News Alert: June 26, 2009

1. An Extraordinary Gifting Opportunity!

If you’re thinking about including the ASPCA in your will or are interested in a life income tax advantaged gift with our organization, look no further. Our new interactive Planned Giving section maps out easy ways for you to give, from naming us as a beneficiary in your will to more complex trust arrangements.

Our new pages are easy to understand and provide you with creative giving strategies that enhance your financial well-being while helping us with our efforts to end cruelty to animals. From the comfort of your home, you can compare gift options to find the plan that works best for you or check out our Legacy Planner, which helps you plan your gift based on financial goals or assets. Each option you select leads to more choices, letting you design your own gift plan.

Visit ASPCA.org to receive a personalized profile of the gift that may best suit your needs and goals. And please contact our planned giving team with any questions you might have.

2. Shop the ASPCA Store this Summer and Fight Animal Cruelty

Shopping the ASPCA online store is an unforgettable experience! Its virtual shelves are stocked with fabulous tees and personalized jewelry, not to mention fun, reliable pet toys—all spreading the message that you love animals. And springing for gifts from the ASPCA will not only make your pet-loving friends grateful, it’s another way to help fight for homeless animals’ lives.

Make a statement this summer—check out these items:

Look Great While You Advocate! Dress to impress in our “Will Fight for Animals” ladies fitted green tee—no one will second guess your passion for protecting animals.

Hats Off to New York’s Kindest Nothing says “I fight animal cruelty” like the ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) cotton twill cap, embroidered with the same badge worn by our HLE Agents.

Drink to Saving Animals’ Lives Guzzle your H2O this summer from our BPA-free, 28-ounce water bottle with push-pull top. Our bright ASPCA logo and attractive doggie silhouette will show the world you support our efforts.

Spread the ASPCA Message in Style Roomy with deep zippered pockets inside and out, our black microfiber tote is designed to carry all your goodies, and the ASPCA’s message, as well.

All net proceeds go directly to the ASPCA, ensuring that your purchase makes a difference in animals' lives.

3. ASPCA Jobs of the Month

Human Resources Coordinator Are you a people person? The ASPCA is looking for a Human Resources Coordinator to provide administrative support for essential areas such as compensation and benefits. Our ideal candidate has at least two years’ practical experience in general HR operations, knowledge of ABRA and Crystal Reports and advanced computer skills. If you’re an affable, organized multi-tasker who’s looking for a job with a cause, you could be the one! Senior Manager, Animal Behavior Do you have animal magnetism? The ASPCA is searching for a Senior Manager of Animal Behavior to oversee behavior assessments, rehabilitation programs, progress reports and adoptability criteria for the cats and dogs in our care. Our ideal candidate has a Master’s degree, at least three years of managerial experience and a background in training animals with specific dog-training experience. The ASPCA offers generous benefit packages for full-time employees. Please submit your resume and salary requirements for our prompt consideration.

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5. Health Warning: Prevent Heat Stroke in Pets

Pets and parents alike look forward to spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, warn ASPCA experts.

“Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat,” says Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, “and heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly.”

Watch out for the following symptoms of overheating in pets: excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, mild weakness, stupor and even collapse. Pets can also suffer from seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA experts, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.

• Avoid dehydration by always having fresh, clean water available and lots of shady places where pets can cool off. When the weather’s extremely hot, keep your pets indoors.
• Give your dog a light summer haircut to help prevent overheating. Shave the hair to a one-inch length, but never down to the skin, as fur offers protection from the sun. Brushing your cat more often than usual can also help prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
• When using sunscreen or insect repellent, be sure the product is labeled specifically for use on animals.
• Never leave an animal alone in a parked vehicle. “On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time—even with the windows open—which could lead to fatal heat stroke,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

Please visit ASPCA.org for our complete list of hot weather safety tips!

6. ASPCA Happy Tails: Pay It Forward

When the handsome Golden Retriever formerly known as Anikan arrived at the ASPCA in 2006, he was tentative and shy like any homeless pup might be in similar circumstances. But he quickly warmed up to our Adoptions Team and demonstrated his love of toys and top-notch tricks. Sit, down, stay and come—he knew his commands like a pro, and all at the tender age of just one year old.

Thus it came as no surprise that potential adopters instantly fell for Anikan’s effortless charm. Lisa and Jay Sands of Manhattan certainly weren’t immune. They adopted the pup—now known as Jake—on November 28, 2006, and quickly made him feel comfortable and secure in his new forever home on the Upper East Side.

More than two years later, Jake is a treasure for the Sands as well as their friends and neighbors. “Jake has never met a stranger—man or beast—he didn’t like,” Lisa says. Among his favorite activities is swimming in the kiddie pool at the dog park—who says city dogs miss out on the joys of nature?!

But this get-along doggie isn’t just about fun and frolicking. He has a community service side, too. “Jake has given back to his animal community by being a foster brother to a rescue cat and two shelter dogs,” explains Lisa. “He made them feel welcome in his home and showed them the ropes.”

This selfless pooch has been there—he knows what it’s like to be homeless and shows deep empathy for his orphaned, four-legged friends. According to Lisa, “Jake’s trusting, gentle, generous nature calmed his foster siblings in their new environment and helped them all eventually get adopted into loving, forever families.” She adds: “We all love Jake so much and are grateful the ASPCA kept him safe until he became a part of our family!”