Shelter Medicine Director at Cornell University, Holly Putnam, DVM along with two vet interns recently visited the Bradford County Humane Society. Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director invited the group to tour the facility and discuss challenges and goals that animal shelters face.
"This was such a wonderful experience to have experts in shelter medicine tour our animal shelter," stated Spencer. Michelle Kaleta, DVM spoke about the various challenges that all shelters face in terms of disease control. Because of a commercial grade air exchange system at BCHS there a constant flow of clean air into the shelter. There is no cross contamination of animals who may be on treatment with the general population.
Putnam explained that BCHS is doing a very good job of disease control and commended the staff on the health of all of the animals. "It was our pleasure to tour the shelter and meet the BCHS staff. Tiva, Dani and I were very impressed with the accomplishments of the shelter and cohesive, goal-oriented mind set of the BCHS team."
BCHS was incorporated in 1960 and the shelter itself was built in 1975 with many renovations since then. "We are consistently looking at what other shelters in our area and in other parts of the country are doing so we can remain progressive," states Spencer.
Photo: L-R, Dani, Cornell Vet Intern, Babette, BCHS Staff, Tiva, Cornell Vet Intern, Cornell Shelter Medicine Director Holly Putnam, DVM, BCHS Vet Michelle Kaleta, DVM, Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director, (front) - Percy, BCHS dog available for adoption, Amanda, BCHS Vet Tech Assistant)
Microchipping will also be offered. Microchips have been particularly useful in the return of lost pets. They can also assist where the ownership of an animal is in dispute. BCHS and animal shelters across the country benefit using microchip identification products by more quickly and efficiently returning pets to their owners. When a pet can be quickly matched to its owner, the shelter avoids the expense of housing, feeding, providing medical care, and adopting the pet out.
With summer in full swing, one employee at the Bradford County Humane Society wanted to do some landscaping around the entrance of the shelter. Babette Searles, a long time employee of BCHS, took it upon herself to spruce up the area with new flowers and mulch. Other staff members got into the spirit as well and our area is looking beautiful! Thank you to these ladies!
Misha is a pretty spayed female cat with an unusual gold bib. She is a
quirky mix of lovey and independent. Sometimes she will climb up on a
shoulder for a nice hug and snuggle, other times she will want to be left
alone. Misha would be a nice lap cat when she is in the mood. She is quiet
and very clean. Misha gets along with other cats and would be good company
for a family with no small children..
Snowman is a huge adult declawed and neutered male cat. He has very scared
when he first arrived, but became much more relaxed and sociable after
moving into our back office. He can now be petted and tolerates brushing for
short periods of time. He makes a singing noise to complain when he has had
enough. Snowman loves to roll around in catnip with his buddy Elmer. He is
an independent, couch potato kind of guy who will keep you company without
sitting on your lap.
Elmer is an adult neutered male cat with lots of personality. He is very
affectionate and sociable. Elmer is living in our back office, where he
makes the rounds at lunchtime to make sure everyone pets him. He is very
playful, likes other cats, and doesn't mind dogs. Elmer especially likes
stuffed animals, which he carries around and wrestles with. He can stand up
on his rear legs, which makes him look like a chubby guy with a pot belly.
Elmer is a sweetheart who will be a great addition to some lucky family.
Photo: Flea, an adult spayed female Terrier mix who has been at BCHS over a year.
Photo: Macho, an adult neutered male Rottweiler who has been at BCHS since December. 
2011 Picnic With Your Pooch 
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