PAWS TO PONDER

 by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc. 

Did you know that the third Saturday in August is designated as International Homeless Animals Day?  Conceived and first commemorated in 1992 by the Internation Society for Animal Rights, known as ISAR, International Homeless Animals’ Day is a worldwide recognized and observed annual event with observances held in all fifty American states and the District of Columbia, in over 85 countries, and on six continents!  Events are organized to address the plight of homeless animals with activities that enhance awareness, education and promote action in their local communities in an effort to halt the suffering of unwanted companion animals and feral and stray cats and dogs that have been abandoned.  

In the past, our directors and volunteers of our organization held candlelight vigils on Railroad Avenue holding a banner in silence to shed light on pet homelessness in our community and around the world.   This year, it was decided to hold an Open House at the animal shelter where the unwanted, abandoned, and neglected local pets can be seen in person while they wait for the second or sometimes third chance for a lasting home.  Within the last seven days, fifteen cats and six dogs have been admitted to the shelter, most being surrendered pets.  Fifi, a feisty dilute calico 5 month old kitten who was disliked by the senior female cat in the home; Cardi & Milo, 5 year old Chihuahua & Shit Tzu mix became “too much” for their owner; Denali, a handsome long hair black 10 month old cat returned to shelter due to an eviction; a rescued friendly stray with a litter of 4 two week old kittens; Romeo and Nico, an 11 year old and 2  year old male Chihuahuas given up for not getting along with a child in the home;  Princess, a shaggy 8 year old thirty pound terrier mix due to moving in with other family and the list goes on.  It is heartbreaking to receive call after call about giving up a pet for whatever reason.  The shelter is bursting despite being a new building with added space.  We are currently caring for over 200 animals and need our community’s support with monetary donations and donations of daily supplies: paper towels, bleach, Simple Green cleaner, 13- and 33-gallon garbage bags, large wee wee pads, laundry detergent, paper plates, cotton baby blankets, Pate canned cat and kitten food, and Natural Balance canned dog food.  

All are welcome to join us at our Open House to commemorate International Homeless Animal’s Day to be held on Saturday, August 17 from 1 to 4pm.  This event is being hosted by Warwick Town Supervisor Jesse Dwyer and Chester Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge, representing our two Towns with whom we contract for animal care and control services.  Please consider bringing a gift and leave with this thought: “Only if we understand… can we care. Only if we care… will we help them. Only if we help… shall they be saved.” — Jane Goodall

Pets of the Week: