What is the Yelp for Help Fund?

Animals
At Heart
SPCA Serving Erie County
205 Ensminger Road
Tonawanda, NY 14150
(716) 875-7360
YourSPCA.org
Newsletter of the SPCA Serving Erie County
What is the Yelp for Help Fund?
Winter 2010
Winnie the Hound Mix
Not every animal taken in by the SPCA Serving
Erie County is healthy and adoptable. Countless animals suffer from life-threatening illnesses and injuries, usually the result of
being abused or neglected. They require
immediate and expensive veterinary care
that is often beyond our resources. Once
treatment is administered, many require additional medical attention or intense socialization
and behavior modification.
The community-funded Yelp for Help program offsets the SPCA’s cost of caring for these less fortunate animals with the goal of successful rehabilitation
so they can be placed for adoption. It is our hope, that with contributions from
our community to the Yelp for Help Fund, we will be able to continue to help
our four-footed friends, transforming all treatable animals into adoptable pets.
The Yelp for Help Fund allows the SPCA to afford expensive,
emergency veterinary treatments to save animals’ lives.
Courses of costly treatments include:
• Emergency surgeries
• X-rays
• Diagnostics
• Innovative pain therapies
• Intravenous treatments
• Post-surgical intensive care
…and much more.
These animals don’t have owners to pay for their life-saving
procedures and treatments…without funding from the
Yelp for Help Fund, these homeless animals couldn’t be saved.
Thanks to your donations, they will be.
Yelp for Help has been designated as the SPCA’s Maddie’s®
Pet Rescue Project program! Visit our Web site at YourSPCA.org
to learn more about the Maddie’s® Pet Rescue Project.
Before
When Winnie, a one-year-old hound
mix, was brought to the SPCA on
Christmas Eve 2008 as a result of a
complaint made by a neighbor, she
was dehydrated, cold, and emaciated
– she only weighed 14 pounds. She
suffered from eye and ear infections
and teeth problems. She had no fur
and her skin was bleeding as a result of
mange. She was so weak and frail that
she ended up fracturing her leg while in
foster care. Despite her very painful and
poor condition, she continued to wag her
tail for our technicians and to give plenty
of kisses. She was very gentle and had
big eyes that could make anyone melt.
After more than two months of care at
an SPCA foster home, and medical bills
exceeding $1,000, Winnie left our shelter
a healthy 36 pounds, ready to start her
life with her new family.
After
Interested in becoming a foster parent?
Many of the animals who receive treatments
thanks to the Yelp for Help Fund spend some
amount of time in foster care before being
placed for adoption. New foster homes are
always welcomed. For more information on
becoming a foster parent, please call Julie
Ruppel, foster care coordinator, at 629-3509.
Foster homes are needed all year long for ani-
mals who come to us sick, injured, pregnant,
or too small. The time an animal spends in a
foster home varies based on each animal’s individual circumstances.
Director’s Message
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS AND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Lawrence F. Robb
VICE-PRESIDENTS
Karen Kaczmarski
Julie Desmond Schechter
Linda Newland Soltis
SECRETARY
Mary Ellen Hager
TREASURER
Nancy LaTulip
Cornell S. Babcock, Jr.
Ronald Benderson
Nancy Brock
Katherine Cauley
Melissa Cleary
Sara Dayton
James J. Eagan
Sandra Gingerich
Danielle Jacobs
Sarah Mugel
Margaret Phillips
Lisa Pierce
Megan Szeliga
Michael Taheri
Kurt R. Venator
Todd Voelkl
Honorary Member
Andrew J. Rudnick
MISSION
The mission of the SPCA is to create a caring and
kind community that encourages fair and humane
treatment of all creatures. Our knowledgeable,
caring, and open-minded team of staff and
volunteers achieves that mission through proactive
efforts to address the current status of animals in our
community, education of adults and children, rescue
and sheltering of animals in need, and placement of
animals into appropriate homes.
VISION
In the 2009 fiscal year, the SPCA medically treated or rehabilitated
4,699 cats and dogs in preparation for their adoption. The extent of the
treatment varies from animal to animal. Some come to us with relatively
easy issues to deal with – they might be pregnant or nursing or have an
upper respiratory infection. But others have more difficult issues such
as fractures, poisoning, starvation, trauma, mange, major ear infections,
gastro intestinal issues, blocking, or behavioral problems. Care can
include costly treatments, diagnostics, X-rays, and rehabilitation.
The Yelp for Help Fund has made it possible for us to treat all these
issues and save so many lives. As pet owners and animal lovers, we
all know that treating one sick animal can be expensive…treating nearly
5,000 a year is a daunting task. Throughout this issue of Animals at Heart, you will read stories of just some
of the animals saved thanks to the Yelp for Help Fund.
We are so grateful to have reached the point that we are not only saving all healthy animals, but treating the
sick, injured, and behaviorally challenged. As friends and donors, YOU have made this possible. Whenever
you provide that extra gift to the Yelp for Help Fund you are saving more lives.
Thank you for your gifts and continued support.
Adora the Kitten
This tiny kitten, no more than
three months old, came to the
SPCA as a stray in November
2009. She was found by
caring community members
on a vacant property, and our
medical professionals suspect
she may have been hit by a car;
her right ear was completely
shriveled as a result of a severe
injury and, worse, her skin underneath her jaw was completely
degloved.
SPCA veterinary personnel went to work on Adora with
more than $1,500 worth of surgery made possible by the
Yelp for Help Fund. Happily, she made a full recovery in the
SPCA’s Isolation Room and was adopted by a new family in
December 2009!
By providing services for people and animals, we
empower individuals to become caring, competent,
responsible citizens who value animals as a vital part
of our community.
VALUES
Support…as the premier animal welfare agency of our
community, we lend help to any and all who need it.
Professionalism…our staff and volunteers are the
recognized animal experts for our community; our
advice is always the most humane and caring that
we can give.
Compassion…we foster a kind and gentle
environment for the people and animals who
come to our shelter seeking our protection.
Advocacy…we set a shining example for the
members of our community by continually
encouraging fair and humane treatment for all
creatures, big and small.
After
2
Before
Concord Pups
In the late hours of November 8, 2009, 29 small terrier mix puppies
and dogs were transferred to the SPCA after being abandoned
along a busy Town of Concord roadside. Two more dogs arrived
in the days following.
These little dogs were extremely ill and had discharge coming from
their eyes and noses…all were covered in feces, urine, and fleas…
most had severe skin diseases. Many of the young ones were
pregnant, leading animal welfare professionals to believe they were
products of a puppy mill. The dogs were placed in “foster-to-adopt” homes, but their continued
care was extremely expensive, and because there were many puppies on the way, this turned
out to be a very costly medical case for the SPCA.
At the time of this writing, many of the dogs have been adopted or remain in foster care awaiting
the arrival of their puppies. The community response to the case continues to be overwhelming
with hundreds of people interested in
adopting the dogs.
The SPCA’s investigation into this
animal cruelty case continues. The
Humane Society of the United States
is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for
information leading to the identification,
arrest, and conviction of the person or
persons responsible for abandoning
the dogs.
Before
After
Weezy the Boxer
Weezy, a four-month-old boxer puppy, came
to the SPCA on April 13, 2008 from the Animal
Emergency Clinic in Amherst. His owner brought
him to the clinic because Weezy was vomiting
and seemed lethargic. An X-ray revealed that
the pup had a foreign object inside of him. Not
being able to afford the expensive surgery, his
owner surrendered him to the clinic. Weezy was
transported to the SPCA where he immediately
went into surgery. A gastronomy was performed
and the veterinarian recovered a handkerchief hat from inside Weezy’s small
intestines! Once the hat was removed, Weezy was well on his way to a full
recovery.
Within two days, his condition improved dramatically and he was put into a
foster home. Weezy, now Pluto, was eventually adopted by his foster family
after making a full recovery. They are careful not to leave anything around the
home that Pluto can eat!
Before
After
Equinox the Pup
Before
Equinox came to the SPCA late one night in
April 2006 after being hit by a police car that was
racing to a crime scene. The owners could not
afford treatment for her so they surrendered the
four-and-a-half-month old Labrador mix to the
SPCA. Medical staff went to work right away
to administer fluids to her in order to prevent
shock. She was also given antibiotics and pain
medication. X-rays revealed that she had minor
chest contusions and two broken bones in her
right front leg. Equinox had surgery to repair the fractures and a cast was
applied to her leg. She needed six weeks of cage rest so a foster home was
found that would follow the veterinarian’s strict order. Luckily, all that cage rest
paid off and Equinox’s leg healed perfectly.
After
3
TRIBUTES
All tributes listed were given between October 16, 2009 and December 10, 2009.
In Honor of Pet
Angel
Ms. Patricia Troy
Blade
Mr. William J. O’Dea
Casey, Shadow, Nitro, Gizmo and Shasa
Mr. Mark R. Wetzler
Charlie
Mr. Joseph A. Jusko
Chloe
Mrs. Sheila W. Cunningham
Cuddles
Ms. Judith A. Eckle
Dallas
Ms. Christine Kanhoye
Disney
Ms. Ann Deutschlander
Eve, Bo & Bailey
Ms. Jann C. Thomas
Janine and Jerry
