News Alert: January 8, 2010

1. Popular New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet

The new year offers a fresh start to develop good habits—and here at the ASPCA, we think it’s only appropriate to focus on the four-legged members of the family. What can you do, pet parents, to make this year a great one for your furry pals? What about a resolution to brush your cat every week or a promise to extend your pooch’s play time? Whatever you choose, resolutions aimed at making your pets happier and healthier can add years to their lives, fun to their days and much joy to your home. Check out our most popular pet resolutions for 2010!

Check-Up Time You go to the doctor regularly—and so should your pet. This year, give your veterinarian the chance to notice any developing illnesses and the opportunity to take care of them right away. If it’s been a year or more since your pet has seen a vet, make that appointment today!

Protect Their Pearly Whites Does your pet have morning breath—all day long? Your cat or dog may need dental care. Pledge to check your pet’s teeth and gums at least once a week, and ask your vet to show you how you can prevent dental disease by brushing regularly.

Shake It Up! We all could use a bit more movement in our lives—make a resolution to shake it up with your pets! Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day—jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great options. Get kitty fit with rousing play sessions of chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice.

Battle the Bulge Pets depend on us to regulate their nutrition and activity levels. It’s important to follow strict feeding guidelines, since overweight pets face increased health risks. This year, vow to lay off those table scraps and consider switching to a well-balanced, high-quality pet food.

Poison-Proof Your Home With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets. Don’t leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. Resolve to make your home a safe place for your pets.

Get a New Look! In 2010, give your pet the gift of glam! A regular grooming regimen will make your pet feel proud, pampered and healthy. Take a peek at our easy grooming tips for dogs and cats.

IDs, Please Keep ‘em close to your heart by outfitting all of your animal companions—even indoor-only pets—with an ID tag. Implanted microchips are also a smart option, but keep in mind that microchips are only as good as the information provided to the chip’s company, so keep your contact info up-to-date!

For more information about keeping your furry pals happy and healthy in 2010, please visit the ASPCA’s complete guide to pet care.

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2. ASPCA Pet of the Week: Mature Molly

Here at the ASPCA, we often trumpet the exceptional benefits of adopting an older pooch. Molly is a prime specimen—at 12 years old, this wise Terrier Mix is a special blend of sweet and mellow. It’s hard to believe, but this fuzzy-faced ball of love was first brought to the ASPCA as a lonely stray.

Molly suffers from a heart condition that is not affecting her life currently, but will require monitoring over time. If you’re interested in adopting this lovely golden girl, please call our Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. Or to view other animals looking for homes, visit our Adoption Center online.

****Got Facebook? Won’t you please donate your status to Molly? Just copy and paste the following message onto your profile status to help spread the word that this pooch needs a home!

[Name] is donating my status to Molly http://www.aspca.org/molly, a dog at the ASPCA who needs a new home.

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3. ASPCA Happy Tails: Sweet Orange Sherbert

Sometimes a kitty comes along who steals the hearts (and laps!) of all those who meet him. Sherbert was one of those magical, four-legged wonders. ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement rescued Sherbert—then nine years old—in October 2008 from a home in Brooklyn, NY. Our Special Agents found him emaciated, abandoned and suffering from multiple untreated medical conditions. Once treated at the ASPCA, the elder feline was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and given a special diet as well as anti-inflammatory medication to ease his discomfort.

Despite his condition, it didn’t take long for Sherbert to settle into life at the ASPCA and attract many fans among staff and volunteers. Described as an “eternal optimist,” Sherbert was famous at the ASPCA Adoption Center for his fuzzy face and love of laps. And even though life threw a whole lot of challenges his way, he never gave up his adoration of the human kind. Lucky for Franni Burke of Manhattan! She met Sherbert in April 2009, and was smitten by his outgoing, cuddle-bug nature. The rest is history—today Sherbert is thriving in his "cushy" new life with Franni and his forever family.

Before the holidays, Franni contacted us to report that her favorite furry guy is doing exceptionally well and will receive many Christmas presents this year. Needless to say, news of Sherbert’s well-being was welcomed by more than one ASPCA staff member. “I absolutely LOVE Sherbert!” says Diane Wilkerson. “We took him on the WPIX morning show once…and even with all the cameras and commotion, he did great! He just snuggled and purred!”

This reserved little showstopper will always hold a special place in our hearts, minds and, of course, laps!

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4. California Chihuahuas Arrive at the ASPCA

On January 6, the ASPCA Adoption Center welcomed 15 Chihuahuas who flew from California to the Big Apple in search of new forever homes. The dogs originated from the City of San Francisco Animal Care & Control, and their in-cabin transportation was donated by Virgin Airlines. After some post-travel rest and relaxation, the tiny pups will be made available for adoption next week at the ASPCA in Manhattan.

Over the past year, California shelters have seen a dramatic increase in Chihuahua intakes—this toy breed now makes up more than 30% of the state’s shelter dog population. While demand for Chihuahuas has declined in much of the Golden State, their popularity in New York City is as high as ever.

"They're portable, and people like portability in the city," said Gail Buchwald, Senior Vice President for the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City. Aside from easily fitting in a carrier for a subway ride, their small size is ideal for living in compact apartments.

Gail adds: “We are glad to be given this opportunity to help New Yorkers get the small dogs they want, and at the same time, help find loving homes for San Francisco’s homeless animals.”

The dogs will be available for viewing at the ASPCA Adoption Center on Wednesday, January 13, between the hours of noon and 7:00 P.M. Adoption fees will range from $75 to $200, and include all medical and behavioral treatments, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and a microchip.

For additional information, please visit ASPCA.org or call our special “Operation Chihuahua” hotline at (212) 876-7700, ext. 3210.

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