Towanda High School Senior Builds Dog House for BCHS

Photo: Chyenne Ackley and BCHS Dog Perro

Chyenne Ackley, a senior at Towanda High School, decided to help out the Bradford County Humane Society by building a dog house for their shelter dogs. As a high school senior, she had to do a Senior Project. This portion of her project was to fulfill her community service hours.

Using her own money, Ackley purchased all materials needed to construct the dog house. For two months Chyenne worked at putting it all together.

"This is truly phenomenal that Chyenne not only chose us for her community service hours, but that she constructed such a beautiful dog house. It is so well constructed. We will use it in our back exercise yard for our shelter dogs," stated Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

If you are interested in helping out your local Bradford County Humane Society, contact Jennifer at 570-888-2114.

The Bradford County Humane Society is a United Way Agency.

Stellabration Supports BCHS

Photo: Kathy Hollingsead, Baby Peyton, and Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director

When the Hollingsead family adopted Stella, a blue tick coon hound puppy, in the Spring of 2008 there was no way for them to know what an impact this young pup would have on dogs and cats all over the county.

A few weeks after the Hollingseads adopted Stella, her young and angelic life was suddenly cut short. This loss left the family heartbroken and devastated. Anyone who has experienced this kind of loss understands the pain and sorrow associated with the passing of a beloved family pet. Unlike many dogs, this was not the end of young Stella’s legacy.

One year after the loss of Stella, the Hollingseads hosted a “Stellabration”. Family, friends, and well-wishers were invited to celebrate the short life of little Stella. People were asked to bring in donations or a loving gift for one of the homeless animals at the Bradford County Humane Society. The Hollingseads served food in dog and cat dishes, they served numerous hot dogs, “Stella” beer, and an amazing cat litter cake topped with cookie crumbs and tootsie rolls. The cake was placed in a litter pan and served with a cat litter-scooper.

The Stellabration continues to grow bigger every year as family and friends come out to support and honor Stella’s tragically short life. The 5th annual Stellabration was held in April and truly displayed everyone’s compassion for their companions as they received a remarkable amount of support. The Stellabration raised over $1,100 to help needy animals from all over the county. Participants also donated hundreds of pounds of pet food, cat litter, and several other boxes packed full of canned food, cleaning supplies, assorted toys and blankets.

On behalf of the Bradford County Humane Society, we would like to extend a special thank you to the Hollingsead family and everyone who attended this year’s remembrance.

Congressman Marino Tours Bradford County Humane Society

On Wednesday, May 1st, Congressman Tom Marino visited the Bradford County Humane Society to tour the facility and honor them for their dedication to saving lives of shelter animals.

















Congressman Marino toured the dog kennels and the adoptable cat rooms. He was impressed with the free roaming cat room where the cats are allowed to freely be amongst other spayed and neutered cats. “My wife and I have cats at home and I love them,” stated Marino. He added that he is looking for a dog. A black lab mix puppy up for adoption at BCHS caught his eye.



BCHS has recently begun a spay neuter initiative with Dr. Michelle Kaleta and the ACS Community Clinic. Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director, met with the Bradford County Commissioners in October of 2012 to explain the importance of spaying and neutering feral cats in the area. Since October the Community Clinic has altered over 700 feral cats and owner cats. BCHS has already seen an impact from this. “Last year at this time we were inundated with feral cats. Now we have open cages. The public needs to understand that spaying and neutering animals is the only way to reduce the pet overpopulation,” stated Spencer.

Spencer and Marino sat down to discuss various issues that impact animal shelters in Pennsylvania. Spencer explained the need for tighter laws in regards to animal cruelty. Last year BCHS received over 350 calls concerning possible animal cruelty. Humane Officer Hawbaker took nine cases to court and won each case. “The problem is that the person(s) convicted of animal cruelty do not receive harsh enough penalties. In some cases the convicted will merely receive probation and have to pay restitution,” states Spencer. Marino agreed and stated they are working on getting animal cruelty laws changed.

Another issue that was discussed was the absence of an anti-tethering law in Pennsylvania. H.B. 826/S.B. 972, a bill that has been introduced to Pennsylvania Legislature would limit the amount of time a dog can be tied outside. It would prohibit tethering a dog between 10 PM to 6 AM. “This is not a sufficient bill. There really needs to be a complete anti-tethering law,” states Spencer. “Many phone calls come in during the winter involving dogs tied up outside in the harsh elements. These animals may never get off their chain, living out their entire lives that way,” added Spencer.

Congressman Marino presented BCHS with a plaque honoring BCHS for their efforts to save the lives of shelter animals in his district as well as for receiving a $31,500 grant from the ASPCA to purchase a new transport vehicle to carry out their life-saving work more efficiently. This grant will allow BCHS to acquire a new animal transport van, which the organization will use to investigate animal cruelty cases, and transport animals to the Community Clinic for spaying and neutering.

