie Legacy pages and helped mutually agreed on the one dog support it when I could with any dog donations. (@louieslegacy) named “Jay Z” that had moved each of Without a doubt I knew I wanted to adopt from her “people” because I so believed in them on their visit through the shelter, the good she is doing for pets. My daughter and I went and looked around and asked her Kristy’s older daughter Shardea posted this Facebook message on her page... about doggies and talked about what I liked and our family lifestyle. I didn’t want to adopt a puppy because we knew there are so so many dogs out there that need homes and I love pitties! We then arranged to take a family ride up to Yonkers Animal Shelter where Julie works. It took about 2 hours and we had seen a few dogs we had in mind from the website. When we got there we were filled with so much emotion. So many beautiful dogs waiting for a visit, a walk, a pat and my kids really got an eye-opener on how it was and the reality of how many homeless doggies there are! We saw our boy “JayZ” and looked at a few others but afterwards all of us agreed we wanted to see him again. At that moment, that’s when we all knew without even discussing anything, we all looked at Kathy, who by the way is an amazing, sweet, loving volunteer just like our friend Leslie who had arranged our visit. All of us at once said, without anyone talking to each other beforehand, “We want Jay Z!!”

Jay Z has helped in our healing process and has brought back love and laughter to our home. None of us had realized he had been a Facebook Star, that he had his own Facebook page, which is now called “Jay Z isn’t waiting anymore • Adopted”. We just saw something in him, something that called out to each of us and we could not be happier that fate has brought us together. see more photos and updates Jay Z and call how he is doing go to Facebook and For To more information or toofdonate 466-3478 type in the search bar Jay Z isn’t Waiting anymore • Adopted - there you will see some of our updates inbetween many of Jay Z’s shelter buddies’ posts who are still waiting.

- By Kristy Hobson

Yonkers Animal Shelter 1000 Ridge Hill Blvd. Yonkers, NY 10710

call/text 201-981-3215 or email lesliem147@gmail.com

From L to R: Jay Z with his dad Louis, with his brother Jacob, with his sister Marilee and on his ride home from the Groomer. He loves his new life!

* Please note: Jay Z was and still is certainly well loved by the staff of Yonkers Animal Shelter and thankfully this is a no-kill shelter. They plastered Facebook with his beautiful photos and he was shared and shared, raising awareness for dogs who wait far too long in shelters. Although Jay Z wasn’t spotted by Kristy and her family here in our magazine, we felt this story was important, as it illustrates how every dog is worthy of a new family and what we have always believed, that although they require a huge commitment, dogs and cats and other pets can bring an uncomparable joy to your lives. CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 9

The Importance of Treating Your Pets For Heartworm

Our daughter-in-law Brittany works at Country Valley Veterinary Clinic and has knowledge of this awful disease. Prevention is so easy and your dog will love the taste of the heartworm pill. It is something every committed pet owner needs to do to insure that this nasty disease does not affect their beloved pet. Read on and if you have not kept up with heartworm treatment throughout the year, please make an appointment with your vet to get this inexpensive test done and then start giving this very important preventative to your dog.

Brittany Palmieri with Petey, a Registered Therapy Dog

Brittany is a Veterinary Assistant at Country Valley Veterinary Clinic. She lives with her husband Dan, their cats Patrick and Stoopie and their dogs, Petey and Jenny (A.K.A. Mama). She has been fostering dogs for over 5 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 and Jenny’s too!

Jenny is well protected for camping season

Now that this long and drawn-out winter is finally over, the warm weather and critters emerge. Crawling and flying, there are some pretty nasty diseases that come from those things we call bugs! Everyone knows about ticks and their ability to bring Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses to your pet but people don’t think as much about mosquitos. What they can bring to your pet is far more dangerous than most people are aware of! I recall growing up and having two dogs that spent days and days out in the woods with us kids. I can’t say that I remember much With five acres to play on and rolling in the grass about their health aside from when one of them was coughing being a favorite thing to do, it is good that Petey is and collapsed. They were brought to the vet where they were always well protected. both diagnosed with heartworm disease. Turns out, heartworm disease is carried by mosquitos and is easily transmitted within the canine world. But even if people know what it is, do you really know about how terrible it is? Heartworms are exactly what they sound like, worms living within the heart. They start off called “microfilaria” which are the itty bitty babies that if allowed to continue their development within your dog, will turn into full-grown heartworms. And these worms will not only do a number on your pet’s heart, both the disease and treatment can be deadly for your dog. Treatment requires months of medications, confinement, and injections into the muscle in a certain schedule to kill the worms. Now, if you already know what heartworms are then you also probably know about the ways to prevent this nasty disease all together. In my line of work I frequently hear people say that there are no mosquitos in New York in the winter time. But I have seen mosquitos in my home in the dead of winter and I have killed them swimming through the air as late as a warm December day. It is simply impossible to say that mosquitos do not exist in the colder weather months. Most people know of the once a month chewable treat (or injectable in some cases) of varying brands that you give your pet. Continuing this once a month, every month, is killing off those baby heartworms but it does nothing for adults. There is a common misconception that if the pet is getting their heartworm preventative once a month that it is okay to skip months or begin preventions after a hiatus without a heartworm test. But that simply isn’t true. If a month or more of heartworm prevention is skipped then that allows those baby heartworm (microfilaria) to mature into adults that will now live in your pet’s heart. Sure, your once a month tablet will be killing any baby that those adults then produce in your pet’s bloodstream, but it does NOT mean that your pet is free of heartworms. So please remember as the warm weather approaches that heartworms are in the northeast more than ever. A simple and inexpensive once a month treat for your dog can ultimately save their life! By Brittany Palmieri

What are the signs of heartworm disease in dogs? In the early stages of the disease, many dogs show few symptoms or no symptoms at all. The longer the infection persists, the more likely symptoms will develop. Active dogs, dogs heavily infected with heartworms, or those with other health problems often show pronounced clinical signs. Signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen. Dogs with large numbers of heartworms can develop a sudden blockages of blood flow within the heart leading to a life-threatening form of cardiovascular collapse. This is called caval syndrome, and is marked by a sudden onset of labored breathing, pale gums, and dark bloody or coffee-colored urine. Without prompt surgical removal of the heartworm blockage, few dogs survive.* *Source: https://www.heartwormsociety.org/newsroom

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Specializing in Auto, Homeowners, Life & Recreational Vehicles Surety Bonds • Business Insurance (Including Contractors, Offices, Retail Stores & Manufacturers)

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(518) 843-1890 164 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam, NY 12010 10 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

Our 31st Year!

Open Year Round!

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(hard serve only during fall and winter)

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Regional Animal Shelter

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

This Guy is a Big Hunk of Love!

117 W. Fulton Street, Gloversville, NY 12078

What We Do

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

518-725-5956

to decrease the number of unwanted animals. Scan Here to See All Pets Available for Adoption at Regional

Peaceful Acres Horses 501(c)3 Organization

3740 Rynex Crs. Rd., Pattersonville, NY 12137

518-7887-3178

email: nanci@peacefulacreshorses.com a “Wellness Sanctuary for People and Horses”

Educate the public

and dogs owners on animal health, training, and awareness. Check out Regional Animal Shelter on or go to: www.regionalanimalshelter.org to ﬁnd out more!

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.

Open Mon. - Sun. 7am - 9am & 4pm - 6pm or by appointment

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 is an Authentic - Compassionate - Healing Community for 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.

Check out Peaceful Acres on

Nanci Beyerl founded Peaceful Acres Horses in 2003

All contributions are tax deductible. Any and All donation amounts will be used to help the horses!

or go to: www.peacefulacreshorses.com

Bunk Barn, Inc. 4696 St. Hwy. 30, Amsterdam ◆ (518) 843-9080

Ask Us About

RENT TO OWN No Credit Check! Stop in for details

Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10-5; Fri. 10-4; Sat. 10-3; Closed Sun.

In business for 35 years at the same location!

Owners, Mike and Joan Kilinski would like to help you with any storage need you have, whether it is a shed, garage or gazebo.

Stop in and see our inventory today! Scan here to visit our website

So Many To Choose From! Email: bunkbarn3@aol.com

ANY SIZE ANY COLOR ANY FINISH! IT’S YOUR CHOICE!

www.bunkbarnsheds.com CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 11

Broly

Broly loves his car rides!

From locked in a shed to the foot of a bed... This Guy is a Big Hunk of Love!

- As Told by Jim Mishook

In April of 2015 ﬁve pit bulls were found to have been living in a shed behind a home in Rotterdam. A relative of elderly residents who had come to clean out their garage found the dogs in a shed on their property. The dogs belonged to their grandson. They were found with no food or water and taken to the Montgomery County SPCA. A veterinarian’s report said they were not properly nourished, kept in unsanitary conditions and were in cages not big enough for their size. Two of the dogs were puppies. It took MCSPCA workers 30-40 minutes each to clean the feces oﬀ the animals when they arrived. If it wasn’t for the relative going to the home that day, this could have had a much sadder ending. Thankfully after being cared for at the MCSPCA, all of the dogs were adopted. A friend of Jim Mishook, who knew Jim had lost his Red Nosed Pit Bull to cancer a few years before, saw the story and suggested he go to Amsterdam’s “Walk In The Park” where the dogs would be up for adoption through the MCSPCA. Jim took him up on his suggestion and subsequently ended up adopting Broly.

Here is Jim’s story …

The shelter staff named all of the dogs for the planets. The dog Jim got attached to immediately was named Jupiter because he was the biggest of the five. Jim says he had waited so long because “I was too heartbroken to adopt” until his friend Guido told him that he had to meet this Curled up with Olive Loaf dog. “I fell in love right away”, says Jim of the day he went to the Walk in the Park. Afterwards he went to the MCSPCA to play with him and I took him for a walk. “I wanted to adopt him right away! The MCSPCA came to my house to do a home inspection and said when can you pick him up?” Without hesitation, because it was the evening, Jim said “tomorrow “. Jim and his girlfriend Jen adopted a stray cat they named Olive Loaf the same week just by chance. “My sister found a litter in a pile of tires and found them all homes. They played together right away and still play to this day. His temperament is perfect. He loves kids, babies and adults. Sometimes he chases the farm bunnies just for fun!” Jim says, he has a cage that is always open that they call his room and he lays there time to time but his favorite place is on the large recliner laying with Jim. He loves to go hiking and only requires a leash in public where there could be non-friendly dogs. His vet at Burnt Hills Veterinary Clinic loves him as does the whole office. Nobody is getting this stick! The vet said his poor ears looks like a home job and was surprised they also didn’t dock his tail. “I’m glad they didn’t because when he wants to play he wiggles that butt like crazy!”, said Jim. He loves to wear bandanas and he even has a Superman costume. He loves going trick or treating although the stigma the breed gets which Trick or Treat! could be because he is a blue nose, caused some parents to move their kids away out of fear. He loves his big Kong bones and his rope. Broly loves to play! “When I throw the sticks outside, he doesn’t give them back so we always have a few around the yard”. One of Broly’s favorite places to go is Super Shoes and Petsmart. Broly has been a wonderful addition to Jim and Jen’s family and will be truly loved for the rest of his life.

