Latest Newsletter - Herkimer County Humane Society

Herkimer County Humane Society
Providing a Safe Haven for Animals
Since 1913
Spring 2016
Newsletter
Meet Our Staff
This small team of incredibly dedicated individuals are the heart and soul of HCHS.
Without them, we are nothing.
The love and compassion they show our animals every day is without limits,
and the bonds they form with them will last forever
I started working here in August 2014. I am grateful to work
with such an amazing staff and management. We do our best
to improve each animal’s quality of life and give them the
chance they were denied. I truly love my job! (Alexis)
I have always loved animals, especially dogs, so being able to
help in the rescue of animals has been the ideal job. I love that
we give animals every chance possible here, chances they
might not get elsewhere. (Beth)
Beth
Alexis
I’ve worked at HCHS for about 3 years, and I have to say that
working here has definitely changed my life. I’ve made
friends, I’ve adopted three new family members and I have
learned a lot. I’ve always had a passion for animals and hope
to make a career as a veterinarian. (Lexi)
have
Lexi
been
I was a volunteer with my children for three years when I was
offered a part-time position and left my management position of
12 years to be part of a great staff. I love how things are run
here at the shelter, and I enjoy helping animals. We give them a
chance. It’s a very fulfilling job. (Missy)
Missy
I started here as a volunteer three years ago, and started working
in August 2014. Currently I have three dogs — two of which I
adopted from HCHS. I love working with the animals and giving them a chance at a better life. (Cassandra)
I’ve worked at the humane society for over a year, and it has
opened up a world of bonds and experiences. I have learned a
lot about animals. In a situation good or bad, I do what I can for
them. (Sabrina)
Cassandra
Our Office Manager, Joanne Johnson
Sabrina
I have been involved with animal care from the time I was a little girl bringing home strays to live on a farm. My position
here as shelter manager for 6 years comes with ups and downs, but knowing that we provide these animals with the best of
care possible until their “furever” homes are found — makes it all worth it!
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HERKIMER COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
P.O. BOX 73, MOHAWK, NY 13407
PHONE: 315-866-3255
FAX: 315-866-5086
LOCATED AT 514 ROUTE 5S — BETWEEN MOHAWK AND LITTLE FALLS
Web Page: www.herkhumane.org
Petfinder: www.petfinder.com
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Herkimer County Humane Society
Our Mission
The Herkimer County Humane Society is a non-profit, 501c(3) charitable organization
dedicated to providing shelter and safe haven for stray dogs and cats
until their forever homes are found.
REGULAR SHELTER HOURS
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Tuesday
Saturday and Sunday
11 a.m.—5 p.m.
closed
12 noon—4 p.m.
STAFF
Joanne Johnson — Shelter & Office Manager
Melissa (Missy) Bennett — Assistant Shelter and Kennel Manager
CAREGIVERS
Sabrina Gay, Lexi Henning, Bethany Loucks, Cassandra Rex, Alexis Streeter
Kelly Bunce — Cruelty Investigator
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Natalie Massita — President
Melissa Benware— Vice President
Virginia Yeomans — Treasurer
Secretary Position — TBA
Robert Schrader, Herkimer Co. Legislative Representative
Janice Ebling, Georgia Kaples, Jack Majtan, Victoria Porter, Ed View, Patrick View,
Melissa Williams and Cathy Winston
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress
can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
Gandhi
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Over my lifetime, I have probably had six dogs, but in life, and if we are lucky, we get that one special dog. Mine was Maggie.
Maggie died four years ago at 16 1/2 years old, and I still miss her. When we adopted her as a pup,
she peed on me on the way home, marking me forever as hers! She was incredibly intelligent. In addition
to regular dog tricks, she could count; add and subtract; and stop, drop, and roll. She loved people and putting on a show.
We often visited elementary schools to show the kids her stop, drop, and roll, and she was voted
Best Fire Dog by Fisher Elementary School.
I now have Molly, who is the same breed that Maggie was. Sadly, she is not Maggie, but she is
very special. She is my new best friend, and we go everywhere together.
God blesses us with all different cats and dogs. Remember, dog spelled backward is God, so thank
God every day for your best buddy.
Ed View
Please adopt your next best friend.
Ed View
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MT. MARKHAM CONTINUES CHRISTMAS TRADITION
Once again, the second grade classes at Mt. Markham Elementary school conducted their annual Christmas donation for the animals at the Herkimer County Humane Society. This event has
