Shelter Location: 5664 Horatio Street (Off Rt. 12N) , Utica, NY 13502 (Just past the Riverside Center)

Hours: 11a-5pm Tuesday - Friday------- 11a-4p Saturday------ Closed Sundays---- Closed Mondays

Phone : (315) 738-4357

SAVE THOSE EMPTIES !!

With Summer here, there will be plenty of empty returnable bottles and cans piling up around your house, camp or garage and we are asking that you save them for us. We will have another 'Cans (and bottles) for Canines and Kitties' drive coming up THIS Sat. July 31st from 11a-2pm here at the shelter. Start saving your empties for us. We will do all the heavy lifting...all we ask is that you have your donated empties in bags or boxes. We'll even take them out of your vehicle for you! Just pull into our parking lot and we'll take it from there.

Thanks again to Stash's 'Hit and Run' of Utica for helping us with our fundraising drive.

Sherry (North Utica) delivers her donated cans and bottles to Jerry at our June fundraiser. Save yours for our next drive this Saturday July 31st from 11a- 2pm.

Get ready to bring us your empties! Cans (and Bottles) for Cats and Canines returns

We are holding our monthly can and bottle drive on Saturday July 31st from 11a-until 2pm at the shelter parking lot (5664 Horatio Street, off Rt. 12 N., Utica, just past the Riverside Center). We'll take them out of your car or truck, just roll in and we'll do the rest. Gather up your empties (don't forget water bottles have a $.05 deposit return now). Please mark your calendar and tell your friends!

Last month we took in over 14,000 returnables for a donation total of $709 !! Can we beat that figure???? Help us and help our animals. Thank you.

The employees of the Bank of New York Mellon (Oriskany) recently donated $860.00 to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County. The money was raised through various employee functions including dress-down days. The employees also delivered pet food and supplies to the shelter. Thank You !

Pictured L-R: Dave Kukowski, Roxanne Flint, Lisa Ellis, Jerry Kraus (SSHS), Verneil Richards and Jean Clark.

Our second Adopt-A-Thon of the Summer!

Our July ADOPT-A-THON was Saturday July 24th from Noon until 3pm. We had a BIG crowd of visitors all day, with food, music and an open-house at our shelter: 5664 Horatio St., just past the Riverside Center, off Rt. 12N, Utica.

Thank you: Price Chopper (S. Utica), Pepsi Bottling Group, Holland Farms, Arcuri's Pizza

Thank you Rotary Club of New Hartford: At their July luncheon, club members presented Jerry with a donation check for $500! This is the second year in a row that the Rotary Club has made such a generous donation to help our animals. It is greatly appreciated.

L-R: Jim Cook (Secretary), Jeff Gornick (Treasurer), Jill Gates (President-elect), Rev. Bill Dodge (President) and Jerry Kraus (SSHS)

Our first Adopt-A-Thon of the Summer!

Thank you to everyone who came out to join us here at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society for our first Adopt-A-Thon of the Summer on Saturday June 19th from Noon until 4pm right here at our shelter at 5664 Horatio Street. We had an 'open-house' inside and outside the shelter with all of our animals ready for adoptions at special reduced rates for this day's events. Many came on a hot afternoon to enjoy music, food, face-painting and a few select vendors. Over 20 pets found new homes

Our next one is coming up Saturday July 24th from Noon until 3pm!

Special thanks to: Zimowski Food Specialties, Price Chopper (N. Utica), Arcuri's Pizza, Crash's, Wal-Mart (N. Utica), Desserts Beyond the Ordinary, Smith Packing, Holland Farms & the Pepsi Beverage Group

Here we are at the 1st Adopt-a-Thon of the Summer at the SSHS !!!!

Over 20 animals got adopted in just one afternoon. THANK YOU!

Going away on Vacation? Or just chillin' by the pool?

Send us a photo of you and your pet enjoying the Summer and you may end up in our on-line webpage photo scrapbook we'll call... Summer Fun 2010

Email to : JKraus@Stevens-Swan.org

Thanks and have a safe and fun Summer!

Kodibear At Kayuta Lake

Precious cooling off in the pool

'Dolce G.', stylin in those shades, out for a Summer cruise

'Lucky' from Rome is an Easy Rider

Daisy loves to swim in the Moose River, Thendara

'Jethro', one of our adoption dogs, beats the heat in his outdoor kennel.

Harley's first boat ride at Sylvan Beach, with owner Jimmy

Thank You Pepsi Beverage Company (Utica). Employees recently volunteered to help out The Stevens-Swan Humane Society and through the company's 'Pepsi Gives Back' W.I.N.S. program, they also donated $1,000 to the shelter!

