By LINDA KELLETT

C-S-E News Staff

AMSTERDAM — Denise Landwehr brings out the best in people.

That was the recent assessment of Sue Kilmartin, the assistant manager of the Super Shoes store in the Amsterdam Commons Plaza, following several successful food and fundraising drives spearheaded by Landwehr on behalf of the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter. 

It was a sentiment echoed by shelter Vice-President Joe Rosemyer, who was present at the store last month to accept a check from Landwehr, who works as the store manager there. 

He said, "I can't thank Denise enough for all her efforts. She's been a big supporter for years."

In particular, he acknowledged Landwehr's effort during a Jan. 26 bake and craft sale at the town of Amsterdam store that raised about $1,000. He said the money went directly into an emergency medical fund for the shelter.

He also expressed appreciation to Landwehr for organizing a dog food collection in November.

After the Wal-Mart Distribution Center stopped providing dog food to organizations like Ayres, Rosemyer said the shelter was facing a critical shortage. "We were down to about 80 pounds of dog food."

With about 38 dogs eating roughly a pound of dog food a day, that supply would dwindle rapidly.

Rosemyer said the shelter manager called Landwehr, who successfully collected 2,000 pounds of dog food and about $400 to $500 in donations.

"If they need me to, my door is always open for future food drives," she said.

Landwehr was quick to recognize other animal organizations that provide assistance to each other, including the James A. Brennan Humane Society, the ResQ Connection in the town of Florida, and the Gloversville Cat Sanctuaries. She said, "We couldn't do it without other shelters and rescue groups that support each other."

Among those helping with the recent fundraiser was 11-year-old Maddison Kilmartin. 

Landwehr joked that Maddison was handing out containers at the bake sale and telling people to fill them — and they did, she said.

The Ayres Animal Shelter, located in Sprakers, is a quality-of-life shelter. It's located at 133 Hilltop Road. 

For more information about the animals, volunteering or to contribute, call (518) 673-5670 or e-mail ayres673@hotmail.com.