Author: Gina

TALE FOR TWO READING PROGRAM SCHEDULE RELEASED FOR 2024-2025 SEASON

August 21, 2024
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Register your child for Tale for Two  >>

The SPCA Serving Erie County will continue its popular Tale for Two reading program throughout the 2024-2025 school year!

Tale For Two encourages children ages 5 – 16 to read aloud to adoptable animals at the SPCA. Animals benefit from the increased socialization and reduced stress levels, while children work on their literacy and reading skills, building their self-esteem and confidence.

This year’s reading sessions are available in six packages, and new this year are single sessions:

-Full-year package: $150
September 30, 2024 – August 30, 2025

-School year package: $100
September 30, 2024 – June 14, 2025

-Seasonal packages: $65
Fall: September 30 – December 14, 2024
Winter: January 6 – March 29, 2025
Spring: April 7 – June 14, 2025
Summer: June 30 – August 30, 2025

*NEW* -Single session: $10

Packages include one reading session per week, available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter.  Reading sessions are 30 minutes in length.

Children can bring their own reading materials, or make a selection from the SPCA’s library.

Register your child for Tale for Two >>

Please contact SPCA Community Education Director Christine Davis with questions: ChristineD@yourspca.org. NOTE: Space per reading session is extremely limited, so register early!

SPCA Serving Erie County Receives $100,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities® to Address Lack of Accessible Veterinary Care in Historically-Excluded Communities

August 15, 2024
By: PetSmart Charities® | SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The SPCA Serving Erie County has received a grant from PetSmart Charities®  in the amount of $100,000 to address barriers in accessing veterinary care on the east side of Buffalo, specifically in the 14208 area.

Rising costs combined with geographical, cultural and other barriers have left many communities out of the veterinary care system altogether. The Incubator grant program supports innovative and culturally relevant veterinary programs targeted toward historically-excluded communities across the U.S.

While 70% of American households include pets, access to basic veterinary services has not kept pace.  Pets are universally considered important family members and keeping them together requires resources that are often missing. This is particularly felt in many underserved communities where not only cost, but geography and systemic inequities have left veterinary care beyond reach. Early in 2023, PetSmart Charities, the top funder of animal welfare in the country, committed $100 million over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. The Incubator grants focus on historically-excluded communities, many of which lack access to community supports, including veterinary services.

The SPCA Serving Erie County, NY has been chosen as part of this year’s Incubator grantees, designed to give veterinary organizations a one-year runway to build relationships with and deepen their understanding of their partner community.

Tasked with enlisting support of local changemakers, the grantees agree to co-creating models of care alongside communities.

“The SPCA Serving Erie County has been a steadfast resource for pet lovers and pet parents throughout western New York and beyond for 157 years,” says SPCA President/CEO Cait Daly. “Though we touch so many lives every day, the fact remains: there are still community members without equal access to the services we provide. Because of PetSmart Charities, we now have the resources to reach even more pet lovers and caretakers, those making every effort to keep the pets they love healthy and safe. Through this grant we can bridge gaps to care, learn what services are truly needed, and hear firsthand what barriers are keeping folks from accessing us. It’s something we’ve wanted to do for so long, and PetSmart Charities helped us make it a reality.”

“Most people today consider pets family, yet nearly one in three Americans face challenges in accessing even basic preventative care such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and annual exams,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants & initiatives at PetSmart Charities of Canada. “While this issue affects families in nearly every community, those who have been historically excluded from human social services are most in need of pet services. We’re proud to be contributing to care that meets the unique needs identified by those living in the communities themselves.”

“We are deeply grateful to PetSmart Charities for awarding us the Incubator grant, which allows our SPCA to reach and support communities where pet resources are scarce,” says SPCA Chief Strategic Officer Stephanie Pepper. “PetSmart Charities’ generosity helps us make a lasting difference in the lives of pets and their families.”

Learn more about SPCA Serving Erie County community and outreach initiatives here >>

#SPCACompassionInAction

Want to learn more about dates for ’24-’25 Tale for Two (children reading to shelter pets), summer and break camps, scout programs, and other educational programs offered by the SPCA? Just click on the image below or type bit.ly/SPCAEducationInquiry (cap-specific) into your browser!