Ms. Carol E. Dammann
Jiggs
Mr. Nicholas D’Amico
Joy and Baby
Mrs. Eleanor Schultz
Lucy
Mr. Michael F. Kennedy
Martin and Mira
Mrs. Frances K. Hoffman
Max
Ms. Pat O’Brien
Mellow Fellow
Mrs. Joyce D. Cianciosi
Miner Pets
Ms. Loretta Miner
Minnie
Mr. Bill Piekarski
Misty and McKalya
Ms. Joanne McCulloch
Molly
Ms. Theresa Panuccio
Mr. Jay Schilke
Muffin
Mr. and Mrs. William Struble
Pumpkin
Ms. Erin Bryce
Sarah Elizabeth
Mrs. Deborah L. Morris
Walker
Ms. Christine Balcerek
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew E. Blackwell
Ms. Beverly J. Bristol
Mr. Todd Ceglia
Ms. Ruth J. Gilcrist
Mr. James Holmes
Ms. Pamela A. Irish
Mr. Glenn Provencher
Ms. Diane P. Schroeder
Ms. Joyce Schultz
Mr. Mike Tomasula
Ms. Sara Urbanczyk
Ms. Sue Walters
Mr. Wayne Yon
In Honor of Person
Michelle Aquilina’s birthday
Mr. Richard Altman
Victoria Argentieri’s birthday
Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Argentieri
Mr. and Mrs. Scott M. Cahalane
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Langlotz
Ms. Connie H. Martucci
Dr. and Mrs. Brian E. McGrath, M.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Moore
Joan Beverly
Mrs. Jean Ricci
Laurie S. Bloom
Mrs. Julie A. Legters
Leona Bonito
Mr. Jonathan Hilburger
Betsy Boundy
Mr. Drew Allaire
Helene Chevalier, D.V.M
Kloc Family & Lucy
Ryan & Nicole Coffman
Mr. and Mrs. Perry J. Coffman
Jordan and Gianna Coscia’s 13th birthday
Ms. Elizabeth Steur
Erin Crawley & Jim Thiel
Mr. Randi Maxson
The wedding guests of Tim & Holly Crowley
Mrs. Hollis M. Borowinski
Joy Dallesandro
Ms. Lynn Hemmings
Felicia Diaz
Ms. Kathy Diaz
Jean Doctor
Ms. Roberta Jewell
Robin Dziura
Ms. Marge Denneen
Beverly Eagan
Ms. Faith A. Ostwald
Betsy Farkas
Mr. Burt Marshall
Dana J. Galloway
Mr. and Mrs. Greg D. Galloway
Margot Glick
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Griffin
Mary Ellen Gliosca
Ms. Patricia Kasprzak
Ms. Margaret R. Smith
Barbara Goldman’s 50th birthday
Ms. Carol F. Borom
Pat & Dick Goter
Ms. Teresa Johnson
Grandma Schultz, Aunt Jeanie, & Aunt Dee
Ms. Karrie Mietz
Carole Grimes
Ms. Noreen Osika
Barb Grossmayer & Judy O’Malley
Ms. C. E. Crump and Ms. Janet M. Cooper
Dr. Hillegas
Ms. Erin Bryce
Kelly Horschel
Mr. James Oxley
Claudia Kruszynski
Ms. Beverly J. Eagan
Sally LaBuda
Ms. Marge Denneen
The birthday of Rita Lankes
Ms. Nan Maule
Lauren, Buffalo P.D. and her dog Morgan
Mr. Robert Cierniak
Tony & Rachel Lee
Mr. Robert Lee
Jill Long
Specific Solutions
Ellen Martin
Ms. Pamela A. Fries
Phyllis Massino
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur R. Page Jr.
Angela Milazzo’s birthday
Mrs. Joanne DalPorto
Scott Miloro
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Miloro
Heidi Sue Mumm
Ms. Ann Duquin
Adell Norton’s birthday
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Eddy
Our Grandchildren
Mrs. Judy Yendall
Catherine Page
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Massino
The 15th birthday of Beth Pinto
Ms. Melissa Weiksnar
Clair Puff’s birthday
Ms. Karen Puff
The birthday of Patty Ralabate
Robert and Nancy Myszka
Robin and her dogs Hershey, Maddie, Cola,
and Digger
Mr. Robert Cierniak
Wedding guests
Ms. Tara Serafin
Matthew & Irene’s 60th wedding anniversary
Mrs. Barbara Hildebrand
Margaret Rose Smith
Ms. Patricia Kasprzak
The wedding of Janet & Scott Stephans
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce J. Reinagel
The marriage of Char Szabo & Marcangelo Perricelli
Ms. Dorothy E. Shaw
Dr. Tagliente
Ms. Erin Bryce
Jen Thiel & Tim Saunders
Mr. Randi Maxson
Rita Tomson’s Birthday
Mr. and Mrs. Harold M. Polakov
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Torregrossa
Mrs. Judith A. Chartrand
Barbara & Martin Troutman
Mrs. Mary M. Novitsky
Ms. Ann Dudeck
Kevin Ulmer
Ms. Jessica M. Ulmer
Marcia Walker
Mr. Jeff Dole
The birthday of Beverly Warren
Ms. Jeanette Moss
Mrs. Debby Williams
Kloc Family & Lucy
Azul & Silas
Ms. Linda Schumacher
Bailey
Ms. Jann C. Thomas
Barrister
Ms. Donna Kranitz
Blake
Ms. Laura Gloss
BoBo
Jean F. Feldman, D.V.M.
Boyzo
Mr. & Mrs. Randal Zimmer
Brandi
Ms. Nicole Brzykcy
Buddy the Cat
Mr. Warren P. Lippa
Callie
Mrs. Ruth G. Fox
Carly
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis S. Oniszczak
Chester
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Feger
Ms. Laura Teplitsky
Chewie
Ms. Lorraine T. Lee
Cheyenne
Jean F. Feldman, D.V.M.
