Lycoming County SPCA turns 125
Remarkable achievement.
These two words express a milestone for the Lycoming County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as the organization celebrates its 125th anniversary of promoting animal welfare and care for animals in Lycoming County and surrounding areas.
Several events have been scheduled to commemorate the quasquicentennial anniversary of the organization’s charter, including an anniversary gala on June 13 at the Williamsport Country Club.
The event will feature Garth Stein, author of “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” a New York best-seller told from the perspective of a canine narrator.
Mindee Lyon, development director at the SPCA, said it will be an evening to celebrate this milestone while supporting homeless and abused animals.
“We are having the event on the day the charter was registered for the SPCA,” she said.
Table sponsorships are available that include signed copies of Stein’s book.
Changes over the years
The SPCA built and moved into its current facility at 2805 Reach Road in 1999, the same year that Vicki Stryker came on board as executive director.
“Then we were taking in 4,200 animals a year, and a lot of them were euthanized to make space for animals that were coming in,” Stryker said, adding that the agency’s philosophy has dramatically changed over the years.
“Every animal that comes in is now spayed or neutered before adoption,” she said, to help control the pet population. “We have become more effective in spaying and neutering, so last year we had under 3,000 animals come through.”
A surgery room was added in 2013, when the shelter hired a veterinarian to perform surgeries and aid in the overall health of the animals.
Stryker also pointed out how the public’s perceptions of shelter animals have shifted.
“There are animals that 20 years ago wouldn’t have been adopted,” she said. “Elderly animals, sick animals or ones that have health problems like diabetes and glaucoma are now being adopted because people realize the value of these animals.”
The SPCA also has followed the movement for more humane treatment for animals.
“Part of the work we do is part of a national movement across the country, and even beyond our borders. People now know how wonderful animals are in shelters that need homes,” Stryker said.
The staff also commits to showing people what adopting can be for them.
“The staff we have are really passionate about animals,” she said.
That passion then radiates into the community.
“Larry Waltz worked here for 46 years and was out there every day being an advocate for the animals. I think seeing that done made a huge difference,” Stryker said about the shelter’s humane officer who passed away last year.
The shelter’s staff continue to show that it’s a great experience to have a pet in one’s life, and pass on the good qualities to the community.
In addition to building and creating more room for animals, expanding spaces to hold training and socializing also has progressed. New programs like the Cat Waiting List offers community members to make an appointment to bring in stray cats. This, in turn, allows more cats to come into the shelter and be adopted out. The SPCA also works with the Beckoning Cat Project to provide low-cost care.
Community and the SPCA
Over the years, the events held by the Lycoming County SPCA have evolved as the community’s needs have changed.
“Some of the things we do now they did years ago, but differently and on a smaller level,” Stryker said.
The yearly Pet Expo was started in the 1980s, and was a way for everyone to come together and show off their dogs. Today it has expanded to include scheduled activities and pet-orientated vendors.
Lyon has been working to create new events that get the staff, volunteers and, most importantly, the animals out in the community.
“Over the years, our events grow and grow, and people see what great work we do. Like Sweet Temptations, they love that event. They love hearing the success stories of the animals who were adopted, and some just come out to support the SPCA,” she said.
For the anniversary year, the SPCA will hold a summer camp to expand humane education. Stryker said the six-week safari day camp will be held for children ages 6 1/2 to 13 years old. At the camp, participants will learn about domestic animals, including birds, fish, horses, reptiles, rabbits, rodents, cats and dogs. There will be hands-on activities with shelter animals, crafts, discussion, observations, speakers and outdoor activities. Participants also will examine X-rays, talk with a veterinarian and learn how to groom a dog.
Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for different age groups on the following dates:
• Ages 6 1/2-8 — June 19-23 or July 17-21
• Ages 8 1/2-10 — June 26-30 or July 31-Aug. 4
• Ages 10 1/2-13 — July 10-14 or Aug. 7-11
Participation is limited to 16 campers. Registration can be done in-person at the shelter or by mail. More information is available by calling the shelter or visiting their website.
Volunteers
“Our volunteers are amazing. We get calls all the time, people want to come in and help. They love the thought of walking dogs, playing and socializing the cats and we have really ramped up our volunteer program with training and getting them involved with the animals,” Stryker said.
Volunteers also help with chores and take the animals to community events to get the animals who are up for adoption noticed.
“Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t be as successful as we are today, they truly give us their time and talents, and that was happening from the beginning,” Stryker said. “Volunteers add something to the shelter that could never be replaced.”
The Lycoming County SPCA has remained strong and true to its mission, “Since 1892: Connecting best friends for over 125 years!”
The SPCA also has a new donation drop-off location at the new thrift store, Past Time Pickers, 2 W. Southern Ave., South Williamsport, which opened May 6.
For more information about events being held by the Lycoming County SPCA and photos of pets available for adoption, visit lycomingspca.org/.