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Amsterdam Location 4648 State Hwy 30 Amsterdam, NY 12010 (518) 842-8377 Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5; Sat. 8- 1

12- CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

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Avia’s Story Montgomery County

Avia was surrendered to the Montgomery County SPCA (MCSPCA) animal shelter on 8/31/17. Her previous owner stated that she had been experiencing diarrhea, vomit w/blood and had barely eaten anything in the past two weeks. Avia was brought to Dr. Ennis at Glen Animal Hospital immediately upon arriving at the MCSPCA shelter. At the Glen Animal Hospital she was assessed to be an 8 month-old Pit Bull Terrier, emaciated and weighed 29 pounds. Her body condition score was a 1 out of 5. Avia was tested for parasites (Coccidia, Giardia, Parvovirus) and SPCA Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010 a chemistry panel to check her blood work. X-rays of her abdomen were taken to check for any abnormalities. A canine SNAP test was performed for Heartworm, Lyme, Erlichia, and Anaplasmosis; everything came back normal. She was hospitalized for a few days for monitoring while on medication. During that time, her eating increased, she developed normal stool and gained two pounds. Upon being released by Dr. Ennis, she went directly into foster with MCSPCA Animal Care Manager, Ashley Weil. While in foster care Avia refused to eat dry or wet dog food. She was taken to the vet where they discovered the sides of her tongue were necrosing (dying) in her mouth. Dr. Ennis recommended that her diet be changed to ground beef, chicken, turkey and sweet potatoes. Avia returned to foster care and seemed to be doing well with the new diet plan and different medication. During the next month Avia’s health status continued to fluctuate. One week she would show improvement by eating and gaining weight. The next week she would stop eating, experience vomiting and lose the weight she gained. Avia, also, experienced excessive blood and saliva loss during her sleep. Within that month the veterinarian continued to rerun blood work, took more X-rays and had multiple Avia, when she was assessments. Dr. Ennis, also, reached out to other veterinarians for surrendered to MCSPCA outside opinions and everyone was at a loss as to what was causing this much trauma. Dr. Ennis suggested an endoscope to see if the trauma was internal. Considering Avia’s crucial status; Ashley reached out to multiple veterinarian hospitals to determine the best possible care for her. Avia’s surgery was October 20, 2017. Check out Montgomery County SPCA During the endoscope procedure at the Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Clement requested peron mission to do a more invasive surgery on Avia. During surgery, Dr. Clement discovered a string wrapped multiple times around the back of her tongue. The string was embedded in her tongue. It traveled down her esophagus through her stomach and ended inside her small intestine. The remainder of the string was clumped together with an unidentified item attached to the end of it. Avia has a wonderful, calm life of love now. At the completion of the surgery, Dr. Clement informed Ashley that Avia did well during surgery. Avia stayed overnight for observation at the Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital. Ashley called the next day for updates and a discharge date. She experienced some vomiting and didn’t have an appetite. The hospital kept her a few days to ensure a good recovery. Avia was then returned to foster care. Avia made amazing improvements in foster care. She finished the course of medications without any problems. She ate wet and dry dog food regularly and gained weight. Her energy level and over-all happiness improved every day. Avia remained in foster care until she reached ideal body weight for her breed and our veterinarian ensured that her intestines made a full recovery. From Avia’s foster mom, Ashley Weil - Avia kept such an amazing attitude through this entire traumatic experience. She captured the heart of every person she met. I am so grateful for all the support that was given to her, from the donations of food to those checking on her status. Support for Avia was overwhelming by the staff, board members, volunteers and fellow animal lovers in our community. I cannot thank Dr. Ennis, Dr. Clement and the hospitals’ staff enough for the amazing care they provided her over the three months in her time of need. Many individuals put a lot of energy and effort into making sure Avia had a successful happy ending. I cannot express enough what an amazing dog Avia is. She adjusted so well to my home, she slept with my other dogs and didn’t mind my cats at all. Children regularly visited and she was very eager to welcome them. She snuggled up with whoever sat down first. She is a true example of a Pit Bull; a loyal member of the family.” ~ Ashley In November 2017, Avia was adopted to a wonderful family and home. Good for you Avia! Thank you to all!

For more information about MCSPCA go to their website at: www.MC-SPCA.org, Call (518) 842-8050 or email them at info@mc-spca.org. You can also go to their Facebook page as well.

Montgomery County SPCA Road,

Amsterdam, NY 12010 842-8050 • www.MC-SPCA.org Email: info@mc-spca.org

Go online to www.mc-spca.org to join our mailing list. You will receive the latest news and dates about upcoming events and adoption clinics! Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at MCSPCA

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. The MCSPCA cares for unwanted, abused, abandoned and neglected animals, including hoarding situations. While they provide sanctuary for companion animals, their work goes far beyond simply housing, feeding and loving these creatures. The MCSPCA’s programs and services include a low cost feline spay and neuter program, a foster care network, food for your pet, micro chipping for your pet, investigating cruelty and neglect complaints, housing animals from cruelty and neglect investigations, animal legislation advocacy, education and more. Got Barn Cat – The MCSPCA will provide fully vetted feral cats to those who have a barn for their shelter and will feed the cats. The MCSPCA continues to make progress with the new animal shelter building. It will provide the needs of the community to ultimately benefit the animals. It’s been a long time coming and will be worth the wait. We at the MCSPCA are proud of the difference we make in the lives of both the animals and the individuals to whom we provide assistance. Shelter Hours: Mon, Wed-Sat. 12pm to 4pm; Closed Tues. & Sun.

Check out Montgomery County SPCA on

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

CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 13

Sometimes it takes long to ﬁnd a home, but it is worth the wait! Brutus was featured on our dog adoption page in our last magazine, and has since found a great home. We wanted to let everyone know that even when it takes a while, there is always hope that the right family will come along!

954 Days

Brutus is doing great! He fits in with the family so well, it feels like he has been here with us all along, lol. Our story is - my family has been pitbull lovers for as long as I can remember. Two Septembers ago, our beloved pitbull, Angel at the passed away. It was expected because she had heartworm since we first got shelter! her, but it still came to us as a surprise. Nevertheless we loved her the same. After she passed, we thought we were going to take a break from owning a dog, but we realized the house wasn't the same without a dog in our lives. We went to multiple shelters and did countless hours of searching online. We saw on Ayres' website this adorable pitbull with the most adorable smile and This is a photo of Brutus before he was decided to visit the shelter. As soon as I saw him, I knew he was exactly what adopted taken by Kait Litts of Kait’s I was looking for. K-9 Promotion. Go to her Facebook page We filled out an application, went home, and told everyone of this adorto see more shelter dog photos. able dog we fell in love with and hoped to adopt. We actually made him our I saw an update on a shelter dog screensavers even before we found out if we could take him home. I had been following for a while so Brutus is the best dog we have owned because he is obedient, sweet, and I reached out to his new family and everything we could hope for! When we were searching, we wanted a nice senior dog who was low maintenance and one we could take everywhere. asked for this update. It is so inspiring when everything falls There's no competition when it comes to Brutus. Ayres Animal Shelter took into place for a shelter pet and very good care of him and we are so thankful that we have him in our lives.

Brutus

their new family.

-Savannah Hellinger

Brutus is comfortable and happy in his new home and truly loved by his family!

Did you or someone you know adopt a shelter or rescue pet? Are you a foster mom, dad or family? Would you like us to tell your story in hopes of inspiring someone else to do what you did? If so, call us at: (518) 842-6532 or email us at: linda@creativityunleashed.org

ADIRONDACK FEED CENTER

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“Your Local Feed Store for over 25 years!” We Offer A Wide Selection Of Top Quality Pet Food And Other Products That Are Delivered Fresh Weekly! INCLUDING:

ANIMAL FEED • TOYS • TREATS • BIRD SEED

4608 Highway 30, Amsterdam

843-2817

Monday-Friday 9-5; Saturday 8-2; Sunday Closed

www.adirondackfeedcenter.com

(518) 843-3424

Scotia - Formerly Elmo’s - Same great staﬀ, same great quality & service! 22 Freemans Bridge Road, Scotia, NY 12301

- for business or pleasure

FREE Wireless High-Speed internet

(518) 346-1124

Ballston Lake - Formerly Elmo’s- Same great staﬀ, same great quality & service! 1143 Ballston Lake Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019

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• Great Customer Service • Quality Workmanship • Excellent Teamwork • Efficient Insurance Claim Service • High Accountability • Focused Operating Procedures • State-of-the-art Facilities, Equipment and Tooling • Environmental Friendly Processes

Amsterdam - Formerly Vern’s - Same great staﬀ, same great quality & service! 107 West Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010

You’ll love our comfortable and spacious rooms and suites

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Let us get you back to pre-accident condition Come visit us today! Find us on

(518) 762-5425 136 N. Comrie Ave., Johnstown, NY 12095 Meeting and party room available to guests NEW! and the public - Call to reserve!

14 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm

CRANESVILLE AUTO REPAIR This Guy is a Big Hunk of Love!

Louis F. Metz Jr. Owner/Operator

518-470-4288 Autobody

Custom & Collision Repair Custom Jeep Work Brake Service

AFFORDABLE EXCELLENCE.

513 State Hwy. 67, Amsterdam, NY 12010 Email: CranesvilleAuto@gmail.com

Early Childhood through Grade 8 Amsterdam, New York

MISSING

St. Mary’s Institute students participate in monthly service projects as part of the school’s #SMICares Initiative. Students are learning, even at the earliest ages, to give of themselves and serve their community—including our furry friends at the Montgomery County SPCA! At St. Mary’s Institute, giving back is part of the everyday academic experience!

“Mr. Earl”

From North Shore Rd. in Caroga Lake on July 3rd, 2016 (scared from the ﬁreworks)

Was seen in the 2nd and 3rd Ave. area. Hoping a summer resident “took him in”.

SaintMarysInstitute.com

If you have given him a new home or if you ever saw “Mr. Earl”

Contact Admissions (518) 842-4100 ext. 12

please call Kathy at (518) 301-1682

“Your Friends, Just Around The Corner”

Our Mission

Photo Credit: Aperture Media

At Pineview Commons, we strive to provide a safe and comfortable long-term supervised setting for individuals while promoting independence, socialization, and emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. We are committed to employing individuals who have a passion to help others and who have a desire to improve the quality of life of those who have chosen our services. We believe in making our facility feel like home.

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.

PINEVIEW COMMONS, LLC An Assisted Living Facility

201 South Melcher Street, Johnstown, NY 12095 Est. in 1992

www.pineviewcommons.com

Call Today to Schedule A Tour

518.762.5488

Kara Vollmer, RN Operator/Administrator

CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 15

In Honor of a Special Little Dog I met a sweet woman a few months ago named Valerie. She had picked up an issue of our magazine and thought I may know of a way to help her process the immense pain she was in after her soulmate “Levi” passed unexpectedly at 3 years old. We talked for a long time and I cried with her. You see, all of the emotions she was going through reminded me that I had lost my own “heart dog” Brownie. The pain NEVER goes away, but knowing that others care and understand makes a big difference in helping to get through it. Valerie wrote a beautiful letter to her dog, “Levi”who passed too soon at 3 years old. Levi was her constant companion and she fully believes their souls were connected. When we met as she spoke of him and showed me photos, the incredible bond she had with her little guy was quite evident.

16 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

This Guy is a Big Hunk of Love!

Come check out this cute gift shop!

3 Canal Street Fort Plain, NY 13339 (518) 993-2387 Fax: (518) 993-2302

Handmade quilts, home décor, candles, and so much more.

Homespun Memories

128 West Main St., Johnstown, NY 12095

(518) 844-3513

Tues.-Fri.10 -5 and Sat.-10-3

Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter

caLL uS for a quote on aLL of your inSurance needS! (800) 836-2885 mail@shultsagency.com

shultsagency.com

integrity • VaLue • SerVice

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

133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166

Our Surgical Site is up and running. If you have an animal that needs to be spayed or neutered, please All would-be adoptive families SCAN HERE call us at 518-673-5670 to be put on our list. Every animal must have a valid rabies certificate. are carefully screened before being allowed to take home any No animal accepted at the clinic without pet. In this way, each adopted full payment of fees prior to surgery. animal is assured of a good and Call for fees or go to our website. loving home.

