LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk | Pet Friendly to lead the organization into the future; and this is exactly what Jessica plans to do. Beyond being the new guiding leadership for the North Country SPCA, as Executive Director, Jessica oversees the day to day activities and management of staff. Most days you can find her at the shelter when she is not at committee meetings or fundraising and adoption events. The simple and brilliant layout of the new building allows for more effective communication than was ever possible at their old location; something which Jessica believes is imperative in any work place. "In the old facility there just wasn't enough room to get the staff together, so staff meetings were basically impossible," says Jessica. The new building has a multi-purpose room that the entire staff can fit in for weekly meetings. This space also doubles as a training room where dogs and people wanting to adopt can spend time together, with the dogs off-leash and free to play. The shelter team is also constructing an large, fenced in area for the dogs to play outdoors. Jessica comments, "We want people to be able to throw a ball or frisbee for the dogs. We want them to be able to spend quality time together to see if the adoption will be a good fit for both human and animal." And for all of you cat lovers out there; they don't have it bad at the new facility either. There are no cages and the cats live in individual condos, with each living area having its own separate ventilation system. Jessica explains that this helps to nearly eliminate sickness spread between the cats in traditional shelters. The cats are thriving, happy, and very playful, and costs are kept far below average due to the decrease in veterinary bills and reduced use of medications. This is the shelter, in real life practice, accomplishing what it was designed to do. Prevention of illness is a key element in their successful formula. Jessica's vision for the North Country SPCA is to become, as an organization, a model for no-kill animal shelters in rural communities across the country providing the highest quality of animal care. Jessica is also keeping it local. In the short time they've been open, they have already invited many of the rural shelter directors from across the North Country to come visit, discuss best practices, and collaborate about the best ways to address the animal welfare issues that exist in our communities. Jessica and the NCSPCA also helped to found the Essex County Animal Cruelty Task force that aids in the prevention of animal cruelty. For Jessica, "this job and this opportunity combine my love for animals, my passion for the non-profit sector, and my love for the Adirondacks." It is the culmination of a lifelong dream for her that is just now getting started. She sees the facility as not only a great place for animals looking for new homes but also for people too! The atmosphere at NCSPCA is upbeat to say the least, and upon entering, people feel as comfortable as the animals. Volunteering at the center is always appreciated. It's a great way for animal lovers and people from the local community to donate some of their time and give back. Everyone at the shelter is friendly and outgoing, and there is a sense of caring that really helps people feel welcome. We recommend you give it a try; you might have some fun while you're at it. Donations and support are coming in from almost everywhere. On the day LOCALadk visited Jessica, the K through 2nd graders from Westport Central School were there for a tour, to meet the animals, and to present NCSPCA with a check for $260.67 in donation money they raised themselves. R Everyone is always welcome to stop by, visit, and to check out the new facility. For more information contact: North Country SPCA, 7700 Route 9N, Elizabethtown, NY 12932 (518) 873-5000 Visit them on the web at www.NCSPCA.org LOCALadk Magazine Summer 2013 23

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