by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know I was very fortunate recently to be able to take a two week vacation to a warm, wonderful climate for some much needed R & R. I achieved my goal of brain and physical rest along with a tan! I was pleasantly surprised to not receive texts or calls from shelter staff as anticipated during this time too. I always leave my cell phone on 24 hours in case of emergencies or questions, but, apparently, I wasn’t needed which is a very good sign that the staff has become self-sufficient in caring for the shelter’s pets. Not to say I wasn’t missed though, as I was greeted with cheer upon my return. There was a lot to catch up on between all the unopened mail, emails and of course, the animals, the ones that have been here and the new ones, including a 5 week old puppy and a 3 year old semi-paralyzed doodle. Plus multiple calls to intake abandoned dogs and cats from outside of our area. The R & R is most definitely over. It will take me at least a week to fully catch up on everything, but that’s what I get for being away. And now that I’m back we can proceed with the preparations for our upcoming fundraiser: The Dog Wedding.
It just so happens that April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month with Go Orange for Animals as the slogan to help raise awareness about these crimes. Four of our homeless dogs are here since last September as a result of an animal hoarding neglect case. What better way to share their future adoptions than to have a wedding? Two of the four are making it official after living together their entire lives, while the other two will be their attendants. This is all happening on April 12, 2026 from 1-3pm at The Last Whisky Bar and all are invited to this happy fundraising event from which proceeds will help us cover the cost of their emergency veterinary care resulting from their prior situation.
In lieu of gifts, although canned Merrick or Natural Balance dog food will be gratefully accepted, there is an entrance fee and those attending are asked to wear something orange in support and recognition of Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. There will be a cash bar, food and music during the event. And naturally, the opportunity to meet these four special older dogs waiting for their new beginning.
Animal cruelty cases severely impact the shelters and rescues involved with unexpected enormous veterinary and care expenses, along with the immense additional time and workload involved and the unimaginable heartache seeing what these animals have been through. Now it’s time to celebrate their future with a fun event that we want to share with our community. Donations from these three businesses will make the day: Flowers by Lisa will beautifully decorate The Last Whisky Bar venue and Plate and Graze Catering & Grazing Tables will provide the scrumptious Charcuterie. For more information please visit www.wvhumane.org under the Events tab or call 845-986-2473.
Pets of the Week :
Annie is an 8 year old spayed, female Miniature Pinscher who tends to boss around her soon to be hubby, Taz, especially around food. Taz is a 9 year old neutered, blonde male Chihuahua who is calm, cool and always collected and likes to be held by his humans. Both are gentle and comfortable around people and other animals.
Adoption applications for this duo can be found at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473 for more information.
