“Gracie’s Christmas Tree” To Benefit Humane Society

MILFORD – Books & Prints at Pear Alley located at 220 Broad Street has placed an undecorated Christmas tree inside their book store. During the Christmas shopping season, beginning November 27 through December 31, donations for the Pike County Humane Society will be accepted and placed under “Gracie’s Christmas Tree”.

Books & Prints owners, Barry L. and Hillary J. Anthony, encourage the community to bring unwrapped donations into the book store. Suggested shelter contributions are laundry detergent, bleach, cleaning supplies ( all kinds except furniture polish), paper towels, canned and dry dog/cat food, bedding (old blankets/towels), kitty litter, hand sanitizer and toys. During winter months, cash donations are especially important to help offset heating costs.  Donations will be placed under Gracie’s Christmas tree and an ornament will be hung on the tree indicating donor’s name and donation.  The Anthonys hope is to have a fully decorated tree by the end of the Christmas season and scores of needed donations for the shelter.

“Gracie’s Christmas Tree” is named in honor of their adopted shelter dog, Grace. The Anthonys adopted Grace, a black standard poodle, during an off-site pet adoption held by the Pike County Humane Society. Hillary says, “Grace is such a wonderful pet; she is the perfect addition to our family. We are so grateful to the shelter and wanted to give something back.”

Gracie’s story with the Anthony’s began on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in June 2009.  During the Milford Music Festival, the Pike County Humane Society held a pet adoption that involved volunteers walking dogs among the festival goers and along the business district. The dogs wore little t-shirts that said “Adopt Me.” Hillary recalled thinking “how cute” as she watched them parade up and down Broad Street.

“One dog caught my eye – a black standard poodle,” she said. “I kept waiting for them to walk by but never got the chance to leave the store to go out to see the dog.  At breakfast Sunday morning, I told Barry about seeing the dog and wishing I had a closer look. His initial comment – ‘We don’t want another dog’ – made me sigh in resignation. Perhaps it had been for the best that the dog didn’t come to our shop.”

We arrived at Books & Prints Sunday morning to prepare for the second day of the festival.  I was in the back rooms preparing to open when Barry called me to come to the front counter.

What a surprise. The shelter volunteers stopped in to thank us for donations we have given in the past and guess who was with them? The black standard poodle. “Diva” was her name, and she went right to Barry, nuzzled into his lap, kissed his face and just loved him. We talked to the volunteers for nearly half and hour about her history and story.

Diva had come from a puppy mill, one of the largest in Pennsylvania. It has since been shut down. Diva was a breeding mother, between about two or three years old, and was terribly underweight due in part to just having puppies.  She had such a cute face, with beautiful engaging eyes, and was so gentle and loving.

Now it has been six months since Diva – now named Grace – came to us.  She weighs nearly 60 pounds, has a beautiful soft coat, and still, the tenderest eyes I have ever seen. It has been an adjustment for us all, especially for Molly since she was ‘only pebble on the beach’ for all of her life!   (As most of our customers know, we have a white standard poodle, “Molly,” who is 11 years old and is a fixture in both of our books stores in Milford and Honesdale).  Molly looks after Grace, scolds her when she needs it and seems to encourage her when she is timid.  The biggest hurdle we have faced with Gracie has been trust. Grace can still be extremely shy around strangers; while she thinks she wants to say hello, she still just isn’t quite sure.  But, more and more often, she follows Molly’s lead and most time joins the book store staff, already under the direction of Molly, president of Dog Affairs.  Grace is happiest when she is serving as Molly’s administrative assistant.

For more information, call (570) 296-4777. For more information about the Pike County Human Society Shelter, please call (570) 296-7654.

Pa. A.G. And Humane Society Crack Down On Dog Fights

PHILADELPHIA – A reward program offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in illegal dog and animal fighting has been announced by the Attorney General’s Office and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

Pa. Attorney General Tom Corbett said that the program being offered is specifically designed to lead to valuable dog-fighting tips and arrests in Pennsylvania.

