I'm Riley and I'm sweet. Here are just some of my many attributes: good with other dogs; good with children; good on a leash; crate trained; loves walks; and loves hanging out outdoors.

That's a pretty dang good report card, wouldn't ya say? I can be a bit nervous about my surroundings at first, but I warm up to people quickly and then get along famously.

I'm an adult, neutered male and a hound mix. Find me in Kennel 15.

My name is Kestrel and my fur is softer than even feathers (maybe even a chinchilla)! I am another of those sweet girls who lived outside in the cold world and can truly appreciate the warmth of a nice home. 

I love to be stroked or brushed, and once I get to know you, I'll roll onto my back and let you scratch my belly and under my "wings" where I love it the most! I like other cats so I don't mind sharing your home. I can seem shy with people at first, but I always come around. I am just a lovely girl if you have patience, give me time and a quiet place to settle into. I am about 6 months old and am in Cage 65.

Note: Kestrel is diagnosed with mild gingivitis which may at some time actually clear up, possibly secondary to a calicivirus in her youth. As long as the gingivitis remains, it's important to keep the gums and teeth as healthy as possible. It is suggested that a daily dental care product such as chlorhexidene or zinc-based oral cleanser be used. Many can be purchased without a prescription online, at the veterinarian's office or a pet supply store. 

This trio is like the Three Musketeers, one for all and all for one. So after much internal debate, I've decided on this threesome as Pet of the Week. I can do that if I want to, because I'm the boss of my column.

Meet Charle, the shih tzu, Toby, a peek-a-poo and Queenie the cat. They all get along smashingly and go bonkers with delight whenever their mom gets home from work or from a five-minute jaunt to the post office or, well, from anywhere.

As mom tells it, they spin around in circles with excitement. Charle grabs a toy and runs around the house in frenetic joy. Toby spins and barks, barks and spins, his way of saying "Yes! I haven't been abandoned after all!" and Queenie rubs against her leg and purrs -- I'm not making this up -- "uncontrollably."

The dogs wag their tails during these momentous meetings and they do so with such enthusiasm that their entire bodies shake, too.

When it comes to TV watching, they all manage to somehow fit on mom's lap, or try to as best they can, and enjoy the programs with her. And they crowd around her as she sleeps. They follow her around wherever she goes.

"They are absolutely faithful," said mom, Joanne Qamoos, of Oakfield, "and show their love for me in too many ways to enumerate. They bring a special joy to my life, therefore I could not pick just one to submit for Pet of the Week."

Well, Joanne, based on all this, I can certainly understand why. I was won over as well, hence my unique decision. But they still only get one gift certificate worth $10. Them's the rules!

Send me your Pet of the Week submission -- the story of your pet and a picture -- to pets *at* thebatavian dt com.

Hi, I'm Lee -- look at me! What funny ears I have, what piercing blue eyes I have -- and see how eager I seem to frolic and pal.

I'm an adult, male Siberian Husky mix who is good with other dogs and seemly on a leash. For inexcusable and unfathomable reasons, my pack abandoned me and another dog, too.

We were left in an apartment with nothing or no one to care for us. As a result, I'm a little on the thin side and could use some beefy stew or other vittles to help me get back to a healthy weight.

People say I'm nice, I'm playful and I love romping around with other dogs in the backyard, all so true. Come and shake a paw, Kennel 37.

My name is Einstein. Yea, I'm a cat and I'm Einstein. If that ain't a hoot and holler. Don't even start with the 3-equals-m-c-squared jokes. Been there, heard that.

Let me tell you one reason I am special. Ask yourself, have you ever seen a cat with short hair yet a big fluffy tail? Isn't that hilarious! I'm a "tiger and white," young, neutured male.

I am affectionate because I paw at you to give me affection and then I let you give me affection, that's how affectionate I am. Let's explore the universe together. I'm not as smart as the real Einstein, but I am pretty smart for a cat. Check out Cage 87.

P.S.: Both Phoebe (the pit-bull terrier) and Gypsy (the one-eyed malnourished kitten) were scooped up last week and sent to loving homes. The animals lovers all say Thanks! 

The good thing about Oliver is, he's not uptight. I mean this cat likes to hang loose and enjoy the simple comforts of home -- like napping while draped over the balustrade.

Let's face it. This guy's not into guarding or even being lucid. He's all about the just being here now and seizing the food when he wants it later. Oh yeah, and the clean box is always a plus.

So goes the day-to-day life of Oliver, this week's Pet of the Week. I chose him because he is charming in his sloth. He is adorable in his indifference to life in the modern world.

Oliver is a cat after my own heart. I admire his Zen-fulness, his seemingly pulseless existance. He enjoys himself without a lot of fancy-pants play toys and catnip seducers. Oliver is IT, more than 70 years after Clara Bow, albeit in a manly little world all his own.

To submit your pet to Pet of the Week (gold fish welcome, too), send your pet's story and picture to pets-at-thebatavian.com.

I'm Phoebe, a fine-looking, female pit-bull terrier. Although I was found as a stray, I am good on a leash and good in the car.

All my newfound friends here say I'm sooo fun and playful. Just look at my perky ears and how healthy I am! I like to show you affection and give hugs by wrapping my front legs around your neck. But what sets me apart from many of my peers, is my super-duper sweetness -- something I hear a lot. Love it! I'm in Kennel 24. Hugs and kisses, kisses.

I need your love! Now. I somehow wound up here, very "malnourished," which is to say I was starving. On top of that, I had a badly infected eye. I'm coming along, though. I'm not starving anymore. My eye has healed but I am blind in my right eye.

I'm a little tiny tiger and they've named me Gypsy. I need a loving family who will give me some extra TLC so I can grow up to be a strong, beautiful companion. I'll be looking for you, with my good eye, in Cage 60.

I'm in love, I think. At the very least, this bella belle has caught my attention and, quite possibly, bewitched me in the process. I have named her Pet of the Week. I am her minion; she's my heart's delight, at least tonight. I am a dog, ya know.

She says: "My name is Savanna. I am an Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix. I am a very smart dog, I have my owners well trained. After my morning run I take my Kong toy out to the kitchen and it gets filled with peanut butter. When I am hungry, I nudge my food bag with my nose and I get fed.

"I am a ball of energy, and the Queen of the House. In exchange for spoiling me, I give my people lots of love and attention. I protect them and our home by letting them know anytime anyone comes anywhere near our house. I am a very good watchdog."

Happy Halloween!

From Pachuco,

AKA, Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered

This winsome lass is a real winner. Her name is Winnie and she's an adult, spayed beagle. She is said to be good on a leash and good with other dogs.

Her temporary caretakers say: "Winnie loves people, other dogs and being outside. She also thinks she's a lap dog -- so watch out! This girl has quite a nose -- she loves sniffing, and barking at whatever she's sniffing."

Adorable! She's in Kennel 20.

Here are Scotty and Davey, black, beautiful and quite the dapper duo.

Their mom was sick after having them, so they had to be hand fed. They were oh-so-lucky to have a great foster family to take such wonderful care of them. They are now both neutered. Ask about them at the Desk.

Volunteers For Animals
P.O. Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main St. Road
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday through Friday: 1 to 3 p.m. (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday: 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 

I'm speechless, almost. Who can resist a fowl like this, and decked out in baseball duds no less. I say "rah-rah-sis-boom-bah" for this fair-feathered femme. Thus, she's Pet of the Week.

Emma is a chicken. She is a Belgian Bearded d'Uccle Bantam. We currently have 10 d'Uccles. 

Six of them are chicks ranging from the age of  20-days to 13-days old. The adult hens that we have are two-and-a-half years old, and I am unsure of the age of the new rooster that we obtained. I think he's 4 or 5 years old.

Emma won Best of Show at the Genesee County Fair this year along with many other awards. She also won Best d'Uccle at the Poultry Show at the Genesee Country Museum's Agricultural Fair as well.

I have taken her to area preschools and the Byron-Bergen Public Library for visits. And just this past April, she went to the Batavia Nursing home with 4-H (along with some rabbits, a guinea pig and another chicken).

Emma is very friendly and inquisitive. Just this weekend, my husband was getting the boat trailer ready, to go get our boat from the marina, and Emma was right there with him watching him work on the lights!

Here is a picture of Emma last year at Halloween. She dressed up as a baseball player! She was so funny. We called her "Derek Tweeter."

