March, 2009 This Newsletter Made Possible Through the Generosity of Solid Cactus, Inc.

Spring 2009

Vince Says...
For the longest
time, I’ve written of
how we see nearly
7,000 animals come
through our doors
each and every
year. 2008 brought
a change to that
number. It was not
an encouraging
change.
For the first time in recent memory, we
went beyond the 7,000 mark. While we
take pride in being able to serve that many
creatures, we are not at all happy that the
numbers are increasing. The SPCA of
Luzerne County is not a “business” that is
encouraged by growth in numbers.
Economic factors can’t be ignored in this
equation. Foreclosures, those forced into
homelessness, the many that have lost their
jobs, all play a role in this situation.
What I have to say again is very important, I
Angus pays a visit to Lisa Romanelli’s Beekman Street Head-Start Class. Angus really is that big! ask politely that you’ll take a few seconds to
read and consider.

Out of the FROM THE

The SPCA of Luzerne County is not a
government agency of any kind. We are
not tax-dollar supported. For us, there is

Mouth of Angus no safety net.

We are reliant solely on your sense of
philanthropy, the donations small and large
Angus reminds all pet owners that warmer weather means it’s getting from the caring citizens of this county. You
even warmer in those cars. “While your pet may really want to come make it possible. Times are tough, we all
with you, the kinder thing is to keep them at home. Bring them back a feel the sting. We only ask that you please
special treat, take an extra walk, play with your pet and their favorite keep us in mind. Thanks.
toy for a few extra minutes. They’ll never care about staying at home.
Always remember that they’re just happy to be yours, and that it’s CAT As witnessed by recent events, the SPCA
of Luzerne County enforces animal cruelty
laws throughout the entire county. When
always better to be safe than sorry. The only ‘hot dogs’ belong on
a bun. And if that hot dog is meant for me...hold the ketchup and LADY justified, we obtain and execute search
warrants, confiscate abused animals,
onions, and you can skip the bun, too. Woof!” Too Many Cats provide for their immediate care, and
on page 7 subsequently prosecute those responsible
as the laws of Pennsylvania allow.
Inside this issue:
Now, a very pleasant task - I’d like to
Carey Moran’s SPCA Update • Page 2 When You Need Us... • Page 5 personally welcome Cary Moran to our
A Little Love • Page 3 Gothic Kitten Charges • Page 5 staff. Cary is our new Humane Educator
and Volunteer Coordinator and brings
Our Hero • Page 3 From the Cat Lady • Page 7 us wealth of animal welfare and animal
Upcoming SPCA Events • Page 4 - 5 Humane Police Officers Sworn In • Page 7
Vince Says continued on page 4