been ongoing for 10+ years and the school always delivers in a huge way. The kick-off began on Friday, December 4th when shelter volunteer, Jodi Flo and “niece,” Myrna Korce, went to the school and
presented a program on animal responsibility, pet safety and what the shelter does. The students
then started a collection for the animals at The Herkimer County Humane Society. On December
22nd, Jodi, “Myrna,”and fellow volunteer and Myrna Mom, Joy Korce, went to pick up the donations
and they had a truck full!
The shelter would like to thank all the students for their efforts and also a thank you to their
teachers, Mrs. Carney, Mrs. Jeffers, Miss Powers and Mrs. Welch for inviting us to speak to their students. Because of their continued kindness, we are able to take care of our animals until they find
their forever homes.
well.
We would also like to thank Mr. Bard’s third grade class for their donations for the animals as
Pictured are all the second graders with Myrna and volunteer Jodi Flo .
Generosity taught young is a good thing..
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BARRINGER ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students Display Generosity and Selflessness During the Holiday
The first grade students at Barringer Road Elementary School in Ilion, NY, decided to help
out their community this Christmas season. They sold “paper dog bones” to the entire school and
brought in donations of food, toys, treats, and blankets to help the animals at the Herkimer County
Humane Society. The total cash donation was $400 ($200 from the sale of the paper dog bones and a
matching donation from the teachers’ dress down fund)...not to mention the heaping boxes of donated
items!
We are so proud of our students for their generosity and selflessness this Christmas season!
It is important to teach our children at a young age to respect all living creatures.
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Jack Majtan, Board Member, and Sue Majtan
Board members enjoying an evening of mystery. Sitting: Victoria Porter
and Melissa Benware. Standing: Patrick View, Ed View, Bob Schrader,
Virginia Yeomans, Jack Majtan, Janice Ebling, Melissa Williams, and
Natalie Massita
Our 4PetSake friends Kris Wilson and Julie Rotondo
Patrick View. Board Member, and Kelly View
Ed View, Board member, and Rosemary View
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I had just purchased my home and wasn’t planning to get a pet, but then came SmokeyJoe. I had no
idea at the time just how much SmokeyJoe would change my life.
I heard of Dalmatian puppies in need of homes, and homes were found for all them but one. He was
very tiny, the runt of the litter, and I couldn’t understand why no one seemed to want him. I told the owners to
continue trying to find him a home, but I thought of this puppy every day. After a short time, I went back to
get him, and I have to admit that it was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made.
SmokeyJoe was a beautiful Dalmatian who loved to go for walks, and always had to carry a toy or
small blanket in his mouth as we walked. It made him happy so I didn’t question it. People honked their
horns and smiled as they drove by and saw him.
It was very hard to leave SmokeyJoe for even a short length of time, so he went everywhere with me —
to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to Bar Harbor, Maine, and so many other places. He loved to go camping,
and of course, was the hit of the campground with everyone. When he was a puppy, I brought him to a
babysitter while I was at work!
I had SmokeyJoe for 13 years, and one day I had to make a very difficult decision. I knew I would never have another SmokeyJoe, but I also knew I would continue to save the lives of other animal through
rescue efforts.
SmokeyJoe opened my eyes to what is really important in my life – animal welfare and the love of a
special pet. As President of the Herkimer County Humane Society, I will continue to work to improve the
lives of animals, and I will encourage others to do so too.
To those of you reading this, please stop by the Herkimer County Humane Society to see the animals
waiting for their forever homes, and if you have a heart for volunteering, we have a place for you. We need
you! Just call HCHS at 866.3255.
Thank you to all of you who support the Herkimer Co. Humane Society. I hope you have been able to
find your forever pet/s as I did with SmokeyJoe and his siblings.
Natalie Massita, President, HCHS
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Startling Statistics Indicate
In 7 years
one unsprayed female cat can be responsible for 420,000 kittens!
In 6 years
one unsprayed female dog can be responsible for 67,000 puppies!
Every day
in the U.S. 70,000 puppies and kittens are born.
and ONLY 10,000 humans are born.

