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Gov. Hochul boosts booster availability At press time, Governor Kathy Hochul said New York is expanding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to include those “who continue to feel at risk to the virus.” Citing concerns over what she called a “still raging” Delta variant, the onset of winter weather, the pending holiday season, and increasing rates of transmission, the Governor reiterated her call for New Yorkers to protect themselves and others with a vaccine and by following now-standard safety protocols. The Governor did not rule out “larger safety protocols” should COVID numbers remain at their new peak.
What’s open, What’s closed It’s no longer a safe bet that your favorite stores are open for business on Thanksgiving Day itself — so check with them before you head out — but you just know that they’ll be open for business on Friday, November 26. Cooperstown Village Hall, Oneonta City Hall, and Otsego County offices all remain closed on both Thankgiving (November 25), and Friday, November 26.
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Congressman visits Fly Creek to talk workers, infrastucture (page 13)
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AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE COMPLIMENTARY
Oneonta, N.Y., Thursday, November 18, 2021
Rescues get all the love at ‘Dog House’ By Tara Barnwell About a year-and-a-half ago, Liz Keller bought Mossy Creek Kennel in Cherry Valley, changed the name to “El-Liza’s Dog House at Mossy Creek Kennel,” and adopted the motto, “The Bed and Biscuit Getaway.” For someone dedicated to animal rescue, the ‘Dog House’ is a passion project. “We’re so much more than just dog grooming, boarding, and training,” Ms. Keller said. “My background is mostly in animal rescue, specifically dogs.” She grew up in Queens, New York, and volunteered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in Manhattan, then opened her own kennel in Sullivan County. She decided to attend veterinary school for an associate’s degree in vet science after holding a job in the banking industry. “I didn’t like vet science,” she said. “It was too clinical and technical. I started working as a dog control officer in upstate New York and worked closely with the New York State Police investigating cruelty cases. That jump-started my love of rescue.” “I’ve brought these contacts and expertise to Cherry Valley,” she said. “I founded a nonprofit, ‘Rescue Dogs Rescue Soldiers,’ where we pair veterans with dogs.
Tara Barnwell
Liz Keller gets a slobbery kiss from Layla, while Isaiah Bowen, assistant rescue director, smiles for the camera.
When we hear about a veteran with PTSD or similar situations, we try
“It’s amazing how a dog can be a companion and add so much to someone’s life,” she said. Which brings us to Layla. Layla, a Mastiff mix, came from a good family but, in Ms. Keller’s words, “had some problems,” including the need for a front-leg amputation. “The family was great but couldn’t care for her,” she said. “So we rescued her. We took care of her medical needs and now she’s better than ever. She’s up and running like nothing ever happened.” “We’d love to have Layla adopted by someone close by so we can help with any issues that might come up, someone who can handle a specialneeds dog,” Ms. Keller said. “She’s a real sweetheart!” The profits from the kennel side of the business help fund the rescue effort. “COVID shut us down with donations,” she said. “The regular ways of raising money don’t work anymore so we have to get more creative. The State Police K-9 units and Department of Environmental Conservation use our boarding services for their dogs. We also have personal donations that help, as well.” The Dog House at Mossy Creek Kennel currently offers 20 dogs for adoption. Go to ellizasdoghouse. com for more information.
to bring them together with a dog that matches their lifestyle.”
Village commemorates Veterans Day 2021
INSIDE ►a brothel? a murder? here? Local dignitaries show us what’s up with that, PAGE A12 ►DELGADO TALKS VISAS: Congressman visits Fly Creek to learn more, PAGE 13. ►ONLY IN UPSTATE NEW YORK: Good samaritans outpace a bad situation, PAGE A3 Follow Breaking News On
AllOTSEGO.com ►SCHENEVUS/WORCESTER MERGER: Residents meet in advance of December 1 binding referendum. ►LOCAL POLIO PIONEER: Bassett pediatrician brought vaccine trial to Cooperstown ►hospital entrance closed: Bassett Medical Center Clinic main entrance closed.
Kevin Limiti/AllOtsego.com Kevin Limiti
Brig Seaver holds the American flag during Veterans Day ceremony.
From right to left, Richard Balcom, Army; David Sanford, Army; Jeff Houghton, Air Force; Brig Seaver, Navy; and Floyd Bourne, Marines; march during the Veterans Day Parade in Cooperstown which left the VFW post at 11 a.m.
THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD