pet adoption

The Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter have racked up good deeds left and right this year, unsurprisingly and most assuredly.

If you'd like to donate to a good cause this season, consider them if you'd like to make a tax-deductible contribution. Or you can donate stuff they need to care for homeless pets.

According to the volunteers' latest newsletter:

• So far in 2020, 369 cats and 124 dogs have been adopted from the shelter and VFA.
• In April, VFA received a $15,000 grant from Petco Foundation to provide low-cost spay/neuter vouchers for more than 230 local pets.
• More than $70,000 has been spent this year so far on vet care, surgery, medications and vaccines for the animals that come through the shelter.
• During the 2020 kitten season, they averaged 60 to 80 kittens in foster care. They receive around-the-clock care and attention in private homes.

The breakdown of how donations were used in 2019 was:

• 74 percent -- Vet care
• 14 percent -- Medications/vaccines/food
• 7 percent -- Fundraising/promotion/operational
• 5 percent -- Rescue dog fees

Success Stories

"Spay It Forward" -- This program is funded by VFA with the assistance of community donations and grants in two ways. Firstly, it provides vouchers to the public to spay and neuter their pets. Since 2015, more than 3,500 cats and dogs have been assisted by the program. Secondly, the funds are used to ensure that every animal at the shelter is spayed/neutered prior to adoption.

A Dog Named Wolf -- One family was very lucky to adopt this guy (the dog in the inset right photo). You know that a dog's nose is so much more sensitive that a human's. You have perhaps seen news stories about dogs who are able to tell when a diabetic is in trouble due to high or low blood sugar, or when a seizure is about to happen. Some dogs can even sniff out cancer. One of the dogs at the Genesee County animal shelter did just that for a person this spring. The canine was a young mixed breed who was adopted by a family still grieving the loss of their old dog.

That family had stopped at the shelter on a whim with no intention of adopting. But their daughter met a pup named Wolf who stole her heart straightaway and she convinced her parents to adopt him. In the following days Wolf would not stop sniffing the mom, who had recently watched a TV show about the amazing noses that dogs have. She got checked out by her doctor and found she did indeed have cancer and she was able to get treatment right away. The mom credits Wolf with saving her life and that has made him an even more treasured member of the household.

"Flower" and Her Very Happy Ending -- Flower came in to the Genesee County Animal Shelter as a stray last December. The volunteers noticed she was having trouble urinating so she was taken to the vet. An X-ray revealed her bladder was "loaded with stones."

Thanks to Winnie's Fund, they were able to get surgery for her and the stones were removed. Her recovery was great but they knew she would need a special home to ensure she had the proper care to stay healthy. In February that special person came along, and Patsy met Flower (inset photo left) and they adored each other.

"Flower is absolutely delightful, fun and smart," says Patsy. "My wonderful little companion during the pandemic. She's a little sweetheart who loves to cuddle. She rolls over onto her back so I can scratch her under her neck. ... She lives to play "red dot!" (with the laser toy)."

Flower has a great appetite and no urinary troubles -- in fact she has a clean bill of health from the vet.

This tale of true companionship would not have been possible with the "incredible support we receive from everyone in the community," say the volunteers.

If you'd like to donate money for the animals at the shelter, located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, you can do so via PayPal or by sending a check to:

Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia NY 14021

Shelter phone is (585) 343-6410.

Here's the shelter schedule during adoption hours:

• Sunday, Monday and Friday: 1 to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday and Wednesday: 1 to 3 & 7 to 9 p.m.
• Thursday: Closed

Shelter Wish List -- Items Perpetually Needed

• KITTEN FOOD -- Preferred food -- Purina ONE Healthy Kitten

• CANNED DOG FOOD

• DRY CAT FOOD -- Preferred food -- Purina ONE -- Indoor Advantage

• DRY DOG FOOD -- Preferred food -- Purina ONE -- Chicken and Rice

• LAUNDRY SOAP AND BLEACH

• PAPER TOWELS

• NON-CLUMPING CAT LITTER

• NEWSPAPERS for the cat cages

• CAT LITTER BOXES (no small boxes, please)

• DOG COLLARS AND LEASHES

• KONGS AND PEANUT BUTTER (no rawhide treats please) and LARGE NYLABONES

• PLAIN YOGURT

• CAT TOYS OF ANY KIND

• RETURNABLE POP/BEER CANS AND BOTTLES

• FOREVER POSTAGE STAMPS

• REAMS OF COPY PAPER (LETTER SIZE)

• GENTLY USED DOG HOUSES

• GIFT CARDS TO WALMART, TRACTOR SUPPLY OR PETCO

• DOG TREATS -- If you purchase rawhide, please make sure they are bones and not the small chews. The small chews can be ingested whole and may cause obstructions.

• Amazon Wish List for Volunteers For Animals

PLEASE NO FOOD OR TREATS FROM CHINA! In recent years there have been animal related deaths due to the consumption of food and treats from China. We just don't want to take the chance.

Starting this weekend, the shelter cats are back at Petco!

Everyone is welcome to stop by the store in Towne Center at Batavia on Veterans Memorial Drive and take a gander at these furry guests.

One of them is "Chloe" (inset photo left). She is a gray domestic longhair, known to be "quite the character." The intense stare is the first clue, of course. Rescued from the not-so-great outdoors -- for homeless cats anyway -- she was petrified by people (and particularly, it seems, any person wielding a camera).

But Chloe morphs into a social butterfly once she gets acquainted, and likes to get petted and even fetch toys occasionally. Not a big fan of competition, however; it is preferable that no other cats, or young children, or horrors! -- dogs -- get in the way of her bliss -- you.

The Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter had to stop taking cats as such as Chloe to Petco for adoption in March​ due to COVID-19.

That put the brakes on an avenue of adoption that began when the store opened in September 2008 -- the ability to adopt cats and kittens directly from the store.

The six cages provided by Petco exponentially increased the chances of finding homes for homeless felines. Petco staff also assists with their daily care and the adoptions.

So it's easy to see why the Volunteers for Animals say they are excited to be able bring them back to Petco.

"We have several beautiful kittens at the store now with more to come," they wrote in an emailed bulletin. "Help get our shelter kitties home!"

You can visit prospective adoptees during regular store hours. Hey, Petco doesn't close until 7 tonight -- that means there's still time to meet-and-greet today!

You can check the Volunteers for Animals website and see the "candidates." If a cat is at Petco, the description will say so. Otherwise, they're at the shelter.

Since June 2, all animal adoptions at the shelter itself continue to be done by appointment. Please email the volunteers at info@vol4animals.org for an application and to set up an appointment.

Anyone coming into the shelter must wear a face covering and will be asked about current health and recent possible exposures to COVID-19. If you are sick, please do not come to the shelter. They also ask that you limit the number of people per family coming to the shelter to adopt animals.

For adoption, there is a $60 NONREFUNDABLE FEE for all animals, which needs to be cash or a check -- NO CREDIT CARDS. If the animal is not spayed or neutered there is a $35 REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT upon proof of surgery.

An adoption application must be filled out by the person wishing to adopt the animal. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the potential adopter may visit and meet any of the animals. All cats must leave the shelter or pet store in a cat carrier. Please bring a cat carrier.

All animals older than 3 months of age are given rabies vaccine. Unless there is proof of a prior rabies vaccine, the vaccine is good for one year. All animals are given at least one dose of deworming medication. All cats receive a feline distemper combo vaccine (good for one year) and are tested for FeLV/FIV.

FYI: You may want to take the time to read up on Adopting a Cat.

Remember: Volunteers For Animals is always in need of monetary donations for the animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Their largest expense is veterinary care for sick and injured animals. A great deal of their money is spent spaying and neutering as many animals as possible BEFORE they leave the Shelter. Spaying and neutering animals is the ONLY way to reduce the number of homeless animals.

In addition to vet care, they also purchase FIV/FeLV tests for cats and heartworm tests for dogs. Please consider making a donation today. All donations to Volunteers For Animals, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, are tax-deductible.

You can make a donation through the Paypal button on the Volunteers for Animals home page, or by mailing a check to: 

Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14021

Petco Hours

(Phone: 343-1426)

• Sunday -- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Monday through Satruday -- 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

GC Animal Shelter, 3841 W. Main Street Road, Town of Batavia

(Phone: 343-6410)

Adoption Hours

• Sunday/Monday/Tuesday/Friday -- 1 to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday -- 1 to 3 p.m. & 7 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday -- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Closed Thursday

Photo of "Chloe" courtesy of Volunteers for Animals.

