Shop for Frankie and Greta at Kmart in Wysox

The Kmart store in Wysox is partnering with The Bradford County Humane Society to hold the event "Shop for Frankie & Greta."

Shop for Frankie and Greta will be held on Friday, June 16th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Wysox Kmart in the Bradford Towne Center shopping plaza. BCHS Representatives will be on hand with Wish Lists of items that the shelter is always in need of. These include: Non-clumping cat litter, kitten food, puppy chow, cat food and dog food (both canned and dry), laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, bleach for cleaning, 40/50 gallon garbage bags, collars and leashes, latex gloves and sponges for cleaning.

"Shop for Frankie and Greta is a great way for those that maybe can't adopt an animal right now to still be able to help out our shelter and to shop for our homeless and abandoned animals", stated Jennifer L. Spencer, Executive Director for BCHS.

For more information about this event, or to learn more about volunteering, or adoption, call 570-888-2114.

Photos: Frankie the cat and Greta the dog - both available for adoption

Ponies Being Rehabilitated by BCHS

Meet "Booger" and "Loo." Both are ponies that were seized by the BCHS Humane Police Officer.



Booger was very emaciated, had rotting teeth that had to be pulled by a vet, and had an awful skin condition. He is doing much better and is being rehabilitated back to health at his foster home.



Loo was in desperate need of having his hooves trimmed and needed veterinary care. He is also being rehabilitated back to health at his foster home.

BCHS takes great pride is caring for animals that need special care. This specialized care can be quite expensive, especially for large animals.

If you would like to donate to BCHS for humane cases such as this, please send a check or money order to:

BCHS, ATTN: Humane, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850.

You can also donate online using the PayPal button on the top right corner of this page.

Any donation, big or small, helps!

Chief Needs Your Help!

A dog at the Bradford County Humane Society needs your help. Chief, an older lab mix, recently had to be taken to the Towanda Creek Animal Hospital for emergency surgery. He had a tumor in his intestine that was causing issues for him. The veterinarians at Towanda Creek determined that surgery would be the only option and he was neutered at the same time as the tumor removal. He is doing very well with his recovery.

The Bradford County Humane Society helps care for many stray dogs and cats and when veterinarian care is needed they pay those bills, which can get quite high.

BCHS is asking their local communities to help pay for Chief's vet bill, which is over $500.

Chief is a very sweet boy who loves attention, seems to be housebroken, and is looking for his forever home.

If you would like to help with Chief's vet bill, you can send a check or money order to:

BCHS
ATTN: Chief Vet Bills
PO BOX 179
Ulster, PA 18850

If you would like to adopt Chief, stop into the shelter, located on Route 220.

Photo: Emily, a BCHS staff member, and Chief.

BCHS Seeking Assistance for Horses

Since Humane Police Officer Canning was sworn into both Bradford and Sullivan County Court houses for the Bradford County Humane Society, he has been extremely busy with all types of animal cruelty reports and investigations. Many have involved seizing large animals such as horses, cows, and pigs.

Veterinary care for large livestock can be very expensive. BCHS incurs all costs with emergent and ongoing vet care for these animals. Most horses need medications, their hooves trimmed and cared for, gelding, or other vet related care. Many of these fees can be upwards of over $1,000.

BCHS is asking our community for help to cover these high vet bills. Every donation, big or small, can help take care of these large animal seizures. If you are able to help, please send a check to:

BCHS
Vet Care
PO Box 179
Ulster, PA 18850


Your donation is tax deductible.

Photos: Humane cases - very thin horse and horse with severely overgrown hooves

Help Make Bradford County Humane Society’s Holiday Wishes Come True

Adopters are invited to share how their adopted pet changed their life for a chance to win a $100,000 grant award for the animal welfare group they adopted from and a $1,000 Petco gift card for themselves!

The Petco Foundation, in partnership with Petco, will be granting Holiday Wishes in the form of more than $750,000 in grant awards to qualified animal welfare organizations. This contest is designed to help the animal welfare organizations save more lives during the holidays and year round.

The Bradford County Humane Society has the opportunity to receive the grand prize of a $100,000 grant, or a series of finalist awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Anyone who has adopted a pet can submit a story to the Petco Foundation’s Holiday Wishes campaign, giving the organization they adopted from a chance to win one of several grant awards. A full list of prizes is available at www.petcofoundation.org/holidaywishes.

