PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021vol4animals@yahoo.com

www.vol4animals.org

Genesee County Animal ShelterAdoption Hours

Mon, Tues, Fri and Sun 1 pm - 3 pmWed 1 pm - 3 pm and 7 pm - 9 pm

Saturday 11 am - 1 pm3841 West Main Street Road

Batavia, NY 14020Shelter Phone 585-343-6410

ANOTHER GREAT FUR BALL!

Thanks to the many generous donations to our “8th Annual Fur Ball” we raised over $7000 for the animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. We had 90 businesses and individuals donate over 140 items for raffle and auction. All of the money raised will go to spay and neuter the cats and dogs at the

GCAS prior to adoption.  

Thank you for your kindness and compassion for the animals at the Shelter.  Your support is greatly appreciated. The event continues to grow in size and fun, all of which benefits the

animals. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

9th Annual Fur BallOctober 22, 2011 at The Days Inn in Batavia

Marjorie GoodwinCarol HertelHoliday InnKathy HunterKim JugovicJoe and Pat KizinskiSharon Jahnke LongMain Street PizzaThe Mane AttractionMatty’s PizzeriaThomas MazurkiewiczMickel’s NickelsPat MossMother Nature’s EnterprisesOne World ProjectsPauly’s PizzeriaPetco Niagara LabelRay Long, DVM

Kathie BarnardBatavia MuckdogsBill's Auto ServiceTina EckGenesee OrthopaedicsThe Jemison FamilyKravings KafeLuAnne KujawskiLazy Hound HotelMarianne LeeHolly McAllisterMary Mumford PetersonO'Lacy's Irish PubTerry SalusteCindy SchillerShanna ShawGillian RomanoThe Boyd FamilyGenesee Data ManagementPumpkin Hill Vet Cllinic

Princess FlauralMonica ScarlottaRose & Sonny SchunkSouth Main Country GiftsSouthside DeliSport of KingsGail & Harv SquierState Street Animal HospitalMindy StempinColin & Liz StewartSubway - E. Main St, BataviaThat Taco PlaceThe Rope GuysValle JewelersFriends of VFAZirbel’s AutomotiveGenesee FeedsSpay Our StraysD.A.S. Pet Tails

Alberty’s Drug StoreBeth Allen, DVMAunt LuLu’s EmbroideryBatavia Animal HospitalBeds-N-Bones Pet LodgeBig KitesLouise BrowneBumble BeedzCarlson’s StudioClor’s Meat MarketChristine CollierCorfu-Darien Veterinary ClinicDave’s Ice CreamDML Driveway SealingDream Seeker DesignsEnchanted FloristJimmy & Colleen FavilleBelhaven KennelMcLean MusicSummit Physical TherapyTH

ANKS

EVE

RYONE

!!!