The ASPCA is a key player in animal welfare philanthropy, and has provided funds for animal welfare programs in every state. Over the past five years, the ASPCA has distributed nearly $55 million in grants to shelters and rescues across the country. “I am proud to congratulate the Bradford County Humane Society for their commitment to protecting animals,” stated Marino.

The Bradford County Humane Society would like to thank Congressman Tom Marino for taking time to visit the shelter and learn more about what issues local animal shelters face.

BCHS is a United Way Agency

BCHS Participates in Healthy Kids Day

The Towanda YMCA holds a Healthy Kids Day every year, and the Bradford County Humane Society has participated each time. This year, on Saturday, April 27th an adoptable dog name Dietrick was in attendance. Kids from all over Bradford County came and visited Dietrick.

Megan Snell, BCHS Community Outreach Coordinator states, "It's always fun to listen to the kids' stories of their pets at home. It was an enjoyable day."

Photos - Elijah Saylor and Dietrick, Brayden and Torrah Dughi and Dietrick

BCHS offers many informational materials promoting the humane care of animals that are age appropriate for children. "A Day in the Life of a Shelter Animal" presentations are also conducted at various schools to teach children the importance of caring for pets and how animals need special care and attention.

Dietrick is still available for adoption at BCHS. He is a young neutered male Terrier and Sharpei mix up to date on all his shots. He loves people and is waiting to find his forever home

BCHS is a United Way Agency.

BCHS Pet Visits Ashton Healthcare

Photo: Bonnie, Ashton Healthcare resident with Betsy, an adoptable dog at BCHS and Activities Aide, Jenifer Johns

On the third Thursday of every month, volunteers take an adoptable dog to visit residents at Ashton Healthcare in Athens. Residents love to see and pet the dog while most will tell stories of their past pets.

This month, Betsy, a beagle visited the patients. Betsy is very sweet, mellow and loving and waiting for her forever home.

It is profoundly moving to see how dogs have the ability to help calm and soothe agitated individuals while lifting the spirits of those who are sad and lonely. They provide a medium for physical touch and display affection for those who have lived isolated lives. The mere presence of a dog raises the spirits of a person and the petting and touching of the fur allows one to have a wonderful object toward which to express their affection, according to Therapy Dogs International.

"Everyone, including staff, looks forward to our monthly visits with our dogs," states Megan Snell, BCHS Community Outreach Coordinator.

If your business in interested in a pet visit, contact Jennifer or Megan at 888-2114.

The Bradford County Humane Society is a United Way Agency.

BCHS Shop for Benny & Betty a Success

Available cats and dogs from the Bradford County Humane Society were on hand recently at the Kmart in Wysox. The first annual, "Shop for Benny & Betty" took place on Saturday, April 13th from 10-2. Patrons purchased dog food, cat food, cat litter, toys, leashes, bleach and other supplies to support the Bradford County Humane Society. Over 500 pounds of supplies and food and over $250 in monetary donations were also taken for the shelter. BCHS volunteers assisted with the animals and by selling T-shirts and other items for animal lovers.

Megan Snell, Community Outreach Coordinator for BCHS says, "The kindness and generosity for our shelter animals that I see exhibited by the public at these events, never ceases to amaze me. It is extremely rewarding. "

Perhaps the best part, is Benny, a black and white cat was adopted that day. "Benny was a staff favorite. If you sat on the floor in the cat room, he would come right over and want to sit on your lap. I am so glad he found a good home," stated BCHS Executive Director Jennifer L. Spencer.

Betty, an American Staffordshire Terrier Mix is still waiting for her forever home. She is a sweet, playful, high energy dog. She could use leash training and would love a home where she would get lots of exercise. Betty is spayed, up to date on all of her shots and is microchipped.

If you are looking for a new pet, take a look at all of the wonderful animals waiting for a home at BCHS.

The Bradford County Humane Society is a United Way Agency.

Photos: BCHS Animals available for adoption and Kmart patrons enjoy Shop for Benny and Betty

BCHS Pet Visits Troy Community Hospital

Photo - Hunter, BCHS Adoptable dog, Megan Snell, BCHS Community Outreach Coordinator, and Social Worker student intern Victoria Pittman.

Troy Community Hospital patients recently enjoyed a visit from Hunter, a small terrier mix available for adoption at the Bradford County Humane Society.

Megan Snell, BCHS Community Outreach Coordinator went from room to room at TCH so all patients, nurses and doctors could see and pet Hunter.

Snell states, "It's a rewarding experience to do pet therapy. It really brightens patients' days when I come in with a pet."

Pet visits can be an integral part of socialization for the pets and the elderly. Currently BCHS visits Troy Community Hospital, The Bradford County Manor, Sayre House, Ashton Healthcare, and The Highlands.

BCHS is a United Way Agency.