'If you build it, they will come'

The Warwick Valley Humane Society rescues a variety of birds and animals. All are given a fighting chance and most survive.
The shelter is currently housing three guinea pigs, five roosters and 17 pet mice.
"We had three pens erected to house domestic fowl on a just in case basis," said Suzyn Barron, president of the Warwick Valley Humane Society. "Since then, they have been fully occupied. Like the saying goes, 'If you build it, they will come.'"
She added that one of those pens was used to house a large pot belly pig.
Three pens may not have been enough last fall when the Humane Society was called upon to rescue four abandoned roosters in the parking lot of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge in Pine Island.
The shelter had to quickly improvise housing by using dog pens.
Early this spring Animal Control Officer Kathleen Mosca also rescued an abandoned rooster in the Goosepond Mountain State Park. And due to his size, he was named "Puff Daddy."
The shelter also took over the care and feeding of 17 male mice.
"These little guys are pets, not feeder mice," said Barron "They make a good starter pet for young children without need of handling. And they are fun to watch."
Besides responding to car accidents, house fires, injured or sick cats and dogs running loose, animal control officers also respond to wildlife emergencies.
ACO Nicole Moellman, for example, recently rescued a possum entangled in barbed wire.
After contacting Missy Runyan, a New York State licensed wildlife rehabilitator, for directions by telephone, Barron, Moellman and other staff members were able to remove all of the barbed wire without further injury to the possum.
Barron explained that the staff at the Warwick Valley Humane Society never knows what challenges each day brings, but is always up to the task of helping animals in need despite constant overcrowding and difficult working conditions.
"We are extremely spatially challenged and hope that we will meet our goal to rebuild the shelter within a years time with the support of our community", she said."
Tax deductible donations to the Capital Campaign or to the Wildlife Fund, whichever you designate, can be sent to Warwick Valley Humane Society PO Box 61, Warwick, NY 10990.
For additional information call 986-2473 or visit: www.wvhumane.org .
- Roger Gavan