Save the Date! - SPCA of Westchester

590 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
WAG GOES TO
THE DOGS
SPCA shelter dog Maxine
strikes a stylish pose for
photographer Bob Rozycki
at a recent photo shoot for
WAG, a popular lifestyle
magazine that covers
Westchester and Fairfield
Counties. The SPCA
is grateful to WAG for
featuring one of our shelter
animals in its publication
each month. Not long after
this photograph was taken,
Maxine was adopted by a
wonderful family.
(photo by permission of B. Rozycki)
Save the Date!
Though summer’s just beginning, don’t
forget to mark your calendar for our
Annual Top Hat & Cocktails Gala to
take place on Friday, October 18th at
The Ritz Carlton, White Plains.
Summer 2013
Summer 2013
page 2
A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
This spring, the SPCA of Westchester’s Humane Law Enforcement Division responded to a call concerning a severely
injured puppy found on a street in Yonkers. The puppy had injuries consistent with those sustained in a dog fighting
ring, particularly if he had been used as a bait dog. The innocent nine-month-old pit bull did not survive his wounds.
The sadness of the situation deeply affected our staff, volunteers and supporters. The abuse and abandonment of pit
bulls and the horror of dog fighting in our area have left their mark on our hearts. The SPCA of Westchester reached out
to everyone including other animal welfare operations
in Westchester, to ask for assistance in distributing a
flyer which described the location of the incident and a
reward offered by New York State Humane Association.
The response was overwhelming. Many individuals,
organizations and shelters shared the flyer through
facebook and countless others posted it throughout their
cities and towns.
The SPCA of Westchester is very grateful for the
spirit of cooperation that we experienced following this
tragic event. We have a strong lead as a result and the
investigation continues. We have a collective message
that we have sent out to those who would hurt animals:
we are watching you and we will continue to pursue
every lead and tip until justice is served.
Thank you for all you do, and please share our Animal
Cruelty Hotline number with friends and family.
Thank you for your kindness.
Shannon Laukhuf,
Executive Director
Report animal cruelty & neglect.
914-941-7797
SPCA of Westchester’s Confidential Hotline
Paw Prints is published quarterly by the SPCA of Westchester,
a 501(c)(3) humane organization located at 590 North State
Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510. For information, please
contact Robin Meng at 914-941-2896 ext. 19.
SPCA OF WESTCHESTER Hours:
Monday thru Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: 1pm to 4pm
www.spca914.org
Summer 2013
page 3
With Warmest Thanks….
The SPCA of Westchester was a lucky beneficiary of a
Mother’s Comfort Project, organized by Liz Peterson of
Dancing for Animals. Forty hand-sewn beds and catnip toys
were donated to our shelter animals. Special thanks to Linda
Speidell of Fabric Mart who donated workspace for this
special project and to Fabric Mart volunteers who assisted.
Twice the Zumba Fun! Two fantastic zumbathons were held to
help the animals of the SPCA by Peggy Raiskums at Dance
Emotions Studio and Christina Feo, SPCA volunteer and
mom of former shelter dog, Natalie. We’re all in great shape
and grateful for the funds that were raised on our behalf.
The lovely Zumba ladies at Dance Emotions Studio
Christina Feo’s Zumba group sharing laughs for the SPCA.
D’Errico’s Jewelry in Scarsdale opened its doors for a sparkling cocktail party to benefit the SPCA. A percentage of
proceeds from the sale of adorable dog charms were donated to the shelter. A big thank you to Tony Seidman for helping
to promote this special event.
Rebel Promo threw a party on behalf of our cats and dogs at Garfield’s Pub in Thornwood this spring. We’d like to
raise a glass to them and all the awesome bands who donated their music for the event. Our shelter received a bounty of
goodies for our animals, a generous donation and many good memories of a fun night.
The SPCA received a mountain of goodies from our friends at Pepsi in
Valhalla. Thank you, Pepsi people, for organizing a drive on our behalf and
for delivering so many wonderful donations to the shelter.
Once again, the SPCA was the beneficiary of ticket sales from the play Jungle
Book, performed by students at Todd School in Briarcliff. We’re very
thankful for the time and talent these young people donate to our humane
cause. Bravo!
Not only did Pets-A-Go-Go board some of our precious pups before our
most recent adoption event, but they groomed them to make certain they were
beautiful and sweet-smelling before their big debut. Thank you for going the
extra mile for our little ones.
Local author Lee Manning Vogelstein donated several copies of her lovely
book, TILLY…A DEER’S TALE to our Humane Education Program. Be
certain to pick up a copy or two for all the young ones in your life and help
us to spread the word about the wonder of animals.
Summer 2013
page 4
SPCA Adoption Spotlight: Buddy, Serina, Kahlua, & Wabecca
Please take a moment to read about four special companion animals who are staying at the SPCA while they wait for
their forever homes. Sometimes it’s easy to pass an animal by with so many adorable cats and dogs to view. We’d like
to make sure that you don’t miss out on these extraordinary ones. To see all of our animals for adoption, please visit
www.spca914.org.
