Three Dogs from Louisiana Ready to Find Their WNY Homes
Two weeks ago, three SPCA Serving Erie County staff members traveled to St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, to help rebuild the St. Landry Parish Animal Control. While our staff members have returned to Western New York, our efforts to help St. Landry Parish have continued.
Yesterday, the BISSELL Pet Foundation, Cathy Bissell, and Race for Life Rescue flew three dogs to New York from Louisiana. The dogs arrived at the Greater Binghamton Airport and were then driven to the SPCA Serving Erie County by dedicated volunteers Red and Bob.
Two of the three dogs, Zoey and Dozer Brooks, came from the St. Landry Parish Animal Control to help alleviate some of the stress of over-population in their shelter. Tequila came from another shelter in Louisiana that does not adopt out pitbull-type dogs.
“By taking Tequila in, we’re saving her from the grim reality of being euthanized because of her apparent breed,” said SPCA Officer Lindsey Wood. “As for Zoey and Dozer Brooks, we worked with them while we were at St. Landry Parish Animal Control, and we quickly fell in love. The shelter was a very difficult environment for Dozer Brooks, and we knew our shelter would be a better fit for him.”
Once they arrived on site, our dedicated veterinary and animal care teams ensured these three newcomers were comfortable and well taken care of following their long journey. While these three are not available for adoption just yet, they will be soon! Keep an eye on YourSPCA.org.
#SPCACompassionInAction
How ‘Mow Mow’ Found His Way Home
The stars were aligned today when Shannon and Allie of Chautauqua County decided to make a spur-of-the-moment visit to the SPCA. They began by looking at the cats who were available for adoption when they noticed a familiar face.
“I went into the room and called his name,” Shannon said. “He looked right up at me.”
It turns out Mow Mow had been missing for two years from Shannon’s Cherry Creek home.
Mow Mow was brought to the SPCA on January 14 after being abandoned with eight other cats in a Buffalo home. While at the SPCA, he was vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped.
When he first arrived, he was apprehensive of his new surroundings. You would often find him cuddled up in his favorite cat house in one of our cat condo rooms.
Fortunately, Mow Mow’s favorite cat house was in the wash this morning so he didn’t have his favorite spot to snuggle in. Instead, he was out on a cat bed when Shannon and Allie walked by.
“It was clear right away that Mow Mow was their cat,” said Cary Munschauer, SPCA senior cat behaviorist. “It was an emotional reunion!”
While Mow Mow was hesitant to tell us about his adventures these past two years, we’re so happy that this family was reunited at the SPCA!
FROM THE OFFICE OF
ERIE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHN J. FLYNN March 7, 2023
CHEEKTOWAGA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGE FOR FATALLY INJURING HIS TWO CATS
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 23-year-old Moises L. Germanguerrero of Cheektowaga pleaded guilty this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest charge in the indictment against him.
The defendant became the subject of an investigation by SPCA Serving Erie County following the suspicious deaths of his two cats.
On March 29, 2021, the defendant’s girlfriend brought a deceased cat to a veterinary hospital. The pet was taken to the SPCA Serving Erie County where a necropsy determined that the cat died from blunt force trauma to the head. The investigation found that the defendant hit the cat with a closed fist, which resulted in the death of the animal.
On October 18, 2021, the defendant’s girlfriend brought second cat to a different veterinary hospital to be treated for head trauma. The cat was taken to the SPCA Serving Erie County where it was euthanized due to the severity of the injury. A veterinarian at the SPCA determined the second cat also died from blunt force trauma to the head, which was confirmed by a necropsy. The investigation found that the defendant fatally injured the second cat by hitting the animal in the head with a closed fist.
Germanguerrero faces a maximum of 2 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. The defendant remains released on his own recognizance as the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.
DA Flynn commends SPCA Serving Erie County Officers Jasil Ivory, Tyler Robertson, Lindsey Wood, and Jennifer Maleskis as well as and Detective Terry Griffin of the Cheektowaga Police Department for their work in this investigation.
“This is a disturbing case of a man who killed his own pets. My office will continue to prosecute animal abusers to the fullest extent of the law. I want thank the SPCA for not only their work in this investigation, but also for the work they do every day to help animals in our community,” said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan E. Mahoney of the Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the Animal Cruelty Unit.
— Kait Munro | Public Information Officer Erie County | District Attorney
When we said Kenzie is receiving plenty of TLC, we meant it. From left, Dr. Allison Keane, Paige, Val, Sally, and Sara.
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.
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.”
Tonawanda Man Saves Dog From Ellicott Creek; After Treatment at SPCA, Dog Reunited With Owner
January 6, 2023 BY: SPCA Social Media Coordinator Jillian LeBlanc
UPDATE, February 18, from Tammi in our Admissions Department: “We had a very special guest visit us this morning in Admissions and we are still crying very happy and thankful tears! You may recall our precious boy Rufus, who was pulled from Ellicott Creek not too long ago by a wonderful and brave man named Jim. Jim jumped into action the moment he saw Rufus struggling in the creek and pulled him to safety and brought him to us immediately for emergency medical care. Rufus was reunited almost immediately with his family and we found out sweet Rufus was a gentle senior that they loved very much!