It costs $1070 the first year you own a cat and $1,700 a dog.

At birth, dogs can’t hear or see for up to 3 weeks.

Dog spelled backwards spells God.

It costs approximately $280,000 to operate the HCHS, and over 75% is raised by
the Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers
Board Membership: Please contact the shelter if you are interested in board membership. It does require time, email ability, and a real commitment to working effortlessly
to find forever homes for our shelter animals,
Volunteer: We are always looking for reliable volunteers to help with our many fundraising activities and various events as shown throughout this newsletter. Please contact the shelter if interested.
Many businesses have graciously allowed the HCHS to place canisters in their place of business.
All funds collected through this program go to the direct care of the animals.
THANK YOU
to the businesses that support the Herkimer County Humane Society.
It is with your help that we are able to save the lives of our precious animals.
If you would like to place a canister in your business, please contact the shelter.
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Over 60 crafters. 15 basket raffles. 50/50 raffle. Food/Beverage. Adoption Clinic.
THANK YOU to Herkimer High School for allowing us to have this event at the perfect location!
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN
It’s time for our 20th Mutt Strut
at Herkimer College
See next page for details.
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JOIN US FOR THE 20TH ANNUAL
MUTT STRUT
A Walk For Animals
Sunday June 5, 2016
12:00 –3:00 PM
On the Campus of Herkimer College
EVENTS OF THE DAY
Prizes for highest pledge total
Youth prizes for top three pledge totals
Individual and team prizes for top three pledge totals
T-shirts for walkers raising $25 or more
Vendors, Music, Pet Demonstrations
Pet Contests
Vet tech on site to answer your questions
And Much More!
If you don’t have a dog, we invite you to walk one of our shelter dogs.
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT HOMELESS AND
ABUSED ANIMALS
For more information, call the shelter at 315-866-3255 or
Visit our Web site at www.herkhumane.org for T-Shirt and Water Stop Sponsor Forms.
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(Must be 16 years or older)
**Don’t have a dog? No problem.
Shelter dogs will be available to walk.
Your dog on a leash**
Proof of current rabies vaccination
Pledge form and pledge money.
Rain gear if necessary.
WHAT TO BRING
Ask family, friends and neighbors
to sponsor you.
Walkers must have at least $25.00 in
pledges to receive a “Mutt Strut” TShirt
Record your sponsors on your pledge
sheet and bring it with your pledge
money to the registration booth
on the day of the walk.
WHAT TO DO
·Walk includes scenic area of campus
·Water for dogs along route
·Walk held rain or shine
·Dogs must be on leash at all times
·Clean up bags provided
·Restrooms for walkers
ABOUT THE WALK
Name (Please Print)
TOTAL
Phone
ADDITIONAL SHEETS MAY BE ATTACHED
Address
YOUR 2016 MUTT STRUT PLEDGE SPONSORS
Amount
Diane Suhr organized a great Paws with Claus once again.
Thank you, Diane, for organizing another fun event for our furry friends and Santa.
Volunteer Diane Suhr and Board Member Melissa Benware
Vendors Barb Freiman and Vanessa Deep and family
Jessica from The Velvet Dog in Herkimer
We always enjoy seeing Winston — shown here
with parents Emily and Lee. Winston found his
forever home after a brief stay at the shelter,
and as you can see,
he’s very much loved!
Right: Just waiting for Santa
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Beautiful!
Great hat Ken!
Patrick View, Melissa Williams, Ed View, and Ralph Stopello, President of the
Mohawk Valley Lunch Club
THANK YOU for your donation.
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Board member Ed View at one of our many Adoption Clinics with friends Gianna and Liam
from Pause 4 All Paws.
Thank you Young’s Ace Hardware for having us.
THANK YOU for always providing us with your breads and baked goods
for our adoption clinics, bake sales, and
other events.
We THANK YOU for your continued support of our shelter and appreciate the advertising of our events
on your electronic billboard — a proven valuable advertising tool for our events.
THANK YOU for taking beautiful pictures of our pets so that they can find their forever homes.
If you belong to an organization that would like a program presented
by the Herkimer County Humane Society
on a topic relating to animal care and responsibility, the shelter’s history, etc.,
call the shelter at 866-3255.
We visit schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and other organizations; and
we will tailor the program to your needs.
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This year brought a new fundraising event in April — an Indoor Flea Market
held at the Mohawk American Legion.
It was a great success, raising over $1,300, and a lot of fun too. We had basket raffles,
a 50/50 raffle, and lots of donated items from Holland Farms and Heidelberg Bakery
for our bake sale table.
There’s talk of a possible “Christmas in September” flea market — check out our Web site.
for any upcoming events.
Thank you to those at the American Legion for being gracious hosts throughout the event.
Board members Ed View and Natalie Massita
Such short little lives
our pets have to spend with us,
and they spend most of it waiting for us
to come home each day. I
It’s amazing how much love and laughter
they bring into our lives
and even how much closer we become
with each other because of them.
John Grogan
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Saturday, May 28
10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Rain Date June 11
COMMUNITY DONATIONS WANTED!
Donate your unwanted items in good or fair condition.
(No clothes please)
Bottles and Cans also accepted.
50/50 Raffle
Do not have to be present to win.
On the lawn of the Humane Society
Call 520-3112 for more information and drop off times.
ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT THE ANIMALS OF THE HCHS.
Please Donate.
October 22, 2016
at Herkimer High School
Interested crafters
may call 520-3112 for more information..
Act now—Reserve your 10x10 spot!
Please support the animals of your local the shelter.
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MISSION STATEMENT
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.
VISION