“Pennsylvania is not, and has never been immune to dog-fighting,” Corbett said. “It is a cruel and violent crime that impacts hundreds of thousands of animals every year, and despite the increased awareness, it continues to be on the rise across the country.”

In 2008, the Pennsylvania SPCA received more than 245 dog-fighting complaints. From January 2009 through June 2009 they received more than 400 complaints about dog fighting, with an average of more than 60 a month.

According to the HSUS, more than 40,000 people are involved in organized dog-fighting nationwide, and almost as many are involved in organized cockfighting.

“Animal fighters are criminals who force animals to mutilate each other for their own sick sense of entertainment,” said Sarah Speed Pennsylvania State Director for The HSUS. “The Humane Society of the United States is grateful to Attorney General Corbett for his support and dedication to cracking down on these criminals.”

“The reality of dog-fighting goes far beyond a single brutal match between two dogs,” Corbett said. “It is a blood-sport that promotes crime, not only cruelty to animals, but also violence against people.”

Animal fighting is closely associated with drug dealing, illegal gambling, gangs, guns and other violent crimes.

Corbett said that children are often present at dog-fighting matches and exposing them to this type of violence is just one of the many dangers associated with the subculture of animal fighting. Extensive research shows that people who abuse animals are more likely to abuse people.

“Young minds that are exposed to a culture of violence against animals often become desensitized to the cruel and vicious acts,” Corbett said. “Our job as law enforcement is to rid our cities and suburbs of this horrific crime and ensure that our children are not exposed to the brutality of animal fighting.”

The reward program has been implemented other states across the country over the past two years resulting in more than 50 rewards totaling nearly $160,000 paid to tipsters who reported animal fighting.

Corbett said that Pennsylvania ranks ninth among U.S. states for the toughest dog-fighting laws. Animal fighting is a third degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Individuals with information about animal fighting are encouraged to call their local law enforcement authorities or the HSUS at 877-TIP-HSUS. Financial rewards will be provided by The HSUS once it is confirmed that the information provided to law enforcement led to an arrest and conviction.

The HSUS reward program has been made possible through a grant by the Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation.

Tricky Tray To Benefit Humane Society

A tricky tray will be held with doors open at 11:30 a.m., calling at 2 p.m. on November 14 at Anna S. Kuhl gymnasium, Route 209, Port Jervis. There will be more than 200 trays packed with gifts for all ages, plus over 60 gift certificates, two Mongoose bicycles, door prizes, 50-50 drawing, a cash bonnet and the very popular Christmas lottery trees. Free admission. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Port Jervis-Deerpark’s work to help the area’s homeless animals. Call Doretta at (570) 856-4748.

Sunday Farmers Market Helps the Humane Society

(Photo by Sherry Mohan)

PORT JERVIS – The second Sunday Farmers Market to benefit the Deerpark-Port Jervis Humane Society took place on July 26 on the shelter grounds. Even with overcast skies the public came to check out the vendors. Shown here, locally-made Buck’s Best maple syrup is offered for sale by Cuddebackville resident Tim Coalla and fiancée Amanda Lamb. Patrons sampled the syrup atop a piece of a freshy made pancakes. Panzarella foods offered its gourmet foods, artisan breads and fresh mozzarella cheese.  The shelter bake sale was very busy with homemade pies, cupcakes and cookies; a produce stand with fresh veggies from Morgiewicz Produce in Pine Island featured freshly dug black dirt potatoes and onions along with lettuce, beets and carrots. Garden Creations had fresh herbs, farm-fresh eggs and fresh sweet corn and was sold out before 1 p.m.  There will be even more corn and veggies on the next two Sundays, Aug. 1 and 8, so come and enjoy and get to meet a few shelter animals at the same time. New vendors are appearing each week.

