News Alert: June 11, 2010

1. ASPCA Happy Tails: Nothing Compares 2 U

Earlier this year, a three-legged Pit Bull named Prince was crowned top dog at the ASPCA’s 5th Annual Talent Competition in New York City. But it wasn’t until this spring, when the rambunctious young thing met his new pet parent, Michael Garcia of Manhattan, that he truly took home the top prize. Below, Michael talks about how he came to live with a Prince.

ASPCA: How did you first hear about Prince? Michael: I had been interested in adopting a dog for quite some time, but decided to be patient until I found the canine that best fit my personality. I read Prince's biography and watched his video online and was immediately sold, inspired by his enthusiasm in the face of adversity. Prince's talent of being able to catch any ball thrown his way really spoke to me. I was a pitcher in high school and college, and knew that a "catcher dog" would be perfect for me.

ASPCA: When did you officially meet? Michael: I came to the ASPCA on Sunday, May 16, intending to spend some time with Prince and make an informed decision about adopting him. During our tour, we passed Prince's bed—he was on his back, sprawled out, taking an afternoon nap. What a guy! I spent some one-on-one time with him, loved his energy level and knew I needed to adopt him that day.

ASPCA: Why did you decide to keep his name? Michael: Mainly because it fits him so well! When we go for walks, he carries himself with great style and is not bothered by loud activity going on around him. Much like a Prince, he has excellent manners and is a total gentleman around my girlfriend as well.

ASPCA: Does Prince have any funny habits or behaviors? Michael: He has a lot of personality quirks, but they are all equally endearing. He snores when he sleeps and loves having his belly scratched, to which he usually responds with a very contented "smile." Prince is absolutely enamored by any game that involves a ball, and is perfectly happy sitting in Central Park and watching softball games for hours on end. He has the ability to go from total rest to full speed in a split second, and I absolutely love that about him.

ASPCA: What does Prince mean to you and your family? Michael: Prince means the world to me, and all of the people I keep close to me. He has a heart of gold. Each day I wake up and look at him—always smiling, tail wagging and ready to start the day. Missing one leg doesn't dampen his mood, and as a result, I will never allow anything to dampen mine.

Read more inspiring tales of furry fate in our Happy Tails Archive.

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2. Meow! Celebrate Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month

Here at the ASPCA, it’s all shelter cats, all the time. But the month of June is extra special—it’s Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month! Shelters across the country are honoring the feline kind with events and promotions to get homeless cats out the door and into the homes of loving families. The ASPCA is doing our part by promoting our fabulous older friends—ages three and up—who are available for free! That’s right, we’re waiving all adoption fees for cats over the age of three!

“We want to encourage all Americans to make pet adoption their first option,” says ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “We urge potential pet parents to choose from the millions of cats and kittens of every breed, age and personality in need of loving homes in shelters across the country.”

Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month is also a great time to encourage responsible pet parenthood. In addition to providing adequate food, shelter and water, being a responsible pet parent requires learning about cats and having realistic expectations for your new companion. For more information on how to choose the right feline for your family, 10 ways to help stray cats, or how to find a shelter in your area, please visit our Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month pages.

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3. Ringling Bros. Returns to Coney Island

On June 17, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will pitch its tent on New York's famous Coney Island. The one-ring circus—officially called “Illuscination”—will feature, among other animal performers, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants and lions. It will be held in a lot owned by real estate investment company Taconic Investment Partners.

While most people go to the circus because they love animals, many don't realize they are supporting an industry that engages in animal cruelty. Many circus animals are trained through the use of intimidation and physical abuse. Former circus employees have reported seeing animals beaten, whipped and denied food and water—all to force them to learn their routines.

In addition to the use of violence, circus animals are deprived of their basic needs to roam, socialize, forage and play. Stereotypical behaviors such as swaying back and forth, head-bobbing, pacing and self-mutilation are common signs of distress.

Here are several ways you can help fight circus cruelty on Coney Island:

• Don't attend Ringling Bros. or any other circus that features wild animals. Instead choose animal-free circuses and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
• Write to Taconic Investment Partners or call (212) 220-9945, and respectfully let them know that they are supporting cruelty to animals.
• Help fight for state and federal laws that protect animals and raise the minimum allowable standards of care. Join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade to be alerted when it’s time to take action on animal-related legislation.

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

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4. Animal Rescue Transport Trailer Hits the Road

On Friday morning, June 4, the ASPCA proudly unveiled our first-ever Animal Rescue Transport Trailer at a ceremony in New York City’s famed Times Square. The custom-built, two-piece, 60-foot-long vehicle can accommodate up to 60 animals and was designed to increase the ability of our Field Investigations and Response Team to deploy to emergency situations across the country. In addition to animal and equipment transport, the new vehicle will enable technical animal rescue, crime scene investigation, forensic analysis and disaster response functions.

“In the past four months alone, the ASPCA has rescued animals from puppy mills, hoarding situations and Tennessee flood zones,” says Tim Rickey, Senior Director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. “In every situation, time was of the essence. Our new vehicle is a vital resource in accelerating our response time, and will allow us to assist more animals who are stranded or in need of temporary shelter. In any of these cases, the ASPCA is ready to respond.”

The Animal Rescue Transport Trailer was made possible with funds generously donated by the Silberstein Foundation of New York and the Grousbeck Family Foundation of California. It will be based in Missouri, where it is headed this week.

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5. Run the New York City Marathon for Team ASPCA!

Do you want to help homeless, abused and injured animals? This fall, save lives and cross the finish line at the ING New York City Marathon with Team ASPCA, our new marathon training and fundraising program!

General registration for the world-renowned race, which takes place on November 7, 2010, is currently sold out, so what better way to earn a spot than as a member of our team? On Team ASPCA, you’ll receive entry in the marathon by raising essential funds for the ASPCA and have a positive impact on thousands of animals' lives. After the NYC Marathon, team members will have the opportunity to participate in other races and fun runs throughout the year.

Space is limited, so don't get left behind—apply today to be a part of Team ASPCA’s inaugural season! Applications (pdf) are due on July 1, and can be scanned and emailed to kymberlees@aspca.org or faxed to (212) 423-9813. The selected participants will be notified by July 9. For additional information about running the marathon for the ASPCA, please contact Kymberlee Setterberg at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4654, or kymberlees@aspca.org.

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