5 9 0 N o r t h S t a t e R o a d , B r i a r c l i f f M a n o r , N Y 1 0 5 1 0 Fall 2013

A Day in the Life of HLE What is an “average day” like for the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) Division? Ernest Lungaro, Director of HLE, describes some of the activities that he and colleague Robert Sornani encounter in the course of their work, protecting abandoned and abused companion animals in Westchester County.(Continued on page 3)

Robert Sornani (left) and Ernest Lungaro (right) with Jayda. Photo courtesy of snootydog.com.

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Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe that another summer has come and gone at the SPCA of Westchester. It was wonderful to welcome all the young people to this year’s Camp Critter and watch them learn about the animals we care for, and how they can help us with our important mission. I will miss the vibrant colors of the flowers growing in our gardens, as well as the many wild birds who sang throughout the day and raised their fledglings in our trees. There were plenty of doggie play dates in our fenced-in fields, and who doesn’t love to watch a dog splash around in a kiddie pool to cool off?

But the fall season has its beauty, too: crisp cool days, the changing of the leaves and many fun harvest traditions. Before we know it, it will be time for the SPCA’s Top Hat & Cocktails Gala – our special autumn tradition – and there’s already excitement in the air. I would like to extend an invitation for you to join us on Friday, October 18th at The Ritz Carlton for this festive celebration of everything we love and cherish about companion animals. Top Hat gives us a wonderful chance to thank those who so unselfishly give their time and talent to make a difference in the lives of shelter cats and dogs. It’s our biggest fund- and fun-raiser of the year and I look forward to seeing you and your four-legged friends on that special evening!

Sincerely,

Shannon Laukhuf Executive Director

A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Paw Prints is published quarterly by the SPCA of Westchester, a 501(c)(3) humane organization located at 590 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510. For information, please

contact Robin Meng at 914-941-2896 ext. 19.

SPCA OF WESTCHESTER Hours:Monday thru Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Sunday: 1pm to 4pmwww.spca914.org

Photo courtesy of Liza Margulies, snootydog.com

Report animal cruelty & neglect.914-941-7797SPCA of Westchester’s Confidential Hotline

The SPCA of Westchester is ranked a four-star charity by Charity Navigator.

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A Day in the Life of HLE (continued from page 1)

“There is no typical day in Humane Law Enforcement,” according to Director Lungaro. “Every day seems to be different from the previous day.” It’s not hard to imagine all of the different scenarios that might require HLE’s attention, considering that the Division fields over 2,000 calls a year on the SPCA’s Animal Cruelty Hotline. “You could receive a call in the morning about neglected horses in the northern part of the county, and then have to get to southern Westchester a short time later to respond to a call about abused cats and dogs.”

Although the division has arrest powers in New York State, Lungaro and Sornani spend a good amount of time educating the public about properly caring for pets. “In the summer, we speak to people daily about the dangers of leaving an animal in a car. There are people who do not realize how hot the interior of a car can become, and how it is life-threatening to their pet.” Some people need to be reminded that their pets require clean water, adequate shelter and veterinary attention. “Taking the time to speak with them, and educating them about what it takes to be a responsible pet owner, often helps to avoid a case of animal abuse in the future.”

The HLE Division is often a resource for other organizations in the county. “We have a great relationship with many local police departments who are very helpful. Many times, they will contact us for our expertise. Animal cruelty investigations can be somewhat different than what the police have experienced.” Lungaro has spoken before many groups as part of the SPCA’s community outreach, including the Westchester County Police Academy, and is a member of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Task Force on Animal Cruelty. Along with the SPCA’s Director of Humane Education, Alice Shanahan, he provided 40 presentations to area school children in 2012. “The feeling is that by providing education at an early age, we can teach children about having respect and caring for animals. These lessons then extend to all living things and people.”

While not every case of animal cruelty or neglect is covered by the media, several recent cases have received public attention. In early 2013, a

Yonkers man was charged with animal cruelty by the HLE Division when he threw his girlfriend’s five-week-old kitten out of a third-story window following a dispute. The kitten made a full recovery. Not long after, a Mt. Vernon woman was charged with leaving two puppies and a kitten to starve to death in her unoccupied apartment.

Despite the emotional toll it takes, Lungaro describes the most rewarding part of working in HLE. “One of the best parts of my job is witnessing the teamwork of the SPCA. In the past year, I have watched abused dogs or cats come to the shelter for veterinary treatment and care. One such case was a pit bull puppy named Louie who was near death from starvation. From the moment we brought him to the clinic for emergency care, Rob and I witnessed how all facets of the SPCA works together. Louie was not expected to survive the night. Our veterinarian, Dr. Caulfield took him to her house that evening to continue his care and monitor him. Volunteers and staff got involved and utilized social media and flyers to inform people about Louie’s plight. Money was raised to help with his veterinary expenses. Louie, against all odds, recovered and was adopted. He even attended this year’s Walkathon and was treated like a movie star. The display of teamwork we witnessed is always rewarding to see, especially when the story has a happy ending.”

