Author: Gina

See this story in Newsweek >>

Dinty Moore found in Newstead June 7, 2023 abandoned and muzzled. Photo courtesy of Dinty’s finder.

UPDATE December 12 — Wednesday, Dec. 13 is our 21st annual Radiothon, and Dinty Moore, now Basil’s,  mom Katy will be in to tell her story! Tune in during the 2. p.m.. hour to hear Katy on Newsradio 930 WBEN!

UPDATE July 7 — Well it’s official! Dinty Moore, now Basil, was adopted by Katy in Angola! We know they’ll be living a happy life together filled with love! Thanks to all who made miracles happen for Basil by donating toward her care!


June 19, 2023 — The region was under a dangerous air quality warning due to Canadian wildfires on June 7, 2023 when a concerned community member noticed a black, soft-sided carrier in a field at the corner of Millgrove Road and Main Street in Newstead. When the gentleman went further to inspect, he realized a Sheepdog mix, alive and muzzled, was abandoned and stuffed inside the small travel tote.

Officers help abandoned dog at the scene June 7. Photo courtesy of Dinty’s finder.

The finder immediately called the Erie County Sheriff’s Office; officers brought the dog to Newstead Dog Control. From there, SPCA officers were notified and opened an investigation into who may have abandoned the dog. Unfortunately, officers have received no leads at this time.

Today, the dog, dubbed Dinty Moore, went up for adoption at the SPCA! Thought to be approximately two years old, Dinty Moore has been described by members of the SPCA’s Behavior Department as fun and playful, and even appears to know some commands!

Dinty Moore, now happy, cleaned up, and ready for his new home June 19.

Dinty is expected to be adopted quickly. To find out if he is still available for adoption, look for his photo on our Adoptable Animals page >>. If Dinty’s photo is not on the page, he is no longer available, but you’ll see photos of other animals at the SPCA waiting for their new homes!

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact SPCA officers by calling (716) 875-7360, ext. 214. The SPCA will respond to anonymous tips.

 

 

#SPCACompassionInAction

Dog Found in Buffalo Receives Lifesaving Care at the SPCA Thanks to Cooperation, Concern from Community Members

February 17, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Contribute to Kenzie’s Care >>

When we said Kenzie is receiving plenty of TLC, we meant it. From left, Dr. Allison Keane, Paige, Val, Sally, and Sara.

UPDATE December 11 — Wednesday, Dec. 13 is our 21st annual Radiothon, and Kenzie’s mom Jessica will be in to tell her story! Tune in during the 9 a.m. hour to hear Jessica on Newsradio 930 WBEN!

UPDATE March 28 — Well it’s official! Kenzie was adopted by Jessica in Lackawanna! We know they’ll be living a happy life together filled with love! Thanks to all who made miracles happen for Kenzie by donating toward her care!

UPDATE February 28 — Kenzie’s health has progressed and she was placed in a loving Lackawanna foster home for further recovery! We’re thrilled over Kenzie’s improved health, and at the end of her foster term (an anticipated April date), we will post updates on what happens next for Kenzie!

UPDATE February 22 — See the latest update on Kenzie here >>

UPDATE February 20 — Kenzie had a difficult Saturday, Feb. 18 when she prolapsed again. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kean and SPCA veterinary staff fixed her prolapse, this time with a more invasive spay surgery, to minimize the chances of an additional prolapse. With full recovery still uncertain, Kenzie is back in serious but stable condition and resting comfortably. It’s unclear at this time whether she will need additional surgery but she will continue to receive fluids, antibiotics, and other supportive care.

Many have asked what could have caused Kenzie’s severe condition. Our veterinary team shares with us that this extreme condition could be the result of several different circumstances, among them some sort of trauma, like blunt force or being attacked in some way; it could also result from straining to give birth, and it can even be parasitic. In Kenzie’s case, with no owner coming forward, all we can do is speculate and focus on getting her out of the woods. Her initial bloodwork was very poor, and the fear of sepsis is very real, so we’re keeping close tabs on her and taking it one day at a time.

Those wishing to contribute to Kenzie’s care can click here >>  

Kenzie post-surgery Feb. 16

SPCA Compassion in Action — A young adult dog is in stable but serious condition at the SPCA Serving Erie County after community members found her roaming the streets of Buffalo in visible distress yesterday.

The dog, now known as Kenzie, suffered what appeared to be a complete vaginal and rectal prolapse and underwent emergency surgery yesterday

Kenzie pre-surgery

afternoon at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location. SPCA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean performed the nearly two-hour surgery to reduce both prolapses and replace them. Kenzie is now sutured, receiving supportive care, fluids, antibiotics, and plenty of love.