Bring Home a Feline Dream Team Now Through Saturday, as the SPCA Serving Erie County Offers a Feline Flash:
TWO CATS OR KITTENS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!

Even if you’re not an Olympics buff, you can bring home your own Feline Dream Team!

Now through Saturday at the SPCA Serving Erie County, ALL felines…ALL ages…can be adopted at the feline flash of two for the price of one!*

Win the gold when you bring home a purrrfect pair of eight tiny paws with two big attitudes.

Visit the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location Thursday through 8 p.m. (final adoption passes issued at 7 p.m.), or Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. (final adoption passes issued at 4 p.m.).

Each adoption includes the animals’ general physicals by SPCA Veterinary Services; spay/neuter surgeries; age-appropriate vaccinations; initial deworming; doses of flea control medicine; Feline Leukemia tests; microchips; temporary identification tags; and a certificate for new pets’ physical examinations at the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society’s veterinarian of choice.*

 

See all animals available for adoption HERE >>
Adoption fees and other information are available HERE >>

*Don’t forget: You’ll need to bring along an appropriate carrier or two to transport your pet(s)! Don’t have any? You can purchase them here at the SPCA’s Petique!

We’re in it to win it!

Animal cruelty investigations | Domestic animal rescue & care  |  Farm animal rescue & care  | Wildlife rescue & care, plus rehab & release  |  Adoptions  |  Children’s education  |  Vaccine clinics  |  Pet food pantry & outreach  |   Much more

The SPCA Serving Erie County is the only organization in the 716 providing all of these services and so much more to the people of our community, helping thousands of animals every year. If the SPCA Serving Erie County has touched your life in some way, please vote for us and tell the 716 you think we’re the best! 


Click the image to vote!

Another exciting SPCA Adoption Event is happening…this time, with longtime SPCA partners and friends NORTHTOWN SUBARU!

DATE:
Saturday, July 13

TIME:
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

PLACE:
Northtown Subaru
3930 Sheridan Dr., Amherst, NY

WHY?
Because it’s about time you found new love.
And the SPCA and Northtown Subaru are the places to help you do just that! You’ll find dogs, cats, small animals, and plenty of smiles at Northtown Subaru’s SPCA adoption event July 13!

Drive away with the love of your life! See you at Northtown Subaru!

Cheektowaga Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison, Three Years Probation, and 30 Years No Animals in 2022 Dog Fighting Case

Trisha Yearwood featured one victim from this case, Wade, as her #EveryDog ‘Spokesdog’ of the Week

July 2, 2024

From the desk of Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane – Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 24-year-old James A. Jackson of Cheektowaga was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi. He received a one-year sentence for his conviction in an animal cruelty case, which will be served concurrent to his determinate sentence of two years in prison followed by 3 years of post-release supervision on a gun charge in a separate case.

The animal cruelty investigation began after the Cheektowaga Police Department received an anonymous tip regarding dog fighting on April 12, 2022. The next day, SPCA Serving Erie County investigators executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on Andrews Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga. Investigators recovered evidence common in dog fighting operations inside and outside of the home. Three dogs, found in the basement and first-floor of the residence, were seized. The remains of two deceased dogs were recovered from the backyard.

The defendant admitted that he trained three pit bull mixed breed dogs, two males and one female, under circumstances evincing an intent for the dogs to engage in animal fighting and intentionally depriving the dogs of food and medical treatment. Jackson pleaded guilty to all eight counts in the indictment on March 19, 2024.
• Three counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting (Class “E” felonies under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
• Four counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanors under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
• One count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Possession, Sale or Making of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia (Class “B” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)

Today, a final “no animal” order was issued, which prohibits Jackson from owning or caring for any animals for the next 30 years. As part of the sentencing proceeding, the charges against a co-defendant, who was also indicted for their alleged role in the dog fighting case, were dismissed.

