Genesee County Animal Shelter

Golda has a heart of gold and she's enjoying life with a great family -- Russ and Diane Marchese. Sure beats living in a swamp. Golda, congratulations, you are deservedly the Pet of the Week!

"My name is Golda and today I am one HAPPY dog. I wasn’t always this happy. Back in September, I was wandering the swamps and picked up and brought to the Batavia Animal Shelter. I was one tired and sorry looking dog. My fur was raggedy and sparse and I didn’t have any fur on my tail! I had had many litters and my body showed it.

The good people of Volunteers for Animals brought me to the vet to be checked out. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and put on meds. It wasn’t long until I was adopted. I don’t know why, but that didn’t work out. I was returned to the shelter. I stayed at the shelter a little while longer and then went to stay with a foster family. 

Lucky for me, my foster family immediately felt that I belonged with them and adopted me! I have two canine sisters: Dixie, a black lab and Babs, a golden retriever, like me. My mom and dad make sure I take my medicine, give me special food and take good care of me. When my sister is home from college, she gives me a lot of attention, too. My fur is growing back and looks so much better. My mom is always telling me that I am beautiful and so special! I feel like Cinderella! My family loves me and I love them!

I am adorable Fred. I was with my owner since I was a pup, but my owner had to move to a "supervised apartment setting," and could no longer keep me. I was turned into the animal shelter and am seeking new digs. Please know that I do not care to be around small children because I fear the little tykes are always competing for my food. Just because I'm food aggressive doesn't mean they aren't scheming to scarf my Alpo.

Anywhooo, I'm a housebroken, adult male beagle. I'm OK on a leash. But my star quality is my companionableness. I just now made up that word. I mean to say I am a loyal, trusty, amusing sidekick waiting in Kennel 16 for a whole new life to begin.

Look long into my kitty peepers. See how soulful I am, how hauntingly lovely. Connie is my name and a nice home is my game. I'm putting out big vibes with my little aura, trying to connect with my cosmic energy so it can compel someone to take me in and feed me, preferably wet food with gravy. I would also like kibble, a soft cozy, a catnip toy or two, a clean box, fresh water, love and peace. Is that so much to ask? Mind meld with me in Cage 69.

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 - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter

Trudy the trooper is my pick for Pet of the Week. She was lost, found, almost lost again -- as in soon-to-be euthanasized at an overcrowded shelter -- then found and is living happily ever after.

"Hi, my name is Trudy and I am a border collie/Australian shepherd/mutt mix. I am very smart, calm and affectionate. I love to go for walks and chase squirrels. I also love my squeaky toys. And of course I would never turn down a belly-rub. My dad (Bruce Thaxton of Le Roy) loves me a lot. He tells me that I'm gorgeous. I've got a really good life now, but it wasn't always that way.

I said my name is Trudy. At least that's what my name is now. No one knows my original name. See, my dad adopted me from a local animal shelter. The nice people at that shelter had brought me here all the way from another shelter in Ohio. The people at that shelter had found me wandering with no collar. No one came to look for me either. The shelter in Ohio got filled up and they were about to start putting their dogs to sleep, but I was rescued! Can you imagine someone having to get rid of me? That would be a loss to humanity. Who would follow my dad everywhere he goes?"

The bit about "a loss to humanity" makes me digress from thinking about Pet of the Week. I am reminded of one of my favorite writers, John Donne (1572-1631). He wrote that piece about "for whom the bell tolls," which is not really a poem, rather prose found in "Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions, Meditation 17."

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee."

Now back to gnawing my smoked pig snout.

We are mature, Rubenesque, spayed females seeking long-term, committed relationships with humans. We need not be together, but we do insist on puurrrfect homes.

We agree that this includes affection, nourishment, brushing and long walks (sic). We are past the age of curtain climbing and toy chasing. We want long naps in sunny spots, to lounge in front of the fireplace or over the heater vent, and to ponder life's persistent questions.

We enjoy watching people cook delicious meals and will do dishes in exchange for the pleasure.

We are more than just pretty faces -- Velvet, above, and Star, right. (AKA Black Velvet and Belle Star.) There is more here than meets the eye. There's the unfathomable allure of feminine mystique, which should never be underestimated in its ability to charm.

Serious inquiries only. No games. Please contact our representative at the front desk.

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 - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter
 

I am such a believer in the spirit of Christmas, that even after Christmas is over, I still enjoy the afterglow. And so it is that I have chosen pets from two different households -- a total of three dogs -- as the Pet(s) of the Week.

They embody the kind of joie de vivre that ought to be evident more often throughout the year. So Happy New Year to these merrymakers!

My name is Winslow, and I live in LeRoy with my mom. I turned 1 year old on Dec. 17. I love the Buffalo Sabres and the Buffalo Bills. We have been looking for a brother or sister for me, and often see animals at the animal shelter on The Batavian. However, when we call they have already been adopted. I agree with a previous Pet of the Week, Shadow, and if I win, I will also donate my winnings to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Thanks,
Winslow

Hello there! Our Mom and Dad dressed us like this to help spread holiday cheer and to make people smile and feel happy. Our Aunt says we just look so cute that she wanted you to see us and hope we make you feel good, too. We are Yorkie-Poms and our names are Brandy and Bailey Claus....yes that's right, the same last name as Santa. We are 10 and 11 years old and are brother and sister and even though it's cold like at the North Pole, we live right here in Batavia with our GREAT parents; Dawn and Tim Claus.

This is such a happy time of the year. We want to thank all our animals friends for leaving out a treat for us on Christmas Eve. We visited them all and wish them and their families a happy, healthy holiday season. Please remember to be kind to your companion and they will be kind to you! So "from our doghouse to yours, we wish you all a very Happy New Year!"
 
Love, Brandy and Bailey Claus........Arf...Arf...Arf....with love and licks!

I suppose because I'm black and white, they named me Panda. And while I'm not going to be as big as a panda bear, they say I'm going to be a big boy. If you think you could love and nurture a cat with the small outline of Chile, South America, on his face, then let's not monkey around. Let's start 2010 on the sugar foot, shall we?

I'm guessing my ears are the reason I'm named Lynx. If you've ever encountered one of these exotic felines in the wild, you'll recognize the distinctive, tufted ears, sort of like mine. If I'm incorrect, I'm all ears, tell me otherwise. I'm a boy in need of a home in the dead cold of winter.

Both Panda and Lynx are in Cage 86.

Not only am I handsome, beautiful and sweet, I'm a kick-back kinda guy who loves attention and, let's face it, warrants it. I am, after all, Coco, a hound mix, adult male who's good on a leash and deserves more than running around like the stray I was.

Love, love me do -- you know I'll love you. I'm a red, but I'm blue in Kennel 21, not having so much fun.

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 - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter

Glad to make your acquaintance, I'm Tess. Happy, healthy and housebroken, too. I'm an adult female, black Labrador retriever/mix. I'm a people dog, a dog's dog and a children's dog. So I get along nicely with all and I'm considered very friendly and playful. Note the word "very."

I do need some structure to learn good manners to help me watch my Ps and Qs, and I need some leash work. I'm in Kennel 36 hoping for some new BFFs.

I'm sweet but a little skittish. You might be too if you were ambling along and got your paw stuck in a "leg hole trap." My paw has healed up and looks good, but now I'm a little nervous about the world we live in.

I need a comforting family who will give me time to adjust. My name is Lilla and I'm a lovely calico. But technically speaking, I'm an adult, spayed female, domestic-shorthair cat. Cage 62.


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 - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

I read this and then got out my hanky. What with all the gum disease and the pitiful condition of this poor pooch...what a crying shame.

Nook is Pet of the Week because this one kept on keepin' on and was rescued.

Here's what Nook had to say:

"I had no name. At least none that I could recall. All I know is that the Animal Control Officer came to get me. I was running around a neighborhood but I had no home. I had seen better days. I was around 13-years-old, matted and I stunk.

The Animal Control Officer had to open all the windows in her truck while she drove me to the vet's office. When we got into an examination room, they had to open the windows and turn on the exhaust fan.

They talked awhile about me. The word "euthanasia" -- whatever that is -- was mentioned a couple times. Next thing I knew, I was on my way to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. I stayed there awhile. They hoped someone would come to claim me, but no luck. I can't understand why.

Then some humans "took pity on me," whatever that means. They took me to their home. There were lots of other animals so I had plenty of new friends.

But I had some dental issues. I had teeth growing in all directions and most of them wiggled when you touched them. My new humans took me back to the vet. When I woke up I had no teeth. None! That and a few gallons of antibiotics took care of my "aroma."

Things have been dandy ever since. They tell me I'm like a new dog. They call me 'Nook.' They say they're lucky to have me, but I know who the real lucky one is. It's me -- Nook!"

If you like to have fun and have the energy to romp around, please consider adopting me, Ben. I'm a German shepard/Siberian husky/Labrador retriever mix. What a combo! I do need some leash work. I'm a young, neutered male who would love to brighten the lives of an active family. Let's go! I'm in Kennel 38.

I'm suave and dashing. See my smart red kerchief, it adds a touch of -- hmm, je ne sas quois -- glamour that women find irresistible. I could prove that, but as it is I'm languorously counting the days until Christmas in this dreary facility. Me, Guido. I can't believe it. I'm an adult, neutered male, a coal-black domestic shorthair cat with mesmerizing eyes. Come and gaze into them at Cage 87.

Volunteers For Animals
P.O. Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14021
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.

It's me, the one, the only Jack Picasso. I have a jazzy name to fit my jazzy personality. I'm 6-months old, sweet as French apple pie and active like the puppy that I am.

See, I was here before, as a stray, then I went to a nice home. But, alas, my owners felt that I needed more attention than they could give. So here I is agin. Dang.

