Shop for Buffy & Friends at Wysox Kmart

Want to help animals at the Bradford County Humane Society? Shop at Kmart in the Bradford Towne Center in Wysox on Saturday, April 5th from 10-2 for items that BCHS is in need of.

BCHS is always in need of non clumping cat litter, dog food, cat food, laundry detergent, dish soap, garbage bags and kitten food. BCHS representatives will be there to hand out wish lists for these items. Customers may purchase these much needed items and drop off at the front of the store.

"We are so lucky to have so many animal lovers in our local community. BCHS relies on our community for 80% of its funding. If you can come out to this event and help us stock up for our shelter animals it would be most appreciated!" states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

"At any given time we could have up to 31 dogs and over 60 cats at our shelter. You can imagine how much food, litter and cleaning supplies it takes to care for all of those homeless animals," Spencer adds.

To report signs of animal cruelty, call the BCHS Cruelty Hotline at 570-888-4763.

Photo: Buffy is an older adult spayed female Pit mix. She is friendly and quiet, behaves well on a leash, and keeps her cage mostly clean. Buffy knows sit and heel and has started clicker training. She has represented BCHS at pet therapy, Picnic With Your Pooch, and has visited the library to have children read to her. She is a sweetheart who would like a nice retirement home and some people to love.

Update on Blake the Puppy

Blake, a puppy that was reportedly hit by a car and taken to the Bradford County Humane Society with broken legs, hips, jaw and ribs is doing amazingly well.

When Blake first arrived at Colonial Hospital in Ithaca after being examined by Dennis E. Socha, DVM, Colonial Animal Hospital Surgeon, he stated that Blake would need immediate surgery after a blood transfusion to correct the back broken legs. Upon further investigation of the x-rays it was determined that Blake's jaw had been broken as well. His jaw would not require surgery and would heal on its own in time.

After two surgeries to repair his broken legs and hips he has been undergoing physical therapy three times a week. During surgery it was found odd by the surgical staff that his bones seemed to be broken at different times. When the bones break and are not fixed immediately they grow back together. X-rays also showed that ribs had been broken previously and were already healing on their own. The puppy was highly unlikely hit by a car, unless it had been hit two separate times, stated the surgical staff. It is not known what happened to Blake to cause his serious injuries. It is possible that animal abuse was involved.

During his physical therapy he walks on a treadmill in a water therapy tank. "He has made amazing progress during the time that he has been in our care. He walks around the office now and can even run a couple of laps when he is excited," states Sabrina Moore, LVT. Moore is the LVT Supervisor at Colonial Animal Hospital.

Because of the situation of possible animal abuse, the Pennsylvania State Police is undergoing a full investigation of the case.

Through all of this, Blake only wants to be loved. He has the heart of a lion and the forgiveness of a puppy. The entire team at Colonial has been rooting for him and always wants to check in on him and give him hugs and lots of belly rubs.

"We have received an outpouring of support for Blake via donations towards his surgeries, letters addressed directly to him and even stuffed toys, blankets and a dream catcher to help heal him as he recovers," states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

Blake will be staying at Colonial Animal Hospital until he is healed from his surgeries. He will be receiving physical therapy and the intensive care that he needs until he is ready to leave.

“I am so pleased with the entire staff at Colonial Animal Hospital. Dr. Socha has kept me up to date from day one with Blake’s care. We all want Blake to live the life that he deserves and so desperately wants,” states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director. "We will continue to update the public on Blake's recovery. We are very lucky to have so many animal advocates in our local community and surrounding areas," adds Spencer.

BCHS, a non profit organization, has paid for his extensive surgeries in excess of $3,000. Through public support, his vet bill has been paid for. If you would like to donate to other animals in need at BCHS you may send a check or money order to BCHS, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850.

To report possible animal cruelty in Bradford or Sullivan County, contact BCHS’s animal cruelty line at 570-888-4763.

BCHS Announces Volunteer of the Year Award

Photo: Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director and BCHS Volunteer of the Year Winnie Moyer

Volunteers are an integral part of any nonprofit organization, especially that of the Bradford County Humane Society. Winnie Moyer, a BCHS volunteer and animal advocate, has been assisting with events and fundraising for many years.

Moyer, office manager at East Smithfield Holistic Healthcare in East Smithfield, PA, has been holding an ongoing rummage sale for BCHS for quite some time. Items of all sorts are available for a small donation which in turn goes to help animals at BCHS.