Pike County Humane Society News

Looking for Homes

KITTEN: Totally vetted and ready for a new home since her family moved and left her behind, this 6 month old DSH wraps her loving, friendly, and very outgoing personality in a cuddle-me soft and silky, gray and white coat. Take a little time to get to know her and you’ll find a great family kitty happy to share your home.

FOREST: A one-year-old domestic long hair gray and black tabby, Forest could take the Humane Society award for most playful and friendly. Happy, healthy and totally vetted, he’s ready to go – so you can take this little guy home for a donation, and enjoy all the love of a snuggle-buddy playmate that gets along great with other cats.

MINNIE: Look at this little sweetie’s face and big, bright yellow eyes you’ll know that 6 year old Minnie is a friendly DSH black white and orange calico who would love to share her affectionate playful nature with everyone in your home. Come give her a hug, make a donation and take her home and you’ll see for yourself what a nice girl she is.

CASSIE BUTTERCUP: Talkative, sweet, outgoing and friendly, 7 year old Cassie Buttercup loves people company, coming up to visitors for laptop cuddles and pets. As a spayed domestic short hair gal, she has all her shots – and would be really happy to move into her own loving home to share affectionate and playful times with a people family she could call her own.

To see these “adoptables”, as well as some of the other adorable pets waiting at the Pike County Humane Society (PCHS) — visit the PCHS website at www.pikecountyhumanesociety.petfinder.com, or the shelter on Lee Road in Shohola, PA. Directions and hours are on the website or available by calling 570-296-7654.

Looking for a Home…

PETS OF THE WEEK

The Humane Society of Deerpark/Port Jervis

Tom is a hound mix male, about one year old who came to the shelter with Penelope. They are probably sister and brother. Tom is the darker in color and is a little more outgoing. He knows the commands for “sit” and “shake” and possibly more. He is in great condition, has a great disposition and will make a wonderful companion.

Penelope, a female hound mix, came to the shelter with Tom. They were found hanging out together and are most likely brother and sister. She is lighter in color than Tom and a little more reserved but very good natured. Penelope knows the commands for “sit” and “shake.” She will be spayed before going to a new home and is about one year old.

Patches is a female one-year-old calico cat. She is housebroken and very sweet natured. Her coloring is calico with white on her face and neck. Her nose is black. Patches has green eyes and spent three months in a neighborhood before coming to the shelter. She is using the litter box in her cage and will be spayed before going to a new home.

If you are interested in adopting a pet, please call or visit the Humane Society of Deerpark/Port Jervis at 202 Route 209 North during the following hours: Tues- Sat. 10 a.m- 4:30 p.m. or Sun. 1- 3 p.m. The shelter is closed every Monday. You can call to check what animals are available at 845-856-3677 or visit www.pjhs.petfinder.com. For our shelter events and more information about the shelter or adopting a pet visit www.pjhumane.org. Please check out the cool videos at the petfinder site. See the animals in action!

Looking for a Home…

PETS OF THE WEEK

The Humane Society of Deerpark/Port Jervis

Mark is a neutered male Shiba Inu who came to the shelter as a stray. He’s about 4 years old with a coat that is an orange/brown color. His tail curls up and he has white on his paws and under his chin. He looks like a fox. He is friendly but shy and would rather be petted than play with toys. He is quiet at the shelter.

 

Sarah is a pretty dilute calico female, about 3 years old. She came to the shelter with her five kittens. She is a good mother but getting tired of being cooped up in a small cage with all her very playful babies. Sarah will be spayed before going to a new home.

 

Luke is an orange tabby-and-white male cat, about 8 weeks old. He was given up because the owners didn't have their cat spayed and they now have too many to take care of. Luke doesn't stop purring and is a real sweetheart.

