Board of DirectorsMarion Ott, PresidentLaura O’Connor, Vice PresidentBrent Truitt, Treasurer Amanda Fucci-Bartoszek, SecretaryLynne Attanasso, Kristin DeForest, Nicole Franzese, Dick Stinson, Cathy Sviba Karlin, Dale Trethaway, Jennifer Truitt

Newsletter CommitteeDeb Crute, Kenny Fass, Amanda Fucci-Bartoszek, Marion Ott, Brent Truitt, Jen Truitt, Laura Wright Newsletter Contributors Beth Adams, Barb Kaplan, Patrick Mertz

IN THIS ISSUE

Summer 2016P.O. Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753 ~ (607) 746-3080

e-mail: info@heartofthecatskills.orgwebsite: www.heartofthecatskills.org

the

Shelter Scoop

w w w . h e a r t o f t h e c a t s k i l l s . o r gCopyright 2016 Heart of the Catskills Humane Society

Crazy River Café ....................1Spotlight on Our Staff ..............2Spotlight on Our Volunteers .......2Happy Tails ...........................3Shelter News .........................4Lasting Memories for Old Dogs. ...5Ways to Help. ........................5Paws for a Cause Goes 16 Years...6Walton Library .......................6“Reneestock” Island Party .........6Garden Tour ..........................6Dog Walk .............................7HCHS Events & Services ...........8

Director of Shelter Operations Deb Crute, LVT Shelter Staff Beth Cressman LVT, Supervisor Laura Wright, Supervisor Brandi Carufe, Abigail Clark, Jacob Collins, Tommi Hanson, Quinn Kelley, Heidi Reutenik, Trina Rosenblum, Maria Schermerhorn, Judy Sidorowicz, Elaine Stefanelli, Sara Wiley, Tim YearyPetSmart Adoption Center Staff:Christina Russell-Lamont, Coordinator Fay Amatrano, Anastasiya Sergeyeva, Dorian SinnottPetco Adoption Center Staff:Lori Rheel, CoordinatorYvonne Rheel

Printed By Courier Printing Corporation

A 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization

Crazy River Café Shows Their Love to HCHSOne of the most important things that helps to keep our shelter doors open for our area’s unwanted, stray, abandoned, and homeless cats and dogs is community and business support. And if the amount of community and business support that our shelter receives each year is any indication of how lucky we are, then we are the luckiest shelter in the world!

This past February, Char and Artie Roberts, who own and operate Crazy River Café in Margaretville, held their 3rd Annual Valentine’s Day Fundraiser to benefit HCHS. In addition to the café staff, Ellen and Ashley Stewart, Wendy Fairbairn, and Char Roberts, who all volunteered their time without pay at this “fun”raiser, the day included lots of community members who volunteered their time and services too. There was live music performed by Ben Rounds and the Evergreen band; fun tricks by Chi Chi the Clown (a/k/a Chet Delameter); raffles that included items donated by area businesses; a 50/50 raffle; professional photographs by Becca Andrea; and a bake sale that sold out!

The café was at full capacity all day and the entertainment kept everyone laughing and smiling to the very end. Everyone showed lots of heart for Valentine’s Day and helped raise over $2,500, in addition to a big truckload of donated items, all of which will indeed help us keep our doors open for the cats and dogs who need us! A huge thank you to Char and Artie and all of the wonderful Crazy River Café staff, customers, and supporters who helped make this 3rd annual event so successful!

Heart of the Catskills Humane Society2

Spotlight on Our Staff

Spotlight on Our Volunteers

Dorian Sinnott was hired three years ago to work at our adoption center at PetSmart in Kingston, NY. Dorian has been a kind, hardworking, and responsible employee from day one. He is very conscientious when caring for the cats at the adoption center, and he has built and maintains great relationships with the regular customers as well as management at both the adoption center and HCHS. He is a calm and friendly presence, sharing his knowledge and helping get our kitties adopted.

Dorian has many interests, including writing, listening to music, playing the violin, horseback riding, and traveling.

He enjoys attending comic cons and playing Yu-Gi-Oh cards. And, of course playing with his fur babies is a big priority! Dorian shares his home with a cat, Scarlette (an HCHS alumnus); a dog, Basil (also a rescue);

The Dream Team— that is what we like to call Ken and Kelly Haas, a hard working husband and wife volunteer team who prefer to stay out of the spotlight and just “do their thing.” Though we know Ken and Kelly do not do anything for the recognition, we would like to say how much we appreciate this duo and the special blend of skill, efficiency, and creativity that they bring to everything they do for HCHS.