"We are so thankful to Winnie for thinking of our shelter animals and wanting to assist us with raising funds for them," states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director. Winnie also volunteers her time by assisting with Picnic With Your Pooch, Pancake Days, A Night to Paws Gala and other BCHS events.

Volunteers can walk dogs at the shelter or at BCHS events, socialize and even read to cats at the shelter, assist with cleaning, lawn care, and many other tasks. To become a BCHS volunteer you must fill out a volunteer application and attend an orientation class where you will learn the history of BCHS, proper ways to walk dogs and the ins and outs of being a volunteer. Stop in to BCHS on Route 220 in Ulster, PA to fill out an application.

Injured Puppy Needs Your Help

Recently, a four month old male German Shepherd mix puppy found by the side of the road in West Burlington was brought to the Bradford County Humane Society in Ulster. Injured, not able to stand, it seemed that it had been hit by a car and had broken its back legs. Immediately it was transported to Milan Vet Clinic to be examined and for x-rays to be taken. Upon clarification from the x-rays it was deemed that indeed, its two back legs were broken. It was recommended to BCHS that the puppy be sent to Colonial Animal Hospital in Ithaca, NY for specialized orthopedic surgery to place pins in its legs. Through all of this he wagged his tail, yawned and panted like a normal puppy would when greeting a human.

Photo: Blake before surgery.

Blake, the name given by BCHS staff, was then transported to Colonial Animal Hospital where more extensive x-rays would be taken along with pain medications and a thorough exam by a surgeon. Dennis E. Socha, DVM, Colonial Animal Hospital Surgeon, stated that Blake would need immediate surgery after a blood transfusion to correct the back broken legs. Upon further investigation of the x-rays it was determined that Blake's jaw had been broken as well. His jaw would not require surgery and would heal on its own in time.

Two separate surgeries took place to correct his back legs and his hips which were also found to be broken. During surgery it was found odd by the surgical staff that his bones seemed to have been broken at different times. When bones break and are not fixed immediately they grow back together on their own. X-rays also showed that ribs had been broken previously and were already healing on their own. The puppy was highly unlikely hit by a car, unless it had been hit two separate times, stated the surgical staff. It is not known what happened to Blake to cause his serious injuries. It is possible that animal abuse was involved.

Through all of this, Blake only wants to be loved. He has the heart of a lion and the forgiveness of a puppy. The entire team at Colonial has been rooting for him and always wants to check in on him and give him hugs and lots of belly rubs.

Photo: Blake after surgery with a muzzle on so his jaw can heal on its own.

“He gets stronger everyday. Each day he is able to take a few more steps and is able to make a full lap around our treatment area at this point before getting too tired. Many times I come in and someone is feeding him and he falls asleep in their laps,” states Sabrina Moore, LVT. Moore is the LVT Supervisor at Colonial Animal Hospital.

Blake will be staying at Colonial Animal Hospital until he is healed from his surgeries. He will be receiving physical therapy and the intensive care that he needs until he is ready to leave.

“I am so pleased with the entire staff at Colonial Animal Hospital. Dr. Socha has kept me up to date from day one with Blake’s care. We all want Blake to live the life that he deserves and so desperately wants,” states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

BCHS, a non profit organization, has paid for his extensive surgeries in excess of $3,000. BCHS relies on grants and public support for its funding.

If you would like to donate towards Blake’s vet bills, please send a check or money order to BCHS, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850 ATTN: Blake.

If you think you have information regarding what may have happened to Blake call the BCHS Animal Cruelty Line at 570-888-4763.

To report possible animal cruelty, contact BCHS’s animal cruelty line at 570-888-4763.

Tanner’s Bar & Grill Donates to BCHS

The Tanner’s Bar & Grill family sure has a big heart. Owners Ryan Wood and John Thurston are consistently holding fundraisers for various causes. One such charitable organization is the Bradford County Humane Society in Ulster. For three years Tanner’s Bar & Grill in Athens has raised funds for the local animal shelter.

(Photo: Amanda, BCHS Vet Tech Assistant; Champ, a Pitbull mix available for adoption; John Thurston, Tanner’s Co-owner; Ryan Wood, Tanner’s Co-owner; Jeff Sanderson, Agway Owner; Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director)

This year for the months of January and February, patrons were able to bring in pet related items or monetary donations to be given to the homeless animals at BCHS. Through the bar sales of T-shirts made by Pastrick’s in Elmira and monetary donations, $1,000 was raised. Owners Jeff Sanderson and Pat at Agway worked with Tanner’s to use that money to purchase pet food at cost. Two entire pickup truckloads were delivered to the shelter by Wood, Thurston and Sanderson.

