WESTFIELD – The area is finally enjoying a bit of more comfortable weather! That’s great news for the shelter because it has been hot and humid in there and the dogs (and people!) have not been comfortable. At some point in the future, NCCR would like to raise the funds to insulate the building better and perhaps install air conditioning, but that will be a future endeavor. A window air conditioning unit in the puppy room was installed; that room was so hot for the moms and pups that it was starting to affect their health. It was obvious pretty quickly how much better it made them feel. Otherwise, NCCR made do in the main shelter with a number of stand fans which at least helped to circulate the air more.

The shelter had its 4th Annual Doggone Good Yard Sale at the end of July and it was a great success! Thanks so much to those who donated items or shopped at the event. There was so much to sell that there was need for another tent and an expanded sales area. Over $6,000 was raised, and that will go a long way to helping take care of the dogs. NCCR paid it forward too by donating unsold things such as books to local libraries, children’s items to the Family Court system, and all other things went to the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue and Rural Ministry.

NCCR will be at the Fredonia Farm Festival this weekend, held at =Barker Common in Fredonia. NCCR will be in a different spot from previous years, but walk around, and you will find the representatives. For those who have been thinking of volunteering or adopting, it’s a great chance to talk to other volunteers as well as to look at the adoption book to see what dogs are currently available. From big to small, NCCR has them all! There will also be a number of items for sale and some really great raffle baskets too. So take a few minutes, stop by and chat; it’s easy to make some new two-legged friends and hopefully four-legged ones too.

Shelter hours have just expanded to include Saturday; the shelter is now open Monday to Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. or by calling 326-7297 to make an appointment for another time. It is hoped that by adding the Saturday hours, it will be easier for more people to stop by and check out the dogs. The shelter is located at 7540 N. Gale St. in Westfield. Most of the available dogs can be seen online at www.caninerescue.org. Dogs can change frequently; if there is one that looks interesting, don’t hesitate – put in an application as soon as possible!

Some may have wondered how they can help the dogs.

NCCR is always looking for volunteers to work shifts, help at events, even just do yard work. Don’t have the time to volunteer? How about helping financially and donating empty nickel deposit cans and bottles? Several of the local redemption centers such as Get Your Nickel Back in Fredonia, Don’s Car Wash in Lakewood and Farm Fresh Variety Store Bottle & Can Redemption in Jamestown will even take customers’ returns and send the money to NCCR!

Another painless way is by shopping via Amazon Smile and designating Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue as the charity of choice. Amazon donates .5 percent of those purchases (at no additional cost to the customer!) to the charity the shopper has chosen. Every penny counts!

Lastly, but most importantly, how about adding a new canine member to the family? NCCR is at 148 adoptions so far this year! That’s terrific news, and congratulations to those lucky people! See the pet section on Sunday, Aug. 28 for a picture and details about Luna and Wrangler, who are looking for their forever homes.