Ad Council Launches Pet Adoption Campaign Flower Blossoms with

53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302 • 518.374.3944 • www.animalprotective.org
Volume 27 No. 3
FALL 2009
Flower Blossoms with SAMA’s Loving Care
When a 12-year-old golden retriever
mix came to the APF this summer
as a stray, we thought for sure
someone would come looking
for her. Sadly, this was not the
case. After providing some dental
work and removing a few lumps
and bumps, we named her Betty
and hoped that there would be an
adopter out there for her.
Michele Newman-Gehrum,
founder of Senior Animal Medical
Aid Fund, Inc. (SAMA), has quite
a soft spot for “old ladies” like
Betty. After a successful meeting
with Hooch, another senior rescue,
they all headed home together.
Hooch and Betty, renamed Flower,
quickly became inseparable. On
walks, Hooch would slow his pace
so that Flower could keep up. Yet
it was only a short time before her
stamina built up to the point where
the other seniors in her pack could
not keep up with her lively trot.
According to Michele, Flower has
blossomed beyond words. It was
obvious when they brought her
home that she yearned to have a
canine companion to retire with,
as she immediately bonded with
Hooch, following his lead in all
she does.
At the time of publication,
Hooch is facing a life-threatening
illness. Flower shows a deep
understanding of this and comforts
him. She lays by his side, providing
him with a calming energy that
we as humans cannot provide or
understand.
We are most grateful to Michele
for her dedication to senior pets.
Likewise, we are thankful to all
adopters who open their hearts to
these gentle souls. Those adopters
often express that the bonds they
form with older companions are
among their most treasured.
For updates on Flower, Hooch and
other pets that SAMA has helped,
please visit www.samafund.org.
Flower is enjoying her golden years,
thanks to SAMA.
Thanks to Michele and SAMA,
these two special seniors will live
out the rest of their days with the
love, dignity and respect they deserve.
Ad Council Launches
Pet Adoption Campaign
we just need 3 million of those 17
million prospective pet owners to
adopt.
The Ad Council, in partnership
with The Humane Society of
the United States (HSUS) and
Maddie’s Fund, have launched
The Shelter Pet Project, a national
public service advertising campaign
designed to encourage people to
make shelters their first choice for
acquiring companion animals.
Consider these numbers:
8 million
number of pets entering shelters and
rescue groups every year
3 million
number of healthy and treatable pets
euthanized due to lack of adoption
17 million
estimated number of people who will
acquire a pet within the next year
Presently, only 21 percent of
people obtain their pets from
shelters and rescue groups. The
rest come from pet stores, Internet
sellers, friends, breeders or other
sources. To save all the healthy and
treatable pets that are euthanized,
According to Executive Director
Rosalie Ault, “These PSAs tell our
story. By and far, the problems
lie not with the animals, but with
their owners. Many people hold
the inaccurate perception that
shelter pets are ‘damaged goods.’
By changing the way shelter pets
are viewed, this program will be
invaluable to our efforts to rehome
more wonderful companions.”
The humorous TV spots, which
feature characters from Disney’s
“Santa Buddies,” aim to dispel the
stereotypes associated with shelter
pets. The ads feature stories of how
pets come into shelters through
no fault of their own, but to due
issues such as divorce, financial
difficulty and ill-prepared owners.
The PSAs will run in advertising time
that is donated by the media. The
APF is encouraging local media
outlets to support the campaign
over the next year.
DID YOU KNOW?
Black cats (and dogs) take
longer to be adopted than
more colorful pets. Learn
why inside.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
>Santa is Coming!
>Holiday Gifts with
Heart
>Introducing “Furry
Thursdays”
>Upcoming Events
OUR MISSION
The purpose of the
APF is to address pet
overpopulation and
animal suffering through
education and appropriate
action, to enhance human/
animal relationships, and
to provide care to animals
in need.
From the Executive Director
At one time or another we have all purchased a piece of clothing on
a whim, only to get home and discover that it just isn’t the right fit.
No problem; just return it for a refund. But when the impulse buy
is an irresistible puppy from a pet store, all bets are off.
This was recently the topic of a Times Union article. An 18-yearold student brought home a puppy that she had purchased at a pet
store for $800. Her mother was irate. Not only did the store do
nothing to ensure the girl had the means to care for a pet, there was
no guidance in selecting a pet that was compatible with her lifestyle.
They tried unsuccessfully to return the pet, as the store’s “no return”
policy was clearly stated in the contract she had signed.
It comes as no surprise that they would provide no counseling on
the purchase of the animal. To do so would only impede sales.
