Shelter gets $1M gift

HYDE PARK — A $1 million bequest has been given to the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Executive Director Joyce Garrity announced the gift at the organization’s Hope for the Animals Gala May 1.

The money was from the estate of City of Poughkeepsie resident Lorraine Lingad.

Garrity said Lingad, who was a secretary at her church, loved all animals and left a remarkable legacy for the community.

“Through her generosity, she will help the DCSPCA prevent cruelty to animals and to help homeless and abused animals be adopted into caring, responsible homes,” she said.

“I only wish she could known what an impact she will have on this community,” Garrity said.

A portion of the bequest will go toward building a new $3 million Adoption and Education Center.

The DCSPCA now has 87 percent of the funds raised.

Board President Eric S. Ewing said that means the organization will be able to begin construction on the new facility without incurring any debt.

“The remainder of her gift will be used to support the operations so that we can continue to be a financially sound organization,” he said.

Christmas poll

Come on, fess up.

How much do you really spend on your pets this time of year? All the new squeaky toys. All the fuzzy catnip-filled mice. The treats.

Cast your vote in the poll on the left side of this page. And leave a comment telling everyone what kind of things you do buy.

The range is on a scale of $0 (Scrooges!) to Sky's the Limit a la Leona's Trouble.