THE ANIMAL AWARENESS PAGE
Be kind to a pet, allow it indoors during winter
By Dick Case, Syracuse Herald-Journal Columnist
This week we're encouraged to do random acts of kindness. Betsie Puffer wants us to consider a little deliberate kindness, too.
Betsie's a cruelty investigator for the Central New York SPCA. She's seen more acts of intentional abuse of animals than any of us could imagine. But what about stupid neglect of pets during the winter?
She writes: "Have these people gone outside?
"I've traveled from one end of this county and back these past weeks and I just can't believe that people will leave their pets outside, exposed to the harsh elements. ... They are not protected from frostbite, hypothermia or death.
"Please, people, bring your pets in out of the elements, even if you can only bring them into a garage, or hallway or basement. Our pets need a warm, dry place to be, just as we do.
"If your dog must stay outside, you need a well-structured dog house, elevated off the ground for dryness and protected from the winds.
"You shouldn't ignore the fact it's against the law to cause, procure or permit any act of cruelty to any animal. Cruelty is defined as every act, omission, or neglect whereby unjustifiable physical pain or suffering is caused or permitted. Do the right thing. Be a responsible pet owner."
To talk to Betsie about those who aren't, call 454-3469.
Furry passenger
Meanwhile, in Liverpool, bus drivers for the school district pass on the story of a pet that ran away from home and tried to go to school. Ginger, a Pekinese, followed pupils onto a Liverpool bus on Wednesday's morning run.
Linda Bonn, a four-year veteran driver, saw the dog disappear into the bus with the kids. "Normally, we don't allow pets on a school bus, but this was not a normal situation," Linda said later. "It was obvious the dog was comfortable with the kids; she jumped right into someone's lap."
Linda radioed the bus dispatcher about her unexpected passenger. Another driver, Jodie Kline, heard the call.
"She said she knew the dog and the owner," Linda continued. "Apparently, she was staying with someone while the owner was away and jumped the fence in the yard. That was a few hours before she got on the bus. I'm sure she was confused and cold."
Linda said Jodie took Ginger home. "I love animals," she said. "I'm glad I could help."
Syracuse Herald-Journal, Tuesday, February 9, 1999
When the Cupboard Is Bare Pet food pantry ensures animals won't go hungry
By David L. Shaw, Syracuse Post-Standard Staff Writer
It was late at night when the elderly woman knocked at the pantry door, desperate for food.
Her cupboards at home were almost bare. She was unable to convince friends to loan some money so she could buy food.
But the woman wasn't hungry.
She was looking for food for her eight cats. She had come to Auburn's pet food pantry for help.
Pantry operator Mary Lou McQuaid gave her enough food to last a week, along with a supply of cat litter. "She was so happy. All she could give us in return was a hug," McQuaid said.
"Never underestimate the importance of pets to people, even those of limited means," McQuaid said. "It's the kind of thing we see all the time."
Marvin and Mary Lou McQuaid established the pet food pantry in December in their 87 Owasco St. home. The McQuaids and their supporters donate pantry items. They advertise primarily through a local shopping guide and by word of mouth.
The pantry has provided food for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, gerbils and hamsters to a steadily increasing number of pet owners.
They have also provided emergency services to 51 animals, including those of the woman who knocked on her door that night.
"Many people might say, if you can't afford a pet, you shouldn't have one," McQuaid said.
"But it's not that simple. Many people, especially those living alone, need the companionship of a pet. They do their best, but sometimes they need help. That's what we're here for," she said.
The pantry invites needy pet owners to come in from noon to 2:30 p.m. once a month, usually the third Tuesday of the month. They can pick up a free supply of pet food, supplies and, if available, items such as toys, leashes, catnip and treats.
They give out enough to last until the owners get more money, usually a week or so. No one gets a month's worth of food. McQuaid said that, without being heavy-handed, she's good at determining if the pet owners are is truly needy. She said she has not yet found anyone taking unfair advantage of the pantry.
The McQuaids are continuing a tradition Rita Sarnicola began in December 1996. Sarnicola, who assists the McQuaids, began a Christmas pet basket and pet food pantry until giving it up last fall, when the McQuaids stepped in.
They operate an antiques business in their home. They clear a table once a month to display pet food and supplies. Much of the food is donated by Wegmans, Wal-Mart, Agway Inc. and Central Tractor Farm and Country Store.
Sarnicola saidthe food giveaway is accompanied by education on responsible pet care. Her next project will be a pet care fund to help needy pet owners get their pets spayed or neutered and to provide basic health care.
McQuaid said the need is real. "One woman told me she hadn't eaten in three days," McQuaid said. "But she said not to worry about her. She had two loaves of bread from a food pantry and wanted us to help her with her pets."
"When we delivered two boxes to her home in a snowstorm, she cried with joy."
Marge Radley of North Fulton Street came to the pantry this week to get food, litter and two toy mice for her two cats, Mommy Kitty and Puffball.
"I run short sometimes, being on a limited income. Having this available is great," she said.
Syracuse Post-Standard, Saturday, February 13, 1999