The bottom line is that pet stores sell pets for profit and there is
no lack of inventory for anyone who has the cash. I encourage you
to visit www.stoppuppymills.org for an eye-opening view of the
relationship between puppy mills and pet stores.
When I think of the contrast between buying a pet and what our
adopters experience, I’m stunned that a mere 21% of pets come from
shelters. Here’s just one example of how the APF and our humane
partners work to ensure forever homes …
In August, a stray husky was brought to us. While many are
drawn to this breed for their beauty, few are truly prepared for the
challenges they present. They are intelligent, curious, energetic,
and prone to wander. Many also have a strong prey drive, which
can make placement with cats tricky. When “Peppy” arrived, we
contacted Ron McEckron, President of Tundra Spirits Siberian
Husky Rescue. He knew just the family.
Rick and Kathy of Valatie spent months looking for a dog, but were
having a tough time finding a match for their family, which included
two dogs and two cats. Ron and our
shelter manager, Barb Spillane, spent
several hours counseling them on husky
behavior and how to introduce Peppy
to the other pets. Rick and Kathy report
that Peppy, now Cobalt, has blended
well with his new siblings and they are
grateful for all the support they received.
Unlike pet stores, our motivation is the
desire for loving, lifelong relationships
Patience and collaboration brought
between people and their companions. Cobalt to his new home.
Thankfully, we have dedicated allies who
share these goals, like Tundra Spirits and SAMA from our cover story.
Of course there are times when, despite our best efforts, an adoption
just isn’t the right fit. Unlike the pet store’s “no return” policy,
animals can always come back to us so that we can try again for the
right placement for both animals and adopters.
Rosalie R. Ault
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PetGazette is a publication of
the APF, a nonprofit corporation
in Schenectady County, New
York. It is published three times
a year for more than 6,000
readers. We welcome your
comments.
Please contact:
Marguerite Pearson, LVT
Director of Communications
Animal Protective Foundation
53 Maple Avenue
Scotia, New York
12302-4613
(518) 374-3944, ext. 113
[email protected]
Board of Directors
Lisa DiCocco, President
Rebecca Pauley, Vice-President
Diane Houck, Secretary
Jo Freedman, Treasurer
George Belev
Anne Hartranft
Steve Malinowski
Martha Meskutovecz
Kris McConville
Judy McCullough
Sara Veeder
2
APF SPAY/NEUTER
program
seniors for seniors
adoption program
moving? don’t
leave pets behind
The APF offers reduced-cost
spay/neuter services for cats and
kittens. We now have five partner
organizations. Contact one of them
for further information and to
schedule an appointment. Testing
for FIV/FeLV and rabies vaccination
are also included in the $70 fee*.
The APF provides the opportunity
for seniors (age 60 and older) to
adopt a cat or dog that is at least 5
years old at a $50 discount. All we
ask is to take a photo of the adopter
and their new pet at the time of
adoption. Senior adoptions are
supported in part by a grant from
the Pets for the Elderly Foundation.
You don’t need to give up your pets
when you move. Our Pet-Friendly
Rental List includes information on
over 300 rental properties of various
types throughout the Capital Region
with new listings added regularly.
Visit www.animalprotective.org
to download this document, or call
374-3944, ext. 113 to have it sent to
you. We also welcome contact from
landlords who wish to be added to
the list.
> Robin’s Nest (518) 868.9935
> Love Me Spay Me (Guilderhaven)
(518) 861.6861
> HOPE (518) 248-0355 or
(518) 365-6516
> Cat Tales (518) 248-9682
> Montgomery County SPCA
(518) 842.8050 *plus $5 transport fee
Visit www.animalprotective.org for a complete list of
activities and programs. If you’re not online, please contact
Marguerite Pearson, Director of Communications, at
374-3944, ext. 113 for information.
Smile! It’s time for
Pet Pictures with Santa ...
Saturday, December 5
11 am to 3 pm
Our “new and improved” event features more space,
quicker photos, free coffee and cocoa, plus Beasley’s
Boutique and great photo gifts from Rocket Life!
Digital photo in a holiday frame $6 each
Bring a camera and
take your own pictures $3 per sitting
Holiday photo frames $1 each
What’s Rocket Life? It’s similar to Snapfish or Shutterfly,
only better! Put your digital memories to good use by creating
books, mugs, T-shirts and a variety of other great products to keep
or share as unique gifts. Best of all, when you use the Rocket Life link at www.animalprotective.org,
a portion of your purchase price will benefit our shelter pets! Learn all about Rocket Life at Pet
Pictures with Santa, or log on today and learn how to get a free photo book.
... and Our Christmas Cookie Extravaganza!
“If we are together
nothing is impossible.
