- 1. Bracket Madness! Vote for Your Favorite Happy Tail
- 2. ASPCA Pet of the Week: Cuddle Bug
- 3. How to Report Cruelty in Your Community
- 4. Are You Ready to Go Orange this April?
1. Bracket Madness! Vote for Your Favorite Happy Tail
Many of you are knee-deep in brackets for NCAA® March Madness®, so why not add another to your list? The ASPCA has launched our very own tournament of four-legged champs! We’ve selected 16 of our favorite Happy Tails adoption stories, and over the next few weeks, your votes will decide which contestants make it to the semis, quarters and final furry showdown. Each week we'll launch a new round, eventually narrowing down our bracket until the winner is determined. The winning animal and his pet parent will receive a Flip video camera to record all future moments of sporty glory.
For this week’s first round, please visit our bracket and select your favorite four cats and four dogs. Hurry, don’t miss the action—size up all our furry competitors and cast your vote today!
2. ASPCA Pet of the Week: Cuddle Bug
Asher is a tender, nine-year-old feline, who’s sweet as candy and twice as nice. This gentle guy is just plain good company for those who like to keep things on the quiet side.
“Asher is one of the sweetest cats you will ever meet,” says Katie Watts, ASPCA Senior Feline Behavior Counselor. “He's very laid-back and affectionate, perfect for someone who wants to curl up and cuddle for hours!”
Handsome Asher enjoys the company of other cats, but he’s FIV positive and should only live with other felines if they’re positive, too. If you’re interested in adopting this lovely lad, please contact our Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. To see other animals looking for homes, visit our Adoption Center online.
****Got Facebook? Won’t you please donate your status to Asher today? Just copy and paste the following message onto your profile status to help spread the word that this kitty needs a home!
[Name] is donating my status to Asher http://www.aspca.org/asher, a cat at the ASPCA who needs a new home.
3. How to Report Cruelty in Your Community
So, you want to make a difference for animals in your community, but aren’t sure where to start? Well, ASPCA experts agree that one of the most important things you can do is learn how to recognize and report animal cruelty.
“Without tips from the public, many animals would remain in abusive circumstances, unable to defend themselves,” says ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Supervisory Special Investigator and star of Animal Planet’s Animal Precinct, Annemarie Lucas. “We commend the brave and swift actions of concerned citizens who report cruelty.”
Whether you’ve seen the dog next door outside without proper shelter or witnessed the physical abuse of a neighborhood cat, you can help. To lend a hand, our experts have created an easy step-by-step guide to help you recognize and report animal cruelty.
Here’s a sneak peek at our Reporting Cruelty FAQ:
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If I report my neighbor for committing animal cruelty, and that person’s animal is taken away and put in a shelter, isn’t the animal worse off?
It’s important to understand that reporting cruelty is always the right thing to do. Animal control officers never remove an animal from the home unless absolutely necessary. A seized animal will then have the chance to get much-needed veterinary and behavior care.
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Can I remain anonymous when I file an animal cruelty complaint?
Yes, and it is better to file an anonymous report than to do nothing—but please consider providing your information. Agencies have limited resources, and the case is more likely to be pursued when there are credible witnesses willing to stand behind the report and, if necessary, testify in court.
Get all the facts about recognizing animal cruelty in our Reporting Cruelty FAQ.
4. Are You Ready to Go Orange this April?
April is just around the corner, animal lovers, and you know what that means: Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month! The ASPCA Online Store has all the best orange gear (and other cool stuff!) lined up for you and your furry friend to “go orange” this April.
The Go Orange Kit One-stop shopping, this bundle includes an orange ASPCA logo t-shirt (choose your size), an orange dog bandanna and five orange silicone wristbands. Order soon—this kit is 20% off for a limited time.
Will Fight for Animals Cap Enhance your orange gear with a fashionable cap. This version is embroidered on the front with "Will Fight for Animals," and comes in gray and light blue.
Pewter Initial Engravable Tag This adorable new pet tag is available in all 26 letters, five colors and three sizes. For a small additional charge, get your contact info engraved on the back to keep your pet safe.
Squeaker Mat Your squeaky toy-loving pooch will think this is the greatest invention ever. These stuffed plush mats have 16 squeakers inside for hours of noisy fun!
To see more fabulous items that will help you go orange and support the ASPCA’s programs, visit our Online Store.