I'm a great dog -- neutered, housebroken, good with children and other dogs. I am also behaved on a leash. Besides all these wonderful attributes, I am charming, amusing and fun to look at. Am I right? The picture of this collie-mix speaks for itself, does it not?

I'm in Kennel 20 biding my time until I can get out and PLAY!

P.S. I love to roll on my back and have my belly rubbed. Just thought you'd like to know. 

Guess what I told Santa I wanted for Christmas? Surprise! A new home, ideally with my sister, too.

My name is Tiger. (Clever, huh?) I'm 5 years old, neutered and an orange, well, tiger cat. My sister is an 8-year-old, spayed, gray tiger cat named Runsky. She's not the sourpuss that she looks like in this picture, believe me.

Our young owner recently passed away and we nice, mellow siblings are looking for a new abode. We are accustomed to going outside and would do well in a home that will continue to let us come and go. But we do need a warm fuzzy bed at night and a sweet person to care for us.

I'm in Cage 82 and you may inquire about Runsky at the front desk.

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 - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter

Chester's coat is sort of tuxedo-looking, which suits him perfectly because, by all accounts, he's "a perfect gentleman." He's an adult, neutered male Labrador retriever mix. He was found as a stray, but he is good on a leash and with other dogs.

His mild manner and quiet, gentle nature make him a pleasant companion. In Kennel 34, he just hangs out and watches people walk past, doesn't get all worked up about things. Of course, he is hoping someone stops to say "Hey! look at this sharp guy..."

Cute, petite and special, that's Precious. She's a black, domestic shorthair cat who is spayed. She was in the sick bay awhile because of some problems she had after being spayed. But she's doing great now and ready to go home! She's in Cage 64.

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 - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

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. 

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 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.
 

Here's a special request for aid from the Volunteers for Animals of Genesee County:

We had two dogs come into the Shelter with leg injuries this past week. Snickers is a 6-8 month old Boxer who had been on the loose for awhile. She was finally caught, but only after being hit by a car.

An X-ray revealed a fracture to the front leg which has to be surgically repaired. She is scheduled for surgery next week. She may have a slight limp but there is no risk of her losing the entire leg. 

Midnight is an adult Lab mix. He was a stray just looking for someone to take him home. Instead, someone shot him in the hind leg! Midnight was fortunate enough to find a family that called the Sheriffʼs Department and reported the dogʼs condition. An Animal Control Officer responded and immediately took him to the vet.

The leg was too shattered to save, so Midnight was scheduled for a leg amputation the following day. He is doing very well after his surgery and canʼt wait to leave the vetʼs office! 

In spite of their injuries, both dogs are quite sweet and friendly. Midnight is a wonderful guy who just wants someone to pet and love him forever. He is a hit at the vetʼs office. Snickers is quieter and more reserved, but loves to follow you around.

Volunteers For Animals is able to take care of these dogs because of the generosity of people like you. We are asking for assistance to help with the cost of both dogsʼ surgeries. Below is a link to our website where you can make a donation through PayPal. Or you can drop off or mail in a donation. Please make all checks payable to: Volunteers For Animals.

Thank you for your support.

YES, I WANT TO HELP SNICKERS AND MIDNIGHT AND ALL THE ANIMALS AT THE SHELTER!

Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14021
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 - Friday 1 to 3 p.m. (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday - 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Dorothy is well aware she isn't in Kansas anymore, if, in fact, she ever was. She does know she's been passed over time and again during her stay at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

So much so, that this shy but affectionate lass has earned a get-out-of-jail-free card, meaning volunteers have already paid her adoption fee in the hopes Dorothy will get a leg up on the competition.

She's an adult, orange domestic short hair cat, spayed and more than ready for adoption. She doesn't beg for attention but enjoys getting petted. The volunteers say Dorothy has been here for awhile, which puzzles them. They are pulling for Dorothy and hope her lucky day comes soon, since she is most deserving of a real home with love and companionship. Stop by Cage 82 and introduce yourself to Dorothy, you'll be glad you did.

This good ol' boy is Jeter. He's an Alaskan husky/German shephard mix. He's also a high-energy dog that needs an experienced owner and a home without children.

Jeter is a neutured adult who behaves on a leash and is housebroken. He gets along with some dogs, but does better with girl dogs. Despite his robust and handsome looks, Jeter is timid and shy at first. He needs a little time to build trust.

A home that can provide him with positive discipline and lots of exercise would be best for Jeter, according to those who know him. He's waiting for a chance in Kennel 33.

Meet Shirley, a black Labrador retriever/German shephard mix. This adult female is not only good looking, she's also a considered a loyal companion.

Shirley would love for you to visit. Come on down and see if she can be your buddy.

This handsome fellow is Moe. He's an adult, neutered male, dark gray and white, domestic short hair cat.

Moe is mellow. He's sitting in a box, but not "using" it, of course, for this portrait. He likes to hang out and "be in the moment," something a lot of people ought to do, too. If you'd like to live and let live with Moe, you know where to go.