Your gift to the SPCA of Westchester helps us to continue the important services we provide to Westchester County like Humane Law Enforcement. To make a donation, please visit our website at www.spca914.org or call 914-941-2896 x 19. – Thank you.

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SPCA Adoption Spotlight: S’more,Sherman, Cindy and FoxyPlease take a moment to read about four special companion animals who are staying at the SPCA while they wait for their forever homes. Sometimes it’s easy to pass an animal by with so many adorable cats and dogs to view. We’d like to make sure that you don’t miss out on these extraordinary ones. To see all of our animals for adoption, please visit www.spca914.org. A big thank you to Liza Margulies of snootydog.com for taking these beautiful photos.

SPCA Volunteer Victor Eichorn and S’’More

SPCA Volunteer Diana Gould and Sherman

Foxy

Victor and S’More share a kiss, demonstrating how sweet and affectionate this little female cat is. She and her litter were in foster for awhile until the kittens were old enough to be adopted. Now it’s S’More’s time to find a special someone or a family of her own. Please stop by to visit with this lovely cat and see if you won’t be smitten, too.

Sherman is a darling Staffordshire terrier who came to the SPCA from a local shelter. He is active, loves to play with toys, and greets people and other dogs with great enthusiasm. He’d love to live with a family who has a yard to romp in, and preferably with older children, due to his size and energetic nature. Please watch a video of Sherman on our website under “Adoptable Dogs” as he cools down in a kiddie pool on a hot day!

Cindy is an American Bulldog/American Staffordshire Terrier Mix who has successfully completed a great deal of training to help her prepare for her forever home. A staff and volunteer favorite, we are all anxious to see this once stray dog find an individual or family who will see her beauty and offer her a happy life.

Until someone comes along to take her home, pretty calico Foxy is content to have the attention of SPCA Volunteers like Barbara. Considering her beautiful markings and friendly disposition, we don’t think it will be long until that happens.

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SPCA Volunteer Beth Sohegian and Cindy

SPCA Volunteer Barbara Neubauer and Foxy

Cindy

Sherman

S’More

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With Warmest Thanks….

SPCA Behavior/Enrichment Coordinator, Dorothy Baisly shows off a beautifully crafted bed.

Our thanks, again, to Liz Peterson of Dancing for Animals and the staff and volunteer helpers of Fabric Mart in Yorktown for creating beds and cat toys for the Westchester Humane Society animals that are now at the SPCA.

Our thanks to Sam Levine for using her jewelry making-talents and love of animals to help our cats and dogs. Sam is the owner of Auburn Jewelry, and among her creations are colorful charm pendants. When customers buy a dog bone or fish pendant and at least one other item at the same time, ten percent of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the SPCA of Westchester. To see these delightful pieces, visit auburn-jewelry.com/SPCA.

We were honored that Charlie Frattini, the construction expert on A&E’s Sell This House: Extreme mentioned the SPCA of Westchester in an interview with PETA.org. An avid animal lover and advocate for adopting from shelters, Charlie discussed the two dogs who share his home.“We have two rescued dogs who were adopted from the SPCA of Westchester. One is a male Catahoula leopard dog mix, and the other is a female pit bull mix. They are named Ash and Layla, respectively. I have had purebred Rottweilers in the past, and I can safely say that even with the joy those animals brought me, I find having rescues is a more satisfying experience. Not only is my family making a difference in the world, but I firmly believe these animals “know” they are rescues and they show their appreciation by being loyal members of our family.” Thank you, Charlie, for spreading the message about how special rescue animals are, and for giving two SPCA alums a great life.

We are grateful to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Briarcliff Manor, Croton and Ossining for dedicating their “Share the Plate” collection to the SPCA.

We’d like to offer a big round of applause to SPCA Volunteer Chris Davies who spent many a steamy summer day tending to the flowers and plants at the SPCA. So many colorful varieties graced our shelter from the base of the welcome sign outside the entrance, to the flower beds in front of the Volunteer Cottage, throughout the Memory Garden and near the walkway of the Main Office and Clinic. All received tending to with great love and care by Chris. We thank her for keeping our shelter so cheerful and inviting for all of us and our visitors.

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BOuRBON

Matthew Palo wrote to us of his new best friend, Bourbon, formerly known as Blu. A hound-mix who was rescued from Mississippi and transported to the SPCA, he is pictured here with the family’s dachshund. “Bourbon seems to be settling into his new home and new name very well. So glad we were able to give this wonderful dog a new home, and our little guy, a big brother.”

MASON

Mason, who we knew as Payton, was adopted at our June 8th adoption event. Cute as a button, he is the darling of his new family. “Mason is doing great! I want to thank all of the staff and volunteers at the SPCA that helped out. You all are doing wonderful things!” Thank you, Jonathan Richardson, for giving this guy a forever home.

HAPPY TAILSEvery adoption is a cause for celebration at the SPCA, but here are some extra special tales to tell. We thank our family of adopters for the comfort and love they have provided to such deserving animals and for sharing these heartwarming photos with us.

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BuCk

Ileana Riggio shared this photo of her sweet kitten Buck with us. As she tells it, “We renamed him Tiberius Andrew. He is so sweet and playful!” We love his new name and how much fun he is having at home with Ileana.

