A new program will bring together young readers and animals. Easter events are planned and many animals are still waiting for homes.
Books with Buddies
The United Way of Venango County and the Venango County Humane Society are teaming up for a new program which promotes reading and animal interaction.
Books with Buddies will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the humane society located in Seneca.
Children of all ages may take some books, or use those on hand, and read to compassion seeking animals. Whether readers prefer dogs or cats, stations will be set up in both areas.
A guest reader will be present at 5:15 p.m. for a group reading. Parents are encouraged to sit with their children to assist them in reading to a buddy of their choosing.
There will also be a book swap where children can take book and exchange if for a new book of their choice.
More information is available by calling the United Way at (814) 676-6545 or visiting www.unitedwayofvenangocounty.org.
Cuddly companion
Meanwhile, those who can’t wait until April 17 to find a buddy, can check out Yogi who is available for adoption through the Venango County Humane Society.
Yogi
Yogi, a rottweiler mix, is a 6-year-old neutered male. Yogi has a black and tan coat and dark brown eyes.
“His previous owner tells us that he is house trained and well mannered. Yogi loves treats, his quiet time, and watching for birds. He’ll make someone an excellent companion. Yogi, a strong boy, will do best if walked daily with a harness and leash,” the shelter said in a PetFinder listing.
The shelter’s hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. It is closed Sundays and holidays.
The humane society is located at 286 S. Main St., Seneca.
More information on the Venango County Humane Society is available by calling (814) 677-4040.
Little survivors
Clarion PAWS in Shippenville posted an update on three kittens who survived a house fire last month.
Kitten being cared for by Clarion PAWS
Unfortunately, their mom perished in the fire and one of their siblings succumbed to its injuries.
Kitten being cared for by Clarion PAWS
“Our little fire survivors say Purrs of thanks to everyone that made our Paint & Sip fundraiser a success …. Community support from people like yourselves allow us to help those who need us most,” the shelter posted its Facebook page.
Kitten being cared for by Clarion PAWS
Donations toward the kittens’ care can be made to the rescue.
Clarion PAWS is also looking for some kitty cuddlers and cat whisperers.
“Giving enough attention to each of our residents is always a challenge. Those that are shy or quiet require loads of one on one time that frankly they aren’t getting,” the rescue posted on Facebook.
“Being a shy kitty in a shelter is hard. It is so important to spend a lot of time just sitting, softly talking and holding — if they will allow it — to show them that people are good. Bringing them out of their shell gives them a chance to be adopted into a loving home,” the post continued. “Please consider volunteering to spend time socializing those that need us most.”
The rescue also noted that its adoption applications are available at www.clarionpaws.org. The form can be downloaded and emailed back to the rescue for consideration.
Clarion PAWS is located at 11348 Route 322, Shippenville, Clarion River Hill, between Scrap Happy and Clarion Electric. The adoption center is open from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. The center is closed Fridays and Sundays.
More information is available at www.clarionpaws.org, the group’s Facebook page or by calling (814) 229-1231.
Recycling for rescues
Precious Paws Animal Rescue in Franklin is hosting another shoe drive.
The group will be collecting shoes until May 15. PPAR will receive 40 cents per pound of shoes collected. The shoes will then be shipped to Haiti and other needy counties.
The rescue is collecting gently used shoes for all ages and sizes. Any types of shoes are acceptable from flip flops to high heels to athletic shoes. The shoes should not have any holes or loose soles.
The rescue’s goal is to collect 5,000 pounds of shoes or raise approximately $2,000.
Shoes may be dropped off at Joe Taylor Ford in Seneca; the SNYP Building on Tuesdays at 720 Atlantic Ave., Franklin; Dukerman’s porch at 1218 Elk St., Franklin; Venango County Notary, Titusville Bee-Man Direct; Corry-Erie County Notary; Clark’s Donuts and at the PPAR craft show on March 17.
Call (814) 671-9827 to arrange pick up.
Spring craft show
The rescue is also gearing up for its spring craft show. The show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at the Rocky Grove fire hall, 29 Shuffstall St., Franklin.
There is a $25 fee per table for vendors.
It will feature several vendors, baked goods, raffle baskets and more. A vaccination clinic will also be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 17 during the craft show.
Those who take a bag of dog or cat food, cat litter, a cleaning product or give a donation will receive a ticket for a chance to win a door prize.
Meanwhile, Clara Lackey posted on the group’s Facebook page about available adoptees River and Brady who were caught catnapping.
River and Brady
More information about the rescue and its events is available by calling the rescue at (814) 671-9827 or emailing adoptpreciouspaws@gmail.com.
Hoppy Easter event is March 17
Hoppy Easter Event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at the Clarion Tractor Supply.
There will be an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. for children age 10 years old and under. The Easter Bunny will be there for photos with children and/or furry pets. The cost is $5 for a CD of the pictures.
The rescue will also hold a basket raffle and bake sale for humans and pets.
All proceeds benefit the dogs and cats at the rescue.
Funds for kits
Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Harrisville has started a GoFundMe account to help it replenish supplies.
“We’re in need of replenishing our stock of blood lead test kits! We test all raptors including eagles and all waterfowl. We re-test often on those with positive tests to ensure the treatment is working. Please help with a contribution and a share,” the center posted on its Facebook page.
The account can be found at www.gofundme.com/wildlife-rehablead-test-kits.
Clarion PUPS fundraiser planned
Clarion PUPS will hold its Easter fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Winds of Trade Community Center, 11993 Route 66, Clarion.
PUPS will be at the center with some of their adoptable dogs for people to meet and greet. There will be pictures with the Easter Bunny from 1 to 4 p.m. The event includes vendors, a bake sale, a Chinese auction and more.
The rabies clinic scheduled during the event was canceled.
Vendor applications can be found at www.clarionpups.com.
More information about PUPS is available by calling (814) 764-5580, visiting www.clarionpups.com and on its Facebook page.
All About Animals is a weekly blog that appears on Venangoextra.com and Clarionextra.com. Interested persons or groups can submit information to bigdogs.thederrick@gmail.com. Readers may also submit photos or stories of their animals. More information about the blog is available by contacting Anna Applegate at (814) 677-8364.
