About  Us

Animal Friends of Wyoming County is a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization made up of Wyoming County, NY, residents with a strong desire and passion to help out animals.  Our main goal is to promote Animal Health Awareness as well as simultaneously promoting the Wyoming County Animal Shelter.  AFWC raises funds and creates programs to help and care for unwanted dogs at the animal shelter.  AFWC was organized and created by a Board of Directors, each using their God-given gifts, talents and abilities to contribute to the overall goal.  Directors communicate and work to organize programs, events and promotional material to bring together the community to care for lost or abandoned strays in the county.  Though AFWC is a completely separate entity from the Wyoming County Animal Shelter, their goals are similar: to educate our local community and save abandoned dogs.  AFWC is proud to have such a loving community to work with.  Because of volunteers, members and residents, programs such as Spay Our Stray and Pets For Vets are possible through contributions.  Thank you!

Meet Animal Friends

Sam
President

Sam Goodell is a dedicated leader and advocate for animal welfare, serving as the President of Animal Friends of Wyoming County since 2017. With a deep-rooted passion for protecting animals, Sam has been instrumental in the organization's growth and impact.
Leadership & Experience

• President, Animal Friends of Wyoming County (2017 – Present)
• Vice President & Acting Secretary (2015 – 2017)
• Early volunteer experience at Wyoming County Animal Shelter

Achievements & Advocacy

• Strong advocate for pro-life and anti-animal cruelty legislation
• Passionate about studying and implementing local and state animal welfare laws
• Instrumental in the growth and success of AFWC
• Deeply committed to community engagement and education

Personal Values

• Faith-driven leadership
• Commitment to making a lasting impact on animal welfare
• Inspired by and grateful for the Wyoming County community's dedication

Lori
Vice President

Lori Brown has been the Vice President of Animal Friends of Wyoming County since 2021, playing a key role in fundraising and community partnerships. With a strong passion for animal welfare, she remains dedicated to supporting the organization’s mission.
Leadership & Experience

• Vice President, Animal Friends of Wyoming County (2021 – Present)
• Liaison between AFWC and Perry Vet
• Manages fundraising efforts, including Oliver’s Chocolate Bar sales for Spay Our Stray

Achievements & Advocacy

• Actively supports animal welfare through community outreach and fundraising
• Works at Wyoming County Community Hospital and a Domestic Violence shelter
• Dedicated volunteer committed to AFWC’s mission

Personal Values

• Passionate about animal welfare and adoption
• Grateful for the strong community support for AFWC
• Plans to adopt a dog when work schedule allows

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Jamie
Secretary

Cassandra
Treasurer

Cassandra Reding has been the Treasurer of Animal Friends of Wyoming County since 2023, bringing her financial expertise and deep passion for animal welfare to the organization. With a background in education and public service, she is dedicated to supporting AFWC’s mission.
Leadership & Experience

• Treasurer, Animal Friends of Wyoming County (2023 – Present)
• Attended first board meeting in February 2023 and was voted in shortly after
• Works for Wyoming County Treasurer’s Office
• Former Teaching Assistant at Letchworth Central School (19+ years)

Achievements & Advocacy

• Committed to supporting AFWC’s financial operations and growth
• Long-standing connection with the local community through work at Gainesville General Store
• Strong advocate for animal adoption, having rescued two dogs from the Shelter

Personal Values

• Passionate about animal welfare and community service
• Deeply values family, with a strong bond to her children and grandchildren
• Loving pet parent to Ryleigh and Pebbles, her rescued dogs

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Trisha 
Events Director

Trisha Rippel is the Events Director for Animal Friends of Wyoming County, bringing creativity and dedication to organizing events that support animal welfare. A hardworking mother and passionate volunteer, she balances her roles with care and enthusiasm.
Leadership & Experience

• Events Director, Animal Friends of Wyoming County
• School bus driver, ensuring the safety of local children
• Background in graphic arts, using creativity for personal and community projects

Achievements & Advocacy

• Organizes events to support AFWC’s mission and outreach
• Active volunteer at the Wyoming County Animal Shelter
• Dedicated animal lover, sharing her home with three dogs and two cats

Personal Values

• Passionate about community service and animal welfare
• Loving and involved mother, supporting her daughter’s activities
• Finds joy in gardening and creative pursuits

Lisa
Member Director

Lisa Reynolds is the Member Director for Animal Friends of Wyoming County, bringing her dedication to animal welfare and community engagement. A retired Registered Nurse and Army veteran, she is passionate about supporting shelter animals and connecting with AFWC members.
Leadership & Experience

• Member Director, Animal Friends of Wyoming County (since 2021)
• Retired Registered Nurse (Livingston County, 2019)
• U.S. Army Veteran (Served during Desert Storm at Walter Reed, Washington, D.C.)

Achievements & Advocacy

• Oversees memberships, renewals, and communications for AFWC
• Provides monthly updates on shelter happenings, adoptions, and fundraisers
• Actively volunteers at the shelter, walking and caring for dogs
• Promotes AFWC’s mission at the Wyoming County Fair and community events

Personal Values

• Lifelong love for animals, raised on a dairy farm in Perry, NY
• Dedicated to animal rescue, adoption, and responsible pet ownership
• Enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband David and their dogs, Roxy and Harley

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Ed
Program Coordinator

Ed "EJ" LeBlanc is the dedicated Program Coordinator for Animal Friends of Wyoming County, bringing his technical expertise and deep commitment to animal welfare. Ed finds his work at AFWC incredibly rewarding and encourages everyone to stop by AFWC events and say hello!
Professional Background & Skills

• Graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
• Experienced Electronic Engineer & Supervisor
• Former Business Owner (14+ years of experience)

Role & Contributions to AFWC

• Assists AFWC directors in their missions
• Manages dog rescue database and AKC chip ID registrations
• Actively involved in the Pets-For-Vets program, supporting fellow veterans

Veteran & Community Involvement

• Vietnam Army Veteran
• IT Volunteer for Eagle Memorial Veteran Post 1720 in Bliss, NY

Personal Life & Values

• Married to Cheryl for nearly 50 years
• Resides in Gainesville, NY
• Passionate about giving back to the community and helping animals find loving homes

Aditya
IT Coordinator

Aditya Singh joined Animal Friends of Wyoming County as a IT Coordinator, offering his skills in software engineering, data management, and digital communication to support AFWC’s growing technological needs. Passionate about animals and community service, Aditya brings a unique blend of compassion and technical expertise to the team.
Professional Background

• Master’s in Computer Science & Engineering – University at Buffalo
• Experienced in data engineering, software development, AI research, and IT support
• Former Dense Video Captioning Researcher, working with deep learning, NLP, and attention mechanisms
• Currently contributing as a Software Developer with JerseySTEM, enhancing HR system integrations
• Proficient in Python, SQL, REST APIs, and Google Apps Script

Animal Friends of Wyoming County Contribution
At AFWC, Aditya supports the organization behind the scenes, assisting with:

• Website improvements and digital outreach
• Aditya’s work ensures that the technical operations at AFWC run smoothly so the team can focus more on the dogs who need love and homes.

Personal Life & Passions

• Based in Castile, NY, with roots in a service-focused family
• Passionate about solving problems and uncovering data stories
• A fan of anime and superhero narratives—especially those that highlight inner strength and perseverance
• Loves helping others—whether it’s through volunteering, tech, or just being there to lend a hand

Aditya is proud to be part of AFWC and looks forward to continuing to use his talents for a cause that gives back to the animals and community he cares deeply about.

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Jessie
CHOW Coordinator

Amy
P. U. P. P. I. E. S. Coordinator

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Meet the Staff at the Wyoming County Animal Shelter

Justa Goodell
Animal Control Officer

Since September 1996, Officer Justa Goodell has been a steadfast advocate for animal welfare in Wyoming County, giving a voice to countless animals in need.
Career & Contributions

• Animal Control Officer for Wyoming County (28+ years)
• Former school bus driver at Letchworth School District
• Transformed the county animal shelter from a barn in a remote location to a well-established facility between Silver Springs and Warsaw
• Actively educates the community on animal welfare, including the growing issue of animal hoarding

Community Leadership & Advocacy

• Since 2018, has led numerous speaking engagements across Wyoming County on animal hoarding awareness
• Dedicated to seeking justice for homeless and mistreated animals

Personal Life

• Born and raised in Wyoming County
• Daughter of Sallye and Larry Treusdell
• Proud mother of three sons: Zachariah, Isaiah, and Samuel
• Widow of Fredrick Goodell, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage

Officer Goodell’s passion for animal welfare continues to inspire the community. Her unwavering commitment to education, advocacy, and hands-on rescue work makes her a true champion for Wyoming County’s animals. Thank you, Justa!

Daryl Klump
Animal Control Deputy

Since February 2019, Daryl Klump has been a dedicated Animal Control Deputy for the Wyoming County Animal Shelter, working alongside Officer Justa Goodell to rescue and rehome the county’s homeless dogs.
Background & Service

• Raised in Castile, NY, where he was an avid Boy Scout
• Graduate of Letchworth High School
• Studied carpentry at Alfred State College
• United States Army Veteran, serving tours in Iraq and Afghanistan (2005–post-service discharge)
• Former truck driver, traveling the East Coast before joining the Wyoming County Animal Shelter

Personal Life & Interests

• Proud husband and father of two incredible kids
• Currently resides in Arcade, NY
• Loves outdoor activities, including fishing with his son Landon, hiking, and camping
• Enjoys working out at the gym
• Favorite snack: Wasabi Almonds (a great way to send him a "thank you" gift!)

Deputy Klump’s commitment to animal welfare, combined with his strong work ethic and love for the outdoors, makes him a valuable asset to the Wyoming County Animal Shelter. He is excited to continue helping animals in need and finding them their forever homes!

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Have a Question?

​For Animal Friends

or

For the Shelter

What kind of Community Based Services & Programs Does Animal Friends of Wyoming County Provide?

Animal Friends of Wyoming County was created not only to tend to the well-being of the homeless dogs at the Wyoming County Animal Shelter, but also to encourage Wyoming County residents to get involved in the community.  Programs such as the P.U.P.P.I.E.S. Program are intended to do such that.  Educating and bringing awareness to animal neglect and animal cruelty is also a striving point within the organization.

How can i get more involved with animal friends?

The best way to get involved with Animal Friends is 

How long does a dog have to stay at the Wyoming county animal shelter before it is available for adoption?

In short, (7) 24 hour business days.  After a dog is picked up by the Animal Control Officer or surrendered to the Animal Shelter, the dog remains at the Shelter for at least (7) 24 hour business days so the owner has some time to redeem his/her pet.  During this time Animal Friends of Wyoming County posts a photo with a brief description on their 'Dogs for Adoption' page on the website, Facebook and Instagram.  Once the (7) 24 hour business days are up, the dog is evaluated "For Adoption".