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Batter Up: Buffalo Bisons Hold Five Dog Days at the Park to Benefit SPCA!

Get ready for tail-wagging fun at Sahlen Field! The Buffalo Bisons are teaming up with the SPCA Serving Erie County to host five special Dog Days at the Park throughout the baseball season. These fan-favorite events offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy America’s pastime alongside your pup while supporting the SPCA!

Mark your calendars for the following dates and times:

– Sunday, April 26 at 1:05 p.m.

– Wednesday, May 13 at 6:05 p.m.

– Tuesday, July 7 at 6:35 p.m.

– Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 6:35 p.m.

– Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 6:05 p.m.

Dog owners are invited to bring their “Most Valuable Dog” (MVD) and purchase General Admission tickets to sit together in the designated right field corner. Regular seating will be available in section 120 for those attending without a dog.

Beyond enjoying a Bisons game, attendees will have the chance to support the SPCA Serving Erie County directly!

Purchase your tickets here and a portion of the proceeds will support the SPCA!

Get ready to cheer on the Bisons and support the SPCA – it’s sure to be a home run!

Brandon Beane on #PMSLIVE with Pat McAfee, accepting a challenge that scored a $50,000 donation for the SPCA!

Beane’s 10-Yard Toss Heard ‘Round Buffalo

April 16, 2026
Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

Some guys hit the gym. Some guys watch film. And in his own words, Brandon Beane casually throws a football twice a week… just in case someone like Pat McAfee decides to put $100,000 on the line.

Earlier this year on The Pat McAfee Show, sports media personality, podcast host, WWE commentator, and former NFL All-Pro punter McAfee laid down the kind of challenge that sounds easy until you’re holding the ball: hit a small hole from about 10 yards out. Three tries. No pressure—just six figures and bragging rights.

Another unnamed NFL GM (well, we won’t name him here) had stepped up before. He walked away with nothing but a “nice try” and maybe a bruised ego.

But this particular day, it was Beane’s turn.

Brandon Beane on #PMSLIVE with Pat McAfee, accepting a challenge that scored a $50,000 donation for the SPCA!
Brandon Beane with Pat McAfee, accepting a challenge that scored a $50,000 touchdown for the SPCA!

First throw? A little warm-up. Gotta’ read the defense.

Second throw? An absolute dime. Right through the hole. No replay needed.

Touchdown.

Cue the crowd going wild (in our heads, at least), and just like that, McAfee was on the hook. The winnings? Split between two charities—including our incredible SPCA Serving Erie County.

That’s right—this wasn’t just a trick shot. It was a game-changer for animals in need.

Watch Beane score a $50,000 touchdown for the SPCA here >>

And if you know Beane, you know this wasn’t luck. This is the same man behind Bills Muttfia, a program he and his wife Hayley created seven seasons ago, where every Buffalo Bills home game touchdown means a $100 donation to help save an animal’s life.

As Beane put it, “My wife, Hayley, keeps me updated on all of the awesome work [the SPCA Serving Erie County does] to help animals each and every day. Hayley and I have just always had a heart for rescue animals.”

Read more about all the Beanes do for SPCA animals through BILLS MUTTFIA >>

So it turns out that 10-yard toss wasn’t just a flex—it was a clutch, game-winning play for animals across Erie County.

And honestly? We’ll take Brandon and Hayley on our team any day.

See Beane’s $50,000 TD for the SPCA here >>
Beane threads the needle 34 minutes in:

Find more on Bills Muttfia here >>

ONE-NIGHT STANDS: ENCOURAGED!
FALLING IN LOVE: Optional

Doggie Entourage just got an after-hours upgrade!

Introducing BARK AFTER DARK, an overnight sleepover – with no strings attached – for SPCA dogs!

Available every weekend*, take an SPCA dog home with you for one or two nights with Bark After Dark, presented by Moog!

Q: WHAT’S BARK AFTER DARK?
A: It’s a fun, new sleepover program for adoptable dogs at the SPCA!

Q: WAIT, WHAT DO YOU MEAN? AN SPCA DOG CAN COME TO MY HOUSE FOR A SLUMBER PARTY?
A: YES! You can have a sleepover just Saturday night, or turn your one-night stand into a two-day fling and keep the dog Saturday and Sunday nights!

Q: THIS CAN’T BE REAL! DO I HAVE TO BE INTERESTED IN PERMANENTLY ADOPTING?
A: NOPE! Forever love is always encouraged, of course, and your one-night stand might steal your heart…but Bark After Dark requires no commitment, no drama, no promises. Just fun!

Q: HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHICH DOGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR A SLEEP-OVER?
A: It’s easy!  If you’re 18 years of age or older, you just contact the SPCA after 10 a.m. on Saturdays! Call (716) 875-7360, ext. 207 to learn what Bark After Dark dogs are available.* Visiting earlier in the week? Look for the Bark After Dark signs with available dogs! *

Q: WHAT IF THERE’S A DOG I’D LIKE TO BRING HOME FOR BARK AFTER DARK?
A: Test your chemistry by reserving an available dog by phone. Pick-ups at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca site will be arranged Saturdays between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dogs are available on a first come, first served basis. Dogs will need to be returned to the SPCA Sunday or Monday at 10:30 a.m.

Q: CAN I INTRODUCE THE SPCA DOG TO MY DOG AND OTHER PETS AT HOME?
A: Easy, now! Remember, this is a fling, not a mixer! Bark After Dark is available to people with no other pets, or those with the ability to keep your new SPCA friend separate from all other animals.

Q: WHAT IF I WANT TO MAKE THIS A PERMANENT COMMITMENT AND ADOPT THE DOG?
A: We were hoping you’d ask! Speak with Adoptions staff to find out how to turn this one-night stand into forever love! And the best part…if you decide right away to make this relationship a lasting one and wish to adopt Monday morning, you have first priority over others who may visit to meet the dog! This is one of the few times in life a one or two-night stand really DOES work out!

Q: THIS IS ALL GOING SO FAST. WHAT IF I JUST WANT TO HANG OUT WITH AN SPCA DOG FOR A COUPLE HOURS?
A: If you’re looking for a daytime hang rather than an overnight stay, we have a program for that too! Check out our DOGGIE ENTOURAGE program here >> !

*NOTE: Dogs must meet certain specific behavior criteria before being accepted into the Bark After Dark program. That means that, on occasion, no dogs will be available for a Saturday slumber party. Yes, we know this is just a fling…but we want to do everything possible to turn your fling into forever! Thanks for understanding!

For more information on Bark After Dark, please contact SPCA Adoptions and Foster Care Manager Zak Sprowls: zaks@yourspca.org.

The SPCA Serving Erie County extends a tail-wagging thanks to MOOG, sponsors of BARK AFTER DARK and DOGGIE ENTOURAGE! Thanks, MOOG, for keeping our dogs on the move!

SPCA ISSUES WINTER PET SAFETY TIPS

January 19, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The winter storms have returned, and as many veterinary clinics (including the Lipsey Veterinary Clinic at the SPCA) are dealing with smaller work forces, it’s a little more complicated to receive emergency veterinary care.  Plan ahead for the upcoming snowy days and nights now to ensure your pets stay safe and healthy today and throughout the rest of the winter. Read on for some of the SPCA Serving Erie County’s winter pet safety tips.

*OUTDOOR ANIMAL SHELTER MUST BE SUITABLE FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER: …and if it’s not, animal welfare officers can rescue the pet even before he or she shows signs of suffering, thanks to New York State’s Shelter Law that went into effect in 2003. Thanks to a legislative push in late 2018 that led to stronger laws concerning the tethering of dogs within Buffalo city limits, the SPCA and other law enforcement organizations can now take even more steps to ensure dogs are protected from the elements.

* Keep a Tight Leash: Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Pets can lose their scent on snow and ice, especially if snow is falling at a fast rate, and your pet can easily lose his sense of direction. Pets may also panic during a snowstorm and run away; many pets are lost during the winter months. Remember to keep current identification on your pet at all times!

*Keep Pets At Home: Never leave your pet alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. Your pet could literally freeze to death.

*Always Dry Pet’s Wet Feet: Thoroughly wipe off your pet’s legs and stomach when she comes in and out of the rain, snow or ice. Check her sensitive foot pads, which may be bleeding from snow or ice encrusted in them. Your pet may also pick up salt and other chemicals on her feet accidentally. These chemicals could hurt her if she swallows them while licking her feet.

*Lay Straw for Dogs’ Visits Outdoors: Can’t get your dog to wear booties? Lay straw on top of snow for trips outdoors by dogs reluctant to step out onto a freezing surface to relieve themselves.

*Check Cars for Cats: During the winter, stray or neglected cats outdoors sometimes sleep under the hood of the car where it’s warm and comfortable. If you start the motor, cats could get caught in or flung about by the fan belt, causing serious injury or death. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood and sides of your car before turning on the ignition to give the cat a chance to escape.

*Keep Outdoor Sessions Short: Take your dog outside only for as long as it takes for him to relieve himself. Dogs, particularly small, short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas and terriers, suffer from the cold despite their seemingly warm fur coats. Live within Buffalo city limits? Don’t forget Buffalo’s new laws pertaining to tethering dogs in inclement weather.

*Bathe Pets Only When Necessary: Your pet runs the chance of catching a cold when wet, especially in cold weather. If you absolutely must bathe your pet, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.

*Keep Pets Warm: Limit the clipping of your pet’s hair in the cold winter months, keeping your pet as warm as possible. Brush your pet daily in lieu of clipping to keep your pet’s coat healthy, shiny, clean and mat-free. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep far away from outside drafts.

*Hungry Pets: Speak to your veterinarian about increasing your pet’s supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy through the winter months. Inquire about vitamin and oil supplements.

*ANTIFREEZE IS POISON TO PETS: ANTIFREEZE, EVEN IN SMALL DOSES, IS A LETHAL POISON FOR DOGS AND CATS! Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to clean up spills thoroughly, and consider switching to an animal-friendly antifreeze. Ensure that, if you store Antifreeze in a garage, shed, or other places accessible to your pets, it is well out of pets’ reach.

If your pet becomes lost, be sure to visit YourSPCA.org’s Lost and Found page for recommendations on where to post lost pet listings, and tips for finding your lost pets.

For more tips regarding keeping pets safe and healthy during the winter, please contact your veterinarian.

The SPCA Serving Erie County launches PAWS (Preschoolers, Adventure, and Wonder) Program! Read more here >>

Click the SPCA Paws & Patriots image below to see adoptable animals!

SPCA Paws & Patriots, presented by The Dome, offers 50% off all adoptions to United States active-duty military members and veterans, or their spouses.
For more information on SPCA Paws & Patriots, presented by The Dome, contact Adoptions Supervisor Zak Sprowls at ZakS@yourspca.org

All animals who have been loved by us since 2025 are ready to be loved by you! Their adoption fees are just $25!

See adoptable animals here >>

All HAPPILY EVER AFTER adopters will have a chance to win a winter prize basket filled with treats and merch from the SPCA, a blanket perfect for cuddling with your new love, and an overnight stay at the beautiful Wingate by Wyndham Ellicottville hotel courtesy of
SPCA Board Member Danielle Jacobs!

NO BONES ABOUT IT!
KEEP PETS SAFE THIS THANKSGIVING!

November 21, 2025
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Planning a delicious holiday meal? Those scrumptious 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.

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