518-673-5670

If you would like to make a donation to our shelter please send it to the address above.

Briggs Street Plaza Johnstown, NY 12095 (518) 762-8200 Fax: (518) 762-1400

A Huge Thank You to Dr. Linda Kolnick for her part in making this clinic possible!

Check out Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter on

Our Wish List Includes: Clay cat litter, Grain free dog food, Purina Dog Chow, Nylabones, Martingale collars. Rabies and DHPP shots are available at the clinic.

or go to: www.AyresAnimalShelter.org

Adirondack Dog Training LLC 518-316-0999 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.

Individual and Group Classes Also: Private in home lessons dog walking and pet sitting available.

email: adirondackdogtraining@gmail.com Check us out on facebook at facebook.com/adirondackdogtraining

• 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

518.791.3287 TREE REMOVAL AND TRIMMING Free Estimates CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 17

LOHSE FLORIST 93 E. State St., Gloversville, New York located near the entrance to *Conveniently Nathan Littauer Hospital

(518) 725-2623

Family Owned and Operated for over 80 Years!

❤

The Mr. Mo Project - Clifton Park (501c3 not-for-proﬁt)

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.

Classic or One-of-a-Kind Arrangements for Every Occasion

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

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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 $25,000-$30,000 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

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

Art Studio • Boutique

Gretchen Tisch, owner/artist

Custom Pet Paintings and Handmade and Painted Accessories for you and your Pet to Wear

Come visit Clover!

Handmade Bohemian Gifts Jewelry • Pillows • Stationery Mugs • Notebooks • T-Shirts • More

Ask about matching denim outfits for you and your dog!

517 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 • www.featheredantler.com

Shop Hours : Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-4; Saratoga Farmers Market: Every Wednesday 3-6pm • Saturday 9-1pm - Spa City Farmers Market: Every Sunday 10-3pm 18 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

Our mission:

DOG HOUSE ADOPTIONS/PAWSOME PUPS PERSEVERE

Guyallisvolunteer a Big dog Hunk oforganization Love! that focuses on rescuing and placing shelter dogs in 501(c)(3)This nonprofit, rescue and around Albany, New York that will not be available for adoption due to behavioral or medical concerns, as well as surrendered dogs that have not passed the assessment to enter a shelter, to reduce the number of dogs euthanized.

501(c)(3) not for proﬁt

Scan Here to Find out More on our Facebook Page

We bring bones, treats and toys to local shelter pets. All items are donated by our generous supporters or purchased with money raised at our fundraisers throughout the year. Money raised during the year is also used to purchase supplies and medical care for the dogs we rescue. If you would like to donate please go online to: paypal.me/pawsomepupspersevere

We Need Fosters!

If you are willing to help and become a foster parent, we can help more dogs, some of which will do much better out of the shelter environment while they wait for their forever families. We take care of all expenses associated with foster - contact us for details

Email: pawsomepupspersevere@yahoo.com or go to: www.Facebook.com/Dog House Adoptions/Pawsome Pups Persevere

Homes For Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.)

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.

Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist is not just our name. It is our mission. (518) 428-2994 Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) is a not for proﬁt 501(c)(3) organization of volunteers from info@hopeanimalrescue.org Saratoga and surrounding counties of New York State.

We help people and pets ﬁnd each other. Here are some ways you can help:

Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at H.O.P.E.

• 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 events.

Check out Homes For Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) on

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CALL TO FIND OUT ABOUT AVAILABLE OPENINGS We’d be happy to schedule a tour!

Phil & Lorrie Venneman, Owners

185 Wallins Corners Road, Amsterdam, NY

(518) 725-8779

sunshinekidscorner@aol.com

(518) 842-3935 CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 19

A Business that is Happy to Help!

Harvey’s Home, Garden & Pet Center 250 N. Comrie Ave., Johnstown, NY 12095

We wanted to highlight Harvey’s Home, Garden and Pet Center as one of those businesses who quietly helps out in so many ways. This area is lucky to have such giving and compassionate people like Christina and Mark VanValkenburgh who, along with their staff, willingly step in and help whenever they are needed. They organize events of their own throughout the year, including the FurEver Homes Adoption Event on October 13th, with Coldwell Banker Arlene M. Sitterly, Inc. as well as attending many fundraising events throughout the year. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting the nice people at Harvey’s - stop in soon! There is always a friendly face to greet you! Harvey’s works closely with pet rescues and donates regularly. They believe in giving back to pets in as many ways as possible. Not only does Harvey’s entire staff greet each customer with a smile, they also take part in outside adoption events by attending as many as they can. They provide gift baskets for events and fundraisers. You will often see pets who need “forever homes” posted on their website and Facebook pages. They truly enjoy watching their customers and pets make a connection that lasts a lifetime. Some of the local shelters/rescues they have helped and continue to help are James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society, Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Regional Animal Shelter, Kitten Angels, Montgomery County SPCA, Dally’s Hope 4 Paws/ Bigbee Humane Society, Gloversville Cat Sanctuary and Information Center and H.O.P.E. There is even a spot on their website for a featured pet that will take you to the website of the shelter/rescue. They also advocate for using reputable breeders and getting your pets spayed or neutered. Harvey’s invites the Regional Animal Shelter to set up a table recruiting volunteers on Sundays. They display items for sale that benefit the Regional Animal Shelter, including T-shirts, Glassware and Sweatshirts. Renee Earl, president of Regional Animal Shelter in Gloversville is thankful for all Christina and Mark do for them. She also says, “not only do Christina and Mark love the local shelters, they also love every single customer that walks in the door and give them the same special treatment they gives to the shelters.” Harvey’s has donated grooming and bathing to help shelter pets look their best for potential adopters to many of the shelters they help. Christie Rust, President of James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society says “They are always having different fundraisers which benefit the local shelters. When news broke of the Stratford 22 story, Christina messaged me right away asking what they could do to help. They groomed several of the Mastiffs for us, and immediately began collecting food and monetary donations. This is not at all uncommon for them.” Marissa Christman, assistant shelter director at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter has nothing but good things to say about Harvey’s as well. “Harvey’s has been incredible to all local shelters - Ayres Shelter included! They go above and beyond. Sharing animals for adoption, holding adoption clinics, donating countless amounts of food and goodies for the animals and opening their store to us for Ayres clinics every second Saturday. Our volunteers LOVE bringing their shelter buddies to Harvey’s for baths.on the house - yet another thing they offer shelters! They are always greeted with a smile from anyone on their amazing staff, who pay loving attention to our dogs while they wait for their forever homes. Harvey’s friendly staff can assist you in any way. When you enter, you will feel like family and if you need help, a friendly face will be more than happy to do so. Do you need a place for your dog to hang out while you work? Are you working longer hours and don’t want to leave them alone all day? If so, loving, caring staff will supervise play and your dog will enjoy some great activities throughout the day. Chances are good your dog will make some new friends! Do you need to go away and feel uncomfortable about leaving your pet? Check out Harvey’s Luxury Pet Hotel. Does your dog need training? Harvey’s offers training by professional trainer Leatrice Natola-Miller and offers an number of different levels and classes so you can choose the right one for your pet. See page 24 for training tips by Leatrice Natola-Miller. Harvey’s has a beautiful luxury pet salon and spa so your dog or cat (yes, cat) can be pampered by wonderful professional groomers. Your dog or cat will love the way they feel after being so well taken care of. Look for a Harvey’s booth at any local fundraisers in the area, they just might be there!

Harvey’s encourages people to let them know of any events they have going on and wants people to know how much they value the relationships they have made with their customers and rescue friends. If you would like to contact Harvey’s please call (518) 762-7613 store, go to: www.harveyshomegardenandpetcenter.com or find them on Facebook @Harveyshomegardenandpetcenter 20 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

This Guy is a Big Hunk of Love! See us for all of 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 your home values today. We pride ourselves with helping customers with our extensive and pet supply knowledge on everything from pets to gardens and everything in between. We also enjoy helping local shelters and rescues by holding events, and being a needs! part of fundraisers, as well as sharing information on our website.

Pet Hotel & Doggy Daycare

It’s our 31ST Year in Business!

Dogs have fun when they stay with us!

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

WE CARRY THESE PET FOODS and many more!

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!

We Offer Dog Training

Come meet Leatrice Miller-Natola our on-staﬀ certiﬁed dog trainer with over 25 years of experience

CALL TODAY TO

We have the right class for your dog… RESERVE YOUR SPOT Puppy Kindergarten • Beginners 101 and 102 Senior Class • Refresher Classes Puppy Play Hour & more

For Dates amd Times and to see all the classes we oﬀer...check out our Facebook page or go to:

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24.99 CALL 762-7613 OR GO ONLINE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT 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 Sixth Edition - 21

A Special Little “Miracle” What an inspiration Miracle the goat is to so many of us. She has a wonderful spirit for all she has been through, a will to survive and a family who loves her. Sarah Austin, Miracle’s mom, runs a Rehabilation Center in Western Montgomery County. She and her family decided to adopt Miracle after some tragic events happened during her birth. Read about her progress and follow her story on Facebook. Donate if you can to help her with her ongoing medical bills by purchasing T-shirts, Magnets or in any way you can. There were so many wonderful photos of her, it was hard to choose, this is just a few of them... Here is some of Sarah’s story as written on her MIRACLE Facebook page (to read the full story go to @Miracle on Facebook) Miracle is a very special little pygmy goat. Her life began in trauma, but her story now inspires people around the world. A farmer came to Sarah for help with his pregnant goat. She grabbed her bag and went to the farm only to see the momma goat in distress trying to push the baby out. Sarah then realized that something was amiss. Come to find out, after she successfully guided Miracle out of the momma goat, she had had her legs bitten off by the herding dog when she started to come out feet first. After delivery she seemed lifeless and broken. Soon, this nearly 2lb broken little being came to life!! Her front legs, up to the knee, were chewed off during birth. It is a Miracle she was even alive!!!! And that is why she is named Miracle. The farmer surrended her to Sarah and her family and she was immediately taken in for surgery to clean up the bone fragments. After all she went through she was just bubbling with joy and had an amazing appreciation and love of life! After a quick blurb and a few photos of Miracle on social media, her story caught the attention of many of Sarah’s rescue’s regular fans. As the days passed Miracle blossomed and her love of life grew - so did her following. It was evident within a week that Miracle would require additional, more extensive, orthopedic surgery. Sarah and her family were referred to Derrick Campana from Bionic Pets with the hope to eventually provide her with prosthetic legs. Miracle’s new friends and followers from “around the world” stepped up to raise money for her to be able to have new legs. Complete strangers from all walks of life have been touched by this little Miracle. She soon underwent extensive orthopedic surgery at Cornell university to remove the remaining damaged bone leaving a smooth surface which would allow for her to be fitted for prosthetics. Mr. Campana, backed by Animal Orthocare, was kind enough to take time to consult with her surgical team. The goal was now to decide on the best possible approach to allow for Miracle to heal as well as retain the ability to have prosthetics in the future. After surgery she was placed in her new ‘Walkin Wheels’ cart which allowed her mobility while she healed. Soon, she had a visit with Dr. Christopher Fry who specializes in Sports Medicine & Rehabilitative Care at Cornell. With his guidance she was wheeling around in her tiny chair within an hour of coming out of recovery from a bilateral amputation! After a few clumsy days, Miracle started to really get the hang of it and became a pink wheeled goat blur zipping happily around the house. This little girl is so determined to not only survive but to live life and love life every step of the day! The surgeons and Dr Fry were thrilled with her great progress. With the help of some pretty amazing people the funds were raised for Miracle’s first set of prosthetics. Miracle will need a minimum of 2-3 possibly 4-5 sets of prosthetics in her lifetime. Since these prosthetics will need to grow along with her to ensure proper posture., Sarah and family were ecstatic that Derek Campana has offered a package for LIFE for Miracle. One price will cover all future prosthetics. Sarah was amazed by his generosity - not only with his valuable time but also his true compassion for his animal patients. Miracle’s family wants to say THANK YOU TO ALL WHO MADE THIS HAPPEN! Miracle also has other continued medical expenses due to her condition, so any donations made will go directly towards her medical care. Donations for her care can be made on her Facebook page via PayPal. You can follow Miracle’s journey on facebook @Miracle as well as Sarah’s other rescue efforts at Avian Experience / Sarah’s Birds of Prey. AS ALWAYS, Thank you for your caring, from Miracle and the rest. A bit about Miracle - she loves to lay in her momma’s lap, watch some TV and fall asleep. She is crazy about Honey Nut Cheerios, loves being outside on the farm with her mom and dad and is now having play dates with her herd. At the time of this publication her new “feetz” had arrived and she had taken her first steps. There are two T-shirt designs that can be ordered to help with her care - The lovely collage made by Aileen Ziege-Dame that will come in black or pink, as well as the pretty design by Maria Simone which will be available in Gray and Pink. Magnets can also be ordered to help with her care. Photos from Top to Bottom: Miracle outside with her cart, T-Shirt Collage Design and Believe in Miracle Design, Miracle Magnets. Photos below from left to right: Derek Campana holding up some “Feetz” for Miracle, Sarah Austin, Miracle and Steve Caporizzo, Miracle trying out her new “Feetz”

