craigslist: Reliable Resource or Tangled Web?

53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302 • 518.374.3944 • www.animalprotective.org
Volume 27 No. 4
SPRING 2008
craigslist: Reliable Resource or Tangled Web?
by Marguerite Pearson, Director of Communications
I am well aware that there are folks
who won’t go to a shelter to adopt.
Perhaps they are put off by an
adoption process or fee. I can also
understand wanting to rehome a
pet rather than bring it to a shelter.
Yet the trust that people extend
in these online encounters simply
amazes me. We have heard of
people purchasing pets from
complete strangers, in exchanges
As we work with various media
in parking lots, with no medical
outlets to promote our pets for
history or even contact informaadoption, Mickey one day appeared
tion of the seller.
on TV. Soon after, we received a
call from a concerned man who
told us that the cat had belonged
to his mother, and he wondered
how we ended up with him. We
conveyed what we had been told
and were shocked to hear his
version of the story. He said he
advertised the cat on craigslist and
had found what he thought to be
a good home. Why the two stories
differ so much and which parts are
Mickey found a loving home,
really true are anyone’s guess.
but not through craigslist.
Craigslist.org is a network of
A man recently delivered a cat to
us, claiming his neighbors had
abandoned him. He said the cat
had belonged to an elderly woman
who passed away and as no one
in the family was willing to take
the cat, they simply let him go.
We thanked him for his compassion and for not leaving “Mickey”
homeless in the cold.
online communities featuring free
online classified ads and discussion
forums. With over 12 billion page
views a month and 30 million new
ads monthly, it is the leading classified service in any medium. No
doubt, it’s a great way to buy and
sell stuff. But should we consider
pets “stuff?” I perused the Albany
region list one day and found
nearly 1,300 postings related to
animals. Many were in search of
good homes for pets while many
others were seeking a pet.
Recently a family obtained a
dog from someone who failed to
disclose his severe and chronic ear
problems. Unable to afford the
veterinary care required and with
no way to contact the prior owner,
they brought the dog to us. We
are seeing incidents like these on
an increasing basis and the story is
always the same: “We didn’t get the
whole truth.”
Craigslist claims the vast majority
of its users to be “trustworthy and
well-intentioned.” The site also
states, “With billions of human
interactions facilitated through
craigslist, the incidence of violent
crime has been extremely low.”
That’s great. Yet I can’t help but to
think of the possibility of animals
ending up with hoarders, in
research labs, or in fight rings.
Who would ever know?
The site also lists ways to avoid
scam and fraud. Highlighted is
this statement: “Deal locally with
folks you can meet in person.”
That makes a lot of sense to me.
What makes even more sense
is dealing with an established
organization where you can ask
questions, obtain medical records,
and always know that if the
adoption does not work out,
we will accept the animal back.
I realize that no process is perfect
and that without newspaper and
online ads we would be faced with
more animals at our door. Yet
because our policy is to be forthright and honest with people, the
concept of exchanging pets in an
environment that is free, virtually
anonymous, and without any safeguards for the animals, concerns
me a great deal.
If you have had a craigslist
experience with animals, I’d like to
hear from you. To share your story,
good or bad, please contact me
at 374-3944, ext. 113 or
[email protected].
INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
>Be Kind to Animals
Week Poster & Essay
Contest
>Food Bank Helps Pets
>Expanded Pet-Friendly
Rental List
>APF Pancake Breakfast
>Agili-o for Dogs
OUR MISSION
The purpose of the
APF is to address pet
overpopulation and
animal suffering through
education and appropriate
action, to enhance human/
Got a cat who likes to sleep?
Our sleep-a-thon is back!
animal relationships, and
to provide care to animals
in need.
From the Executive Director
Whenever I tell people what I do for a living, I hear comments like,
“You must want to take them all home” (they’re right). Or, “I just
can’t bring myself to walk into a shelter; it’s so depressing to see all
those homeless animals” (it can be).
It’s everyone’s problem. It is the number one reason that the APF
euthanizes too many animals. We are committed to rehoming every
healthy, family-friendly animal, however there are many that do not
fall into that category.
But the question that really threw me came shortly after I had begun
working at the APF 15 years ago. I was at my high school reunion
and feeling so proud to be affiliated with such a fine organization,
when a past schoolmate insensitively quipped, “Do you really gas
all those puppies?” I can’t repeat what I said to him at the time, but
suffice it to say I set the record straight.
But rather than covertly criticize the irresponsible owners, the
hoarders, the backyard breeders, the pet stores, and everyone else
who contributes to the problem, the APF prefers to take a more
proactive approach. We choose to focus our efforts on reducing the
need for euthanasia through our community spay/neuter program.
Working with our partner organizations, we altered nearly 2,700
cats last year, preventing the births of hundreds of thousands of
homeless kittens.
That was a long time ago, but the anger and hurt I experienced from
that encounter still bubbles to the surface whenever I come across
similar misguided comments regarding our work.
These days the Internet forums, such as those on craigslist, buzz
with all kinds of information and misinformation. They are venues
through which you can bravely assert yourself with no accountability
as you hide behind the anonymity of a screen name or number.
Every now and then, the topic of discussion is the APF. There are
those who are of the belief that open-admission shelters like the APF
euthanize too many animals. And I agree. Where I strongly disagree
is that we are somehow to blame for those that are not adoptable.
Pet overpopulation is to blame and it is a serious problem.
Pet overpopulation is not just the APF’s problem. We did not create
it, nor can we solve it on our own. To all of you who support our
work, we say thank you for caring enough to be part of a proactive
solution. To those who sit at their keyboards complaining about
overpopulation and the resulting euthanasia, we challenge you to
step forward to do the same.
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
Linda Susi, Treasurer
George Belev
Denise Brucker
Beth Dawson
Jo Freedman
Anne Hartranft
Steve Malinowski
Kris McConville
Judy McCullough
Sara Veeder
2
PET ADOPTION We place healthy and temperamentally sound animals in responsible homes with the expectation
that adopters will provide quality and lifelong care. Our process includes an adopter questionnaire and an agreement
detailing the kind of care every animal should receive.
ANIMAL SURRENDER We accept unwanted animals from Schenectady County residents. A minimum of $25 per
animal is requested to offset the cost of care that we provide; approximately $200 per animal.
The APF is an independent nonprofit humane society funded by donations. It is not a municipal agency and
receives no city, county, or state funding.
APF SPAY/NEUTER program
The APF offers reduced-cost spay/neuter services for cats
and kittens. Contact one of our partner organizations for
further information and to schedule an appointment.
Testing for FIV/FeLV and rabies vaccination are also included.
> Robin’s Nest (518) 868.9935
> Love Me Spay Me (Guilderhaven) (518) 861.6861
> Montgomery County SPCA (518) 842.8050
Remember to visit www.animalprotective.org
for a complete list of activities and programs,
including Pet Professor, Pet Academy, special
events, rabies clinics, and more. And if you’re
not online, please contact Marguerite Pearson,
Director of Communications, at 374-3944,
ext. 113 for further information.
r
Volunteer at the APF
Volunteers play a very important role at the shelter. Without
them, we simply would not be able to do as much as we do to
care for the animals, assist pet owners, and provide humane
education programming. Through special events and outreach
activities, our volunteers teach the community about important
humane issues that affect us all, and what the APF is doing to
address them. In addition, they assist in one of the most critical
aspects of caring for the animals — fundraising — to ensure
that resources are available to continue our work. Since the APF
is funded by donations, this type of volunteer help is vital to the
Longtime volunteer Evelyn Phillips-Gutchell
organization.
visits with a feline friend.
Opportunities currently available include: customer service
and phone support, cat room cleaning and socialization, helping with adoptions, fostering kittens, and
staffing informational tables at off-site events, to name just a few. For a complete list, check out our
website volunteer page at: www.animalprotective.org/help/volunteer.html.
Want to learn more about volunteer opportunities? Come to our next Volunteer Orientation.
You will have a chance to ask questions, meet staff, and take a tour of the facility. It’s a great way to
find out if becoming an APF volunteer is good fit for you. Please call Jen at 374-3944, ext. 118 and
let us know if you plan to attend. Bring a friend!
2009 Scheduled Orientations at the APF. All are on Wednesday evenings from 6 - 7:30 pm.
> April 1
> May 13 > July 1 > September 16
> November 18
Expanded Pet-Friendly List is Available
Last year, nearly a quarter of those who surrendered their pets to the APF cited
housing issues as the reason. Many people tell us that they must move and are
unable to find rental properties that accept pets. In an effort to help, the APF has
recently expanded its Pet-Friendly Rental List. This list includes information for over
Thank You!
A heartfelt thank you to all
the wonderful people who
either donated jewelry,
volunteered, or came to
shop at our first “Tails of
Treasure” Jewelry Event on
February 12. It was a great
success and we plan to do
it again next year!
Save The Dates
April 25 Kitten Shower at the APF
May 31 “Putting for Pets” Golf
Tournament at Van Patten GC
June 6 3rd Annual “Thrifty Kitty
and Bargain Hound” Garage Sale
September 12 17th Annual
Fireplug 500 Walk for Animals
Great sponsorship opportunities
available, call 374-3944, ext. 113
First Aid for Dogs and Cats
presented by Tundra Spirits and the APF
This comprehensive, hands-on program for teens and
adults will cover emergency procedures, CPR, rescue
breathing, disaster planning, and more.
contact from landlords who wish to be added to the list. Special thanks to APF
Date:
Time:
Fee: To Register:
volunteer Veronica Thomas for all of her help in compiling this valuable resource.