Memorials and Honorary Donations

In Memory ofAdele Sikora given by Lyle and Nina WarrenGrace Clark given by Craig Hurley, Roger and Sharon Dilcher, Pearl DosterAlan Siegel given by Jo Marie McMullen, Catherine Hoitink, Sharon May, Richard Thomann, Carol Laub, Bernard and Kathleen Hoerbelt, Catherine and Patrick FeldmanRosemary Siegel given by Ted Ashizawa, Florence Grady, Janet McLean, Sharon Powell, Mary Ann Samuelson, Laurie White, Connie and Charley Boyd, Beverly and Lance Bennett, Benard and Kathleen Hoerbelt, David and Susan Majewski, Thomas and Frances Wigton, Catherine Powers, John and Pamela Zola, Richard Thomann, Melinda and Kenneth Hay, Daniel Levin, MD, Gabrielle Bodnar, MD, Eleanor and Duane Mines, Gary May, DDS and Sharon May, Beverly and Lance Bennett Addison Burr, Lottie Strobele and Lillian Tripp given by Arlene SteeleJoanne Smith given by Shelley GillmanJames Dorman given by William and Kristine Genagon, Dick and Marian Partridge, Joan RotondoMary Roz given by Ann Orlowski, Rose RozHarris Wilcox, Norman Phelps, Frank Szadek, Don Brockenshire, Murry Marrow, Darwin Marble, Don Klein and Carl Raphael given by Chet and Eunice LewDorothy A Miller given by Carroll Nichols, Ruth Miller, Jean Stefaniak, Jessica Borthwick, William RosboroughAnn Perry given by Family of Ann PerryEileen Forti given by Donna Macaluso, Rosalind Forti, David Fernandes, Carol Wigton, Joseph FortiRaymond Knorr given by Joyce KnorrDr Earle Walker given by Arlene SteeleFrank Price given by Rosalie PriceFloyd and Roberta Cole given by Susan MudrzynskiThomas Steele given by Arlene SteeleAnthony and Charlotte Nowak given by Carol KleinMarcia Ann Ryszka given by Carol and J KleinRay Zigrossi and in honor of Hercules given by a loving friend to bothPrecious given by Evelyn LeggLexis, Remington, Duce, Peaches, Kumo given by Batavia Animal HospitalFrosti and Sabrina given by Louise CieszynskiTippie, Lucky, Penny Ann, Princess, Butch, Lazz, Tobe, Wally and Molly given by Arlene SteeleCody loved by the Falitica Family given by Barbara HolderMolly given by Louis SalvadorPebbles given by Amanda CraggMorrie given by Carol DotyWinnie, Wolfie and Oscar given by Cheryl GatesLacey, Minet and Patina given by Jim and Gail ThomasWes given by Connie Boyd

In Honor ofBrenda and Bob Emens given by Mary Ann and Ron BoydAgnes Jaroszewski given by Bill and Kathy LarsonScott McAllister given by Kathleen Facer for his Eagle Scout ProjectMillie and David’s wedding given by Tami UnderhillAnna Cauley given by Daon and Phyllis BurrLuAnne Kujawski given by Elizabeth HartenMichael Barrett given by Emily Barrett CostelloRon and Mary Ann Boyd given by Brenda and Bob Emens

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCEVolunteering At the Animal Shelter

Dirty cages, noisy dogs, and begging cats. That is what volunteering at the animal shelter is all about. Some people might think itʼs unappealing and a waste of time, but I love it! There is a variety of fun things to do at the shelter, but one of my favorites is to foster the cats and kittens. Me and my family foster the kittens until their around 8-9 weeks old and ready to go back to the shelter. If we get just an adult cat, itʼs usually because they are sick, scared, or just not adjusting well to the shelter. We keep the cats/kittens in our basement, with food, water, lots of cozy beds, and a ton of toys-they are very spoiled! Another fun thing to do at the animal shelter is taking the dogs for a walk. Any time we want, me and my family can go back to the dog room, pick a dog, and take them out for a walk. It gives you exercise and it is fun because there is a huge trail in the back to follow. I like to take all of the dogs on walks but I really like to take the little dogs because they donʼt pull as much as the bigger dogs. Also, because I only have a a big lab at my house and he NOT good on a leash. Some people might describe the shelter as dirty cages, noisy dogs, and begging cats, but I would describe it as helping homeless cats, finding animals their forever home, and doing all of it, for fun.By: Abby Stendts

