Category: News

SPCA Serving Erie County President and CEO Gary Willoughby Set to Depart the Organization in the Fall; Will Lead Gulf Coast Humane Society in Florida

July 13, 2021
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

It is with regret and understanding that the SPCA Serving Erie County Board of Directors announces the departure of President and CEO Gary Willoughby.

Willoughby, who started his tenure at the SPCA in March of 2016, will be leaving New York State to be close to and care for aging relatives in Fort Myers, Florida, and will be leading the Gulf Coast Humane Society there.

Board Chair Julie Desmond Schechter stated today that board members are incredibly grateful for all that Willoughby has accomplished for the organization throughout the last five years.

In his time with the SPCA, in addition to several other accomplishments, Willoughby, currently a board member of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, helped complete the planning, construction, and subsequent move to the organization’s new West Seneca home; maintain financial health of the agency; and complete and open the Stanford & Judith C. Lipsey Veterinary Clinic at the SPCA.

During Willoughby’s tenure, a partnership with Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee commenced, whereby veterinary students come to the SPCA for rotation between the SPCA’s infirmary and Lipsey Clinic. 

“Not the least of his challenges and successes was guiding this agency through the unprecedented period of COVID,” says Schechter. “Gary implemented protocols to ensure that our staff, volunteers, and visitors were always safe, and at the same time allowed us to maintain our budget, care for our animals, and fulfill our mission.

“I’m personally thankful for the advice, guidance, partnership, and friendship he’s provided to me during my tenure as Chair of the SPCA Board of Directors,” Schechter added.

“In many ways, this move brings me back to my home,” Willoughby states. “My family moved to the Fort Myers area when I was eight years old, but other members of our family have lived there since the 1950s. We adopted two cats from the Gulf Coast Humane Society in 1979, in fact, and I’ve watched the organization grow and thrive as the community grew.”

Willoughby adds that the Gulf Coast Humane Society has a number of programs similar to that of the SPCA Serving Erie County, including a vibrant adoption program, a high-volume spay/neuter infirmary, a public veterinary clinic, and more. “They also have a few upcoming construction projects that will allow me the opportunity to dust off my hard hat and oversee facility improvements, which has been a big part of my career over the past 20 years,” said Willoughby.

The SPCA’s Board of Directors has formed a search committee tasked first with finding a potential interim President and CEO. Willoughby will remain with the SPCA Serving Erie County three more months and will assist in the transition of the position of President and CEO.

SPCA’S SPECIAL BIRTHDAY GIFTS TO JUST PIZZA OWNER MARY ALLOY: DEDICATION OF A ‘DOG SUITE’ & PAWS IN THE PARK ’21 

July 7, 2021
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

UPDATE, JULY 14: “The dogs love each other!” That’s the latest report we received from Mary, who sent us this photo of her daughter’s two dogs, Rocky (formerly Caspian!), left, and Asia!

UPDATE, JULY 9: Just when you think a story cannot become more meaningful than it already is, it does! When Mary Alloy and her son, Alex, visited the SPCA July 7 and learned one of our kennels is now permanently dedicated to Mary, they of course had to take a moment to meet the first dog whose presence graced this elite suite! That dog was German Shepherd Caspian, and clearly Caspian turned on the charm for Mary right away!

Alex quickly contacted his sister, Stacy, and possible adoption plans were  made. Today, Caspian, now named Rocky (although Angel was the first new name considered!), is the newest Alloy family member!  You never know when he may be making an appearance outside the 2319 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst location where he’s pictured below, with Alex and Stacy! Here’s to a wonderful, new beginning for all involved! Congratulations to the Alloy Family!

 
 

Mary Alloy is just one of those people who makes our community a better place. As owner of Amherst’s JUST PIZZA location, she has been a longtime donor and friend of the SPCA Serving Erie County, doing and giving so much to help give our animals second chances.

Today, July 7, is Mary’s birthday, and we couldn’t think of a better day to honor her in two ways!

This year’s Paws in the Park walk has been dedicated to Mary, and today’s surprise birthday gift was the permanent naming of a “Dog Suite” (kennel B-7, of course, for her 7/7 Birthday!) in Mary’s honor!