MiNk

No, you can’t see Mink’s cute face in this photo, sent to us by SPCA Volunteer Marcie McMahon, but we had to share it just for its adorable factor. While Marcie assured us that Mink cannot open the lid on the hamster habitat, she did tell us that this curious kitten has had her head in the fish bowl and has been eyeing the frog tank! Good luck with this beautiful girl, Marcie, who will no doubt keep you very busy!

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Meet A Good Friend of the SPCA…We love to share stories of good friends who have helped the SPCA to carry out its humane mission, like Nicole Rigger and Pets A Go Go. Pets A Go Go provides its services to pet parents and their furbabies in Westchester and Putnam Counties in New York as well as Fairfield County in Connecticut. They offer in-home pet sitting, private or group dog walking and running, private or group on- or off-leash hikes, as well as expert training and several options for cage-free overnight care.How and why did you open Pets A Go Go? Where would you like your company to be five years from now?I opened Pets A Go Go after my own negative experiences in a traditional kennel. I felt that there must be a better way where furbabies could stay in their own homes or the homes/home-like environment of my staff. To date, we have serviced almost 1,500

clients in the five counties we serve; and we opened our facility in August 2012 to offer a similar experience to more furbabies, a 100% cage-free experience at Sit.Stay.Play. I would love to have a second location opened in the next five years.You have boarded southern puppies for us and appear at our adoption events. How do you feel about your relationship with the SPCA and animal welfare in general?It’s the highlight of our year to help bring these frightened young puppies out of certain death into loving homes in the local area. We do what we can to make their transition smooth and enjoyable, allowing them play time and snuggle time with staff (and my kids!) in between their transport from the south and the adoption event. We have had a wonderful relationship with the SPCA for as long as I can remember. We support several other charities

within the counties we service (Putnam, Fairfield) where the SPCA of Westchester simply doesn’t reach. We’re looking forward to sponsoring our first adoption event or transport soon.Tell us a bit about your family and any fur babies that you have.I am the mom of two sets of human twins! In addition, we have quite the menagerie at home. I am also a mom to two rescue Akitas, Storm and Ice, who were the victims of neglect at a breeder in Fishkill. They are half brothers born on the same day; and at 95 and 115 pounds, they couldn’t be gentler giants. Additionally, we have the pleasure of being the forever home to a rescue male tuxedo cat who is paraplegic. Limbo found us at the shelter now known as Pets Alive! Westchester. Lastly, we recently adopted a mixed breed puppy a few months ago from a SPCA transport.

Pets A Go Go

If you’re interested in the wonderful services Pets A Go Go provides, please visit them at www.clawznpaws.com.

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Don’t Miss the Magic!Help us bring the magic to The Ritz Carlton, White Plains, on Friday, October 18th when we’ll transform the hotel ballroom into an animal lover’s delight as we host our Top Hat & Cocktails Gala. Gather with our good friends and watch the party come alive with terriers in tuxes and goldens in glittering gowns. Your attendance not only brightens the night, but helps to support the programs and services that benefit the shelter animals we love and protect.

Tickets are still available, so grab your family, friends and your pampered pooch and experience a night on the town that you’ll always remember.

For more information on Top Hat sponsorships, silent auction and journal ad opportunities, please contact Lisa Bonanno at lisa@spca914.org.

Kind Kids’ KornerLL Catherine Ranieri and Kayla

Shearer of Katonah Lewisboro Cadette Troop #1043

LL Niki Melnick

LL Ryan Guber

LL Justin D’Agnese

LL Emily Grunes

LL The Children’s Jewish Education Group

LL Declan Woods

LL Natalie Odrion

LL Lane Chazdon’s 4th Grade Glass of Temple Israel’s Religious School Program

LL Ella Barter

LL TJ and Caroline Collins

LL Girl Scout Troop 2719 of Chappaqua

The SPCA has received so many wonderful gifts from young people everywhere! From donations in lieu of birthday presents to collections of goodies for our animals to the proceeds from fundraisers – we’re so grateful for the help of these local heroes. Please join us in thanking:

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LLIn honor of the two dogs she adopted from the SPCA, Munson and Trey, Kelsey Reicht collected all sorts of goodies for our shelter animals at her birthday party.

LLPeter Weld created this wonderful board, now on view in our clinic, detailing how puppies from high-kill shelters are rescued and transported to the SPCA for adoption. The board was part of Peter’s 9th Grade portfolio project at Rippowan Cisqua School in Bedford. Peter’s dog, Madison, is featured in the photos from her beginnings at a southern shelter, to her arrival at the SPCA, to life with him and his family. Thank you, Peter, for such a thorough and outstanding job.

LLOssining Brownie Troop 1606 split the proceeds of their cookie sales with the SPCA. A special thanks to Marcie McMahon, Co-Leader of the troop, who helped to coordinate the project.

LLA shout out to David Levitt, Max Hertz, Sam Thorogood and Nick Sama, who held a bake sale to raise money for our cats and dogs.