If we are divided all
will fail. “
Winston Churchill
Rabbit Fosters Needed
T.H.E. Rabbit Resource, the New
York State Chapter of the House
Rabbit Society, is looking for
foster homes to care for rescue
bunnies in the Capital Region.
For more information visit
www.therabbitresource.com.
Bright Idea!
T.H.E. Rabbit Resource is one
of the APF’s rescue partners.
Our deepest thanks to all
who have worked with us to
accomplish so many good
things for the animals this
year, even under very
difficult circumstances.
To our donors, sponsors,
volunteers, adopters, humane
partners, advocates and friends,
we wish you a bountiful and
joyous Thanksgiving holiday!
Interested in Volunteering?
Attending an Orientation is Your First Step
Our Volunteer Orientation is an informational meeting where you
will meet some of our staff, discuss the mission and philosophy
of the APF, and learn more about our volunteer program and the
needs within the shelter. You’ll also take a behind-the-scenes tour
of the shelter facility. Call our Volunteer Coordinator, Jody Sitors,
at 374-3944, ext. 118 to reserve your spot.
The APF is participating in a
Upcoming Orientations, 6 to 7:30 pm
> January 13
> March 24 > May 19
will save over $3,000 per year
program offered by National
Grid to upgrade all lighting
throughout the shelter. By
switching to more energy
efficient bulbs and fixtures, we
on electricity costs.
www.animalprotective.org 3
In Honor and In Memory
of Special People and Animals Who Have Touched our Lives ...
While gifts of any amount are genuinely appreciated, due to space constraints only honorary and memorial
gifts of $25 or more are included below. Listing reflects gifts made between June 16 and October 20, 2009.
To make a donation, please use the enclosed envelope or contact Mary at 374-3944, ext. 114 or
[email protected]. Photos are welcomed and will be used as space allows.
In Honor of People
JUDI ANTOKOL’S BIRTHDAY
Lorraine Westervelt
JOHN ARTICOLO’S BIRTHDAY
Dolly Lee Simmons
ANITA BENSON EVANS
Bonita Joslin
JASON & LAURA BOGG’S WEDDING
Wedding Guests, Comet & Starbuck
DONALD & PATRICIA BONK’S 50TH
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence McSwain
PAULA BOURGEOIS’ RETIREMENT
Co-workers at Social Security
Administration
JO FREEDMAN
Mary-Joan Miller
MAXINE GEORGE & BRUCE FELDMAN’S
WEDDING
Eleanor Friedman
DONALD & MARGARET LAUNER’S
60TH BIRTHDAYS
Carole & Joseph Hourigan
ED MESKUTOVECZ’S RETIREMENT
Bob & Elaine Kennedy
MARTHA & ED MESKUTOVECZ’S
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Judith and Ralph Boston
PATTY MONTONE’S BIRTHDAY
Terry D’Attilio
Craig & Colleen Doherty
Martha & Ed Meskutovecz
DOREEN OATHOUT’S BIRTHDAY
Sue & Dell Oathout
MELISSA PATNAUDE’S BIRTHDAY
Theresa Ferri-Carpenter
PAM PEDINOTTI’S BIRTHDAY
Deborah Carpenter
LUKAS & SOFIA PELLETIER’S BIRTHDAY
Laura Achcet
Matthew & Susan Behar
Stephanie Pelletier
Vincent & Tina Versaci
HANNAH REALE’S BIRTHDAY
Jay & Mary Fiet
Jack & Sheila Herbst
Danielle & James McCormick
Paul & Lisa Pazienza
Jonathon & Anne Slepski
Cheryl & Kenneth Wise
Colleen Zerba
TERRI REESE
Martha Longo
LU & ROD ROWLEDGE’S 50TH
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Lois & John Sauter
KATHY SNOWDEN
Joan Shepard
JANE STERN’S BIRTHDAY
Marjorie Assini
IRENE TRUDELL’S RETIREMENT
Linda Adamczyk
Susan Adkins
Mr. & Mrs. Rich Balch
Jessica Deeb
Mr. & Mrs. Terry Fortna
Lynne Fuchs
Lorraine Henry-Roth
Patricia Hyland
Deborah Kitchen-Sears
Rosemary Lawless
Marjorie Marmuscak
Kelly Millington
Marie Montone
Patricia Morales
Melissa & Terry Peterson
Mark & Marcia Powers
Maureen Sauter
Barbara Swiecicki
Heather Swiecicki
Marv & Vera Weiss
4
JULIE VARLEY & DAVID BATHRICK’S
WEDDING
Colleen & Skip Carlson
Mary & Bill Gorham
Katherine Graham
John & Pam Hart
Nancy & Lawrence Hart
Patricia Hart
John & Helen Hayes
George Charles Kahnle
R.E. LaBarge
Maureen & Tom
James & E. Carol McGovern
Robert & Barbara Viviano
HELENE VINCENT
Martha Longo
DENISE WALLING
The Friday Morning Moms of Shenendehowa United Methodist
Church, Clifton Park
VERA WEISS’ BIRTHDAY
Diane Chevalier
Larry and Suzanne Godshalk
Donna M. Weiss
MICHELE WHINNERY
Theresa Rosa
CALVIN YOUNG
Theresa Rosa
ALICE ZAYAC
Mary-Joan Miller
MARK ZWINAK’S BIRTHDAY
Beth Zwinak
In Honor of Pets
ANNABELlE
Theresa L. Rosa
BLUE
Kim Green & Andrew Kouzan
APOLLO & LeBRON DAGOSTINO’S
BIRTHDAYS
Larry, Linda & James Dagostino
DELMAR DOG BUTLER
Steve Relles
GIZMO
Gloria Snyder
ALBERT HENRI TOULOUSE GUILLOME
Ariane Mryaski
SAMMY MESKUTOVECZ &
ALL HIS SIBLINGS
Gayle Markle
MINI & PATI
Elinor Herman
PARKER, ADOPTED 8/4/05
Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Kaufman
PRINCESS & PRECIOUS
Alice W. DeCoste
PUMPKIN & PEPPER
Eric Joachim
TITER
Agnes G. Ingraham
MOLLY AND GINGER TRUDELL
Cynthia Roth
ZAkK
Elizabeth Mack
In Memory of People
HENRY C. AUMILLER
Denise Buffone
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Czyzyk
John & Cindy Kielb
LYDIA BARKER
Kathleen Baptiste
Robert Baptiste
Thomas & Patricia Clement
Dr. & Mrs. John J. Parillo
MARGARET BAKER
Patricia E. Simon
ANNE BOUFFARD
Victoria Bouffard
Jacqueline B. Gish
RONALD W. BROSWSKI
Joan & Bill Baumler
Sue & Peter Conlin
Cristine Cioffi, Esq.
Friends at Cioffi Slezak Wildgrube P.C.
Terry Dewey
Janet Fink
Dennis & Mary Furman
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Jakubowski
James Monahan
Staff at Thorpe’s Pharmacy
Michelle Wildgrube
ROGER BRUSIE
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sampson
MARJORIE Y. CHAPMAN
Geraldine Haight
RON CHLOPECKI
Shirley DeMartino
BARBARA CRANSTON
Mrs. Carolyn Learnan
Sharon Olshefsky
JOHN R. DADEO
Pat & Dennis Chakas
Jane Hallfors
Sonja Holmer-Herrmann
Howard & Debra Moyer
William Purdy
Allan Villeneuve
GRACE DAMIANO, MY BEST FRIEND
Holly Hayes
RICHARD J. DICRESCE
Mark & Annette Lawson
MARILYN “MICKIE” DUFRESNE
Toni Ann Alteri
Melanie Cullen
WILLIAM D. EDWARDS
Mrs. Amy E. George
BEV EOFF
Norma and Bernie
EMILIE MARIE EVANS
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur DeMania
TED EVENDEN
Charles Welch
ANNA GOODROW FRISKEY
Barb & Hank Brown
Joan A. Rogers
HARRIETTE HAMILTON
Red-Kap Sales Incorporated
CATHRYN HOLT
Bill Holt
GLORIA M. HUNTER
The Elfun Society-Schenectady Chapter
Karen B. Johnson
Ruth Richards
CONNIE JOHNSON
Barbara Wagar
ANN KACZKOWSKI
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sampson
Robert & Mary Ann VanGorder
ELIZABETH M. KELLOGG
Peter Crane
Kathie Stoddard & Paul Macey
Sarah & Michael Rapp
JULIA F. KIERU
The Webber Family
HOWARD KOERNER
Mr. & Mrs. Lester Pembrook
PHILIP H. KOMP, SR.
Arlena Bora
Susan A. Braidwood
Annetta & Michael Carrano
Kevin R. Carroll
Don & Chris DeLuke
Val Erickson and Family
Carol & Ed Funyak
Clifford R. Gray, Inc.