NOTE: Miracle’s new Feetz have arrived and she took her first steps on Sunday, June 10th! See Fecebook for updates!

If you would like to help in any way, please go check out Miracle’s Amazon Wish List and/or you may purchase T-shirts, Magnets or donate to her ongoing care. Find out more and see more photos on her Facebook Page @bionicgoat 22 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

Thank You!

Anethesia Safety For Your Pets

Dr. Crystal Murray, DVM owner of

5877 Route 30 South, Amsterdam, New York 12010

(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.

Check out CVVC on

Sooner or later, almost every beloved pet will require anesthesia for a veterinary procedure. This frequently causes anxiety for the pet parent. Although this is an understandable concern, there are many steps that can be taken to ensure that your pet has as safe an experience as possible. Below I will detail what precautions we take at Country Valley Veterinary Clinic for the health and safety of your best friend. Prior to considering anesthesia, all patients must have a thorough physical examination by a licensed veterinarian to identify any areas of concern. Additionally, we will always recommend (and frequently require) lab work to determine the health of various organ functions. After the examination and lab work have been reviewed, we will determine the best anesthetics to use for a specific patient. On the day of the surgery, another physical examination will be performed prior to anesthesia to make sure nothing has changed. The vast majority of patients will receive a “pre-anesthetic.” This is typically a cocktail of medications designed to lower the pet’s stress levels, decrease any pain perception, and calm the patient down. Not long after this has been injected, we will place an iv catheter. Anesthesia will be induced with an iv-medication designed to help the patient gently and safely “fall asleep.” After an appropriate level of relaxation and disassociation has been reached, we will place an endotracheal tube into the trachea (airway). Going forward, to maintain anesthesia we will provide inhalant anesthesia mixed with oxygen through the endotracheal tube, while running fluids through the catheter. These fluids improve organ function and also help to keep the blood pressure up. At CVVC, we utilize an experienced licensed veterinary technician for our surgeries. Your pet will be monitored at all times, from the initial pre-anesthetic injection to after the procedure when they are awake, alert, and stable! When the patient is actually under anesthesia, we utilize a variety of warming devices, and we monitor their internal temperature, their pulses, respirations, SPO2 (how much oxygen saturation they have), CO2 (waste products in the breath), ECG, and blood pressure the entire time. By doing this, we can modify the flow of gas as needed, as well as add medications or change fluids in order to make sure we keep your pet comfortable and safe. Many people are frightened by anesthesia, but a properly managed experience is much safer than most people realize, and anesthesia is critical for many procedures that your pet needs to stay healthy. Even very sick patients can usually be managed safely. If you are still nervous, please ask your veterinary staff to give you a tour of the surgical suite and help to explain what can be done to keep your friend in top health! By Dr. Crystal Murray, DVM

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

Accepting New Patients!

Fred & Gina’s

LaVilla Dog Works

5877 Route 30S, Amsterdam

Handcrafted

(518) 843-2882

Collars & Leashes

M-W-F 8-5; T-TH 8-7; Sat. 8:30-1

Dr. Crystal C. Murray Dr. Stacey Bunting

Join us in welcoming Dr. Matthew Mink

Because we know your dog is Awesome!

New Hours - Starting in August

We are now open later in the day! Open: Mon., Tues., Wed. and Thurs. 8-7; Fri. 8-5; Sat. 8:30-1 Routine and Non-Routine Health Issues Surgey Suite and Digital X-Ray Unit On-site State of the Art Dental Equipment

We treat your pet as we would our own.

Download our app to request medication reﬁlls, schedule appts, get important messages and more! We are proud to be among the top AAHA accredited hospitals in the United States and Canada since 2013

www.countryvalleyvet.com

Pete

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11 S. Market St., Johnstown, NY 12095

Thurs. & Fri. 10-5 • Saturdays 10-2 - Unless we are at an event

Shop online 24/7 at

www.LaVillaDogWorks.com Email: Bark@LaVillaDogWorks.com

518-762-BARK (2275)

CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 23

STOP YELLING AT YOUR DOG!

And START LEADING SO YOUR DOG WILL FOLLOW By Leatrice Miller-Natola, Certiﬁed Pet Dog Trainer - Located at Harvey’s Home Garden and Pet Center in Johnstown, NY

Your dog doesn’t listen to you. He’s impulsive, unruly. Walking anywhere with him on leash is a nightmarish battle. Off leash, he takes off and you worry he will one day get loose and vanish, get hit by a vehicle or any nightmare you can imagine for a lost, injured dog. The fact is, you spend a lot of energy and time worrying about your dog. What would life be like if that worry was gone and your dog actually listened to you because he knows YOU are the best thing in his world….no matter what, no matter where. Wow! And, yes, it is possible for you and your dog. Really. However, here’s the rub: it's not free. It requires investment from you in training, Helping adogs Leatrice Miller-Natola, certifiedand dog trainer money, time and love (emotion). Without all of those ingreis shown withhumans her two dogslive Em andinBuzz their dients, you will not achieve the relationship you desire with harmony, balance your dog. Period. Ok. What now? and peace. Dogs won’t follow angry, frustrated, tense, upset energy. Calm down and be happy. Smile at your dog. Change the tone of your voice to calm and happy and not excited happy. It's amazing. Try it. Happy and calm. Just TRY it: Say NOTHING to your dog yet. Take just a moment to get a few pieces of yummy food (some real beef, chicken, small amounts of cheese; something really enticing). Then standing just a few steps from your dog, get really happy, bend at the waist, and call him like you are having a party! Do that a few times moving around the house but remaining not too far from him. Be happy. If he walks away, clip a leash to his collar and let him drag it, but if he goes too far, gently bring him closer. You might also need to up the value of the treat to keep his attention. Have fun. If you are having fun, so is your dog! Stay close. He is just beginning to learn what you want from him. Keep your expectations at the Kindergarten level. He isn’t ready for being 100 feet away yet. Practice this enough, and he will eventually LOVE coming to you. Yelling at your dog for NOT coming guarantees he won’t come. He knows you are upset and wants nothing to do with your angry frustrated energy. ALWAYS reward a dog who comes to you! NEVER yell or be angry with the dog. It is our human world and ridiculous expectations that are causing the problem. Far too often we expect our dogs to come to us when we haven’t bothered to teach him how to do it and then practiced it enough in enough different places for him to generalize the new behavior. Many timid dogs find it very difficult to come back to humans, especially when there is a lot of emotion going on in the human. Slow down. Relax. Breathe. Teach what you want to happen with really good rewards that your dog loves. With time and patience, your dog with learn and so will you! CLEAR COMMUNICATION: Good leaders communicate clearly and consistently Clear communication is essential in training your dog. It is one of the reasons certified professional dog training is so invaluable. You will learn to communicate in a clear consistent manner so your dog can understand what you want from her. If you do not bother to learn a language you can both share, then its like you being dropped in the middle of a foreign country with NOTHING at all to help you communicate with the people you encounter. How do you find a bathroom? How do you find food? How do you find someone to care about you and your needs? Overwhelming! And that is where your over excited, over stimulated dog spends most of her life: just not understanding what you want and you not understanding that shedesperately wants to communicate with you but doesn’t know the language. What dogs DO understand is body language. That is how they communicate, with some vocalizations included. A good dog training coach will help you develop consistent clear verbal and visual hand cues to help you and your dog communicate. The visual hand cue is your dog’s bridge to understanding what your words and body language are trying to say to her. STRUCTURE: Good leaders provide safe boundaries and rules LEADERSHIP = the loving art of showing a dog how to be successful, NOT the art of letting a dog do whatever she wants. Be proactive rather than permissive. Proactively set your dog up to be happy and successful wherever she is and whatever she is doing. Permissiveness results in dogs that are set up for failure do to the lack of active leadership from their humans. They can end up feeling frustrated and anxious everywhere they go. When you became a dog guardian, you became obligated to have reasonable expectations for you dog. When you find yourself in a situation in which your dog is not performing as you hoped, ask yourself if your expectations for him/her are suitable for the situation, age, and breed of your dog. Reasonable limits and boundaries must be designed to encourage and support good manners, good impulse control, calm, and an easy going attitude in the home and in public. In other words, avoid places, and situations your dog isn’t good at yet. Experience success, then, over time, slowly and carefully push the boundaries in a calm, confident manner. Leatrice Miller-Natola, CPDT, located in Johnstown, NY.

If you have any questions about this article, give Leatrice a call at (518) 705-8469 24 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

The Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, Inc.

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 disturbedThis by the plight abused, and stray animals in this area. ASSV is a not-for-proﬁt organization. It is Guyofistheamany Bigstarved, Hunk of Love! comprised entirely of volunteer members and Board of Directors with the exception of the shelter manager and support staﬀ.

501c(3) Non Proﬁt Organization

304 Howes Cave Rd., Howes Cave, NY 12092 Phone: (518) 296-8390 Fax: (518) 296-8392

The goal of the ASSV is to alleviate stray animal suffering and to maintain a shelter to house, feed, and care for these animals until safe and loving homes are found for them. ASSV also strives to 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 Whether you can volunteer for ASSV on a regular basis, or just a few hours now and then, we can likely use your

Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at The Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley

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.

Check out The Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley on

Amsterdam Kitten Adoption, Inc. Hagaman, New York 12086 (518) 265-2842 Gina Kline New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Certificate #RR120 Scan Here to See More Pets Available for Adoption at Amsterdam Kitten Adoptions

Non-clumping Cat Litter, Canned Kitten Food, 13 Gallon Garbage Bags, Liquid Laundry Detergent, and bleach (kills 99% germs).

