Heaven Can Wait - Angel's Fund

Over the past several years, the Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) has repeatedly sought to advance its level of medical care - so much so that it has allowed us to achieve a 99% save rate.

We dedicate our jobs and our lives to providing the best care possible to all animals that enter CCHS - even if we aren't quite sure of what the possible outcome may be. 

Back in July, a call was made to one of our employees regarding a litter of kittens that were underneath the steps of a condemned home. After waiting a little while, a mama cat showed up and 4 kittens were pulled out. One more was tucked away, laying down, and not able to use her hind legs. We introduce to you, Angel, who we have deemed our gift from up above. 

The kittens, and especially Angel, needed immediate care. In the midst of kitten season, the shelter was full and no space was available for a mama and 5 kittens. So one of our staff members stepped in and became an immediate foster. 

Angel was brought in for an evaluation by one of the vets at CCHS, where they recommended just giving her time to heal and that it was most likely a broken leg. Being a kitten, Angel loves to play, even if she really can't. So her foster would help her and would exercise her legs trying to make them stronger. After a week or so of no success, Angel was brought to a vet hospital for a more detailed exam and XRAY where they determined she in fact had a broken leg but that it was just about fully healed. There was just one spot on the XRAY that was a little concerning. 

With a fully healed bone, Angel is still not capable of standing on her back legs. She has now lost her ability to excrete her bladder on her own. What she has not lost, is her will to live and play like a kitten. While the odds may be against her, she is one happy and playful kitten. 

After much consultation, it has been determined that it was more than just a broken leg and most likely something neurological. We are aware that more advanced medical attention than what veterinarians can provide locally, is needed. A call was made to Cornell University, upon which they scheduled an appointment with Angel for September 27. After talking, we determined that waiting that long is not an option. Thus we have scheduled an appointment 5 hours away in Michigan for this upcoming Friday. 

Now anyone knows that veterinarian costs can be extreme and caring for roughly 2,000 animals a year here at CCHS, our medical costs can add up. For just the MRI that is needed, it will cost roughly $2,000. The care after that, we have no idea. We know that for some this may all sound absurd. But to that we say, come down to 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY and spend just 5 minutes with Angel, you'll understand. 

While the costs seem high for our shelter, collectively we have faith in believing we can help her on her journey. This special kitten’s case strengthens our ability to better care for animals with more disheartening conditions and signifies our belief that Heaven Can Wait. 

A penny can make a difference, we have learned that. Your support has taken us this far and we are so thankful for that. Please, help us fund Angel's journey, wherever it may take us.

Update  8/24/16

Just an update... the MRI that was done showed a cyst on Angel's vertebrae, which is why the doctor proceeded with a spinal tap. The results from the spinal tap are in but didn't get in until late this afternoon, and the doctor had left for the day. We are scheduled for a consultation via phone with him tomorrow. We should know more then. For the time being, Angel has been placed on steroids and has been doing physical therapy three times a day here with some of our dedicated staff and volunteers! She is so happy and lovable, hard to believe that she has any problems! 

Again, thank you all for your unwavering support. We can't believe how successful this campaign is. We are so lucky to live in such a dedicated, animal loving community

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Update 8/30/16

We received the blood work results from the veterinarians office and they determined that there was no indication of any blood infection, thus concluding that Angel's condition was most likely congenital. Angel was on a steroid for two weeks and we saw very little improvement, meaning that the chance of her ever improving is very poor.

However, that does not mean we are giving up on her, because we AREN'T. Angel is in no pain and is not suffering at all, she could truly live out a great life. We believe that there is the right person out there that is looking for a special cat, like Angel. 

So at this point, we are creating a life plan for Angel which will include a medical care plan from here on out as well as strategies for adoption, that will give her the best fur-ever home possible. Heaven is just going to have to wait.

Again, thank you for all of your support. The staff and volunteers here at CCHS are so amazed at the support we have received for our beloved, Angel. We will keep you posted as we move forward. THANK YOU!

Update 3/7/17

Our Angel baby has a big day tomorrow as she travels back to Michigan to be reevaluated now that she is over 6 months. They are looking to find out whether or not she is a good candidate for surgery. The best case scenario would be that the surgery would repair mobility in Angel's hind legs. Think positive thoughts for our "Angel."

Update 3/9/17

Pet Photo Contest Raises over $10K

THE CCHS 2017 HOT DOGS COOL CATS PET PHOTO CONTEST

RAISES OVER $10K

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (February 6, 2017) – The Chautauqua County Humane Society released their final totals for the 2017 Hot Dogs Cools Cats Pet Photo Contest, sponsored by Media One Group and Happy Hounds Hotel & Day Spa. The entrants helped CCHS reach their goal and raised $10,455 dollars for the animals at CCHS.

CCHS is proud to announce the 2017 CCHS Pet of the Year is Joella, whose owner is Deanna Cordosi. In a close second was Nacchan, pet of Aki Davis, third was Oreo, pet of Karen Bradigan, and fourth was Layla, pet of Dara Wilson.

