Are You the Foster Unicorn CCHS Is Looking For

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY SEEKS UNICORN FOSTERS

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (January  31, 2022) – The Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) is looking for folks to foster. Specifically, we are looking for what are known as “Unicorn Fosters”, these would be folks that live alone, families with older children, and no pets. A real bonus would be if they have a fenced in yard.  CCHS Director of Human-Animal Support Services, Jennifer Bartkowski said, “We have several dogs who would greatly benefit from the comfort of a home and that one-on-one attention from a foster. By becoming a foster parent, you will experience the love of a dog firsthand and really make a difference in his or her life.”

Jennifer said, “When you decide fostering is the right fit for you, it’s as simple as filling out an application at Chqhumane.org, coming in for a meet with the dog you are interested in fostering to make sure it’s a good match, getting supplies, and heading home. There is no cost to foster as the CCHS covers all food and any medical costs that may come up.”

For more information on fostering, please visit www.chqhumane.org or contact CCHS Director of Human-Animal Support Services, Jennifer Bartkowski, at 716-665-2209 ext. 212 or jbartkwoski@chqhumane.org.

The mission of the Chautauqua County Humane Society is to improve and save lives through compassionate care, advocacy for animals, and commitment to the community.

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COMPANION ANIMAL CAPITAL FUND HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN EXECUTIVE BUDGET

FIRST TIME IN FIVE YEARS, THE COMPANION ANIMAL CAPITAL FUND

HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN EXECUTIVE BUDGET

Statement from Libby Post, Executive Director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation:

“Governor Hochul’s commitment to New York’s homeless companion animals and the network of shelters that care for them was made abundantly clear when she included $5M in her first executive budget for the Companion Animal Companion Fund. Thank you Governor Hochul.

“Federation members from across the state asked the Governor to take act—and she did. The Governor recognizes the important work animal shelters provide to their animals and their communities. We will now work with CACF champions Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Senator Joseph Addabbo to have the legislature include their $5M appropriation to bring the Fund to a total of $10M.”

Chautauqua County Humane Society Executive Director Kellie Roberts said, “We appreciate the support that the Governor has shown toward animals being cared for in shelters through her inclusion of the Companion Animal Capital Fund in her first executive budget. Funding from the CACF is intended to insure that all animals in shelters across New York State are given safe and appropriate housing. At CCHS, we are currently applying for funding from the CACF 2021 grant cycle to help us replace our rooftop HVAC units that are over 20 years old and have well exceeded their life expectancy.”

Facts about the Companion Animal Capital Fund:

·       The Fund has been included in each budget since FY18, except for FY21 (COVID budget) through a legislative appropriation

·       The State has now invested $20M in shelter capital projects

·       Three rounds of funding have been granted to 38 shelters across New York

·       The RFP for FY21 funding cycle is due January 25, 2022

·       The Federation’s annual capital needs survey found there are 34 shelters across the state with capital needs of $217,155,634

·       The CACF is a matching program—shelters must match either 25% or 50% of project cost based on the number of municipalities the shelter serves

·       CACF grants have kick-started multi-million dollar capital campaigns to build new shelters—both Susquehanna SPCA in Cooperstown and the SPCA of Westchester received $500,000 grants which were seen as stamps of approval by their philanthropic communities. Each opened their new shelters in 2021.

·       The Federation’s Education Fund provides low-cost grant writers for Federation members.

Betty White Challenge

Betty White was a friend to countless animals throughout her legendary life, and now that legacy is living on. A new challenge inspired by the late comedic icon is currently sweeping through social media. The “Betty White Challenge” is a virtual event that will be held on Jan. 17 (which would have been the actress’ 100th birthday). The event asks fans to donate $5 to animal rescues or shelters in her name. “The Golden Girls” star was a pioneering animal rights activist who adored the furry ones. She was a devoted animal lover who worked on saving endangered species and fixing conditions at the Los Angeles Zoo. White passed away on Dec. 31 at the age of 99. Matt Bershadker, president of the nonprofit ASPCA, expressed his sadness over her death. He stated, “Betty White demonstrated a lifelong commitment to helping animals in need, including dedicated support for local shelters and animal welfare endeavors, fiercely promoting and protecting animal interests in her entertainment projects and personally adopting many rescued animals.”

Betty White was also a friend to Jamestown's own Lucille Ball who also had a love of working with animals, especially dogs. 

Please know that your $5 donation is going to make a direct impact on the lives of animals relying on the Chautauqua County Humane Society.