Clarkson Veterinary Hospital is a key player in successful adoptions by Hamlin Dog Shelter
“It’s a dog’s life” sheds its negative meaning if that dog has been rescued by Hamlin’s Craig A. Goodrich Dog Shelter and treated by the Clarkson Veterinary Hospital. Indeed, the shelter is a “no-kill” shelter, insuring any rescued dog will live. And, the pet will very likely live well, as the shelter partners with the vet hospital and responsible new pet owners.
Since the shelter opened at 80 Railroad Avenue in December 2012, over 300 dogs have experienced the transition from abandonment to loving homes. Dave Maynard is Hamlin’s dog control officer. As a volunteer, he developed and manages the shelter. The efficiency and care by Maynard and his volunteers were especially demonstrated in October 2014, when the shelter took in a pregnant Labrador mix “Dena” who nearly had been euthanized in Ohio. She had 13 puppies in the kennel, cared for by a well-trained team of volunteers who worked with them in quarantine. When they were ready, it took just two days for all the puppies to be adopted out through contacts on the shelter’s Facebook that has 7,128 followers.
An integral part of the rescue operation is veterinarian Dr. William J. “Jess” Buttery who heads the Clarkson Veterinary Hospital. When the shelter was starting up, Maynard said Buttery was helpful with advice on the symptoms in a rescue dog that might signal a need for medical attention. Also from the beginning, Buttery and his partner veterinarian Dr. Sabrina Miller have given a checkup and rabies shot to each dog taken in by the shelter at a major discount to the Town of Hamlin. Last year, it was 145 dogs, and this year, so far, nearly 100, according to Maynard.
For any dog adopted from the shelter, Buttery provides new owners a free office visit for a complete physical exam and advice on health care. For puppies, in conjunction with Purina, a free bag of food is provided, plus a $5 coupon to purchase one, and a coupon for $25 off the next visit at any vet participating with Purina. For puppies under six months old, Buttery gives a free heartworm preventative and free flea control. For further vet services like neutering, fecal exam, or deworming, the owner may choose Buttery or any other veterinarian.
“We want to get them started on the right path,” Buttery said, “whether or not they come back to us in the future. With this free visit, at least we know they heard about these important points for raising a healthy dog.”
The volume of dogs rescued and adopted out is managed by Maynard’s caring and efficient methods. The process is greatly facilitated by the Clarkson Veterinary Hospital giving “same day” service for the first check up and rabies shot.
“Dr. Buttery is just incredible,” Maynard said. “Any time of day I can call and get a dog in that day. For example, recently I had adoptions on a Friday night. I had three dogs that needed shots; he took all three dogs on an hour’s notice.”
The admiration is mutual, as Buttery observes that Maynard “is diligent, putting in a lot of time and effort into finding the right homes for the pets.”
Many volunteers are needed to run the shelter 24/7. Right now, Maynard says he is in need of more volunteers; the shelter’s Facebook page makes a convincing appeal. It also provides a stunning array of photos of dogs available for adoption and new dog owners telling their stories of happy endings.
Go to: www.facebook.com/HamlinNY-DogControl.HamlinDogShelter.
To read “Dogs at Hamlin’s no-kill shelter go to caring homes,” Hamlin-Clarkson Herald, Suburban News, October 19, 2014, Click Here
