Mess-E-Mutts

05/28/2026

Fluff level: restored ✨

05/23/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fulton County Regional SPCA Awarded State Grant for Major Facility Renovation Project

GLOVERSVILLE, NY – The Fulton County Regional SPCA is excited to announce it has been awarded $500,000 in grant funding through New York State’s Companion Animal Capital Fund grant program, part of nearly $10 million recently awarded to 31 animal shelters and humane organizations across the state to improve animal care facilities.

The grant will support Phase 1 renovations of the SPCA’s current shelter facility, marking a major milestone in the organization’s long-term expansion and improvement plans. Construction is slated to begin this summer.

Phase 1 of the project includes renovations to the upstairs portion of the existing facility, including:

• Resident kennel space
• Laundry and operational areas
• Adoption meet and greet space
• Additional support space
• Outdoor yard construction including fencing and intake areas

The renovations are designed to improve daily operations, enhance animal care, and better serve the needs of the community.

The organization will continue fundraising efforts for Phase 2 of the project, which will include the AJ Smullen Memorial Welcome Center and the long-awaited addition of cat housing.

“We are so excited to begin this next phase,” said Jen Lacosse, FCRSPCA’s Board President, “We have a dedicated team of volunteers that has worked incredibly hard to make this happen and we are thrilled to finally move forward with this project to better serve our community and the animals that depend on us.”

The New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund provides funding to animal shelters and rescues across New York State for critical renovation, expansion, and improvement projects aimed at strengthening animal welfare infrastructure statewide.

Additional updates on construction progress and Capital Campaign initiatives will be shared by FCRSPCA in the coming months.

Fulton County Regional SPCA is a fully volunteer-run organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals and supporting the community - including animal rescue and care services, education, and outreach programs. For more information visit fcrspca.org.

05/23/2026

As we head into the warmer summer months, you’ll probably notice your dog panting more often. Panting is one of the primary ways dogs regulate their body temperature and cool themselves down. Unlike humans, dogs do not sweat efficiently through their skin, so they rely heavily on airflow and evaporative cooling through the mouth, tongue, and nasal passages.

A healthy coat also plays an important role in temperature regulation. Double coats especially are designed to help insulate from outside heat, allow airflow near the skin, and protect against direct sun exposure (yes, dogs can get sunburn, which can increase the risk of skin cancer). THEIR COAT IS NOT ORNAMENTAL LIKE HUMAN HAIR. It serves a biological purpose and has a functional role in protection, insulation, and temperature regulation. Shaving these coats short does not automatically keep dogs cooler and, in many cases, can remove natural protection from heat and UV exposure.

Panting can increase after exercise, excitement, stress, grooming, or time spent outdoors in warmer temperatures. Some panting is completely normal.

Signs that are NOT normal and may indicate overheating or heat stroke include:
• excessive or frantic panting that does not settle
• pale, bright red, or blue gums
• excessive drooling
• vomiting
• weakness or collapse
• difficulty breathing
• disorientation

Ways to help support your dog during warmer weather:
• keep the coat clean and properly maintained
• prevent matting and impacted undercoat
• brush regularly and deshed when appropriate
• provide fresh water and shade
• avoid excessive activity during peak heat hours
• never leave dogs unattended in vehicles

Not every dog should be shaved for summer. Coat type, skin health, and coat function all matter. Proper grooming should support the coat’s natural ability to regulate temperature, not work against it.

A properly maintained coat does much more than just “look fluffy.” It serves a purpose.

📚 Educational graphics courtesy of Chris Sertzel, ICCE ©
Shared to help educate pet owners on coat function, thermoregulation, and safe summer grooming practices.

05/22/2026

Looking respectfully adorable for the holiday weekend ❤️💙🤍

05/21/2026

Fresh baths and fresh attitudes ✨

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

Nothing more satisfying than a fresh clean coat and a happy dog ❤️

05/16/2026

Rub-a-dub-dub, two mastiffs in the tub… or whatever they say 💙❤️