The Bradford County Humane Society is asking any person or family who has adopted a pet from the organization to share their story to give The Bradford County Humane Society the opportunity to win a Holiday Wishes grant. Petco will also award the person who submits the winning story a $1,000 Petco gift card, giving them the chance to spoil their adopted pet.

People who adopted a pet through The Bradford County Humane Society are invited to share a story of how the love of their adopted pet brings more joy to their life each day, and how the love of their pet changes their life in a big or small way and makes it better (limit 500 words). Submissions should include photos and/or video that help tell the story. Simply log in to holidaywishes.fluidreview.com to submit.

The deadline to submit stories for a Holiday Wishes grant is October 15, 2016, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Adopters are encouraged to visit holidaywishes.fluidreview.com for more information and to get started as soon as possible.

The winning organizations and their featured pets will be announced in December.

For more information about the Petco Foundation Holiday Wishes campaign visit holidaywishes.fluidreview.com

About the Petco Foundation

At the Petco Foundation, we believe that every animal deserves to live its best life. Since 1999,we’ve invested more than $167 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, we inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical careprograms, spay and neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. Through our Think Adoption First program, we partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, we’ve helped more than 5 million pets find their new loving families, and we’re just getting started. Visit petcofoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

Senior Dog is Looking for Her Furever Home

The Bradford County Humane Society recently took in a senior dog that is looking for her forever home. Sally is a 14 year old Collie mix with limited eye sight and no teeth. This doesn't stop her from enjoying her senior years, however. She loves going for walks (at a slow pace), napping, and showing love. She requires a home with no other animals and no children so she can enjoy life with peace and quiet.

She is a staff favorite at BCHS due to her loving, sweet personality.

If you are interested in adopting Sally, please come into the Bradford County Humane Society and fill out an application.

BCHS Needs Your Help for Injured Dog

Photo: Sophie with Amanda Forbes, Milan Vet Tech

Recently, an older black and white female Shih Tzu found its way to the Bradford County Humane Society. She was brought in as a stray from the dog warden in very bad shape. She was dirty, had fleas and flea dermatitis and what was worse is she had an obvious broken leg.

The staff named her Sophie and she was transported immediately to Milan Vet Clinic. Dr. Washington performed x-rays and it was determined that her leg was broken in two places and would require surgery to correct. She also is completely blind in one eye and had an ulcer on the other eye making vision extremely impaired. It was estimated that she was 10-13 years old. Even though she had these complications, she is the happiest girl.

Surgery was performed at Milan Vet Clinic and she is walking around and even running now, with resting in between. She is currently being fostered until she is completely recovered. She will require one more surgery to take the pin out of her leg that is correcting the broken bone.

BCHS is asking the community to assist with her large vet bill, upwards of $900. BCHS is a nonprofit private organization that relies 80% of its funding from donations.

If you would like to assist Sophie with her bill, please send a check to

BCHS
Attn: Sophie
PO Box 179
Ulster, PA 18850

All donations are tax-deductible.

Dog Hit By Car Needs Your Help

Another stray dog has found its way to the Bradford County Humane Society in need of emergent veterinary care. Walker, an adult male hound mix, was brought to the shelter and was sent directly to Milan Vet Clinic for x-rays on its back leg. It was determined that he needed surgery to repair a broken leg.

Walker remained happy even before surgery and is a go lucky boy now. However, his vet bill is almost $900 and BCHS is asking the community for assistance to defray the costs.

"Every animal deserves the right to a happy life and a home to call their own. If an animal needs immediate vet care BCHS will take the animal to a local vet for an exam. The staff at Milan Vet Clinic is amazing and we are so happy that they take such good care of pets. BCHS relies on 80% of its funding through community support. We are thankful that we have such wonderful supporters," states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

If you would like to help with Walker's vet bill, please send a check to BCHS, C/O Walker, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850.

Injured Puppy Needs Your Help

Recently, a 3-4 month old female terrier mix puppy came to the Bradford County Humane Society as a stray. It was in need of immediate vet care with what looked like a broken back leg. The staff named her Mabel.

The team at Milan Veterinary Clinic took x-rays and it was determined the leg was fractured, more than likely from being hit by a car.

Surgery was immediate to save the puppy's leg.

Mabel is in great spirits and is a sweet little dog! She is recovering at Milan Clinic.

The Bradford County Humane Society is asking the community for assistance with her vet bill which is upwards of $1,000. Donations can be sent to BCHS at PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850.

Any donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated. "We take great pride at BCHS to care for all animals that find their way into our shelter. Mabel deserves to have a great life. We thank the team at Milan Veterinary Clinic for their wonderful care,"states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

BCHS is a private non-profit animal shelter that relies on 80% of its funding from community support. BCHS is a United Way Agency.

Snowman Wants To Live With You

My name is Snowman, or Mr. Snowman or Mr. Fatman as some people call me. My time at the Bradford County Humane Society has been pretty cool and fun - but now I am ready to experience life with a new family, with my own couch to lie on.

I came into the shelter over a year ago - wow has it really been that long? I guess that old adage is true: time flies when you are having fun. As I was saying, I came to BCHS already being neutered and declawed and boy was I scared. I was so used to having my own home and living in a cage was not for me! I wouldn't let anyone barely touch me for a long time. Then, some of the staff members were alright in my book and I came around - but I needed my own apartment - not a cage. The staff decided they liked me too and set me up in my own office area where they hang out with me, but really, it is my house. Sometimes they would bring in dogs in my house and I did not like that! I just don't care for those noisy, rambunctious dogs. I can tolerate other cats, but I kinda prefer being the king of the castle. Now, I suppose I should tell you that I used to have a weight problem. I came in weighing 28 pounds....I know I know, hefty ( I would rather say big boned). Well, I was put on a diet of sorts and now am down to 18 pounds - what's a little more to love?!

Anyhoo, back to my point of this story - I am ready to find my forever home as they call it. I love to sleep (I won an award for sleeping and lounging once.) I love being petted and love talking to you. I have a lot to say! I don't much like being picked up, but that's just because I am an independent boy who can get places on my own. Oh, and catnip is my best friend! I could roll and roll in it all day long. It's my favorite. I also love my food. If it were my choice I would be that cat in the commercial for Fancy Feast - eating out of a crystal bowl! I am a cheap date when it comes to toys though. Leave a box on the floor and I will have fun for hours. It's my thing.

Sooooooooo, if you are interested in an extremely handsome, talkative, loving cat look me up at the Bradford County Humane Society on Route 220 in Ulster, PA or call them at 570-888-2114. I will be waiting for you!

BCHS and Grovedale Winery Present "Pints for Pups"

Photo: Brutus, BCHS adoptable pet, wants your help!

Enjoy wine? Like microbrews? Come out on Saturday, May 10th from 1-3 PM to the Grovedale Winery in Wyalusing to support the Bradford County Humane Society's Pints for Pups Event.

River Barge Brewery, located inside the Grovedale Winery, has a selection of microbrews for every palette - from dark beers, light beers, IPAs and seasonal ale. Every pint of beer sold gives $1 to the Bradford County Humane Society. Prefer wine? Your first six wine tastings are free!

Various food items from paninis to cheese platters will be available for purchase.

Bryn Duffield, Wyalusing local acoustic guitarist, will be on hand playing for the crowd.

Please keep your doggies at home as no animals are allowed in the winery or brewery. Come out to support your local Humane Society!

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.

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.

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.

BCHS & ACS Partner For 2nd Annual Gala

The Bradford County Humane Society (BCHS) and Animal Care Sanctuary (ACS) have teamed up to hold a gala entitled, “A Night to Paws, Celebrating our Love of Animals” on Saturday, February 8th, 2013 from 6PM – 10 PM at The Club at Shepard Hills in Waverly, NY.

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a fun evening with other animal lovers! Please show your support by joining us for a lovely evening of food, wine, music, dancing and more. The evening includes a fine dinner as well as a silent auction in an elegant atmosphere. Tickets are $50.00 each and you must pre-register. All proceeds benefit both Animal Care Sanctuary and the Bradford County Humane Society.

“Our community is very supportive of our animal shelters. This event will be a chance for our supporters to enjoy an evening out while supporting our shelter animals at the same time,”states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

The event is looking for sponsors. Sponsorship levels begin at $50 and go up to $1,000. Proceeds from the sponsors will assist in spaying and neutering pets, providing vaccinations for shelter animals, treating shelter animals for fleas and ticks, providing food for shelter pets as well as antibiotics and diagnostic testing for shelter animals.