Registration and payment are due by March 13.
250 rental properties of various types. Visit www.animalprotective.org to download
this document, or call 374-3944, ext. 113 to have it mailed to you. We also welcome
Food Bank Partnership
Helps People and Pets
The APF participates in a program with Hills Science Diet, which supplies
dry food for our shelter pets at a very low price. However, we still receive
donations that we are unable to use. Last year, we began sending surplus pet
food to the Schenectady Inner City Ministry (SICM) Food Pantry on Albany
Street in Schenectady. The pantry is open to residents of Schenectady County
and those in need may receive food up to four times a year.
With help from many individuals, community groups, and various stores,
this program is providing 3,000-4,000 pounds of pet food to the pantry every
month. Yet SICM reports that they quickly run out of pet food whenever it is
available. We are happy to be able to help pet owners care for their pets during
these tough times, and encourage anyone who would like to help to drop off
food or monetary donations at the shelter. We are also seeking volunteers who
can assist with pick-up and transport of donations. For more information,
please contact Kim at 374-3944, ext. 119.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
1:00 ­- 5:00 pm
$40 per person
Call 374-3944, ext. 121
Introducing “Agili-O” for Dogs
Our Pet Academy trainers have developed a brand
new class called Agili-O, which combines traditional
obedience with agility for an experience that is both
functional and fun. Polish your dog’s basic obedience
skills while introducing him to the sport of agility. Your
dog will learn to navigate obstacles such as bar jumps,
tunnels, and weave poles, while strengthening basic skills.
No experience is needed. However, your dog
must know general commands for sit, down,
stand, and come, as well as have a solid
one-minute stay. This class will be held
outdoors in the APF’s fenced-in play
area and taught by the APF’s certified
trainers. Class begins on May 20 and the
cost of the 6-week course is $100. For
more information, contact Melissa Tata at
374-3944, ext. 121, or [email protected].
www.animalprotective.org 3
In Honor and In Memory
of Special People and Animals Who Have Touched our Lives ...
List reflects honorary and memorial gifts of $25 or more received between 10/4/08 and 2/4/09.
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
JUDY AND VITTORIO AMADEI
Marguerite Pearson
JOHN ARTICOLO
Dolly Lee Simmons
LISA BAITY
Paula Supley
EDIE BANKER
Carolyn Banker
KIM BELLANGER
Theresa Rosa
GLORIA BLUM
Evelyn Pieciuk
“AUNT” DELORES BUEHLER
Deborah and Ray Rutnik
STEPHANIE BUTKIEWICZ
Deborah Poitras
MR. AND MRS. TODD BUTLER
The Clark Family Trust
BEN AND CONNIE CAIN
Jack and Beverly Maniscalco
ARWILDA CHIODO
Robert J. Jones
THE CLARK FAMILY
Dan Symeon
JULIE COOPER AND FAMILY
Chris Morrett
HELEN CULVER
Susan Culver
THE DEDICATED APF STAFF
Steve and Kim Jess
DENISE DeWOLF
New York State United Teachers
LISA DiCOCCO & RYAN NIX
Judy Dillenbeck
Martin G. Springfield
Linda Susi
CRAIG DuBOIS
Frank DuBois
CATHY ESPERTI
Lynne Salerno
ALEXIS GAGE
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Comstock
LIZ AND ED HANNA
Gretchen Gedroiz
LAURIE HOYT
Karla Hoyt-Hodge
MARY JANE
Brian Hughs
JULIA AND TESS
Susan Brooks
MIKE KAZMIERCZAK
Michelle Chank
KIM, MIKE AND THEIR COLLEAGUES
AT THE REXFORD POST OFFICE
Thelma and Peter Ford
MARCIA AND RICK KNIGHT
Geraldine Mancino
CAROL LaTORRE
Cathy Gemmiti
LIZ AND VIC
Adam, Rana, Celia and Owen
EVAN AND DANA MELBY
Richard Melby
JUDY AND CHARLIE McCULLOUGH
Gretchen Gedroiz
EARL McMULLEN
Jeff, Bob, Elvis and Maggie
MARTHA MESKUTOVECZ
Patty Montone
Marguerite Pearson
4
THE MILLER/BIRCH FAMILY
Terry Rafferty
PATTY MONTONE
Marguerite Pearson
CHRIS MORRETT
Mom and Dad
WENDY NOONEY
Connie Nooney
BONNIE NUENDEL
Susan Stenson
ERIN M. O’BRIEN
Deidre S. Barber
OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Overstrom
MARGUERITE PEARSON
Martha Meskutovecz
Patty Montone
Karen Pirozzi
EVELYN PHILLIPS-GUTCHELL
Teshia and George Gutchell
JOAN AND DICK PROVOST
Joan Rogers and Denise Landi
MIRIAM RIDER
Rebecca Rider
THERESA ROSA
Ellen Young
PENNY AND ED SESSA
Gretchen Gedroiz
LORRAINE SOSNOWSKI
Amy and Victor Sosnowski
JANE STERN
Marjorie Assini
BARB WAGAR
Susan Stenson
ELLEN YOUNG-TRIPP
Theresa Rosa
BILL AND MARILYN YUNICK
Bob and Anne Yunick
In Honor of Pets
BAXTER AND SAMANTHA
Mom and Poppy
BERGEN
JoAnn and Gram Stankus
BOGUSKY FAMILY PETS
Michael and Sandra Bogusky
BUDDY BAUMGARDEN
Dawn Baumgarden
BUSTER AND SIMON
Linda and John Smith
COBI
Joe and Shirley Ihnatolya
SMOKIE CORBO
Aline Pirrone
PEPPER AND GINGER DONNELLY
Margaret Donnelly
FLUFFIE
Robert Koenig
GIZMO - MARY’S CAT
Gloria Snyder
HALEY - ADOPTED FROM THE APF 11/06
Donna Sheehan
SUNSHINE, THISTLE, SANDSTONE,
MOONSTONE, LIMESTONE, THISBE,
QUITE, QUARTZITE, INKWELL,
SLAYTON, PATCHES AND RICHARD
Michael Mockler
HERSHEY
Thomas Quinlan
HONEYBUNCH
Hetty Jo Brumbach
LUCY
Ed and Diane Updyke
MAGGIE AND TWEET FACE
Joyce Kusserow
MIKA
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Brown
MOLLY - ADOPTED FROM THE APF 4/05
Stewart and Elizabeth Silvers
NICO AND OMAR
Elizabeth Yanoff
OPAL AND PEARL
Joan Bergin
OUR BABY GIRL, MAGGIE
David and Kathy Burke
PARKER, ADOPTED 8/4/05
Sidney and Eileen Kaufman
PRINCESS AND PRECIOUS
Alice DeCoste
SAMMY THE CAT
Bruce Stewart
SCHUYLER AND TYLER,
OUR APF ADOPTED PETS
Cynthia and John Seacord
SMOKEY
Norma Martin
SOPHIE GRACE
Nancy Jane Batten
TASHA
Craig Kimball
In Memory of People
DONALD W. ARMSTRONG
Charlotte W. Bowser
Diane’s Co-Workers at GE Global Research
Judy and David Dillenbeck
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Holzhauer
Gail and Jack Houck
Glen and Kathy Snowden
THOMAS M. BEZIO
Esther Jasniewski
Janet Marticke
Anthony Monaco, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mont
Ruth and Steve Nejman
Perreca’s Bakery
Ray and Mary Pressman
The Radtke Family
The Santoro Family
Melissa Tata
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Tata
Chuck and Debbie Walsh
MARIANNE BOWEN
Al and Millicent Miller
GUS BRUNKHORST
Claire Brunkhorst
THE BURKE AND ZURLICK FAMILIES
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Burke
JAMES CANFIELD
Richard and Nancy Piller
ANTHONY COLOSE
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Barkowski
MARCIA AND CRAIG COMSTOCK
Richard Comstock
ELEANOR CROOTE
Ron and Susan Aragona and Family
Lisa Croote
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Fedorczyk
Golub Traffic Department
Dorothy Harris
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Katz
Lisa’s Friends at Value Options
Mary and Jeffrey Nuzzaco
The Santoro Family
Barbara and Craig Sargent
Candy Schaffer
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tullock
Cobi
Mr. and Mrs. Charles White
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Woods
FRANK R. DeBIASE
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Peltier
JOYCE C. DUNNEY
Mr. and Mrs. John Tremblay
BEV EOFF
Norma and “Bernie”
JOHN E. EWING
Mr. and Mrs. George VanHeusen
SHARON FAMIANO
Mary Krzyzak
CLIFFORD FISLER
Kingsway Arms Nursing Center, Inc.
PAUL FITCH
Elizabeth and Melanie Mattus
LT. SAMUEL GABRIELE
Lisa Grzeskowiak
ANNA GLOGOWSKI
Melinda Lewis
LEONARD V. GORDON
Katharine Gordon
CHESTER GRANATO
Valerie Block
Patricia M. Cummings
Kenneth Fisher
Paul A. LeFebvre
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Risler
RITA H. HESNOR
Joan and Lou King
Mary and Jon Pallazola
Al Starin
Richard and Shirley Thomas
MARGARET HOFFMAN
Melissa Cronin
HOWARD KOERNER
Lynn Koerner
STEVEN G. KORAL
Barbara Grasso
Ed and June Grinter
Joseph H. Rogers
Bernadette and Marty Wilson
JUSTUS W. KUSSEROW
Joyce Kusserow
DR. ROBERT LAMB
Mary Lou Lamb
SHIRLEY LANE
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
NYS Tax & Finance Audit Division
RUTHE MURIEL LEVIN
Judith Schultz
KARL D. LIDDIARD
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Catchpole
BART LONGWAY
Jacqueline de La Forgue
EDWARD W. MARTINEC
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Comstock
Jean and Jerry Connolly
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel D’Alessandro
Carol and John Eaton
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Iarusso
The Layton Family
Mr. and Mrs. H. Richard Lewis
D. Oathout
Robert and Linda Prusko
Sean St. Clair
Jane and Bruce Tatge
Bill, Carol and Rocky Viscusi
Marion and Harry Worthington
PATRICIA McFARLAND-PATTERSON
Connie Bender
Class of 1949 at Burnt HillsBallston Lake High School
Mary Rose Hoffman
JOEL MEADER
Robert and Kathleen Dittus
MARY AND PAUL MONACO
Rosemarie Melius
BEVERLY MOZGAWA
Elsie Driscoll
PATSY MUSCANELLI
Dr. Peter and Carolyn Pfaffenbach, DDS
KAROLINE NEHLS
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Buechner
MARIE NITCHMAN
Jacqueline de La Forgue
MARGARET NOBLE
Jacqueline de La Forgue
OUR PARENTS
Gunda and Milio DiCocco
DAVID PARKER
Mary Keyes
FREIDA PAYNE
Clare Caplinger, Marie Fogg, Flo Smith
and Jeanne Millett
FRANCIS PRIOR
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Matt
RENO
Pam and Jerry Pedinotti
JACKIE ROCKEFELLER
Patricia Wood
ALBERT E. ROWBOTHAM
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cooper
The Northland Toy Club
PATRICIA J. SANDERS
Robert and Priscilla Burgess
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ciancetta
Mr. and Mrs. Mario Ciancetta
Mr. and Mrs. Victor Ciancetta
The Staff of Clover Patch Early Childhood
Services
Laura and Hugh Crotty
Mary Crotty
Kathleen Curtin
Jean Dagostino
Steven Davi
Felicia DeCrosta
Dominick Della Rocco
Nancy Della Rocco and Ellen Mills
Deborah Drew
Pat Endries
Mary and David Esperti
Candy Fiet
Mildred B. Galla
Nellie and Toby Gardner
Iroquois Rod and Gun Club, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Lezzi
Laura and Bill Masucci
The Middleburgh Staff
Nancy, Ellen and Lily Mills
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mone
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Morrett
Carolyn Pastore
Robert and Linda Prusko
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Riggi
Donald Sanders, Friends and Family
Murial Stivers
Phyllis Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Verteramo
Patty, Gary, Greg and Dan Westover
JOSEPH SANTORELLI
Pam and Jerry Pedinotti
NORMAN W. SCHLANSKER
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Brinkman
Mary Ann Millett
Georgia Tarantelli
MICHAEL J. SCOTT
Chic and Hal Rathbun
NICHOLAS J. SHIELY
Janet Shiely
CAROLINE B. SIMPSON
Green Island Teacher’s Association
Mr. and Mrs. E. Stewart Jones, Jr.
JAMES M. SMITH, SR.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Zotta
JAYNE SMITH
Leon R. Smith, Jr.