In March 2024, Jackson also pleaded guilty before Judge Bargnesi to one count of Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) in a separate case.

On May 30, 2023, at approximately 7:29 p.m., Buffalo Police officers stopped the defendant after witnessing him fail to stop his vehicle at the intersection of Genesee Street and Floss Avenue. The defendant, who had a suspended driver’s license, drove off when asked by the officers to exit his vehicle. After causing a collision with another vehicle nearby, the defendant exited the vehicle and attempted to run from police, but was quickly apprehended. During the investigation, a loaded, illegal handgun was found inside of the defendant’s vehicle behind the driver’s seat. The gun was submitted into evidence for further testing. He was linked to the illegal gun through DNA evidence.

“This is a horrible case involving a defendant who tortured innocent dogs and used cruel methods to train them to become dangerous animals. This case highlights the tragedy of these underground, illegal activities. I want to thank the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this case and their efforts to rescue animals from abusive environments,” said Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.

Acting DA Keane commends the SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Investigations Officer Lindsey Wood, SPCA Senior Investigator Bill Heine, Cheektowaga Police Officer Joshua Katashuk, Town of Cheektowaga Dog Control Officer Aaron Kandefer and the Buffalo Police Department for their work in these investigations.

The dog fighting case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit. The gun case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jia-Chir Chiu of the Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Anthony Perna of the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau.

See below for original story and updates

 

UPDATE, June 11, 2024:  According to the Erie County District Attorney’s office, sentencing for James A. Jackson that was supposed to happen this morning was once again postponed until July 2 at 9:30 a.m.

UPDATE, June 4, 2024:  According to the Erie County District Attorney’s office, sentencing for James A. Jackson that was supposed to happen this morning was once again postponed until June 11 at 9:30 a.m.

UPDATE, June 3, 2024: According to the Erie County District Attorney’s office, sentencing for James A. Jackson that was supposed to happen this morning was postponed until tomorrow, June 4, at  9:30 a.m.


UPDATE, March 21, 2024: From the desk of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn:

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that James A. Jackson pleaded guilty Tuesday to all eight counts against him (listed below). The defendant admitted that he trained three pit bull mixed breed dogs, two males and one female, under circumstances evincing an intent for the dogs to engage in animal fighting and intentionally depriving the dogs of food and medical treatment. Jackson faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on two files on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Prosecutors requested that the Court remanded the defendant pending sentence on the second file, a gun case, but his release under supervision was continued. The charges against a co-defendant who was also indicted for their alleged role in the dog fighting case will be dismissed after the sentencing proceeding. See the full update here >>>


UPDATE, Feb. 4, 2024:  From the desk of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn:

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 23-year-old Aveon D. Lockhart of Cheektowaga and 24-year-old James A. Jackson of Cheektowaga were arraigned late last month before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on an indictment charging them each with the following offenses:

*Three counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting (Class “E” felonies under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
*Four counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanors under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
*One count of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Possession, Sale or Making of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia (Class “B” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)

An investigation began after the Cheektowaga Police Department received an anonymous tip regarding dog fighting on April 12, 2022.

It is alleged that on April 13, 2022, SPCA Serving Erie County investigators executed a search warrant at the defendants’ residence on Andrews Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga. Investigators allegedly recovered evidence common in dog fighting operations inside and outside of the home. Three dogs, found in the basement and first-floor of the residence, were seized. The remains of two deceased dogs were recovered from the backyard.

The defendants, while acting in concert with one another, are accused of training three pit bull mixed breed dogs, two males and one female, under circumstances evincing an intent for the dogs to engage in animal fighting for amusement or gain. The defendants are also accused of intentionally depriving the dogs of food and medical treatment.

Lockhart and James are scheduled to return before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. Both defendants were released on their own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.

“These defendants are accused of using cruel methods to train these dogs to become dangerous animals. This case highlights the tragedy of these underground, illegal activities. I want to thank the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this case and other animal cruelty investigations,” said Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn.

DA Flynn commends the SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Investigations Officer Lindsey Wood, Cheektowaga Police Officer Joshua Katashuk and Town of Cheektowaga Dog Control Officer Aaron Kandefer for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Updates on this story will be provided as they become available.