The Volunteers For Animals need to find barn homes for kitties Precious and George. There is no adoption fee for them.

Precious is a beautiful brindle tiger, sweet and friendly "on her own terms," but like all of us, she "has her moments." Doubtful? Just meet that unwincing deadeye stare of hers.

They say she has really made progress but would probably do best with some independent time on her own. 

George is rather pugilistic looking, a veteran of the strife of survival. He was rescued by some very nice and decent people and came in quite skinny, dirty and sick.

The champ is doing much better but is used to the outdoors and would be happier in that setting.

Both cats have been tested, vaccinated and spayed/neutured.

The volunteers aren't asking for the world, just good shelter, food, water and some human companionship.

If you can do right by these creatures of the good Earth, please call the Genesee County Animal Shelter at (585) 343-6410, option 7, or email:   info@vol4animals.org

The Genesee County Animal Shelter is located 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

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

"When you adopt a shelter pet you help to save two lives: the one you bring home and the one who takes its place."

The debut "Crafting for Critters" bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. All proceeds benefit homeless pets at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Admission is free. The event is hosted by Volunteers for Animals.

They would like you to consider being a vendor. For more information and a registration form, please email the volunteers at:   vol4animalscraftfair@gmail.com

Vendors should respond by Feb. 1 to get a spot at this indoor event.

Craft Information Sheet

Craft Registration Form

Above, file photo of Rocky, the beloved pet of Howard and Billie Owens, who adopted him from the GC Animal Shelter in September of 2015.

Information from Volunteers For Animals:

There are three opportunities this month to bring your pet to Petco for a photo with Santa Claus. You'll get a photo with your $9.95 donation to benefit homeless pets at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Sponsored by the Petco Foundation, the photo ops will be available from 1 to 4 p.m on Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 14, and on Sunday, Dec. 15.

Petco is located at 4226 Veterans Memorial Drive in Towne Center at Batavia.

The money from this fundraiser will be put to good use.

Here are some examples of the invaluable work performed on behalf of companion animals needing forever homes in Genesee County.

The Path to Home

In July, 2018 Volunteers for Animals and the Orleans Correctional Facility launched the canine training program. Four dogs were sent to the prison to live in a dorm with their inmate trainer/handlers and the program began. Two weeks prior to the dogs’ arrival trainer Tom Ryan held classes for selected inmates to prepare them for their role in the program. The dogs were greeted by staff and inmates with much fanfare and high hopes for success.

Inmates were selected by the prison staff based on criteria they had established in the months before the program started. Volunteers for Animals provided crates, food, treats, leashes, collars, and other training equipment paid for with money from a grant from Maddie's Fund. After grant funds were exhausted VFA continued to financially support the program.

Classes range from four to six dogs per 12-week session. Ryan and two training assistants hold classes twice a week. The dogs learn basic obedience and are crate- and house-trained. Most of the dogs learn a few tricks, too.

The inmate handlers have become very adept at teaching the basics as well as dealing with dogs who bark at night, chew on socks and leashes, jump on visitors or misbehave in other ways. Inmates see participation in the program as a privilege and always look forward to the next class.

The prison staff has been extremely supportive of the program and on the day after the first four dogs arrived one staff member said it was the first time she had seen a bit of joy in the prison. Many of the graduate dogs have been adopted by prison workers.

This partnership with Orleans Correctional Facility has saved the lives of dogs from overcrowded shelters in the South and some local dogs who needed a little more structure to make them adoptable. It has also been an opportunity for the inmates to learn new skills they might be able to use after release.

In talking to the inmates at graduation, most of them say they have learned patience, problem solving and satisfaction in helping others. They are genuinely pleased when a dog is adopted.

Volunteers for Animals is committed to continuing to support the canine training program. Thanks to supporters, they will be able to provide food, training equipment and medical care when health issues arise.

Ember the Cat's Lucky Charm

Ember (inset photo below) was in pretty bad shape when she came to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. The vet suspected she got caught in an automobile engine fan -- her back legs were degloved, which means the skin was torn away; three of her paws were broken and she had some broken teeth. In spite of her injuries, she seemed like a very nice cat.

But it was August and the middle of kitten season, which meant there were more than 80 kittens in the volunteers' care. Ember was in luck -- a staff person from the vet’s office offered to nurse her back to good health.

Ember needed a lot of TLC to recover from her injuries. She needed regular care, especially for her open wounds. And later she would need dental surgery to address the broken teeth.

After six weeks of care from her foster mom, Ember was ready to come back to the Shelter. It was amazing how beautiful she was considering where she started. Lucky for Ember, she did not have to wait long for a home. After a week or so, a family came in looking for a very special kitty to adopted. Needless to say, Ember fit the bill perfectly.

Humane Works By the Numbers

• In 2018, 419 cats and 198 dogs were adopted from the Genesee County Animal Shelter and the Volunteers For Animals.
• In 2018, VFA proivded low-cost spay / neuter vouchers for 144 dogs and 654 cats -- including 152 feral cats. That's a total of $65,000 in vet care charges.
• Since it began in 2015, more than 3,500 cats and dogs have been spayed or neutered through vouchers available in the "Spay It Forward" program and to ensure shelter animals are spayed and neutered prior to adoption.
• Since the start of Winnie's Fund, the Volunteers For Animals have helped more than 20 animals with serious medical issues get the treatment they need so they could be adopted -- spending more than $12,000 in the process to make that possible.
• More than $70,000 was spent in 2018 on vet care, surgery, medications and vaccines for more than 800 animals that came through the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

​Consider Donating This Season

This 100-percent volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization -- Volunteers For Animals -- uses your tax-deductible monetary donations and donated goods to help save lives and provide comfort to animals who depend on us -- to a degree that is not possible to achieve via the county's operating budget.

To make a monetary donation, click here.

Bring them your empties: Returnable pop/beer/soda/water cans and bottles can be donated at the shelter -- located at 3841 W. Main St. Road, Batavia. Or take them directly to the following three sites* for redemption money that goes directly to VFA:

• Eastown Beverages in Eastown Plaza on East Main Street in Batavia;
• Arc Recycling Center (Mon. thru Sat. 8-2, Wed. till 8 p.m.) at 3785 W. Main St., Batavia;
• Le Roy Redemption Center on Route 19 (8 1/2 Lake St.).

*Note that NONE of the recycling sites accept crushed containers.

To donate goods, here's a wishlist of some useful items needed:

• Kitten food -- Prefer to have Purina Kitten Chow and Purina ONE Healthy Kitten
• Canned Dog Food
• Dry Cat Food -- Prefer to have Purina ONE - Indoor Advantage
• Dry Dog Food -- Prefer to have Purina ONE - Chicken and Rice
• Paper Towels
• Non-clumping Cat Litter
• Newspapers for the cat cages
• Cat Litter Boxes (no small boxes, please)
• Dog Collars and Leashes
• Kong toys and Peanut Butter
• Large Nylabones and Dog Treats (no rawhide treats please)
• Plain Yogurt
• Cat Toys of ANY KIND
• Rubbing Alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide
• Forever U.S. Postage Stamps
• Letter-size Copy Paper
• Gently Used Doghouses
• Gifts Cards to: Walmart, Tractor Supply Store, Genesee Feeds, or Petco

PLEASE NO FOOD OR TREATS FROM CHINA! In recent years there have been animal-related deaths due to the consumption of food and treats from China. The volunteers just don't want to take the chance.

Meet Boots, an adult neutered male domestic shorthair cat that is available for adoption at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Boots loves attention, in fact he craves it. But he's not pesky about it -- he's too cool and easygoing for that. You won't find him losing his dignity by dashing spastically around his dwelling, which screams "I'm sooo needy! I'm going mad from this dearth of activity and affection!"

Volunteers For Animals note that he "seems to like everyone." The key word in the descriptor is "seems." Merriam-Webster's Dictionary tells us it means (1) "to appear to the observation or understanding" or (2) "to give the impression of being."

