| 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 story 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.
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