Chowder Wall
Ms. Wendy Quinn
Coco, Cinnamon and Lady
Alice P. Wierzbowski
Cole
Mr. Daniel A. Summerville
Cookie & Lady
Ms. Ruth J. Gilcrist
David
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Francis
Dottie
Mrs. Patricia A. Lieneck
Duke
Ms. Shirley Fitzgibbon
Duke, Duchess, and Missy
Alice P. Wierzbowski
Ellie “Kotlik” Metz
Mrs. Rosemary Metz
Fluffy
Ms. Doreen Whalen
Fred
Mrs. Sarah Velia
Gabby
Mr. James X. Horton
Gabriel
Ms. Karen Mullen
Girl
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore F. Cora
Sabre Graber
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Graber
Herb
Mrs. Sally C. Clauss
My precious Holly
Ms. Dolores R. Weisner
Honey
Ms. Helen T. Foley
Jackson
Mrs. Winifred Reardon
Jake
Dr. and Mrs. Mark E. Rodman
Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Siegel
Joey
Mr. Thaddeus V. Bieniek
Josey
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Drake
Josie
Ms. Valerie I. Pierro and Mr. Richard Manzell
Kelly
Ms. Jennifer Kasprzak
Kitty Cat
Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. Keipper
Harry Kubik
Ms. Joan Usiak
Lamarck Drive rabbit
Mr. and Mrs. James K. Hoffmann
Lance
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard J. Ziolkowski Jr.
Layla
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Jelensperger
Lilly
Mrs. Barbara A. Vennard
Lincoln Hickmott
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard J. Ziolkowski Jr.
Linde
Jean F. Feldman, D.V.M.
Little Stayen
Mrs. Ann Stayen
Lucky
Jean F. Feldman, D.V.M.
Lucky Boy
Ms. Jo Ann H. Streit
Mabel
Ms. Debra E. Benton
Mac & Haley
Robert and Josephine Wild
In Memory of Pet
Abby
Mrs. Cindi Notaro
All the homeless, abused, and neglected animals
Ms. Alison D. Newbury
All the pets I’ve had and lost
Mr. Edward Wolfe
Amanda Lou
Mr. and Mrs. Roger J. Peck
Angie
Ms. Donna M. Kelsch
4
Maggie
Sue Beatty
Ms. Denise M. Moll
Ms. Jann C. Thomas
Max
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Orlando
Mickey
Ms. Kathleen J. Knab
Mindy
Mr. and Mrs. Jack F. Wagner
Molly
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Francis
Molson
Mr. and Mrs. Don Brownschidle
Mrs. Marjorie Faes
Murphy
Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. Haas
Mr. Charles J. Sauers and Mrs. Tama J.
Gresco-Sauers
Normy and Sammy
Ms. Donna Weibel
O’Reily
Ms. Tiffany Markel
Oreo
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Beers
Page
Jean F. Feldman, D.V.M.
Phoenix
Ms. Karen E. Morgan
Pretty Cat
Mrs. Maryanne Gregorio-Powers
Punky, Tabby and Kitty Kitty
Ms. Nancy Wyzykowski
Carly Raiff
Ms. Nancy Bloomquist
Ralph Schooler
Amanda and Blake Schooler
Rascal
Jean F. Feldman, D.V.M.
Regal
Ms. Mary E. Eller and Mr. John Glenn
Jean F. Feldman, D.V.M.
Reilly
Ms. Rene Reuther
Richie
Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Marchant
Romeo
Ms. Mary L. Stremlow
Rose
The Mallroy Family
Our Little Rover, Mike, Bootsie & Baby
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Bechmann
Sable
Mrs. Cherie M. Parrish
Sam
Ms. Deborah Lovallo
Samantha
Mrs. Denise Evans
Ms. Dawn Losey
Sandy
Mr. Raymond Komasara
Sasha
Mrs. Deborah G. Hoddick
Sassy
Ms. Susan J. Emborsky
Schulz
Mrs. Barbara D. Bauer
Scooby and Snickers
Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. Mazgaj
Scooter
Mrs. Bernice Hartman
Shadow
Ms. Barbara E. Barnas
Shania
Jean F. Feldman, D.V.M.
Simcka
Mr. and Mrs. George R. Weichmann
Smarty
Mr. George J. Gerace
Smilie
Jean F. Feldman, D.V.M.
Smokey, Sparky, Sneakers, and Nutmeg
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Swiatek
Snoopy, Heidi, and Peaches
Mr. and Mrs. William L. Pinkoske
Sparky, Tara, Penny, and Molly
Mrs. Deborah L. Morris
Spaz
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Marshall
Spooky
Mrs. Denise J. Tuck
Sport Ziolkowski
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard J. Ziolkowski Jr.
Sugar
Mrs. Jayne S. Slomovitz
Talitha
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Smith
Teddie Bear
Mr. and Mrs. Russell S. Dewein
Topanga, the Christmas Angel
Ms. Patricia A. Fitzgerald
Topaz “The Man”
Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Koch
TRIBUTES
All tributes listed were given between October 16, 2009 and December 10, 2009.
Trunks
Ms. Susan Harris
Tucker
Ms. Emily J. Swarner
Wendy
Ms. Carolyn Schnabel
William
Ms. Ann E. Thuman
Wilson
Ms. Kathleen Hulbert
Zoie
Mr. and Mrs. George T. John
In Memory of Person
David K. Anderson
Mr. Reed Anderson
Robert C. Andler
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bitten
Mr. Robert J. Ganson
Mrs. Mary Jane J. Hartford
Mr. Eric Hoffman
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Sanchez
Mrs. Anne J. Slater
Laurence Anelli
Mr. Michael J. Anelli
Marilyn E. Balcom
Mr. John Norton
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Bauer
Mr. Paul Grzybowski
Wayne C. Beck
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Przybyszewski
West Seneca Teachers Association, Inc.