Sabrina DiSalvo

I heard weak meows coming from the next room full of cages. We were at the shelter to pick up our litter of kittens to foster. Wendy, a volunteer, looked extremely happy that we were willing to help with cats that they didnʼt have room for. They looked like helpless, tiny fur balls. These cats had been found in a barn in the middle of nowhere with no mom. For the next eight weeks it would be my responsibility to teach them to be independent, strong cats. As soon as we got the 4 week old kittens to our home they would be exploring their new home. Their cage looked perfect for four tiny kittens, with a little blanket for a bed and new toys that they would play with. They ran around my feet, meowing and stumbling around like drunken ants. I though to myself, “Theyʼre so cute! I never want to take them back to the shelter.” As they got bigger three of them began to eat soft food and began drinking water opposed to the motherʼs milk substitute. The fourth kitten, the smallest and weakest one would not eat no matter what you fed it. Soon it began to look weeks younger then the others and extremely skinny. We took the kitten to the animal hospital and it had fluids pumped into its system. After that, it began eating and growing and being more playful, although it was still much smaller than the others. I got very close with the little cats and always thought to myself that I felt bad about them living in a cage, so I would bring them out and play with them as often as I could. I didnʼt even care that they sometimes smelled bad or would ruin a pair of shoes while playing: they were too cute to get upset at. It was already around the 7th week and I knew they would have to go back to the shelter soon to be adopted. My friends would come over to play with the kittens sometimes and every time someone would see them they would say, “Theyʼre so cute I just want to take one home!” Everyone had a favorite one. They were so big and playful now, and I loved when they would all pile up in my lap to take a nap. The kittens were all healthy and now weighed enough to get spayed and neutered. One day we took all four to get fixed at the animal hospital and after that we would only have them a couple days. I was really upset, asking my dad, “Can we please keep them?” But of course he said no. I remember thinking everyday, “I donʼt want them to leave.” But we had to take them back. We got to the shelter to drop them off, and I donʼt know why, but I felt like I wanted to cry. I walked in the other rooms to see all the other cats in cages, and I hated to see that. They all looked sad, and I though thatʼs what the kittens would look like until they were adopted. About three weeks later I came back to see if the four kittens were still there but there were only three. I was so happy to see at least one was adopted! The other three didnʼt look sad at all! They were still really playful and looked happy playing in their cage. I said to my dad, “I hope they donʼt let mean people adopt the kittens.” He just laughed knowing the shelter wouldnʼt let them go to a bad family. About a week later I came back to see if they were still there but they had all been adopted! I was so glad to see that. As we were leaving the shelter that day my dad said to me, “Weʼre getting another litter of kittens in about a week.” I smiled in anticipation of having more cute, little fur balls running around the hours!

PO Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021

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e-mail address. This will help reduce costs for us and help more animals. Thanks!

Mark Your Calendar!4th of July Picnic in the Park - Sponsored by Go Art!

Spring Garage SaleHotdog Stand at the Batavia WalMart during the summer months

Festival of Fur in JulyThe 9th Annual Fur Ball, October 22, 2011 at The Days Inn in Batavia

2010 Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinics Genesee County Health DepartmentPembroke Highway Department, April 7, 2011 from 4 - 7 pmLeRoy Village Highway Garage, May 5, 2011 from 4 - 7 pm

Centennial Park, Batavia, June 11, 2011 from 10 - 2 pmGenesee County Fairgrounds, August 18, 2011 from 4 -7 pm

Pembroke Highway Department, September 15, 2011 from 4 - 7 pmLeRoy Village Highway Garage, October 20, 2011 from 4 - 7 pm

Check our website for more details as it gets closer to the events.

SPAY OUR STRAYSProviding low cost spay/neuter for feral (wild) cats

Trap - Neuter - Vaccinate - Returnwww.spayourstraysny.org

Email: spayourstrays@yahoo.com - Call: 716-472-8968Cost per cat $35 (discounts available) Free, healthy, sterilized barn cats available.

Iams Home 4 the Holidays 2010During the 12th annual Iams Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive our goal is to find loving, lifelong homes for

more than 1.5 million orphaned dogs, cats, and other pets through the participation of 3,600 organizations worldwide. Iams Home 4 the Holidays set a goal to place 1.5 million orphaned animals into happy and loving

homes this holiday season from October 1, 2010 to January 3, 2011.Volunteers For Animals was pleased once again to participate in Home 4 the Holidays.

Volunteers For Animals ResultsDogs (goal 60) actual 73 Puppies (goal 25) actual 9Cats (goal 30) actual 42 Kitten (goal 80) actual 89

A total of 213 cats and dogs went home for the holidays from our little shelter!

Kiera decided that for her birthday party she wanted to help the animals at the GCAS. Her friends brought gifts and donations for the cats and dogs. During the party, they made beds for the animals. Four volunteers brought out some animals for the party also. Golda is a former shelter dog, Sophie is a rescue dog and Buddy is an awesome shelter dog. There were four kittens who kept the kids laughing, too. Everyone had a great time.Thank you Kiera for your thoughtfulness of the animals. You have made a difference in these animals lives and all the others that come through our doors.

Professional Pet PortraitsSaturday March 3rd 

Carlson’s Studio Photography39 Jackson Street, Batavia

$20 includes a session and 5x7 Portrait All proceeds to benefit the VFA Spay and Neuter Program

By appointment only Call the studio @ 343-2823

(call before February 18th and receive a free gift)

The students of the Alexander National Honor Society worked hard for the animals last semester. They collected cat and dog food, bath towels, bleach, soap, cat litter, blankets and beds, toys and treats all to help out the animals here at the Shelter. And if that was not enough, they raised almost $300 in donations! A huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful students, teachers, friends and parents in Alexander. We greatly appreciate you kindness towards the animals.

WAYS TO HELP THE ANIMALSVolunteers For Animals is always in need of monetary donations for the animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. Our largest expense is veterinary care for sick and injured animals. A great deal of our money is spent spaying and neutering as many animals as possible BEFORE they leave the Shelter. Spaying and neutering animals is the ONLY way to reduce the number of homeless animals. In addition to vet care, we also purchase FIV/FeLV tests for cats and heartworm tests for dogs. Please consider making a donation today. All donations to Volunteers For Animals, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, are tax-deductible. You can make a donation through Paypal on our website or mail a check to our address listed on the newsletter.

We now have an eBay Store where you can purchase t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry, other donated items, and make donations. We are excited about this new venture and hope it will help the animals even more. Keep checking the store for new items as we continue to grow. We are in need of items to sell at our eBay store - sales have been great! If you have any new or excellent condition, small, mailable items you would like to donate - please contact us or drop off at the Shelter. We greatly appreciate it.Visit us at http://stores.ebay.com/Volunteers-For-Animals

Volunteers For Animals is collecting returnable pop/beer/water cans and bottles to help raise money for the animals. Bring in your empties and we will return them for you. Or you can take them directly to Robʼs Bottle and Can at 214 Ellicott Street in Batavia (Hours are M-F 9-5 and Saturday 9-2) OR Easttown Beverages on East Main Street in Batavia. Just tell them that they are for Volunteers For Animals and they will do the rest! All of the money collected from the deposits will go directly towards helping the animals at the Shelter.

DID YOU KNOW THAT…

~in 2010, Volunteers For Animals spent almost $65,000 on veterinary care, medications, tests, spay and neuter surgeries which was 78% of our expenses?

~in 2010, the total number of volunteer hours at the Genesee County Animal Shelter was 8530 which averages about 23 hours per day 365 days a year?

~in 2010, volunteers fostered over 210 cats and kittens in their homes until they were old enough or well enough to be adopted?

~in 2010, the GCAS adopted 221 dogs and 456 cats; of the 456 cats 165 were adopted out of the Batavia Petco?

~in 2010, 116 dogs were pulled from high kill shelters in OH, TN, KY & MS, transported to Batavia, and placed in foster homes until they were adopted AND 28 local dogs were taken in by volunteers and adopted out? All of these dogs were highly adoptable dogs that would have otherwise been euthanized.

~that Volunteers For Animals is currently spaying and neutering over 90% of all the animals, including kittens and puppies, BEFORE they are adopted? With your help, our goal is 100%.

~that the GCAS does NOT euthanize animals due to time or space? As long as the animal is not seriously ill or injured and does not exhibit threatening behavior, they stay until a home is found.

Last year the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union in Batavia chose Volunteers For Animals as one of their charities to support. The staff vote on two charities and then throughout the year they have fundraisers. They held a huge bake sale, several raffles and the staff participated in dress down days at work among other things. Not only do the staff organize and contribute but so do their many customers. At their breakfast meeting on 2/3/2011, Volunteers For Animals was presented with a check for $805.63! It was a huge surprise and a wonderful gift. We thank everyone at the TVFC and their customers for thinking of the animals at the GCAS.