This is a remarkable personality trait that should not be underestimated. The ability to seem to like everyone when in fact you do not or, at best, you harbor an impalpable but distinct qualm about a person and his character, yet mingle amiably with that person/dog/cat and no one is the wiser, speaks volumes about Boots's competence in jibing with others.

That is a great quality to have in a pet; coupled with his striking black and white bib and tucker and a dashing all-white moustache -- it makes for one fine speciman.

The dog here is Tessie, a spayed, adult female boxer mixed breed who straight up likes to be a household's one and only pet. She only has eyes for you and she needs you to only have eyes for her.

She does not share the limelight. She does not take a backseat to any other four-legged friend. And she does not equivocate about it.

She is loyal and true, but the key to her heart is all about fun and playfulness. Fetch? Walks? Yes! Yes! Tugs? Yes! Purposeless goofiness? Doggone right --100-percent. 

The flippy, bouncy ears tell you all of that, especially when matched with the eager eyes that say your mere existance is her pure joy.

Tessie, too, is available for adoption at the shelter.

"Volunteers For Animals is always in need of monetary donations for the animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. Our largest expense is veterinary care for sick and injured animals.

"A great deal of our money is spent spaying and neutering as many animals as possible BEFORE they leave the Shelter. Spaying and neutering animals is the ONLY way to reduce the number of homeless animals. In addition to vet care, we also purchase FIV/FeLV tests for cats and heartworm tests for dogs.

"Please consider making a donation today. All donations to Volunteers For Animals, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, are tax-deductible."

You can make a donation through PayPal or mail a check to: 

Volunteers For Animals
P.O. Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14020

From Volunteers For Animals:

Tomorrow will be your first opportunity to check out dogs who have been participating in a new behavorial training program developed by Volunteers For Animals and the Orleans Correctional Facility.

All the dogs from The Path to Home Program will be at the Genesee County Animal Shelter during adoption hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, Jan. 12th. The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

There will be someone from Orleans Correctional Facility who is familiar with the dogs on hand to answer questions about the canines. The volunteers are excited about this opportunity for the public to meet the dogs and check out their progress.

The existing foster program for dogs could only handle approximately four to six dogs, with fostering done in private homes. No formal dog obedience training was easily available in these private homes.

So Volunteers For Animals applied for and received a grant from Maddie's Fund in order to start this unique prison-based program. The grant has helped pay for supplies, food and medical care for the dogs. In addition, each dog will get a crate, bedding, leash, collar, training treats, and food provided by Volunteers For Animals.

Volunteers For Animals will be pulling dogs from high-kill shelters and locally who may be in need of behavioral support to become more adoptable. More at-risk dogs will now be able to go to Orleans Correctional Facility for the fostering and basic obedience training to help their socialization.

At the prison, dogs will live with selected inmates who will care for them 24 hours per day for approximately 12 weeks. 

A certified dog trainer will also provide 1.5-hour formal weekly training class for the dogs, with extra sessions if needed, and the inmates will work daily to reinforce the formal training.

At the end of the training period the dogs will have an opportunity to take the test for "Canine Good Citizen." All dogs in The Path to Home Program will be crate trained, have basic obedience skills, and good house manners.

These dogs would love to meet you tomorrow!

• "Max" (right)

• Retriever Mix

• 2 year old/ Neutered Male

• Estimated graduation date: 1/23/2019

  Max is very bright, learns quickly and is good with most dogs but enjoys rough play. He would do best in a home with no small children. Max is crate trained.

• 

• "Shannon" (left)

• Pit Bull Terrier Mix

• Adult/ Spayed Female

• Estimated graduation date: 1/23/2019

  Shannon is a calm dog who is good with most other dogs. She is housebroken and crate trained.

Meet pale-coated Pearl, a lovely little buff-and-white, golden-eyed feline that, despite her inherant glamour, was found in a dumpster. She is awaiting a forever home at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Pearl is an adult; she's spayed and sweet-tempered. She loves attention. That means she will enjoy having a pal who pets her and laughs when she tries to catch the laser beam at playtime. She prolly goes bonkers with a catnip mouse.

Another solid friend waiting for new digs is named Zeus.

You remember Zeus, king of the Greek gods who lived on Mount Olympus. He was the god of the sky and thunder. His symbols include the lightning bolt, the eagle, the bull, and the oak tree. He was married to the goddess Hera. That one.