Susan Brownell

Mandy's just dandy, so she's Pet of the Week. She looks noble and proud, and she has a great reputation. Here's a little bit about her, from totally biased sources, her folks -- Alyssa Pike and David Smith:

"Mandy is a great dog. She loves playing with her two best friends, Max and Heidi (2 mini wiener dogs). She is great around kids and loves to go for walks. Her favorite toy is a rock the size of a soccer ball that she moves around the backyard.

She loves to visit her grandparents and her great-grandparents. She truly is a loved member of our family. Even though American Staffordshires and Chows get stereotyped as aggressive and mean dogs, Mandy is the most well-behaved dog I've ever owned. She loves to grimace when she meets new people and when she sees people she hasn't seen in awhile. She has the best personality and is a big cuddler."

To submit your pet for consideration as Pet of the Week, send an e-mail to pets (at) the batavian dot com.  Please be sure to include your address so we can send you a $10 gift certificate from Genesee Feeds if your pet wins.

A dog was hit by a car yesterday at 1:30 p.m. and Deputy Brian Thompson, a K-9 officer, and Animal Control Officer Bill Taylor responded to the scene.

The accident occurred at Route 77 and Reynolds Road, where a stray boxer-mix darted into the road, according to Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble.

The dog was struck by a car driven by a person from Florida.

Thompson and Taylor first took the dog to an animal hospital, which recommended treatment at Corfu Vet Clinic, so Taylor and Thompson transported it there.

From what I heard on the scanner, the dog didn't sound seriously injured. Dibble said there's no information on how the pooch did after being transported.

I spoke with Shannon at the vet, who was off that day, and she said the dog was transferred to another facility, although she doesn't know where.

But it was good to hear on the scanner Monday about the extra effort Thompson and Taylor went to to care for the stricken animal.

This handsome fellow is Kodah and he's Pet of the Week. He looks all business, with piercing eyes that say "Don't even think about it. I've got my eye on you." By all accounts, he is healthy and happy. But it was not always so. Read more...

Hi: My name is Kodah of the Yukon but my mommy and daddy call me Kodah Bear. I hope you consider me for the Pet of the Week. I am a red and white Siberian Husky with blue eyes that will melt anyone. I was adopted from Husky Savers (rescue) in Churchville in January this year.

When my mommy and daddy came to look for a dog, I knew how to charm them into picking me...I sat very quietly in my crate and waited for them to notice me. They did! But I had to pass the cat test - they had a cat at home. When I came to visit them, I didn't let the cat bother me and to this day, I know she is the queen.
 
A little about me...I am 3 years old and came from Ohio. I was severely beaten by my previous owner there and made it to a rescue and then was brought to New York State. I love my daily walks with my daddy and love to go for rides in the car. They even took me to Dave's Ice Cream and I got a little cup filled with delicious vanilla ice cream. Surely a treat!
 
I love to be petted and fed and know that I now have a home with tons of love. My mommy is always kissing me and saying sweet things to me. I wish every dog had a home and "parents" like me. It surely has been nice to be truly loved.

It's especially nice to pick Kodah as Pet of the Week. I feel like we're old buddies, having met at Dave's Ice Cream, and we enjoyed a good sniff together.

To nominate your pet as Pet of the Week, send an e-mail with your pet's story and picture to pets (at) the batavian dot com.  I enjoy learning about all the pets in Genesee County, and you could win a $10 gift certificate from Genesee Feeds.

Volunteers for Animals had a few pets at the Farmers' Market at Batavia Downs this morning (they'll be there for another hour).

It was oh-so-tempting to take one of these puppies home, especially the black-furred guy up front in this picture. While I leaned down, he came over, jumped on my lap, licked my face and whispered in my ear, "I want to be Pachuco's brother." 

Alas, we have no room for another dog, but perhaps you do.

Good afternoon, prospective pet owners. My name is Maxine, a Labrador-retriever mix.

In the world of greeting cards and cartoon characters, there's also a Maxine. She's famous for being an old lady who wears funny clothes and hats and has a wry sense of humor.

I am not like this rather eccentric human, of course, but I am a funny adult female with a nice sense of humor. People say I'm friendly and playful, too.

Besides that, I'm already spayed. I'd love to have a real home and someone to rumpus with. 