Pepsi employees recently presented Jerry Kraus (SSHS) with the check at their offices in Utica : (L-R) Eric Rostohar, Carla Kolwaite, James Helferich, Chris Ettelt and Jerry Kraus

Thank you MOBY GRAPHICS of Westmoreland Rd, Whitesboro! The guys put together a fundraiser involving RC (remote Control) cars at CRC Raceway in Rome on May 30th. The Moby Classic 500 was a big hit and raised $352 for our animals! Moby Graphics is a family business with father Leroy and sons David and Michael Harrison.

L-R: Patrick Engle (Shelter Manager), David Harrison, Leroy Harrison, Jr. and Michael Harrison

For release Wed. April 21, 2010

The Utica Police department made an arrest today after witnessing a dog being beaten in a parked vehicle in North Utica . 20 year old Theodore Chrystie of Larchmont Avenue in Utica was charged with misdemeanor animal abuse and was arraigned in Utica City Court today. The 6 month old boxer puppy is now being cared for by a foster family.

Update 6/23: Theodore Chrystie has pled guilty and was sentenced in Utica City court on Wed. June 23rd to 3 years of probation by Judge Balzano. 'Duke's' ownership is now under review and he is still in a loving foster home until further notice.

Golfers and Golf fans:

Again this year, we will be selling admission tickets to the Turning Stone Resort Golf Championship. This year it is scheduled for Monday August 2nd through Sunday August 8th. When you buy your admission tickets through our shelter, ALL of the money will stay here to help our animals.

Tickets will be $25 per day pass or $100 for weekly booklets.

The Stevens-Swan Humane Society is a sanctioned participant in the 'Tickets for Charity' program.

** To buy tickets and help our animals, click here and follow the links to buy tickets for charity and type in our code : SSHUMANE. You can also come to our shelter during business hours and fill out a voucher and pay by cash, check or credit card.

Please check back for more information and please spread the word to your golf friends. We are hoping to sell plenty of tickets which will translate to many dollars for our animals!

CNY Pet Expo Adopt-a-Thon (May 22 at the New Hartford Rec Center.) We had a great time meeting many friends and their pets and we adopted out 5 of our dogs! (Including these two and the two in the cages you see to the left and right)

Left-right: Craig and 'Willie', Cathy and 'Monte', Clare (Auxiliary) and Jerry

Thank you Faxton-St. Lukes - Home Care Services Employees!

Executive Director Kate Rolf and Staff & Community Educator Jackie Turner arranged to have a "Jean Week" to collect donations for the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. Margaret Leone & Joy Thomas (Administrative Assistant) contacted employees of Home Care Services, which consist of: Mohawk Valley Home Care, Senior Network Heath and Visiting Nurse Association. The employees consist of Administration and Clinical staff.

They raised $326!  What a great idea for employees to have some fun AND to benefit our animals! What business is next in line to do their own 'Jean Day/Week' fundraiser for the Stevens-Swan Humane Society?

From Left To Right: AnneMarie Giannola, Michele Ventura, Jerry Kraus (SSHS), Jackie Turner, Suzette Buckley, Dona Ventura, Sally Nelson

"Don't forget about me"...

Have you seen our new updated TV Public service announcement? It is similar to our popular PSA that has been running on TV and we've added new success story photos and a '100th Anniversary' note as well. Look for it on TV and click here to see it now.

The Stevens-Swan Humane Society Staff posed for a photo at the 'Fur Ball'.

Thank You for making our FUR BALL gala a HUGE Success!!

Our Stevens-Swan Humane Society 100th Anniversary 'Fur Ball' was held Saturday May 15th from 7p-11p at The Hotel Utica

We danced to live music from party band Soul Injection, plus enjoyed the piano performance of Rick Zuccaro,delicious hors d'oeuvres, carving, salad and pasta stations, desserts, beverages, silent auction items and much more

300 people came out to support the shelter's 100th Anniversary and to enjoy the evening's festivities.

$16,000 was raised to help our animals!

Thanks to our area's representatives for presenting proclamations honoring the 100th Anniversary. Our dignitaries in attendance included Congressman Mike Arcuri, Assemblywoman RoAnn DeStito, NY State Senator Joe Griffo, Utica Mayor David Roefaro and New York Mills Mayor Rob Maciol.

HEAR more about it by clicking here.

See the WKTV Fur Ball PSA by clicking here.

THANKS to our Fur Ball event Sponsors:

Top Dog:

Adirondack Financial Services

F. Eugene and Loretta Romano

'Harley' & 'Davy' Scalise

StaffWorks

Cat's Meow:

Crash's Scrap Metal

The Carbone Auto Group

The Fountainhead Group

Animal Angel

Mohawk Limited

New Hartford Shopping Center

'Brody' Orlowski

Price Chopper

Schuyler Commons @ Colonial Square

The ONE - Charity Golf Classic

L-R: SSHS Executive Director Diane Broccoli, Honorary Chairpersons: Anita Vitullo

& Jackie Romano and SSHS Public Relations/ Marketing Director Jerry Kraus

Utica Mayor David Roefaro and wife Cindy present Jerry with a 100th Anniversary

proclamation for the shelter.