Eileen Bickel
Ms. Judith Bickel
Eugene P. Birrer
Mrs. Ruth Schierer
Joseph J. Boersma
Mrs. Dorothy J. Boersma
Virginia M. Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis R. Becker
Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Illig
Mr. and Mrs. George Janofsky
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond L. Kampff
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel F. Kelley
Ms. Naomi E. Kelley
Ms. Joan Kucio
Ms. Beverly W. Loyst
Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Mehl
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Wade
Mr. and Mrs. George Wilkins
Dorothea & Charles Bryant
Ms. Elizabeth S. Hughes
Robert Chotoff
Ms. Janet Z. Marino
Mrs. Evelyn M. Swarts
Richard Cornell
Ms. Gilda Laufer
Gertrude M. D’Amico
Mr. Nicholas D’Amico
John Daugherty
Alberta Daugherty
Adeline Dawidchik
Mr. and Mrs. Alan R. Randaccio
Mrs. Sharon D. Randaccio
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel H. Way
Heather De Paolo-Johnny
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard H. Kratzke
Veronica DeCoux and Lady
Harry and Kathryn Sam
Anne Marie DiPirro
Ms. Bonita L. Nowicki
Louis J. DiTondo
Mrs. June B. Smith
Joseph J. Donahue
New York Central Railroad Retirees Club
Autumn Drapo
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Todaro & Family
Zachary E. Dueger
Mark and Mariana Chason
Mr. and Mrs. Marvin L. Frackt
Maureen S. Duggan
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Duggan
Dolores G. Eimer
Mr. and Mrs. Terrence J. Griffin
Mr. Robert M. Hammond
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald W. Huber
Ms. Helen Kawa
Mr. and Mrs. John J. Mescal
Edward and Colleen Reichard
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Tobin
Mrs. Dorothy A. Watt
Shirley M. Elliott
David and Teena Marie Norton
Robert H. Ernst
Mrs. Susan M. Drumheller
Carole Fenton
Ms. Rita D. Boddy
Mrs. Rita M. Sliwa
Robert Fitzpatrick
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Kantor
Lois M. Lindner
Associate Board of DirectorsEpiscopal Church Home
Mr. and Mrs. William Frederick
Mr. Richard A. Lindner
Dr. Frank H. Long
Mr. James G. Hinkler
Ms. Suzanne W. Smith
Norma E. Longmate
Mr. Harry J. Schulz
Toni Louise Luckman
Mr. Todd Fannin
Beatrice E. Machamer & All of Her Pets
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Bechmann
Alfred E. Mahoney
Ms. Carol I. Glansberg
Mrs. Barbara Holler
Gary Martin
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis H. Hallis
Arne J. Mathisen
Mrs. Anna E. Nold
Mr. and Mrs. Emilio G. Renzi
Mr. and Mrs. David S. Schmidt
Robert X. Mayers
Mrs. Cheryl S. House
Allen McBride
Mr. and Mrs. Morton Muchow
Richard E. McClean
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Cherry
Ms. Nancy Cochran
Ms. Joan Groth
Ms. Kathleen Hohlstein
Mrs. Linda C. Kelly
Mr. and Mrs. Leslie J. Mindel
Tom McGinnis
Ms. Jackie M. Martin
William A. McInnis
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. Graham
Ms. Julie M. Kosikowski
Ms. Jean I. Krans
Mrs. Marie Marillo
Esther Mika
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Cudeck
Gordon “David” Miller
Mr. and Mrs. William R. Gliss
PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
Ms. Barbara Storey
Dr. George Molnar
Mrs. George J Molnar
Pauline J. Moran
Mr. Charles J. Sauers and Mrs. Tama J.
Gresco-Sauers
Eleanor Nicholson
Ms. Rita M. Sargis
Barbara Niedzwiecki
Mrs. Alfreda Slominski
Ruth Nieman
Mr. Stephen Elake
Wesley Nieman
Mr. Stephen Elake
Dorothy E. Oddo
SIHI Pumps, Inc.
Paul E. O’Ship
Mr. Paul Young
Agnes M. Panzica
Mr. Charles Panzica Jr.
Dennis (Jim) Parry, Jr.
Ms. Gayle Benshadle
Ms. Maureen A. Einhiple
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Steindel
Mildred Phillips
Mr. and Mrs. Michael N. Gagliano
Edward Pieri
Ms. Elizabeth Pease
Dennis Rowan
CC Services, Inc.
John W. Danforth Company
Mrs. Mary Beth Richey
Mr. Gregory J. Robida
Mr. Donald C. Steinsholt
Mrs. Alathia Yuhnke
Rosanna M. Russell
Mr. Lawrence J. Kieffer
Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Pickel
Pat Sardina
Ms. Kathleen A. Sardina
Matthew Jacob Schillinger
Amherst Central High School
Amherst High School Faculty
Ms. Catherine L. Brown
Mrs. Charlene L. Caprino
CASA Nurses
Mr. Kevin Donahue
Mr. and Mrs. Anne and Jerry Feldman
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas L. Fitzgerald
Ms. Hannah Friedler & Mr. Mark Sokoloff
Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd F. Gerbush, D.P.M.
