Chenango SPCA Executive Director Patrick McLaughlin, far left, stands with Norwich Fire Department volunteers, front, Cody Christophersen, Gideon Schena, Joseph Angelino, Adam Lagacey. Back row, Gabe Gawronski, John Fowlston, Demetrius Smith, Jessica VanDeusen-Christophersen, Sara Mele, Michael Ray. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The Chenango SPCA on East River Rd. in Norwich was the recent recipient of free skilled labor repairing and cleaning their dog kennel area on Sunday, January 7.

The George Rider Hook and Ladder Company of the Norwich Fire Department provided the people-power and tools, while the SPCA provided the materials.

The kennel area was originally built in 2001 and has housed thousands of dogs over the years, and was in need of some repairs to keep the dogs happy and healthy. Ten volunteer firefighters arrived at 8:00 am getting straight to work and completed their mission around 4:00 pm, donating about 80 hours of labor. It wasn’t all work for the firefighters, there was some time included to visit with the cats and dogs at the animal shelter.

Firefighter Captain John Fowlston said, “We normally have weekly training for a few hours every Sunday morning, so we had a ready group of volunteers who all wanted to help out the SPCA.”

The day ended with new waterproof wall coverings installed, mesh fencing reinforced and ceramic tiles repaired.

It wasn’t only the firefighters who volunteered their time, also lending a hand were SPCA volunteers, employees, and Board members.

The Chenango SPCA has been serving the people and animals of Chenango County since its founding in 1907, with a primary focus on sheltering homeless companion animals until they can be adopted into new homes. Adoptions at the Chenango SPCA are currently free, thanks to a generous donation to the Safe Haven Fund for Animals, which will cover all adoption costs while funds last. The Chenango SPCA currently houses 40 cats and 11 dogs, many of whom are already available for adoption!

– From the CSPCA