Animal Care Sanctuary

Pamela L. Weese appointed Director of Development

Lyn Boyer — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:20:51 +0000

Animal Care Sanctuary is proud to announce the appointment of Pamela L. Weese, of Salt Lake City, Utah as the Director of Development. Ms. Weese will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and coordinating the solicitation of philanthropic gifts from individuals and organizations through extensive fieldwork with prospective donors. She will also ensure the successful cultivation of donors, campaigns, major gifts prospects and development activities.

Prior to this, Ms. Weese was the Foundation Relations Manager for Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. For six years she was the Director of Brooks/Isham Performing Arts Center in Kirtland New Mexico. She holds a Master’s Degree from Hunter College in New York City, New York. She has volunteered for many years as a Board Member and Director of Grants for the Humane Society of the Four Corners, New Mexico.

Ms. Weese presently is residing at the sanctuary with two of her dogs while looking for housing in the area. Her significant other and two other dogs will be joining her when housing is secured.

Wine & Whiskers Summer Event

Lyn Boyer — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 03:18:59 +0000

July 21st from 5 pm to 8 pm at 11765 Route 6 in Wellsboro (across from Weis Markets.)

Enjoy Seven Mountains Wine Tasting, fun foods, live music, art auction, and games that test your knowledge of animal breeds.

Pose for PurrPix and save the memorable evening with a photograph taken with one of our loving, furry residents, while giving from your heart for the animals in need.

Through the kindness of animal lovers donating, we are able to sustain the ACS facility in Wellsboro

For additional details contact Wendy Reber at 570-724-3687 or via email wreber@animalcaresanctuary.org

Order tickets below! $35.00 per ticket.

The purchase of your tickets will serve as your RSVP to the event. See you there!

Animal Care Sanctuary Attends Lobby Day 2012

Lyn Boyer — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 03:18:49 +0000

Kellie Roberts, Canine Care Supervisor; Wendy Reber, Community Liaison; Rachel Higham, Community Liaison; and Erin Johnson, Adoption Coordinator, attended Humane Lobby Day 2012 at the Capitol in Harrisburg with other citizens from across Pennsylvania. Higham & Johnson on behalf of Bradford County visiting the office of Senator Yaw and Representatives Baker & Pickett. Roberts & Reber represented Tioga County and visited the office of Senator Scarnati.

Each met with lawmakers on behalf of legislation to reduce animal suffering in the state. Top-priority measures would ban the private possession of exotic animals as pets, prohibit the use of carbon monoxide chambers to euthanize animals, and outlaw live pigeon shoots. The Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA® hosted Humane Lobby Day. In addition to Animal Care Sanctuary, Lobby Day was also attended by representatives from Humane League of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Animal Welfare Network, and many others interested in Animal Welfare.

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS, presented Rep. John Maher, R-Allegheny, with the Humane Legislator of the Year award for his tireless efforts to crack down on animal cruelty and his leadership in the Pennsylvania Animal Protection Caucus.

“The turnout at Humane Lobby Day is clear proof that Pennsylvanians care deeply about all animals,” said Sarah Speed, Pennsylvania state director for The HSUS. “These face-to-face meetings between lawmakers, staff and committed voters are an important step toward raising awareness and reducing animal suffering.”

It’s very important for Pennsylvania lawmakers to hear from their constituents by phone, letter, or in person. Attendees urged their legislators to support the following bills:

H.B. 1398 to ban the private possession of exotic animals as pets. Several horrific cases of captive wild animals mauling their owners or escaping and threatening the community demonstrate the necessity of this legislation. It is nearly impossible to provide a quality standard of living for exotic wildlife in private menageries. This legislation will protect both the animals and the public from the perils of substandard enclosures.

S.B. 1329 to ban the use of carbon monoxide chambers to euthanize animals. The carbon monoxide chamber can only provide humane euthanasia in the most ideal circumstances, which can rarely, if ever, be met by shelters and private animal control operators. This legislation will ban the use of carbon monoxide chambers to euthanize all except the most dangerous animals and put into place a system for shelters to gain access to euthanasia drugs which are safer, more efficient, and capable of providing a more humane death. The HSUS and ASPCA urge all Pennsylvanians to spay and neuter their pets and adopt animals from shelters to minimize the need for euthanasia.

S.B. 626 to ban live pigeon shoots. For too long, Pennsylvania has played host to out-of-state shooters who wound thousands of live birds each year for fun and prizes. Live pigeon shoots are underground events where contestants compete to shoot down the most birds within a designated scoring area.

If you are interested in becoming an advocate for animals, contact Animal Care Sanctuary today at 570-724-3687 or 570-596-2200 or visit our website animalcaresanctuary.org and donate today!

Influence Positively Interview Joan Smith-Reese

Lyn Boyer — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:23:49 +0000

Joan Smith-Reese is Executive Director of Animal Care Sanctuary. Animal Care Sanctuary is 45 years old but for many years was not in the limelight, just caring for animals without the fanfare. They are located in very rural NE Pennsylvania. They care for approximately 700 animals daily, mostly cats and dogs but have some horses, pigs, rabbits, etc. too.

They work under Cornell’s Shelter Management Program through Maddie’s Fund and their goal is adoption, concentrating on senior pets. “We certainly get plenty of pups and kittens but it is the seniors we melt for. Our adopters come from all over the country and we are proud of our matching program.”

After the animals are medically evaluated and cared for, they are behaviorally assessed. They have 35 employees and over 50 volunteers that help care for our animals and assist at adoption events, fundraising, etc. Along with owner surrenders they work with humane shelters to pull animals when they are at capacity so that euthanasia can be avoided. Because they are all privately funded the goal was to forge a trust with the government funded organizations to assist where they can.

Previously, Joan was owner of Keystone Home Health Services, Inc. in Philadelphia and President of Keystone Hospice. Both organizations had over 200 employees. Joan has her Bachelors from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA and her Masters from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia PA in Holy Spirituality in Health Care. She resides in Waverly NY and has one son Drason serving in the Air Force.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Lying in bed in the evening and reading poetry to my three dogs that listen intently until I read them to sleep.

If you could come back as a dog or a cat, which one would it be & why?

I would come back as a dog. There is just not one I don’t love and they make so much difference in the lives of so many.

What is your pet’s most treasured possession?

Me! I think because they all were adopted as seniors, experiencing the worst life has to offer, and now because they are loved, adored and cared for, they think I am their hero. If they only knew they rescued me!

Your proudest achievement so far?

Creating a team of caregivers and leadership that understand that animals come first. They are not just compassionate but also have the critical thinking necessary to make Animal Care Sanctuary an exceptional place to work and play!

Who are your heroes in real life?

Jane Goodall – as a role model.

Etty Hillesum – for hope and inspiration even when the worst is about to happen.

My mother – cheerleader, listener, nurturer, always saying “Keep up the fight for what is right!”

All the animal and human caregivers across our globe that do the real work and are often the most overlooked.

Animal Care Sanctuary’s 2nd Annual Mutt Strut to offer canine DNA testing!

Lyn Boyer — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 04:55:06 +0000

The Mutt Strut is Animal Care Sanctuary’s largest fundraiser of the year! It’s a doggone fun day that includes a pledge dog walk and other animal related festivities throughout the day. New this year at the Healthy Pet Station will be canine DNA testing kits for $50. This kit will include all tools necessary to determine the breed of your four-legged friend.

Have you been guessing at the breed of your handsome all American shelter dog? Unravel the mystery of your mixed-breed pup. How often have you been asked: What kind of dog is that? This DNA-based diagnostic test can give you the answer by comparing your dog’s DNA to over 120 of the most popular breeds.

The Canine DNA kit includes items to swab the dogs mouth and mailing instructions. Results will be mailed to owners within 2-3 weeks with a certificate indicating your Dog’s DNA Breed Analysis. This is your proud memento of the make-up of your best friend with results reported in three categories: Primary, Secondary and In the Mix.

