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Pachuco says: Don't leave your dog in your car

By Pachuco Owens

I hate hot weather. I much prefer snow. But summer is unavoidable, so I just do my best to stay cool and not over exert myself.

As hot as it is, as humid as it is, I'm glad my Alphas never leave me locked in a hot car.

If you don't believe hot weather is hard and even dangerous for a dog, read this piece called, "Your car is an oven."

Today, I've heard at least three calls (I listen to the scanner, too, you know -- it's my instinct to be protective) about dogs locked in cars.

You may think you're just running into the store for a minute, but if you meet a friend or relative inside that one minute could turn into 30 really fast and your canine friend could be dead.

Or what if you lost your keys? It happens, you know.

Heat and humidity, especially humidity, are bad for dogs. You wouldn't leave your children in a hot car -- I would hope -- so why leave your best friend?

Weiner Dog Races set for Aug. 29 at Batavia Downs Casino

By Billie Owens

Batavia Downs Casino will hold its annual Weiner Dog Races and Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 29.

The whole family is invited to visit with Mr. Scribbles, Pringles the Clown, and get free pony rides 2 to 4 p.m. for the kids. Sahlens hot dogs and sodas will be just $1 at the Paddock Room concession stand beginning at noon.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., the Weiner Dogs will take to the track! Petco of Batavia is the official sponsor of the event and will supply doggy bags to the owners of the participating dogs.

This year, six separate heats will be held with the fastest dachshund that dashes down the track in each heat declared the winner. The winners will be given an opportunity to race in the championship following the final heat and compete for prizes. Last year, Jean Smart’s 2-year-old dachshund, “Jake Arnold," was a narrow winner.

If you would like to enter your dachshund, please contact Arna Tygart at 343-3750, ext 437 beginning July 26.

Kittens need kibble and cans, oh my!

By Billie Owens

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.

ARC's line of pet products passes first-year milestone

By Diane M. Dole

If you're in the market for a smart bandana for Bowser or a nifty cap napper for Fifi, the Genesee County ARC has some doggone good pet products that you can buy to support a great cause.

The pet line began a year ago in May. It helps ARC employ people with different types of disabilities, giving them a sense of pride and accomplishment. ARC also makes boxes for jewelry, filters and for Yancy's Fancy cheese.

Paul Saskowski, ARC's marketing manager, came up with the idea for pet products when he noticed that even during a recession, people spend money on their pets. Pets are treated like members of the family and they have their own special needs.

He did extensive research on the types of materials used in making pet products, such as the dog beds, and the prices stores charged. He wanted high-quality products that were durable and competitively priced.

These include: beds, cat nappers, dog bandanas, dog jackets and soon they hope to bring back their toothsome "Bark Bones."

The popular pet beds range from $25 to $75. They are very tough and will take even the most destructive pet awhile to tear it apart.

"We are nearing our 100th bed sold,” said Saskowski.

A heavy, water-resistant canvas is used for the bottom of the pet beds. The bed can easily be wiped down if it gets wet. There are four colors to choose from -- brown, khaki, black and tan. The top is made from a soft fleece and there are six colors/patterns to choose from: camel, rifle green, dog bones, white paws, red paws, and "bow-wow."

The stuffing is made from a cotton blend. To help with recycling and cut down on the amount of unused material, excess padding from ARC's manufacturing of jewelry boxes is included in the stuffing. This also helps make the beds softer. The beds are machine washable. Just throw the bed in the washing machine and follow the care instructions.

They come in small, medium and large. There is also the option of fiberfill or a pillow-top orthopedic, depending on how soft you want the bedding.

"All orders are custom made," he said, this way, customers can choose their own color/pattern and add the pet's name.

One person sews the pet products and she can make two to three beds per day. Once the order is ready, either the customer will pick up the product or Saskowski will drop it off. On rare occasions, an order comes from out of state and the product is packaged and mailed. Most of the orders come from within the area; the farthest one shipped went to Florida.

The cat nappers are $10, made from cozy fleece and have a touch of irresistable catnip sewed into them. They come in a variety of colors. The dog bandanas cost $2 to $4 are also made from fleece with many prints to choose from, including seasonal holiday ones.

The dog jackets also come in a variety of colors and sizes range from x-small, small and medium. Prices are $10-15. Each item can be personalized with your pet's name for only $5 more.

The Bark Bones are an all-natural, oven-baked dog treat. Currently, the ARC kitchen is undergoing renovations and as soon as they are completed, production of the treats will start once again. These have been a big hit. Dogs find them quite tasty.

Currently the pet product line gets all of its business through fliers in various animal hospitals and shelters, at fairs and local markets, and by word-of-mouth.

"We have fliers in the State Street Animal Hospital and in Mount Morris."

ARC anticipates getting a website to sell the pet line soon, making the products easier to order for a greater number of customers. Several organizations are said to be waiting for the website to launch and plan to post a link to it.

All money made from the pet line stays with the Genesee County ARC.

Its mission statement is "...to support people with disabilities in partnership with their families and the community. We embrace the individuals and nurture their social, spiritual, physical and emotional growth."