Dr. Kean says there is concern on the part of veterinary staff over Kenzie’s poor blood test results and the risk of sepsis; should she survive, Kenzie will still be in need of additional surgeries and veterinary care. For now, however, Kenzie, still in serious condition, is stabilized and comfortable. “I left yesterday knowing we did our very best to help save this dog,” says Dr. Kean. “To be honest, though, I’m shocked that Kenzie was alive this morning. She’s a real trooper.”

Photos courtesy of S. Gray

Shawnay Gray of Buffalo posted photos of the female dog yesterday on a social media account after seeing the dog walking near the intersection of Elmer Avenue and E. Amherst Street in Buffalo. A community member who saw the photos contacted SPCA Dispatcher Nicole Abrams and shared Gray’s phone number; Abrams then contacted Gray, who still was watching the dog, and asked Gray if she could stay near the dog while an SPCA officer was immediately dispatched.

Gray complied, and with her help, SPCA Officer Melina Homsi was able to locate the dog not far from Kensington Ave. “The dog immediately ran up to me,” Homsi says. “She seemed very sweet, and I was able to put her into the truck and rush her back to the SPCA without any problems.”

Kenzie rests comfortably Feb. 17

The SPCA Serving Erie County is thankful for the support of Gray, the caller who shared with us news about Kenzie, the community members who have shown concern for Kenzie, and donors who have made this lifesaving work at the SPCA possible. To be a part of the SPCA’s Compassion in Action efforts and help save lives, click here >>

Updates on Kenzie will be shared here when they become available.

Kenzie and animals like her need your help >>

Saying Goodbye to a Longtime Friend; the SPCA Mourns the Loss of Ted Balliett

December 8, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Earlier this week, the world, and our local animals, lost a very special man.

Ted Balliett passed away at age 100.

We of course cannot detail all of his hundred years spent caring for his family, his service to our country, and his work doing much more to make the world a better place. What we CAN detail, however, are the many, many, MANY years Ted dedicated to making the lives of thousands of animals so much more wonderful.

Ted was a volunteer at the SPCA for decades. For more than 30 years, Ted worked with dogs at the SPCA. He didn’t just walk them, he didn’t just sit with them, he didn’t just spend an obligatory few minutes with them before moving on to the next. Ted talked to the dogs. He cared about them. He paid attention to the needs of every single one, trying to give all the dogs what they individually needed to make that day…that week…that month, sometimes longer, better.

I vividly remember seeing Ted in our Adoptions lobby in Tonawanda back in the 90s, so often ready for his shift the moment the doors opened. On days that our population was lighter, Ted didn’t go home early; he’d repeat walks for dogs to get them out again and again. On rainy and stormy days, Ted still showed up, even if it was just to bring the dogs into the lobby or into the auditorium to play with them, giving them breaks from their kennels. Ted was so patient, especially with the most energetic dogs. He was one in a million.

Ted was faithful to the SPCA always, even attending our 2022 donor event…at age 98! Shortly thereafter, Ted relocated to Beechwood Continued Care in Getzville.  Ninety-nine at that point, he was STILL smiling, cracking jokes, asking about some of our animals (not animals from the past…dogs who he had just viewed on the website THAT WEEK!). He still gave the best hugs, and despite everything happening with him, was still more interested in what was happening with everyone else. A rare quality nowadays. We will forever miss him.

Ted’s obituary can be found here >>>

Below are photos of Ted adopting his beloved Moose at the SPCA back in 2018. It was a special day for everyone, but especially for Moose, who found the love of his life.

To Ted’s family: thank you for letting the SPCA borrow this incredible man, and for allowing us to share with you so many of his smiles, jokes, hugs, and love. I know I speak for thousands of animals as well when I say we are all eternally grateful.

More on Ted from the Buffalo News >>

 

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Investigating Recent Canine Respiratory Syndrome

December 8, 2023 —  From the SPCA’s Lipsey Clinic: SPCA Serving Erie County’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean shares with dog owners of our community information and a timeline recently released by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine on a sometimes-fatal respiratory illness affecting dogs nationwide.

In the release, Dr. Brian Collins of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine urges dog owners to be aware of the symptoms. “One of the hallmark signs is coughing. Dogs may also show other clinical signs such as sneezing, difficulty breathing, discharge from the eyes or nose and decreased appetite.”

Read the full Cornell release >>

An important part of the data from Cornell cautions pet owners against their dogs’ prolonged contact with other dogs, urging them to select boarding kennels and daycare facilities only when absolutely necessary.

As more information on this illness becomes known, the SPCA Serving Erie County will share details here.

If your dog is experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms that could be connected to this illness, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately.

–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Communications Officer

November 20, 2023

From the office of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn:

BUFFALO MAN ARRAIGNED ON ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES FOR INTENTIONALLY INJURING PUPPY

Help Miley with your gift >>

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 35-year-old James D. Brown of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Samuel P. Davis on one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony under Agriculture and Markets Law) and one count of Overdriving, Torturing, or Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanor under Agriculture and Markets Law).

It is alleged that on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the defendant intentionally caused serious physical injuries to a companion animal by slamming his puppy to the ground. The defendant allegedly lifted the dog, a 4-month-old pit bull, by the leash then slammed the dog onto the pavement near Philadelphia and Isabelle streets in the City of Buffalo. It is further alleged that the defendant failed to provided medical treatment for the puppy, which suffered injuries to its rear legs as well as abrasions on its head and legs.

As part of the investigation, the dog was seized by the Buffalo Police Department and transported to an emergency veterinarian for treatment. The puppy is currently in the care and custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County; [the SPCA will be paying the emergency veterinary clinic costs as well as the continued costs of caring for the puppy, named Miley. Click here to contribute towards Miley’s care; remember to write “Miley” in the comments section of the form >>]

Brown is scheduled to return on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. The defendant was released on his own recognizance.

If convicted of the highest charge, Brown faces a maximum of 2 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Special Investigations Unit and K9 Unit as well as the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this investigation.

“This is a disturbing case of a man accused of intentionally injuring his own dog. My office will continue to prosecute animal abusers to the fullest extent of the law,” said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.

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.

Help Miley with your gift >>

Additional updates on this case will be added here as they become available.

#SPCACompassionInAction

NO BONES ABOUT IT!
KEEP PETS SAFE THIS THANKSGIVING!

November 15, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Planning a delicious holiday meal? Those delicious smells are enough to drive any four-legged critter into a food frenzy! The SPCA Serving Erie County has issued these Thanksgiving holiday reminders to keep your pets safe, slim, and trim:

HUNGRY PETS: Too many holiday treats won’t only pack the pounds on us…they’ll pack them on our pets. Many pets are on standard, limited diets; feeding them large quantities of food they don’t normally receive could cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, none of which are welcome during this festive holiday…or at any other time, for that matter. Use discretion. Turkey bones are also dangerous for pets. A brittle, spiky bone could cause irritation of the stomach or intestines, or could lodge in your pet’s esophagus.
NOTE: Dogs eating foods to which they’re not accustomed may experience BLOAT, a life-threatening condition. Dogs experiencing bloat may have difficulty breathing, may appear weak and/or depressed, may attempt to vomit but cannot, and/or may appear to be extremely uncomfortable for no apparent reason. If your pet exhibits signs of bloat, bring him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Speak with your veterinarian for more information on this condition.

NO BREAD FOR BARNEY:  Think twice before leaving that homemade bread dough atop the oven to rise. According to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, when bread dough is ingested, an animal’s body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach. As alcohol is produced during the rising process, the dough expands. Pets who have eaten bread dough may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, disorientation and depression.

PEANUT BUTTER WARNING: Using peanut butter as a holiday treat for your pet? Remember to check the label! Xylitol is a sugar substitute now added to some peanut butters, along with other foods and candies. It’s safe for most humans, but deadly to pets, even in small quantities!  Be sure to check labels for Xylitol or other ingredients that could be dangerous for your pet. It’s also a bad idea to give any animal caffeine-laced peanut butter or other foods; serious health problems could ensue.


GARBAGE PICKERS?  Some animals patiently wait for the chance to pick through the garbage when you’re not around. Aluminum foils with juices, plastic wraps with frostings, even tasty strings from tying turkeys…well, the temptation can just be too much for your deprived pets. Keep your garbage bags away from where pets can chew through them to get to the goods. Ingestion of these items can be life-threatening.

SWEET TEMPTATIONS: CHOCOLATE CAN BE FATAL TO PETS!  Chocolate contains a substance called Theobromine, a compound very similar to caffeine in structure. Theobromine can be toxic to dogs and cats in small quantities, causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, rapid and irregular heartbeats, muscle tremors, coma, even death. Keep chocolate safely away from all animals.

POTPOURRI PROBLEMS:  Of course we want our homes to smell nice when guests arrive…but be mindful that liquid and other types of potpourri, especially sprinkled into rugs, along with many scented essential candles and oils are toxic to dogs, cats, even birds and other animals.

