News Alert: June 19, 2009

1. ASPCA Happy Tails: Just What the Doctor Ordered

Sometimes the key to our hearts lies in the most unexpected places. Ruth and Tom Reinecke of Queens, NY, found theirs in a middle-aged cat with a funny grin and special needs. Back in the summer of 2007, Lilly was a favorite of ASPCA adoptions staff and volunteers. Sweet and shy, she was a perfect candidate for anyone looking for a mellow lap cat. But one thing deterred potential pet parents: Lovely Lilly had tested positive for the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which can seriously weaken a cat's immune system.

The Reineckes, however, were not put off by Lilly's medical status. "We were entranced by the funny way she stuck out her tongue," Ruth says, laughing. And her winning personality helped her score the kind of forever home of which many kitties dream. The Reineckes understood that Lilly's FIV status didn't mean she would necessarily get sick or show symptoms for years. With the right care and compassion, FIV-positive cats can enjoy happy, healthy lives.

"At more than five years old now, Lilly has not been sick," Ruth reports. "In fact, she's been very active and glad to have more room to scamper and play. She does the cutest hops!"

Ever the bouncing social bee, Lilly never met a person—or a belly scratcher—she didn't adore. "She still loves her tummy rubs and believes all visitors have come just to pet her," says Ruth. "This may be so—our friends and family barely say hello before asking, 'Where is Lilly?'" Nonetheless, she still reserves her special "nose kisses" for Ruth and Tom.

"Our sweet girl came to us with a heart full of love," says Ruth. "Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at the ASPCA for our darling Lilly."

2. Special Alert: Ringling Bros. Pitches Tent at Coney Island

On June 18, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus pitched its tent on New York's famous Coney Island.

The ASPCA is currently involved in a federal lawsuit against Ringling Bros. The lawsuit contends that the circus's treatment of its Asian elephants violates the Endangered Species Act by abusively training and disciplining elephants with sharp implements such as bullhooks, and by intensively confining and chaining the multi-ton animals for prolonged periods.

The one-ring circus—officially called "The Coney Island Boom-A-Ring!"—will feature, among other animal performers, seven Bengal tigers and three Asian elephants. It will be held in a lot owned by real estate investment company Taconic Investment Partners—they will not be charging Ringling for use of the site.

What You Can Do:

• Don't attend Ringling Bros. Circus on Coney Island and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
• Write to Taconic Investments' CEOs Paul E. Pariser and Charles R. Bendit, and respectfully let them know that with their donation of land, they are supporting cruelty to animals.
• Contact your local newspapers and television stations, informing them about the cruelty inflicted on circus animals and your disappointment in Coney Island for supporting the industry.

For a more complete list of actions you can take, read our Top Ways to Help Fight Circus Cruelty.

3. ASPCA Pet of the Week: Best All-Around Player

Four-year-old Sedrick is a dreamboat Tabby with the patience of a prince. He's chubbalicious in all the right places, gets along with other cats and knows when it's time to hit the snooze button. But for some reason, he can't get a date. This guy really needs to get out—won't you be the one to take him home? 

"Sedrick is the all-around perfect cat!" raves Katie Watts, ASPCA Senior Feline Behavior Counselor. "He's mellow a lot of the time but also has a playful side, especially with other cats. He's affectionate but not super demanding, and would be happy sitting quietly or getting showered with attention. He's such a handsome boy!"

If our glowing recommendations aren't enough to convince you, check this out: Sedrick comes free of all adoption fees! Yes, you read that right—all cats over three are free at our Adoption Center for a limited time. So if you're interested in adopting this handsome kitty, please call the ASPCA Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. To view other animals looking for homes, please visit our Adoption Center online.

****Got Facebook? Won't you please donate your status to Sedrick 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 his/her status to Sedrick, a cat at the ASPCA who needs a new home.

4. Honor Dad with a Gift that Gives Back

This Father's Day, the ASPCA is proud to offer a very special way to appreciate the most important man in your life. The ASPCA Father's Day Honor Gift is a one-time donation made in your father's name to directly support our efforts. Dad will also receive a personalized ecard letting him know a generous gift was made to homeless pets in his honor.

"While Father's Day only comes once a year, an honor gift from the ASPCA will keep giving to help the animals who are being saved each day," says Jo Sullivan, ASPCA Executive Vice President of External Affairs. "Not only will it show Dad how much you care about him, but he'll know how much you care for causes that are close to his heart."

This June, consider a Father’s Day Honor Gift—it’s a wonderful way to celebrate Dad and help animals in need!

5. High-Rise Syndrome: Protect Your Cat from Dangerous Falls

Summer breezes drifting through a city-dweller's apartment may be relaxing to humans, but windows left ajar can often put urban felines in danger. A cat's prey drive may lead him to pounce on moving birds or insects—often through an open window. In fact, cats falling out of unscreened windows is such a frequent problem in big cities that the veterinary profession has a name for it—High-Rise Syndrome.

During the warmer months, veterinarians at the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital see approximately three to five cases a week, many resulting in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises—and even death.

The good news is that these falls are 100-percent preventable. Please take heed of the following precautions provided by ASPCA experts:

• Install snug-fitting, sturdy window screens.
• Make sure adjustable screens are tightly wedged into window frames.
• Cats can easily fit through the bars of childproof guards, so use screens as well.
• If your cat falls, assume he has survived and immediately rush him to the nearest animal hospital. There is a 90-percent survival rate for feline high-rise victims who are given immediate medical attention.
• Follow these precautions even if your apartment is on the first or second floor of your building. Shorter falls may prove more dangerous since they don't give cats enough time to adjust their body posture to land correctly.

Visit ASPCA.org for the complete list of facts on High-Rise Syndrome.