They have been integral behind the scenes in so many ways— from helping to finish our on-site shelter gift store, to decorating the float for the yearly St. Patrick’s Day parade, to fostering young groups of kittens to prepare them for adoption. Kelly’s creative ideas and artistic talents and Ken’s construction savvy always greatly enhance any HCHS event, whether it is our Dog Walk, the Spring Dance and Auction, the Holiday for the Heart celebration, or a weekend adoption event. Most

recently, Ken and Kelly re-painted our entire reception area, giving it a fresh, cheerful look for spring, and also designed and built the “kittery” inside the reception area pictured here!

These two self-motivated and vital volunteers freely share their skills and their kindness, improving our shelter and the lives of the animals and staff. A big thank you Kelly and Ken— our Dream Team!

a painted turtle, Noah; and two gerbils, Finn and Poe. Dorian and his family always support the shelter by attending our annual Spring Dance and Auction, as well as donating some wonderful items for the silent auction portion of the event.

Dorian’s kindness and intelligence with both animals and people have made him a wonderful employee, and we have enjoyed working with him and getting to know him. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Dorian. We are lucky to have you!

Dorian Sinnott

Become a Volunteer Call Today!

(607) 746-3080

www.heartofthecatskills.org 3

Here are just a few of the wonderful tales about pets who, because of your support, have now found their forever homes...Happy Tails

Jax

I just want to thank the Heart of the Catskills for introducing this amazing dog to me. He is the happiest, sweetest, and most loved dog in the world. Jax (formally known as Jack) is a beloved part of our family, and we are grateful for your awesome shelter for taking care of him for us. Thank you so much!~Daniel Costantino & Brianna Marzo

Belle

We love Belle so much! She has been a wonderful addition to our family, and it did not take long for her to feel right at home and claim her spot on the couch. Belle is an indoor kitty for now, but she is very intrigued by the birds outside. She will sit in the window and chatter with them. She is the second pet we have adopted from HCHS, and she won’t be the last!~The O’Donnells

Missy Bliss

She is doing very well and is very happy. She is adorable and loves to hunt and play. When she is bored, she comes to find the little laser light toy and tries to toss it to me, to say “play time!”~Leslie McKewan

Kit

We adopted Kit in December 2015. She has been a great addition to our family. She is a very loving and sweet girl. She loves to play with our cat Gizmo. Our 4 kids absolutely love cuddling with her and playing with her. She loves to be outside and she loves to run in the snow!!~The Cowans

Bosley is a joyful and exuberant addition to our family. He is so smart and attentive and has fit right in with the household. Our senior dog has accepted him well, and Bosley is appropriately respectful in his youthful and enthusiastic way. It is very clear from how happy and healthy Boz is that Heart of the Catskills gave him a good home and plenty of love while he was there. We are grateful to have him with us now.~Doug McLaurine

Bosley

Pasha & Persia

I am so lucky to have adopted Pasha and Persia! They are both very loving animals and they so enjoy attention. They spend their days napping and taking sunbaths amongst numerous pillows, blankets, cat beds, and stuffed animals thanks to Heart of the Catskills.~Esther Palmer

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Shelter NewsDCEC Votes for HCHS HCHS was proud to be the chosen recipient of a $2,000 matching donation last fall given by the Delaware County Electric Coop (DCEC) and Co-Bank, a provider of banking services.

DCEC members were asked to nominate a favorite 501(c)3 charitable organization to receive this generous donation and HCHS was one of the nominees. DCEC members voted for their organization of choice at the DCEC annual meeting held at Delaware Academy on September 18, 2015.

Laura Wright, the Supervisor of Administration at HCHS, attended the meeting as the shelter’s representative and was very pleased to accept the donation check from DCEC and Co-Bank representatives at the close of the meeting. We would like to thank DCEC, Co-Bank, and our community for their support!

Smooch- A-Pooch The fabulous “Smooch-A-Pooch” booth was artistically designed and built by Kelly and Ken Haas to help promote the shelter’s Valentine’s Day adoption special! Adoption fees were lowered by $14 for cats and dogs for the whole week, and folks were invited to “Smooch-A-Pooch” for a photo-op or just for fun. This adorable booth definitely helped HCHS to spread the furry love this Valentine’s Day!

NBT-Mang Delhi Gives Back to HCHSNBT-Mang Insurance Agency is a full-service insurance agency based in Norwich, NY and provides a wide range of insurance services to individuals and businesses. From October 5 to 9, 2015, NBT-Mang Insurance Agency celebrated National Customer Service Week by giving back to its local communities. The agency gathered and donated items to local humane societies and animal shelters from its 20 offices throughout upstate New York. The agency’s Delhi office donated items to HCHS. Included in the donation were dry food, canned food, and cleaning supplies. A big thank you to NBT-Mang for their support of HCHS!

Powder PawsTwo years ago, Kai Moessle, an avid hiker, dog lover, and shelter supporter, came up with the idea for an outdoors winter event that included dog walking and the Catskill Rail Trail. Shortly after that, the Powder Paws Winter Walk was born.

We first tried to hold this walk in February 2015 but had to cancel as it was scheduled for a day when the wind chill factor was going to be 25 below zero! But we persevered, and a year later, on March 6, 2016, a nice group of shelter supporters came out to meet at the Hobart Fire Department & Community Center on a beautiful sunny and chilly day to walk their dogs and enjoy some homemade baked goods and warm beverages.

We want to give a special thanks to Kai and his adopted dog, Sadie, and we are glad we could make his winter idea come true for dog and outdoor lovers alike!

Shoes Help the Furry Paws of HCHS When HCHS was approached by SUNY Delhi administrators with the idea for a shelter shoe drive, we thought it sounded like a great way to raise a bit of money for our homeless animals while helping some humans in need.

The shoe drive was done in partnership with Wooftrax through Funds2orgs. The new and gently used shoes collected by college students at SUNY Delhi and by staff at HCHS through May 15, 2016 go to support the livelihoods of those in developing nations. And HCHS receives up to $1,000 for collecting 100 bags of 25 pairs of shoes. A fundraiser that supports both animals and humans? We think that is a win-win!

Emerson Resort Car Show Cruises With HCHSThe Emerson Resort and Spa in Mt. Tremper will again host its annual car show benefiting HCHS on Sunday, August 7, 2016 (rain date Sunday, August 14, 2016). This is always a fun event for the participants, staff, and spectators alike, held in the beautiful surroundings of The Emerson Resort. In addition to the paw-tastic classic cars on display, all can enjoy the great food and shops at The Emerson and, of course, the HCHS table featuring our adorable pets for adoption.

The show runs from 9 AM to 3 PM, with trophies awarded and DJ Brian providing the entertainment. Registration fees for the show cars are $12.00 if received by July 21, 2016 or $15.00 the day of the event. Hope to see you there!

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Petey was 3 years old and had cancer. His owner was devastated by getting so little time to love, and be loved, by this wonderful Great Dane. There was nothing that professional photographer, Beth Adams, could do about the cancer, but she could help hold those memories dear for years to come.

So began the first Old Dog Weekend in 2015. In Petey’s honor, Beth waived

Lasting Memories for Old Dogs

Ways to Help

the session fee for her photography and traveled around our area all of Labor Day weekend. The only rules were that your dog had to be elderly or terminally ill, and you had to give her a glass of ice water. Of the 6 dogs Beth photographed that weekend, she knows that at least three have since crossed the Rainbow Bridge. One half of the proceeds of the sales for any prints or digital files was donated to HCHS.

Will there be an Old Dog Weekend over Labor Day 2016? You’re darn right there will be. Beth’s house is ruled by an 18- and a 14-year-old Jack Russell who would not let her live it down!

If you would like more information on the next Old Dog Weekend, please contact Beth Adams at (607) 287-2050 or beth@candidcaninephoto.com.

Come shop till you drop at our Gifts from the Heart Shelter Store, now conveniently located on the HCHS grounds and open the same hours as the shelter. And remember to show your HCHS annual membership card for a 10% discount!

Did you know that you can use your retirement plan to care for and find forever homes for shelter animals? By naming HCHS as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or 403(b), you can make a lasting impact. A beneficiary designation on a retirement plan costs nothing now, and allows you to include HCHS in your future charitable giving without having to consult with an attorney.

Would you like to sponsor one or more of the cat cages or dog kennels that house our animals during their stay at HCHS? By participating in our Adopt-A-Kennel or Cage Program, your sponsorship will help fund the food, vaccinations, and spay or neuter surgery for each cat or dog housed in it while they wait for their forever homes! For more information, please visit our website or contact HCHS.

If you are interested in becoming part of our growing Planned Giving Program— such as including HCHS in your wills, insurance, or other estate plans— or would like more information, please download our Planned Giving Guide from our website, or call Brent Truitt at (845) 586-5108.

Help us continue to expand our Heart Walk path around the shelter grounds by purchasing a bluestone paver, and at the same time, help us care for our area’s homeless animals! If you would like more information on the Heart Walk or to purchase a paver, please visit our website or contact HCHS.

Does your employer participate in a Charitable Matching Gift Program? If so, please consider HCHS! Many companies will match their employees’ contributions to a charitable organization of their choice. That means you can help our shelter animals x2!

Don’t forget our homeless four-legged friends the next time you shop ‘till you drop! For more information on AmazonSmile, eBay Giving Works, or iGive, please visit the HCHS website.

Are you 60 or older and looking for that special cat or dog, but are unable to afford the expense of vet bills, spaying/neutering, and the like? Well, HCHS has a Senior Pals Program that may be just perfect for you! Through a grant from the Werner Dannsheimer Testament Fund, HCHS is able to provide a loving cat or dog, five years or older, who has been waiting for their forever home. To learn more about our Senior Pals Program, please visit our website or contact HCHS.

Gifts from the Heart Adopt-A-Kennel or Cage Program

Beneficiary DesignationPlanned Giving Program

Senior Pals Program

Shop or Sell Online

Matching Gift Program

Heart Walk

Heart of the Catskills Humane Society6

Before the robins appear in Delhi each year, the Annual Paws for a Cause Rummage and Bake Sale has been a sign that winter is coming to an end and spring is just around the corner. Local donors and shoppers alike look forward to the annual event, now in its 16th year, which has become an early spring tradition in Delaware County.

SUNY Delhi students and a faithful group of volunteers spend a day

Paws for a Cause Goes 16 Years Strong

When the staff at the Walton Library let us know that they wanted to recognize HCHS as part of their Heroes Day event for the work we do to help the many homeless animals in our local communities, we were so honored!

HCHS was excited to attend the event and answer questions from people in the community regarding our adoptable animals and the programs we provide. Several people shared

Walton Library Recognizes HCHS as Heroes

On a rainy day in July of 2015, the sound of inviting island music played by musicians dressed in colorful island shirts lead to a special party at Mike Ripa’s house, just outside of Walton. The yard was transformed into a little paradise, and no one seemed to mind that it was raining as guests enjoyed the delicious food, a tiki hut bar providing cool island drinks, good conversation, and a gathering of many animal lovers! People came from many different states around the country for the party, and everyone donated items for the homeless cats and dogs at HCHS. Raffle tickets were also sold to raise funds for the shelter.

“Reneestock”Island PartyThe amount of donations collected for the shelter was unbelievable! There was a huge trailer full of assorted items for the cats and dogs at HCHS. Mike even continued to collect cash and donations after the event.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for being chosen by this wonderful and generous group of people who were so giving and kind to the animals at HCHS! A heartfelt thank you to Mike Ripa for organizing this spectacular event and all of his special guests who gave so generously to help our homeless animals!

their heartwarming stories of animals they currently have or those who touched their hearts in some special way. Many children visited the cute and cuddly adoptable kittens that we brought, and were delighted to watch them play with toys or just sleep curled-up together in their hammock.

We could not do the work we do without the help of a special team of dedicated shelter staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and supporters

who help make it possible for us to care for our homeless animals every day. A special thank you to the Walton Library staff for all of the support they continually give to HCHS and for always promoting our programs and services!

organizing and pricing the thousands of donated items to raise money for HCHS. There is something for everyone including books, toys, games, holiday treasures, baskets, candles, appliances, artwork, office supplies, glassware, and much more. When the doors open for the sale at 8:30 AM on Saturday morning, there is already a long line of shoppers eager to fill their shopping bags, and SUNY Delhi students ready to help

them carry their treasures to their cars. Volunteer bakers donate pies, cakes, brownies, cupcakes, and provide a welcome treat. And there are always a few cats from HCHS to remind the shoppers that every dollar they spend goes directly to support the cats and dogs at the shelter in search of their forever homes.

On June 28, 2015, volunteer and foster mom, Allison Hubbard, put together a garden tour to benefit HCHS. The tour showed off some of the beautiful gardens in the Delhi area. A few of the generous garden owners who participated in this fundraising event served lemonade and one even had honey samples available. And what better garden to kick off the tour but our wonderful Rainbow Bridge Garden on the shelter grounds! Attendees were also able to enjoy some shopping at Gifts from the Heart, which was open during the tour. A big thank you to Allison for coordinating this fantastic event!