With changes to the veterinary industry, seeking timely medical care for your pet, especially on a holiday, can prove itself to be problematic. Pet owners are advised to take every preventative measure possible to eliminate the chance of animals requiring emergency veterinary care.

VICTORY! NYS Outlaws Wildlife Kill Contests >>


From Sierra, The Magazine of the Sierra Club:

Thousands of Wild Animals Are Killed Annually in New York for Fun; New Yorkers urge Governor Hochul to sign a wildlife killing contests bill before the end of the year

By: Lindsey Botts
November 13, 2023

Sierra magazine featured  a thorough and comprehensive article today written by Lindsey Botts, digital editor at the magazine. In the article, Botts says, “Many wildlife organizations, such as Project Coyote and the Humane Society, say most New Yorkers have no idea animals are killed in this way and warn these contests are an ineffective way to manage a species. One Humane Society survey from last year found that over 80 percent of respondents opposed wildlife killing contests. As far as impacts on livestock, the number of sheep in New York—the state’s primary livestock—has remained steady around 80,000, for years, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture. And the NY Department of Environmental Conservation estimates that the state may have too many deer.  

“The coalition of advocates also says that rapacious killing is unnecessarily cruel and unethical. Small- to medium-sized predators play a crucial role in keeping ecosystems healthy. They prey on rodents such as mice, reducing the spread of ticks and Lyme disease, and they eat sick and weak animals, ensuring that healthy individuals live on the landscape. These contests also undermine the state’s ability to recover wolves, an endangered species at the federal and state levels. In December 2021, a hunter shot a wolf and told the state wildlife agency that he thought it was a coyote. ”

Read the informative article in its entirety here >>

Read the full article in Sierra >>

 

SPCA Serving Erie County Offers Free Adoptions to Current and Past Military Members During Vets & Pets

November 1, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

To thank the members of the armed services this Veterans Day, the SPCA Serving Erie County once again offers Vets & Pets, waiving adoption fees on most animals for individuals and immediate families of individuals on active duty, reserves, and honorable discharge, along with service-disabled veterans and those retired from military service! This program, a longtime SPCA tradition, is proudly presented by the kind, caring, and patriotic folks at GEICO® and Moog.

Vets & Pets begins Saturday, Nov. 11 and runs through Saturday, Nov. 18* at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location and all SPCA off-site adoption locations. 

Photos of adoptable animals can be found here >>.

Adoption hours can be found here >>.

See a list of our off-site locations here >>.

Military ID or DD214 will need to be presented. If an individual is currently serving outside of New York State, that individual’s spouse can adopt during Vets & Pets if a military spouse identification card is presented. Adopters can apply the Vets & Pets waived adoption fee promotion toward a total of two animals.

Please contact SPCA Adoptions Supervisor Mindy Ussrey with any questions: (716) 875-7360, ext. 210.

*The SPCA’s West Seneca location is closed Sunday, Nov. 12, but many of the SPCA’s off-site adoption locations are open ! See a list of our off-site locations and photos of the animals available here. To be pre-approved to adopt an off-site pet, please call the SPCA’s off-site adoptions office at (716) 875-7360, ext. 235, or visit the 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter Monday – Saturday, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

 

 

#SPCACompassionInAction

SPCA Treats Pet Owners to Tricks for Keeping Pets Safe This Halloween

October 4, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

WITH A FEW EXTRA PRECAUTIONS, PETS CAN HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN TOO!

Halloween is meant to be fun for children of all ages, but according to the SPCA Serving Erie County, pets often experience the dark side of Halloween fun.  With extra precautions, seasonal problems can often be avoided:

HUNGRY PETS:  CHOCOLATE CAN BE FATAL TO YOUR PET!  Please share this tip with children, who may be tempted to share their Halloween take with their best four-footed friends! The sweet smell of Halloween chocolate and other candy left by a door pleases pets, as do cookies and cakes served at Halloween parties. Sweets can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or worse.  Purchase Halloween treats made specifically for pets and keep the “people” treats away from where pets can reach them.


PETS AS VICTIMS:  Halloween is traditionally known for trick-or-treaters…and pranksters.  KEEP ALL PETS INSIDE on Halloween night, and the nights immediately preceding and following October 31.  This will prevent them from being stolen, teased, kicked, blinded by flashlights or abused in other ways.

NERVOUS/TERRITORIAL PETS:  Constant door-knocking or doorbell-ringing may cause an extremely nervous pet to shake or tremble uncontrollably, or have an “accident” in the house.  Territorial pets may become aggressive at the sound of unfamiliar visitors.  Keep nervous or territorial pets distracted in another room with the door closed.

CURIOUS PETS:  Keep pets away from costume-making areas, where sequins or buttons can be swallowed.  Scissors used for cutting patterns, or knives used for carving jack o’lanterns, can harm your pet.  Also remember to keep pets away from a candle-illuminated jack o’lantern.  Halloween has become a popular season for decorations as well.  Keep decorations out of your pet’s reach, or securely attached in place to prevent your pet from pulling the decorations down.  Swallowing a decorative object may cause intestinal problems and present a potential emergency.

KEEP CURRENT ID ON PETS: Exuberant or nervous pets may bolt out doors opened for trick-or-treat candy handouts. Ensure they are wearing proper identification (even if they are microchipped) in case they become lost. Collars are available for purchase at the SPCA Petique, located at the 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter, and other pet supply shops. If you lose or find a pet, visit the SPCA’s Lost & Found page for tips on what to do next.

Contact the SPCA Serving Erie County with any questions or concerns: 716-875-7360.

TOUCHDOWN!
Hayley Beane & Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Continue Bills Muttfia for SPCA Serving Erie County Animals

September 15, 2023
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Give in honor of the Beanes and their Bills Muttfia HERE! >>

Brandon & Hayley Beane

It’s official! For the fourth year in a row, Hayley and Buffalo Bills’ General Manager Brandon Beane will continue the Bills Muttfia program at the SPCA Serving Erie County!

For every home game touchdown scored by the Buffalo Bills, the Beanes will pay the adoption fee of one SPCA animal!

Dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, even farm animals will be drafted into the Bills Muttfia depending on the SPCA’s population on game day.  New Muttfia team members will be announced on the SPCA’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) at 11 a.m. the next business day following each home game. 

“Bills Muttfia is an excellent way to highlight and bring attention to the animals at the SPCA Serving Erie County,” said Hayley. “It has also been so fun to be involved and wait to see which animals will be drafted into Bills Muttfia!”

 

Hayley, a member of the SPCA’s Board of Directors, adds, “If you go and visit the SPCA, you’ll be hooked like I was. The tireless work that is done there by the warm, friendly, compassionate staff is really remarkable to see. From assisting animals that are involved in abuse cases to rehabilitating injured wildlife that find their way to the SPCA…it is a wonderful thing to witness and I’m so thankful for them!”

“Lap dog” Bodie Beane relaxes with dad

“No matter what happens at work, good day, bad day, you win 40 to nothing, lose 40 to nothing, your dogs are fired up to see you when you come in the door, and that’s a cool feeling, the love and nurturing that they bring to the family,” Brandon stated in a BuffaloBills.com video focused on the Beanes and the importance of pet adoption.

Brandon and his consummate golfing skills were also responsible for a large Bills Muttfia donation made to the SPCA Serving Erie County last month by football analyst Pat McAfee, who told Brandon during a live broadcast that if Brandon’s upcoming golf score totaled a low 79, he’d make a $25,000 donation to Brandon’s charity of choice! (He golfed a 78!)

Beane’s low golf score = $25,000 from Pat McAfee >>

The Beanes not only talk the adoption talk, but they walk the walk. One Muttfia draft pick, a guinea pig named Sherman, was adopted by Hayley in December of 2021, and Sherman became quick friends of Beane rescue dogs Bodie and Peanut. The family soon became larger, with the adoptions of guinea pig Percy and one of Percy’s [surprise] babies, Coco Beane!

Guinea pigs Sherman, Percy, and Coco Beane are BFFs of rescue dogs Peanut and Bodie!

Another excellent lineup of SPCA animal rookies are waiting to be drafted during the ’23 – ’24 Bills Muttfia season, which begins with the Buffalo Bills’ first home game Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m.

“Brandon and I are so excited to start another season of Bills Muttfia!”  Hayley remarks. “We love rescues, plus, it is heartwarming and inspiring to see the wonderful work done by the SPCA Serving Erie County. We can’t wait for lots of touchdowns!” 

For more on the history & origin of Bills Muttfia, watch this BuffaloBills.com video or read this 2020 Vic Carucci article in the Buffalo News.

Hayley & Rob Lucas Talked Muttfia on Star 102.5 in ’22>>

Bills Muttfia Recipient of ’22 Bar Bill Golf Tournament >> >>

Bills Muttfia Included in Bills’ Community Honors >>

The Beane Family

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