Fall Rabies Clinic Set For October 6

The Bradford County Humane Society and the Athens Animal Hospital have once again teamed up to provide a low cost Rabies Clinic for the local community.

On Saturday, October 6th from 10am -Noon people may bring their leashed dogs or cats in crates to the Athens Township Building on the corner of Elmira and Herrick Avenue in Athens. Patrons must also bring the pets' current rabies shot record.

The cost for the rabies vaccination is only $5.00.

"It is extremely important for animals to have a current rabies shot. Even if you think your cat is only an inside cat, or your dog would never come into contact with the rabies virus, you could be wrong. There has been some incidents of various wildlife being contaminated with rabies. The last thing you would want is to put your animals' life or your own life in danger, by your pet possibly contracting the rabies virus," states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

Photo: Bear, and Alaskan Malamute available for adoption at BCHS. See his listing on Petfinder.

Featured Pet: Kenny

Kenny is an adult neutered male hound mix who has been at BCHS since December. He was very scared when he first arrived and took a few weeks to warm up with the staff. Kenny is still wary of strangers. With familiar people, Kenny is a happy, bouncy, friendly, energetic dog. He has worked with our trainer and is great on a leash and knows "sit". Kenny barks at strangers, so he would be a good watchdog. He appears to be house trained. Kenny is a great dog looking for someone to bond with.

See a video clip of Kenny on Petfinder.

Featured Pet: Chico

Chico is a neutered adult male Beagle-Lab mix. He is a friendly and outgoing little guy who is a good size for apartment living. Chico has lots of energy and would love to go on daily runs with a jogger. He needs obedience training to learn to channel his enthusiasm. Chico needs a home with no other dogs. He is a personable and loving dog who would be a great addition to the right family.

See a video clip of Chico on Petfinder.

Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week September 17-23

In animal shelters across the country, stray dogs and cats and owner surrendered animals are sitting in cages waiting for that special person or family to come and adopt them. Unfortunately for some, their stay can be much longer because they are deemed "less adoptable" for some reason, or are not even considered by people who come in looking for a particular breed, or a puppy or kitten for instance.



Photo: Harriet, our longest term resident, has been at BCHS since March of 2011.


Petfinder.com has announced that September 17th - September 23rd is Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week. This is a chance for those special needs animals to be in the spotlight. Some dogs may be older, or have vision or hearing loss. That certainly doesn't make them unworthy of finding a comfy place by your fireplace, or at your feet or laying on the couch with you as you watch your favorite television show. There are cats that might have had surgery, or are very independent or "set in their ways." They still would like a comfy lap to lay on, or a place on your windowsill to sit in the sun and purr themselves to sleep.

Jennifer L. Spencer, Bradford County Humane Society Executive Director urges those looking for a pet to visit the shelter and view the adoptable pets. "Almost three years ago, I adopted a two-legged Chihuahua that was deemed very unadoptable because of her special needs. I took one look at those eyes and her spunky personality and knew that I had to take her home and care for her. Just because she has a disability doesn't mean that she isn't still a dog and loves to go for walks and play with her toys. She really is independent and is just like any other dog you know!"

There are a few dogs and cats at BCHS that have been at the shelter for many months. They need to find a home and be out of shelter life. We will feature one each day this week.

"Stop by your local animal shelter and take the time to look at all of the animals that are there. Trust me, one of them will find their way into your heart, and your home," states Spencer.

BCHS Memorial Garden Gets an Upgrade

The Bradford County Humane Society has many dedicated volunteers that come in weekly, sometimes even daily to walk dogs, wash dishes, or play with our cats.  One volunteer has worked at the shelter since 2003.  Leona Miller used to come into the shelter and wash cat litter pans, mow lawns, and keep up with other maintenance jobs.  Then she moved 1,200 miles away to Wisconsin.  That didn't stop her dedication to the shelter.  In the summertime Lee (Leona) will stop at BCHS and mow lawns or keep up with a memorial garden that she created on the property for her two beloved dogs that were adopted from BCHS. 

 

Magnum and Titan were both dogs that Lee fell in love with and had to take home to care for.  Magnum passed away in 2007 of cancer, and then recently Titan passed away also from a form of cancer.  "Titan used to dance with me every night and was always by my side. I have a deep hole in my heart and miss him terribly," says Miller. 

 

Although Miller is in pain she is grateful for the work and compassion that the staff has at BCHS.  "I thank God everyday for giving me this life to use to care for animals," states Miller.  "Coming to the shelter keeps me alive and makes me feel good about helping the staff and the animals at BCHS," she went on to say.

 

"Shelter dogs are sitting in their cages waiting for a home and are grateful when they are adopted," states Kennel Manager Maryanne Mosier who has worked at the shelter for over 22 years.

 

Recently Miller came to the shelter to add a memorial plaque to her memorial garden with Titan's name engraved on it.  "We are so thankful for Leona for her years of volunteer service for us, and feel her pain of the loss of her Titan.  We know how difficult losing a pet is." states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

 

BCHS looks forward to the next visit that Lee makes and welcomes her and other volunteers openly. To become a volunteer at BCHS, stop in the shelter and fill out a volunteer application.

BCHS Dog Gets Adopted from Dushore Founder's Day

Karen Sysock and Bella

Every year the Bradford County Humane Society either holds or attends over 35 events in Bradford and Sullivan County. Some of these events are school related, but most are community minded.

On August 11th, the Bradford County Humane Society teamed up with supporters from Dushore Market to have a booth outside of their store. Three adoptable dogs were brought as well as many retail items for sell to support the shelter and informational brochures and photos.

One little star, Bella, came and was instantly capturing the hearts of many onlookers. She was part of a humane seizure from a hoarding situation that took place along with 5 other dogs. Bella, a Yorkshire Terrier Chihuahua Mix also called a "Chorkie" was one of these seized dogs.

One of the workers at Dushore Market, Karen Sysock instantly fell in love. "I felt as if I had to adopt her immediately!" That is exactly what Sysock did. Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director brought Bella back to the shelter in Ulster for Sysock to fill out adoption papers and make the connection complete.

"I love to go to these events when we take adoptable animals and they get adopted out the same day or the next week. It makes it all worthwhile and very rewarding," states Spencer.

For upcoming event listings and to view adoptable pets, click on one of the links in the right menu. Your new pet could be waiting for you!

BCHS to Host Micro-Chipping at Event

A few of the many available kittens at BCHS.

The Bradford County Humane Society is proud to offer enrollment for this year's Micro-chipping event to be held at the Picnic With Your Pooch at the Grovedale Winery on Saturday, September 15th from 12-4.

Wyalusing Valley Pet Clinic will be on hand to insert the chips. We ask that you pre-register with Jennifer at the Bradford County Humane Society by calling 570-888-2114.

The cost for the micro-chip is $35.00 and will be paid at the event.

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.

BCHS is equipped to scan for several different forms of chips should a stray arrive at the shelter, and that is one of the first steps they take to make sure that the dog gets back to its rightful owner.