Kelly Rocheleau
Education, court and crime reporter
Construction will start this month on a major renovation at the Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY in Auburn, including a new veterinary clinic and air conditioning for the animals.聽
The shelter's executive director, Nick Lapresi, told 水果派AV the renovation will begin at the 41 York St. facility on May 12. It will include replacing the shelter's 70-year-old kennels with larger and quieter ones, and installing a modern clinic and surgery suite. There will also be designated quarantine areas to ensure sick animals receive proper treatment while protecting the health of others.聽
Two new HVAC systems and new insulation and siding will be installed as well in order to maintain optimal room temperatures for the animals year-round and ensure fresh airflow through the facility.
The shelter expects to complete the renovation in late August. Its cost has not yet been determined, Lapresi said Friday, though previous estimates have been around $700,000.
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The majority of the cost will be funded by a $482,491.50 grant from the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund announced in 2023. The shelter also聽 $95,750 in donations through a capital campaign to match an $80,000 grant from the Fred L. Emerson Foundation, and received a $35,000 grant from the Stanley W. Metcalf Foundation.
Lapresi said the SPCA's board of directors and employees thank the community for their donations.
"They have made a transformative difference within the community by helping to fund this project," he said.
The renovation will allow the shelter to meet the state's Companion Animal Care Standards Act for Shelters and Rescues, which goes into effect Dec. 15.
Lapresi noted the facility won't be able to house animals during some parts of the renovation, so the SPCA is holding a 50% off adoption sale on all the ones currently there May 3-11.聽
Due to a donation from Cayuga County resident Joseph Calarco, the shelter and its animals will relocate to a space at Fingerlakes Mall in Aurelius during the renovation.
Lapresi said he is excited about the start of construction, as he has been working on making the renovation happen since he became the SPCA's director in fall 2022.
"It's been such an undertaking every step of the way," he said. "I am just so excited to be able to walk in here in four months and see it all come to fruition and see how it's going to impact the community and the animals we care for. It's great to see it finally taking shape."
A new study from Hungarian researchers found that dog owners often experience a more fulfilling relationship with their pets than with most people, including friends and relatives.聽 Published in Scientific Reports, the study shows dogs provide more support and fewer negative interactions than most human connections.聽 Researchers found dogs ranked especially high in affection, reliability, and companionship, beating romantic partners, friends, and relatives in nearly every category except intimacy. So why are dogs such ideal companions? Experts point to three key factors: high companionship, low conflict, and clear caregiving roles.聽 The dog-human bond is shaped by an unequal power dynamic; owners make the decisions, and dogs rarely challenge them. This reduces tension and conflict, common in human relationships. Participants were asked to evaluate relationships with their dogs and four people (closest relative, romantic partner, best friend, and child) using measures like nurturance and conflict.聽 Results revealed that dog-owner relationships most closely resemble parent-child bonds, but with far fewer negative experiences. Importantly, people with strong human relationships also had strong bonds with their dogs, suggesting dogs complement, rather than replace, human connections. Having children slightly shifted perceptions; parents rated dogs lower in companionship, but most aspects remained unchanged.聽 Ultimately, dogs provide steady emotional support without judgment or drama.
Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.
Kelly Rocheleau
Education, court and crime reporter
