Dog Adoption Network - Buddy's Birthday Bash and other stories

Buddy's Birthday Bash

Gary Rome’s dog Buddy is more than a family pet, he is the mascot for the auto dealership, Gary Rome Hyundai.

While Buddy enjoys a full life at home having the run of the house and riding in Gary’s boat, he also accompanies Gary to work. Buddy can be found parading around the showroom, often carrying one of his toys and greeting many of the customers who know him by name.

To celebrate Buddy’s 6th birthday, Gary decided to hold the Russell Terrier’s birthday party at his Holyoke dealership. On June 28th, a tent was erected, radio and television stations were invited, and animal welfare groups joined the party.

During Buddy’s birthday party weekend, Gary informed us that he sold 18 cars and would give donations to DAN, the MSPCA, Pam Bock of Pet Companion, and other animal welfare groups that participated in Buddy’s Birthday Bash.

Gary’s love for Buddy, along with this event, has certainly benefited animal welfare in the Pioneer Valley.

Shelter Puts on New Face

Two-toned blocks of tan and off-white are adorning the face of the new Cottage Street Shelter, now 60% complete, according to its’ builder, Fontaine Construction Co.

This $3.9 million project that will serve as a public safety and animal welfare complex is slated for completion by November 2003.

Time is going to be a big factor regarding the completion of the new center, due to the fact that the present dog pound is scheduled to be demolished within weeks of the shelter’s completion.

A construction delay, for any reason, will pose a public safety crisis in the Pioneer Valley. A study two years ago to assess whether there would be other temporary kenneling available indicated that only a small percentage of the dogs could be housed, while many others would have to be euthanized.

MSPCA Holds Animal Law Conference

On June 12, 2003 , the Animal Control Officers “Paw Pal Series” held a special meeting entitled “State Animal Care Laws/Local Ordinances” at the Springfield MSPCA.

Bob Burke, an Agawam Animal Control Officer, stated that many animal control laws are antiquated and need to be revised. Other speakers, including Cheryl Malone (past President of ACOAM, Dennis, MA) and Penny Schiller (Yarmouth Animal Control Officer), stressed the importance of revising state licensing laws on a city or town basis by providing the “home-rule concept” rather than state law enforcement.

The speakers pointed out the benefits of creating local ordinances, including retaining all fines imposed on animal welfare violators.

With the downturn of the economy, many cities in the Commonwealth receiving less money back from the state. Updating local animal welfare laws benefit both the animals and the cities local public safety budgets.

Back to Main News page