Satisfying curiosity and having fun might be what draws you to the test at first, but it’s not the only reason. Trying to overcome breed discrimination? If your dog looks like a “pit bull” get them tested. You may just find that they have no “bully breed” in the mix. They may instead be some Boxer, distant traces of Bernese Mountain Dog, Briard, Dalmation and Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Register today for the 2^nd Annual Mutt Strut to receive your canine DNA test at this discounted rate! Animal Care Sanctuary is still seeking vendors, sponsors, and walking teams. Contact us today! Registration can be completed via our website animalcaresanctuary.org or call for more information 570-596-2200.

Register today for Animal Care Sanctuary’s 2nd Annual

Mutt Strut Dog Walk & Fun Fest!

Canine Manners, Loose Leash Walking and Recall Classes

Lyn Boyer — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:09:37 +0000

Registration You can sign up for our classes online from this page, in person at ACS, or by email to kroberts@animalcaresanctuary.org. The registration process includes filling out a general information form, providing a copy of your dog’s vaccine records, and submitting payment for the class.

Vaccination Records A copy of your dog’s vaccination records for DHPP and rabies appropriate for your dog’s age will be required in advance of the first class. No dog will be allowed in class without these vaccines for your dog’s safety as well as the safety of the ACS dogs and the other dogs in class.

Loose Leash Walking Class

Thursday, May 31, 6:30-7:00pm

$20.00

Don’t enjoy walking your dog because they pull you down the street? This class will show you how to work with your dog to solve this problem!

This is a single-visit class devoted to helping people learn how to teach their dogs to walk on a loose leash.

Recall Class

Saturday, June 2nd, 10:00-10:30am

$20.00

Do you get frustrated because your dog doesn’t come when called? This class will show you how to work with your dog to solve this problem.

Don’t enjoy walking your dog because they pull you down the street? This class will show you how to work with your dog to solve this problem!

This is a single-visit class devoted to helping people learn how to teach their dogs to come when called.

Canine Manners Class

Thursdays, May 31 – June 28

5:30-6:20 pm

- or-

Saturdays, June 2 – June 30

9:00 – 9:50 am

$75.00 ($65.00 for ACS adoptees)

Our Canine Manners Class is open to dogs of all ages and covers sit, down, loose leash walking, stay, coming when called, and much more. At the end of the class session, everyone will be given the opportunity to test for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, which the AKC put into place “to reward dogs who have good manners in the home and in the community. . . . the program stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs.”

The test items for certification can be seen here: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm

What to bring…

Treats and Treat Bag Treats are crucial when it comes to training your dog with positive reinforcement. Bring delicious treats with you to classes. Examples include cheese, chicken, hot dogs, and beef. You will need a lot of treats – more than you think is necessary – and they should be in very small (pea-sized) pieces. Bring a variety of treats as the variety can be essential to maintaining your dog’s attention throughout the duration of a class. A treat pouch is very helpful to carry your treats. Pouches can be purchased at ACS.

Clicker The click is a universal and simple sound that is used as a marker to let the dog know that what they have done is the desired response and that he/she will be rewarded for his/her behavior. Clickers will be provided on the first day of class.

Lead and Collar Arrive with your dog on a flat collar and a lead of approximately six feet in length. Nylon, cloth, and leather leads and flat buckle collars are all acceptable. Retractable leads will be unacceptable due to fact that they promote pulling. If your dog lunges on a lead or pulls excessively, we recommend investing in an Easy Walk or other front-clip harness. We have harnesses available at ACS and can special order for you if we don’t have your dog’s size in stock.

Water Bowl and Clean-up Bags Please bring these items to each class and clean up after your dog anywhere he/she eliminates on the sanctuary grounds.

A Trainer’s Mindset Training your dog takes work and consistency! If your dog lives in a household with people other than yourself, they are welcome to join you in class.

Questions? Please call Kellie at 570-596-2200 x151 with any questions about Animal Care Sanctuary’s dog training classes.

