animal rescue

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.

It's the kind of call that probably doesn't fail to get under your skin, even if you have thick skin. A Sheriff's deputy was called to 3526 Galloway Road in the Town of Batavia within the past hour to check on an emaciated dog.

The poor pooch it seems was left behind when the occupants left. The house is reportedly in foreclosure and a rep for a foreclosure agency contacted authorities about the dog, who was chained up outside, apparently without food, since he sounds to be in bad shape.

Animal control is not on duty today, so it falls to the deputy to get the animal control paddy wagon and rescue Man's Best Friend. No other details were provided.

Wanted: hero.

UPDATE Nov. 19, 1:22 p.m.: I called the animal shelter to find out more about the dog, only to learn that: "The dog was not rescued. It apparently belonged to a neighbor."

So a dog described as being without food and water, "emaciated" and tied up behind a house that is in foreclosure is actually a pet owned by the people next door, or nearby, on Galloway Road. Strange to say the least. Didn't anyone miss him or hear his cries for help? This poor thing is back home. We can only hope that's a good thing.

Twenty five years ago, Gene Baur and some friends began taking notice of the cruel and inhumane conditions inside industrialized animal farms and slaughterhouses and decided that something needed to be done -- and thus, with nothing but determination and the profits of a vegetarian hotdog stand, Farm Sanctuary was born.

Today, the peaceful organization attracts thousands of visitors a year to its two sprawling farm shelters for previously abused animals in Watkins Glen and California, and has inspired a bestselling book by Baur. 

At 4 p.m. on Aug. 8, Baur will visit Minty Wellness in Darien Center to discuss his book and Farm Sanctuary itself, which is currently the nation's leading farm animal rescue, education and advocacy organization. 

Local animal advocate Danielle Legg is hoping to raise $2,000 by that date, and has pledged to "Go Bald for Bob Harper" if her goal is met. (Despite his very human name, Bob Harper is a pig -- one of more than 400 animals living at the organizaton's Watkins Glen location.)

To help raise funds, Legg is holding a raffle for several vegan items, including: two gift baskets from Lush Cosmetics (valued at $140); a gift basket from Hugo Naturals, containing vegan bath and body products (valued at $95); a gift bag by Michelle Dermaceuticals, containing vegan beauty products; handmade gift tags and greeting cards; a necklace and earring set made by Julie Sheremeta; a massage donated by David Kimball LMT; and a Minty Wellness Getaway package, including an overnight stay and breakfast for two at the Minty Wellness hotel, restaurant and spa. 

For further information, contact Danielle Legg at veganleggs80@yahoo.com or the Minty Wellness hotel, restaurant and spa. It's located at 1961 Church Road in Darien Center. Phone is 591-3939. Email is www.mintywellness.com.

A dog is reportedly stuck in a shallow well on property at 4213 Cookson Road in the Town of Alexander.

A woman who resides there called dispatch about the matter, saying the well is about five-feet deep. Not sure if it's the family pet.

Alexander Fire Department, presumably, is responding.

UPDATE (6:37 p.m.): Alexander Engine 107 is on scene.

UPDATE (6:42 p.m.): Alexander reports the rescue was successfully completed and the unit is back in service.

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.

Somewhere in the City of Batavia a critter is stuck under something and the police are on their way to the rescue.

The cop says to dispatch he's going to help "Rocky the Racoon...the usuals can wait."

It's about priorities...when nothing more important is pending, of course.

Sorry, didn't catch the place, nor the object under which Rocky is stuck.

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."

Here's a press release about helping animals. It was sent out by ASPCA -- the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals -- and forwarded to us by Volunteers for Animals of Genesee County:

"There is still time to save low-income spay/neuter! Last week, we contacted you about New York’s proposed 2010-2011 Executive Budget, which seeks to eliminate a statewide program called the Animal Population Control Program (APCP) but includes no plan to replace it. We need to ask you to contact your legislators once more — even if you already e-mailed them last week, please do so again.

We’ve set up our online letter-sending system to fax your senator and assemblyperson, since their staffs have informed us that for this issue, this is the best way to get your opinions heard. We also hope you can take a minute to call Governor Paterson at (518) 474-8390 to urge amendment of the proposed Executive Budget to save the statewide spay/neuter program for low-income New Yorkers' animals.

As you know, animal-control resources are already stretched to their limits — and without a pet-sterilization program to meet the needs of low-income New Yorkers, the number of unwanted dog and cat births in our state will skyrocket, leading to further overcrowding in shelters and increased euthanasia.

Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to fax your state legislators about saving the state’s low-cost spay/neuter program.

Thank you, New York, for caring about our state’s neediest animals."

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

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.
 

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!

Golda has a heart of gold and she's enjoying life with a great family -- Russ and Diane Marchese. Sure beats living in a swamp. Golda, congratulations, you are deservedly the Pet of the Week!

"My name is Golda and today I am one HAPPY dog. I wasn’t always this happy. Back in September, I was wandering the swamps and picked up and brought to the Batavia Animal Shelter. I was one tired and sorry looking dog. My fur was raggedy and sparse and I didn’t have any fur on my tail! I had had many litters and my body showed it.

The good people of Volunteers for Animals brought me to the vet to be checked out. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and put on meds. It wasn’t long until I was adopted. I don’t know why, but that didn’t work out. I was returned to the shelter. I stayed at the shelter a little while longer and then went to stay with a foster family. 

Lucky for me, my foster family immediately felt that I belonged with them and adopted me! I have two canine sisters: Dixie, a black lab and Babs, a golden retriever, like me. My mom and dad make sure I take my medicine, give me special food and take good care of me. When my sister is home from college, she gives me a lot of attention, too. My fur is growing back and looks so much better. My mom is always telling me that I am beautiful and so special! I feel like Cinderella! My family loves me and I love them!

I am adorable Fred. I was with my owner since I was a pup, but my owner had to move to a "supervised apartment setting," and could no longer keep me. I was turned into the animal shelter and am seeking new digs. Please know that I do not care to be around small children because I fear the little tykes are always competing for my food. Just because I'm food aggressive doesn't mean they aren't scheming to scarf my Alpo.

Anywhooo, I'm a housebroken, adult male beagle. I'm OK on a leash. But my star quality is my companionableness. I just now made up that word. I mean to say I am a loyal, trusty, amusing sidekick waiting in Kennel 16 for a whole new life to begin.

Look long into my kitty peepers. See how soulful I am, how hauntingly lovely. Connie is my name and a nice home is my game. I'm putting out big vibes with my little aura, trying to connect with my cosmic energy so it can compel someone to take me in and feed me, preferably wet food with gravy. I would also like kibble, a soft cozy, a catnip toy or two, a clean box, fresh water, love and peace. Is that so much to ask? Mind meld with me in Cage 69.

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

We are mature, Rubenesque, spayed females seeking long-term, committed relationships with humans. We need not be together, but we do insist on puurrrfect homes.

We agree that this includes affection, nourishment, brushing and long walks (sic). We are past the age of curtain climbing and toy chasing. We want long naps in sunny spots, to lounge in front of the fireplace or over the heater vent, and to ponder life's persistent questions.

We enjoy watching people cook delicious meals and will do dishes in exchange for the pleasure.

We are more than just pretty faces -- Velvet, above, and Star, right. (AKA Black Velvet and Belle Star.) There is more here than meets the eye. There's the unfathomable allure of feminine mystique, which should never be underestimated in its ability to charm.

Serious inquiries only. No games. Please contact our representative at the front desk.

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