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?

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 Class

Thursday, March 15-April 12

6:00-7:00 pm

$75.00 ($65.00 for ACS adoptees)

–and–

Saturday, March 17-April 14

10:00-11:00 am

$75.00 ($65.00 for ACS adoptees)

Registration Registering online is the easiest way to enroll for an ACS Dog Training Class. If you would prefer to sign up in person, please stop by ACS during regular hours. 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 Record 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 others in class. Records can be attached to your online registration form;  faxed to 570-596-2222 (attention Kellie);  or snail-mailed to Animal Care Sanctuary, Attention: Kellie Roberts, Box A Milan Road, East Smithfield, PA 18817.

Treats and Treat Bag Treats are crucial when it comes to training your dog with positive reinforcement. Bring treats with you to classes. You will need a lot – more than you think is necessary –of very small (pea-sized) treats for class. Also a variety of treats is 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 proper lead of approximately 6 feet in length. Nylon, cloth, and leather leads and flat buckle collars will all be 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 advance of class 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 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.

ACS’s Canine Care offers a Behavior Hotline as part of their training and dog retention program. If you need assistance with problems you are having with your dog, contact us immediately. This service is free of charge and is not limited to dogs who were adopted from ACS. Please get in touch with us as soon as problems surface – don’t wait! Our Behavior Hotline can be reached at 570-596-2200 x118 or by email at behavior@animalcaresanctuary.org.

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!”

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.

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.

There will be three support levels:

1. Gold – A $500.00 initial donations will cover a three year period. At that time, a follow up letter will be sent to the donor to ask for continuation for another three year period.
2. Silver – A $250.00 initial donation will cover a two year period. At that time, a follow up letter will be sent to the donor to ask for continuation for another two year period.
3. Bronze – A $100.00 initial donation will cover a one year period. At that time, a follow up letter will be sent to the donor to ask for continuation for another one year period.

The Canine plaques will be purchased locally and will include the name of the donor or who the plaque may be honoring or in memory of and will be approximately 4” x 10”.  The Feline plaques will be approximately 3” x 8”.

The plaques will be affixed to the wall that you see upon entering the shelter.

We are excited to announce we have our first Gold level donation and hope to have many more in the near future. There are nine kennel runs and 12 cat condos. All of the funds will be to care for the animals that are in the shelter.

If you want any additional information or have any questions please call 570-724-3687 or email info@animalcaresanctuary.org

As one of the largest and most successful sanctuaries in the country, Animal Care Sanctuary is home to nearly 700 animals and is solely kept alive by the generosity of our donors and sponsors.  When in a home environment, the annual cost of owning a dog is approximately $1,300-$1,800 and $1,000 for a cat.  Factoring in the added expense of providing extensive veterinary care, labor costs, exceptional facilities, and specific foods based upon nutritional needs; the amount of money necessary to sustain an animal in a shelter environment is significantly higher.   Many of our senior animals have spent years at ACS; therefore, the financial obligations that we have for these animals tend to be higher as the animals age and require medication or therapeutic tools to manage their aging bodies.

Your support saves lives!  The bond formed through sponsorship is one that keeps you connected.  Upon your sponsorship of one of our adoptable animals, you will receive a picture of your animal, information on his/her background, and updates on their adoptability status.  Think about how much you spend every morning on a cup of coffee. At a minimum of $10.00 a month-a third of what you spend in three days on coffee, you can sponsor an animal!  You will also receive our colorful and informative Animal Care Sanctuary newsletter every quarter.  This is a great way to stay informed and provides our sponsors with a feeling of accomplishment when they provide for an animal in need.

Animal profiles are available via our website, www.animalcaresanctuary.org, under the adoptable animals tab.  You could also inquire, over the phone, about our animals that require extensive behavior modification or veterinary care; these animals would greatly benefit from a special friend to support them.  We offer a one- time donation with a minimum of $50.00 or a monthly donation of $10.00. Your sponsorship donations are tax deductible.  All monies sent to the Animal Care Sanctuary is directly put towards the betterment of our animals and in turn should make you feel better about where your money is being used. To impact the life of an animal is to make an impact on oneself.

Sponsor an animal as a gift or a tribute in honor or memory of a loved one!  Sponsorship donations can be made on our website www.animalcaresancutuary.org or by sending a check.  Please, note the name of the animal in the comment section of your online donation or in the memo of the check.