Stray Haven animal shelter in Tioga County faces unique challenges as it celebrates 50 years.

Stray Haven Board President, Kristi Snyder is the guest on the December 17th edition of the weekly local public affairs program Southern Tier Close Up and provides a brief history of the shelter as well as talks about operating a no-kill shelter in a rural area with no large city in the county.

Snyder also talks about some of the considerations people should take before adopting an animal.  She says while many people think about giving a pet a home during the holiday season, a pet should never be a surprise gift and even if the adopter is prepared to take care of the daily needs and medical expenses that go with pet ownership, the unusual activity in a home during the holidays may put undue stress on people and the adopted animal.

Stray Haven is always in need of contributions and volunteers.  Snyder says volunteers don't necessarily have to work with walking and interacting with the animals.  They can contribute through services like photography, electrical work or coordinating supply drives.

People can find out more by calling Stray Haven at (607) 565-2859 or on-line at www.StrayHavenSPCA.org and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/StrayHavenHumaneSociety.  Adoptable pets can also be seen at Petfinder.com.

Southern Tier Close Up is heard  Sunday at 6 am on 99.1 The Whale.

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