Guinevere is a one- to two-year-old, 62-pound, mixed breed dog at the Chenango SPCA. Described as full of love for her human friends, Guinevere is ready to find her forever home. To meet Guinevere call the Chenango SPCA at 607-334-9724 ext. 2. (Photo from the Chenango SPCA Facebook page)

CHENANGO COUNTY — The Bissell Empty the Shelters adoption special is back at the Chenango SPCA, beginning December 1 and running until December 11.

During the adoption special, Bissell is promoting the adoption of cats and dogs from the shelter by donating $25 toward the adoption of cats and $50 toward the adoption of dogs. Additionally, the SPCA is lowering their fees for the duration of the event, bringing adoption costs down to $25 for cats and $50 for dogs.

Currently, the Chenango SPCA has 131 cats and 18 dogs in their care, with 99 cats and 13 dogs listed as available for adoption at ChenangoSPCA.org.

Chenango SPCA Executive Director Annette Clarke said adopting a pet from any shelter “not only saves that animal's life, but makes room for another animal to be cared for.”

In addition to Empty the Shelters, the SPCA is also participating in a donation-matching fundraiser sponsored by anonymous donors, which will assist with the approximately $370,000 annual cost to run the shelter.

“This was started several years ago with the Staffworks foundation. This year they were unable to do it, so I reached out to several area foundations and will have matches up to the first $16,000 we raise,” said Clarke.

She said appeal letters will be mailed and information posted at ChenangoSPCA.org later this week.

Donations can be made online at ChenangoSPCA.org/donate, by phone at 607-334-9724 ext. 7, or by mail to Chenango SPCA, 6160 County Road 32, Norwich, NY 13815.

Clarke said there is no deadline on the fundraiser, so donations can be made at any time.

The shelter is also accepting donations of supplies. Clarke said the most needed items at this time are Pine Sol and paper towels. A full “shelter wish list” of donation items can also be found on ChenangoSPCA.org/donate. Items include cat litter, bleach, peanut butter, towels, and more.

Other ways to give back at the Chenango SPCA, and county pet owners, include returning empty bottles and cans to the doghouse at the shelter at any time. Recycled bottles and cans will benefit the SPCA’s Spay Neuter Outreach Opportunity for Pets (SNOOP) program, which assists local families with the cost of spaying or neutering their pets.

Unopened dry dog and cat food can be donated to the shelter as well. Donated food will be added to their Pet Food Pantry, which supports area pet owners, or distributed to other shelters in need.

“I cannot thank enough the people of this community for generously supporting the Chenango SPCA and hope that this holiday season is special for all,” said Clarke. “Sending tail wags and purrs their way.”