News Alert: March 6, 2009

1. ASPCA Job of the Week

The ASPCA is looking for a Senior Manager of Animal Behavior to oversee our behavior program for shelter cats and dogs, including assessments, rehabilitation, progress reports and adoptability criteria. Our ideal candidate has at least three years’ experience in animal training and behavior modification, as well as CPDT certification, teaching experience and excellent knowledge of learning theory and its applications. If you’re detail-oriented, amiable and resourceful, and possess an unwavering passion for animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

The ASPCA offers generous benefit packages for full-time employees. Please submit your resume and salary requirements for our prompt consideration.

2. ASPCA Success Story of the Week: Sealed With a (Slobbery) Kiss

One very recent success story keeps taking wonderful plot twists—after being rescued this month from a Tennessee puppy mill, Boston terrier mix Yoder found love with first-time adopter Cindy Stout. “Thank goodness Yoder was transferred to the Charleston Animal Society here in South Carolina. It was love at first sight. He looked up at me with his innocent eyes and barked something akin to, ‘Pick me, pick me!’” recalls Cindy.

It’s been two weeks since Yoder officially joined the Stout family, and so far it’s been fun for everyone. “It’s hard to believe he went through life in a puppy mill,” Cindy says. “He does like to walk on the coffee table and run around the house—though he’s learning what ‘No’ means—but for the first time in his life, he has his freedom. It’s amazing to see.”

Sweet and goofy, this peppy pooch keeps the Stouts laughing. “Yoder is a little clown!” Cindy says. “He likes to run off with the TV remote and one day even brought me the cordless phone. He doesn't chew on either of them. I think he’s just trying to get us to play with him.” The newcomer has also made friends with the family’s 15-year-old pug, Angel. “Yoder likes to sit on her head and she just gives him a little nip—they get along great.” 

Though Yoder is beginning to understand commands, when it comes to kisses, “No” isn’t in his vocabulary. “If you’re near Yoder, you’re going to get slobbered on,” Cindy says, laughing. “At night he sleeps on our pillows or right up against us. He also has really affectionate puppy dog eyes, but he doesn't have to do much—we’re already head over heels in love.”

3. On Your Mark, Get Set, Go Orange—Announcing the ASPCA Community Leader Contest

Whether you plan on holding an adoptions event with your local shelter, organizing a community pet parade or hosting an orange-themed bake sale, you may want to step up your plans just a notch or two. For its third consecutive year, the ASPCA Community Leader Contest is challenging you to put on your creative hat and think big when planning your Go Orange event.

The brains behind the most innovative and effective event registered on our Ambassadors site will be crowned the ASPCA Community Leader of 2009. The winner will receive a $500 AMEX gift card, a $1,000 grant to the licensed non-profit animal shelter or rescue group of his or her choice, and will be featured in ASPCA Action and ASPCA News Alert.

Visit our website for complete contest details.

P.S. Congratulations to Jamie Kruse, who won our Flip Video contest simply by registering her event on our Ambassadors site. “We are so excited to be involved this year,” says Jamie. “We will be holding a doggie walk complete with goodie bags for the critters and paw-shaped cookies for the parents. Thank you, ASPCA!”

4. ASPCA Dogs Compete on The View’s Mutt Show—and Find Forever Homes

Last Thursday, February 26, The View held its First Annual Mutt Show, in which ten mixed-breed dogs participated in a little friendly competition. Five of the contestants were dogs owned by viewers, and the other five were available for adoption right here at the ASPCA! David Frei, longtime commentator for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, judged the dogs on appearance and temperament, and eventually selected the ASPCA’s energetic Eggy as “best in show” of the adoptable group.

We are happy to report that Eggy and three other dogs featured on the show have already found their forever homes! Larry and Sheila Alberg of Bakersville, CA, were so taken by Mia, a German shepherd mix, they decided to drive across the country to our New York City shelter to adopt her! “I burst into tears when I saw her on the show. It was an instant connection,” says Mrs. Alberg, who was impressed by how well-behaved Mia was on The View.

Little Michael, an 11-year-old Maltese mix, who wowed the judge with his sweet temperament, found his soulmate in Tracy Keenan of Brooklyn. Keenan adores her new companion and even cooks for him—lucky pooch!  

Thanks to The View, we have another reason to trumpet the many joys of adopting a mixed-breed dog, but if you have your heart set on a purebred, don’t give up on finding one at a shelter! Purebreds are also available at shelters and rescue groups; to find one near you, visit www.aspca.org/findashelter.

5. The ASPCA Guide to Kids & Pets

Kids and pets—a natural fit, right? Our First Family sure thinks so, and this April, kid-pet introductions may be in order at the White House. The Obamas’ search for the right animal companion for their daughters is a great reminder to all parents that kids can always use adult guidance in getting the most out of their relationship with the family pet.

In honor of the impending arrival of 2009's First Dog, we present the ASPCA Guide to Kids & Pets, a compendium of advice on raising children and animals together.

"We certainly know that children with pets take an interest in animal welfare," says Executive Vice President of ASPCA Programs, Dr. Stephen Zawistowski. "We also know that parents are the most important influence on how children care for pets. Having an animal companion in the White House will be a wonderful thing for the Obama children, and the positive example they provide will benefit animals and children across the nation." Here’s a sneak peek at our expert tips:

• Play Dates: With adult supervision, these help build mutual respect in the same way that play dates between children create healthy friendships.
• Safety Tips: Teach your child to read your pet’s body language and identify signs that your pet wants to be left alone.
• Training: Prevent your dog from jumping up on your child. When playing a game involving treats or toys, teach your dog that he must sit before earning his reward—if he jumps up or grabs, he does not get the reward and the game ends.
• Responsibilities: 9- to 13-year-olds are mature enough to benefit from attending basic obedience classes with their dogs. What about other ages?

Please remember that healthy relationships between kids and animals doesn’t always come naturally—it’s hard work, but worth it to foster humane habits and a lifelong bond.

6. Today: Live Chat with ASPCA Expert on the Human-Animal Bond

It’s been a year, and I still mourn my dog. Is this normal? Help, my dorm roommate and my cat don’t get along! My fiancé says it’s me—or my new puppy!

The human-animal bond is a unique relationship that affects people and pets in profound ways. Here to help us understand and nurture this special bond is the ASPCA’s Dr. Stephanie LaFarge, Senior Director of Counseling Services. Dr. LaFarge, who specializes in human-animal relationships and grief counseling, will join us in a live discussion Friday, March 6, on our ASPCA Online Community. Catch her today between noon and 2:00 P.M. EST!

7. 15 Most Lovable Shelter Pets Contest—Only 4 Cuties Left!

Back in January, we asked you to cast your vote in the Bounce 15 Most Lovable Shelter Pets contest—part of a charitable partnership with Bounce, Petside.com and the ASPCA. We also reminded you that these 15 pooches weren’t showing off their good looks for nothing—they were on the lookout to get adopted!

We’re happy to announce that 11 of the 15 featured pets—hand-picked from ASPCA Mission: Orange shelters—have found their forever homes. If you haven’t already done so, please vote in the contest today—the deadline’s Monday, March 9. And who knows, one of the pooches still available may be a perfect fit for your family!

Cheers to Bounce for continuing ASPCA Mission: Orange efforts by working to find homes for these pets. Each participating shelter will receive a monetary contribution, and the shelter caring for the winning pet will receive an additional $2,500 toward vaccinations for the other animals in its care.