Michael & Barbara Naumoff
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Pfaffenbach
Elaine Polsinelli
SAFE Inc., of Schenectady
Board of Directors and Staff
STEVEN KORAL
Heidi VanDeusen
ROSE KORMAN
Lorraine VanDerWerken
WILLIAM L. KRUSZONA
Wendel Delorme
William & Irene Dormandy
Agnes & Christopher Haddon
Dan Pastalaniec
Isabelle Pastalaniec
Laureen Pottynski
DEBORAH LANE
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sampson
AUGUST LIERMAN
Lou, the Kids & Gus-Gus
MARILYN LUKE-PRICE
Susan Smith
ALMA M. ‘MARILYN’ LYON
Joan & Sal Davi
Skip & Mary Della Rocco
Bessie & Marcia Pijanowski
Donald Sanders
Mr. & Mrs. Floyd (Skip) Slater
Elmer Tomsha
BEVERLEY LYON
Margaret & Harry Blake
Department of Transportation of
the Saratoga Springs City Schools
Wini & Howard Doster
Lori Picard-Wayand
Francis & Martha Simiele
Grace Snell
USPS - Scotia Branch
Vicky, Gary, Pete, Rick, Gaby & Elaine
DONALD J. MIZENKO
Linda & Robert DeMarco
Robert Feulner
Agnes & Raymond Hyam
Dawn Nasters
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Nasters
JANET MONT
Ruth M. Nejman
LAURETTA R. NEHLS
Sharon & Norman Pirro
RICHARD NORWOOD
Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Norwood
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Talbot
ANNETTE “ANNE” POWERS
Janice M. Haines
DONALD C. PREDDICE
Mario & Muriel Ciancetta
Beth Kost
Barbara Van Etten
HANNAH ARLENE QUICK
Karen & Leon Barnish, Jr.
Richard Comstock
Cynthia Goodman
Deanne Langton
Rose & Irv Lichenstein
Joan & Larry O’Donovan, Sr.
Eileen, Lindsey & Ryan Quick
Bonita Schneible
KATHERINE M. MALONE
Tracy R. Curione
MARY & PAUL MONACO
Rosemarie Melius
MARGARET A. MONTY
Debbie & Dave Addington
GERALD R. MOSKAL
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Bull
Guy Hildreth
Mary Malkowich
JOHN O’BRIEN
Pam & Jerry Pedinotti
PAT H. OLMSTEAD
Co-workers and Friends at WRGB
The Fenick Family
George Van Schaick
Marilyn Waldron
ELIZABETH KUDER OLSEN
McConchie’s Heritage Acres
PAUL P. PIRONI
Paul J. Pironi
RAYMOND PRESSMAN
Mike & Freya Griffin
Julie Watts
THOMAS PUZO
Doreen & Steve Hennessey
JOSEPH RICCIO
The Cullinan Family
David Dillenbeck
Wayne & Karen Prescott
Nicholas & Dolores Riccio
STELLA ROBINSON
Robert & Sonia Retajczyk
LINDA ROSS
Norma & Joe Galinsky
GEORGE ROZA
Kathy & Milt Pratt
ROBERT RUDD
Margit L. Morgan
ROBERT C. SADDLEMIRE
KAPL Mixed Bowling League Members
VESTA TURNER SAGER
Virginia Reamer
Sue Thiebaud
SCOTT
Ron & Kathy Bortell
CAROL SMITH
Elizabeth Catone
JAYNE SMITH
Leon Smith, Jr.
KATHI SMITH
Jim Peeke & Cindi Christie
STEPHEN SMITH
Duanesburg Volunteer Fire Company
GEORGE J. SOKOL
Hill & Dale Association
Karen Montgomery
Sue Northrup
Patricia & Peter Van Keuren
HOWARD J. STAFFORD
Guy & Mary Forden
Thomas & Betty Zeltwanger
JOAN A. STEVENS
Nicholas & Dolores Riccio
Donald Shaw
Staff and Employees at Bassett Healthcare
JOHN EDWARD STEWART
Helmut Deeg
LAUREL TEER
Harline Andrus
Friends of Laurel
TOM THALER
Pam Pedinotti
RAYMOND G. TOWNSEND
KAPL, co-workers of David Townsend
Robert & Fleurette Traxler
Winifred Yahn
MARY VALLETTA
Margaret DeBiase
ELAINE VAN DORN
Erik Van Dorn
LYLE VAN DYKE
Daniel & Sharon Grygas
Judith Rasmussen
EDWARD WALAG
Eugene & Janet Deda
WESLEY J. WEAVER, JR.
