Plea from Elmsford Animal Shelter
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- February
- 8
Got this sent on behalf of the Elmsford Animal Shelter at 100 Warehouse Lane in Elmsford, NY.
One of the largest no kill shelters in the country, Elmsford has had one policy at their shelter. “We never turn an animal away. “
While most shelters pick and choose the most adoptable, Elmsford became a refuge for those who would have ended up on the streets dying a slow painful death. Hungry and cold, animals with nowhere to go, Elmsford and its many volunteers treated them with the food , medicine and love they so deserve.
Home to five hundred dogs , five hundred cats, and 25 bunnies, the shelter houses animals that were abandoned by their owners.
Jake, a pit bull, with no home, has nothing but love and licks to offer, and does not know any better. He was formerly owned by a man who was getting married and his wife did not like dogs. He loves to play with his favorite Frisbee toy in the backyard of the shelter, still awaiting his forever home.
Sandy, a devoted beagle, was left here when his owner died. He wonders what he did to lose his home but still lives here safe and warm and fed.
Happily, they are unaware of the time that is running out for them.
If this shelter does not get funding in a few months, 1,000 of the most beautiful creatures who have been awaiting their forever home, will lose their chance. All but a few will be euthanized.
Elmsford, tucked away in an industrial area of Westchester, never had a public relations person or fancy advertising. The shelter depended on a few generous donors who kept these animals safe. The funding has begun to dry up. And volunteers were recently notified of this fact: they have only a few months for a miracle.
Lucy Vicidomini , shelter manager says, her “heart is breaking. She has known and loved these forgotten animals and wants to give them a chance. We have found homes for animals that others predicted would never get so lucky. Now they live on people’s beds being loved forever. We are desperate to hold fundraising events, and do whatever we can but we need people’s help. And we have just several months to make a difference.”
Those who love animals who can offer their time, fundraising expertise or donations can contact the shelter at www.elmsfordanimalshelter.com or call 914-592-7362.
This entry was posted
on Monday, February 8th, 2010 at 1:28 pm by Laurel Babcock.
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Category: Animal care, Animal rescue, Animal safety, Cats, Dogs, Rabbits
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Many of the animals at the Elmsford animal shelter, especially cats, already are “dying a slow and painful death” since the shelter refuses to put an animal to sleep even if it is suffering, sick or in great pain.
Having a no kill policy is only a good thing if it applied to the idea that you don’t kill animals to make space. But having a no kill policy for animals that are sick and injured is simply cruel. Of course by Elmsford saying they are a “no kill shelter” they get lots of donations, but many times, it’s not in the best interest of the animal.
I went to the shelter recently and saw many animals with major injuries that were suffering, animals that could not get up to eat and cats that should simply be put to sleep due to their poor condition. And I’m not taking animals with colds, I’m talking major injuries and diseases. And I was there touring the shelter with someone who works in the animal industry responsible for helping to operate on and treat injured animals with vets.
Even the NY Times did a story dating back to 1997 saying how bad the conditions at the shelter are: http://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/14/nyregion/elmsford-animal-shelter-draws-fire-for-conditions.html?pagewanted=1
I think the Elmsford shelter does mean well, but they are not using common sense in dealing with sick and injured animals and don’t treat them properly. For that, they should not be allowed to run a shelter. Go and visit the place and see for yourself, then go to another shelter in the area and compare the conditions. You don’t have to believe me, you can prove it to yourself.
Yes, please do use common sense. While other shelters are turning away sick and/or injured animals, we are taking them in and treating them until the are healthy; or forever should they have a chronic condition (even after adoption we continue that care). You can attest to what you saw, but to interpret that observation and then make it public, you are taking potential donations directly from the animals for their care. We house 1200 animals; there are at any given time going to be a few sick ones.
People certainly won’t give money if they understand that it isn’t being well spent, but I can tell you that no animal is ever untreated at that shelter. Did you see the skinny dog behind the desk? He has been tested for everything under the sun. He is on medication to increase his appetite, but I’m sure all you saw was an untreated animal. So what were these other “major injuries and diseases” that you were able to diagnose during a tour? And how were your guesses made as to who is left without treatment?
Have you thought about what you are suggesting? Without donations, the shelter closes. No longer is there a TRUE no-kill shelter in NY and we put 1200 animals to sleep. I URGE people to please not believe the above response. Don’t believe me either. Please, visit the shelter, ask questions, look around and get the real story, not an interpretation of what an observer couldn’t possibly understand without the supporting information.
A thirteen year old article is useless in this case. We need to care for the animals TODAY! You have now presented a 13 year old article to dissuade people from helping. I hope people will be skeptical of this person’s response, they don’t have enough information to be making the claims they do.
The Elmsford Shelter is greatly appreciative of the continued support we receive.
Dear Use Common Sense, that is what YOU need to do! Common sense says that you can not sum up an animals health in 1 tour of the shelter.
Westchester Residents, this is one of the best animals shelter I have ever visited. They work very hard to give their animals a quality of life. Most of the animals are extremely healthy. Some have hip displacia and are given medicine for that. Winter days are harder than summer these but they go out and go for rides to Pet Smart or the beach. Some have been starved by their owners. Elmsford will rescue these animals and keep them behind the counter so they can keep a close eye on them while bringing them back to health. If it makes common sense sick to look at an animal the shelter is trying to nurse back to health, well then I am sorry, you just don’t understand. The shelter has created miracles by medicating and treating many animals .
COMMON SENSE you are the one who has just caused the lives of 1,000 animals with your horrible comments about a shelter that has done more good than any other shelter I have known. Your comments will make people think this shelter is no good when in fact it is the most important around. When North Shore will not take its animals back because the dog or cat is not perfect, maybe the dog pulls to much on leash or the cat scratches the couch, Elmsford will take them and work on their issue. When shelters are over loaded and have to euthanize a perfectly healthy young animal, Elmsford saves them. SO WHY DON”T YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON!
Anyone who walks into any shelter for 5 minutes and thinks they have it summed up is crazy. There are many things involved in dealing with lives that are cherished. Sorry if it does not LOOK good that a cat has a cold but know that that animal will be treated and visit back in a month and you will see a healthy cat.
Please help this shelter! It is truly important to have this shelter in Westchester. It is the largest and because it takes in all animals, other shelters and people rely on it.
Common Sense and everyone out there, before you put down any animal shelter, please understand that the only ones that suffer from the poor comments are the ANIMALS! Not the staff, not the building, not any people involved. Just the ANIMALS. Because people stop donating, these shelters close, people find new jobs and the ANIMALS DIE! That is the bottom line.
I have adopted from the Elmsford Animal Shelter and they saved a dog who was considered aggresssive by other shelters standards. He is the love of my life and a wonderful dog. He is no longer aggressive after adjusting to being around humans. 5 years later, and this dog has a great life thanks to ELMSFORD ANIMAL SHELTER. So thank you Elmsford for all you do!
A friend and adopter
Sounds like Common Sense is a disgruntled ex employee.
I was just at the shelter and adopted 2 beautiful healthy cats. Thank you Elmsford Animal Shelter and I will send in a donation.
Thank you to thank for adopting!
First,I want to thank and commend all of the dedicated employees who take care of the animals at the shelter and make every effort to get them adopted. Cheers to you guys, you all do a fabulous job.
Second, I want to commend the dedicated employees who work daily to feed the animals and keep their cages clean. They work non stop to make sure that the facility is spotless, which it always is, considering the amount of animals it houses.
Recently, I decided to volunteer at the shelter and it is the best decision I have ever made. I am also an adopter. The animals that I have adopted have always been healthy, clean and well cared for.
The fact that “USE COMMON SENSE” did not even list his or her name shows what kind of useless human being he or she is. This person does not even have the courage to use their own name, no less try to HELP instead on hindering the process of feeding, housing, caring, rehabilitating and LOVING these animals, but that should be expected from ignorant people who use their mouths to criticize others instead of actually making an effort to try to help.
I will continue to volunteer, support and help the Elmsford Animal Shelter in any way, shape or form that I can. I, too, as the other who wrote above me, only want love, happiness, health and furever homes for all of our furry friends.
Thanks again Elmsford Animal Shelter for all you do for our community! You are all great!
I must agree with many of the sentiments expressed above regarding making an assessment based one one “tour.” I happen to know (as a shelter volunteer) that all animals are treated, well-loved, and excellently cared for. To make an assumption that an animal needs to be put down based on a quick appearance is irresponsible at best. Jill mentioned the skinny dog behind the counter, and he is a perfect example. He isn’t suffering or in pain – just skinny – and being treated.
Elmsford runs the best volunteer program I’ve ever observed in any arena, and the staff knows and recognizes all the animals – pretty impressive when you think about the sheer numbers there. Each and every animal there receives love and attention.
I really encourage you to come see for yourself. Get involved, send a donation, come to one of our fundraisers or events, join our facebook page (elmsford animal shelter), and decide for yourself! I hope to see you there!
I am a volunteer at Elmsford Shelter (have been on and off for the last 8 years) and am also a veterinary student. I also have experience working at animal shelter. As a person who is familiar with contagious disease in animals, I firmly believe that Elmsford Shelter does a fabulous job at keeping sickness under control. At first glance, seeing an animal who looks emaciated or sick sitting behind a desk might be jarring, but with a closer look and asking questions, one would realize the mistake they are making by bashing an organization that truly does work miracles. Elmsford Animal Shelter accepts animals that would be turned away elsewhere. They accept animals that wouldn’t even get another look, because their medical conditions are pricey or difficult to treat. At this shelter, I have seen animals receive loving homes where they can happily live out the remainder of their days. Animals I would have never dreamed someone would take a second look at are finding homes because of this amazing shelter. Elmsford should also be noted for the care they give animals even after they have been adopted. All 3 animals I have adopted came to me with both major and minor medical problems (I am sympathetic to “charity cases”) and Elmsford paid for their treatments in entirety. With over 1000 animals in their facility, it is truly amazing that Elmsford Shelter is doing such an great job at keeping disease at bay, and that they can continue to provide clean kennel conditions for all of their dogs. What more can a homeless animal ask for? Warmth, a comfy place to sleep, meals every single day, and a loving hand to nurse them. Elmsford Shelter is truly a wonderful place.
Take a look at our youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/ElmsfordShelter and see for yourself! Our healthy and happy dogs and cats having a blast
I am also a volunteer at Elmsford Animal Shelter, and for the life of me, am wondering if “Common Sense” (and I put that in quotes for a reason) was actually in the same shelter that I’ve been volunteering at every weekend for the past two years. And I’m also wondering to myself which animals “Common Sense” has had the amazing ability to dianose (in a quick tour) as “suffering,” with “serious injuries and diseases” and so easily been able to determine that they aren’t being properly cared for. That is complete nonsense.
This shelter is the best I’ve seen anywhere. As a volunteer, I would never have put so much of my time, work, heart and soul otherwise if any of the claims “Common Sense” made were true. The staff know and love these animals and work tirelessly to care for them and place them into loving, responsible homes. I have seen how hard their employees work to keep this facility clean and ensure the animals are well cared for. They spare no expense to help a sick or injured animal and have done amazing work at taking in so many abused, neglected dogs and cats and nursing them back to health. I have personally witnessed so many animals at the shelter that would have been otherwise given up on somewhere else become healthy, happy, and adopted into the homes that they deserve.
I spend my time working with the wonderful cats here and one really stands out in my mind. Limbo, a beautiful tuxedo cat, was brought into the shelter several months ago. He was rescued from a filthy apartment in town, and according to reports from neighbors, suffered abuse at the hands of some neighborhood kids, causing him to sustain injuries and lose the use of his back legs. Elmsford took him in and he was loved so much by the staff and volunteers. For an animal that went through what he did, he never lost his sweet disposition and was happy and playful as ever, and learned to get around very well despite his disability. He was later adopted into a great home by a wonderful woman who even takes him to work with her. According to “Common Sense’s” lightning-quick assessments, I guess he never should have been given a chance and been put down too.
I also recently adopted 2 of the most wonderful cats from Elmsford that lived in the shelter for over three years. One has a chronic but treatable condition that requires a special diet and I know for a fact how well they were cared for while there. Thanks to Elmsford, they are both very healthy and happy. Had they been placed in another facility, they would also most likely been given up on and put down.
I will echo all the sentiments above and urge all who read this to come to the shelter and see for yourself. Our shelter has been depended on heavily by our community (and other shelters) and now it needs your help.
Thank you all for your comments. If you read this blog regularly, you know I’m a huge supporter of animal shelters. Not all are perfect, but for most people who work at most shelters, it’s a thankless yet rewarding job, and quite necessary, and I salute you.
My response to the first poster here, and anyone who has concerns about any shelter, is do something about your concerns…contribute (cash, food, blankets, newspapers, toys….anything), volunteer, adopt….constructive action is what these shelters need.
Homes are what the animals need….
When is someone going to stand up and make it illegal to breed any domestic animal? Elsmford is not the only shelter in this country facing a crisis. This is a time bomb waiting to explode. It has to stop. Yestreday I was at Petsmart getting food for the three rescued dogs I have and of course there were animals there waiting for adoption. I just got finished reading a story about a shelter in Brooklyn that found a dog in a box with it’s front paws crudely amputated (it was still alive). There are simply too many pets and not enough owners. Write your congressperson and demand action. It’s not enough to keep throwing money at the problem. People are having a hard enough time putting food on the table. Dogs and cats shouldn’t be a business venture. Put the puppy mills out of business now.
I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to see that happen. No breeding until all of these animals already here are able to be homed. Breeding for money IS the root of the problem, as is lack of spaying & neutering which results in overpopulation. And YES, shelters are hurting everywhere in this economy. THEY are the ones who truly care about animals, unlike breeders and shelters like Elmsford deserve every bit of our support. Unlike breeders who are basically in it for the money. Animals should NOT be considered products.
What of the 600k cash and 400k investments that Elmsford has on their balance sheet? How can they cry for money and have this sitting in a bank? Sure they have a ton of animals; because they are notorious for turning away adopters that somehow manage to adopt from the SPCA or Adopt a Dog or New Rochelle. Even if their animals are given medical care how do you judge the effect of keeping a dog or cat in a cage/crate/run for all it’s life? Does everyone know that the Greenberg Health Dept. fined Elmsford something like $10,000 a couple of years ago? Well they did because of violations and a lot of them to reach the $10,000 total surely.
I, too, employ a pit-bull who will be the most supportive animal I have ever owned. Quickly, a brand new dog breed will arrive together for your media to blast, because they have completed rotties and dobies in earlier many years. Unfortunate that media sensationalism breeds a lot inaccurate details.
What is your favorite caracter in toy story ?