Buddy
Buddy is a Labrador Retriever/Border Collie
mix who came to the SPCA from a high-kill
shelter. This young boy is a little shy and needs
the comfort of a daily routine and a person
or family willing to work with him to bring
him out of his shell. He loves playing with
other dogs of all shapes and sizes. He excels
at obedience training and loves nothing more
than to cuddle with people. He will do well in
a family with older children and other animals.
Serina
Buddy and SPCA Staff
Member Sofia Rocha
Serina’s beautiful, deer-like face is hard to
resist. A young bull terrier/ pit bull mix, she
is quite excitable when she first leaves her
run for a walk. She adores being outside, and
calms down quickly when she knows a good
brisk walk is ahead of her. Eager to please
and friendly, Serina is learning all of her basic
skills and is a very good student. She will make
a life-long companion for the right person who
has love, patience and time to offer her.
Kahlua and SPCA Volunteer
Karen Proscher
Kahlua
Kahlua’s striking markings maker her one of
the prettiest tortoiseshell kitties around. She
was found wandering in the area, wearing a
collar, but sadly no I.D. She enjoys her new life
in the SPCA’s cattery, but nothing compares
with the thought of her very own window, in
her very own house or apartment with her very
own family to love.
Wabecca
Serina and SPCA
Volunteer Lisa Weidner
This young, sweet Tiger is wonderful Wabecca.
In a perfect puddle of sunshine in her habitat in
the small animal building, she’ll offer you the
biggest smile as she roles on her back. We
can’t imagine that no one has come in to claim
her – how could a cat so joyful and affectionate
have been left to fend for herself? Please come
to the SPCA and meet this love bug – one
cuddle with her will seal the deal.
Wabecca and SPCA Volunteer
Diana Hrabsky
Summer 2013
page 5
HAPPY TAILS
Every adoption is a cause for celebration at the SPCA, but here are some extra special tales to tell. We
thank our family of adopters for the comfort and love they have provided to such deserving animals and
for sharing these heartwarming photos with us.
HARPO
CISCO
LOUIE
“Just wanted to give you guys an update
on Harpo. I adopted him from you guys
in January 2011 and he’s been the best
cat ever! I even kept the name that you
guys gave him. He went from a shy,
doesn’t like to be pet kitty to a sleeping
on the bed total mush. Thank you so
much!”
A lifetime of love… Robert Genovese
shared this beautiful photo with us
of his dear friend, Cisco, whom he
adopted from the SPCA in 2000. For
thirteen years they have been devoted
companions. Their steadfast bond
represents everything that we work for
and more. Thank you, Robert.
Remember the emaciated little pit
puppy that was left in a suitcase to die?
You’ll barely recognize him now –
beautiful and strong – here’s Louie, in
his new home!!
JASPER
JASPER & JUMPER
Jasper’s new family sent us a lovely report: “Jasper, in a rare moment of sitting still.
He loves to play and spends a lot of time sprinting around the room, sounding like
an elephant. He also likes to cuddle and has one of the loudest purrs I’ve ever heard.
It did not take him long to warm up to his new people.”
Update: Not long after adopting Jasper, the family came back and adopted Jumper!
RILEY
“We wanted to send an update and to
thank you for helping us find Riley
(formerly Cho). She has been an
absolutely wonderful addition to our
family! We have 3 boys who adore her
and she has become a special part of our
family. Adopting a dog was one of the
best decisions we have made and who
knows, Riley might need a friend to
play with in the future.”
Thank you for all that you do to help
these animals!
The Etzbach Family
Summer 2013
page 6
Meet A Good Friend Of The SPCA:
Gina Accurso and Guardian Angel Rescue
The SPCA of Westchester is indebted to the many rescue groups and
individuals who are dedicated to saving and improving the lives of
companion animals. We are pleased to share a bit about our good friend
Gina Accurso and her rescue organization, Guardian Angel Rescue.
Through Guardian Angel, Gina rescues mostly “bully breeds” and helps
them with her special brand of TLC until they are adopted.
How did you begin your rescue work?
Gina and Max
I have always loved and helped animals since I was a little girl. One day
I came upon a story in the Pennysaver about a Rottweiler who needed
a home. Even though that particular dog did get a home, I was hooked
on the idea of helping as many dogs as I could. Guardian Angel Rescue
gets most of its dogs from high-kill, southern shelters, but, as you know,
we also work with the SPCA of Westchester and owner surrenders. We
concentrate mostly on Rottweilers and pit bulls since we find they need
the most help in finding a home.
What happens when the animal comes into your care?
When Guardian Angel Rescue takes an animal, it enters a twoweek quarantine. The animal is seen by a veterinarian, spayed or
neutered, given necessary vaccines, microchipped, heart worm tested
and de-wormed. We then feature them on petfinder.com and, of course,
they remain with us until they are adopted.
How have you helped the SPCA?
I have pulled many Rottweilers and pit bulls from the SPCA and
found them homes. These are animals that thrive better in a foster-type
environment and might be a bit harder to adopt out because of their
breed.
Besides the rescued animals who stay with you until you can find
them a family, whom do you share your home with?
I have a wonderful, supportive husband, Dominick, and two beautiful
boys, Marco, 6, and AJ, 3. The boys are my little helpers. I have four
Rottweilers, all rescued: Zeus, Bear, Venus and Max. Hugo is our
Staffordshire terrier who had suffered dog fighting injuries and was
rescued by the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Unit, and Jekyll is a
kitty we rescued from upstate New York.
“AJ” and Hugo relaxing together.
Thank you Gina and family for all you do to make a difference in
animals’ lives! To visit Gina’s website go to guardianangelrescue.org.
Summer 2013
page 7
Kind Kids’ Korner
The SPCA has received so many wonderful gifts from young people everywhere! From donations in lieu of birthday
presents to collections of goodies for our animals to the proceeds from fundraisers – we’re so grateful for the help of
these local heroes. Please join us in thanking:
l Annabel Fabian
l Student Council and students of
Bedford Road School
l Tracey Kocz
l Fourth Grade of West Orchard School
l Vanessa Tawil
l Grace Lutheran Sunday School
l Soundview Preparatory School
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
Avery and Jillian Dow
Leah and Kayla Pereira
Michelle Ho
Zac Hirsch
Max Boucher
Amelia Duffy
Talia Fritzhand
Melissa, Michael and Eric Amante
Ben and Sophie Jelinek
Grayce Romano
Valeria Escobar
Isabel Steger
Miss Coletta’s Third Grade Class,
Brookside Elementary School
l Cali Cuneo
l
l
l
l
l
A sophomore at Somers High
School, Christina Locuro, baked
cookies to raise money for the
SPCA as part of her community
service project to help fulfill her
National Honor Society candidacy
requirements. Proceeds from the sale
purchased food, treats and supplies
for our cats and dogs. Thank you,
Christina, for your wonderful effort!
Sweet Charity! For the second
year in a row, sisters Alexa and
Rachel Kitaygorodsky rolled
up their sleeves and got to work
Christina Locura
Alexa and Rachel in front of their bounty of
baking sweets and cookies to help
baked goodies.
our shelter dogs and cats. These
hard working ladies filled two, 6 foot tables with the fruits of their labor and invited friends, neighbors and relatives to stop by to
purchase their yummy treats. Thank you, Alexa and Rachel for your incredible kindness and dedication to animals.
Give our Mission “Wings” –
Become an SPCA Shelter Angel
For as little as five dollars a month, your donation as an SPCA Shelter Angel can
help to provide abused and abandoned animals with the compassionate care they
so deserve. Shelter Angels help us with the daily housing, feeding, enrichment and
veterinary care of our cats and dogs. Monthly donations support all that we do to
help shelter animals from the day they arrive at the SPCA to the joyous moment
when we place them in the arms of their new family. Please join this special group
of friends who give us the wings to continue our important humane mission.
Visit www.SPCA914.org to signup or contact Lisa Bonanno at [email protected].
Summer 2013
Longest Resident at
SPCA Goes Home!
An Update on the SPCA’s Enrichment Program by
Dot Baisly, SPCA Training and Enrichment
Coordinator
As a part of the enrichment program here at the
SPCA of Westchester we have been working
extra hard with and spoiling those dogs that have
been in-house the longest. I would like to share
with you our experience with Hudson, a very
handsome, 3-year-old black pit mix that had been
at the SPCA since late 2010. Because he had been
in a shelter environment for so long, we were
worried that he would be incapable of adjusting
to a home. Nothing was farther from the truth.
Since I started to office-foster him, he showed
us exactly how well he could fit into a warm and
cozy house. He slept in my office every night and
spent most of the day lounging on the dog beds
I have. During this time, SPCA volunteers and I
were able to work with the issues he had since
arriving her at the shelter.
page 8
Many Thanks...
...to everyone who supported us at the SPCA’s
Walkathon and Pet Fair on May 4th. We are so
appreciative of our volunteers, staff and friends
who make it possible for us to do our important
work for our shelter animals.
Keeping this guy in my office so often showed me
how affectionate he was and that he was a lot of
fun to have around. He is 100% house trained and
we calmed him down a great deal so behaviors
such as jumping and mouthing subsided. He
blossomed into a great dog, and on May 6th, after
spending 915 days here, he went home with a
fantastic family! I am grateful for the opportunity
to have worked with him, and thankful to the
volunteers who gave him their time and affection.
Read it Forward...When you have finished reading this summer
edition of Paw Prints, please share it with someone else. Thanks!