HELEN STEWART
John and Susan Goldthwaite
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Morrett
Betty Reich
Judith Schultz
PATRICIA STRICOS
Ron and Cynthia Placek
SADIE I. BRUZDZINSKI SUSKI
Sandra Barrett
John Furrow
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Heritage
Jo Sawaniewski
PAUL VASKO
Douglas J. Miller
MARTHA VELLANO
Pam and Jerry Pedinotti
ROBERTA E. VENDETTI
Mr. and Mrs. David Banker
Orysia Calka
Joe and Carol Vacca
JOY CURCHIN VROOMAN
Linda Blum
Rosaline Horowitz and Neil Yetwin
Mary Jane McFall
MERLE AND ETTA WILCOX
Eliz, Bill and Carol
TOM YOUNG
Linda Sibony
In Memory of Pets
ABBY
Jean Dagostino
ALPHA
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Campbell
ASHFORD AND DITTO
Joan Rogers and Denise Landi
ASTRO, JINX, MAGIC AND SCOOTER
Jonathan VanDerWerken
BOBO AUBE
Kelly and Todd Aube
AUDREY ROSE
Susan Dandaraw
BAILEY
Tammy Smith
BARAKA, LADY AND MORGAN
Phyllis Ochs
BELLA
Tristan McCann
BRANDY I, BRANDY II AND BRANDY III
Wesley and Joan Weaver
BRIDGETTE
Margaret Prater
COOPER
Patricia Mazure
GEORGIE BRONK
Natalie Conover
BUSTER III
Reta VanAuken
CANDI
James and Sharon Buell
CASEY
Danielle Burke
CHAMP
Judy and Steve Bobik
CHELSEA
Cindy Filippone
CHESTER
Paul and Amy Lebarron Pharmer
CHEWIE
Robert and Rita Michalek
CHOPPER
Elaine Pickett
COCO
Nadine Vino
COCOA
James and Patricia Gray
CRICKET AND TINKERBELLE
Leonard and Debra Coggins
DAFFY AND MINDY
Marilyn Vitch
BUMPER DeCAPRIO
Annie L. Bland
Richard and Kathleen Higgins
Holly Warner
SHEENA DeCAPRIO
Richard and Kathleen Higgins
DOBUSH
Kimberly Powell
EIDON
JoAnn and Gram Stankus
FOXY AND MITTENS
Steven Rider
FRED AND JD
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Brown
GINGER
Alma Ehle
GRINNY, BRINDLE AND DUTCH
Mary McClelland
HANNAH
Lorraine Miskinis
JAKE AND TWEEBS
Barbara Ann Maddaus
JASPER
John and Judy Strachan
JEM AND SCOUT
Patricia Colgan
JULIUS
Marguerite Pearson
K.K.
Chrissy Klett
KATS
Nancy Knaggs
KNICKERS AND PANSY
Butch and Linda Polomaine
ERNEST AND MARION KUNZ’S PUPPY
Marlene Gentile Countermine
JUSTUS W. KUSSEROW
Joyce Kusserow
LAWRENCE
Karen Frankenfield
LILLY
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Ritchey
LUCIFER
Roberta Solomon
MAGGIE
Deborah Furlong
MANDY AND RANDY
Mildred Reed
MARTINI
Carl Corrin
MASON, JAKE AND SHADOW
Marcia Cockram
DUFFY MASTERSON
Maureen Masterson
MAX
Catherine Kowalczyk
MIP
Susan Holdridge
MISHA
Judy R. McCullough
MISSY
Lorri Dunleavy
MISSY MAE
Holly Hayes
MOLLY
Adele Grasso
MOLLY
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Valentino
MOOCHEY, MIN AND POLLY
Paul Kennedy and Jaime Cyr
MOOKIE
Richard and Maria Markiewicz
WICKER MUCHMORE
Susan Muchmore Freedman
Jean-Marie Muchmore
MUFFY
Robert Koenig
DICKENS MUNSON
Susan Munson
SAM
Mark Phoenix
NUBBS
Robin and Paul Farmer
OJ “JUICE”
Ruth Naylor
OLIVER AND DELILAH
Barbara Kolapakka
OPIE, DAISY, MOBY, FOSTIE
AND GRAY KITTY
Richard Filiaci and Joy Zimberlin
PENNY, RASCAL AND LUCIE
Mae Flynn
PETEY
Ryan, Nicole, Mom and Dad
MERLA PETRO
John and Patty Petro
PIXIE
Kathy and Reggie Less
POLLYANNA PURZWELL
David and Connie LaFleche
POUPETTE
William and Donna Ross
PRECIOUS
Thomas and Rose Marie Bartlett
PRECIOUS ZOE
Beth Wilkinson
PRINCESS
Ray Colucciello, Jr.
PUFFER
Margaret Murphy
PUMPKIN
Maria Sardella
PUNKY BREWSTER
Lynn Trentini
ATLAS QUARTARARO
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Quartararo
RIDGY
Pam Pearlman
SABLE
Sally Nagay
SAM
Joy Bloomstein
SAMANTHA C.
Fran and John Cronin
SAMANTHA
Barbara and David Watson
SAMMY
Linda Snyder
SANDY, SARA, PENNY AND CINDY
Gloria Snyder
SCARLET AND CANDY
Ann Cartmell
SCHATZE
Carole Mushaw
SCOUT AND BUFFY
Gail Renus
SHADOW
Philip Borgese
SILK
Love, Dixie
SISSY AND MITZI
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Andrzejewski
SLICK
Roberta Turner
JAMES SNOWDEN
Diane and Tom Houck
GERONIMO SOCHA
Balltown Dog Walking, Amy Vandervort
SPECKY
Brett and Lori Larson
BUSTER STRONG
Charlene Strong
STURGESS
Edna Gage
SUGAR
Eric Virtanen
TANNER
Roberta Berg
TASHA
Mitch and Alice Gay
TEDDIE AND WINNIE
Yvonne and Arthur Castle
THOMAS
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Dompierre
TILLIE AND ANNABELLE
Jacqueline Foster
TOBY
Clare McMahon
TWITCH
John and Elizabeth McCauley
WINNIE AND EMMETT
Marguerite Bauer
BECKET WOLFE
Dr. Christopher and Suzanne Campese
ZIGGY
Frank and Kathy Gioeli
www.animalprotective.org 5
Calling All Cats:
I’m back!