“This contest is the true epitome of how great our community is,” said Hannah Raynor, Community Relations Director for CCHS. “The participants really do all of the fundraising on their own, and they do an amazing job at it.”

Individuals from the community were encouraged to upload a photo and story of their favorite pet for online visitors to vote on. The 23 pets with the most votes will appear on 2 cards in a deck of playing cards, with the top 4 vote-getters appearing on a face card (all 4 suits) of their choice. All 23 winners will receive (1) deck of playing cards. The cards will be available at a later date and all participants will be notified when they are available.

“We tried something new this year with the pet photo contest and we believe our community really took a liking to it,” said Raynor. “We are excited to release our first ever deck of playing cards.” 

To learn more about the HDCC Pet Photo Contest or other CCHS events, please visit spcapets.com.

The mission of the Chautauqua County Humane Society is to provide temporary shelter and rehabilitation for homeless animals for the purpose of finding permanent new homes. CCHS supports healthy pet initiatives through community involvement, humane education and animal care for people in need. 

Pennies 4 Paws Campaign to Begin February 12

PENNIES 4 PAWS CAMPAIGN TO KICKOFF IN FEBRUARY

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (January , 2017) – The Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) is excited to announce the twelfth annual Pennies 4 Paws campaign will begin February 12 and will run through the end of April. This year’s campaign will benefit the animals at CCHS significantly by providing essential care and rehabilitation to animals in need of help.

In 2016, CCHS took in 1,644 animals that were in need of something. Whether it be food, medical needs, training supplies, or a little bit of love, CCHS bears the financial burden that arises from the cost of these services.

On average, it costs CCHS $600 a week to feed the animals that are at the shelter and in foster care. It costs CCHS $60 to spay/neuter an average size animal.

“Everyone knows the cost of owning a pet can add up, just imagine how much it costs CCHS to care for over 120 animals on any given day,” said Hannah Raynor, CCHS Community Relations Director. “From the cost of food and medical care to the cost of paying those that care for these animals, the financial loads can be overwhelming.”

The Pennies 4 Paws campaign hopes to collect 21 million pennies, or $21,000, by the end of the campaign. Sponsored by Media One Group, CCHS encourages schools, social organizations, individuals and businesses to fundraise in a variety of ways, including bake sales, school hat days, dress down days, pop bottle/can drives and other special events. Collection containers are also available if they are needed by any fundraising group. Although pennies are the most common, CCHS accepts any and all monetary donations.

For more information on the Pennies 4 Paws campaign, or to get involved, please visit www.spcapets.com or contact Community Relations Director, Hannah Raynor, at 716-665-2209 ext. 213 or hbraun@spcapets.com.

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.

CCHS CALLED TO ASSIST ASPCA IN CAT REHOMING

CCHS CALLED TO ASSIST ASPCA IN CAT REHOMING

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (March 2, 2017) – The Chautauqua County Humane Society is seeking the public’s help in rehoming barn cats from an ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) temporary shelter in New York City. Agencies all across the United States, including CCHS, are taking part in a massive operation to care for and rehome hundreds of cats that were believed to have been exposed to the avian flu virus, H7N2.

In early January, more than 450 cats were transported to the ASPCA temporary shelter through the ACC (Animal Care Centers of NYC). The cats have been quarantined at the facility ever since and have all recently been deemed healthy and are no longer contagious. The ASPCA recently reached out to CCHS to see if they would be willing to take in a number of these cats, a majority being feral barn cats. CCHS agreed to do so under the condition that individuals would need to commit to adopting the barn cats before they would be transferred to CCHS.

Barn cats are feral (semi-wild) and typically live on farms or in warehouses, stables, or other suitable outdoor locations. When owning a barn cat, the owner’s only responsibilities are to provide daily food/water and protection from the elements. Long-term vet care should also be considered. Experts suggest a short period of confinement so that the cats can adjust and accept your barn as their new home.

There are many benefits to adopting one of these barn cat(s), including the following:

• Barn cats keep rodents and other unwanted pests out of your barn and property. They also protect your feed and other grains.
• The cats are already spayed/neutered and vaccinated and were given proper veterinary care.
• To put it simply, you are saving a life! Feral cats are not suitable as companions in a family home therefore we need to find alternative placement for them, such as barns and warehouses.
• There are no costs associated with adopting barn cats.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in adopting a barn cat(s), please contact Sue Bobek at 716.665.2209 ext. 212 or sbobek@spcapets.com as soon as possible.  

It should be noted that while CCHS assists the ASPCA in cases such as these, CCHS is not financially supported by the ASPCA in any way. CCHS is a local, non-profit organization that is not affiliated with or funded by any level of government nor by any national groups such as the ASPCA.

For more information on the Chautauqua County Humane Society, connect with CCHS on Facebook or visit spcapets.com.

The mission of the Chautauqua County Humane Society is to provide temporary shelter and rehabilitation for homeless animals for the purpose of finding permanent new homes. CCHS supports healthy pet initiatives through community involvement, humane education and animal care for people in need. 

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