SPCA Serving Erie County Launches Pet Loss Support Group June 18
May 12, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca, (716) 875-7360, ext. 244
The bond between a person and a pet is often woven into the quietest moments of daily life — the gentle nudge of a nose at the end of a difficult day, the familiar sound of paws crossing the floor, the unwavering companionship that asks for nothing more than love in return. When that bond is broken through loss or even surrender, the grief can feel profound and isolating. Recognizing the deep emotional impact that comes with saying goodbye to a beloved animal companion, the SPCA Serving Erie County is launching a new Pet Loss Support Group designed to help grieving pet owners find comfort, understanding, and connection.
Beginning Thursday, June 18, the support group will meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location. Scheduled from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., the sessions are open to anyone 18 years of age or older coping with the loss of a pet or with the need to rehome a pet. There is no fee to attend, and registration is not required. Participants are welcome to simply arrive and take part in a safe, compassionate environment created specifically for those navigating grief. (While child care will not be available, the SPCA can provide resources for families seeking guidance to help younger children process the loss of a pet.)
The group will be facilitated by Jackie Lentz*, who holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and understands how deeply the loss of an animal companion can affect a person’s emotional well-being. 
“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.”
Lentz emphasizes that every grief journey is unique and deserving of 
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.”
At the heart of the new program is a simple but meaningful mission: helping people feel less alone in their grief. There will be no pressure for participants to speak, with listening valued just as much as sharing. “Our goal is not to help people ‘move on.’ We aren’t here to rush healing,” Lentz said. “We are here to help pet owners process loss at their own pace while feeling understood. We hope to normalize all levels of the grieving process… the intense feelings, the feelings of isolation… we want our participants to feel less alone.”
Those seeking additional information about the support group can contact Lentz directly at (716) 875-7360, ext. 204 | JackieL@yourspca.org .
*The SPCA’s Jackie Lentz is a compassionate group facilitator and former Crisis Counselor with a heart for helping people navigate grief and loss. She holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. As a devoted animal lover and pet parent herself, she understands the deep bond between people and their pets and the pain that comes with saying goodbye. Through this support group, Jackie offers a safe, supportive space where people can process their grief and feel less alone in their healing journey.
Click the image below to download the
Pet Loss Support Group PDF:
How ZoomPaws Mobile Pet Gym is Giving SPCA Dogs a Leg Up
Scroll down for FAQs on this form of dog exercise!
In the bustling environment of an animal shelter, high energy can sometimes be a hurdle to adoption. And for some dogs, the stress of kennel life can make it hard for potential adopters to see the calm, loyal pup underneath the excitement.
That’s where Jennifer Ortiz and Laslov Tomashevsky, owners of ZoomPaws Mobile Pet Gym, come in! Driven by a pure passion for animal welfare, the duo recently partnered with the SPCA Serving Erie County to provide free weekly “gym sessions” for adoptable dogs who need an extra outlet for their energy.
The ZoomPaws van is a climate-controlled, mobile fitness suite designed specifically for dogs. Using specialized non-motorized “slatmills,” dogs can run at their own pace, with the speed entirely controlled by them.
“We want them to look at it as their playtime activity,” Laslov explained. “It’s not just physical; it’s mental enrichment. Once they figure out they can stop whenever they want, or sprint as fast as they can, you can’t stop them! They’re just focused and happy.”
For the SPCA’s high-energy residents, these 30-minute sessions are game changers! As the SPCA’s Director of Capacity and Outcomes, Leigh Ann Abbey said, “the goal is to help dogs decompress. When a dog has a safe place to run it out, they return to their kennels calmer and more relaxed.”
The impact of this exercise was proven almost immediately with a dog named Nuke, a one-eyed Cane Corso who was available for adoption at the SPCA.
“He was definitely nervous in the beginning,” Jennifer recalled. “It took maybe five minutes for him to realize he was safe. Then he started trotting, his tail was wagging, and his tongue was out. He was just focused on that one job.”
The shift in Nuke’s demeanor was palpable. After finishing his workout, he proudly showcased his newfound confidence to visitors, and, later that day, he found his new home!
Jennifer and Laslov’s commitment to the SPCA is deep-rooted. “Our goal is to work with the dogs so people see that ‘Hey, this is a good dog,” Laslov said. “We want to help them find homes where they stay for good.”
To ensure that progress continues after adoption, ZoomPaws is offering a special gift to the community: all SPCA dog adopters receive $25 off an Introductory Package when booked within the first two months of adoption! Whether it’s a snowy Buffalo morning, a rainy Buffalo afternoon, or a humid Buffalo evening, ZoomPaws provides a consistent, safe way for new owners to keep their pets healthy and happy.
“We want all dogs to live long, healthy lives,” Jennifer added. “If we can help even one dog feel more confident and find a home, it’s all worth it.”
