pets

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.  

The Upstate Farms events truck will be handing out free samples of their newest flavor,  Buffalo Bills Birthday Cake, in celebration of the Bills' 50th Season. Dubbed “cake in a bottle”, there is a limited supply of this specialty milk.

Other samples that will be available at the market include their popular line of “Intense” milks in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. The Intense chocolate variety is made with imported cocoas, real sugar, and fresh milk. Vanilla and Strawberry use “the finest vanilla and strawberry flavors to provide a delicious and nutritious beverage with an intense taste,” according to Upstate Farms representatives. Samples will be available from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

As always, visitors to the market can stop by the Niagara Wine Trail for free samples of local wine. MarJim Manor and Niagara Landing Winery will have offer taste-tests of their popular labels.

According to farmer’s market manager, Patty Hawley, “Now is the perfect time to stock up for holiday celebrations or gift-giving by picking up a few bottles of local wine.” Other vendors at the market include Christ Farms (produce), Renko Meats (handmade sausage/jerky), Flower Fields (fresh & dried flowers), Perl’s Maple Farms (Maple Syrup products), Schwab’s Bakery (baked goods), S & T Christ Farms, (produce), Fenton Farms (produce), Schwab Farms (produce), Librock Meats (all-natural beef), Partyka Farms (produce), Sanger Farms (produce), Genesee Valley Coffee (specialty coffe & tea), and Halat Farms (produce).

The Genesee Country Farmer’s Market is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays until October 30. For more information contact Paul Fenton at 585.356.2358 or Patty Hawley at 585.343.3329.

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

I'm three-year-old Lewis and as you can see I'm a beagle. Is there a better dog than a Snoopy dog? I'm neutered, polite, friendly and enjoy people and dogs alike. In fact, I think all mammals are good mammals. I walk nicely on a leash and am not the demanding type. If you would like a new BFF (best friend forever), then come and get me (OK that's a demand) and the sooner the better.

They named me, get this, "Buckwheat." But what's a name -- just letters that's all. I'm a neutered male kitten with long orange and wheat-colored fur (hmm, that explains things). Unfortunately, the volunteer snapped my picture just after I stuck my paw in a light socket. Boy was that a shocker! Well, that's one down and eight lives to go. Just joking! Anyways, my fur is still kittenish and I have to grown into it, or something like that. Is your heart tugging? Can't you just sense my sweetness? Go with it. Don't overthink it. I'll be waiting for you.

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

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

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

And don't forget to nominate your pet for Pet-of-the-Week, a new winner chosen by Pachuco every Friday. Your pet could win a $10 gift certificate from Genesee Feeds.  And remember, more kinds of pets than just dogs and cats are eligible to win.

Here's an email we received from the nonprofit Volunteers for Animals:

"Volunteers For Animals would like to take a moment to thank the many people in the community that help us find homes for the many cats and dogs that find their way into the Genesee County Animal Shelter. Without their kindness and support, our job would be more difficult.

The Daily News frequently prints "Post for the Paws" in the Saturday edition of the paper. It is always a large colorful ad that features a cat and a dog.

The Batavian  features a dog and a cat each week which is sponsored by Genesee Feeds. It includes a photo of each animal and a fun and witty write up. Check it out - it will put a smile on your face!

WBTA Radio  regularly announces our events and special requests on the air and on their website as a community service.

The Genesee Valley Penny Saver  has an "Adopt A Pet" page on their website and print page where we feature a cat or dog available for adoption.

Volunteers For Animals is now on Facebook. Come join us and help spread the word about getting shelter animals into great homes. We are just getting started and we needs lots of friends!

This green-eyed gal really struck my fancy. Her poise, her serene demeanor. Lily is lovely, a real peach. Here's her story:

My name is Lily. I lived with the good people at Volunteers for Animals for a couple of weeks before my new Mom found me and took me home. She had lost her 'good old boy Butch,' age 16, (pretty old for a cat) and decided she needed me to brighten up her life.

I am the luckiest cat in the world. I can do no wrong...well almost...and I feel very safe and secure here in my home. I love to look out windows and this place has lots of windows...with birds, squirrels, rabbits and deer for me to watch -- especially at night, my favorite time to look outside.

I get to sleep on my choice of furniture during the day and I am such a pretty girl, nobody minds. My Mom just cleans up after me and loves me a lot.

I hope that all the cats and dogs at the Genesee County Animal Shelter get to go to as good a home as I found.

Love,
Lily

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.

We are referred to as "Bee Boppers." Don't ask us why 'cuz we don't know. We do know that we are among a group of kittens, and young cats that have been spayed or neutered, at the Genesee County Animal Shelter's Kitty Kottage. While widely regarded as the best place in the shelter, let's face it, it's not a real home. We Bee Boppers were raised in a foster home with lots of TLC. We love humans, other cats, and would probably do good with dogs, too. We're in the front window, ready to amuse and delight you. Please come and see our adorableness.