Shelter Hours: Wed.-Sun. 1pm - 5pm

or go to: www.schoharieanimalshelter.org to ﬁnd out more!

We are a local rescue dedicated to helping local kittens ﬁnd homes. Our adoption fee covers the spay/neuter, rabies vaccine, ﬂea treatment, dewormer, nail trim and ear cleaning. We have saved over 500 cats and kittens since we started and we have assisted over 100 cats in homes get spayed and neutered in the area. If you like kitties but don’t think you want a long term commitment we are always looking for foster homes. Snow birds welcome! This is a great way for people who love kittens to spend time with them while they wait for their forever homes.

Check out Amsterdam NY Kitten Adoptions on

Amsterdam Castle

NY Inc.

Hotel Events Weddings Beauty Restored

In addition to monetary donations, we are currently in need of the following items:

or call Gina Kline for more information

Flea Market - held every Saturday outside ! See Facebook for details • Always Looking for New Vendors! *

Stop in and browse!

*weather permitting

History Preserved

Amsterdam Castle NY Inc.

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CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 25

Fostering

? u o y r o f t i s I

Petey says give it a try!

Find “Petey” on

Petey is our Granddog and he has been a foster brother to countless foster dogs who have been saved by his mom and dad, Dan and Brittany Palmieri.

Fostering a pet provides temporary care for shelter animals who may need to live In a home environment for a variety of reasons prior to being adopted out. Fostering is a great way for shelters and rescues to avoid overcrowding at their facilities and allows them to help more animals versus turning them away. Generally the foster’s own pets are kept away to minimize stress in the household. Some experienced fosters have been able to strike a balance between separating their fosters and socializing them with their own pets. Fosters are given essential supplies and will have access to veterinary care through the organization they are helping. Every organization has it’s own policies on fostering so check with the shelter of your choice to see what they are. Generally, fostering a pet needs to be a commitment that the whole family agrees to. As a foster you need to be able to let go when it is time for adoption, and you may be asked to attend various adoption events with your foster. On the next few pages I have asked foster moms to tell me what they think of fostering.

I hope they inspire you to become a foster parent to a homeless cat or dog!

In Sept. 2017 we published a magazine about fostering It contains great stories and loads of information to help you decide if fostering is right for you.

Go to: www.issuu.com/creativityunleashed to read it online You will find heartwarming stories of fostering and many answers to questions you may have about fostering for specific shelters. If the shelter of your choice is not mentioned please give that shelter a call or email them. There is such a huge need for foster parents! If you do not have online access and would like a copy, contact us at (518) 842-6532

Foster MomKelly LaRocco

Our family met Kelly when we adopted Sofie early this year from Happy Cat Rescue. She was a fabulous foster mom for her, loving her like her own while she waited for us to find her. She was “brought back” twice because of issues she has with her nose. We couldn’t be happier, she is one special little girl and we have committed to loving her forever. She now has two families!

I have been fostering for almost 4 years now as well as volunteering with Happy Cat Rescue. I hadn’t planned on fostering, honestly. With children still at home, pets of my own, cats and dogs and working full time I would never have thought I’d have the time to foster. There was an urgent need for a momma cat and her babies to be fostered. I was asked, and while I was nervous, I accepted. I worried I wouldn’t have enough time to take care of them at ﬁrst. But I soon came to realize that it doesn’t take so much time.

Here is Kelly saying “see you later” to Sofie on the day we (Mike and Linda Palmieri) adopted her. Our door is always open to her for a visit.

Fostering, I realized, is a temporary stop on the cat or dog’s journey to their furrever home. I have an extra unused bedroom I use for most of my fosters. You don’t necessarily need a spare room. Many people who foster use large crates or playyards for them. This works well also. I have had some fosters who have been integrated with my own pets when I feel it is best for everyone. What you provide as a foster is a safe, warm, loving place to prepare for their new homes. Without people to foster, many pets will not make it out of a shelter or be given the chance at a happy life. Fostering is crucial to saving as many lives as possible. There is no cost for a person to foster. The rescue group pays for the vetting and food supplies. All you need to do is give them some time, attention and love ❤

I can rattle off every foster cat I’ve ever had in my home! They each hold a special place in my heart. One of my most recent fosters is sweet Soﬁe! While I miss her so much, she was with me a long time due to health issues, I know she is now in the best possible loving home she could ever hope for! And THAT is what fostering is all about!!! Just a little bit of time for their chance at a lifetime of love! It’s more than worth it!

Our little Soﬁe

Orange Boy meeting Santa Kelly says, “He was ﬁv positive and no one ever showed interest in him. Right after we were on tv with Jorga Roman on a segment she did called Romans Rescues, he was adopted. It was only a week later - by a sweet elderly lady who is just totally in love with him!!! Sometimes, it takes a long time and sometimes it’s pretty quick. It just takes the right person to come along.

Happy Cat Rescue specializes in the rescue and placement of abused, unwanted and abandoned companion animals. We never discriminate on the basis of health, age or breed. 501(c)(3) not for proﬁt

By involving and educating the community, Happy Cat Rescue works to raise the public’s awareness of the plight of homeless animals as well as realizing the beneﬁts of adopting an animal in need. Our animals are examined, vaccinated, spayed or neutered and receive any and all medical treatment before they are placed in carefully screened homes.

HAPPY CAT RESCUE, INC P.O. Box 352 Guilderland Center, NY 12085 Email: adoptions@happycatrescueny.org or Call Marcia Scott at (518) 334-3195 Scan Here to Find out More on Happy Cat Rescue’s Facebook Page

Please Volunteer if you can...You can work directly with the cats in stores! Our available cats are located in Petco in

Northway Mall Colonie and with various foster parents. We need help with feeding, cleaning kennels and adoption clinics. In some cases, you don’t even need to leave home! We are also in need of administration help such as simply writing thank you cards! We will supply the cards and stamps. Fundraising is a big part of what we do as well. If you would like to help with that, we always need extra hands at our fundraising events. As we grow, we need more help. Whatever you can do is always appreciated. If you can’t volunteer and would just like to make a donation, please visit our Donation Page on our website.

Check out Happy Cat Rescue on

26 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

or go to: www.happycatrescueny.org

Dad Foster Mom &

Fostering Kittens - The Pleasure is all Ours!

Doris and Gil Rickard

These are three of ﬁve kittens we got from the APF. They came to us at about 4 weeks with their mom.

This is the ﬁrst orange female Kitty we have fostered. She is a spitfire. Here, she is resting on a heartbeat teddy.

This is our granddaughter Áine with Travis, from the APF. She’s so good with the kittens.

Doris and Gil Rickard have been fostering for 20 years now. They have had over 500 cats and kittens come through their doors. Here Doris speaks about being a foster parent and the joy it brings. They stay in touch with people who have adopted the ones they have cared for and receive updates.

My husband Gil and I have been fostering for about 20 years. In that time, we have had over 500 kittens, some for a few days, some for a few months, from bottle babies, to 4 month old, to a litter with a mom, and a few adults that needed to be in a home with no other cats, Many people ask how we can do it – have all these sweet kittens in our home, and then give them up. They ask us, do you not fall in love with them? The answer is, absolutely, each and every one of them! However, we know with each one we give up, we can help more. We have often had a hand in interviewing our adopters, and it helps to know that they are getting great homes. We get many emails with updates and pictures, although it’s always a surprise to see how big they are, as we haven’t seen them since they were kittens. We have even been invited to visit them. At this time, we are fostering for two terrific groups: Animalovers in PetSmart, East Greenbush (www.animalovers.org • 518-348-3903) and Animal Protective Foundation, more commonly known as APF in Scotia (animalprotective.org • 518-374-3944). Both groups are similar in that everything you need is provided (food, litter, veterinary care) so there is no outlay of money needed. If you are new to fostering, both groups have training available, and if you have questions, they are both a phone call away. Fostering works great for us, as we love to travel and always arrange to have fosters before and after that time. If we are in the middle of fostering, and need someone to take our fosters, help is available. Fostering also gives you a chance to see if you want to add a pet permanently to your home, and what pet ownership might involve. You may not want a 20 year commitment, so it’s the best of both worlds. You don’t need much space, a spare bedroom, or a bathroom will do to start. Fosters should be separate from any pets you own when you first get them, but a small room is still bigger than a cage in a rescue or shelter. Being in homes is so good for cats and kittens, as they benefit so much from human socialization. And the joy the humans get is unbelievable. Our TV is seldom on when the kittens are having playtime. They are so much fun to watch. We also invite friends in to our home to play with them, for more socialization. When feeding time has fallen during church time, our babies have joined us in church where they get even more socialization. Watching the tiniest grow, as we bottle feed, who may have lost their mom, so they get attached to us, or even the four week old who is big enough for food, and looks up at you with a face full of soft food, as they figure out eating on their own, is so rewarding. Having a litter and knowing that because a foster stepped forward, they didn’t have to be out in the dangerous world, but are in a home, will give the foster person such a warm feeling, to know that because of you, they are safe. - Doris and Gil Rickard

Doris and Gil currently foster for APF and AnimaLovers See pages 31 and 37 for more information about these rescues

These kittens were motherless and at 2 ounces they had to be bottle fed. Here they are at 12 ounces.

This is Sassy, an Animalovers kitten. She went to church with us and was adopted by a church member.

Gil sometimes plays guitar to the kittens. Music makes them relax. This fellow wanted to be the page turner.

Come and see what’s inside your new Humane Society! Pet Adoption • Dog Training • Community Education Series Low-Cost Spay/Neuter • Pet Food Pantry Nipper’s Nook Supplies & Gifts Volunteer Opportunities and So Much More 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands 518-434-8128 mohawkhumane.org CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 27

#thisisfostering

Foster Mom

at Sophia L’Orange Foster Kittens (For Kitten Angels)

This foster mom has fostered for Kitten Angels for five years now and is also the administrator of the Sophia L’Orange Facebook page. She frequently comes to the rescue of mama cats and their kitties when they need a safe place. When they get to her home, they are filled with love and nurtured so they grow into very adoptable pets. Here, she speaks about being a foster mom and what it means to her.

The goal is sending them off to live with wonderful families to free yourself up too - to foster the next batch that desperately need you. The goal is goodbye, but the journey is amazing. Filled with love and sometimes tears, but always worth it. Keeping them healthy, warm, and helping to socialize them are key. Fostering is different than just sheltering. It’s fostering a temperament, a personality, a love and a kindness. It’s having the time to spend with each. It’s not just about getting them inside, but giving them an environment in which to ﬂourish. It’s fostering health and care. Though fostering too takes knowing that kittens are fragile, they have more of a chance safe with you. As a foster, you’d need a separate warm comfortable room for them to stay. Sometimes a small bathroom is enough. Generally though make sure it’s somewhere you want to hang out because the more time you spend with them socializing them, the better chance they have of getting adopted. As we run solely off of fostering, most often we need fosters who would be dedicated to What could be better than a grateful pregnant cat sleeping on your chest see their foster kitties through to adoption. Kitten Angels provides the vetting after a long day? and can often provide food because of donations. We also have social media, adoption clinics, and many opportunities to get information out about your foster kitties, so often getting them adopted relies on what you are willing to put into it. (About 90% of my own foster kitties and moms are spoken for before they ever have to go to an event because of my own foster page, many fosters do the same, though some rely strictly on clinics). Fostering too is being able to get them to the vet and to clinics. If you can stay with them at clinics to meet potential adopters, all the better. It helps adopters so much to hear how the kitten/cat is in a home, particularly because sometimes the clinics can be scary for the kitties. All your own animals should be up to date on vaccinations and you should not be fostering for any other rescue. Fostering is life changing, for the animals and for you. Won’t you join us?

