Remembering the SPCA’s George May
August 3, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
There are people who leave a mark on an organization, and then there are those who become part of its very foundation. George May was one of those rare individuals. Although he retired from the SPCA Serving Erie County in June 2000 after an extraordinary 46-year career, his presence has never truly left us. With the passing of George on July 16, 2026 at the age of 92, we mourn not only a beloved former superintendent, but a man whose character, compassion, and unwavering commitment helped shape generations of people—and changed the lives of countless animals.
George often said that caring for animals was never just a job. It was a responsibility. Throughout his career, he led by example, showing us that kindness, integrity, and respect should guide every decision we make. Those of us who were fortunate enough to work alongside him learned far more than animal care—we learned what it means to serve a community with humility, to treat every life with dignity, and to always do what is right, even when no one is watching. Many of us still hear his lessons in our minds every day, because they became the values that define this organization.
In the June 2000 special tribute issue of SPCA newsletter Animals at Heart, published to honor his retirement, George reflected on the incredible changes he witnessed during his four decades with the SPCA. Because he was so deeply compassionate and the organization was so much a part of him, I remember thinking at the time that he might be too emotional to fully answer my interview questions. Suffice it to say I needn’t have worried. George answered every question thoroughly, and from his heart. He recalled rescuing animals from rivers, climbing to save cats from trees, caring for abandoned wildlife, and responding to thousands of calls with little more than determination, a leash, and a homemade snare. Through every challenge, he remained steadfast in his belief that every animal deserved compassion and every person deserved respect. His leadership helped build the SPCA Serving Erie County into one of the most respected humane societies in the region—a reputation that continues today.
As the second-oldest humane society in the United States, we owe much of our success to the foundation George helped build. He understood that an organization’s reputation is earned one act of compassion at a time. The ethics he lived by, the standards he expected, and the example he set continue to influence every member of our team. His legacy is woven into our culture, our mission, and the countless lives we touch every day.
While our hearts are heavy, we also celebrate a life of extraordinary purpose. The community has lost a true legend, but perhaps no one feels that loss more deeply than the animals whose lives he devoted himself to protecting. Over 46 years, George helped hundreds of thousands—probably millions—of animals through his tireless work and his lasting influence on those who followed in his footsteps. His legacy lives on every time an animal is rescued, every time compassion triumphs over cruelty, and every time one of us chooses to do things the way George taught us.
I invite you to read that special June 2000 edition of Animals at Heart, published in honor of George’s retirement, and remember the remarkable man whose legacy will forever be part of the SPCA Serving Erie County. He may be gone, but his example—and the kindness he inspired—will never be forgotten.
Read the June, 2000 George May tribute edition of SPCA newsletter Animals at Heart >>
* 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 
On warm days, a vehicle acts like an oven. It holds the heat inside, and that heat becomes very intense even on days that don’t seem too warm. On an 85-degree day, 
leave them outside extended periods of time. Ensure appropriate shade and water are always available. Keep close supervision of your pet when outdoors on hot, humid, sunny summer days, and around inground pools. If you see an animal left on a porch or in a yard with no access to shelter or water, or with inadequate shelter or water, the SPCA may be able to intervene in accordance with New York State’s Animal Shelter Law.
Contact the SPCA immediately if the location is within Erie County Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., at (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.
products purchased from deep discount stores were applied. The SPCA has already received several phone calls this season from people who misapplied flea products to their pets. DO NOT APPLY PRODUCTS MEANT FOR DOGS ON CATS, AND DO NOT APPLY CAT FLEA PRODUCTS TO DOGS, AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CONCERNING THE VOLUME AND MANNER OF APPLICATION! Read the directions carefully PRIOR to application, not during application. The application of improper flea products, low-quality flea products, or products applied incorrectly, can cause internal damage or death to your pet. Always consult a veterinarian before purchasing and applying flea products.
BUNNIES NEED TO KEEP COOL TOO! Pet rabbits who live indoors with no air conditioning can benefit from an easy cooling technique. Rabbit owners can freeze a filled water bottle. Once the water bottle is frozen, it can be wrapped in a cloth and placed on the rabbit’s cage floor. If the rabbit becomes too warm, she’ll instinctively know to lie next to the bottle. Fans can also be pointed in the general direction of a rabbit cage, and rabbits will raise their ears (their natural cooling system) to catch the breeze and cool off. On hot days, pet owners with rabbits living in outdoor pens will want to ensure their pets are cool enough in outdoor locations; if not, rabbits and pens should come indoors.
“Losing a pet can be deeply painful,” said Lentz. “For many people, pets are family members… companions… sources of comfort and support. When they’re gone, the loss can feel overwhelming… and it’s not always something others fully understand or know how to support. This is designed to be a welcoming group, providing a judgment-free environment for anyone coping with the loss of a pet for any reason.”
compassion. “Whether the loss is recent, or happened years ago, whether the loss was sudden or expected, all experiences of grief are valid here. Participants will be invited to share their stories, talk about their pets, and express emotions openly.”