SPCA of Luzerne County 570.825.4111 • www.spcaluzernecounty.org

 SPCA of Luzerne County Spring 2009

Board Cary Moran’s

Members SPCA Update
2008 - 2009
Education
Mark Warshal While the 2009 school year dwindles to a
President close, please keep us in mind for your summer
programs as well as looking toward the new
Tina Karl
school year. Angus and Cary would love to
1st Vice President
visit with you and talk about Pet Care and Pet
Heather Balester Safety. To Schedule a program, please contact
2nd Vice President Cary at 570-825-4111 or spcaedu@epix.net. Cary Moran, our new Humane Educator and Volunteer
Coordinator, along with Angus.
Paul Lantz Pet Protectors!
Treasurer Our Pet Protectors are out and about this Spring! It’s $50.00 per session and you can mail or call
Arnold Fiergang Please come to see them march in the Memorial in to make your reservation. Class size limits
Secretary Day parade and visit their booth for some home 10 children so get your reservation made today!
baked treats. All proceeds go to benefit the
Barbara Dobrowalski animals of the SPCA. If you are a child 9-14 Springtime Treasures?
Corresponding Secretary yrs of age and are interested in joining the Pet With the warmer weather we will be spending
Protectors, meetings are held the first Monday some well deserved time outside with our pets,
Kathleen Daskalakes of each month. enjoying the sunshine and the smell of spring
Robert Edgerton, Jr. flowers. With the awakening of the plants, trees
Summer Programs and the sunshine, we don’t want to forget who
Doris Magee The SPCA Kids Camp is back for its third year. else comes out of their long winter slumbers.
Kenneth Marquis Children ages 6-13 can spend summer break ‘Tis the season of fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and
Effie Marshall with some of the 7,000 plus dogs, cats, bunnies gnats. They annoy us to no end, so you can
Nina Menichelli, Esq. and other animals served annually by the SPCA rest assured that our faithful furry companions
of Luzerne County. They will learn about animal are less than happy to be bothered by them as
Karen Nocerine care and safety, meet many different species of well. Luckily, your veterinarian can provide
Joseph Palko animals, and participate in hands on activities you and your pets with much needed relief
Marion Pearsall related to helping and caring for animals. This and protection through various preventatives.
year’s programs will be held as follows: In many cases the medications to provide
Sandy Rifkin
Session 1 – Ages 6-8 • June 22-26, 2009 this protection carry a host of other benefits
Louise Robinson
9am to Noon daily by aiding against other internal or external
Scott Sanfilippo parasites that can not only be a nuisance but
Session 2 – Ages 9-11 • July 20 – 24, 2009
Vicky Serhan can affect the health of your pet. Speak to your
9am to Noon daily
H. Robert Weaver veterinarian today about what your pet needs in
Session 3 – Ages 12 – 14 • August 17 -21, 2009 the way of a preventative and enjoy the warmer
Amanda Wright-Kluger, Esq. 9am to Noon daily weather safely!

Pro Bono Counsel
Barry A. Yelen, Esq.
Joseph E. Kluger, Esq.

Above, the Wags ‘n Whiskers crew with the SPCA’s Rose Norton during a recent taping of the show.

2 524 E. Main Street, Fox Hill Road, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 This Newsletter Made Possible Through the Generosity of Solid Cactus, Inc.
SPCA of Luzerne County Spring 2009

A little love, a
little patience,
a little work,
can all pay
dividends.
This beautiful white shepherd came to us
after his owner sadly became homeless
and was forced to live out of his van.
Named Sno at the time, SPCA Supervisor
Vickie Cooper quickly recognized
that, although Sno was nervous and
apprehensive upon admission to our
shelter, this dog had the potential to be
one marvelous companion.
Vickie at first tried to place Sno with a
rescue but had no luck. Realizing that
this was a very smart dog, she next Frank Dannert holds Wyoming in our Cat Room. Admiring Wyoming, and maybe Frank a little also, are Scarlet
explored the possibility of a career in law and Lauren of our staff.
enforcement for this beautiful animal.
Again, no success.

Our Very Own Hero

Left to right are: Ed Wildes, Coda, and Vickie Cooper.
Unwilling to accept defeat, Vickie worked
with Sno until he was ready to be eligible
for general adoption here at the SPCA.
Shortly after he was, his “Forever Home”
came along in the person of Ed Wildes
of Mountaintop. Sno is now Coda and
one happy dog. It’s another great ending,
which we love, and which we wish we
could have more of every single day.
Please, come for a visit. Thanks, Ed.
We’d like you to meet Frank Dannert.
Frank usually works in Adoptions. Maybe
you’ve had the pleasure of meeting with
Frank when you came in search of that
puppy or kitty or rabbit. If you’ve dealt
with him, you know. You know that Frank
is a genuinely nice guy.
What you don’t know is that Frank
thought nothing of literally running from
our shelter one evening to try and save
a kitten that didn’t look like it could be
saved. The call had come from neighbors
in Lee Park, on Wyoming Street in
Hanover Township, that a kitten was
trapped in a storm drain. No one could
reach the poor creature.
Neighbors, passersby, and even emergency
workers had stopped and tried with no
success. They could neither reach this
pathetic kitten nor coax her to move close
enough to make the grab and save her life.
On a chilly, windy and damp evening as
the sun fell behind the mountains, Frank,
with the help of a handful of well-meaning
neighbors, did what at first seemed to
be the impossible. Before she slipped
away, this soaking, dripping wet, crying
little creature was snagged by Frank and
whisked into a carrier. There was no
discussion as to what her name would
be from that moment forward; she’d be
Wyoming.
Wyoming had been saved by Frank, and
by those neighbors in Lee Park. They’re
heroes, too. Heroes live right next-door
to each and every one of us. Although
those folks were thrilled that The SPCA
of Luzerne County in the form of Frank
Dannert had come to the rescue, Frank was
gracious enough to instead thank them for
their patience, caring, and cooperation. If
that wasn’t enough, Frank took Wyoming
home, he adopted her, she’s now Frank’s
cat and, of course, grounded for life, which
we all hope is a good long one.

570.825.4111 • www.spcaluzernecounty.org Printing Generously Donated by Payne Printery, Inc., Paper Donated by Whiteman Tower. 3
 SPCA of Luzerne County Spring 2009
Upcoming
SPCA Events...
From Cary Moran
Watch for our Pets of the Week in
the Citizens’ Voice, The Times Leader,
and on WBRE News at 11:00am
every other Friday.
Kids Club Meeting
the First Monday of Every Month!
Beginning Mar 12th through Jun 11th
we will be at KM Smith Elementary
with our Pawsitively Reading Program.
–––­­------— March --­­—--—–
Mar 28th - Pictures with the Easter
Bunny at the shelter 12pm - 3pm.
Mar 31st - Each Tuesday through
Jun 9 we will be at Lake Noxen
Elementary with our Pawsitively
Reading Program.
––-–­­––—-- April ­­--—-—–––
Apr 1st - Each Wednesday through
Jun 10 we will be at Main Street
Elementary with our Pawsitively
Reading Program.
Apr 2nd- Little Stars Nursery School
with Angus.
Apr 3rd - KM Smith Elementary
PreK with Angus.
Apr 4th - Pictures with the Easter
Bunny at the shelter 12pm - 2pm.
Apr 4th - Adoption event at
Odyssey Fitness.
Apr 4th - Scouting Festival, David
Wert - boy scout will be holding
a donation drive on behalf of the
SPCA.
Apr 13th- Volunteer Orientation
Session 1- 10am to noon; Session
2 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
Apr 18th - Barnes and Noble Book
Fair at Barnes and Noble Arena Hub
Plaza 10am - 4pm.
Apr 20th - Dallas Sr. Center with
Angus - mostly just to visit but also
to talk about pet care and what the
SPCA does.
Apr 25th and Apr 26th - Cherry
Blossom Festival.
Apr 27th - Federated Women’s Club
(speaking engagement).
Apr 29th - College Miseracordia -
Finals week Pet Stress Relief session
for the Students and Faculty.
Apr 30th - St. Pauls Pre-school in
Mountiantop with Angus.
–––­­----–-— May ­­----—–--––
May 1st - Lake Noxen Elementary,
Pet Care program with Angus.
May 1st, 2nd and 3rd - Spring
Adoption event at PetSmart Arena
Hub Plaza.
SPCA Events continued on page 5.
4 524 E. Main Street, Fox Hill Road, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Vince Says continued from page 1
sheltering experience to our community.
Prior to joining us, Cary was the National
Public Relations Coordinator for Petfinder.
com. You’ll be hearing lots more about
Cary in the coming months and likely
meeting her as well.
I’m often asked about funeral services by
those who’ve lost a pet, a very traumatic
experience. Each and every one of us
here has cried the same tears as you
in saying good-bye to a faithful and
loving companion. One of the greatest
satisfactions in this job is being able to
help those in need. When the time comes,
when you don’t know where to turn, we
can help.
Thanks a million for your continued
support, especially during these
tough times.
pOur heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful and generous
employees at SCHOTT North America, Inc.in Duryea. Due to their
appreciation for our efforts on behalf of animal sheltering and animal
welfare, they collected an impressive donation of supplies and
money for the SPCA of Luzerne County.
Standing left to right; SCHOTT North America employees; Julie Vince Sweeney
Lucarella, Amy Sincavage, and Mary Golya. Front and center, that’s Executive Director
Angus with Cary Moran.
We rely solely on this community for support
to keep our doors open; to keep doing what
When You
we do. Without you, we wouldn’t be here.
Need Us,
What You Can Do
for the Animals
People often ask what they can do
We’ll Be Here...
for the animals. One of the easiest
things is to donate some of the
supplies we use on a daily basis. All of us at the SPCA
Below is a list of items we use most of Luzerne County
frequently.
know the pain and
Wish List Items... sorrow that the loss
H CAT LITTER (clay non-clumping) of a pet can bring. We’re
H CANNED CAT FOOD H DRY
KITTEN CHOW H CANNED
here to help. We offer
DOG FOOD H TRASH BAGS full services, including our
(55 GALLON) H TALL KITCHEN Rolling Green Pet Cemetery
BAGS H PRE-PAID FUEL CARDS H AA
& AAA BATTERIES H 9-VOLT BATTERIES and Columbarium. On-premise
H SPONGES H DISH DETERGENT H DUST PANS cremation is also available as your