I'm a real cool cat named Smoothie. You can sorta tell by my unflappable gaze and black goatee. Even though I'm female, I'm still a feline and this two-tone look, especially the goatee, makes me the bees' knees among my peers. (I got burned out on "cat's pajamas" and the decidedly overused "bad.")

It's an old, old country song. In this case, an adult female searching for love in all the wrong places, "hopin' for another heart lookin' for love." At this point, I'd settle for lasting friendship, some kibble and a box. Howza 'bout it?

The Genesee Country Farmer’s Market is celebrating fall on October 9 with a visit from the Volunteers for Animals adoption van and Upstate Niagara Milk. Visitors to the market can stop by the VFA booth from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for information about adopting a pet.

Applications will be available for pet adoptions. If anyone is interested in adopting a pet, “they can complete the application and then follow up at the shelter,” according to Volunteers for Animals’ Wendy Castleman.

Weather will be a deciding factor in what type of animals will be at the market. “If the weather is bad or too cold, cats will not be crazy about an outdoor event,” Castleman said.

Since the number of pets changes daily, Castleman hopes to bring several kittens and a few dogs. Photos of all shelter animals will be posted so visitors can see every pet that is available for adoption. Additionally, raffle tickets to the Volunteers for Animals annual Fur Ball will be for sale as well as VFA t-shirts.  

From noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10., the Batavia Petco (located in the Target Plaza on Veteran's Memorial Highway in the Town of Batavia) will be hosting its third major adoption event during its One Year Anniversary Celebration.

Cats and kittens of all ages, colors and stunning personalities will available for adoption. Most of the animals are spayed or neutered. All are tested for FIV/FeLV, current with shots and happen to be the best cats available in the county, arguably, the nation.

The adoption fee is $30 (if the animals is not spayed or neutered, there is a refundable $35 deposit). Petco will be handing out free giveaways and Volunteers For Animals will be strutting the cats. Everyone is encouraged to come out and visit the cats.

Petco, Volunteers for Animals and Genesee County Animal Shelter joined forces in October 2008 to help homeless cats find a home. Since the opening of the Batavia Petco a year ago, over 235 cats and kittens from the GCAS have been adopted out of the store! It has been an amazing year.

Come on down! You never know, maybe you'll meet your next best friend!

www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

My heart went out to Althea after reading her story. Once she was down on her luck and sick, to boot. After amazing love and grace, she's nurturing (see photo) and brings lots of joy and companionship to her folks.

She works to earn her keep, too. A good word for her is magnanimous -- yes, she has the gift of magnanimity. Bless her little pea-pickin' heart (an old Tennessee Ernie Ford saying I'm fond of, even though I don't pick peas nor do I especially like them). Here's what she says.

My name is Althea and I think I should be "Pet of the Week." I was adopted from the Genesee County Animal Shelter about four years ago. There I was, stuck in a cage with some unpleasant health troubles that I won't get into, but let's just say I was not a pretty sight.

My mom and dad took me home and got me cleaned up and then with some help from Volunteers for Animals I got the treatment I needed. I'm still a little fragile, having joint problems and faulty digestion, but I don't let it get me down.

Since finding my family I've gone hiking, swimming and kayaking but my very favorite thing to do is help out around the house. I clean up crumbs off the floors, empty the cat litter boxes and fetch things. I even helped babysit some foster puppies this summer. 

My mom says I'm the happiest dog she ever met and she's met a lot of them, let me tell you! I've had a lot of foster brothers and sisters over the years and I always try to introduce myself and help the "new" guys feel at home. Life is good. I figure if you have a warm bed, good food and people who love and take care of you, you've got everything, so why not share with a dog who's not so fortunate?

I kind of like having a bunch of other dogs around. You should hear us howl when we get wound up! Anyway, that's my story. Maybe if I'm Pet of the Week people will read my story and think about adopting a shelter dog. I'm a pretty good judge of dogs and I think there's a lot of good ones waiting for homes. Thanks for reading this.

Althea

If your pet is worthy of Pet of the Week, have him or her e-mail me at pets (at) the batavian dot com. Please have your pet send a handsome picture and his or her story. Click here for more information. Your pet could win a $10 gift certificate from Genesee Feeds.

My "family" left me behind when they moved away. Some "pack" that turned out to be! And just look at what they've lost, a true-blue friend, a loyal and loving pet.