UPDATE, Nov. 1, 2022: Wade was ADOPTED! After 202 days with us at the SPCA, this loving boy, who somehow lived through the most barbaric cruelty imaginable…who we never thought would survive…found his place in the world, and in two special hearts!

We were honored to meet the warm, caring, compassionate Frank and Brenda of a Buffalo suburb last week, and when they met Wade, it was an instant love connection.

Today, Wade survived again! He made it through all the tears and goodbyes and hugs and kisses, and he has officially started his brand-new life, a life Frank and Brenda plan on filling with…well…more hugs and kisses!

Be a good boy, Wade, and to Frank and Brenda, our warmest gratitude for making this boy the newest member of your family!

July 23, 2022: Watch Trisha Talk About Wade & the SPCA >>>

From Animal Cruelty Victim to Adoptee to Trisha Yearwood’s #EVERYDOG, Wade has Stepped His Way to the Top!

By:  Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
July 22, 2022

Avid country music fans already know Garth Brooks will be performing in Buffalo tomorrow night!

As part of a new program in conjunction with Brooks’ stadium tour this summer, his wife, 3x Grammy (along with a host of CMAs and ACM Awards!) winner TRISHA YEARWOOD wants to help every dog find a loving home!

Through her new #EveryDog effort, Trisha uses her Trisha Yearwood Pet Collection platforms to showcase an adoptable dog at an organization located in each tour city. The #EveryDog Campaign (details here >>) uses a dog in that community as a “spokesdog” for getting EVERY dog in that community (and beyond!) adopted!

According to the website, #EveryDog is described this way:

After doing some research, Trisha and her marketing team picked the SPCA Serving Erie County as the representative organization, and current adoptee WADE will be the official #EveryDog this week! It’s an all-new effort that kicked off mid-April, so we are thrilled to be part of the program’s beginnings!

And the exciting news doesn’t end there! Trisha will be talking about our SPCA and Wade on Facebook Live Saturday morning, July 23, during her “Coffee Talk” session!

Now, we can’t tell you too much about Wade’s journey YET. We want to leave that to Trisha. But we promise you…it’s heroic and touching and emotional and most of all, a story of hope and healing.

Be sure to tune in to Facebook at around 11:30/11:35 a.m. Saturday! Trisha should be live with Coffee Talk at approximately 11:40 a.m., and you can watch at https://www.facebook.com/TrishaYearwood.  [UPDATE: See Trisha talk about Wade and the SPCA Serving Erie County at bit.ly/TrishaYearwoodFeaturesWADE72322]

You’ll see Wade’s photo, hear more about his story, and you may even see some videos of our staff members (Lindsey Wood, Dr. Allison Keane, Mindy Ussrey, Phil Weiss, and Cait Daly) talking about Wade’s heroic journey! We know this touch of country will find him a loving home!

Learn a little more about handsome Wade right here >>>! Interested in adopting during our Summer of Love? Then come on in to our 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter and meet him in person; Wade’s adoption fee is half-off! Remember, as Trisha says, what’s meant to be will always find a way! We guarantee, you’ll fall “…in love with the boy!” 

FOURTH OF JULY, OUTDOOR FESTIVALS: No Party for Pets

July 1, 2024
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The days immediately following July 4 can result in increased numbers of stray animals admitted to animal control facilities and humane societies, and often the explosive sound of fireworks is to blame. Fireworks cause many pets to panic, resulting in extreme and sometimes dangerous escape measures from homes or yards. Without identification, it is nearly impossible to reunite pet with owner.  Please keep the following tips in mind this holiday:

* ENSURE ALL ANIMALS ARE WEARING CURRENT IDENTIFICATION! Even if the animal has microchip identification, place a collar with an ID tag on your pet. If a neighbor or passer-by finds your animal, an ID collar that includes your phone number can lead to a faster reunion. Remember, don’t limit a search for a lost pet to your geographical location! A frightened animal that bolts can travel long distances, and well-meaning community members trying to help may also transport the animal to an animal control facility or veterinary clinic in a different neighborhood. Find local animal control facilities here >>. 