Soul Injection

A few Committee members: Christine Lawrence, Kathy Luciano, Jerry Kraus, Julie Fatata and Jackie Turner

Rick Zuccaro - The Piano Man at the SSHS Fur Ball !

Jerry and Carm having a great time.

John and Jackie Romano enjoying the festivities!

Julie, Gina and Lou - the MVP's of our Silent Auction!

Pet Concert II Raised $1,300 for our animals!

It was a great day of blues, rock and rockabilly music to help our animals on Sunday May 2nd at the Ilion Moose Lodge (Barringer Rd.). Tthe Nighthawks (from Washington DC), The Tichy Boys Band - featuring John Tichy of 'Commander Cody & The Lost Planet Airmen' (Albany) and Central New York's own : Al Nathan & Bluestreak all did a great job and the crowd loved the music! Special Thanks to Dave Morgan for organizing the event again this year. All money from admission PLUS hundreds of pounds of pet food was handed over to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the music and to help us out.

(pictures coming soon)

Pet-Concert II Organizer Dave Morgan

The Nighthawks

Al Nathan

Gram and John Tichy

Dog Calendar 2010

Organizers are pleased to annouce their local 365-page calendar will live on !

Dates are now being reserved, photos taken and heartfelt captions being written for the 2011 Calendar .

The calendar will again be available in October.

Photos must be submitted by July 15th.

(Payments/orders for calendars will be collected by July 30th.  The calendar is priced at $20.) All calendars must be ordered in advance.

A photo can be taken of your pet at Sherrillbrook Park. Contact Mary 382-4886.

Submissions should include the dog's name, the month and date requested and a caption.


Online submissions (300dpi) to nhpawspark@hotmail.com

By mail to:  Sherrillbrook Canine Club
                 P.O. Box 125
                 Washington Mills, NY  13479

Mary is looking forward to more canine photos, charm, wit and wisdom !

Cans for Canines and Cats:

Saturday May 1st , we held our first can & bottle drive at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society parking lot. We ended up with over 9,000 cans and bottles collected for a total of $450 collected for our animals! Thanks to everyone who helped and we'll have another one coming up soon!

(Thanks to ‘Stash's Hit and Run' for helping us out)

Jerry and our Utica College intern Jill Doherty load the truck with empties!

Attention SSHS Members:

The following local businesses will be helping our animals! Just show your current Stevens-Swan Humane Society membership card and they will forward 5% of your transaction to us. Membership does have its rewards…for our animals. (Any other local businesses that would like to be involved, feel free to drop us a note).

The Phoenician Restaurant, 623 French Rd. , New Hartford

Sauquoit Automotive, 2745 Oneida St. , Sauquoit

The Huddle on Main (Restaurant), 135 W. Main St. , Waterville

Tony's Pizza (Seneca Turnpike – New Hartford and Oriskany Blvd.- Yorkville)

Who needs Bob Vila or the HGTV pros when you have the SSHS Auxiliary team? Here's a look at some members of the talented team that volunteered to paint and remodel our shelter lobby and front office areas. We have a fresh new bright look and we're very thankful to our volunteers that gave up their time to make it happen for us and our animals. We are lookin' good as we finish up some final touches. Come on up and see for yourself! .

If you have driven by the shelter lately, you have seen this on our front lawn. What is it? It is a Work Station made by Rolling Star of Barneveld. They have donated it to us and we are selling it to raise money for the care of the animals here at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. It is a Drop-In Pickup truck body (not a camper). It is a work station with A/C, a 2,500 watt inverter and baseboard heating. It is Brand New and never been used. It is built for an 8 foot truck bed with a 2 foot overhang. We are selling it for $10,000 or best offer on Craigslist. (Retail value is $21,000 !)

We have also listed this on Ebay - search the Oneida County site for the listing...TIME IS RUNNING OUT!!

Special thanks to Rolling Star Manufacturing of Barneveld. For information on their custom work, call them at (315)-896-4767 or check out their website at www.CustomizedTrailers.com

Another case of animal cruelty in Utica resulted in an arrest Wed. March 10. Rebecca L. Spratt, 24 years old, of 319 Rutger Street in Utica was charged by the Utica Police Department with misdemeanor animal cruelty after she allegedly stabbed a 6 month old pit bull puppy in the head. This incident was involved with a domestic dispute. The dog suffered the head wound and the loss of a significant amount of blood and was taken to Burrstone Animal Hospital for treatment. The injuries were not considered life threatening. Rebecca Spratt was also charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief involved with the domestic dispute. She was arraigned in Utica City Court by Judge Ralph Eannace and bail was set at $3,000. She was back in court on Tuesday March 16th at 1pm in front of Judge Jerry Popeo. The case was adjourned until Tuesday March 30th for pre-trial at which time the defendant's appointed attorney filed motions to be reviewed by the court (Judge Popeo) and a decision will be renedered on May 26th. We are awaiting further information.

