Elmore SPCA expenses spike with increasing shelter needs

PERU | With a near 30-percent increase in expenses in recent months and an ever-climbing number of animals in need of care, Elmore SPCA officials hope a Sept. 17 Street Drive in the City of Plattsburgh will help their cause. The most significant increases have been for medical supplies and veterinary care- up a startling 127 and 46 percent respectively. The increases coincide with a significantly increasing number of animals in their care- currently including 32 cats, 34 dogs, two rabbits and two guinea pigs. "Although many of our animals make a fast transition through the shelter, there are frequently those that have longer stays due to health, age (kittens/puppies/seniors), socialization or individual special needs," officials said ahead of Saturday's fundraiser. "It is also important to us that our animals receive the following quality care including spay/neuter, vaccinations, disease testing, treatments and microchipping. Frequently declining animal health is a result of dental disease, in these instances costly dental procedures are scheduled to improve an animal's health and wellbeing." Animals, they said, such as Galaxy- a young pitbull mix brought in by a local dog control officer and found to have suffered greatly in his young life. A broken pelvis, healed shoulder fracture, bullet wounds and a large open wound were among his most obvious and alarming injuries. In just a month's time, his emaciated frame is growing as he now builds strength for a pending leg amputation. "He came to us broken, in body and spirit, but he has shown tremendous trust and resilience. His sweet and gentle demeanor in no way reflects the injuries he has endured. We are happy for how far he's come in such a short time," Elmore said as they credited the community's support in helping to make Galaxy's recovery possible and that of future animals in their care. While the shelter receives a high number of calls for more cats in need each day, they acknowledged a need 'to be as responsive as we humanely can.' "Although painful to us, we do not have the facility space available to meet the tremendous demand. For us to be as effective as possible, it is important that we get and keep the cats in our care healthy, addressing any respiratory or other illnesses quickly and effectively. Strict cleaning protocols, population segregation, and daily monitoring of health conditions are of the highest priority for all of our animals." Officials said it is the community's support that allows for the continuing care at the Peru shelter on Telegraph Road and hope area residents will support them with any donations possible. The annual street drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 pm. Saturday, Sept. 17 at the following three locations: U.S. Avenue and Elizabeth Street by the Old Base; Beekman Street and Cornelia Street by SUNY Plattsburgh, and Margaret Street and Sailly Avenue by Georgia Pacific. For more information about Elmore SPCA, its other fundraising efforts or Thrift Store, visit elmorespca.org.

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Elmore SPCA expenses spike with increasing shelter needs

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