We're diving head first into 2016 and have begun planning another full year of community events.
But before I get into that, we need to thank so many of our supporters that made the 2015 and the holidays extra special for our shelter residents.
In December, we asked for donations to fill Christmas stockings for shelter pets and we were thrilled with the response. In addition to individual donors (I wish we could list them all by name), the following groups brought us overflowing stockings: Radez Elementary School, Gilboa Conesville School, GlaxoSmithKline employees, Sterling Insurance, Wal-Mart Distribution and the Cobleskill-Richmondville Transportation Garage.
In addition, Golding Middle School hosted a dance that raised $500 for pet supplies.
Howes Cave Animal Hospital celebrated with their annual holiday "bone tree" again this season; they raised and donated nearly $3,000 to help our shelter animals. We are truly blessed to have such a caring and generous community.
Last month, we sent out our newsletter and want to thank Race Printing for donating the printing and mailing of the newsletter.
If you didn't receive a copy, you can check it out on our website.
Supporters who provide their email address get our newsletter emailed each time we publish one.
Upcoming events
Last year we held Bling for Paws, a jewelry sale, in March and our annual auction fundraiser in April.
We're planning to repeat both of these events. Mark your calendar for the following events and watch for more details:
• January 30 (10am - 4pm) Minekill State Park, Gilboa, Snow Festival - stop by and see us.
• February 20 (10am- 12pm) Bake Sale & Adoption Clinic at Cobleskill Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 59 Legion Drive (across from McDonald's).
• March: Bling for Paws - We're still firming up the venue and date.
If you have gently used vintage, costume, or genuine jewelry that you no longer wear and would like to donate, please drop it off at the Shelter during regular business hours or mail it to the Shelter (hours and address at the bottom of this article).
We'll pass along more details as they're available and check our website or Facebook page for updates.
• April: Annual auction fundraiser - Saturday, April 16, 3pm preview, 4pm start - Quality Inn & Suites, Schoharie (formerly Days Inn). Michael's Auction Service - Doug Cater, auctioneer.
We are accepting donations at the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, 1-4:30pm Wednesday-Sunday; if you need items picked up, please call Mary Sagendorf at 424-0132 to make arrangements.
Please no clothing, computers, TVs and books. We are accepting antiques, collectibles, furniture, and household items.
Happy Tails
After almost two years at the Shelter, shy kitty Dotty found her forever home. She is settling in to her new home and Mom just loves her.
We've had so many happy tails over the years. If you'd like to share a story about adopting from us, please put "happy tail" in the subject line and send an email to us at assv@midtel.net.
Consider volunteering
Supporting the Shelter doesn't necessarily mean opening your check book. We can always use volunteers to help in a variety of capacities. We welcome volunteers to come visit with cats in the open cat room, walk a dog, or help out with our fundraising activities.
If you have time and a talent to offer, we can probably put it to good use at the Shelter. We also still accept your five cent deposit cans and bottles for recycling. If you're interested in volunteering, stop by or contact the Shelter.
Kitten and puppy season
When it's this cold out, I know it's hard to think about spring.
But please remember the change in season also brings litters of kittens and puppies that will need homes. If your cat or dog hasn't been spayed, please discuss this procedure with your veterinarian sooner than later.
Please make adoption your first choice. Please spay or neuter your pets. Check our website at www.schoharieanimalshelter.org or our Facebook page for event details.
For up-to-date photos of the Shelter's adoptable animals, click the Adoptable Animals tab on the website's home page for a link to our listings on the Petfinder national database.
Shelter hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 1-5pm.
Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley (ASSV), PO Box 40, 304 Howes Cave Road, Howes Cave, NY 12092, 296-8390, www.schoharieanimalshelter.org.