Employ skilled, caring, compassionate shelter workers who work with local veterinarians for medical decisions for animals at the shelter or in foster care in support of being a low-kill shelter and provide daily feeding, cleaning, safety, care, attention, and love to all the animals at the shelter from the
day they are rescued to they are adopted.

Heavily rely on committed volunteers to assist at the shelter, adoption clinics, fundraising, etc. activities and show appreciation for all, regardless of time available to volunteer.

Promote foster care home programs for special care animals while they require special attention and
separation.

Employ a Cruelty Investigator for County to prevent animal abuse and neglect.

Provide humane education to our community on animal safety, importance of spay/neuter, safe human-animal interactions, and promote responsible pet ownership.

Follow vigorous Adoption practices to effectively screen adopters and carefully match animal to the
right forever home.

Work with ACOs/DCOs and law enforcement in the County in providing an effective in-take process for rescued stray dog and cats coming to the shelter.

Appreciate our community, county, members, contributors, donators for providing funding in order
to provide day-to-day animal care and shelter operations.
Work for a cause, not for applause.
Live life to express, not to impress.
Don’t strive to make your presence noticed.
Make your absence felt.
(author unknown)
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THANK YOU for supporting the Herkimer County Humane Society
with your advertisement in our newsletter.
See Also Next Page
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Salvatore’s
Pizzeria
& Restaurant
650 1/2 W German St.
Herkimer
Our Corporate Sponsor
Operated by
the Magro Family
866.2600
Iocovozzi Funeral Home
Frankfort, NY
203 2nd Ave, Frankfort, NY 13340
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
GARAGE SALE: May 28 at the Herkimer Co. Humane Society, Rain Date June 11


MUTT STRUT: June 5 at Herkimer College
 CRAFT SHOW: October 22
2nd Garage Sale — August — Data TBA
To everyone who has donated their time, money, service, or supplies:
the Herkimer County Humane Society is very grateful.
You have helped to make a difference in the lives of the many animals we shelter,
and we couldn’t do it without you!
A Special Thank You
to the Board of Directors and to the Staff
who work tirelessly to improve the lives of the animals at the shelter.
THANK YOU to our Corporate Sponsor —
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Herkimer County Humane Society
P.O. Box 73
Mohawk, NY 13407
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