Help your own kind by doing what
you do best!
One year ago, I shared my tale of
woe ... of how I suddenly found myself
homeless. While at the shelter, I vowed
that once I was adopted I would find
a way to help other homeless cats. I
found a wonderful family who I know
I’ll be with forever! True to my word, I
came up with Snoozapalooza.
Last year lot of caring cats joined me
in this unique sleep-a-thon and raised
$10,000! Now kitties, I’m asking you to
rally once again. Have your people ask
their friends, relatives, and anyone with
a heart to support your heroic efforts
CATS: If your people raise $100 or more, you’ll
receive a cozy fleece cat mat and catnip pillow!
Visit www.animalprotective.org to:
When asking for support, tell
people that a even a little is OK.
Every Dollar Helps! Here’s how ...
Distemper and rabies vaccinations $10
> Sign up and create your own web page
to raise money online via email
Deworming and Flea Treatment $13
Love,
FeLV/FIV Test $15
Ginny
> Submit pictures of your cat for Ginny’s
“Sleep Hall of Fame”
Spay/neuter surgery $60
The Snoozapalooza Spokescat
> Read Ginny’s Blog
Average cost to prepare
a cat for adoption
$200+
for cats. They need our help!
Rules for People
> Get helpful tips and pointers
Questions? Call (518) 374-3944, ext. 113
> Register and raise money on behalf
of your cat, either online or using the
form provided.
> To register online, just go to
animalprotective.org and click on the
Snoozapalooza link. It’s easy to set
up your own web page and contact
friends by email.
> Turn in all pledges to the APF by
April 26.
Rules for Cats
> You must be a cat. Faux felines will
be disqualified.
> All peaceful methods of persuasion
are encouraged. Longing stares, head
butts, and purrs are acceptable.
Malicious use of claws on human flesh
or furniture is not.
> During training, nutritional
supplements should be freely
demanded. Tuna is a highly effective
(although possibly habit forming)
sleep aid.
> When sleeping on April 19,
tandem snoozing, stretching,
repositioning, and litterbox breaks
are permitted.
Snoozapalooza
Participation Form
________________________________________
Your Name
________________________________________
Address
________________________________________
City/State/Zip
________________________________________
Please return form and pledges by mail or in person to APF,
53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12302, by April 25. Shelter hours are
Tuesday through Saturday, 12-4:30 pm, and Sunday 12-3 pm.
Make checks payable to APF.
Sponsor Name
$ Amount
____________________________________________________
1___________________________________________________
2___________________________________________________
3___________________________________________________
Email
4___________________________________________________
________________________________________
Phone (H)
Phone (W)
5___________________________________________________
________________________________________
Name(s) of participating cat or cats.
[ ] I raised $100+ and my cat wants that mat!
[ ] I won’t be participating in Snoozapalooza,
6___________________________________________________
7___________________________________________________
8___________________________________________________
but would like to help the cats.
Amount $__________
Checks payable to “APF” or select card:
9___________________________________________________
[ ] VISA [ ] MasterCard
[ ] Discover [ ] American Express
11__________________________________________________
________________________________________
Cardholder’s Name
13__________________________________________________
________________________________________
Card Number
________________________________________
Expiration Date
________________________________________
Signature
[ ] My company has a matching gift program.
Company _ _______________________________
6
10__________________________________________________
12__________________________________________________
14__________________________________________________
15__________________________________________________
Dont forget! The APF
receives GE matching funds.
Please call 1-800-305-0669
or visit www.gefoundation.com
to report your gift.
Total $_ _____________ Be Kind to Animals Poster and Essay Contest
National Be Kind to Animals Week is dedicated to raising awareness
about treating animals with kindness and respect. The APF will again
Creative Ways to
Help the Animals
$100 for the Pets
When You Buy a Car
celebrate this special week with our 7th Annual Poster and Essay Contest
for kids in grades 1-5. It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach young people
about the importance of kindness and responsibility toward animals.
This year’s theme is “Tell Me a Story About Animals.”
For essays: Write an essay about an animal book that you liked, fiction
or non-fiction, or write your own animal story.
For posters: Design a book cover. It can either be for an existing animalthemed book or a story that you’ve made up. Just like a real book cover, make
sure you include the title and author, even if it is something you made up.