We will be following this case closely and we'll update soon with more information.

Here's a photo of 'Zeus' the abused dog from the March 15th case.

Mary Kwiecinski, owner of Blonde Ambition presents a $500 donation to Jerry Kraus/ Stevens-Swan while stylist Sharon Streeter looks on.

The Stevens-Swan Humane Society Parade float is getting ready to roll!

SSHS Staffers and 'Tookie' are lining up for the walk down Genesee Street

Diane Broccoli, SSHS Board President Joan Brenon and Jerry Kraus are all smiles.

Tiffiny and her girls on our float saying hello to the spectators on Genesee Street.

Let's get walkin'. Like my Saint Patrick's parade shirt?! Now give me a dog biscuit please.

Craig Horak (Board Member) & our office ladies Stacey and Linda getting their green on!

Staff members and friends load up the free beads for spectators on the parade route.

Lookin good! Getting the float decorated and making sure our poeple have their hats and beads.

Update:

Sentencing in Utica City Court on February 11, 2010. The persons charged in the 'Annie' dog abuse and cruelty case had their sentences announced by Judge Balzano: Both pled guilty.

Gregory Patterson : 3 years probation

Lashanta L. Jackson : 60 hours of community service (conditional discharge)

The following letter was written by Jerry Kraus of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society on February 5th, in advance of the sentencing and was sent to area media outlets.

Animal cruelty cases need swift justice

Our area has seen an increase in animal cruelty cases recently. From a cat dying in Utica from shots fired from a gas powered BB gun to a puppy abused in Little Falls with a power drill, these are just the latest two incidents of shocking behaviors against defenseless animals. At the Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County, we've also seen recent cases of a cat having it's tail cut off with a box cutter and the near death abuse and neglect of ‘Annie' the young dog who has captured the entire community with her successful fight back to much better health.

It is up to our criminal justice system to now prosecute these unlawful behaviors of cowards. Studies show that the majority of animal abusers move on to child abuse and human assaults.  We need to send a clear message that Central New York does not allow this criminal behavior against animals to go unpunished.

If you happen to witness or can confirm animal abuse in your neighborhood, please contact your local animal control officer or your local humane society. All calls can remain anonymous and confidential. Please speak up for those who can't.

Here's 'Annie' at the shelter before her recent visit to WKTV for the Monday Feb. 22 noon Newstalk segment with Jerry. She is doing much better! (scroll down to see her 'before' pictures)

The Pause for Paws Fundraiser was a great success!

$2,500 was raised! This event was organized by a few community minded-volunteers who wanted to help our shelter animals. Thanks to everyone who came out to Harts Hill Inn (Whitesboro) for the party featuring hors d'oeuvres and desserts, wine tasting and party music from DJ Mike, raffle baskets and door prizes. $2,500 was made from the event to benefit the animals here at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society.

Event organizers Debbie Pohoresky and Donna LaManque helped make this a very successful first-time fundraising event for our animals. Thanks to everyone who helped out. Plans are already in the works for next year's party!

THANK YOU !!!!!!!!

OUR 5th ANNUAL TELETHON WAS A HUGE SUCCESS

OVER $100,500 + WAS RAISED

& WE'RE STILL COUNTING PLEDGES AND DONATIONS

THURSDAY JANUARY 28th AT MVCC, UTICA

Our 5th annual 'Telethon' to benefit the Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County. We were on WKTV Newschannel 2 periodically on the Noon, 5pm and 6pm news and the full hour from 7pm until 8pm. This is our major fundraiser for the year and we want to thank everyone who came out to help with the phones and the accounting area. There are so many people who helped out including Dr. Randy VanWagoner and Bill Dustin of MVCC, Melissa Buffa and Nicole Broccoli in accounting, Gordon Kelly, Craig Horak, Kathy Contino-Turner, Carmelita Balsdon and the Stevens-Swan Auxiliary, Terry Cognetto, Linda Piperata, Catherine Horak, Jackie Romano, The WKTV team, the SSHS FUNdraising Committee, Mary May, Pat Paparone (Pennies for Pets), Mike Long and many more behind the scenes volunteers. Our staff members worked all day with our pet patrol (Crash's Critter Corner) and pledge assistance. Thanks to our presenting sponsor again this year: Staffworks along with our supporting sponsors:

M & T Bank, MetLife, Excellus BC/BS, Ticket Derby, Crash's Scrap Metals, Schuyler Commons @ Colonial Square, AmeriCU & Gates-Cole Insurance.

Also thanks to Carmella's Cafe, Meyda Lighting, Joe Tahan's Furniture& Lennons- W B Wilcox Jewelers for our pledge incentives. Thanks to Dan Arcuri at Arcuri's Pizza, The Huddle on Main (Waterville) & Carmella's Cafe and Crash's for food and beverage donations.

From Diane Broccoli and Jerry Kraus at The Stevens-Swan Humane Society: a BIG thank you to everyone who stepped up, called up and showed up to donate and volunteer this year. It was a wonderful way for us to start our 100th anniversary year.

Incentive winners:

$100 Carmella's Cafe certificate: Mike and Angela Taurisano (New Hartford)

Meyda Tiffany Lighting 'Cat Lamp' : Sharon Marron (Utica)

La-Z Boy Recliner from Joe Tahan's Furniture: Al & Eileen Waldron (Whitesboro)

Lennon's- W B Wilcox Jewelery pendant: Lisa Sherline (Utica)

Animal Jam II : Check presentation: Jerry Kraus (SSHS) Mark Recchio (The BOMB & The Bucket List), Chuck Heath (Red Hush) Mike Santalucia (The BOMB) with Brutus the Bulldog and Jason Powles (WKTV)

5..4..3..2...1..... 'We're Back at the Stevens-Swan Humane Telethon'..WKTV hosts Jolene Ferris and Jason Powles getting ready.

Teens & Teams

Teens raise over $2,500 for the shelter animals !

Saturday January 16th, Sangertown Square (Center Court area) in New Hartford was filled with area high school students. They represented their school's basketball teams, hockey teams, student councils and community service groups. Their mission was to gather donations for the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. The school group gathering the highest amount of pledges during their scheduled time will win a pizza party. All monies raised will be turned into the shelter at our upcoming Telethon on Thursday January 28th.

Our first place winner is Olivia Kodsy of Clinton. Second place went to Trey Carbone from Adirondack School.

Schools participating include New York Mills, Clinton, Holland Patent, Oriskany, Adirondack and Westmoreland

Olivia Kodsy of Clinton did a GREAT job raising the most money!

Trey Carbone from Adirondack School working hard to help out the shelter animals. He did an amazing job bringing in pledges.

NYM Varsity Team:  Katie Critelli, Melissa Vasco, Ashley Herthum, Hailey Griffith, Carley Dziekan, Kelly Pettigrew, Allie Jennings, Adriana Surprenant, Erica Pendrak, KT Wilkinson. Coach Andrea Dziekan.

NYM JV Team:  Domenique Talerico, Ashley Nichols, Kaylie DiNitto,
Savannah Dietz, Meghan Keator, Hannah King, Brittany Englert, Sarah Frankland, Jenna Hamblin.

Clinton Hockey:  Will Blazer, Michael Seakan, Jake Bialek, Alec Yutzler

Clinton Hockey :  Peter Hameline, Jake Hilton, Luk Lavolert, Connor Elsenbeck

Animal Jam II !

The second annual Animal Jam was a hot music series on a very cold night (- 7 degrees!) THANKS to everyone who braved the weather to come out for the fundraiser whcih raised $1,400 for our animals! Special thanks to all of our bands involved who donated their time helping out the animals here at the shelter, including:

The BOMB, Red Hush and The Bucket List : Mr. McGill's (Schuyler)

Crazy Fools : The Electric Co. (Varick Street in Utica)

Slug & The Liberty Band : The Valleybrook Lounge (Seneca Tpk. New Hartford)

BlackFoot Jack & Through the Looking Glass: The Route 69 Steakhouse (Whitesboro)

Slug

Liberty of The Liberty Band

The Crazy Fools

BlackFoot Jack

Through The Looking Glass

THANK YOU BOWLERS AND SPONSORS

We had a ton of fun at the first annual Stevens-Swan Humane Society ‘Bowl-A-Thon' on Sunday Jan 10th from 2p-5p….at the AMF Pin-O-Rama lanes on Genesee St. in Utica ..We had players from the UC Pioneers Men's Hockey Team on hand plus plenty of giveaways from KISS-FM. Thanks to The Computer Connection, American Eagle, The Knights of St. John- Commandery #41 (Utica) and everyone who came out to help raise over $2,300 for our animals at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society.

Special thanks to AMF Pin-O-Rama & 97.9 & 105.5 KISS-FM.

UC Pioneer Hockey guys (Freshmen and Sophmores) with SSHS Bowlathon Director Jerry Kraus (left) and volunteer Pat Paparone (right)

UC Pioneer Hockey guys (Juniors and Seniors)

The Computer Connection Team (Scott Fluty and teammates)

The American Eagle Team

The Knights of St. John- Commandery 41, Utica

The AMF Pin-O-Rama staff ----------- Thank you all !

Merry Christmas from the Staff and Volunteers of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society

(front l-r) Joan Brenon (President of the Board of Directors) and Diane Broccoli (Executive Director)

Happy Holidays !

We want to say a special THANK YOU to all of the schools, businesses, families and individuals that are heping us out this Holiday Season with donations. It really warms our hearts this time of year to see all of the love and support we receive from our community. From our staff and animals, we wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and happy New Year (which will be the 100th Anniversary Year for the Stevens-Swan Humane Society 1910-2010)

Pennies for Pets / Cash for Critters

We are looking for schools, work places and organizations to help us collect spare change for our shelter animals. We'll supply the plastic coin-collection jugs and you supply the place to place the containers. We're looking for groups interested in helping our animals.