“I get so excited when I see that Tanner’s is holding their fundraiser for BCHS each year. They have such a fantastic growing group of patrons that are animal lovers,” states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director. “Our animals are grateful for their generosity,” she adds.

“It’s good to team up with local community businesses for the greater good,” stated Ryan Wood, Co-owner of Tanner’s.

“Next year we are shooting for 3 truckloads of food!” added John Thurston, Co-owner of Tanner’s.

Champ, featured in the photo, is an adult male Pit Bull mix with unique markings. Very friendly and with good manners, Champ behaves well on a leash and knows sit. He gets along with other dogs and seems to be cat friendly. Champ is a nice dog who is ready and eager to fit into any family.

Tioga Point Museum and BCHS Present "Rat Pack Lounge"

Got cabin fever? Waiting for a reason to get out of the house and paint the town red? Kick up your heels, tip back your hat and mark your calendar. Tioga Point Museum and The Bradford County Humane Society are partnering to present, "Rat Pack Lounge" at The Club at Shepard Hills in Waverly, NY on Saturday, March 15th from 6-10 PM for you guys and dolls. Admission is $20 and will benefit both nonprofit organizations.

The evening will include hourly drink specials, complimentjavascript:void(0);ary hors d'oeuvres, music from the 1930's to the 1950s, dancing and a featured bar menu. Vintage attire is welcomed and encouraged but not required. The Club at Shepard Hills holds an inviting, friendly atmosphere that offers exquisite cocktails, delicious food and an energetic dance floor.

Tickets can be purchased at the Bradford County Humane Society on Route 220 in Ulster or at Tioga Point Museum on Main Street in Athens. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

"We are so thrilled to partner with Tioga Point Museum for this exciting occasion. It's important when organizations collaborate on innovative events for the community to enjoy all while supporting our causes," states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

Tioga Point Museum offers a glimpse into the past of this historically rich region. With exhibits featuring local and non local Native American artifacts, Revolutionary War and Civil War collections, rare book collections and many other items, they offer a wealth of history, archaeology and art in a century-old building honored with National Register of Historic Places recognition.

The Bradford County Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization established in 1960 by area friends of animals. The Society provides comfort and care to lost, unwanted and abused pets through its shelter in Ulster, investigates reports of animal neglect and abuse and strives to prevent cruelty and neglect by educating the public on the behavior and needs of animals.

Tioga Point Museum can be reached at 570-888-7225. BCHS can be reached at 570-888-2114.

Both organizations are United Way Agencies.

Experience a night you will never forget!

Photo: Beanny is a young adult female Beagle - Hound mix. She is a happy and friendly dog with some neurological issues that cause her to have an irregular and wobbly gait. This condition is worse when she is stressed, so we think she would so best in a quiet household. Beanny can be food aggressive, so she needs a home with no small children. She can walk on a leash at a slow pace. Beanny is looking for a nice quiet family willing to have patience with a special needs pet.

Read with Shelter Cats At BCHS

The Bradford County Humane Society has many cats available for adoption that are seeking volunteers to assist with socialization.

The free roaming cat room houses shelter cats that are up to date on all shots, spayed or neutered and are free to roam about this area. BCHS has many volunteers that choose to spend time with these cats by brushing them, playing with them, or simply sitting down and letting the cats come to them for petting.

Did you know that cats also like to be read to?

According to studies performed by researchers at Tufts University, "Pets can be considered a source of support. Human-animal interaction can make the learning process more comfortable and enjoyable for children. Autistic children who were put in contact with animals demonstrated increased use of language and had improved social interactions while with the animal. They showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school. Animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them."

"I can see the difference in the cats after a volunteer has spent extra time with them," states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director. We have a volunteer that comes in every Tuesday and Thursday and these cats recognize him and come right up to him for love and affection."

BCHS has books on hand that children can use to read to the cats.

If you or your child is interested in coming to the shelter to read to our shelter cats, call Jennifer at 888-2114.

Photos: Top right: Lucy is a pretty one year old spayed female cat. She was a bit shy when she arrived at the shelter in June, but she has come out of her shell and is now relaxed and sociable. Lucy would not mind being part of a multi-cat household. She enjoys having a nice basket or cat bed to curl up in.

Bottom left: Holly is a pretty adult spayed female cat who has been at BCHS for two years. She is a quiet, mellow cat who is occasionally playful. She tolerates other cats but would probably be happiest as an only cat. Holly can be affectionate when she is in the mood and would be good company for someone in a quiet household. Holly is our longest term resident and she would really like to find a nice home.