Check out the photo album from today’s tribute that includes pictures of Mary and her wonderful son, Alex, along with the photos in this story here >>

Mary, thank you for your unending generosity…your permanent smile no matter the circumstances, no matter how you’re feeling…and for showing love and kindness to every animal and person who come your way. You are a rare individual and our organization is blessed by your friendship and compassion.

Check out Mary’s Paws in the Park team, the Just Pizza Warriors, at https://bit.ly/3yrVUoQ !

By Melanie Rushforth, SPCA Serving Erie County Vice President, Veterinary Services

Today is World Zoonoses Day! So, what the heck does that even mean?

World Zoonoses Day has been observed on July 6th since 1885 to honor the success of French biologist Louis Pasteur, who administered the first vaccination against zoonotic disease on this day. A zoonosis, or zoonotic disease, is an infectious disease that has jumped from a non-human animal to humans. Zoonotic pathogens may be bacterial, viral or parasitic, or may involve unconventional agents and can spread to humans through direct contact or through food, water or the environment. They represent a major public health problem around the world due to our close relationship with animals in agriculture, as companions and in the natural environment. Zoonoses can also cause disruptions in the production and trade of animal products for food and other uses.

Zoonotic diseases range from minor short-term illness to a major life-changing illness. Certain ones can even cause death.

Zoonotic pathogens can spread to humans through any contact point with domestic, agricultural, or wild animals. People living adjacent to wilderness areas or in semi-urban areas with higher numbers of wild animals are at risk of disease from animals such as rats, foxes or raccoons. Urbanization and the destruction of natural habitats increase the risk of zoonotic diseases by increasing contact between humans and wild animals.

Simple hygiene practices will drastically reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of zoonotic spread of disease from pets to people. Some of the things you can do include:

– Make sure that any sign of illness or disease in your pet is diagnosed and treated promptly by your veterinarian.

– Bathe and groom your pet. This will increase the chance of early detection of any skin lesions.

– Give your pet a broad-spectrum deworming product on a regular basis. The simplest way to do this is to use a monthly heartworm product that includes a dewormer. Prevention is key!

– Wear gloves when gardening or working in areas where dogs, cats, or other animals may have urinated or defecated.

– Pick up any feces on your property and stoop and scoop when you take your dog for a walk. Dispose of all waste materials promptly and safely.

– Always ensure you wash your hands after handling any animal.

– Provide separate food and water dishes for your pet, and wash and store them separately from your family’s dishes.

– Wash pet bedding frequently.

– Use flea and tick control products on a routine basis.

People can come in contact with animals in many places. This includes at home and away from home, in places like fairs, schools, stores, and parks. Insects, like mosquitoes and fleas, and ticks bite people and animals day and night. Thankfully, there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family from zoonotic diseases. A regular vaccination schedule and good hygiene practices will set you and your pets up for good health and a long life. If you are in search of a veterinary home, consider the Lipsey Clinic at the SPCA Serving Erie County. With monthly wellness plans including a preventative package, you will be in good hands for the long-term care of your four-legged friends. More information can be found on lipseyclinic.com.

John Lattimer’s Fortieth Employment Anniversary with the SPCA
By Barbara Haney, Wildlife Department Director

June 25, 2021: This week marked the 40th anniversary of John Lattimer’s employment at the SPCA and it’s my understanding that he was a volunteer prior to being on staff. What a huge accomplishment!! In the world of animal welfare, John has lived and worked through tremendous changes. Indeed, when he started 40 years ago it was not routine to have veterinary services at humane societies, nor were there routine spay and neuter surgeries at animal shelters. John’s contributions to the SPCA cannot be overstated. We are tremendously blessed by having him as part of our SPCA family and his skills as a veterinary technician have influenced our industry and most certainly this community.

John’s compassion for animals led to his founding of the Wildlife Department and for that I can say that I’m truly grateful for his compassion and innovation. In the late 1980s wildlife rehabilitation was not a part of most humane societies and even today it is the exception if a shelter cares for wildlife. The SPCA Serving Erie County is only one of a handful of humane societies that has a Wildlife Department. We are quite lucky in Western New York to be able to provide care for more than our domestic friends. John’s foresight and caring has led to one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation centers in New York state and we lead the industry in our innovation and skills at providing care for wildlife.