Well, this Zeus is not married to the goddess Hera and he's a four-legged canine -- a pit bull-terrier mix who is not as complicated as his mythological namesake.

He likes long walks and is described as simply "a nice guy." He also "trains well for treats." Meaning he's motivated to do all sorts of things, like sit, down, stay, etc., if there's something edible in it for him. He's also very handsome.

If you and your family need a quality companion to make your holidays brighter, look no further that the shelter on East Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia. You won't regret it.

Speaking of the shelter, they could use some supplies. Now that the calendar has put you in a gift-giving frame of mind, why not donate to the Volunteers for Animals? Or bring in some useful items like Purina Cat Chow, plain non-clumping litter, bleach, paper towels, dog food, small pet beds, etc.

For monetary donations, make checks payable to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and mail to:

Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14021

Visit the shelter at:

3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, New York 14020
585-343-6410

Hours of Operation:

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

The Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter are in need of a comfy barn home for this kitty.

Juniper is a neutered, declawed male cat that came to the shelter as a stray. Because it was found that he did not use his litter box consistently, he cannot be adopted to a regular home.

He is a nice fellow, friendly with people, but needs a "cushy" outdoor place to live because he is declawed and he has "rustic" ways.

A good shelter, food, water and some human companionship are all that they ask. Not really a tall order when you think about it; kind of a no-brainer as they say.

It will be necessary to confine him for a couple of weeks to acclimate him to his new surroundings.

In addition to being neutured, Juniper is tested and vaccinated. There is no adoption fee for him.

If you can help him out, call the Shelter at 585-343-6410, option 7, or email Juniper's friends at info@vol4animals.org, or stop by the shelter during adoption hours.

This solid, friendly canine is a pit bull / Labrador retriever mix.

He's a grownup and is neutered.

His mien is happy and energetic.

He gets along good with other dogs.

Walking with the Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter is most enjoyable for him.

Someone took it upon themselves to name this dog Cheeto. That would be the singular form of the Frito-Lay snack food, Cheetos (formerly, until 1998, Chee-tos).

Charles Elmer Doolin (not just another pretty name) created Crunchy Cheetos in a Texas test kitchen in 1948. Today, there are 21 different Crunchy types; in Japan, they like strawberry-flavored ones. I kid you not.

This reporter is betting that Cheeto has had a taste or two of the savory snack in his day, not that any veterinarian would recommend it. Would go so far as to say he deserves another bite -- from the hand of a forever friend no less.

Also at the shelter, the feline wing of it, is an orange tiger domestic shorthair cat whose constitution is quiet and sweet. This gingery cutie is a spayed adult female.

Sitting with you and getting her tummy rubbed are her preferred pastimes.

Her name? Well, we can't make this stuff up. (Fiction so bad, nobody would buy it, or believe it.) It is Cheese Puff.

Yes, you read correctly, Cheese Puff is hankering for a home in Genesee County just like her doggie comrade Cheeto.

We assume she, too, is named after the strangely orange edible.

Cheetos Puffs were introduced in 1971; Baked Cheetos, inarguably a healthier choice, came along in 2010.

Cheese Puff, as you can see in the inset photo at right, is lightly colored.

She obviously was not the muse for the screaming bright Flamin' Hot Cheetos that have sent many people to the ER with gastrointestinal distress -- because excessive consumption, with the emphasis on excessive, will b-u-r-n your guts, folks.

But I digress. I usually do in these posts. Get off into the weeds somewhere and have to slog back to the matter at hand.

Which reminds me. If you can't adopt one of these amicable amigos, you can AT LEAST help support some of their needs while they await new homes.

Which brings me to Hogs for Paws, the annual fundraiser at Stan's Harley-Davidson in Batavia that benefits the critters at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

This year's event, staunchly sponsored as always by Stan's and the Volunteers for Animals, will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11. Stan's is located at 4425 W. Saile Drive.

Anyone and everyone are welcome.

There will be pet ID tags for purchase; food from Care-A-Van Ministries; plus a variety of vendors; T-shirt sale; 50/50 raffles and much more.

All monetary donations go toward the cost of spaying and neutering animals prior to adoption -- so important!

