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			This page is devoted to the stories of people who have adopted animals from our shelter and how each has enriched the others' life. If you have a shelter story you'd like to share, please e-mail us at vol4animals@yahoo.com We'd love to hear from you!



	We just wanted to give you an update on our companions that we adopted from your shelter. We adopted Molly (pug) from you a couple years ago. She was a Katrina pup from Mississippi. Max (beagle formerly known as Tuff) was adopted the day before Christmas Eve.They are both doing very well. My two kids love them. Molly is Hannah's doggie and Max is definitely my son Zack's buddy. They fall asleep together every night. They are perfect in our family and are doing great. Stacie



			Last Summer I adopted a pup from your shelter. He was originally from WV and was bounced until he came to Upstate, NY. We got him at approx 5 months old. We named him Jaxon and he has since been a great dog. He is extremely obedient (we got over his submissive peeing issue). He uses the bathroom on his own by waiting by the door to be let out. He can go unsupervised and returns to the door as soon as he is done. He loves to help get the mail, if you give it to him he takes it and runs to the front door and drops it off. He also loves going to the soccer fields and playing fetch. He has a couple friends who are smaller than him (he is 35 lbs now) and he plays with them very gently being careful not to hurt them. He never growls or barks and is very affectionate towards us and strangers. Everyone who meets him asks if they can take him home because he is so well behaved. We couldn't be happier. Thanks again, Scott

Hi! We adopted Clancy in hopes that he would be a great companion for my sons. He has made a great addition to our family, and is our little miracle dog. He's helped my youngest son who is autistic and was afraid of dogs overcome his fear. This dog was sent from God, and has given us many smiles already! He had to go to his first visit to the vet yesterday to have his neutering stitches removed, and what a little gentleman. He's even been to school to pick up my boys and we certianly received a warm welcome, and my boys look forward to seeing him after school. Although I'm suprised at how well my autistic son is doing with Clancy so quickly, I'm not suprised that the Genesee County Animal Shelter has paired us up with the perfect animal for us. We also adopted our cat Annie there and she has given us many years of love and joy.

Thank You,
Joseph and Family



			Hi everyone! Our family adopted Benny (cat) in February of this year. He has made a fun and interesting addition to our family. He is full of energy and has inspired our eight year old cat Alex to be more active. He is loving and playful, and he likes to make sure that everyone in the house gets up early. He is still getting used to our dog Sydney. We adopted Sydney from the shelter in 2003. Thank you to everyone that works at the shelter caring for the animals until they are adopted. The time and effort that is put into these animals is greatly appreciated - Ann and family



	I adopted Hodge on 4/11/08. Just letting you know he has settled in nicely and I'm very happy. I did change his name and he actually responds to it. Thank You, Warren



			Hi everyone!! It is me Gordy ( a.k.a. Linus).. I have been with my mom, dad, and sister for a year now. I just wanted to give you an update on me and to say hi. I am doing awesome at home. My sister is 10 years old and didn't like to play much, but since I have been here I am getting here to play more. My mom and dad taught me many commands and I do them very well. Thank you for everything. Gordy

The Daily News Editorial, Thursday, April 3, 2008

Shelter Success Story

New Facility, volunteers combine to save lives

Genesee County Animal Shelter doesn't claim to be a "no-kill" shelter for animals. But since its move into larger quarters in 2001, and with the help of a core of special volunteers, it is close to becoming that.

The old shelter on Mill Street was small, cramped and depressing for volunteers to work in. It was difficult to take good care of the animals under those conditions, and because there was such limited space, it became necessary to euthanize animals if homes couldn't be found for them. In the crowded conditions, the animals were also more likely to become sick - and so, unadoptable. In the year 2000 - the peak year - 263 dogs and cats were euthanized.

But things have changed. A new county shelter opened on West Main Street in the town of Batavia in 2001. It is large enough to hold impounded animals longer - long enough in most cases for them to be found and claimed by their owners or adopted by new owners. Of the 437 dogs and 459 cats impounded last year, just 36 were euthanized, and those only because of sickness or unresolvable aggression problems.

Animal Control Officer Aggie Jarozewski says the new shelter is important to this success story, but not the only factor. The other part of the sory lies with Volunteers For Animals, the group that works with the sheriff's department to care for the animals.

"It's the attitude of the volunteers," Officer Jarozewski said. "They get more donations, they have a great group of volunteers and they are able to get more animals checked out by the vet. And they are more patient with adoptions."

Volunteers spend time at the facility exercising the animals so people get a good idea of what the animal is like when they visit. They are willing to meet with potential adopters after hours and by appointment, and they maintain a web site with photos that promote "bonding" with the animals and thus encourage more adoptions.

VFA has a core group of 15 to 20 people who keep the shelter operating, plus another 50 or so who volunteer occasionally, says VFA President Wendy Castleman. They can take pride in what they do on behalf of animals that can't speak for themselves. And Genesee County residents can take some pride in providing the tools with which volunteers can work.

The shelter is open 1 to 3 pm Sundays through Wednesday and Fridays; 7 to 9 pm Wednesdays; and 11 am to 1 pm Saturdays. The cost to adopt is $30 plus a $35 deposit refunded when the adopter gets the animal spayed or neutered. For information call 343-6410 or visit the web site, vol4animals.org.

"PET PROJECT" Stories Needed

The Daily News is beginning a new "Pet Project" series and is seeking input from readers. If you have got an interesting, unusual or special story about an animal that has crossed your path and, perhaps, now even calls you house home, we want to hear from you.

Please contact Joanne Beck at 585-343-8000, ext 2135 or e-mail her at: jbeck@batavianews.com

You just never know who you will find at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.
Come by and meet your next best friend.