For many years after starting the Wildlife Department, John was a veterinary technician in the infirmary working mainly with domestic animals. John has been called on to do some of the saddest things in animal welfare and has had his heart broken due to numerous animals’ sad stories, but what makes him different is that instead of retreating, he just keeps trying to do more for animals. In fact, no matter when you call him, he’ll answer the call and help. He rarely says no. John now works part-time in the Wildlife Department, and he is flexible and helps whenever he can, changing his schedule to cover shifts whenever needed. He does what’s needed to care for wildlife in our community. He’ll drive to pick up injured wildlife, work late to attend to animals, and listen to the community who call with concerns and questions.

John has fostered hundreds of animals over the years, caring for animals on his time off. But, during all his compassionate work caring for animals, John has maintained a healthy personal life in which he enjoys camping, playing golf, and even starting the SPCA’s softball team years ago! He is a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Anyone who knows John knows he’s a kind and solid individual. I am honored to work with John and value my time with him. I think of John as the heart and soul of the SPCA and we wouldn’t be where we are right now without. Thank you, John for all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do for the animals and the people of this community. We are eternally grateful for your contributions.

SPCA Launches Tale for Two Summer Reading Challenge; Program Encourages Children to Read to Shelter Pets

June 8, 2021
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

UPDATE, JULY 7: All slots for this summer’s Tale for Two Reading Challenge have been filled! That’s a lot of dedicated readers! Look for more Tale for Two sessions in the fall, when we resume normal programming. Thanks for all the interest! Good luck readers!

UPDATE, JUNE 23: Tale for Two has received such an overwhelming response to its in-person reading slots that members of the SPCA’s Humane Education Department have added Thursday in-person options to the roster. In addition to the options listed below, children can now be registered to read aloud to shelter animals in person on Thursdays, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The SPCA Serving Erie County has announced its 2021 Tale for Two Summer Reading Challenge this year, with prizes for children who read multiple books!

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 summer’s reading challenge sessions include both in-person and virtual options to be scheduled June 28 – September 1, 2021.

In-person 30-minute reading sessions take place Mondays and Wednesdays between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Six families will be welcomed for each 30-minute time slot, for a maximum of 18 families each day. Virtual Zoom 30-minute reading sessions are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The cost of a Tale for Two Summer Reading Challenge pass is $50.00, which allows children to read once per week to an SPCA animal in person at the
300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter, once per week to an SPCA animal virtually, or both.

Children in kindergarten through eleventh grade who read multiple books receive certificates of achievement and various SPCA prizes ranging from pencils and wristbands to T-shirts and sweatshirts. The top two children who read the most books will receive a small collection of age-appropriate books for their reading libraries, and memberships to the SPCA’s Kind Kids Club.

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

Readers and parents/guardians are required to be part of one hour-long ZOOM orientation session, during which

reading challenge details and rules will be discussed. Orientation sessions are scheduled for Monday, June 21 and Thursday, June 24 at 5:30 p.m. If attendance at one of these sessions is not possible, participants will have the opportunity to watch a recorded orientation session and complete a required orientation questionnaire.

 

Register for the Tale for Two Summer Reading Challenge and one orientation session right here >> 

Register for the SPCA’s Tale for Two Summer Reading Challenge here >>

SUMMER, 2021 MASK POLICY FOR HUMANE EDUCATION PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:
At this time, face masks are REQUIRED for all adults and children participating in Humane Education programs, regardless of vaccination; for all unvaccinated adults and children; and for all children 11 years of age and younger.

SPCA Serving Erie County LVT Constantino is Nominee for 2021 American Humane Hero Veterinary Nurse Award™

Vote for Marisa each day >>

June 18, 2021 — The annual American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards™ honor the heroes who dedicate their lives to making a difference in animals’ lives, and this year, the SPCA Serving Erie County’s Marisa Constantino, LVT and Dr. Allison Kean, DVM were both nominated for these awards and recognition!