 

If you are interested in adopting a pet, please call or visit the Humane Society of Deerpark/Port Jervis at 202 Route 209 North during the following hours: Tues- Sat. 10 a.m- 4:30 p.m. or Sun. 1- 3 p.m. The shelter is closed every Monday. You can call to check what animals are available at 845-856-3677 or visit www.pjhs.petfinder.com. For our shelter events and more information about the shelter or adopting a pet visit www.pjhumane.org. Please check out the cool videos at the petfinder site. See the animals in action!

Looking for Homes

SHOHOLA -  Our pets need you! To see these “adoptables”, as well as some of the other adorable dogs, cats, bunnies, ferrets and guinea pigs waiting at the Pike County Humane Society (PCHS) to find a new home  — visit the PCHS website at www.pikecountyhumanesociety.petfinder.com, or the shelter on Lee Road in Shohola, PA.

Directions and hours are on the website or available by calling 570-296-7654.

TAZ: A 10-pound Chihuahua-Pom mix, Taz is a two-year-old little guy who loves to play with kids, jump around, take walks

FLASH: The perfect pet? Yes! This 3 year old chocolate-brown standard poodle is a very sweet and affectionate girl who

CALLIE: A good-lookin’ sweetheart taken from a boxer rescue who rescued her from a breeder who had her debarked, Callie deserves a better way of life in a boxer-loving adult home where she can enjoy TLC and fun car rides. Best suited to a home with no small children or cats, she is crate trained and housebroken and would respond well to a gentle playful environment, kind attention and some good old-fashioned love.SAMMY: Believed to be about 4, Samantha has a big name for an adorable little 12-pound Jack Russell mix pooch who arrived as a stray infested with fleas. Shaved back and given the cure, she is now healthy, peppy and ready to start a new life -- to share her playful and affectionate personality in a loving new home. She likes to be held and cuddled and to romp around the yard. Give her a chance to win over your heart and you’ll have a terrific little playmate and companion. Come and see her for yourself!

SAMMY: Believed to be about 4, Samantha has a big name for an adorable little 12-pound Jack Russell mix pooch who arrived as a stray infested with fleas. Shaved back and given the cure, she is now healthy, peppy and ready to start a new life -- to share her playful and affectionate personality in a loving new home. She likes to be held and cuddled and to romp around the yard. Give her a chance to win over your heart and you’ll have a terrific little playmate and companion. Come and see her for yourself!

Pets of the Week – The Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark

Looking for a Home…

Banjo is a good-natured beagle/pit bull terrier male. He is about 9 months old. Banjo’s owner moved and left him with the neighbors to find a home for him. Banjo is brown in color with white on the tips of his back paws and a little white on his chest. He is strong on the leash but a very friendly fellow.

Precious is a white and black 6 year old spayed female cat. She came in the shelter with two other cats, Ben and L’il Buffy, because their owner passed away. Precious has a lot of white on her body with some black markings. Her tail is dark. She has a black nose and black on the top of her head. Her eyes are green. Precious is housebroken and calm.

Phanta is at the shelter because her owner passed away and the family can’t afford to keep her. She is a Sheltie/Dalmatian-mix spayed female, nine years old. Phanta liked to sleep on her mat on the floor or on the couch. Squeak toys are her favorites. She know the commands for ’sit,’ ‘lay down,’ ’speak,’ ‘talk’ (growling), and ’sneeze’. They said she is ok with kids but is protective of her food at times. She is black and white with black freckles in her white fur and a white flag on her tail. Her cute face is half black and half white with freckles. This dog will make a great already trained companion so please consider her for adoption. Don’t let her age scare you. She still has spunk.

If you are interested in adopting a pet, please call or visit the Humane Society of Deerpark/Port Jervis at 202 Route 209 North during the following hours: Tues- Sat. 10 a.m- 4:30 p.m. or Sun. 1- 3 p.m. The shelter is closed every Monday. You can call to check what animals are available at 845-856-3677 or visit www.pjhs.petfinder.com. For our shelter events and more information about the shelter or adopting a pet visit www.pjhumane.org. Please check out the cool videos at the petfinder site. See the animals in action!