We are also looking for items to be donated for the silent auction. If you have an item you would like to donate, please contact BCHS or ACS.

“It is important for our communities to know that although we are two separate organizations, we work closely together on many projects throughout the year, whether it is an abuse case, promoting spay/neuter services, and yes, even trying to catch pot-bellied pigs that were abandoned on Route 220. “ says Joan Smith-Reese, Executive Director of Animal Care Sanctuary.

The goal of the gala is to raise at least $10,000 to help with the costs of caring for shelter animals at both ACS and BCHS as well as for the community members to have a lovely time. To purchase tickets, go to www.animalcaresantuary.org or purchase in person at BCHS in Ulster, or at ACS in East Smithfield.

Please contact BCHS at 570-888-2114 or ACS at 570-596-2200 for more information, to find our adoptable pets, to donate, and to find out about upcoming events. We are non-profit organizations, and we rely on donations from generous individuals to help us care for animals in need in Tioga and Bradford Counties.

Photo: Tease, a young adult male cat available for adoption from BCHS

BCHS 16th Annual Shop for Pete & Penny November 9th at Tops in Wysox

Tops Markets in Wysox is partnering with The Bradford County Humane Society to hold their 16th annual "Shop for Pete & Penny" fundraiser as part of its recognition of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Each year the shelter’s staff chooses adoptable pets to represent all homeless animals. This year “Pete” is a neutered domestic short hair cat. Penny, is a young Chihuahua mix. Both will be available for adoption on Saturday, November 9th.

Shop for Pete and Penny will be held on Saturday, November 9th from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Wysox Tops Market in the Bradford Towne Center shopping plaza. BCHS Representatives will be on hand with Wish Lists of items that the shelter is always in need of. These include: Non-clumping cat litter, kitten food, puppy chow, cat food and dog food (both canned and dry), laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, bleach for cleaning, 40/50 gallon garbage bags, collars and leashes, latex gloves and sponges for cleaning.

"Shop for Pete and Penny is a great way for those that maybe can't adopt an animal right now to still be able to help out our shelter and to shop for our homeless and abandoned animals, stated Jennifer L. Spencer, Executive Director for BCHS. This year, all Tops stores in Bradford County are participating in the event. From November 3rd to November 9th patrons can purchase items at any Tops store in Bradford County to donate to the animal shelter.

For more information about this event, or to learn more about volunteering, or adoption, call 570-888-2114.

Help the Humane Society

Photo: Flea, an adult spayed female Terrier mix who has been at BCHS over a year.

Each summer animal shelters across the country are stressed to the limit with many dogs and cats entering their doors. The Bradford County Humane Society has been close to or at full capacity already this season. "Nearly every animal that comes into our shelter is a stray. The summer months can be extremely busy with more than normal dogs and cats being brought to BCHS," states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director. "I always urge those that have lost their pet to please contact us first - their dog could have gotten loose and ended up being picked up by the dog warden and brought to BCHS," she adds.

Photo: Macho, an adult neutered male Rottweiler who has been at BCHS since December.

BCHS does not euthanize for space, therefore when they are at full capacity they work with local animal shelters to assist by taking some of their dogs to their facilities to be placed for adoption. Local rescues are also contacted for specific breeds or even special needs animals.

Because overpopulation of pets is an issue in nearly every community, spaying and neutering your animal is of the utmost importance.

Many well-intentioned pet owners still find making the choice to spay or neuter their pet a difficult one. This is largely due to the many misconceptions associated with this very basic surgery. However the reality is pets that are spayed or neutered typically live much longer, healthier, and happier lives and are also helping to solve the serious problem of pet overpopulation. For these reasons, and many more, nearly all animals adopted from BCHS have already been spayed or neutered. However, you may have a pet at home or have a friend with a dog or cat that has not yet had this simple surgery. Here are some of the reasons that spaying or neutering is one of the best things you can do for your pet, yourself, and your community:

Making the decision to spay or neuter your pet means fewer pets—pets as sweet, loving, healthy, and deserving of companionship as your own end up in animal shelters every day.

The Humane Society of the United States explains some commonly spread myths about spaying and neutering below:

MYTH: It's better to have one litter before spaying a female pet.

FACT: Every litter counts.

Medical evidence indicates just the opposite. In fact, the evidence shows that females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier. Many veterinarians now sterilize dogs and cats as young as eight weeks of age. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate time for these procedures.

MYTH: But my pet is a purebred.

FACT: So is at least one out of every four pets brought to animal shelters around the country. There are just too many dogs and cats—mixed breed and purebred.

MYTH: I want my dog to be protective.

FACT: It is a dog's natural instinct to protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by genetics and environment than by sex hormones.

MYTH: I don't want my male dog or cat to feel like less of a male.

FACT: Pets don't have any concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

MYTH: My pet will get fat and lazy.

FACT: The truth is that most pets get fat and lazy because their owners feed them too much and don't give them enough exercise.

MYTH: But my dog (or cat) is so special, I want a puppy (or kitten) just like her.

FACT: Your pet's puppies or kittens have an unlikely chance of being a carbon copy of your pet. Even professional breeders cannot make this guarantee. There are shelter pets waiting for homes who are just as cute, smart, sweet, and loving as your own.

MYTH: It's expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.

FACT: Many low-cost options exist for spay/neuter services. Most regions of the U.S. have at least one spay/neuter clinic within driving distance that charge $100 or less for the procedure. Low-cost spay/neuter is more and more widely available all the time.

MYTH: I'll find good homes for all the puppies and kittens.

FACT: You may find homes for your pet's puppies and kittens. But you can only control what decisions you make with your own pet, not the decisions other people make with theirs. Your pet’s puppies and kittens, or their puppies or kittens, could end up in an animal shelter, as one of the many homeless pets in every community competing for a home. If you have been thinking of getting a dog or cat, puppy or kitten, stop in to the shelter on Route 220. "We have so many nice animals just waiting for their forever home," states Spencer.

Also for the month of August any cat that has been spayed or neutered is only $25 to adopt.

Foster Needed For Shelter Puppy

Photo: Toad, a terrier mix and Amanda Forbes, BCHS Vet Tech Assistant

Summer generally is a tough time for animal shelters across the country in terms of being at capacity. The Bradford County Humane Society is no exception. Dogs of all types of breeds, cats, kittens and puppies find their way into the shelter doors.

One such terrier mix puppy the staff named Toad came into BCHS as a stray in June. Toad had no hair and was suffering from a skin condition called Demodex. Demodex is a form of mite that lives in the hair follicles. In most dogs, these mites never cause problems. However, in certain situations, such as an underdeveloped or impaired immune system, intense stress, or malnutrition, the mites can reproduce rapidly, causing symptoms in sensitive dogs that range from mild irritation and hair loss on a small patch of skin to severe and widespread inflammation. Toad’s condition is not contagious to other dogs, nor humans, and he is on medication to help alleviate the issue. His hair is beginning to grow back and he remains a happy, go lucky puppy.

All dogs, especially puppies need socialization with humans. BCHS is looking for a special foster home to take care of Toad where he would receive more attention and would thrive in a home environment.

If you are interested in fostering Toad, please call the shelter at 888-2114 or stop into the shelter on Route 220 in Ulster to fill out a Foster application.

Gabriel Needs Your Help

About a month ago a stray Siamese cat named Gabriel found his way into the Bradford County Humane Society's doors. Straggly and unable to walk properly, BCHS staff took him to Milan Vet Clinic to be medically assessed. It was determined that he had been hit by a vehicle of some sort and had two separate breaks in his leg. Surgery involved putting pins in his leg to repair the breaks.

Happy, spirited and very loving, Gabriel came out of surgery and is doing very well. His surgical bill was well over $750 that BCHS paid for . BCHS is asking for the community's assistance to help pay for his surgical bills.

"Every year our shelter spends at least $18,000 on veterinary bills to care for our homeless and abandoned animals. As a nonprofit animal welfare organization we struggle to provide funding. We are lucky to have people in our local communities help us when in need," stated Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director.

If you can help Gabriel with his expenses, please send a check to BCHS, PO Box 179, Ulster, PA 18850 and note that it is for Gabriel's vet bill. Any donation, big or small will help.