Archive: Around Town

The SPCA of Tompkins County, in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, has taken in 20 Chihuahua mixes and other small mixed breed dogs, who originated at municipal shelters in Los Angeles California and were scheduled for euthanasia.

“We are so pleased to have been able to bring these little dogs to Tompkins County,” says Jim Bouderau, executive director. “The residents of Tompkins County respond so enthusiastically whenever we are able to bring in pets or have other situations when we get an influx of a large number of pets.”

An Ithaca resident and small business owner, Anne Steinle of Littlestone Upholstery Designs, wants to make the holidays even brighter for these little dogs. She is donating handmade dog beds to be sent home with each dog as they are adopted, part of the shelter’s December 'A Home for the Holidays' adoption effort. Using fabric from various upholstery projects, Steinle has created beautiful beds for these special dogs. The shelter also has a large free supply of donated dog apparel and accessories from which adopters may choose.

Bouderau says “The beds are amazing! And these little dogs may not be used to cold weather, so warm beds are a great added bonus.”

The SPCA thanked staff and volunteers who helped get the small dogs to Ithaca after an overnight trip to JFK Airport last weekend, returning at 7:00 AM Sunday morning.  They helped by driving to NY and back and by being at the shelter to assist with the dogs upon arrival. The SPCA gave special recognition to staffers Beth Brunelle, Dan Collins, Heather Marsella, Karen Nieves, Sarah Post and Pam Stonebraker along with volunteers Tara, Lisa, Alissandra, and Anne Marie. Everyone – including the little dogs – was exhausted but thrilled to be saving the 20 Chihuahua and mixed breed small dogs from euthanasia in LA. Los Angeles municipal shelters are traditional shelters where pets are regularly put down due to lack of space and resources.

Jim Bouderau, executive director, states: “It is easy to forget about the many communities that still have traditional shelters where about 70% of the animals who enter their doors don’t make it out.  The stories we have heard, pictures we have seen, and the scope of the problem is unsettling. We could not be more thrilled to help these animals have a second chance at a new life.”

The SPCA of Tompkins County is focused almost entirely on saving lives within Tompkins County. The desire to help is strong, but the SPCA simply does not have funds for endeavors like this.  Bouderau went on to say: “Best Friends, through their generosity and mission, and partnership with American Airlines, is picking up ALL costs associated with this transfer. The dogs are also coming to us fully vaccinated as well as spayed/neutered so that the internal costs to the shelter are minimal.”

The small dogs will start becoming available for adoption on December 6.  Potential adopters may start viewing the dogs when the shelter opens at Noon on Thursday. The adoption fee for the small dogs is $250, plus the cost of a town dog license. The mission of the SPCA of Tompkins County is to protect companion animals.  We are a no-kill shelter dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and overpopulation.  We promote responsible pet stewardship by providing education, counseling and training to nurture and enhance the human-animal bond.

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