Chutney is one of this mom’s foster fails and has taken on the role of surrogate dad to any of her orphan kittens who need him. He is a wonderful boy with a huge personality.

For more info you can see our webpage at: http://kittenangels.org/kitten-angels-foster-information-form/

It never gets old looking at precious kitten faces.

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. You can also see available cats at:

Kitten Angels runs weekly adoption clinics

501(c)3 not for proﬁt rescue

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

Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at Kitten Angels

petﬁnder.org/shelters/NY868.html • Saturdays at PetSmart located in Mohawk Commons at 406 Balltown Rd. or ﬁnd us on FACEBOOK: Kitten Angels (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., Our fosters help us rescue all these amazing kittens Latham from 11am - 3pm and your donations help us feed, spay/neuter, vaccinate • Sundays at Pet Supplies Plus located in The University Plaza at 1235 Western and get veterinary care, and save so many more. All donations to Kitten Angels are tax deductible. Ave., Albany from 11am - 3pm Thank you so much for all your care and support. • Alternate Sundays at PetSmart located in the Amsterdam Commons at 4930 State Hwy. 30, If you would like to get involved with Kittens Angels you can Amsterdam from 11am - 2pm • At other select events around the Capital Region.

Check out Kitten Angels on

become a foster parent, adopt one of our kitties, or volunteer!

or go to: www.kittenangels.org to ﬁnd out more!

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28 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

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So you decided it isn’t time for you to foster or adopt?”

There is something else you can do!

Some of you reading this magazine may wish to foster but can’t for good reasons. There are other ways you can help “hands on”. Sign up for the Buddy Program at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter. 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166 • 518-673-5670

Ayres Memorial Shelter Buddy Program There have been many times in life where we have had someone say to us, “I’d love to help, but I can’t adopt a pet right now.” As much as we would love for everyone to have the opportunity to know the love from a rescue pet, we know that it is not a viable reality for everyone. With that said, there are still plenty of ways for people to help out a shelter animal in need! It doesn’t take money, just a little time and a lot of heart. We at Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter have put together what we call our “Shelter Buddy” program. This program pairs up a two legged volunteer with a four legged pal that they can call their very own! As a “buddy” you are able to take your your dog out on walks, hikes, swimming, to the pet store for treats, celebrate holidays, get them socialized and give them love until their very own forever family comes along. The bond that you will develop with your buddy is unlike any other that you have ever felt - you are making an impact on an animal’s life - showing them consistency, helping them redevelop trust in a mankind that had previously abandoned them and showing them love to help overcome whatever past experiences they may have had. The changes that will occur as a result of spending just one day a week with your buddy are unmeasurable. A dog that is timid will come out of it’s shell and give you it’s belly to rub, a dog that is anxious will begin to settle and learn to walk by your side with structure and exercise, a dog that had lived life in a The author of this article: crate or on a chain will run on a loose leash with that special smile that a dog can only show, a dog that has never seen Frankie Page - shown here on an outing with her shelter buddy King. open water will paddle around with a look of pure joy. Words cannot fully describe the rewards that you reap as a shelter buddy, you learn lessons that cannot be Frankie and Mike Page have been shelter Buddies for some taught in books but only learned through experience. You see change occur before your very own eyes, you get to give time now and truly enjoy being and receive love and most importantly, you make a difference. A few hours a week may not seem like that much to you, but that time means the world to an animal in need. - Frankie Page

a part this wonderful shelter.

More inspiring words from Ayres Shelter Buddies

Mike Page shown here with Jordan, another one of the couple’s shelter buddies, enjoying their time together

If you think this may be something you could do, don’t wait! Give it a try! Call the shelter at 518-673-5670 “I decided to join the shelter buddy program as a way to give back after adopting from Ayres, only I didn’t know I was going to gain so much! The dogs love their outings and are able to bond with a specific person until their forever person comes along. Until then, we get to love on them! The Ayres family is such a wonderful group to be a part of too!” Karl and Sharon Markwardt on an outing with Cullen

Karl has a bit of fun with previous buddy Mason, who has since been adopted.

Why become a shelter buddy? For us, being a part of the Ayres Shelter Buddy program makes our hearts whole, for a thousand different reasons. It’s the purest of joys you both feel when you pick your friend up for an outing. It’s those shining puppy eyes, that over-the-moon whirlwind of wagging tails, grateful kisses, and that unconditional love that dogs have perfected. It’s the goofy head sticking out of the sunroof, ears flapping in the wind. It’s seeing their face light up at the McDonald’s drive thru. It’s watching them let loose and sprint to the creek for a swim. It’s discovering that each sweet moment you share together helps your dog’s confidence and pride flourish, making them even more adoptable. It’s a meeting of two souls who although may not end up together, can both share in a journey to their happily ever after. It’s helping to walk your buddy home. - Sharon & Karl

- Jeanette Nare

Jeanette Nare taking a selﬁe with Bogy I love the shelter buddy program! It benefits both the dogs and the volunteers . We get to take a dog out to experience real life situations, which gives us great info to pass along to potential adopters. The dogs get to go on walks and have new adventures, and meet new people. They love it, and go back to the shelter happy and ready for a long nap! It’s so great to see them being dogs and enjoying life! -Kim Pacheco

Kim Pacheco shown here with Chewy

I’m so happy to be a part of the shelter buddy program! It gives these pups an opportunity to get out and experience every day life like going hiking and on walks, visiting stores and riding around in the car. The program helps better socialize and prepare them for their forever homes. It’s awesome to see the progress they make over their time spent with the shelter and it’s rewarding to know that you may have been a small part of it:) Sara Alfree with Daisy

- Sara Alfree Mike Alfree with Daisy

For more information go to:ayresmemorialanimalshelter.org or contact Marissa at: Marissa.ayresshelter@gmail.com or find Ayres on Facebook @AyresMemorialAnimalShelter CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 29

Safe At Last

Mission Guy mission is a Big to Hunk Love! It is SafeThis At Last’s helpofease 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).

Animal Rescue

An all-volunteer 501c3 not-for-proﬁt corporation dedicated to saving the lives of shelter animals. P.O. Box 36 Fultonham, NY 12071

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.

or email us at: Info@safeatlast.net

Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at Safe At Last

Check out Safe At Last Animal Rescue on

We are a 501c3 tax exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible. Founded in 2010

Rottieempirerescue@gmail.com or rerevents@yahoo.com

154 Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY 12054

Many of our dogs attend the clinics but if you are looking to meet a speciﬁc dog please message us or email us.

Check out Rottie Empire Rescue on

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.

We are always looking for foster homes - foster applications are also available on our website.

Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at Rottie Empire Rescue

or go to: www.safeatlast.net to ﬁnd out more!

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.

or go to: www.rottieempirerescue.com to ﬁnd out more!

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 Ways You Can Help Our cats can be met at

and through rehabilitation. This may take (518) 956-1804 weeks to months before they are ready The Healthy Pet Center Even if you cannot adopt, we are always looking for volunfreetobemerescue@gmail.com for their forever homes. We thoroughly 237 N. Greenbush Rd., Troy teers and foster homes. You can help out at our adoption clinics & fundraisers, spend time with our rescues to get them

Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at Free To Be Me

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screen all applications and try to match during normal business hours. up the perfect home environment for that Our dogs can be met at our particular dog or cat. There will be some adoption clinics and by appt. that due to health issues will live out their If there is a particular pet you lives with us. We owe that to them, and are interested in, please we want them to be comfortable and ﬁll out an application. happy no matter how long that may be.

Check out Free To Be Me Rescue on

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well adjusted to people or possibly even become a foster family. There are so many things you can do, even if you are unable to adopt. Come see us and talk to us. Without great volunteers, no rescue group could survive, so our door is always open to you. Monetary Donations are always appreciated as well. All donations are tax deductible.

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Feline Guardian Angels

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

Please Help!

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

Upstate Underdog Rescue, Inc.

Committed to protect the welfare of our This Guy isfelines a Big Hunk of Love! community one cat at a time. To date this year, we have Spayed/Neutered 46 Local Community Cats!

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 find out more about TNR please call (518) 466-3478 If you would like to send a donation to Feline Guardian Angels: P.O. Box 462, Amsterdam, NY 12010

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.

Check out Feline Guardian Angels on

or email: fga12010@hotmail.com

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!

We believe that EVERY dog has a superpower.

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

We are a Best Friends® network partner

Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at Upstate Underdogs

Check out Upstate Underdog Rescue, Inc. on

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.

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

or go to: www.upstateunderdogrescue.org to ﬁnd out more!

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www.PrimoMobileDJs.com CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 31

Meet Run By Dogs

Kate Walrath, owner of

Run By Dogs Training Center Located at 3832 State Highway 30, Amsterdam, NY 12010

(518) 620-3439

How She Got Started Kate started her professional career with dogs in 2008. She traveled to Alaska looking for “working dogs.” She fell in love with dog sledding and came home to New York to train her own dog sled team. She sprint raced as far north as Quebec and as far south as Maryland. While the dog team grew, Kate worked for two years as a veterinary technician and for one year in a dog day care managing structured dog walks and group play. Since the founding of Run By Dogs in 2014, Kate has been a full-time practitioner of the dog life; providing behavioral dog training and education to others and traveling to schools, community programs and winter carnivals with the dog team.

By Kate Walrath

We are fortunate to live in a small community that has several different styles of training, personalities, philosophies, tools, and approaches. There is a dog trainer here in our tri- county area for every dog, every need, every person, every family. Wondering what Run By Dogs is all about? What is our approach? What tools do we use, and why those tools? What behaviors will we work with? Yes, lets tackle all those questions! We have two behavioral trainers, a basic obedience and agility/ trick/ puppy trainer, and a real world community guide. Run By Dogs was founded with real dogs, real results, hard dogs and serious owners. All of our trainers became trainers- not because of cookie cutter dogs- but by sticking through the hard stuff, the hours of learning, behavioral college degrees, kids and dogs, medical degrees, and tough (read TOUGH!) personal dogs. Our tools and approach are different than others in our local community. We follow Kate Walrath during a session with a low level, modern, remote technology foundation.* We carry a strict 90/10 rule. dogs at the river. 90% of our training time, we ensure we are giving the dog a “yes” word. 10% of the time we are giving a “no” word. 90% of the time we are working on a permission based- follow me- state of mind training with the dog, 10% of the time we give the dog free choice. Think of kids on a play ground- 90% of a school day is with structure, 10% of the day is at recess- but no bullying! We do use other tools - if a dog is confused about pressure on the leash and why it’s being given or released, or to mark a specific movement or behavior- we will use a clicker. Often we start our board and train dogs with food markers and rewards and wean the dog off of food use by the end of their stay with us. We use prong collars to help with leverage and to keep direct pressure off of the dog’s neck and trachea. We use slip leashes, toys, regular collars, body pressure, physical touch and verbal commands. We use treadmills to release endorphins and adrenaline and provide structure. We use walks to teach leadership. We use basket muzzles to create safety. We strive to be balanced in all methods. What is state of mind training? Have you ever found yourself yelling, being frustrated into tears, the dog not listening and becoming angry because you know the dog knows the command- but just isn’t listening? That is state of mind training. Obedience training WORKS for some dogs and creates a great relationship with the family. Some dogs, and most of the dogs we work with, come in the door with great obedience. They will preform any rehearsed command. What frustrates owners are the hours they have spent working commands has done little to nothing for their dog when confronted with stress, problems, distractions, arousal, etc. We teach dogs how to problem solve, to focus, to follow through, and give building blocks, as well as teach owners how to advocate for their dogs needs, to give the dog a support system, and continuing education. We won’t turn away any breed, any behavior. Need help sifting through the options our community has? Interview the trainer. Become a knowledgeable consumer. Look at results, read reviews. Understand the tools. The last piece of info that really speaks about who we are at Run By Dogs… Listen to your heart and your blood pressure. When both are happy in equal measure, you are on the right path. Almost every person who has done training with us has heard that Dogs practicing the “place” command during a session. as an answer to many questions.