* DON’T TAKE ANIMALS TO FIREWORKS DISPLAYS. The sounds and sights of fireworks often have the ability to turn the most calm, quiet, and non-aggressive pet into a stressed, frightened animal. A startled animal may not only break free and run away, but may also bite.

If you bring your dog to these events and realize it’s becoming too overwhelming for him or her, DO NOT KEEP YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME! The effects of heatstroke on even slightly warm days begin within mere minutes. and the results could be fatal.  Stressed animals confined to cars can not only die or suffer severe brain damage, but can also experience an overwhelming stress level that can cause physical harm to the pet, and/or damage to the vehicle’s interior. Home is the safest place for pets this holiday.

* HAVE SOMEONE HOME WITH NERVOUS PETS DURING FIREWORKS. If the animal is with someone he or she knows, the pet’s stress level will be greatly reduced. Keep the volume on a television or radio turned up to block some of the noise. ThunderShirts®  reportedly work to calm the anxiety felt by some dogs and cats when they can hear fireworks, thunder, even when they experience separation anxiety, and can be found in many local pet supply shops and online. 

* NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES FOR HOUNDS. The headphones, which must be ordered in advance based on each dog’s specific measurements, contain Bluetooth technology which allows owners to stream their dogs’ most calming musical selections (decibal reduction for the dogs provide a “whisper volume”) directly into their ears.  A simple online search will direct pet owners to the various companies offering these headphones.

Very hot weather paired with immense crowds of people and loud, strange noises heighten the stress level for many animals.  Your pet’s body is closer to the asphalt and can heat up quickly. The hot pavement can also burn unprotected, sensitive paw pads. Home is the safest place for pets on extremely hot days and during arts festivals, food festivals, other crowded outdoor events, and especially fireworks displays.

If you witness animal cruelty or see any animal in need of rescue or emergency assistance this summer, the SPCA Serving Erie County may be able to help. Please call the SPCA Monday through Saturday,
8 a.m. – 4:30  p.m., at (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.

See the SPCA’s additional, important reminders for keeping pets safe in the summer heat here >>

 

Changes Down On The Farm; Longtime SPCA Farm Manager Sheila Foss Retires

June 20, 2024
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Bills fans Sheila and Newman

Retirement is often thought of as the end of something, but the beginning of something else.

What happens, however, when it’s time to retire from an organization that has shaped the person one becomes…that has been a major part of one’s life from the age of 10 and continued for another 50 years?

We’re going to find out…because we won’t leave her alone.

Today, SPCA Educational Farm Manager Sheila Foss announced her retirement in an emotional, eloquent speech delivered to many of us whose lives she’s impacted for decades.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Sheila more than two years, and in that short time she and her work have left an incredible impression on me,” our President/CEO Cait Daly said. “Her passion for her work is evident, surpassed only by her love for the animals. Thousands of lives were made better…thousands of children learned more about farm animals and the respect they deserve…because of Sheila’s knowledge, dedication, and caring. The impact she has made is immeasurable.”

As a child, Sheila volunteered at the SPCA and spent time working with us in the mid-70s through mid-80s, right up until she was hired in October of 1985. It’s impossible to number the animals’ lives she’s impacted since then, lives of resident animals along with lives of animals cared for as part of cruelty cases.

Days became nights, weekends became non-existent, when there was an animal in need of extra care…an animal ready to deliver…a restless animal that just needed an overnight buddy to calm anxieties after being rescued from a dark, dreary reality, transferred to the SPCA’s impossibly-immaculate farm, which must have felt like something pretty close to Heaven. Even a televised, important game being played by her beloved Buffalo Sabres couldn’t coax Sheila away from an animal in need.

