For several decades, the community had a humane society. But, when veterinarian Dr. Nancy Beeman retired in 2018 and moved from the area, the 4 Paws Humane Society ceased operation.
That leaves the community without any resource for things like animal rescues, adoptions or assistance programs. However, there is a fairly close resource, the Hudson Valley SPCA, a no-kill shelter in New Windsor that relies on support from the residents of Orange County.
Several weeks ago, Highland Falls Library Director Leslie Rose was at a Ramapo Catskill Library System meeting and it was suggested that libraries participate in something called ‘The Great Giveback’. It’s a program designed to help Americans give back to their communities.
Rose thought about some options, and came up with a donation drive for the Hudson Valley SPCA, after hearing that quite a few Highlands residents have either adopted from the shelter, or support it.
So, from October 19-25, the library will serve as a drop-off point for things needed by the shelter. (They won’t be accepting cash donations; those wanting to do that can make their own arrangements at the website listed below.) At the end of the week, Rose and her staff will deliver the items to the shelter.
The following is the ‘wish list’ of the HVSPCA:
Cleaning supplies: Fabuloso, Clorox or Lysol wipes, bleach, paper towels, laundry detergent, plastic storage bins, garbage bags, sponges, mops and buckets
Blankets: comforters, towels and sheets
Food: canned cat and dog food, Purina dry dog food, Purina dry cat food (Naturals, One or Pro-plan)
Restraints: six-foot leashes, and small, medium and large collars
Medicines: Frontline or Revolution flea and ticks preventatives
Kitten supplies: small bottles, KMR (kitten milk replacer), dry and canned kitten food, jars of turkey or chicken baby food
Litter: Pine (Feline Pine or Equine Pine).
For more information, visit www.thegreatgiveback.org. For more information on the Hudson Valley SPCA, visit www.hudsonvalleyspca.com.