Kate’s Focus Her focus in dog training is to create a working team between people and their dogs. She strives to unify dogs/owners in a balanced relationship of respect, affection, physical exercise, mental stimulation and confidence. Working together with your dog(s) doesn’t always mean mushing a team of sled dogs down a trail. It’s existing in the real world, around other dogs, people, children, food, etc. The true reward for the dog is inclusion in our lives. They want to be with us, and us with them. Kate’s job is to make that happen. Half of dog training is learning to hold yourself and your dog accountable for actions. The other half is learning to listen to energy; your dog’s and your own. Also, to have your dog listen and respond to your energy. This kind of training *We do not advocate the use of most brands of e-collars, shock collars, or correction collars. There are big time differences, and if you would like to check out gains the respect and confidence of your dog- our low-level technology, please stop in to feel the difference for yourself. Or, we also have a video on our website that describes in detail the differences.. and then a working relationship is started.

For more information go to Run by Dogs Facebook page @runbydogs or check out their website at www.runbydogs.com or call (518) 925-4860 or (518) 620-3439

6010 County Farm Rd., Ballston Spa, New York • (518) 885-4113 Monday - Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Closed Sundays & Holidays.

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.

Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at Saratoga County Animal Shelter

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! 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. 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.

Check out Saratoga County Animal Shelter on

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.

or go to: saratogacountyanimalshelter.net to ﬁnd out more!

32 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

Mountain Rottie Rescue of New York, Inc.

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 home less dogs - Rottweilers and other breeds as well.

A 501(c)3 non proﬁt organization

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 of 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, micro-chipped & activated .

Mountain Rottie Rescue of NY P.O. Box 350 Clifton Park, New York, 12065 or email us at: Mountainappl@yahoo.com

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!! ROTTIE RESCUE OF NEW YORK

Check out Mountain Rottie Rescue on

Did You Know?

With each dog you adopt, you are actually helping to save TWO dogs! With each successful adoption there opens up a spot to save another dog in need of a home! Thank You!

Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at Mountain Rottie Rescue

or go to: www.mountainrottierescue.org to ﬁnd out more!

A volunteer based, non proﬁt, 501c3 organization that literally saves dogs from death row

Their only crime, is that they’re out of time.

PO Box 2297, Wilton, NY 12831 11th Hour Canine Rescue NY, Inc. is made up of dedicated individuals who (518) 223-5589 believe that innocent pets deserve love and a place to live where they are info@11thhourrescueny.org 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 Featured on to be put to death by shelters that can no longer care for them. We give the Pet Connection every third dogs all the medical attention they require, a place to live, and through our Thursday and Friday of the month! adoption services, a second chance at a happy and fulﬁlled life. Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at 11th Hour

We attend many different events in hopes of adopting out our dogs. Please go online to find out where we will be next.

Check out 11th Hour Canine Rescue NY on

RUN BY DOGS

Profound Dog Training for Serious Dog People #l ovethedoglife Board & Train to get the dog you want Any dog, Any behavior

www.runbydogs.com

518-620-3439

If you would like to help out here are many ways you can do so...

Volunteer your time, Donate Items, Donate Money Use your strengths to make our organization stronger!

or go to: www.11thhourrescueny.org to ﬁnd out more! SAVE ON GAS WITH

Upper Market St., Amsterdam

In-house Frequent Buyer Program

842-5360

We We Now Have

Merrick Dog Food

Buy 12 - Get 1 FREE

We are your “One Stop” Convenience Store We Now Sell Beer!

M-F 6am - 10pm • Sat. 7am - 10pm • Sun. 7am - 10pm

Obedience, Agility, Tricks, Puppy AKC Certified

Redemption Center on premises - Open Every Day except Tuesday

Gas • Milk • Coffee • Snacks • Lottery • Cigarettes Dog & Cat Food • Horse Feed • Newspapers • & More! CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 33

Bring your pets with you when you bank with us!

Sugar giving paw for a treat in Chatham

#petfriendlypeoplefriendly

Lulu visiting Albany

Morgan at the drive-thru in Valatie

#yourkindofbank

Treat Time in Delmar

Come on over â&#x2020;? Kinderhookbank.com

Visit us at one of these locations or go to www.nubk.com to see more locations! 4781 State Highway 30 Amsterdam, NY 12010 (518) 843-5841 (518) 843-3948 (fax)

211 Erie Blvd. Canajoharie, NY 13317 518.673.4400 518.673.4433 (fax)

34 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

311 N. Comrie Ave. Johnstown, NY 12095 518.762.7700 518.762.7720 (fax)

Main OfďŹ ce

1 Hudson St Kinderhook, New York Call (518) 758-7101

James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society 437 Nine Mile Tree Rd., Gloversville, NY 12078

518-725-0115

Scan Here to See All Pets Available for Adoption at Brennan

The Brennan Humane Society provides a tangible example of humane ethics and compassion for all living creatures. The shelter serves the surrounding communities in many ways:

JABMHS Cat Neutering

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.

Male cats can be neutered on our site on Mondays and Fridays. Call for appt.

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

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!

Open to the public: Mon. 12-3; Wed.- Sat. 12 - 3; Sun. 11 - 2; Closed Tues.

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. 514 State Rt. 5S, Mohawk, NY 13407 Phone: (315) 866-3255 Email: info@herkcountyhumanesociety.org Mailing Address: P.O. Box 73, Mohawk, NY 13407 Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at Herkimer Humane

• 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 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.

• We work directly with ACOs/DCOs and law enforcement in the County to provide an effective in-take process for stray cats and dogs. Adoption Applications can be found online at Please go online and check out our dogs & cats and view our wish list! herkhumane.org

Check out Herkimer County Humane Society on

or go to: www.herkhumane.org to ﬁnd out more!

8/31/2018

CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 35

1st ANNUAL

Hunter’s Pet Gala Over 32 Shelters/Rescues & Vendors attended!

What A Day!

Photo Credit: Boiling Pot Photography Char & Steve Brown, owners of The Garden Bug with their dog, Hunter (who hosted the Pet Gala for all of his friends)

On June 2nd, 2018 the First Annual Hunter’s Pet Gala took place at The Garden Bug, at 844 Fort Hunter Rd. in Amsterdam, NY. The idea for the event was Char Brown’s. Together with her husband Steve, her family and Linda & Mike Palmieri, owner’s of Creativity Unleashed, they worked hard to make it a reality. There was a wonderful food vendor, Sammy’s Food Truck, the Ice Cream Truck made an appearance, and there was a popcorn/sno-cone vendor as well. A Face Painter was present as well as Boiling Pot Photography, who took photos of people’s pets, including the one on the left of Char, Steve and Hunter and the one on the right of Walter, Lola and Captain, three of the Stratford 22 English Mastiffs. People enjoyed talking with the various shelters/rescues and some matches were made when folks fell in love with the pets in attendance. The vendors in attendance were all petrelated vendors and the event-goers seemed to enjoy shopping at their booths. Char, Steve and Hunter and Mike and Linda Palmieri would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to every single person or business who donated to the auction table. There was a 50-50 rafﬂe as well. All money raised was divided amongst the attending shelters. By the time the event was over there was no doubt in Char and Steve’s mind that this will become an annual event on the same weekend next year! We will work hard to address anything that we could have done better. We appreciate all of the vendor’s survey answers and look forward to having them all there again next year! If you would like to view photos from the day, go to the Hunter’s Pet Gala event page on Facebook.

As of this printing there were at least 10 adoptions that happened because of Hunter’s Pet Gala and Hunter couldn’t be happier!

Photo Credit: Boiling Pot Photography Three of the Stratford 22 Mastiffs were in attendance: Walter, Captain and Lola Here, they pose for a photo with their owners

NYS Certified Mason with 12+ Years Experience Masonry Service Include:

Brickwork, Blockwork, Natural & Cultured Stonework, Tuckpointng, Chimney Rebuilds & More!

Visit our Facebook page for more pictures of our work!

Before

After

Call Brandon for a FREE estimate at (518) 774-7699 or email him at:

beyondbrickmasonry@yahoo.com 36 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

363 North Comrie Avenue Johnstown, NY 12095 (518) 762-9885

4781 State Highway 30 Amsterdam, NY 12010 (518) 212-2503

www.coldwellbankerams.com

AnimaLovers was founded in 1995 by a small group of friends who wanted to provide needy cats and dogs in the Capital Region with a better way to ﬁnd their way to safety and to new lives. Over the years, AnimaLovers has changed to meet the needs of the area. In 2011 the organization decided to focus on cats and kittens only. P.O. Box 6426 Albany, NY 12206-0426

www.animalovers.org Email: animalovers@empireone.net

Our mission: ● To provide housing, veterinary care, and adoption for unwanted, abandoned, injured, or stray cats; ● To educate adopters, as well as the general public, about the health and training needs of our companion animals; ● To promote spaying and neutering as an eﬃcient and humane means of animal population control; and ● To advocate for legislation that will prevent cruelty to animals. AnimaLovers could not thrive without our dedicated volunteers. Every member of our organization is a volunteer. No compensation is ever received by anyone within our organization. Many of our volunteers are adopters as well. Sometimes volunteers come to us after going through the adoption process and ﬁnding their feline loves.

Sammy

Allison and Sammy

Allison is a very valued volunteer who works multiple shifts a month at our clinic location at the Petsmart in East Greenbush. Allison came to us after adopting her 2nd AnimaLovers kitty within 2 years. Allison opened her heart and her home to 2 special needs older cats. Sweet Sammy is a beautiful 11 year old long haired white female who is deaf. Allison adopted her at 8.5 years old. When Allison saw our handsome and sweet Edison up for adoption, she knew she had to see if Sammy would be willing to share her mommy with him. Edison was a 10 year old white deaf cat at the time of adoption in 2017. He had been adopted from AnimaLovers years earlier. When his mama had to enter a long term care facility, Edison came back to us. Sammy ultimately decided she was okay having a brother. They are very loved and spoiled by mama Allison. Both cats are now 11 and thriving under Allison’s care. AnimaLovers has adoption clinics 6 days per week at the Petsmart in East Greenbush.

Visit our website at www.animalovers.org and our Facebook page for information about available cats.

Edison

You can also call our adoption line at 518-348-3903 ext. 1 and leave a message for a volunteer. We are always looking for additional volunteers to help with adoption clinics, foster cats, and to volunteer in our cleaning program. We do not have a shelter, so foster homes are crucial and help us to help more cats. Visit our website for details!

For more information about Animalovers go to their website at: www.animalovers.org or check out their Facebook page @Animalovers

The

Garden Bug

Primitive & Country Gifts, Greenhouses & more 844 Fort Hunter Rd., Amsterdam, NY 12010 • 829-7024 Seasonal Items & Plants, Candles, Berry Garland, Pictures, Country Furniture, Valances & Linens, Smith’s Orchard Pies & so much more!

Open: Mon. - Fri. 10-6pm; Sat. 9-5pm; Sun. 10-4pm Closed Mon.-Wed during July and August.