This fundraising runs through mid-January so there's time to get on-board! Please contact Jerry Kraus at the shelter: 738-4357 ex. 23. Thanks!

On-board...so far:

Albany Street Elementary, Kernan Elementary, H.R.Jones Elementary, Columbus Elementary, ML King Elementary in Utica, Kennedy Middle School - Utica, New York Mills Elementary, Notre Dame School - Utica, Sauquoit Elementary, Middle and High Schools, Westmoreland Elementary, Middle and High School, Utica College 'Mellow Moose' Coffee House, ECR International- Utica, Preswick Glen- New Hartford, The Owl's Nest - Oneida, MidState Corrections employees, Sylvan Learning Center, New Hartford Senior High School

Here's Annie a 1 to 2 year old female pit mix, rescued (11/18) in the City of Utica. After an anonymous call to the UPD, Animal Control Officer Chris Collver responded and after seeing the neglected condition of the dog, seized her and brought her into the Stevens-Swan Humane Society for Vet treatment, care, housing and evaluation. Besides severe malnutrition and anemia, Annie has an eye infection, flea infestation and other medical ailments. The investigation of this abuse and neglect is ongoing and 2 Utica suspects have been charged with misdemeanor animal abuse and will appear in Utica City Court at 9am on Thursday Feb. 11th for sentencing.

Anyone interested in helping with the cost of helping little Annie, please send your donation to ‘Annie's Fund' c/o The Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio Street , Utica , NY 13502 . Thank you to everyone who has made a donation to Annie's fund so far. We've collected over $500 $1,500 $1,900 $2,200 $2,500 $2,900 $3,256 from concerned local citizens for her medical treatments that continue to bring her back to good health. One day at a time.

Cookies and Cupcakes for sale! Here's 4 very energetic community minded Holland Patent Elementary Students who have formed a Pet Association club. They've been brainstorming ways to help our shelter animals and recently organized a Bake Sale at Sports Unlimited (our next door neighbors). They all have been M.V. P.'s in our opinion and we are looking forward to their upcoming events. (l-r: Kelsey Buck, Hannah Mickle, Riley Linckton and Katie Harrison)

Here's Rex with his new family, the Winn's of New Hartford. One of the Winn students at Bradley School met Rex and told his family all about him and the rest is...another Stevens-Swan Humane Society success story! Good luck to the Winn family and Rex.

1st Annual:

Harvest Fest for Homeless Hounds

It was a WONDERFUL event to benefit The Stevens-Swan Humane Society

Sunday November 8th from Noon-3p at Hanna Park, Utica (next to City Hall)

Thank you to everyone who came out and we saw many beautiful and handsome dogs. The afternoon featured: A Pet Fashion Show & Costume Contest

Refreshments and Entertainment & Kids Corner fun too!

Thanks to Mayor David and Cindy Roefaro, Shampooches, Adjusters International &

Tino Poccia and his team at Coriale Flowers (See photos below)

In the tragic fire on James Street in Utica (September 20), we are mourning 4 people who passed away. Over 20 people lived in the 12 apartments there and some had pets. Here is the story of Gail Baker and her boyfriend Pilar Ayuso who lived in a third floor front apartment and had 5 cats and a snake. Two cats were saved by the Utica Fire Department and went to the Vet hospital with various injuries, three are still missing and the snake died in the fire. Of the two cats saved, one, 'Precious', has been released by the Vet and the other 'Tigger' was receiving medical treatments for smoke inhalation and burns and was just recently released. (Other animals passed away in the fire and some are still missing)

Pictured above is Precious, held by Gail. The Vet bills for Precious and Tigger have reached over $800. As of Friday Oct. 2nd we have received almost $600 in donations from the public. Here at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, we are contributing $200 to the cause so we are almost ready to pay her bill.

If you can help, please send a donation made out to The Stevens-Swan Humane Society and note that it is for the Fire Fund and we'll make sure it gets applied to the Vet bill that continues to rise and others that may develop. Please mail it or drop it off at : The Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio Street, Utica, NY 13502. Thank you very much.

Below is a look at the front of the building.

Raises over $43,000 for our animals!
Our 17th Annual " Wiggle Waggle Walkathon" was Sunday September 20th at the New Hartford Town Park (Sherrillbrook). This year's event presented by StaffWorks was a HUGE success thanks to YOU!. Beautiful weather, hundreds of dogs and even more people than ever came out to help us raise over $43,000 for our animals! We'll post more photos soon of all of the fun: plenty of dogs, contests, music, food and vendors. All of the pledge money raised will help our shelter in our mission to take care of the homeless, stray and abused animals in our area.

