NORWICH – They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. However, the Chenango County SPCA’s annual Valentine Fur Ball is quickly becoming a local tradition in only its third year – 100 years after the shelter first opened its doors to displaced animals from across the area.

“It’s really a wonderful event,” said Norwich resident Marilyn Kochesperger, who attended the ball Saturday night at the Canasawacta Country Club. “The timing is great – it’s at the perfect time of year. The music is great, and it’s an excellent mix of people of all ages.”

The ever-popular event turned the country club into its own version of a winter shelter, reaching its capacity despite the frigid weather outside. The 256 on-hand – 100 more than the year before – packed the dance floor and bar room (a fair share wearing doggy and kitty ears) and enjoyed the lively music of Binghamton-based Rooster and the Roadhouse Horns.

“It’s really a celebration of helping those who can’t help themselves,” said SPCA board member and Fur Ball co-founder Rita Ashton. “And it’s nice to have something to do in the dregs of winter.”

All proceeds from the fundraiser go to the SPCA. New to the ball this year was an “adopt-a-thon,” where patrons adopted 200 stuffed animals donated by the Gund foundation for $10 a piece, and in turn donated the animals to Catholic Charities’ crime victims program.