Longtime SPCA fans will remember Olivia the pig, a Tonawanda farm resident who, at one point, received more visitors and had more fans than any other animal, or person, for that matter, at the SPCA in the early 90s. Sheila started the Olivia Fan Club, a card-carrying members’ club for children that helped teach the children more about farm animals and their care. It didn’t take long for Sheila to realize the responsibility of the SPCA to teach more about all animals, not just domestic; under her guidance, the SPCA’s petting farm became the SPCA Educational Farm, with teaching stations at and around animal stalls, games children could play that educated them about the farm animals in their midst and the magic these animals brought to the world.

Throughout her career, Sheila continued to be amazed at the faces of not only children but also adults petting a goat or llama for the first time…holding a chicken…feeding Olivia a peppermint. If school classes couldn’t get to the SPCA, Sheila brought the animals to them. Why? Because she knew the value of teaching children at an early age that farm animals, too, deserve compassion, care, respect, and love. These weren’t just words or personal beliefs for Sheila. She lived them. Not even cruelty cases concerning several large animals…not even 10,000 chickens running along the I-190 (true story from August, 2008, and no, the number is not an exaggeration)…not even escaped horses running down Ensminger Rd., turning Tonawanda into a scene from Bonanza, could stop her.

When in court for farm animal cruelty cases, Sheila wouldn’t say much; just her silence and expressions made her feelings known. Sheila spent these days lodged somewhere between sadness and anger and every emotion in between as she imagined the suffering endured by case animals. In fact, these and other animal rescue situations only increased Sheila’s fervent desire to better the lives of such special animals, teaching others along the way why they, too, should share this desire.

Despite her stellar achievements, Sheila never loved, or even remotely liked, being the center of attention. In the 34 years I have known her and been blessed to call her my friend, she never easily gave a television interview, never relished being on the radio, never wanted the camera on her for a social media video…she wanted the focus and the attention fixed on the animals and the people with whom she worked. Her humbleness, like her dedication and devotion, is immense.

Sheila saw many changes at the SPCA. Her pristine barn converted to a fundraising “Haunted Barn” for several years. The growth of a staff numbered at around 25 when she was hired to 110 today. A major move from Tonawanda, NY to West Seneca, NY.  In Sheila’s own words this morning, “The SPCA is a haven, where animals are cared for, and where people learn the importance of kindness and respect for all living creatures.”  Sheila witnessed so much change around her, yet her impression of what the organization stands for never wavered.

I know she won’t mind my sharing that her closing comment today was a quote by Charlotte Bronte: “There is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow creatures, and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort.”

Thank you, Sheila, for consistently and lovingly providing comfort to our SPCA creatures, animal AND human, your entire life.
****************************

The SPCA’s Patricia Burg worked with Sheila for three decades, and adds these touching words:

One of my very best friends has just retired.

The sheep manicures at the SPCA included a pedicure at no extra charge!

I have known Sheila for more than the almost 30 years that we worked together.  When I was first tasked with caring for an assortment of farm animals at another job, she gave me great advice and helped me learn the ins and outs of taking care of them well.  After I started working at the SPCA’s Educational Farm with Sheila, it was clear that she had a great store of knowledge and skill when we had to help animals in serious need.  She always ran the farm with the goal of being an example of how well things could be done.

No matter what animals came in, she always found ways to do best by them.  No matter how old the farm got, she always made it look the best it could.  For all of the tough cases that came to the farm, and there were plenty, she always focused on the animals that needed our help.  For all of the tough times to deal with and decisions to make, there were always lovely letters and emails of how some farm critter adopted from us made such a difference in someone’s life.

In that long of a time together, we share a host of memories – everything from being there for a variety of babies being born on the farm and catching a stray emu to watching animals blossom with good care and having to say goodbye to farm friends when it was the right time to do so.

There have been a lot of fine people that came our way to help out or adopt animals and some of them became good friends because Sheila always treated them well and appreciated them.

Sheila didn’t confine her interests just to the farm, either, but was instrumental in producing our earlier newsletters, the foundation of our Wildlife Department and even our first website – I have to admit that it was truly funny watching Sheila type html code in as one of her friends read it over the phone to her!

While I will miss Sheila’s presence at the shelter more than I can express, we already have plans to do some fun things together this summer!

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