Entries are due to the APF by Friday, April 10. To download the
complete rules and official entry form, go to:
Pet Professor Vera Weiss holds the
poster of a student winner at last
year’s awards reception.
www.animalprotective.org/humaneedu/bekind.html
For questions, please contact Kim at 374-3944, ext. 119.
“Thrifty Kitty & Bargain Hound”
Garage Sale Returns
Attention all bargain hounds and thrifty kitties — your wish has come true!
Our huge garage sale is back by popular demand and the date is June 6.
Start gathering your items to donate. We are looking for gently used books,
jewelry, CDs, DVDs, small furniture, household items, sports equipment,
toys and of course, pet supplies. Please no clothes, upholstered furniture,
or electronics. For more information, call Mary at 374-3944, ext. 114.
NEW! “Putting for Pets” Golf Tournament
Are you in the market for new
wheels? Visit our friends at
Toyota and Scion of Clifton
Park for a great deal for you
and our shelter pets. When you
purchase a vehicle and mention
the APF, they will make a $100
donation to the shelter. Our
warm thanks to Mike Raucchi
and his caring staff.
Route 146 & 236, Mechanicville
Pets Get Commission
Buying or selling a home?
When you work with Diane
Eichel or David Stillman
of Coldwell Banker Prime
Properties and tell them you’re
a friend of the APF, they
will donate 10% of their net
commission to the shelter.
Call 640-4402 or 640-4426
to learn more. The nice spring weather is just around the corner. Grab your clubs and mark
your calendar for Sunday, May 31 for the first-ever “Putting for Pets” Golf
Tournament. Get your foursome together and join us at Van Patten Golf
Course in Clifton Park for a fun day on the greens. The $85 per person entry
fee includes lunch, hors d’oeuvres, prizes, and a goodie bag to take home.
There will also be contests, raffles, and be prepared for some great surprises.
For more information or to register, call Mary at 374-3944, ext. 114.
Help Pets at Home
We’ve all heard the phrase “think globally, act locally.” For whatever
concerns us on a national or global level, there is a way to address
it right here at home. Supporting the APF allows you contribute
to a more humane world by helping us to build a more humane
community right here in the Capital Region. Several donors have
expressed that while they still support the efforts of national
SHELTER WISH LIST
> KMR, Kitten Milk Replacer powder
> Name brand canned cat and dog
food—especially Fancy Feast
> Dog collars and strong clip-on leashes—
medium or large sizes
> Clay (non-scoopable) cat litter
humane organizations, they truly want to help the animals in their
> Laundry detergent (liquid)
own community. We also want to remind you that the APF is not
> Paper goods: paper towels, tissues and
affiliated with any other organization, locally or nationally. Your
toilet paper
donations stay in your community, helping animals in your own
> Dish soap, Windex, bleach
back yard. To learn more about how your contribution will be
> Postage stamps
used, please contact us at 374-3944, ext. 110.
For a more complete and up-to-date listing,
please see the wish list on our website at
animalprotective.org.
You Shop, Pets Earn
Help the animals every time
you shop online. Sign up at
www.petgive.com and select the
Animal Protective Foundation
as your charity of choice. Then
shop at hundreds of popular
retailers who will donate a
percentage of your purchase
to the APF at no extra cost to
you. You’ll also get exclusive
offers available only to PetGive
members.
www.animalprotective.org 7
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
53 MAPLE AVENUE
SCOTIA, NY 12302
PERMIT NO. 1016
ALBANY, NY
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Which Dog is Right for Me?
Thursday, March 26, 7:00 - 8:00 pm, at the APF
Adding a new canine friend to your
family is a big decision and we can help
you do it with insight and confidence.
Join us for “Which Dog is Right for Me?,”
a free program for anyone considering
adopting a dog. Breed, age, gender, care,
and activity level will be discussed. We’ll
also cover what to expect when you bring
a new canine family member home,
anticipated costs, and how to introduce
a new dog to existing furry family
members. No reservations are required.
SHELTER HOURS: Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 – 4:30 pm. Sunday, open for adoptions only, 12:00 – 3:00 pm. Closed Monday.
Pancake
Breakfast!
Join us for a
delicious pancake, egg, and
WE'VE GONE HOME!
We love updates. Please send your pet pictures and stories to
Marguerite at [email protected].
Symba
Missy
Lucy
Buddy
Levi and Judah
Petey
Syed
Romeo
Buster
Lucy
sausage breakfast to benefit
the APF animals – we do the
cooking and you do the eating!
For tickets or more info,
contact Mary at 374-3944,
ext. 114.
Date: Sunday, March 29
Time: 7:00 – 11:00 am
Fee: $6 adults, $4 kids
ages 5-12, under 4 free
Where: Loyal Order of the
Moose, (formerly Sgarlata’s)
Lower Broadway, Schenectady
Jasper