Garden Tour

Opt to Adopt!

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20 1 5 Sponsors

Wags Beyond Measure Hair Design – WaltonCurtis Lumber Co., Inc. – DelhiElite Home Inspections – WaltonMargaretville Liquor StorePrice Chopper – DelhiThe Village Closet, LTD – Trout Creek

Sittin’ Pretty B & B Construction – RoxburyCADI – DelhiChet Delameter – HancockDelhi Animal HospitalDog Watch of Upstate NYEast Meredith Fire DepartmentTwo Old Tarts – andesVeccvideography.com – DelhiWadler Bros. – Fleischmanns

Woofs Blue Dog Grooming – OneontaC & C Feeds – WaltonCommunity Bank, N.A. – DelhiColdwell Banker Timberland Properties – DelhiDelhi Motor Co., Inc.Delhi Telephone CompanyErickson’s Automotive Inc. - ArkvilleNBDC Bank – WaltonRay’s Fine Wines & Spirits – DelhiUncle Alan’s Antiques - DelhiWestbrook Veterinary Clinic - Walton

DelhiLiquor Store

55 Main Street, Delhi, NY 13753607-746-2321

The 13th Annual Woofs and Wags Dog Walk, Bow Wow Luau, was a barking good time for humans and canines alike! Held September 12, 2015 at the American Legion Field in Delhi, the sun came out and the rain held off for the duration of our island themed celebration.

Activities included the Big Kahuna Best Dressed Contest, the Hawaiian Hula Hoop Dog Maze, a Tiki Run Obstacle Course, and a Coconut Bowling Fetch contest where dogs and their humans could test their skills and have some fun. A wonderful performance of Island Fusion Dance by the Lunachix was a highlight of the day, and folks enjoyed visiting some of our adorable, adoptable kitties in the Waikiki Kitty Tent. Coiffure conscience canines were able to watch the Furs-A-Flying dog grooming demonstration, and the Bow Wow Luau Café offered tasty island inspired treats for one and all, including “mock tails” such as non-alcoholic Pina Coladas!

A big thank you to the many volunteers, students, staff, and participants who donated their time, skills, creativity, and money to help make Woofs and Wags 2015 a success. We could not do it without you!

We are very excited to announce a change of venue and our theme for Woofs and Wags 2016. Hold onto your cowboy hats and polish up those boots, because we are going

to be “Home on the Range” at the shelter for 2016! That’s right— this year’s dog walk will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at the Heart of the Catskills grounds on Route 10 in Delhi. We hope to see you and your four-footed friends around the campfire!

Bow Wow Luau: 13th Annual Woofs & Wags Dog Walk & Fair

Mahalo

Renew your Annual HCHS MembershipDon’t forget, it’s not too late to renew your Annual HCHS Membership! Please call or email HCHS for more information today!

Joel Canfield’sBACK YARD ENTERPRISES INC.

Treadwell, NY - 607-829-8568

Foster Caregivers Needed!HCHS is looking for foster caregivers for kittens and their moms. All you need is an extra room to keep them in while they are in your care, attention, a little time, and lots of love! If interested, please call or email HCHS for more information.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!

Heart of the Catskills Humane Society46610 State Highway 10P.O. Box 88Delhi, NY 13753

Complete Services Offered• Public Low Income Spay/Neuter Vouchers• Dog & Cat Adoption Services• Microchipping for Adoptees• Pet Listings on Petfinder.com• Humane Education Programs• Senior Pals & Animal Angels Programs• Dog & Puppy Training Classes• Junior & Adult Volunteer Program• Barking Books Reading Program• Cremation Services & Memorials• Lost & Found Registry• Lilac Lane Pet Memorial Garden

We’re located at 46610 State Highway 10 in Delhi, just two miles north of the Village. Turn at the Delaware County Historical Association, where you will see our sign.

We Welcome Your Visit!

HCHS and Gifts from the Heart is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 11am to 4pm, and by appointment.

“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” ~ Martin Buber

14th Annual Woofs & Wags Dog Walk & FairSaturday, September 17, 2016HCHS, Route 10, DelhiKeep an eye out for pledge forms in August!

HCHS Happy Tails Year-End Review & Biannual Heart Walk UnveilingSaturday, October 22, 2016Year-End Review & Slide Show at the Delaware County Historical Association, DelhiHeart Walk Unveiling at HCHS

Do you want to keep informed on HCHS updates?Visit www.heartofthecatskills.org and sign up to receive our Shelter Scoop e-mail bulletins.