Mr. Jack R. Guastaferro
Ms. Janet Gunner
Ms. Patricia A. Halton
Ms. Alyssa Heumann
Deborah Fleck
Mrs. Lois J. Fleck
Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Garman
Ms. Lois C. Scheeler
Elmer Frank
Elma Conservation Club
Eunice M. Frank
Ms. Cindy A. Burke
Mrs. Frances Franklin and her dog Ginger
Mr. Daniel R. Franklin
Betty and Ed Frantz
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Santa Maria
Dr. Gregory W. Gallagher
Mr. Charles J. Sauers and Mrs. Tama J.
Gresco-Sauers
Ms. Dorothy Varley
Thaddeus J. Gardon
Mrs. Barbara L. Gardon
Robert Geiger
Ms. Diane Stonemetz
Steven Gerry
Ms. Donna L. Riley
Henry J. Gonciarz
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jasinski
Marshall Gould
Ms. Lynne L. Blanchard
Miss Joan T. Doerr
Mrs. Shirley A. Nasca
Ms. Erica Newsom
Amber Graf
Ms. Shirley A. Prutsman
Alexander J. Graham
Ms. Arlene Theurer
Elmer J. Grimm
Mrs. Marie Grimm
Wendy Gromada
Ms. Shirley A. Gromada
Louise E. Gwinner
Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Ortolano
Carlton H. Hameister
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Coates
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jeffe
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth H. Koch
New York State Energy Research and
Development Authority
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey P. Nowacki
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Yung
Heather
Ms. Jean L. Sobie
Maureen J. Heffley
Mr. Thaddeus V. Bieniek
Lola Heidenreich
Ms. Carol A. DiGaetano
Daniel Herberger
Mr. and Mrs. Norman F. Cudek
Lucille Hess
Ms. Terry B. Cohen
Janine Hoyt
Ms. Judith D. Gebera
Harold R. “Pete” Inman
Ms. Betty J. Krist
Dr. Pamela A. Lenz
Dorothy Jeziorski
Mr. Michael N. Jeziorski
June Jonathan
Mr. Fred Jonathan
Louise Jones
Ms. Barbara Haack
Ken Jozwiak
Miss Mary Jozwiak
Joseph M. Kammerer
Mrs. Laura Brock
Ellyce M. Kausner
Ms. Kelly Ormsby
Mary Jane Kavanaugh
Mrs. Frances VanDusen
James J. Klumpp and Bowie
Mr. Michael C. Klumpp
Josephine V. Kobiolka
Mr. Charles J. Sauers and Mrs. Tama J.
Gresco-Sauers
Robert L. Kobiolka
Mr. Charles J. Sauers and Mrs. Tama J.
Gresco-Sauers
Pearl Kowalyk
Ms. Mary Hunter
Kenneth Kruger and his dog Sarah
Ms. Julie A. Jaap
Robert Kuhnel
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel DeLano
Marvin R. Larkin
Mr. Ronald A. Bohn
Ms. Mary Ellen Clark
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis L. Cummings
First Baptist Church of Clarence
Ms. Tammy L. Franco
Ms. Marilyn J. Plateau
Robert B. Laub
Ms. Anne Laub
5
Matthew Jacob Schillinger (continued)
Ms. Kathleen J. Hoy
Jewish Family & Career Services
Mrs. Mary Beth Karr and Mr. Antone F. Alber
Mr. Michael Marlowe
McClelland Small Animal Hospital
Ms. Robyn A. Meyer
Mr. and Mrs. David R. Mori
Ms. Jennifer Nanna-Peckey
Ms. Sherie Poulson-Cook
Mr. Stuart H. Scheff
Ms. Beth Shapiro and Ms. Tammy VanWey
Mr. Gordon Silverman
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
Ms. Patricia E. Watson
Ms. Brenda Wilkes Ward
Mr. Jerome M. Yavno
Megan Schnorr
Mr. Harry J. Schulz
Carl H. Schultz
Mrs. Eleanor Schultz
Anne Schuyler-Pantaleo
Mr. James G. Goodrich
Ms. Paula Goodrich
Evelyn L. Secord
Ms. Geraldine H. Larson
Mel Shero
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Fischer
Anthony H. Sisti
Mrs. Virginia J. Popiela
Henry L. Slisz, Sr.
Ms. Catherine Slisz
Sue Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy M. Jacobs Jr.
Suzanne Smith
Mr. Roger Smith
Ms. Vanette T. Smith
Thomas H. Stoops
Mr. and Mrs. Jerome E. Klostermann
Joseph & Helen Swendra
Miss Elizabeth A. Swendra
Leonard C. Swiat
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Chojecki
Ms. Rita Kurkowski
Mr. and Mrs. Norbert J. Liss
Ms. Peggy A. Nowak
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Szemraj
Ms. Dorothy Wozniak
Robert J. Swiatek
Top Guard Inc.
Jonathon J. Tryka
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce M. Hoffman
Grace W. Turner
Mr. and Mrs. David R. Chamberlain
Ms. Norma J. Dowd
Edgar and Joan Peard
Kathy Upchurch
Mr. Paul N. Upchurch
Walter E. Voisinet III
Ms. Deborah A. Erb
Sonia vom Scheidt
Ms. Theresa J. Applegate
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen V. Cross
Ms. Lynn M. Emminger
Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Fine Mr. and Mrs.