Constantino, pictured here, is one of five veterinary nurses selected to advance to the voting round!

Voting for the 2021 American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards™ ,  sponsored by Zoetis Petcare, is now open!  From now until 12 p.m. Pacific Time on July 29, 2021, you can vote for your favorite vet and vet nurse each day. Your votes will determine the winners that will be featured on Hallmark Channel this fall.

If you are a U.S. resident at least 18 years old, please vote for Marisa each day right here >>

Marisa was nominated due to the outstanding care she provides. Her nomination at AmericanHumane.org reads as follows: 

Marisa demonstrates the characteristics of an American Hero Veterinary Nurse on a daily basis. She demonstrates the perfect balance of professionalism, compassion, logic, curiosity, and reason. Marisa approaches each animal she is presented with as if that animal is the only one she will treat that day, and may not see again. For a large, open admission, multi-species shelter, and public-facing clinic, Marisa does the work of 3 technicians. She has taken on the role of trainer and mentor to a large number of 4th year veterinary students on a regular shelter rotation, and does so with the knowledge that she has been influenced by preceptor mentors like her, and strives to pay it forward, also with the knowledge that these future veterinarians will depend on the talents and skills of technicians as they settle into their career, and knowing how to navigate that partnership with grace and professional respect is crucial.

 As animal welfare shifts to a true social service initiative, the ability to serve people with the same respect as animals in need is a skill that Marisa demonstrates without even trying. She sees the big picture, and works to undo much of the oppression and discrimination that many clients seeking services have experienced at some point in their lives. Marisa sees only solutions, not barriers. 

Animal welfare needs to care about people as much as it cares about animals, and Marisa is a perfect vision of that goal. 

The SPCA’s Vice President of Veterinary Services, Melanie Rushforth, says, “It is an honor to work with someone like Marisa on a daily basis.  She is a humble caretaker and an innovative veterinary nurse who represents the industry with the utmost professionalism.  She helps others be better.” We couldn’t agree more!

One winning Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse will be featured on the 2021 American Humane Hero Dog Awards® broadcast on Hallmark Channel this fall!

Please take this opportunity to vote for Marisa as recipient of the American Humane Hero Veterinary Nurse Award™, and encourage your friends and family members to do the same! 

–SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

 

Click on the image below to see what new job opportunities exist at the SPCA Serving Erie County >>

SPCA Camp-At-Home Kits

GET YOUR SPCA CAMP-AT-HOME KIT(S) HERE!

SPCA Camp-At-Home Kits let kids ages five through nine bring the fun of the SPCA home…or to any vacation location!…in an engaging, screen-free way!

Two different kits include step-by-step instructions on all craft and activity supplies; age-appropriate books; an issue of “Kind News;” an SPCA water bottle; and an SPCA wristband and pencil. Children will learn lessons about animal care, nature, and more that will keep them thinking and creating long after kit activities are complete.

SPCA Camp-At-Home Kits will be available July 6 – September 1, 2021, and include:

Rescue a Furry Friend!
Ages 5 – 9
$35.00
Children will learn about and practice the five elements of pet care and responsible pet ownership by caring for their very own pet….PLUSH pet, that is! They will rescue their new, furry friend, then foster it, care for it, and eventually ADOPT! Each activity will allow children to explore a different component of care through hands-on activities, crafts, and experiments.

Arts and Nature
Ages 5 – 9
$35.00
This is a self-paced activity kit for animal lovers with a creative side! Campers will have the opportunity to express themselves creatively through fun, impactful, indoor/outdoor crafts and activities! All required craft materials and instructions will be included in each kit.

The health and safety of our participants are our primary concerns, so all kit materials have been disinfected and handled by healthy staff members wearing masks and gloves.

Kits will be available via curbside pickup, or can be delivered within Erie County at an additional cost. Kits can also be shipped at an additional cost.

CURBSIDE PICKUP
Curbside pickup will be available at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter Monday – Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

DELIVERY
Delivery is only offered for locations within Erie County, NY.

SHIPPING
If you live inside or outside of Erie County, NY,  and  you are unable to pick up your kit at the SPCA, you may wish to have your kit shipped to you. Backpacks are shipped at an additional fee to be determined.