Scan here to like us on facebook

Check facebook for new items and events!

FACEBOOK.COM/MCLEMONSBOUTIQUE

www.gardenbuggiftshop.com

Stop in and say hello to Hunter!

CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition - 37

Be an Advocate - and help bring about change

The Kirby and Quigley Bill

- the fight continues to see it through the NYS Assembly Denise Krohn, of Amsterdam, did not seek to be an advocate to change a law. She has been a technology teacher for 33 years in the Amsterdam School District, having retired in June of 2016, and has impacted many students over the years in a positive way. She would have been satisfied to quietly enjoy her retirement, but spends quite a bit of time trying to find justice from a horrible tragedy... In February of 2016 her family home was burglarized. The possessions she lost mean nothing to Denise, her husband Pat and family. You see, the perpetrator then proceeded to shoot their dogs Kirby and Quigley to death. Like most of us, their dogs were their family, not possessions, they loved them dearly. As horrible as this has all been for them, Denise is determined to help see the Kirby and Quigley bill through to law, a law that would change the way a person/persons committing such an act would be punished by law. Shortly after this tragedy, as the community came together to support Denise and her husband Pat and their family, Senator James D. Tedisco got involved. He had reached out to Denise to see if she would like to be a part of helping to pass stricter laws on the killing of a companion animal during a robbery/break-in. He asked if he could assign their dogs’ names to the bill. Denise and her husband Pat knew it would be a long process. Today, two years later they are still hopeful that this bill called Kirby and Quigley Bill will eventually get approval. Presently, this bill is being held up by one person - the Chairman of the Assembly. Denise and Pat would like to see this bill make it to the assembly floor this year. Please see the box at the left to help make this happen.

These two beautiful Golden Doodles are Kirby and Quigley, whose lives were cut short during a heinous crime in Feb. 2016

“Kirby & Quigley’s Law” was named for two Montgomery County dogs that were shot and killed during a burglary last year which is still an unsolved case. The bill (S.1680/A.3038) would make it a Buster’s Law animal cruelty law felony, punishable with two years in jail and a $5,000 fine, for harming a companion animal during the commission of another felony. This enhanced penalty ensures that perpetrators are charged with felony animal cruelty charges when they face other felonies such as burglary. Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) is sponsoring the bill in the Assembly.

Denise Krohn, speaking to the attendees at the 2018 Animal Advocacy Day event at the Capital in Albany This is the third one she has attended and spoken at in hopes of getting the bill to become law.

This quote taken from the Kirby and Quigley Facebook page sums up the reason why Denise and family will continue their mission to get this bill passed:

Currently this bill is being held up in the Assembly by one person, Chairman Joe Lentol, of Brooklyn. He as the chairman, has the power to not bring this to the floor for a vote, where it will surely pass, as it has a lot of support in the Assembly. Only he knows the reason why it has not made it to the floor. It has already passed the Senate in previous years and just recently again this year. Here is the contact information if you would like to help by asking Senator Joe Lentol to move this bill forward for a vote.

“My family and I are changed people due to the tragedy that occurred at our home on February 17, 2016. The heinous crime of killing our dogs Kirby and Quigley during the robbery of our home will be with us forever. Our lives are now deﬁned by the time before Kirby and Quigley were murdered in our home and after this tragedy. Every day, our family agonizes over the fact that the criminals who did this may never be punished for murdering our pets. Our mission now is to advocate for this bi-partisan bill in hopes that another family may have some relief knowing there is a law in place to protect our companion animals and humans from harm. We advocate for ‘Kirby and Quigley’s Law’ in honor of all animals who do not have a voice,” said Denise Krohn.

Joe Lentol - Brooklyn Region Albany Office LOB 632 Albany, NY 12248 518-455-4477 NYassembly.gov/mem/Joseph-R-Lentol District Office 619 Lorimer Street Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-383-7474

u can o y f i p ase hel

Ple

There is still a $12,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of any suspect(s). If you have any information that can solve this case, please call the Montgomery County Sheriff at 518-853-5500

Because of Jim Tedisco, then Assemblyman, now Senator, as well Senator George A. Amedore Jr, Assemblyman Angelo Santa Barbara, Steve Caporizzo and so many others who fight to see this bill become a law, Denise will continue to get up every day with that fighting spirit she needs. She is an amazingly strong woman, who continues to remain strong, to be a voice for the voiceless animals who are harmed by evil. She does not want to see another family go through the pain this has caused. It is not a secret that those who would commit violent crimes among animals, go on to harm people as well. In her speech, Denise spoke about how hard it is to talk about what happened to Kirby and Quigley and how dogs are people’s soulmates, best friends, they are like their children. She said she will continue to fight for this bill to passed so that other families will not ever have to experience the tragedy she and her family have faced. I watched Denise’s speech with tears in my eyes. I would encourage you all to do the same and then pick up that pen, that phone or go to your computer and be a part of helping to see this through. Please take the time to listen to her speech at NYS Animal Advocacy Day 2018 which was held on June 5th. To see it go here: https://youtu.be/5sTIKnVDZGw?t=3808 This case is still remains unsolved, but it has gotten the attention of Jim Glorioso, Executive Director of Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization that raises money to pay rewards to tipsters that give information leading to an arrest. When the Kirby and Quigley tragedies happened Jim felt he needed to do anything he could to help solve the crime. You see, he too, along with his family has a deep love and connection to pets, having experienced the unconditional love and joy a pet brings. Jim has dedicated himself to helping solve the crime and will continue to do so until there are answers. If you would like to find out more about Crime Stoppers go to their Facebook page @Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers If you have a tip on this or any other criminal case go to their website at: www.crimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app. See next page for Jim’s own heartwarming story and why it inspires him to be involved in helping solve this case.

If this bill does pass in the assembly we will have an update in our next magazine. In the meantime, keep following the story @NYS Animal Advocacy Day and check out @KirbyandQuigley for updates as well. 38 - CRAZY ABOUT PETS in Fulton & Montgomery Counties & Beyond Sixth Edition

Pets have the Power to Heal Jim Glorioso knows how special the relationship between pets and their people can be. When he saw the story about Denise and Pat’s dogs being murdered he knew he may be able to help out. He contacted Denise and assured her he would do what he could to help solve the case. JIm is the Executive Director of Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers. His company works towards getting tipsters to call a tip line, so cases can be solved. Like we all were, Jim was very upset with the tragedy that happened, knowing how much his own pets mean to him and his own family... This is a love story where several rescues helped make life easier and our family stronger along with a passion to solve a gruesome crime. It all started in 2013.... I met my now wonderful wife Courtney in Tulsa, Oklahoma during a work project and my life after that would never be the same. In 2014, I returned home to Amsterdam, NY where I lived but felt I was missing something. In October of 2014 ,I flew to Oklahoma for a fundraiser where I reached out to Courtney to come with me. It was at that fundraiser that I would propose to her and convince her and her 7 year old daughter Allison to come live with me in NY. Allison was going through tough times with separation anxiety due to the divorce and leaving Oklahoma. We really didn’t know what to do. She was struggling with sleep and having massive breakdowns. One day we noticed Alli really took a liking to the local dogs. I’ve never owned one personally but was open to the idea. We decided to go look at some dogs. We made our way to a rescue in Albany where they just received a shipment of dogs from the south including a litter of lab/Shephard mixes. Alli immediately fell in love and quite frankly so did I. The problem was it was with two different dogs! The solution? - well we adopted both of them! The Glorioso Family They were a female and a male from the same litter. We named the male Shadow and the female on adoption day Bindi. It was like immediate therapy. Alli’s attitude changed immediately and the dogs gave her a sense of security that she was missing. Bindi and Shadow would eventually find a home sleeping in Alli’s room every night - don’t think it was their choice! It was almost like the problem was solved - now, both dogs are amazing family pets. They listen and love their kennel. The only time they get into trouble is when we forget to put them in their kennels when we leave for work. They remind me when I come home and find my underwear all torn up, that I forgot something that morning! Over the next two years Alli had a sense of ownership with them and I personally couldn’t be any happier. In 2017 while at Petsmart Alli wanted to look at the cats. I personally had a Maine Coon most of my life and I had a soft spot. While looking at the cats I noticed a really mello half Maine Coon 4 year old male named Beldeguard. He was looking at me in a way that I couldn’t just walk away. Come ‘on dad let’s hold him, she said. I said no because I knew if I did I would want him. We left, but returned a few days later and there he was quiet as a mouse just looking at me. So I held him, and yes, I adopted him. We decided to change his name to Jim with adopted kitty Beegee, I don’t know why, but it was like a nickname that stuck. Beegee and Allison For the first two weeks Beegee was, well, invisible. Finally he started coming out. Bindi and Shadow are high energy and ran after Beegee in team effort mode every time he came out of hiding. It took a while and quite frankly I didn’t think it was going to work out but one day Beegee got the nerve to jump on bed right by the dogs... it was a three-way staredown and eventually Shadow earned a wack to the face. Since then Beegee seems to rule the house. Hands down he is the best cat I ever seen. Every morning when we start to wake up he comes off his perch meowing and lays on my chest until I scratch his head. He became spoiled almost like Garfield! But the most interesting thing is he became an excellent mouse hunter, especially in our large Victorian house. Beegee fit right in with the family, everyone now has their place. Our love and passion for animals just doesn’t stop in our home. Part of my life is being the Executive Director of Mohawk Valley Allison with her two best friends, Bindi and Shadow Crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization that raises money to pay rewards to tipsters that give information that lead to an arrest. In 2016, I was drawn to the Kirby and Quigley dog murders in the town of Florida. Something told me I needed to help. I contacted Denise Krohn and met with her regarding the case. We spoke for hours as I got to know Denise and Pat as well as what happened that night. When I walked out of her house after that meeting I made it a goal of mine to solve the crime. It hasn’t been easy, there has not been much support from law enforcement as far as us helping with this. I believe this prevented someone from giving valuable information. As of today, the case is still open and totally cold. There has been no discussion of the case or advertising of any kind to solve it. It is discouraging. I still believe that there is someone out there that knows what happened. That’s why it is one of my priorities if I were to win the election I am currently running for. I am going to utilize Crime Stoppers to help solve the crime. I am going to put my blood, sweat and tears into solving this crime because I personally experienced how much pets can change a family and the impact it has had on us. There’s no reason why justice should not be served in this case. Eventually, the truth must come out. If you would like to find out more about Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers go to their Facebook page @MohawkValleyCrimeStoppers go to: www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com or use the P3TIPS app.

Out of the Pits -

and into your hearts

Out of the Pits, Inc. is a registered 501c3 not‐for‐proﬁt organization. All members of this organization are volunteers, and 100% of all donations are dedicated to saving the dogs.

Scan Here to See Pets Available for Adoption at OOTP

Founded in 1994

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 and spay and neuter

We visit jails, nursing homes, hospitals, veteran’s hospitals, senior centers, adult day care centers, colleges and all ages of school and more. Our Being Safe Around Dogs program teaches children and adutts to be safe around dogs by teaching them how to greet them and live well with their dogs. If you are interested in fostering please contact adoptions@outofthepits.org

Check out Out of the Pits on

Your donations pay for their food, housing, and veterinary care. IRS authorization number is 16-1560721. Right now, we are able to save only a small percentage of the abandoned and abused Pit Bulls that we are asked to accept into our program every day. Many must be turned away only because we lack sufﬁcient funding and fosters. Your contribution or ability to foster will help save a dog’s life.

or go to: www.outofthepits.org to ﬁnd out more!

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

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