Thanks to our presenting sponsor again this year : StaffWorks Also to our Supporting Sponsors:

ABC ChemDry, Archer Seals, Excellus BC/BS, NBT Bank and Not Just Poodles & Doggie Day Care

Thanks also to our Gold sponsors:

Carbone Auto Group, Crash's Scrap Metal, Inserra's Flooring Outlet, The Ron Longo Charitable Foundation, Smurfit-Stone, Pet Supplies Plus / Nutro

Special Thanks to DeSantis Meat Market and Deli (Barneveld), Frito Lay, Yankee Candle, McDonald's, Graphics of Utica, Schuss Ski and Bike Shop, Meyda Tiffany Lighting, Pepsi, PJ Green, The Fountainhead Group

& our media sponsors: Regent Broadcasting, The Utica Observer-Dispatch and WKTV Newschannel 2

To read the Observer-Dispatch coverage of the WWW event : click here.

Ladies and Gentlemen....get ready to...Start your DOGGIES! Let the fun begin.

Jerry Kraus and Deacon Bill Hotaling getting ready for 'The Blessing of the Dogs'

Amanda and Debbie Williams and Judy Kahler helping out with the vendors and contests.

Linda Fatata, Peggy Brown, Stephanie and our Director Diane Broccoli: Enjoying the music and pet contests.. and the announcement of our grand total!

Our workers who helped our shelter dogs get connected with walkers all day.

Our hard-workinging SSHS staff posing after a long day of fun in the sun!

The Wiggle Waggle Photographers did an awesome job taking pictures all day!

Winner of our 'Owner and Dog look-alike contest'...Blondes DO have more fun!

Diane Broccoli, Lisa Lloyd and Pauline Giovinazzo having fun in the crowd.

Jerry and Diane take a moment after the Wiggle Waggle Walkathon to catch a breath and announce the 50/50 and basket winners.

The Bandella Brothers (Joe Nuccio and Barry Medici) provided some great tunes for the day's entertainment. Tookie' took a break from all of the excitement as the band's personal director of security..

Our friend Rick 'Animal' Morehouse of Utica passed away recently after battling cancer. Our condolences to his family and his many friends. He was the organizer of the 'Animal for Animals' charity fundraiser for the shelter last year and was helping to organize the 2nd annual event this Fall. He and his friends were planning on filling his bucket with monetary donations as they made their way throughout the bars and clubs of West Utica. He also was involved in our 'Animal Jam' rock club concerts last year to raise money for our Telethon last January.

In 'Animal's' memory, there will be an upcoming local music fest organized to benefit the animals at our shelter. His friends are looking at a date in December. We'll let you know when the info becomes available.

CONGRATULATIONS to Ginny Lennon of Barneveld, our Grand prize winner of the 2009 Toyota Corolla LE. We drew Ginny's lucky raffle ticket (#1639) live on WKTV's Newstalk on Monday September 21st. Thank you to everyone who helped out our animals by buying a raffle ticket. Special Thanks to Steet Toyota of Yorkville for their help with our raffle.

Here's a look at our TV appearance for the drawing: Front row (l-r) Don Shipman (WKTV) and Jerry Kraus (SSHS Public Relations Director) ), Back row (l-r) : Pauline Giovinazzo (SSHS Board Member and Car raffle event coordinator), Diane Broccoil (SSHS Executive Director), Peggy Brown (SSHS Board Member) and Steve Ponte (Steet Toyota)

AND HERE'S OUR WINNER : GINNY LENNON OF BARNEVELD

Pictured outside the Steet Toyota showroom in Yorkville with the 2009 Toyota Corolla LE

(l-r) Frank Gee (Steet Toyota Sales Manager), Pauline Giovinazzo (SSHS), Ginny Lennon - Car Raffle Winner, Diane Broccoli (SSHS) and Jerry Kraus (SSHS)

Here's another of our recent M.V.P.'s. (Most Valuable Pet-helpers): Jake Meola of Utica.

Jake's birthday is August 5. After he saw a Stevens- Swan television Public Service announcement, he asked his mother to include in his birthday invitations a request for animal food, instead of asking for gifts for himself. Most all of the donations came from children that attend Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica. Jake also loves feeding the animals at the Utica Zoo. Thanks Jake, you are an outstanding young man and a friend to animals.

The workers at First Source Federal Credit Union (New Hartford, South Utica, North Utica and Herkimer) recently got together to help out the animals at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. 15 employees signed up for the Wiggle Waggle Walkathon and walked their dogs and our shelter dogs. They brought in almost $500 in pledges PLUS a corporate donation of $200 AND they collected food and supplies for our shelter. In total, they presented us with $1,000 in cash and food donations! What a great group of community minded people. A big Thank you to First Source Federal Credit Union.

