by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know, last week’s column was written and submitted before the snowstorm hit. Although that storm is yesterday’s news, I do want to share that even though there was a state of emergency issued and even though our DPW did their absolute best, and although the roads were treacherous, we consider ourselves essential workers as myself and four of our staff were able to make it safely to the shelter to care for all of the 200 animals on schedule with cleaning, feeding and medicating. In between we shoveled and shoveled some more making sure all of the gates were accessible (emergencies can happen) and paths were cleared to our out buildings and the roosters’ pens. With the snow continuing into the night, two of the staff stayed at the shelter, one on a couch and the other had a toddler bed intended for one of the dogs when needed. Full sleep was not to be had with Rufus, our 2 year resident, barking, knowing that they were still in the building and Ira, our extreme senior, waking up and barking for food now and then.
On Monday, the same crew, including myself, made it to the shelter for another day of extra workload having to cover for those that could not get in. We were all a little less cheery than on Sunday, but managed despite the fatigue. We were grateful to see our regular rabbit caregiver, Erin M. come in to take care of the 13 rabbits, relieving the staff of that extra work. Volunteer Chris arrived to clean off the animal control vehicles for us. And we were pleasantly surprised when volunteers, Mike and Laure W. showed up to snow blow what he could and Laurie willing to wash and dry an overflowing sink load of dishes and fold all the laundry! And they brought us a pizza!
Luckily there were no animal emergencies during these two days. However, just two days later we received a report of two dogs tied outside in the snow on a farm property. Some people do not understand that pets cannot and should not be tied outside in extreme temperatures for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, New York State and our own County is lacking an anti-tethering law even though New Jersey and Connecticut have it.
The owner was made aware of the existing appropriate shelter for dog law and will comply with all guidelines. One of the dogs was removed to a family member, the husky remained.
Follow up inspections will happen.
Our seasoned Animal Control Officers finally captured the elusive cat in the empty house. Suffice to say it wasn’t easy. And a person found a cat with a can stuck on its head. We were able to successfully remove it and the cat is recovering from its embarrassment. Please rinse all cans and take a second to crush the opening before discarding. Oh and we had another emergency intake of a fearful German Shepherd due to its owner’s hospitalization.
Let’s just say, it’s been quite a week!
Pet of the Week:
Adoption applications are available at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473 for more information.
Note from Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society.
Last week’s column was about the emergency intake from the Bloomingburg area who turned out to be a licensed service dog. He was reunited with his owner this week. I’ve attached the picture. If you have room to share it with the readers.
Emergency shelter intake “Bulldozer” the licensed service dog was reunited with his owner in Bloomingburg thanks to our volunteer transporter, Kacie!