To order products or find out more, contact Paul Saskowski at (585) 343-1123, ext. 258 or via e-mail at <www.pasaskowski@rochester.rr.com>.

If dogs could talk, it would be funny - and instructive, says trainer

By Victoria Gooch

Oakfied resident Jim Beverly is a dog lover who has always wondered what his dogs were thinking -- or what they would say if they could talk.

And as an animal trainer who has four-legged hunting partners, he thought it would be interesting to produce a DVD that would use his talents, teach people something and be amusing, too.

So he created what he dubbed the "Fun DVD," which he is selling to help the Batavia City Church finish its kitchen project in the Generation Center. He is a member of the congregation. The rest of the money will go to Roswell Cancer Institute in Buffalo where his wife has been treated for a rare form of the disease.

"My mission in life is to help anyone I can with the talents and opportunities that God has entrusted me with," Beverly said. "The more pictures I looked at and the situations the dog was exposed to, the more I started imagining some funny remarks or thoughts that that particular animal may have had at the time.

"It's amazing at some of the things we demand and ask of our four-legged hunting partner."

Although his education is in marketing and engineering, his passion is retrievers and waterfowl hunting.

He has learned that a dog is a never-ending learning experience and it can always keep you on your toes.

"My filming project is going to be a down-to-earth retriever training DVD focusing on the everyday retriever owner and my techniques God has blessed me with. ... The education, experience and faith that I have is what has allowed me to be in the top of my profession.

There may be nothing quite like this DVD on the market. Beverly has done very little editing in order to show different personalities of dogs and how to deal with the training issues of each one.

"As I tell young people that happen to be attending any of my appearances, I did not take dog training 101, but a good education is the first step toward being able to choose what you want to do rather than being forced into something just to earn a living."

The DVD can be ordered directly from Beverly. Cost is $18, including shipping. His phone number is (716) 474-4661.

Beverly is working on another video that he plans to release next year.

Saturday June 12th Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic

By Christy Stoddard

The Genesee County Health Department division of Environmental Health will be having an Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic Saturday, June 12, 2010.  The clinic will be located at Centennial Park, Batavia from 10am to 2pm.  We will be in the corner near Park Ave and Ellicott Ave. 

Each dog, cat, or ferrett MUST be accompanied by someone who can control it.

This clinic is FREE to Genesee County Residents.  Out of county residents must pay a $5.00 fee per dog, cat, or ferrett immunized.

Event Date and Time
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Dog struck on Colorado Avenue

By Howard B. Owens

A dog has been struck on Colorado Avenue.

The driver did not stop.

No description of the hit-and-run vehicle is available.

A person is on scene awaiting police in order to help identify and notify the owner.

MISSING MOOSHOO!

By Arlana Pathammavong

If anyone around the Walden apartments area/Bank Street area or at this point anywhere in town sees an all white cat with a purple collar on, her name is Mooshoo.  She got out the other day and hasn't returned, she's not an outdoor cat, and I just hoped if anyone finds her they could let me know.  She doesn't know this area as I just moved over to this side of town. 

Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic

By Christy Stoddard

The Genesee County Health Department will be having an Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets on Thursday May 6, 2010.  The Clinic will be located at he Leroy Village Highway Garage at 58 North Street, Leroy; from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

The Clinic is free for Genesee County Residents; there is a mandatory $5.00 fee per animal immunized for non-county residents.

Each animal must be accompanied by someone who can control it. 

 

Any questions please contact the Health Department at (585)344-2580 x 5569

Event Date and Time
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Pet-of-the-Week: Penelope and Smudge

By Pachuco Owens

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."

Animal advocates urge action to save spay/neuter program for low-income pet owners

By Billie Owens

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."

Adopt-A-Pet: Piston and Mouse

By Billie Owens

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!

Adopt-A-Pet: Bugsy and Star

By Billie Owens

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!

Photo: Kiwi, the gum-chewing dog

By Howard B. Owens

I happened to stop in Terry Platt's office today and the conversation eventually got around to dog tricks. It turns out his dog, Kiwi, likes to chew gum. That was entertaining to watch.

Adopt-A-Pet: Jeff and Gerry

By Billie Owens

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

Pets get their time in the spotlight at Carlson's Studio

By Howard B. Owens

Harley sure seemed to enjoy being the center of attention today at Carlson's Studio, where he was one of several dozen pets today who posed for a professional portrait by Ameka Cooper.

The Kilner family brought in 15-month-old Harley and then helped get him posed for his shots. He was a little too excited at times to cooperate. And when a flash went off, he was sure it was something he needed to chase.

Above, Jaylene and Shay try to get Harley to settle down long enough to pose for Ameka.

Below, Dan takes on the role of calming influence on Harley.

Proceeds from today's pet portraits will benefit Volunteers for Animals.

If you had your pet portrait taken, don't forget to submit your pet to our Pet of the Week contest by sending a picture to (pets  (at)  the batavian dot com) (reassemble the e-mail address, of course).

Pet of the Week: Myron

By Pachuco Owens

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.

Adopt-A-Pet: Oscar and James

By Billie Owens

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.
 

Pet of the Week: Scooby

By Pachuco Owens

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."

Pet of the Week: Golda

By Pachuco Owens

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!

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