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Groundbreaking Ceremony

Planned For Animal Shelter

COOPERSTOWN – With adoptable animals, a pet photo booth and more, the Susquehanna SPCA will break ground on their new animal shelter building on Saturday, Aug,. 24

“We invite animal lovers, shelter supporters and volunteers from across the region to join us with their pets for an afternoon of fun as we celebrate this momentous occasion,” said SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes. “If you’re not familiar with our work, this is also a great time to come learn about our organization and see us in action.”

The reception, which is free and open to the public, will kick off at noon with a groundbreaking ceremony and run until 2 p.m. Cookies and punch will be served, and the event will feature the following “pet-centered” activities:

• “Alumni” Photo Portrait Booth sponsored by Hughson & Benson Associates
• SQSPCA Mascot Photo Booth sponsored by Kevin’s Royal Automotive of Owego and Cooperstown
• SQSPCA Hugging Booth sponsored by Royal Chrysler-Hyundai of Oneonta

All those attending are encouraged to bring their own leashed pets to participate in these activities. The SQSPCA will also have a number of adoptable dogs and cats in attendance to stand in as needed for photographs and hugs.

This project – initiated with a $500,000 New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund Grant through the Department of Agriculture and Markets and buoyed by a recent matching grant from the Staffworks Fund – will move the shelter 1.2 miles north of the current location on State Route 28 between Cooperstown and Oneonta to a new, state-of-the-art building and surrounding campus including the New Leash on Life Thrift Shop.

“The new shelter and all the improved amenities are much needed and very exciting, but they come at a considerable price tag,” Haynes said. “We hope people will consider making a multi-year pledge to the campaign. Now is a perfect time to do so, as all new gifts and pledges made through October 1 – up to a total of $250,000 – are being doubled by the Staffworks Fund Matching Challenge Grant.”

The SQSPCA Board of Directors, SHELTER US Capital Campaign Committee and staff have been raising funds since last fall in support of the new facilities, which will improve the daily lives of sheltered dogs and cats by better conforming to guidelines established by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Upgraded features will include two entrances separating incoming animals from visitors and animals leaving for their new homes, a sterile surgery suite with safe recovery area, a fresh air ventilation system to benefit visitors as well as animals under shelter care, and parking that is more convenient.

The SHELTER US Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Cooperstown resident and former Susquehanna SPCA Board member Anne Keith, will continue to work with the SQSPCA Board of Directors and staff to secure the funds necessary to complete the project.

The Staffworks Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties will serve as Presenting Sponsor for the event.

Other confirmed sponsors include Northern Eagle Redemption and Cooperstown Brewing Company, AllOtsego/The Freeman’s Journal/Hometown Oneonta, Morris Garage, Matthew Sohns and Mary-Margaret Robbins, and Michael Stein. Sponsorships are still available – for more information, e-mail shaynes@sqspca.org.