David F. Mix
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence C. Franco
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Guerra
Mrs. Jane E. Hodge
Hurwitz & Fine, P.C.
Mr. Richard B. McCormick
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Mikols
Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Parks Jr.
Personius Melber LLP
Mr. Peter vom Scheidt
Ms. Mary Zoratti
Jean M. Wattles
Mr. Al Dziadaszek
Mr. and Mrs. Warren B. Gelman
Grove Roofing Services, INC.
Mrs. Jane M. Hitchings
Mr. and Mrs. Howard P. Schultz
Mr. Terry L. Sprague
Mr. Henry S. Wall
Mr. Mark R. Wattles
Dorothy R. Wicks
Mr. and Mrs. William F. Farrell
Western NY Miniature Enthusiasts
Robert E. Wiedemann
Ms. Kaye I. Hughes
Mr. Wayne A. Mathews Sr.
Dorothy E. Wiest
Ms. Elizabeth S. Hughes
Bertha and Paul Zidow
Ms. Janet Z. Marino
Benny the Cat
Andre the Puppy
Andre was part of a
complaint case in April
2008. He came to the
SPCA thin, hungry, and
his paw was so badly
infected that the SPCA’s
medical staff thought they
may have to amputate in
order to save his leg. It
became so bad that the
paw actually fell off!
But the good news was
that we were able to fight
the infection and the rest
of his leg was saved. His
foster mom loved him so
much she just couldn’t
part him and she made
Andre a permanent part
of her family.
Benny came to us as a five-month-old
injured stray cat from Buffalo on January 17,
2008. He had a leg fracture that involved
a joint and our vets saw that they could
not save the leg through surgery, so they
decided to amputate his leg. He also had
some trauma to his left eye. He was placed
on IV fluids, given pain medication, and was
started on antibiotics. The surgery went
well and he was placed into foster care.
Benny came back, however, because his leg developed a seroma and
was infected. He also had developed an upper respiratory infection and
had lost some weight because he was not eating well. He was placed on
SQ fluids, was nebulized, and was given more antibiotics.
Before
Benny began eating shortly thereafter and we were able to place him
back with his foster family. Benny’s family brought him in for weekly
check-ups, and after seven weeks he was finally deemed healthy enough
to be placed for adoption.
After
After
Newstead Bunny Rescue
On July 30, 2008, SPCA animal cruelty investigators
rescued approximately 46 rabbits; ten cockatiels,
lovebirds, and parakeets; and three cats from a
residence in Newstead. Two deceased rabbits were
also removed from the property.
Before
After
At least one rabbit had a broken leg, some suffered
from one or more types of
infection, many were matted
and covered with mites,
and most suffered from
hair loss and were covered
with urine and feces. Upon
entering the residence,
SPCA officers found cats
and several birds living in
unsanitary conditions, along
with two unclean fish tanks.
In the weeks following the
rescue, so many people
called inquiring about the
status of the rabbits. Of
particular interest was the
rabbit pictured here…his
ears were in such rough
shape and so badly infected.
Thanks to the Yelp for Help
Fund, the SPCA was able
to save all these animals,
and after one month, the
official “spokesrabbit” of the
case looked better than
ever!
6
Answering the Yelp for Help
After hearing the news about
Walker (see article on Page 8),
Rachel Nalewajek knew she
had to do something. “When I
contacted the SPCA, I learned
that our community already
donated enough money to help
pay for all of his medical bills. I
then realized that there were a
lot of other animals that needed
help, but never had the same
publicity as Walker. I decided that
I wanted to help them.”
On September 5, 2009, Rachel
hosted a beer blast at Vinny’s, the
bar where she works. Rachel’s
event featured a silent auction
and a 50/50 raffle, resulting in a $4,000 donation for the Yelp for Help
Fund!
Since then, Rachel has become a dog enrichment volunteer at the SPCA
and plans to do another beer blast. “The Yelp for Help Beer Blast is
definitely going to be an annual event, so I hope people are ready to party
and raise some money for a great cause again this summer!”
The SPCA sincerely thanks Rachel and the many other donors
who continually answer the Yelp for Help!
Steele the Cat
from various locations; there was swelling over his eye and many parts
of his head; he had difficulty seeing due to the bleeding behind his eyes;
and he was holding his mouth open as his lower jaw was unable to be
raised to meet his upper jaw. X-rays showed the cat sustained chest
trauma. Initial treatment was administered to the cat, and he was placed
in an oxygen cage where he rested more comfortably. The cat was
transported back to the SPCA the same day for further care and observation.
Veterinary technicians at the SPCA dubbed the cat “Steele,” because,
according to Veterinary Services Manager Debby Williams, “He exhibited
tremendous strength in sustaining so many life-threatening injuries.”
In the middle of the night on February 27, 2006,
SPCA Animal Rescue Team members received
a frantic call from a Buffalo woman, screaming
that her “boyfriend” was beating her cat behind a
locked bathroom door. SPCA rescuers arrived
to find a blood-soaked bathroom and a young,
male cat on death’s door.
The cat was rushed back to the SPCA for
evaluation and treatment; once the extent of
the injuries was evaluated on-site, he was immediately transported to the
Animal Emergency Clinic in Amherst for more extensive care. In a report
issued by the clinic at 3:22 a.m. on February 28, the cat was described
as being disoriented and having difficulty breathing, with blood dripping
Before
Donations to the Yelp for Help Fund allowed the SPCA to save Steele’s life.