My name is Anna Marie (classy, don'tcha think?) and I'm an adult, spayed German shepard/Labrador retriever mix.

The irony about my being left behind is that I'm such a great family dog. Kids, cats, dogs, the mail lady, I like 'em all!

Not to toot my own horn, but I'm also completely housebroken and well-mannered on a leash. Bottom line: you couldn’t ask for a better companion. But don't take my word for it, come and see for yourself.

Just look at me would ya. I'm drop-dead funny. Can't help but be with splotches like these. I'm the cutest little Oreo Cookie you'll ever meet.

In fact, the volunteers here refer to me as a living example of modern art. They say my black spots were "carefully placed" on my person but I think they are pulling my leg.

I'd sure like to amuse you inside a home that I would let you share, if you let me. P.S., I'm spayed and they call me a black-and-white DSH, but I don't know what that stands for.

A Sheriff's Deputy was forced to destroy an aggressive Rottweiler this afternoon after the dog bit him on the hand.

Deputy Cory Mower responded  to a report of an aggressive dog running at large in the area of 8300 block of Bank Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

When Mower located the dog and approached him, the dog attacked him, biting his left hand, according to Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble.

Mower was heard on the scanner during the incident telling dispatch, "I tried to make friends with him."

After animal control arrived on scene, Mower transported himself to UMMC, where he was treated and released.

The 1:30 p.m. call was the second complaint the Sheriff's Office received today of a Rottweiler running loose in that neighborhood. In the morning, a deputy searched the area but did not find the dog. (The deputy did locate the dog, but was not able to capture it and it ran away. See comments below.)

The Rottweiler reportedly had current rabies tags, but the owner has not yet been identified and the incident remains under investigation.

Belle is swell, and I'll tell you why. Of all her assets, which she shares here in darling detail, her most important one to date is that she's a bona fide lifesaver. That's correct, a doggone hero she is. Her folks are probably alive and well today because of her. Here's her story:

Hello everyone. My name is Belle. I'm 7 years old and I live with my parents, my sister and 2 kitties. I was adopted from Neptune's in Batavia. I was only there for a couple of hours until my sister walked in and saw how cute I was!

I like to bark...a lot, but don't worry, my bark is louder than my bite. I'm a super happy dog. I love long car rides, walks, table scraps, playing soccer, dressing up as a bumble bee for Halloween and noshing on lots of treats.

I have the best life ever. I get to sleep all day (I like to switch it up between the couch and my sister's bed. I even use her pillow). Sometimes, I get in trouble, but usually my dad lets me off the hook. I think this is because I've heard him say before that I saved my family's lives.

Two years ago, I thought I smelled something funny coming from the kitchen so I went to go take a looksie. There was this black cloud like stuff coming from the garage into the kitchen. It smelled funny, so I went to my parents' room and tried to wake my dad...I started pawing at him and barking as loud as I could (I think he thought I had to use the grass, if you know what I mean). I led him into the kitchen and I heard him yell 'Fire!!' I guess our garage was on fire and I saved the day! I was spoiled before that, but now I like to consider myself a princess.

I hope I can be your pet of the week! My sister reads The Batavian everyday so she'll know.

Your friend forever,
Belle

If your pet is worthy of pet of the week, have him or her e-mail me at pets (at) the batavian dot com.  Please have your pet send a handsome picture and his or her story. Click here for more information. Your pet could win a $10 gift certificate from Genesee Feeds.

Local animal lovers are competing for a big-money grant and need your vote in order to win.

The Animal Rescue Site, along with Petfinder, launched the $100,000 Shelter + Challenge on Sept. 14.

The Animal Rescue Site is awarding $100,000 in grants to eligible Petfinder.com member rescue organizations to help animals. The grand prize is a $20,000 grant, and there are many other prizes!

Visit the link below to vote - it only takes a minute. You don't have to register, and voting is free. Support Volunteers For Animals and vote every day!  Thank you!

Shelter Name: Volunteers For Animals
State: NY
City: Batavia

Then hit Search to vote.

Thank you for your help and please ask your friends to help out by voting each day. Together we can make a difference.

Click here: Vote for Volunteers For Animals @ The Animal Rescue Site

Thanks,
The Cats and Dogs at the Genesee County Animal Shelter