The SQSPCA seeks foster families and adopters for the influx of working dogs: Ten more dogs arrive this Saturday from Louisiana shelters | WIVT

From the Susquehanna SPCA:

It’s literally raining cats and dogs at the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SQSPCA).

For several months, the shelter has reduced a three-digit waiting list for cats. Now shelter staff are facing a perfect storm in preparation, having unexpectedly welcomed 14 dogs today, with another 10 dogs expected to arrive on Saturday.

The dogs arriving this weekend are thanks to a partnership between the SQSPCA, the Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society of Louisiana. The unexpected arrivals — of a case of hoarding from Otsego County — are mostly large-breed working dogs.

SQSPCA Chief Executive Stacie Haynes spoke about the events leading up to today.

“In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida, the New York State Animal Welfare Federation is appealing for assistance to New York City shelters with empty kennels,” Haynes said. “Louisiana animal shelters and shelters, some of which still have no electricity or running water, are desperately trying to rebuild. We had 15 kennels open at the time, so we agreed to take 10 dogs.

Then the unthinkable.

“This morning we responded to a situation of unintentional neglect in which an Otsego County resident was unable to maintain the levels of care and medical attention needed for an increasing number of dogs,” Haynes explained. .

“These dogs are a mix of Great Pyrenees, Cane Corso and Newfoundland of varying ages. Most have not been castrated or sterilized. They are currently being treated for worms and fleas, many are emaciated and a couple have wounds. Although they have not been properly socialized, they are not aggressive to our knowledge,” Haynes added.

Given that these are large-breed working dogs, Haynes said it would be difficult to ask other local shelters for help, as many are already struggling with space issues or of ability to deal with such large and energetic breeds.

“If you’ve ever thought about adopting or even fostering a working dog, now is the time,” Haynes pointed out. “These dogs don’t do well in a shelter environment – ​​they need space and a job to do. Our adoption counselors are available to help at 607-547-8111, ext. 102 or ext. 107.”

Farms, country living and fenced yards would be ideal for these dogs. They can’t live in apartments, Haynes said.

Farther from home, thousands of people are in crisis following Hurricane Ida, including many animal shelters and rescue facilities. Thanks to the Humane Society of Louisiana, the national Best Friends network and a web application called Trello, the SQSPCA was able to select dogs to be transported north for rehoming.

“They’re not hurricane dogs,” Haynes clarified. “These are shelter or rescue dogs affected by the hurricane. As these dogs are moved from Louisiana to places like the SQSPCA, space is freed up for animals moved by the hurricane. , whether as a surrendered owner or for a temporary pension.

Some of the dogs en route to Cooperstown — Simone, Big Emma and Igor — come from facilities in New Orleans that still have no power or water, Haynes said.

Still, Haynes remains both excited and optimistic.

“We rely on local media, social media and word of mouth to get these big working dogs out of our shelter and into greener pastures, and to get the southern dogs into good homes as well. There appears to be a shortage of adoptable dogs in Otsego County – our length of stay for dogs is currently only 19 days, so we don’t think we’ll have a problem rehoming them,” he said. she declared.

Haynes added that the transfer of ownership of the working dogs to the shelter is a nod to the effectiveness and importance of the SQSPCA’s ‘Here to Help’ helpline set up earlier this year. .

“A local dog control officer, recognizing a situation that was not cruelty but rather someone in desperate need of help, contacted us and staff immediately rushed into action. It is important that our donors understand the many public assistance programs that simply would not be possible without their continued support,” Haynes said.

In operation since 1917, the Susquehanna SPCA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to caring for homeless, abandoned, and seized pets and finding them loving, forever homes. For more information on animals available or to donate, visit www.sqspca.org or call 607-547-8111. The shelter is located at 5082-5088 State Highway 28, just south of the village of Cooperstown.

PHOTOS: Adoptable working dogs Arthur and Monty.