Genesee County Animal Shelter

The Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter announced today the results of their 2011 Home 4 the Holidays adoption campaign.

A total of 225 cats and dogs got a real forever home thanks to the generosity and compassion of those who wanted their true friendship.

Nonetheless, the numbers fell short of the goals set for the adoption of adult animals. The adoption of puppies and kittens exceeded goals, which is, of course, fabulous. Here's the breakdown of goals vs. actual adoptions:

• Dogs: 80 / 62
• Puppies: 10 / 15
• Cats: 50 / 29
• Kittens: 90 / 119

The volunteers say "Thanks to everyone who came out to adopt, help spread the word and stopped in with donations. We greatly appreciate the community's support."

There are more adorable and beloved companions to be found at the shelter. Thus, no need to wait until the 2012 holidays to bring one home. Come on down!

Volunteers For Animals
P.O. Box 1621
Batavia, NY  14021
www.vol4animals.org

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main St. Road
Batavia, NY  14020
(585)c343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday through Friday -- 1 to 3 p.m. (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday -- 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday -- 11 to 1 p.m.

The adoption fee for black cats and kittens will be 50-percent off on Black Friday, Nov. 25, at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. From 1 to 3 p.m. any feline that is at least 99 percent black can be adopted for $15 instead of the usual $30.

This special promotion is available thanks to Iams' Home 4 the Holidays program.

The regular, refundable spay/neuter fee of $35 still applies if you select an unaltered cat or kitten, although many of them are already fixed. All are current in their vaccines and have been tested for FeLV/FIV. Please bring a carrier to tote home your adorable new friend.

The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

Volunteers for Animals sent out an urgent notice today seeking donations of dry pet food at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. They need kibble - for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.

"If you are able to help out please consider dropping off food donations during adoption hours. We greatly appreciate the community's support and could not do what we do for the animals without it," says the e-mail.

Adoption hours are:

• Sunday through Friday 1 to 3 p.m. (Closed Thursdays)
• Wednesday 7 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Phone is 343-6410.

Volunteers for Animals can be contacted at <http://www.vol4animals.org> or at P.O. Box 1621 Batavia, NY 14020.

The Genesee County Animal Shelter is in need of dry kitten, cat and dog food, clay litter and laundry soap.

If you can help with any of these supplies, please drop off at the shelter during adoption hours.

The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Phone is 343-6410.

Adoption hours are:

• 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday through Friday, but closed on Thursdays
• 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

All this month there's a special on cat adoptions at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. Yippee! No fee! The regular $30 fee is waived for the adoption of cats 1 year old or older.

Most are spayed and neutered, but if you choose one that isn't, the $35 refundable fee still applies. Once you get the feline fixed and show proof, you get the money back.

They all have current vaccines and have been tested for FIV/FeLV.

There are all colors, kinds and personalities -- all in need of a loving home. Please consider becoming a forever friend to one (or more!) of them.

According to the ASPCA -- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals -- about four million kittens and cats wind up in U.S. shelters every year. Sadly, most of them end up being euthanized.

That's why adoption, spaying and neutering are so vital.

The Genesee County Animal Shelter is located at 3482 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Adoption times are:

• Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday -- 1 to 3 p.m.
• Saturday -- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Wednesday -- 1 to 3 p.m., and again from 7 to 9 p.m.
• Closed Thursday

For more information contact Volunteers for Animals via email at www.vol4animals.org or call the shelter at 343-6410.

The Volunteers for Animals are in dire need of dry kitten kibble and canned cat food. The nonprofit helpers for the Genesee County Animal Shelter have about 50 kitties in foster care as well as at the animal shelter and Petco.

"They are the cutest eating machines and need their kitten food," say the volunteers.

The wet food is used to give the felines daily medications as needed and as a morning-time treat for all the cats.

If the shelter is closed when you drop off your donation, the food can be left at the front door, under the porch area out of the weather.

"We greatly appreciate your help and support," say the volunteers. "We could not do what we do without the generosity of the community!"

The animal shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Phone is 343-6410.

To contact Volunteers for Animals, the address is: P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY, 14021. They are online at <http://www.vol4animals.org>.

UPDATE: The folks at Petco in Batavia contacted us to say they have a donation box set up inside the store specifically for Volunteers for Animals. So if you are buying pet food there, you can drop it in the box and it will be given to the shelter. They accept dog food, too.

Hello fellow pet lovers, I am returning to my duties as Pet of the Week correspondent for The Batavian. I have been busy handling some PR business following our recent award, including posing for portraits, mailing Thanks You, answering fan mail, etc., and enjoying a brief vacation at the lodge. Your patience has been appreciated!

My pick this week is a two-for-one -- Penelope (fawn-colored) and Smudge (white). They are boxers, otherwise known as Gasserdogz/Gasserdogs. I like them because they like drag-racing. In fact, they travel to these kinds of races frequently and are part of the pit crew for a Nostalgia Gasser Class drag car, a 1938 Chevy Coupe. They really keep an eye on things, though you wouldn't suspect them capable of it by their picture.

Their "driver" is Michael Scarborough. He says that the dogs also promote adoption since there are sooo many pups waiting for a second chance at a new forever home, either in rescue or local animal shelters. Through no fault of their own, there are boxers waiting in foster care through Second Chance Boxer Rescue or SCBR. Some boxers were strays, some had to be given up due to financial hardships or abuse/neglect.

According to Scarborough, "Smudge and Penelope are very good during the races ... the cars are loud but that does not bother them one bit. You can see videos of the car and other cars in the Nostalgia Gasser Class on youtube if you search "gasserdogs." Boxers are not for everyone since they are very active and require daily exercise. Some folks might not have the time, but for the right people, boxers are the best fit ever!!! They love kids, are smart, loving and play, play, play."

NOTE: Starting today, Adopt-A-Pet and Pet of the Week have a new sponsor -- Neptune's Garden, a pet shop right in the heart of Batavia, at 33 Liberty St. With Pet of the Week, winners will now receive a $10 gift certificate from Neptune Garden. To submit your pet for Pet of the Week, send an e-mail with information about your pet and a picture to (pets [at] thebatavian dot com).

I am a handsome, sweet, family kind of guy. Unfortunately, my previous owners moved away and couldn't take me with them, so they put me up for adoption. Same with my companion dog, Shelby.

My name is Piston, as you can see I'm a big black and white dog, an adult, neutered male, St. Bernard mix. I am everything you could possibly want in a family dog -- housebroken, good with children, cats and female dogs, and well behaved on a leash.

I'm a sweetie (so is Shelby!), come and see me soon! Kennel 19.

I have an odd but memorable moniker -- kinda like the Johnny Cash song "A boy Named Sue" -- I'm a cat named Mouse (but definately not a "mouser").

I like things quiet. All I really want is a small, calm abode and, ideally, someone who will let me sleep on the bed. I like to be cozy. I'm a young, spayed, female, calico domestic shorthair. Although I'm shy at first, I'm easily won over after a few days of hand-fed salmon cat food. I also get along well with other felines, provided they are willing to share your affections.

Given my druthers, I would like to become the companion of someone with long fingernails and/or someone who owns a soft brush. I just adore being scratched and rubbed and brushed. Find me in Cage 68.

Volunteers For Animals
P.O. Box 1621
Batavia, NY  14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY  14020
(585) 343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter!

I'm Bugsy and it bugs me that I've been in this here shelter for so long. It seems like an eternity. I was turned in, probably because I have special needs. But I get around good, am great with the volunteers, and get along nicely with children and dogs. I'm also housebroken and well behaved on a leash.

But I have medical problems with my eyes and need continued medical care. I'm blind but no one knows why. I take medication to help heal infection and ease pain. I promise you I'm worth special treatment. I will repay you in many small, sweet ways. I'm a Siberian Husky/mix, adult female, Kennel 39.

If I look a little familiar, it might be because I was adopted and then returned to the shelter. I'm Star and it seems I didn't have enought patience for the young child in my former home. It's probably the Generation Gap.

Frankly, I'm a senior who needs a quiet home with a gentle family. This places is "stressing me out," as they say. I mean, I'm starting to pull my fur out! Please help me find a good place to relax and enjoy life again. I am known as "a sweet cat who adores attention and love." Don't pull my ears, yank my tail or pick me up by the neck and we'll get along swimmingly. I'm in the Kitty Kottage.
 
Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY   14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter!

Jeff here, a nice guy with few demands. I'm an adult stray, neutered-male fox hound. "I'm good with other dogs and good on a leash. Give me wholesome food, fresh water, a warm bed and a loving, human pal, and I'm good to go." Kennel 22.

I'm Gerry, found in a snowbank, brought to the Genesee County Animal Shelter by a Sheriff's Deputy. I was malnlourished and dehydrated. I got checked out by a vet and sent to a loving foster home to get some vittles, put on some pounds and get healthy.

Although my ears show some frostbite, I'm doing great and gaining weight. I'm an orange tiger domestic shorthair cat, an adult neutured male. I'm sweet and loving. My favorite things to do include watching birds outside the window and curling up in laps. I'm available for adoption at Petco in Batavia.
 
Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY   14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter

Thinking about this week's Pet of the Week, Myron, I am reminded of a TV commercial with Tony Danza, which was part of a public awareness campaign. "What do you call a person with a disability? A person." Anthony Salvatore Ladanza's Brooklyn accent, the shrug and pause before the commonsense punch line (he was once a pro boxer) made the ad memorable.

So, what do you call a cat with a disability? A cat. And what a terrific one Myron grew up to be. Here's his story:

"My name is Myron and I am now 2 years old. My family adopted me from Lollypop Farm when I was only 8 weeks old. After they brought me home, they noticed that I was not like other cats. I was a bit wobbly when I walked, would sometimes trip and fall down, had trouble jumping on the sofa and my head would shake a bit when I would get really excited. My family was a bit concerned, so they took me to the vet where they checked me out and diagnosed me with Cerebellar Hypoplasia. In other words, my motor skills aren't so hot.

"Even though I'm still wobbly and sometimes fall down, I don't get upset when I hear people who come to visit say "Is there something wrong with that cat?" I love to play and hang out with my two brothers, who don't judge my disabilities. I'm in no pain and require no special care, except maybe a hand getting up on the sofa once in awhile. I have a normal life expectancy, but since most people don't know about Cerebellar Hypoplasia, cats like me are needlessly destroyed. If you have a kitten with symptoms like mine, ask your vet for more information because my family says, if they are anything like me, they might just be one of the best cats you have ever owned."

Myron resides in the loving household of Brandie Schultz in Bergen.

Oscar wants a pal who can appreciate where he's coming from. He's a great guy, a senior, neutered male, pug mix.

He's been around long enough to appreciate stuff like the horrible meaning of 9/11, the injustice of New Orleans drowning in a sea of incompetence and poor planning, the weird appeal of that funny-looking guy who sang "She Bangs" on American Idol and the out-of-left-field meltdown of sports icon Tiger Woods.

He's ready for a great, compassionate family who values his seniority, life experience and all that he's able to offer human companions. "The best is yet to come and babe, won't it be fine." Strike up the Hi-Fi, turn off the Wi-Fi, break out the highballs, and say, "whatta 'bout a poker game (for dogs only)?" So what if that fuss-pants Felix gets annoyed. Cigar anyone?

James is a "tiger-and-white" domestic, shorthair -- a mellow fellow who enjoys sunny windows and soft pallets. He has big paws and green eyes and would make a handsome, friendly addition to your household. "When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand, and nothin', oh nothin', is goin' right, close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there, to brighten up even your darkest nights." Sweet Baby James, sweet dreams and best wishes.

Volunteers For Animals
P.O. Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main St. Road
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday through Friday: 1 to 3 p.m. (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday: 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 

Here's the scoop! Scooby is Pet of the Week. Although he has several other monikers, he's still the same down deep. Once upon a time, he was a raggedly little guy in a big, brutal world. But once he decided to plead for help in his own silent, pathetic way, his prayers were answered. That was back in another time, another world.

"In 2000, someone dropped a litter of cats (not kittens) off at our rented place in the country. There were five of them running around with no direction, food or shelter other than a barn that was only used for storage by our landlord. I had never owned a cat before, but to see the 'runt' of the bunch come running to me one day when I pulled into the driveway pulled my heartstrings. He was hungry and sick. His siblings had been killed in the road by cars, one by a tractor in the field. We took him in, and then to the vet. He’s been with us ever since – 10 years now.
 
His name is Skeet Beet, not sure why, other than he was so skinny when he came to us that he looked (to the daughter) like a “skeeter” (mosquito). Since then he has taken on many other names, such as Scooby (being the most common), Beeps, Bees Louise and more. He answers to all of them. Whenever we took the dog for a walk he wanted to go, too. He would walk along with us and come inside when we were done.
 
We have since moved and he has become an “indoor cat," still a crazy boy always wanting to get out...but he’s our “baby." He has a great personality, never a curtain climber or kitchen counter cat. He wants lovin’s and scratchin’s and is happy just snuggling with me or his sister.
 
I have learned that you can take the cat out of the barn, but you can’t take the barn out of the cat!"
 
Scooby says:  "I want to be Pet of the Week because my mom loves animals so much and visits the animal shelter on a regular basis. She would donate the gift certificate to them. They do great things there for some of us who need some help finding our families."

Hey y'all I'm Ellie, a blue-tick adult, female hound that was turned into the pound. Don't really know why, 'cuz I'm great with young'uns and other critters, 'spechly dawgs. Plus, I like lollygaggin' on the sofer with mah kin. Don't worry none, I'm spayed. I may sound none too highbrow, but that's overrated anyhaow. I'm pert near cute as a speckled pup and I'm housebroken and leash trained, yessiree, Bob. They tol' me to take an ol' cold tater 'n' wait, so that's what I'ma doin'. Y'all come down heah, ya heah! Kennel 14.

I'm very pretty, am I not? My name is Tawny and I'm a calico, domestic long hair, adult, spayed female. I have long silky fur, purr, and beautiful eyes, purr, that enticingly and coyly say "pet me, love me, hold me, want me...purr." There, I've cast my mesmerizing spell. If you can hear its silken entreaties echoing inside your head and heart, please come meet me soon. You know I won't last long. Let's rendezvous forever! Cage 68.

 
Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY   14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter!