The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Only three years ago, Elmore SCPA’s future was in doubt. Board Secretary Carol Solari-Ruscoe explained, “It was either sink or swim, so we decided to go public with our financial situation. We were very close to having to shut the shelter down.”

Today, the shelter building has been completely refurbished and more people with great ideas are volunteering. The Board of Directors is working closely together and hopes to add two more members. Most importantly, the staff (1 full-time, 6 part-time) has been improved. Solari-Rusco said, “We have a professionalized staff led by very capable manager, Rebecca Burdo.”

Approximately 60 volunteers contribute their time to do everything from cleaning cages and preparing food, to performing carpentry and plumbing duties to conducting fund-raisers. The SUNY Plattsburgh fraternity CHI PHI has adopted Elmore as one its favorite causes. Solari-Rusco said, “The college students have been a big help. A sorority also helped out recently.” Last November the North Country Potters Guild donated items for a silent and public auction conducted by Gordy Little. That event raised over $3,500.  A softball tournament, a chicken BBQ, a HAVE A Heart fundraiser, a classic car show and an adoption weekend are just some of the fundraisers being held. Solari-Ruscoe said there are at least 15 events being held each year. She explained, “We’ve also been out in the community and I think we’ve polished our image.”

Even more shelter improvements are planned. An animal isolation room will soon be constructed in the shelter’s basement and the cat colony is slated for expansion. Currently, about 30 cats move freely about in the cat colony.

Last year Elmore SPCA found homes for 209 dogs, 107 cats and two small mammals.  Cage availability determines the number of animals that can be accepted. The shelter has 12 cages for dogs weighing 30 pounds and under, 4 large cages for dogs weighing 30 to 50 pounds and 7 extra large cages for dogs over 50 pounds.  There are also 4 or 5 dog cages in the Dog Control Officer’s room.

Dog Control Officers brought in 103 dogs from the following towns:

Plattsburgh  – 39

Peru – 33

AuSable – 19

Schuyler Falls – 7

Black Brook – 3

Dannemora – 2

Owners surrendered 50 dogs:

Plattsburgh – 10

Plattsburgh – 13

Peru – 9

Keeseville – 3

Mooers – 3

Dannemora -3

Moriah – 2

West Chazy – 1

Altona – 1

Malone – 1

Schuyler Falls – 1

Cadyville – 1

Redford – 1

West Chazy – 1

Tupper Lake – 1

The Shelter accepted 118 dogs from other regions, saving the animals from being euthanized.

Ohio – 34

Tennessee – 29

North Carolina – 27

South Carolina – 12

New York – 10

Pennsylvania – 5

Mississippi – 1