WITH SMALL BROOMS H DRY DOG FOOD (NO
RED DYE) H NON PINE FLOOR CLEANERS H SOFT needs dictate. Don’t hesitate to
SCRUB WITH BLEACH H PAPER TOWELS H DRY CAT contact us for more information.
FOOD (NO RED DYE) H BLEACH H 6” PAPER PLATES H COLLARS &
LEASHES H 8 ½ X 11 COPY PAPER H RABBIT PELLETS (PREFERABLY
825-4111. We can ease your
PURINA) H GERBIL / HAMSTER / GUINEA PIG FOOD burden at a very difficult time. It
H ALUMINUM CANS (we recycle them for money) You can
always drop them off at the SPCA on the side of the garage.
will be our honor and privilege to
H Monetary donations are always graciously accepted do what we can for you.
This Newsletter Made Possible Through the Generosity of Solid Cactus, Inc.
SPCA of Luzerne County Spring 2009
Pet Protectors Youth Club
JOIN THE SPCA OF LUZERNE COUNTY’S
KIDS/TEEN CLUB
AND HELP ANIMALS BY:
• RAISING AWARENESS
• HELPING ANIMALS
• MAKING A DIFFERENCE
MEETINGS ARE SCHEDULED FOR:
MON, APR 6, MON, MAY 4, MON, JUN 1, 2009
AT THE SHELTER 5:30 pm
For children ages 8 and up. Come find out how
to help the animals in your community and
make a difference for the animals at the shelter.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
CARY MORAN AT THE SHELTER 570-825-4111.
Many Thanks to:
pLindsay Lane, at left, asked her friends at St.
John’s Byzantine Church’s Youth Group in Wilkes-
Barre to help the animals during the holidays, and
they did indeed. Lindsay, thank you, we’re proud to
call you a friend and supporter. Lending a hand, the
SPCA’s Scott Gomelko.
pGirl Scout Troop #2815 from St. Nicholas Church
in W-B visits us with a wonderful donation of supplies
as their Christmas present to the SPCA.
570.825.4111 • www.spcaluzernecounty.org Printing Generously Donated by Payne Printery, Inc., Paper Donated by Whiteman Tower.
Pet First Aid Course SPCA Events
continued from page 4.
–––­­----–-— May ­­----—–--––
May 6th - Luzerne County Head
Start with Angus.
May 8th - Health Fair on The Square,
The Pet First Aid Course teaches you emergency care Wilkes Barre 10am-3pm.
procedures for cats and dogs and provides tips for keeping May 9th - Rabies and Microchip
your pet happy and healthy too. Clinic at shelter. Times TBA.
May 11th - Volunteer Orientation
Fore More Info Call 823-7161 Session 1- 10am to noon; Session
2 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
May 14th, 15th, and 16th - Fine Arts
Fiesta at Public Square Wilkes Barre.
May 14th Northwest Area School
District Child Safety Fair with Vince.
May 25th - Wyoming Valley
Memorial Day Parade at Wyoming.
–––­­----–-— June ­­----—–--––
Jun 8th - Volunteer Orientation
Session 1- 10am to noon; Session
2 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Jun 13th - Reunion Picnic at Kirby
Park 11am - 3pm.
Jun 14th -Wyoming Valley
Motorcycle Club annual Motorcycle
Run for the SPCA.
Jun 22 - 26 - SPCA Kid’s Camp
Session 1.
Jun 23rd through Jun 28th -
Northeast Fair at Pittston Twp.
–––­­----–-— July ­­----—–--––
Jul 11th - Pet Protectors Stars
and Stripes Event at SuperPetz
Edwardsville 11am - 2pm
Jul 13th - Volunteer Orientation
Session 1- 10am to noon; Session
2 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
For the most recent updates to our
upcoming events, please visit our
website. To schedule an event with
us, or to hold an adoption day of your
Gothic Kitten own, please contact Cary Moran
at the shelter: 570-825-4111 or at
spcaedu@epix.net
Come visit us at
Charges www.spcaluzernecounty.org
Go to our site. Click on Available
Pets on the left side of the page. Visit
District Judge John Paul Hadzik forwarded our site often, where you can see
animal cruelty many of the pets we have waiting
for you. As always, you are invited to
charges to the visit the shelter during our hours of
Luzerne County operation, which you can also find on
Court of Common our website. Remember, the SPCA of
Luzerne County is open 7 days a week.
Pleas regarding
the “Gothic
Kitten” case.
Holly Crawford
of Ross Township will be arraigned on April
24th. Charges against William Blansett have
been dropped.
5
 SPCA of Luzerne County Spring 2009

Overpopulation is the number one

cause of animal abuse in this country.
The good news is that
we can do something about it.

Many Thanks to:

Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club’s

p WWON – Wilkes-Barre Women on Network, present the proceeds of their Annual SPCA Run
fundraiser and roast benefitting the SPCA. We can never thank them enough SAVE THE DATE!
for their generosity and kindness. Left to right; Nicole L. Schake, Early staffing
Services; Dawn Davison-Monk, Twin City Builders; Heather Dehnel, Event The 13th Annual Motorcycle Run, June 14th, 2009.
Planning 911; Mary Bartos, Bridal Trinkets.

A ”Senior” For A “Senior.”

Adopt a “Senior” Dog or Cat for $30.00!
Includes $20 adoption fee and $10 for microchip. All animals available
for this program will be spayed, neutered, microchipped, and just waiting
for you and your loving home. Seniors, aged 60 and over qualify for older
pet adoption!
Visit or Contact The SPCA of Luzerne County for more information.

The SPCA of Luzerne County

Low-Cost Spay Neuter Fund
...the beginning towards ending the misery.
Spaying and neutering saves lives. It gives companion animals the chance
of a future by decreasing the incredible number of unwanted animals. It’s the
only way to end this misery. Please consider a donation to this fund, which
will help us offer financial assistance to
those who otherwise could not afford
pM&T Bank recently made its annual contribution to animal welfare in their to spay and neuter.
community. Presenting M&T Bank’s donation are M&T Bank Vice President of Private
Banking Barbara Toczko-Maculloch, and M&T Bank Banking Officer Deborah
Saracino. We are in your debt. We humbly ask that you also remember us in your will.

6 524 E. Main Street, Fox Hill Road, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 This Newsletter Made Possible Through the Generosity of Solid Cactus, Inc.
SPCA of Luzerne County Spring 2009
Too Many
Cats!
By Our SPCA’s Cat Lady
It is the dream of every animal welfare organization, including the
SPCA of Luzerne County, to some day become a “No-Kill” shelter and
still accept every animal that needs our help. What a wondrous thing it
would be if every adoptable animal could find a home with committed,
responsible owners!
Over the past few years, that dream has become reality for dogs brought
to our shelter. Sadly, a few dogs must still be euthanized for health or
behavior issues that make them ineligible for adoption; that may never
change. But the adoptable dogs get homes.
It’s a far different story for the cats we take in.
About twice as many cats as dogs come to us — about twice as many
as there are qualified adopters for them. Because cats breed so fast and
so often, because many people get a cat without considering the cost of
and the necessity for altering it, or even the age at which reproduction
can begin, “Whoops! litters” are common. Many owners don’t know that
spaying or neutering is actually good for their cat’s health. Many just plain
can’t afford the cost. And we end up with the hundreds of “surplus” cats
and kittens that are the end result of the “failure to fix.”
Can you imagine the pain of looking into the beautiful eyes of a kitten as
you euthanize it for lack of a home? Is it any wonder we dream of change?
Yes, it’s a wonderful dream, and it can be done. But like most worthy goals
simply wishing won’t make it so. While we can’t create more homes, our
community can stop breeding so many cats. Hard work, education, money,
“Please Tell Us What You Think”
We’ve added a survey to our website. We’d appreciate a few min-
utes of your time in taking the survey and answering our ques-
tions. Your thoughts are very important to us, so tell us how we’re
570.825.4111 • www.spcaluzernecounty.org Printing Generously Donated by Payne Printery, Inc., Paper Donated by Whiteman Tower.
Many Thanks to:
The Wilkes-Barre Chapter of POWER! for holding a “POWER
Outage” at Cork to benefit our SPCA. POWER! is an informal
group of professionals whose mission is to promote the our region
as a vital and pleasurable place to live, work and play.
Left to right: Therese Maxfield, Director for POWER! Wilkes-Barre, Ruth Corcoran,
Cork, Vince Sweeney, SPCA Executive Director, Cathy Faatz, Events Chair for
POWER! Wilkes-Barre and Joe Butcher, POWER! Wilkes-Barre.
time, and dedication are all necessary, in large doses, to accomplish the task.
The SPCA of Luzerne County is putting its money where its heart is, so to
speak. Our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program for the cats of low-income
owners is the first step on the road, and we need you to help us along the
path. If you care about cats and want to help them, you couldn’t find a
better way to put your money where your heart is. Please send a donation
today, and make sure you specify it’s for the Spay/Neuter Fund. Large or
small, it will make a difference.
Humane Police
Officers Sworn In
After successful completion of extensive state-mandated training, two
SPCA employees were recently sworn as Humane Police Officers in
Luzerne County Court.
Administering the oath was Clinton County Senior Judge Richard
N. Saxton, Jr., seated. Standing, left to right; SPCA Shelter Manager
Cindy Starke (herself a Humane Police Officer), new Officers
Wayne Harvey and Crystal Wallace, SPCA Pro-bono counsel, Atty.
Barry Yelen, and SPCA Executive Director Vince Sweeney.
doing, tell us what you think. Just visit our website and click on
the link to take the survey.
Thanks!
7
 NON-PROFIT ORG.
SPCA of Luzerne County U.S. POSTAGE
524 East Main Street PAID
PERMIT NO. 125
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 WILKES-BARRE, PA

Phone: 570-825-4111 • Fax: 570-825-7898

E-mail: spca@epix.net

Shelter Hours:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday: 8:00 am–7:30 pm
Adoptions: 11:00 am–3:00 pm and 5:00 pm–7:00 pm
Wednesday & Friday: 8:00 am–3:30 pm
Adoptions: 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am–3:30 pm
Adoptions: 12:00–3:00 pm

SPCA of Luzerne County Spring 2009

The official registration and financial

information of The Society for the Save The Date!
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of
Luzerne County, Inc. may be obtained
Saturday, October 3rd
from the Pennsylvania Department of State
by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania;
1-800-732-0999. Registration does not
imply endorsement.

Coming up
in 2009!
• SPCA Golf Tournament
• The Black Cat Ball
Bark at The Park 2009!
The SPCA of Luzerne County’s 19th Annual Walk for The Animals...
Watch for details We’re back at Frances Slocum State Park once again on
Saturday, October 3rd, for one of Luzerne County’s favorite walks.

SPCA of Luzerne County 570.825.4111 • www.spcaluzernecounty.org