Barbara & Thomas Blanchard
Joanne Bosley
Anne Brockenauer
GE Global Research CMT
Mr. & Mrs. E. Lee Huff
George & Marge Kopchik
Rich & Ann MacDonnell
JOSEPH I. WHITTLESEY
Richard & Joy Donlan
Cynthia Hamilton
Sue Hough
Patricia Johnston
Frank & Francine Leackfeldt
Helen Martin
BETH WILKINSON
Anonymous Donors
Paul & Maryann Butterfield
Nancy McMillen
Penny Sheedy
DONN CHARLES WRIGHT
Robert Carr
Janice Carr-Vrana
Linda & Robert McCarthy
Michael Ottati
Steven & Doreen Pitsas
Joseph & Dorothy Pratico
Patricia Thatcher
Norman & Mary Zyra
VIRGINIA YEATER
Sally Quinn
ROBERT A. YODER
Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Yoder
In Memory of Pets
ANNABELLE, PASSED AWAY 6/8/09
Krista A. Hawk
ASCOT
Blanche Fischer
BANDIT, MY BUDDY
Rose Ryan
BEAUX
Siri Pardi
BUDDY
L. Bezio & R. DiCocco
BUFFY
Rich & Cheryl Little
CACIE CAT
James Buell
CALVIN
Sherry Conners
CLOVER
Patricia Groeber
CODY
Keith & Claudia Rolfe
DeXIE
Kelly Walsh
DUKE McCANN
Billie McCann
E-Z & MUFFY
Marlene Paccico
EMMO
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Moy
FIGARO
Sue Sanborn
GINGER
Santina Roberts
GREMLIN
Milt & Kathy Pratt
GUY
Gary & Ann Whittmore
HANNAH HOUCK
Judy Dillenbeck
Kathy Snowden
HARLEY
Edward Kaufmann
HONEY, FRIEND OF JOE & BOB
Mary Gene Tanski
INDY
Peggy Coryea
jack
Mrs. K.
JUDAH
Sheila McGee
KALI, SQUEAKY, TIGGY & MIKEY
Mr. & Mrs. Dan Grygas
KITTY
Karen Frankenfield
LILY MESKUTOVECZ
Judith Boston
Martha & Ed Meskutovecz
Marguerite Pearson
MAGGIE
Gloria Perrotto
MAESTRO
Lynne Connolly
MAX
Nadine Vine
MAXINE & CHEWI
Pamela Bird
MEENA
Mike & Kathryn Sokaris
MIKEY
Howard Halstead & Melissa Engler
MISTY
Bette Helms
MISTY MORRETT
Tom & Diane Houck
MOLLY
Milt & Kathy Pratt
Steven Rider
MOSES
Laura Sprague
MUFFY, MITTENS, DOUGIE & BELLA
Brenda Olsen
MURPHY
Martha & Ed Meskutovecz
MURRAY - BELOVED COMPANION
Donna DeBie
NATASHA
Marion Foster
OLD PA
Mr. & Mrs. Harol Pechett
OLIVER, MY BEST FRIEND
Karen Daffner
pebbles 1997-2008
Peg & Family
PEPIONE & MOLLY
Yvonne W. deGenova
PEANUT
Carol Haight
PRECIOUS
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bartlett
RALPH AND ALICE DE PAZ
Joan De Paz
SAM
Mark Phoenix
SANDY, CINDY, SARA & PENNY
Gloria Snyder
SHADOW
Erik Van Dorn
SHEBA
Kenneth & Amorette Fichtel
SIESTA (CECE)
James, Cheryl & Christina DeLella
SIR LANCELOT
Carol T. Gascoyne & Family
SMOKEY
Marie MacPherson
SPIKE
John & Brenda Wrenn
STURGESS
Edna Gage
TASHA
Craig Kimball
THOMAS SNOWDEN
Tom & Diane Houck
Kathy Snowden
TINKERBELLE, ANGEL, NIPPER, SAMMY
& POOPSIE
Jean Myers
TONKA
Elizabeth Catone
TUNA - THE BEST CAT IN THE WORLD
Russ, Carol & Richard Collura
TYLER
Robert & Mary Ann VanGorder
TRIBUTE GARDEN BRICKS
Bricks engraved with loving tributes line the path to our beautiful Forget-Me-Not Garden. It’s a thoughtful way to honor special people and pets, past or
present. For pictures of the garden, visit www.animalprotective.org. Please call 374-3944, ext. 114 for more details.
CHECK ONE:
[ ] 4" x 8" brick with 2 lines of text......................................................$50
[ ] 8" diamond brick with 3 lines of text ....................................... $100
[ ] 10¾" granite brick with 3 lines of text...................................... $250
Please print the name or message to be engraved. Each box represents
one character, including spaces and punctuation.
4" X 8" BRICK
8" DIAMOND BRICK
10 ¾" GRANITE BRICK
Your Name ____________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________
City/State/Zip _________________________________________
Phone _______________________________________________
E-mail _______________________________________________
[ ] Check enclosed in the amount of $_____ (payable to APF)
Credit Card: [ ]Visa [ ]Mastercard [ ]Discover [ ]AmEx
Card#________________________________ Exp. ____________
Signature _____________________________________________
www.animalprotective.org 5
Snow Dogs!
presented by Tundra Spirits Siberian Husky Rescue and the APF
A fascinating program for all husky lovers age 6 and older. Meet
some beautiful Siberian huskies and learn what makes this breed
so unique.
