Haunting at the Mall makes $1,085 donation to CCHS

CCHS Volunteer Reaches 4,000 Volunteer Hours

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (November 13, 2013) – Chautauqua County Humane Society volunteer, Joyce Shelters, was the recipient of a Presidential Volunteer Lifetime Service Award this past October for her service working at the shelter through the Chautauqua County RSVP. The award came with a letter signed by President Barack Obama and is awarded to individuals serving over 4,000 volunteer hours in their community.  The amount of 4,000 hours represents working two years full time.

“We’re honored to have such a dedicated group of volunteers and supporters here at the shelter,” said Sue Bloom, Volunteer Coordinator for CCHS. “Joyce has always gone above and beyond and we are thrilled that she has been recognized with this honor,” said Bloom. Shelters is a volunteer through the Chautauqua County RSVP program and has been working at CCHS for a little over three years. She was one of only two people to receive this award through Chautauqua County RSVP in 2013.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was established in 2003 to recognize valuable contributions volunteers make across the country on an annual basis. The award was created as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The Chautauqua County RSVP program works in conjunction with the Council to document the service hours for registered volunteers in the community and determine which individuals can receive an award.

“I do this to support the animals,” said Joyce Shelters, volunteer for CCHS. “And I want to help promote the volunteer opportunities available here. We need help now more than ever,” she said. CCHS offers many volunteer opportunities to individuals or groups including dog walking, foster care, animal cleaning, shelter maintenance, thrift store sorting, special events money drives and more.

For more information on the Chautauqua County Humane Society or to learn about available volunteer opportunities, visit www.spcapets.com or call 716-665-2209 ext. 205.

The mission of the Chautauqua County Humane Society is to promote the adoption of animals, prevent all forms of animal cruelty and neglect, shelter lost, abandoned and homeless animals, and to provide education about the humane treatment of animals.

Deadline Approaching for No-Cost Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Clinic

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (November 13, 2013) – In January 2013, a no-cost spay/neuter clinic was opened at the Chautauqua County Humane Society for pit bull and pit bull mix breed dog owners residing in the 14701 zip code.. The year-long program was made possible by a $19,500 grant provided by PetSmart Charities. CCHS officials are encouraging these dog owners to make their appointments before the approaching December deadline.

Pit bull and pit bull mix breed dog owners have until December 15 to schedule their dog for a no-cost spay/neuter service. Appointment times vary at the 2825 Strunk Road location but appointments are generally scheduled on Wednesdays.

“We’re trying to combat our county’s homeless dog problem,” said Sue Bobek, Humane Outreach Coordinator for CCHS. “Pit bulls have become a very popular dog to breed in our area, but they are often left behind soon after,” said Bobek. Unlike the other low-income spay-neuter clinics offered at the shelter, the pit bull and pit bull mix breed clinic does not have an income based requirement. Any legal resident living within the 14701 zip code can apply and schedule an appointment.

Established in 1994, PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. The largest funder of animal-welfare efforts in North America, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $165 million in grants and programs benefiting animal-welfare organizations and has helped save the lives of more than 5 million pets through its in-store adoption program.

“We’re very grateful for the grant PetSmart Charities provided to us so we can offer this service in the community,” said Jeff Lubi, Executive Director for CCHS. “Spay and neuter services are expensive, but our job is to offer them to the community as often as possible. There are no costs associated with this pit bull clinic, but we always welcome donations so that we can provide spay/neuter services to others in the future,” said Lubi. Individuals taking advantage of this program get the spay/neuter service, a microchip and rabies vaccinations if needed.

For more information on the Chautauqua County Humane Society or to schedule an appointment for your pit bull or pit bull mix, visit www.spcapets.com or call 716-665-2209 ext. 205.

The mission of the Chautauqua County Humane Society is to promote the adoption of animals, prevent all forms of animal cruelty and neglect, shelter lost, abandoned and homeless animals, and to provide education about the humane treatment of animals.