Wellsboro Art Club completes work on ACS wall mural…

Lyn Boyer — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:36:51 +0000

Members of the Wellsboro Art Club have just completed work on a wall mural at the Animal Care Sanctuary’s satellite facility located at 11765 Route 6 in Charleston Township. On behalf of the Wellsboro Art Club, member Wanda Short responded to an invitation on Animal Care Sanctuary’s Facebook page to submit a proposal for a mural to be painted on the walls of the nonprofit 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter located across Route 6 from Weis Markets.
Short sketched the idea for the mural and presented it to Sanctuary representatives.
Once her concept for the mural was approved, she enlisted the help of other Wellsboro Art Club members. She noted, “Club members donated time and materials to do this project.” Over a two-week period, beginning Monday, Jan. 30 and ending around 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, eight Art Club members spent a total of 96 hours painting the mural. “What made designing and doing this mural so challenging is that it is not on one wall but begins in the shelter’s front hallway and continues on the four walls in the office,” Short said. The mural is a series of vignettes. One wall is painted with the silhouette of a tree with leaves that feature the words, kindness, patience, love, commitment and compassion. On the next wall is a toddler on a blanket with a kitten. The next vignette features an older toddler running with a dog alongside. Following that is a boy teaching a dog a trick; two teenagers walking two dogs; and a couple sitting in front of a fireplace with a cat and dog. The last wall features the words, “Every life should have 9 cats…or dogs.” Surrounding the words “9 cats” is a variety of cats in different poses and colors. Near the words “or dogs” are three dogs. “That’s a play on the words ‘cats have nine lives,’” Short noted. The artist also acknowledged that each of the cats represents one of the nine cats she has at home. She has a dog, too. Short explained, “The idea behind the mural is that if young children are taught to love and respect animals they will carry that love for animals throughout their lives.”

Animal Care Sanctuary Executive Director, Joan Smith-Reese states, “It has been fun to watch the walls ‘come alive” with a little more completed each day through the painting process. Even more exciting is watching the faces of visitors as they look at all of the different designs and especially the animals. Thank you Wellsboro Arts Club for all of your time and talent!”

Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine visits Animal Care Sanctuary

Lyn Boyer — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:05:16 +0000

Animal Care Sanctuary has partnered with Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. This partnership began in the fall of 2009 and is representative of Cornell veterinary staff touring Animal Care Sanctuary’s (ACS) facility on an annual basis and offering recommendations for improving the animals’ medical and behavioral programs.

In September 2005 the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell, with support from Maddie’s Fund, launched a Shelter Medicine Program to educate veterinarians and veterinary students in shelter medicine, to provide medical and behavioral outreach to animal shelters and to advance the new discipline through the discovery of new knowledge. This program is elevating the profile of shelter medicine and emphasizing the critical need for medical and behavioral programs in all shelters. With more than 4,500 animal shelters in the United States caring for over 10 million dogs and cats annually the program was an obvious necessity.

The Program Director, Jan Scarlett; Director of Clinical Programs, Elizabeth Berliner, and Program Fellow, Michael Greenburg with five veterinary students arrived at Animal Care Sanctuary and were provided with updates since their last visit. This was followed by a tour of the facilities and then a wrap-up session which included all ACS staff. Dr. Scarlett offered commendations in regard to the improvements that have been made since her first visit in 2009. She is pleased to see the enrichment programs offered to the animals such as communal living arrangements for the cats and Canine Good Citizen training for the dogs. Facility renovations were also noted as improvements which include isolation and quarantine in the cattery and dividing walls and a real life room in the canine care building. While more renovations are needed, they are done as Animal Care Sanctuary can raise the funds.

Animal Care Sanctuary staff also attends the Annual ASPCA/Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Conference which takes place in July. This two day conference is a great opportunity for education on a variety of topics ranging from Shelter animal enrichment and matching programs to Infectious Disease update, testing, and management.

If you would like to contribute to Animal Care Sanctuary’s facility renovation and enrichment programs please donate today. For more information call 570-596-2200, 570-724-3687 or visit our website at animalcaresanctuary.org.