Please bring an item from the volunteers' Wish List. Always good choices are: canned and dry cat and dog food; small blankets and pet beds; bleach; laundry detergent; paper towels; NON-CLUMPING (plain) cat litter.

No one will be held responsible for Frito-Lay products left unattended.

UPDATE 6:32 p.m.: Full disclosure: Original Crunchy Cheetos are the reporter's most favored snack item, for reals.

Photos and information provided by Volunteers for Animals:

Broomhilda (inset photo, right) is a big kitten that’s had a hard time adjusting to her world, yet she has a lot to offer someone that can give her a special home.

Although Broomhilda likes other cats, another cat may likely hinder her bonding with her new humans. She would not do well in a home with dogs or children.

Broomhilda is not like other shy cats because when she gets to know her humans, she will not want to be put down. She just loves to be held and cuddled. She makes little biscuits with her paws and is quite content to stay in your arms for hours. (In other words, she would like you to pet her until your arm falls off.)

In fact, it's getting difficult to get her back into her cage at the shelter when her visitors have to leave. We think Broomhilda is telling us she's ready to leave that cage and find her furever-cuddler. Come in and meet her!

Attention shoppers! The day after tomorrow is "Plaid Friday" at the Genesee County Animal Shelter and all adoption fees for all adult dogs and cats will be half price.

The pet sale lasts through Sunday, Nov. 26.

The animals must be at least a year old "qualify for this amazing deal." Usually, the adoption fee is $60.

If an animal is not spayed or neutered, an additional $35 deposit is required.

VFA rescue dogs are also half off the usual adoption fees of $50 to $150.

All shelter animals are current with vaccines; dogs are tested for heartworm and cats for FeLV/FIV. Most of them are also spayed or neutered.

Bring a leash for your new canine friend and a carrier for your new feline friend.

Make your holidays extra special with a new Best Friend Forever!

The Genesee County Animal Shelter is located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia.

Hours are:

• 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Friday
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday
• 1-3 and 7-9 p.m., Wednesday
• CLOSED THURSDAY

The August Cat Sale is going on now at your friendly, local Animal Shelter.

That's right, folks, the Genesee County Animal Shelter has a special all this month only on the adoption of adult cats for a low, low fee of 20 bucks -- a whopping 50-percent off!

For only $20, you'll get one guaranteed-to-be adorable cat over the age of 1 year. This bargain comes complete with:

• Rabies vaccine
• Distemper combo vaccine
• FIV/FeLV testing
• Deworming treatment
• Flea treatment
• Spaying or neutering, if done prior to adoption. (For unspayed or unneutered cats, there is a $35 refundable deposit upon proof of surgery.)

Did you know that, according to the ASPCA, about 4,000,000 cats and kittens enter animal shelters every year?

Have a heart. Give at least ONE a good home. It's as certain as Mopsus that cats are very bemusing, and they will probably deign to be amused by you. Mutual amusement...more or less.

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

Photo of "Mike."

This information is from the newsletter of the Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. They encourage everyone to give the gift of health and compassion for homeless and needy cats and dogs by donating money, food and/or supplies to the shelter. And consider bringing home a new BFF by adopting a pet today. Just in time for the holidays, you could give a forever home to a forever friend.

How "Mike" got a second chance at life and to learn what it means to be loved and cared for...

A scrawny, hairless dog was brought to the Genesee County Animal Shelter by the woman who found him lying in the road. She stopped and helped this oozing, smelly, weak dog into her car. That alone is amazing but she continued to visit him at the shelter right up to the day he was adopted about six weeks later.

"Mike" had a terrible case of mange and a skin infection. He was very underweight and bony. His skin was bright red, oozing and itching constantly. He was taken to the vet and started on medications for the mange, the infection, and the itching. He was bathed regularly and put on a special diet to gradually increase his weight.

It wasn't long before little patches of fur began to grow in. Mike gained weight and started to show interest in his surroundings and in the volunteers who cared for him. His rescuer visited at least two or three times a week. She walked him and brought him special treats. He loved visiting with her and always wanted to check her pockets to see what she had brought for him.