DATE: Saturday, February 20
TIMES: Two sessions will be offered 10:00 am – Noon and
1:00 – 3:00 pm
LOCATION: Animal
Protective Foundation
FEE: $10 per person,
must be preregistered
TO REGISTER:
Call 374-3944, ext. 119.
Seating is limited and classes
fill quickly.
Members of Team Ted who attended the Fireplug 500 included Greg Catlin
and Sky; Diane Houck and shelter dog Diamond; Holly Comanzo and Fritz;
Renee Evenden and Cody; Elana Evenden and Haley Evenden.
Big Round of a Paws!
Meet Tika and her friends!
Isn’t Love Blind?
They say love is blind, but apparently it’s not colorblind. Ask any shelter
worker here or elsewhere which pets take the longest to adopt and you’re
bound to hear “the black ones.” While superstition may play a role in
the adoption of black cats, it’s more likely that black animals simply
don’t stand out as well as their more colorful counterparts. Like walking
through a department store, your eye is drawn to what is most colorful
and dramatic. Black cats and dogs have personalities as colorful as any
other pets, and they may need you even more than the brindles, calicos
and tabbies. Don’t judge a book by its cover, or you just might overlook
the next furry love of your life.
Our thanks to everyone who had a hand or paw in making our 17th
Annual Fireplug 500 Walk for Animals such a great success. Over
$60,000 was raised to help provide shelter and care for the animals.
Pictured is our top team, “Team Ted,” who raised nearly $3,000!
Top 10 Teams
Top 10 Walkers
Team Ted $2,947
Arlene Krisanda $2,200
APF Staff $2,190
Vera Weiss $2,000
Team Terrier $1,855
Dawn Denegar $1,798
Ed & Robin Paniccia $1,185
Diane Houck $1,593
Team Jackson $835
Edward Paniccia $1,160
Marshall & Sterling $788
Chris VanPatten $815
Dog-Gone Rascals $660
Jennifer Lutz $760
Chance's Crusaders $616
Holly Comanzo $724
K-9 Extraordinaire $608
Melissa Tata $710
MVPeeeeeers $575
Jessica Rickert $650
Kids Making a Difference for the Animals
h j
Every week, children of all ages come to the APF with donations for the animals. It may be mats that they have
made for the kitties here, or a collection of food for the Pet Food Pantry, or supplies off our Wish List. Some kids
have lemonade stands or car washes or even ask for donations be made to the shelter in lieu of birthday presents
for themselves.
The generosity of such children is inspiring and a real bright spot in a world that seems to have so much bad
news taking place. Their kind efforts are truly appreciated by all of us here, staff and animals alike. If your child is
interested in helping the animals, download a copy of “30+ Things Kids Can Do to Help” from the Volunteer page
on our website at www.animalprotective.org, or pick up a copy in our lobby. Keep up the good work, kids!
holiday gifts that give back
APF Gift Certificates
A gift to the animals in a loved one’s name is a truly meaningful gesture. With
your gift of $25 or more, we will send a holiday certificate announcing the gift
from you. You may purchase certificates online, in person, by mail, or by calling
374-3944 ext. 114. Our deadline for Christmas mailing is December 18.
Entertainment Books
Entertainment Books are packed with hundreds of money-saving coupons for
dining, entertainment and much more. They cost just $30 and the APF receives
$6 for each book purchased.
APF Pet
Academy
> Certified trainers
> Small classes
> Positive training methods
Visit www.animalprotective.org for class schedule,
or call 374-3944, ext. 121.
Puppy Pre-School • Basic Manners 101 • Canine Good Citizen • Agili-O
6
Returning
in 2010:
Pets
Coming in 2010:
ThePennies
Returnfor
of “Pennies
for Pets”
There is no denying that kids love animals. Thanks to the hard work and caring attitudes of students at three Schenectady elementary schools,
Yates, Van Corlaer and Zoller, $3,000 was raised through “Pennies for Pets” in 2009. The APF funds subscriptions of the award-winning “KINDNews”
for over 100 area classrooms and visits many schools to give presentations. The money raised helps support these important humane education
programs that reach thousands of children, from nursery school through high school. This year, we are expanding “Pennies for Pets” and are inviting
other school districts to participate in the fun. More details will be forthcoming in early 2010, so stay tuned!
Giving Thanks at Year’s End
What’s in Your
Jewelry Box?
If you have a jewelry box, it probably
has some pieces you never wear, but
don’t know what to do with. We have
the solution! Donate your unwanted
jewelry to the APF for our second
“Tails of Treasure” Jewelry Event,
coming in February. Last year we had
thousands of pieces, from costume
to fine, and raised over $6,000. We
will also be collecting silver and gold
For many, these final months of the year
are a time to express thanks for all we have
and also to share with others. However
it has been a difficult year and economic
conditions have made it necessary for most
of us to reassess our spending, saving and
giving choices. By carefully considering
your options, you may discover that you
can help the animals in ways you never
thought possible.
Coming Up
February - Date TBA
Tails of Treasure Jewelry Event
March - Date TBA
Pancake Breakfast
• Giving gifts of cash, securities and life insurance may provide savings for this tax year and in the future.
•
Matching gifts double your support. Check to see if your employer offers such a program. The APF is eligible for GE matching funds from employees and retirees. Please call 1-800-305-0669 or visit www.gefoundation.com to report your gift.
accept broken or odd pieces as well.
• If you participate in workplace giving through SEFA, CFC or United Way, you may designate your gift to the APF.
For more information, please contact
To learn more about giving opportunities, please call 374-3944, ext. 110.
to be melted down, so we will gladly
Sunday, June 6
Putting for Pets Golf Tournament
at Van Patten Golf Club
Saturday, June 12
4th Annual Thrifty Kitty and
Bargain Hound Garage Sale
Saturday, September 11
18th Annual Fireplug 500
Walk for Animals
Kim at 374-3944, ext. 119.
SHELTER WISH LIST
For a complete list visit
www.animalprotective.org
> Kongs and Galileo Bones in large
and extra large sizes
> Dog collars and strong clip-on
leashes in medium/large sizes
The Catnip Club
Join The Catnip Club and your favorite feline will be mailed three 3.5”
catnip pillows filled with organic catnip every three months for one
year. Each is handcrafted in 100% cotton fabrics in colorful patterns.
Note! Orders must be received by 12/11 for Christmas delivery.
> Small fleece cat beds
If Purchasing for Your Own Pet
> Clay (non-scoopable) cat litter
Pet’s Name___________________________________
> Liquid laundry detergent
Address______________________________________
> Paper goods: paper towels,
kleenex and bathroom tissue
City_________________________________________
> Gift cards for Price Chopper,
Hannaford, Walmart, Target
Michael’s, JoAnne’s Fabrics,
Office Max or Staples
State____________________Zip__________________
Phone_ ______________________________________
E-mail________________________________________
> Gas cards
Gift Recipient and Shipping Info if Different
> Forever postage stamps
Name________________________________________
> Donations of any type of cat
and dog food for our Pet Food
Pantry Partnership with SICM
are always appreciated
Pet’s Name___________________________________
For your convenience, we have
also created a wish list through
Walmart. Visit our website to
shop online and have items
delivered directly to the shelter!
Address______________________________________
City_________________________________________
State____________________Zip__________________
Phone_ ______________________________________
E-mail________________________________________
Vincent loves his catnip pillows!
Please enclose $40 for each order.
Checks payable to: APF
Total amount enclosed $____________
___ VISA
___ MasterCard
___ Discover
___ American Express
Cardholder’s Name_____________________________
Card Number_________________________________
Expiration Date________________________________
Signature_____________________________________
Purchaser’s Name______________________________
Mail to: APF, 53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302
Your membership supports the APF’s
spay/neuter and animal care programs.
www.animalprotective.org 7
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
53 MAPLE AVENUE
SCOTIA, NY 12302
PERMIT NO. 1016
ALBANY, NY
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
New and Improved!
Pet Pictures
with Santa
Saturday, December 5
Details Inside
SHELTER HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 12:00 – 4:30 pm. Thursday 12:00 – 7:30 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Pancake
Introducing
Breakfast!
“Furry
WE'VE GONE HOME!
We love updates. Please send your pet pictures and stories to
Marguerite at [email protected].
Thursdays”
The APF now offers extended
adoption hours every Thursday
evening until 7:30 pm ... but that’s
not all!
Thursday evening are now known
as “Furry Thursdays” and we’ll be
offering something new every
week. It could be entertainment,
a gift or discount, an exhibit, or a
chance to meet a special guest.
Are you an artist, entertainer,
crafter, musician or author? Or
do you have an interesting exhibit
to display? If so, contact Kim
at 374-3944, ext. 119 or jess@
animalprotective.org to share
your idea.
Booker
Eliza
Dodger
Oscar
Chelsea & friend
Jerzee
Lady Bug
Sonny & friend
Misty
Mini (right) and friend
Nolan
Willie