Ashlynn’s Spirit of Giving

Lyn Boyer — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:09:07 +0000

In the spirit of giving and for the love of animals, Ashlynn Vargason of Towanda gives her birthday gifts to the animals of Animal Care Sanctuary. With her sixth birthday fast approaching, Ashlynn Vargason wanted nothing more than to share her love of animals. For her party, Ashlynn wanted to do something different. She had tossed around numerous birthday party ideas. First, she considered a spa party. Then, she thought about a sled riding party but, that idea was short-lived due to the lack of snow we’ve had this year. Finally, Ashlynn’s mom, Kelly Vargason, states that “we were sitting in our living room and the television ad for the ASPCA came on. You know, the one that everyone gets a little teary eyed as they watch it and Sarah McLauglin sings about being an Angel. Well, it hit Ashlynn like a ton of bricks and she turned to me and said, “Mommy I want to help animals get homes.” This idea stuck and Ashlynn decided that instead of her friends bringing a gift for her, she requested that they bring a gift for animals in need at Animal Care Sanctuary (ACS).

Ashlynn celebrated her birthday with 16 friends at the Ulster Recreation Hall. All were having a wonderful time roller skating when a special birthday guest arrived; Hogan, a four year old American Pit Bull Terrier mix who is a family friendly dog available for adoption at Animal Care Sanctuary. Hogan has so much love to share and enjoyed giving a doggy kiss to everyone at the party. The children enjoyed visiting with their special guest, which helped them realize how important their animal gifts were.

Thanks to Ashlynn, an array of items including animal treats, toys, food and more were gathered for the animals at ACS. Hogan and ACS volunteer, Patty Minard, took all of the birthday donations to the Animal Care Sanctuary in East Smithfield to share with the animals.

Ashlynn would like to encourage other children to have a birthday party like hers. This isn’t the fist time Ashlynn has advocated for animals by raising money. Each year when her family has a yard sale she asks family members to make baked items for her. Ashlynn sells the baked goods during the yard sale and donates all the money to animals in need. Ashlynn’s mom says “she melts my heart and to be honest, at 6 years old I don’t think I would have been as quick to give up birthday gifts. I’m very proud of her and love that she’s learned at such a young age that it feels good to help others, especially those in need.”

Animal Care Sanctuary is honored to receive the gifts from Ashlynn! If you would like to donate to ACS or sponsor Hogan contact us at 570-596-2200 or 570-724-3687. You can also visit our website at animalcaresanctuary.org.

Holly’s Wish Comes True

Lyn Boyer — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:28:06 +0000

From the Desk of Santa Claus

Merry Christmas, my name is Holly.
Santa brought me here to play.
He said there would be children here
and I would be happy every day.

I was a lonely shelter pup
In need of a loving home.
Santa heard my Christmas wish
And said “I know where you should go”

He came into the shelter and whistled loudly
Then he said, Now come here pup,
Jump up in my sleigh,
For your Christmas present awaits!

You see, you are my Christmas present.
Santa gave you all to me.
He said he knew just what I need
And picked the best for me

He told me about Johnny and Carly, and then,
He said there were twins who would soon be my friends.
Soraya, and Elijah he said were their names.
And he told me about Pepper, another four-legged friend.

I began to wonder what my new name might be
when Santa bent down and whispered to me,
You’ll have a Holly Jolly Christmas sweet little pup.
And so will your family when they pick you up!

Then Santa said “That’s what we’ll call you, my Christmas surprise!
Holly Jolly Christmas with those dark soulful eyes!

The Waltman-Hildebrandt family of Athens had a wonderful surprise under their Christmas tree on Christmas morning 2011! A puppy named Holly, adopted from Animal Care Sanctuary! Below is the letter from Santa that accompanied this adorable hound.

Make a wish come true in the New Year. Adopt an animal from Animal Care Sanctuary today! Call 570-596-2200, 570-724-3687, or visit our website at animalcaresanctuary.org.