Mike had a bout of stomach problems and needed further treatment but within a week or so he was back to normal and enjoying his walks again. Mike's new fur came in soft and shiny and by the time he went home his coat was almost perfect. The volunteers spent a lot of time with Mike, walking and playing with him. He was always a gentleman, polite with other dogs and gentle with every person he met.

Mike's rescuer couldn't adopt him but she brought a few potential adopters to meet him. In the end it was Mike's patience and good nature that made the difference. He found his person.

There was a celebration at the shelter when Mike finally walked out the front door to go home and his rescuer was there to share the big moment along with the volunteers. What a lucky dog! How many cars must have passed Mike while he laid on the road before this wonderful, compassionate woman stopped and scooped him up off the road.

Photo of "Lucky."

How "Lucky" lucked out and found a bunch of new friends to chill with...

"Lucky" is a 14-year-old cat that was brought into the Genesee County Animal Shelter because her family had no place to live that would allow animals. She had been theirs for 14 years. They said she was a very sweet cat who loved having her belly rubbed.

Lucky was tested for FIV/FeLV, which was negative, and given her vaccines. She was not spayed so the issue was debated and volunteers consulted with a vet. She did great with the surgery. Finally, she was available for adoption.

They knew it would take a very special person to adopt this very special kitty but we were patient. Her story was posted on Facebook, which got over 2,500 views and 30 shares! They were hopeful.

After a couple of weeks, there was an opening at Petco and someone suggested Lucky go there to try her luck. They packed up her favorite bed and got her settled at Petco. With little time to settle in, someone came along and fell in love with her. They put their application in for review.

As luck would have it, the person was a resident of a local group home. The manager of the home spoke highly of the resident and she was immediately approved. No one could imagine a better place for Lucky. Word is that Lucky has settled right in and gets along great with all the residents. And best of all she is a part of their family now!

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So far in 2015, Volunteers for Animals have spent more than $70,000 on vet care, tests, vaccines and medications. They paid for: orthopedic surgery on a lab with a badly healed fracture; provided heartworm treatment on a sweet lab girl; covered the cost of a C-section on a mama dog who was having trouble birthing her puppies; provided dental care for a JRT with a mouthful of rotten teeth; and did treatment for possible parvo on a little pit puppy.

A local vet reached out to take over rehabilitation of a cat that had such a badly infected bite wound that they had to surgically remove part of her shoulder; she recovered and was adopted. Numerous cats and kittens came into us suffering from dehydration, diarrhea, fleas, worms, bite wounds, eat mites or infections, and upper respiratory infections.

More than 100 kittens too young to be adopted went into loving foster homes until they were big enough to be spayed and neutered prior to adoption. All of the animals adopted out of the Shelter left with vaccines, deworming and flea treatment, and were spayed/neutered. These are just some of the things donations go toward for the animals that come through the doors of the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Last year, 523 dogs and cats were spayed and neutered. This year, they are on track to do even more. Also, they have started to provide assistance to the community for the spaying and neutering of pets. After receiving a substantial donation at the end of 2014, they started a Community Spay/Neuter Program. In partnership with local vets, they are now providing low cost spay/neuter for pets to the local community.

So far this year, more than 230 families got their cat or dog spayed/neutered thanks to the new program, as well as vaccinated against rabies and other deadly viruses.

In August, they were awarded a grant for $20,000 from the ASPCA to provide low-cost spay and neuter of dogs and cats belonging to NYS residents who receive public assistance. The grant, via a voucher system, will cover the spaying or neutering of the pet, a rabies vaccine, a distemper vaccine and deworming. They hope to help close to 250 animals with the grant. They are committed to reducing the population of “unwanted” dogs and cats in Genesee County and are asking for your help and support to continue this important work.

Volunteers For Animals is a 100-percent volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists the Genesee County Animal Shelter, making possible efforts that cannot be achieved via the County’s operating budget. Your charitable gift is tax deductible and goes directly toward saving lives and providing comfort to the animals that depend on us.

To learn more and to donate, visit the Volunteers for Animals on the Web, or mail a tax-deductible contribution, payable to Volunteers for Animals, to this address: Vol.unteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY, 14021.

Visit the shelter during visiting hours to meet potential furry companions, and to drop off much-needed cat and dog kibble, canned food, cat sand, paper towels, cleaning products, etc.

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.