Rufus, Mr. Keane and Liam stopped in today with a ton of wonderful dog treats for our dogs and two BEAUTIFUL thank you cards, one from the Keane family and one from Pamela Giannantonio, the principal at St. Andrews Country Day School. The children from Liam’s school collected all of these wonderful donations and we are so grateful!!! Mr. Keane also informed us that Jim, Rufus’ hero, has stayed in contact with the family and just visited them recently…….sounds like a beautiful book and movie needs to be made regarding this incredible heart warming story!!! ”
#SPCACompassionInAction –All the best stories have happy endings, and this story is no exception!
Rufus arrives, shivering, at the SPCA
Earlier today, Town of Tonawanda resident Jim Skoney was driving down Ellicott Creek Road in Tonawanda when he noticed three cars were parked along the creek, with people standing near the edge of the water. Jim stopped to see what was happening and noticed a small dog was struggling in the water, head bobbing up and down.
Jim says he did “what anyone would have done,” but it was much more than that. Jim laid down on the steep bank of the creek as one onlooker held onto his legs, ensuring Jim himself didn’t plunge into the water, and did everything he could to rescue the dog. As the current started pulling the dog out of reach, Jim said, “I called to him and he suddenly turned his head and tried swimming against the current. He made every attempt to stay above water, swimming in my direction, but he was repeatedly going underwater and rapidly losing energy.”
The SPCA’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean
Just as it seemed the dog would go under without the energy to swim up, Jim was able to grasp him by the neck and pull him back to shore. Once back to safety, Jim wrapped the dog in his coat to keep him warm and cranked up the heat in his car. Jim knew he needed to get the dog to a veterinarian quickly. After a local veterinary clinic refused treatment because there was no owner to pay veterinary bills, Jim brought the dog to the SPCA Serving Erie County to ensure he survived.
And survive he did.
The SPCA’s Sally Budik covers Rufus as rescuer Jim gets a little kiss
When Jim arrived, the shivering, senior dog (who we now know is named Rufus!) was rushed straight to our infirmary, where our incredible veterinary team, led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean, made sure he was healthy and warm. While the veterinary team worked on Rufus, Admissions staff contacted local animal control facilities. Admissions counselor Shannon shared word of the dog with Tonawanda representatives and was quickly called back with news of a possible owner who works for the town!
Joe, Rufus’ owner, shared with us that the fence in his backyard was knocked down during the Blizzard of 2022. Wood was put up to patch the hole and keep Rufus from escaping. Unknowingly, the wood fell. Rufus, who is 18 ½ years old, deaf, and blind, somehow slipped out of the opening and eventually found his way to the creek. The rest of the story is history.
Reunited, and it feels so good! Dr. Kean brings Rufus to his dad, Joe, before introducing Joe to rescuer Jim, right.
Jim doesn’t believe he is a hero, but we do. He saved Rufus from drowning and brought him to safety.
Now, Rufus is back home, safe in his bed because of Jim’s heroic effort and our veterinary team’s diligent work (along with our donors, who ensure these life-saving efforts keep happening for the animals who need us most). This display of compassion would in no way be possible if not for Jim’s bravery. Please join us in celebrating this local hero!
Rufus, held by dad Joe, can’t wait to get home! (SPCA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean, middle, and reluctant hero of the day, rescuer Jim, right)
The SPCA/Erie County Sheriffs’ PUPS AT THE PEN Program Returns to Erie County
MORO is the first dog to graduate after receiving eight weeks of intensive training by female inmates at the Erie County Correctional Facility
January 5, 2023 By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
Moro the dog prepares for his big Pups at the Pen graduation at the Erie County Correctional Facility Jan. 3, 2023
#SPCACompassionInAction — After almost three years on COVID hiatus, PUPS AT THE PEN, created by the SPCA Serving Erie County and the Erie County Sheriffs Office (ECSO), has returned to Erie County!
The program, originally started in July of 2016, established a partnership between the two organizations that, according to an ECSO press release, “…will bring new hope for inmates and sheltered dogs.” This program pairs selected female inmates with adoption candidates for several weeks. During this time the inmates train the dogs, help with socialization skills, and provide care and attention throughout the program. The dogs live with the inmates in the housing area and the teams utilize parts of the facility for training, socializing, and recreation.
Eight weeks ago, Moro, a two-year-old dog surrendered to the SPCA in August, 2022 who staff felt would benefit from a higher level of training, began his in-depth behavior program at the correctional facility. There, he received not only behavior lessons but care, socialization, love, and attention from a loyal team of individuals committed to teaching this sweet dog new skills.
Moro passed his intensive training courses with flying colors and graduated with honors in a ceremony held at the Erie County Correctional Facility January 3. To ease Moro’s transition and keep his stress level low, Moro will be available for adoption not at the SPCA but at the home of a dedicated foster care volunteer. Those interested in meeting Moro for possible adoption can call the SPCA’s Behavior Department at
(716) 875-7360, ext. 268.
While his trainers taught Moro skills to prepare for his new life, they were learning lessons to prepare for their new lives. In fact, the trainers were so impacted by this program that at the graduation, SPCA representatives received this heartfelt letter signed by four of Moro’s teachers:
See coverage of yesterday’s emotional graduation ceremony on WKBW-TV Ch. 7 here >>
Keep watching YourSPCA.org for news on the next dogs heading to the Erie County Correctional Facility later this month.
SPCA Compassion In Action: SPCA offers free vaccines for canines!
The no-cost parvo and distemper vaccines are made possible through Petco Love’s new national vaccination initiative, which is providing one million free pet vaccines for family pets in need to existing animal welfare partners, including the SPCA Serving Erie County!
Other services available at a minimal cost listed in flier below: