Phoenix Humane Society Brings Hope and New Beginnings to Animals in Need
Phoenix Humane Society Brings Hope and New Beginnings to Animals in Need
A local nonprofit in Cattaraugus County is transforming the lives of stray and surrendered pets — one adoption, one act of kindness at a time.
Originating in ancient Egypt, the myth of the phoenix rising from the ashes of its previous life has long been a symbol of hope, rebirth, and progress. For Samantha Smith, one of the founders of the Phoenix Humane Society of Greater Cattaraugus, Inc., the myth represents a fresh start for the many animals that have been in their care - a chance for a new life through adoption! Founded just a year and a half ago, the Phoenix Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is “to better the lives of animals, through initiatives that include prevention, education healthcare, and justice, as well as serving as a location to house animals while looking for a permanent home for them.”
Smith, who serves as vice president of Phoenix Humane Society, and her partner, Javan P.L. Tanner, who serves as president, cofounded the nonprofit in response to a need that became apparent throughout the area. “One of the things that has been happening is this overabundance of dogs that are running loose and we can’t find owners; all the humane societies are full,” Smith explained. “As a dog control officer, our goal is to adopt these dogs out and find them homes, and with all of these humane societies being full, they’re just kind of sitting in kennels and idle. It’s not fair to the dogs, to their wellbeing.”
To find homes for these dogs, Smith and Tanner formed the nonprofit organization, which allows them to meet New York state requirements that are typically too costly for local municipalities. Smith explained, “For New York state, the animals have to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated, and that’s way too much money on a town.” She noted that having just one dog vaccinated and spayed or neutered can cost upwards of $800. “Small towns can’t afford that, so with the Phoenix Humane Society, it helps us be able to do low-cost spay and neuters and get them adopted,” she said.
In addition to finding forever homes for animals in need, Phoenix Humane Society provides short-term services. The organization partners with municipal shelters throughout the county to provide care and housing for stray, abandoned, unclaimed, and owner-surrendered dogs, as well as dogs rescued from cruelty investigations that often need medical and/or behavioral support. Through the generous support of volunteers, Phoenix Humane Society provides temporary foster care, as well as a monthly pet food/supply pantry.
“It’s right in the village of Cattaraugus at the fireman’s hall (150 South St.), and you don’t have to live in Cattaraugus County,” Smith said. “You can be in Chautauqua County or Erie County - you could be all around and attend. We have no requirements or income basis, and we give out dog food, cat food and cat litter, and sometimes we have other supplies as we get them in.” Upcoming monthly pet food pantry dates are Saturday, November 8th and Saturday, December 13th from 10:00am-noon.
Smith said the response to the pet food pantry has been outstanding and is helping support the overall mission of the humane society. “A lot of the dogs that were running loose were hungry, trying to find food - they were skinnier,” she noted. “I started just giving them dog food I was buying out of my own pocket. And then when we started Phoenix, I said we need to do an outreach clinic where we can give food out to the community to help people. I don’t want people giving up their dogs just because they can’t afford dog food. Since we started giving out dog food, we noticed a lot of the dogs are not running anymore. They’re not hungry; they’re happy staying home, and they’re doing great.”
Interested in supporting the great work of the Phoenix Humane Society? Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 25th for the 2nd Annual Fall Fundraiser! The event begins at noon and takes place at the Cattaraugus Fireman’s Hall. Enjoy a delicious chicken barbecue dinner, basket raffle, 50/50 tickets, door prizes, large prizes, games, vendors and more. All funds raised will support the humane society’s pet food pantry and help them host outreach clinics to offer free vaccines and free microchips for pets. Chicken barbecue tickets are $15 and are available in advance at Perky’s Market in Cattaraugus or at the fireman’s hall on the day of (until sold out). The door prize is an outdoor fire pit, complete with a wooden rack, bundles of firewood, and s’mores supplies. Large prize items include a toolbox complete with tools and a “booze cooler,” all of which were generously donated for the event.
Prize donations are still being accepted; contact Smith at 716-202-8444 to make arrangements. Those who are interested in volunteering with Phoenix Humane Society or fostering or adopting a pet can apply online at www.phoenixhsogc.ngo.