Steele, now Buster pictured peacefully sleeping below, lives a life full of love
in his new home.
After
Samson the Greyhound
Perhaps one of the most well-known Yelp for Help
alumnus, Samson won the hearts of animal-lovers the
world over when he was surrendered to the SPCA. His
owners brought him to the SPCA to be euthanized, but
SPCA employees saw a heart of gold in the dog.
Starved and dehydrated, Samson came to the SPCA
on March 15, 2005. During his stay at the SPCA, he
made a remarkable recovery while under the care of the
infirmary and kennel staffs. He slowly gained his weight
back, and despite the wounds that would take months to fully heal, Samson remained
affectionate, loving, and always ready for a hug…or a meal.
May 13, 2005 was the day everyone at the SPCA, and 76 pound Samson, were
anticipating. After careful screening, education, and interviews, Samson was placed
in a loving, new home in Olean! His new owners promised to send updates and
photos and to bring him back to the SPCA to visit – and they have delivered! Samson
frequently visits his old friends at the SPCA!
Before
After
7
Walker the Cocker Spaniel
People all over the world sent prayers, good
wishes, and/or donations to help Walker, a
six-month-old puppy, after he was tragically
dragged behind a vehicle and left for dead
in Lockport, NY in August 2009. A good
Samaritan saved his life…and thanks to the
Yelp for Help Fund donors, the SPCA was
able to provide his life-saving treatment and
extended care.
Donor Spotlight
A message from Linda Tilton to the
people who donated to Walker
On the afternoon of August 8, 2009,
Linda Tilton witnessed a horrifying act
of cruelty outside the Lockport store
where she works. As she describes it,
she saw, “a terribly injured black and
white cocker spaniel puppy standing
there staring into the distance, like he
didn’t see anyone. Two-thirds of his
skin was burned off his body and he
was very bloody. He never made a
sound.”
Walker was first treated for severe injuries at the Animal Emergency
Clinic in Amherst and later was transferred to the care of the SPCA.
Nobody was certain he would survive his trauma. After one week of
fluids, rotating bandages and treatments on various parts of his body
covered with open wounds, treatments for exposed bones and torn pads
on Walker’s paws, several rotating pain patch applications, rounds of
Linda quickly scooped the dog up and
brought him to the Animal Emergency
Clinic in Amherst. “My first thought
was to get him help. He was in severe
pain and I just wanted to help him.
He stood on the floor of my car for 45
minutes while I drove to the vet’s and
then the emergency clinic. The pads
were burned off his feet to the bone,
top and bottom, and he just stood there. He was a survivor.”
Before
antibiotics, and plenty of TLC, Walker turned a corner. He began to eat
voraciously, walk outside with great enthusiasm, and express curiosity in
other animals, all the while soliciting a great deal of attention from people.
On October 20, 2009 a warrant was issued for a Florida woman
charged with a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty for allegedly being
responsible for dragging Walker behind her car. Unfortunately justice
may not be served as she can not be arrested unless she returns to the
area.
But this story still has a very happy ending. Linda Tilton, one of
two community members who found Walker near death, initially
paid the emergency clinic $3,200 for veterinary care to save his life
and officially adopted Walker on October 10 after he made a full
recovery. There is no doubt Walker knows how much he is loved,
not only by SPCA staff members, volunteers, and Tilton and family,
but by people throughout the country who donated towards his care.
On August 10, Walker was transferred to the SPCA where he received lifesaving treatments. Walker received an enormous amount of support from not
only the Western New York community, but also from the entire world. Linda was
“humbled, grateful, hopeful, and amazed.”
Linda named the dog Walker. “Walker’s feet and legs were so badly injured we
thought two of them might need to be amputated. They didn’t think he would
ever walk again. I named him Walker with the hope that he would walk again.”
Today, Walker is thriving and is a typical nine-month-old puppy. “He has a
personality all his own. He is happy and goofy and silly. He cries when he doesn’t
get his way and barks when he’s angry. He wants to play all the time. He loves
toys and fetch. He wakes up every morning happy to be alive. He wears a smile
now all the time. He shows no signs of remembering the horrible abuse he
suffered just months ago.”
Linda is amazed and grateful for everything Walker has taught her. “He’s taught
me that some people can be incredibly cruel but more people can be incredibly
kind. Even though he was left for dead, he doesn’t hold a grudge. He loves all
people. He’s taught me forgiveness. He’s taught me to be humble. He’s taught
me that I am a very fortunate person.
“I would like to say thank you to the SPCA and every single person who works
there. I would like to say thank you to all of the people who offered a kind word,
thought and prayer. Everyone who donated money to help in the recovery
Walker has made . . . every child who saved or collected money in one way or
another. Because of your generosity the money raised far surpassed the cost of
Walker’s medical care and is now available through the Yelp for Help Fund to
help other seriously abused animals that are brought to the SPCA each month,
innocent animals that might die if it weren’t for your help. From me to each of you,
I offer a very warm and heartfelt THANK YOU!!”
Think your pet is the cutest?
The SPCA dares you to prove it!
Enter our Pet Photo Contest today! Visit
MyPetIsCuterThanYours.org February 1 - 28 for details.
After
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