Pictured at their New Hartford office are: (l-r) Lynn Riley (Senior Brance Manager), Pam Way (Marketing Specialist), Kristy Nole (Assistant Vice President Marketing & Communications) and Jerry Kraus (Stevens-Swan Humane Society)

Thank You to everyone who made Kuronda Bed donations to our shelter. We have a few Kuranda dog beds which provide our dogs with a warm, soft and dry place off the floor to sleep, but we don't have enough for everyone. The bed company is still offering special discounts for these beds thru a Donation Program which would send the beds directly to our shelter in the donor's name.

*Please specify the aluminum beds for our shelter, they are more durable

The beds are sturdy and long lasting so you will be providing a lasting gift for a dog today and another tomorrow. Please call Kuranda at 800-494-7122 or go to their website www.kuranda.com to donate a bed to our shelter dogs in your name, or as a gift in the name of a friend or family member. Kuranda will mail a personalized Gift Card acknowledgement directly to them from you.

Please remember the dogs in the shelter during the cold months ahead and all year long!

It's the worst part of our job here: Dealing with the abuse of the animals that takes place in our community. Here is Sandy, a 4 year old hound mix who just came to us after a stay at a local vet hospital. She is an abuse victim, being recently beaten and stabbed (you can see her stitches in the photo above). Utica Police and our Animal Control officer have made an arrest in this case and there is a Felony charge pending. To see such a sweet dog suffer such serious abuse brings us all back to the harsh realities of the work we need to do here, not just in mending these poor animals but in educating the public as to the abuse that is happening around us and how we all can have a part in reporting it and helping to keep watch over our area's pets and animals. Along with that, we remain steadfast in bringing these criminals to justice for their crimes against helpless animals. We'll be closely following this case in Utica City Court.

If you'd like to help with a donation to cover part of Sandy's ongoing medical bills, please send a check to us c/o The Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio Street, Utica, NY 13502. Please note that it's for the 'Sandy' fund and we'll make sure she gets a special gentle hug for your kindness.

Here's Nadia and Pauline selling our Car Raffle Tickets at the American Legion Baseball Tournament at Donovan Stadium - Murnane Field in Utica. Thanks to Don Oliver and the organizers for letting us sell our tickets at the games and thanks to everyone who came over and bought tickets!.

Here's Dominic, Kara and Jackie setting up outside The Electric Company on Varick Street for a "Saranac Thursday" Car Raffle Ticket sales event. Thanks to Theresa and Kathy who also helped out during a very busy night. Thanks to Zee and Laura of the Electric Co. for hosting our fundraiser.

THANKS to the employees at Bank of New York Mellon (Oriskany) for their efforts to help us out here at The Stevens-Swan Humane Society. Through the Community Partnership program, Lisa Ellis organized a ' dress down' day to raise money for our animals plus she put together a donation drive for food and supplies. She was pleasantly surprised to find out that not only does the bank match the money collected, it also matches donations collected. They kept track of each item donated in a spreadsheet which was turned into Corporate headquarters, who will then put a dollar value, add to the total and send a check to the shelter!

How did they do? OUTSTANDING !

Dress down fundraiser brought in $885.00

Individual/Memberships/Raffle $120.00

Total collected $1,005.00

They did 6 drop-offs to our Stevens-Swan shelter with donated items for a total of 297 items including a digital camera, a freezer, and six – 38 pound tubs of Tidy Cat kitty litter.

On Friday July 17 , employees came over to our Stevens-Swan Humane Society to present the money and the donations collected the week of dress down. We were so grateful for their generosity. Corporate campaigns like this make an amazing difference in the lives of our animals.

(See some of their wonderful employees in the photos below)

Thank You So Much to Lisa Ellis and the team: Ann Razzano-Stedman, David Kukowski, Jeanne Clark, Roxanne Flint, Sandra LaSalle and Tracy Bach

It's heartbreaking, the condition of some of the animals that we take in here at the Stevens-Swan shelter. For example, this sweet female puppy was brought in by Utica Animal Control Officer Chris Collver after a concerned citizen on Blandina Street in Utica spotted her and took her in. Upon her arrival, we saw the extremely malnousished and dehydrated shape she was in and we gave her our total attention and care. A foster volunteer also stepped in to take her for the evening. This little pup has now spent the week at a local veterinarian's clinic receiving medical treatment and is being kept there for observation. We're hopeful that this little girl will soon be on a path to much better health. We are so appreciative of our 'eyes and ears' in the community who help us in the fight against animal abuse. If you see any forms of abuse, please contact your animal control officer and help those animals who can't speak out for themselves. Your calls will be kept confidential and annonymous if you wish.

We are following up with information as to this poor puppy's previous owners and mistreatment.

**Update: (Below) Here's Angel now known at SOPHIA after 2 weeks at the Veterinary Hospital and she going home with her foster family. She has made some progress but has a ways to go. If you'd like to help us in paying for her medical bills (now over $1,000) please send your donation to: The SOPHIA Fund (Checks made out to SSHS) c/o The Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio Street, Utica, NY 13502

Thank You !