Dog treadmills? Are these designed to take the place of walking a dog the regular way?
NO! The intention is not to replace dog walking with treadmill (or in this case, “slatmill”) walking! However, at the SPCA we see many high-energy breeds each year; we recognize their physical and emotional states often require more exercise than standard walks provide if we are to keep them thriving in a kennel setting (no matter how nice the kennels are). When their excess, pent-up energy can be worked off, the dogs behave more calmly and more relaxed at other times…especially when in their kennels.
This exercise not only helps dogs already at the SPCA; it can help keep dogs from coming to the SPCA! A frustrated dog can engage in negative behaviors (destructive chewing, excessive barking, digging, hyperactivity, etc.), and some of these behaviors cause owners to consider surrender. When dogs can release their energy in a positive, practical, and safe manner, negative behaviors can be reduced or, in some cases, eliminated.
Are these types of “gyms” safe for the dogs?
YES! They provide what we call “structured mental stimulation” in a safe and controlled environment. The dogs are supervised, encouraged, rewarded…and because at the SPCA the dogs receive an independent experience, it’s perfect for high-energy dogs that show signs of being more reactive or anxious. They can socialize and exercise without the risk of over-stimulation. The slatmills are motorless (complete with brakes, of course!), so the dog determines the speed. The gym transforms a high-energy dog’s restlessness into focused, productive activity. The result? For many, the extra independent exercise leads to better manners, lowered anxiety, and a more balanced temperament.
Does it take some time for the dogs to get used to the treadmill?
Here’s how ZoomPaws owners themselves respond to that question:
“Most dogs catch on quickly—usually within about five minutes, we can teach them how to balance and move comfortably on the treadmill. From there, every session helps build their confidence and coordination as they become more familiar with the equipment. Each workout is carefully supervised to ensure safety at all times. Because our treadmills are non-motorized, your dog is always in control—they set the pace, speeding up or slowing down whenever they choose, and the treadmill naturally adjusts with them. We pay close attention to their movement and comfort level throughout the process to make sure every experience is safe, positive, and fun. We also tailor the training to fit dogs with special needs, sensitivities, or unique quirks.”
Who is the perfect four-footed client for this type of structured activity?
-High-energy, anxious, and/or reactive animal shelter occupants.
-Dogs owned by an immobile pet owner.
-Dogs owned by pet owners with limited mobility.
-Dogs with obesity issues that are affecting other aspects of their health.
-Dogs who are highly reactive to other dogs or other stimuli on walks or at parks, making standard walks stressful and anxiety-inducing for both the dog owners and their dogs.
-Dogs who either physically or emotionally require more vigorous exercise than their owners can Provide.
-Any dog owned by any pet owner when there is a long stretch of excessively hot, cold, or stormy Buffalo weather! Exercise is in a private, sheltered, climate-controlled environment!
This is not a traditional form of pet exercise or enrichment…and the SPCA has staff and volunteers dedicated to dog wellness, exercise, and stimulation. Why did the SPCA decide to add this to the experience of certain dogs at the SPCA?
The SPCA Serving Erie County is no stranger to researching innovative approaches to animal care, and bringing non-traditional animal welfare concepts to the community. In the 90s, amidst tremendous criticism, the SPCA was the first organization to offer a structured off-site adoption program based on national and international data that confirmed its benefits. A mobile adoption unit was introduced to Erie County. New shelter animal housing concepts that proved successful in other parts of the country were adapted, despite public, negative critiques from those who maintained outdated beliefs of what animal housing should be. The list goes on. When data shows the positive impact of what these types of mobile gym units can do to improve the well-being of high-energy dogs in a kennel environment, we have a responsibility to our animals and to our community to trial such a concept and see if the results are the same for our dogs. As the SPCA works with the caring representatives at ZoomPaws, we will also work to observe the behavior, displayed anxiety levels, and emotional well-being of the dogs who participate in the gym activity and make note of both positive and, if displayed, negative impacts.
There’s so much more I want to know about this form of canine exercise! It’s legal, right?
We assure you, this activity, when handled in this careful, structured, supervised manner, is 100% legal!
To learn more about ZoomPaws or to book a session for your own pup, visit their website here! >>
Ghostbusters of WNY and Lancaster Businesses Support SPCA Pet Food Pantry!
April 20, 2026 — Thank you to the Ghostbusters of WNY, Dan Barone, and Lancaster businesses Big Papa’s Creamery, Lancaster Village Flower Co., The Rooted Cup, Vibe Yoga Lab, Bloomsbury Toy Lane Shoppe!
In April, the businesses hosted a Proton Pets* Food Drive to support the SPCA Serving Erie County’s Pet Food Pantry, providing more than 60,000 pet meals per month to people and pets in need in our community.
Saturday, April 18, Big Papa’s Creamery hosted a collection event and featured music, a prize wheel, giveaways, free pup cups, and more!
In all, more than 100 lbs. of dry dog and cat food and treats were donated, in addition to 50+ cans of dog and cat food and pet supplies including harnesses and blankets! Financial donations totaling more than $100 were collected as well to contribute to pantry efforts.
The SPCA’s Pet Food Pantry offers temporary support to pet owners in our community so that no one has to make the heartbreaking choice between feeding themselves and feeding the animals they love.
Thank you to all involved for helping us keep not only the ghosts away, but for busting hunger too! The food drive was a fun and important way to spotlight this important program of the SPCA Serving Erie County, and we appreciate the effort and hard work of Ghostbusters of WNY and all the participating businesses in the village of Lancaster!
Those interested in learning more about how to support the Pet Food Pantry, or those who temporarily need the support of the pantry, can learn more
here >>.
*Proton Pets is a charitable initiative launched by Ghostbusters fan franchise groups, spearheaded by Ghostbusters Virginia, to collect pet food and donations for local shelters and food pantries.
SPCA WILL RECEIVE DONATION FROM NORTHTOWN SUBARU DURING ADOPTION EVENT AS PART OF SUBARU’S SHARE THE LOVE®
Longtime SPCA Serving Erie County partner Northtown Subaru will present SPCA representatives with a donation (total yet to be revealed!) during an adoption event this weekend that will feature adorable and adoptable puppies, dogs and cats!
Northtown Subaru chose the SPCA Serving Erie County (in addition to national charities) from which new Subaru owners or lessees could select to receive a $250 donation from Subaru of America, Inc.
Year to date, Northtown has donated $160,207 to The SPCA Serving Erie Country as part of the Subaru Share the Love Initiative!
The adoption event will take place Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Northtown’s exciting, new Subaru location: 6374 Transit Rd, Depew, NY 14043. (The check presentation will take place at 11:30 a.m.)
“Northtown Automotive is proud of our longstanding partnership with the SPCA and our commitment to supporting those organizations that support Western New Yorkers. The SPCA Serving Erie County helps thousands of animals in need every year,” said Harold Erbacher, chief operating officer and co-owner of Northtown Automotive Companies. “We pride ourselves on assisting others by creating a sense of family, generosity and sharing— both at the dealerships where we work and in the community we serve.”
“We continue to be so excited over this unique partnership with Northtown Subaru,” says SPCA Serving Erie County President/CEO Cait Daly. “What is most impressive is the fact that this partnership is truly personal for the Northtown reps with whom we work! It’s evident how much they love animals and love the SPCA, and the degree to which they believe in our programs and services is so encouraging. We look forward to continuing this partnership into the future, as the SPCA strives to be a resource for more people in more parts of our region.”
“Because of Northtown Subaru’s unwavering compassion and support, we’re able to give animals in their most vulnerable moments a real chance at life,” said SPCA Associate Director of Corporate and Individual Giving Phillip Weiss. “Their generosity doesn’t just fund care—it brings hope, healing, and the promise of a loving home to animals who have nowhere else to turn. We are truly grateful for their partnership and the profound difference they make every single day.”
Because animals at previous Northtown/SPCA adoption events have been adopted very quickly, interested parties are encouraged to arrive at the April 18 event early to browse animals (and vehicles!).
— SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
SPCA President/CEO Cait Daly Named Buffalo Business First “40 Under 40” Winner
August 22, 2024
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
The SPCA Serving Erie County is thrilled to announce President/CEO Cait Daly has been selected as one of Buffalo Business First’s “40 Under 40” winners!
From Buffalo Business First: “It’s never easy to select the annual 40 Under 40 winners. This year was no exception. The winners were chosen from nearly 200 nominations for the 33rd year of the awards, bringing the total number of honorees over the years to 1,320. They are doctors, attorneys, educators and entrepreneurs. Some work to better their community full-time; others give back after hours. They’re all Western New York professionals who are younger than age 40, successful in their professions and involved in their communities.”
See Buffalo Business First’s official announcement >>
Cait is held in incredibly high esteem by the SPCA Serving Erie County’s Board of Directors.
“In a short time, Cait has become an invaluable leader of our SPCA Serving Erie County,” says SPCA Board of Directors Chairperson P. Jeffrey Birtch. “Her dedication, hard work, and compassion never cease to amaze me; it makes the organization a better place to be. Her tireless efforts are nothing short of remarkable.”
SPCA Board of Directors Vice Chairperson Sara Dayton adds, “Cait’s steadfast commitment to making the SPCA Serving Erie County all it can be for the people and animals of this community is unmatched. Animal welfare work is challenging. We’re dealing with beautiful, living, breathing beings every day, and emotions run high. Cait’s unwavering dedication, however, is contagious.”
“I am genuinely grateful for the collaboration Cait has brought to the community through our SPCA,” says SPCA Board Member Hon. Barbara Howe (Ret.). “The number of organizations with which we now work to make Erie County and beyond a better, more compassionate place is increasing every day; Cait’s attitude is inspiring and infectious. Her work is extraordinary, and deeply valued.”
Cait’s leadership at the SPCA is valued not only by board members, but by staff members, volunteers, and the community as well.
It wasn’t enough for Cait to allow the SPCA Serving Erie County to just keep doing what it was doing because it was the way it had been done for decades. Cait took time to learn what all neighborhoods in all parts of Erie County desperately needed…not what we think they should need, but what they DO need. With the help of some dedicated board and staff members, Cait spearheaded efforts to restructure the SPCA’s outreach programs and efforts. The SPCA has among its priorities a focus on doing everything possible to remove the need a family may have to surrender a pet, and works hard directing efforts to keep families together rather than filling the shelter with animals who were already in loving homes. Hundreds of families annually have been able to keep their beloved animals due to the resources provided by the SPCA under Cait’s leadership.
Because of Cait’s vision, new programs were brought to the community in an effort to remove barriers to adoption, thereby shortening animals’ lengths of stay here at the SPCA and keeping our adoption numbers steady during this time that adoptions are declining nationwide.
These efforts and so many others make Cait a fitting recipient of Buffalo Business First’s “40 Under 40” distinction. The SPCA Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers congratulate Cait on this exciting achievement! See the official announcement here >>
ERIE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHN J. FLYNN
DEPEW MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGE FOR BEATING HIS CAT TO DEATH WITH A BASEBALL BAT
March 1, 2022
By: Kait Munro, Public Information Officer, Erie County District Attorney
UPDATE 5/12/22: Baker will serve jail time and five years probation according to this morning’s sentencing by Judge Sheila A. DiTullio. Read the full sentencing update here >>
Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 52-year-old Boyd C. Baker of Depew pleaded guilty yesterday morning to one count of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Class “E” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the only charge in the indictment against him two days before testimony was scheduled to begin in his upcoming bench trial.
On February 14, 2021, at approximately 10:48 p.m., Depew Police officers responded to a residence on Penora Street after receiving a 911 call from a neighbor. The defendant is accused of hitting his cat multiple times with a baseball bat in the driveway outside of his home. A couple hours after the incident was reported, a police officer found the cat severely injured before it died. A necropsy determined that the cat, named “Roxy,” died from blunt force trauma.
Baker faces a maximum of two years in prison when he is sentenced by Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. He continues to remain released on his own recognizance.
A court order issued by Judge DiTullio that prohibits the defendant from owning any animals remains in effect.
DA Flynn commends the Depew Police Department, SPCA Investigator Bill Heine and the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in the investigation.
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.
–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer
Valentine’s Day and Pets
February 11, 2021
By: SPCA Vice President of Veterinary Services Melanie Rushforth
While we at the Lipsey Clinic at the SPCA Serving Erie County believe the best Valentine’s gift you can give your pet is the gift of a longer and healthier life without the burden of litters and pesky hormonal cycles, free of fleas and other parasites, it’s the season of love! Let’s talk a little about things to look out for this month.
Forbidden Chocolate
Seasoned pet lovers know that all types of chocolate are potentially life-threatening when ingested by pets. Methylxanthines are caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac function—they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The high-fat content in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Go ahead and indulge, but don’t leave chocolate out for chowhounds to find.
Careful with Cocktails
Spilled wine, a half a glass of champagne, or some leftover liquor are nothing to cry over until a curious pet laps them up. Because animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of alcohol can do a lot of harm, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances and even coma. Potentially fatal respiratory failure can also occur if a large amount is ingested.
Life Is Sweet
Don’t let pets near treats sweetened with xylitol. If ingested, gum, candy, and other treats that include this sweetener can result in hypoglycemia (a sudden drop in blood sugar). This can cause your pet to suffer depression, loss of coordination and seizures.
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Don’t let pets near roses or other thorny-stemmed flowers. Biting, stepping on, or swallowing their sharp, woody spines can cause serious infection if a puncture occurs. De-thorn your roses far away from pets.
Playing with Fire
It’s nice to set your evening aglow with candlelight, but put out the fire when you leave the room. Pawing kittens and nosy pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over unattended candles.
Wrap It Up
Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane and balloons after presents have been opened—if swallowed, these long, stringy and “fun-to-chew” items can get lodged in your pet’s throat or digestive tract, causing her to choke or vomit.
Learn more about the Lipsey Clinic at the SPCA Serving Erie County here >>
Find the love you’ve been looking for at the SPCA Serving Erie County! See our adoptable animals >>