Register for your child’s kit here . For more information, contact SPCA Director of Humane Education Christine Davis: 716-875-7360, ext. 262 or ChristineD@yourspca.org . 

GET YOUR SPCA CAMP-AT-HOME KIT(S) HERE!
 

From the SPCA’s Humane Education Department regarding the safety of your children: “The SPCA Serving Erie County has and always has had strict cleaning and safety policies in place due to the nature of animal sheltering and the potential for zoonotic disease exposure. During the age of COVID-19, we will follow all CDC guidelines and recommendations, require masks, require social distancing, and will temperature-check and screen for COVID prior to entry. In addition, extensive sanitizing protocols are in place, including sanitizing areas before and after use, to keep our participants and staff safe and healthy while participating in any in-person program.”

At this time, face masks are REQUIRED for all adults and children participating in Humane Education programs, regardless of vaccination; for all unvaccinated adults and children; and for all children 11 years of age and younger when on the grounds of the SPCA.

New York State Will Mandate Veterinarians to Report Suspected Animal Abuse; Breed Discrimination by Insurers Will Be Prohibited

June 11, 2021
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF) has released two exciting pieces of news this week.

With the help of New York State Senator Michael Gianaris and New York State Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, veterinarians in the state will soon be mandated to report suspected animal abuse and cruelty to the appropriate incorporated SPCA (such as the SPCA Serving Erie County for cases in Erie County), district attorney’s office, police force, animal control officer, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, or other law enforcement agency. Necessary records must be turned over to the agency. Veterinarians’ identities will be protected. (A.5823/S.5023)

Last night, the NYSAPF released a statement on its website thanking Senator Gianaris and  Assemblymember Rosenthal for making this happen, and thanked member shelters for their advocacy work.

Assemblymember Rosenthal states on her official Facebook page,
“🐾VICTORY! 🐾 My bill with Senator Michael Gianaris requiring veterinarians to report animal abuse has passed the Assembly and now goes to the Governor! Vets play a critical role in identifying animal abuse and this law will help protect pets and humans from harm.”

Secondly, representatives of the NYSAPF say that, soon,  insurance companies will  no longer be allowed to discriminate against homeowners based on the breed of their dog(s). A.4075/S.4254 prohibits insurers from “…refusing to issue or renew, cancel, or charge or impose an increased premium for certain policies based solely on the breed of dog owned.”

On NYSAPF.org, the organization thanked Senator Gianaris and New York State Assemblymember Deborah Glick for their work on this legislation.

SPCA Serving Erie County President and CEO Gary Willoughby is a board member of the NYSAPF, and SPCA Chief Operating Officer Beth Shapiro is also an NYSAPF board member and the organization’s chair of the 501(c)(3) Education Fund. Willoughby and Shapiro are thrilled that these important pieces of legislation have passed.

For more information, please visit the website of the NYSAPF here >>

*Images courtesy of the New York State Animal Protection Federation

A Tale of Patrick, Gracie, & Allison!

June 8, 2021 — Longtime Tale for Two reader Patrick Radtke enjoys coming to the SPCA to read to shelter pets, but this compassionate, young man usually has a special request.

According to SPCA Humane Education Director Christine Davis, “Unlike many of our other readers, Patrick prefers to read to the cats in the caged areas. He realizes they are often not selected to be read to because they are in cages. Patrick feels they could use the enrichment and attention as well!”

Looking at this photo, we believe our gorgeous GRACIE agrees!

And check out what Patrick is reading to Gracie! Author Allison Gutknecht (Instagram: @AllisonPolkaDot) just released Pet Pals: Mitzy’s Homecoming, and graciously donated a signed copy to us!

Not only did Gracie give it the highest review possible…two paws up…but according to Christine, Patrick told us that HE is now creating a book, and he, too, would like to donate one to us when he finishes it! Allison’s gift has made many people and pets, today and in the future, very, very happy!

If you’re a parent or guardian of a child ages five through 16 who would like to read to shelter pets, read more about the SPCA’s Tale for Two Summer Reading Challenge right here >>

–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

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