News Alert: February 18, 2011

1. Show Off Your Animal Side at the ASPCA Online Store

There are so many ways to display your love of animals and your support for the ASPCA, and you can find tons of them at our Online Store. Whether you prefer to sport your love on your clothes, mug, dog bandana, tote bag or car, our store’s got you covered with high-quality goods. What’s more: For a limited time, orders over $45 get free shipping, and all orders over $25 come with a free ASPCA 2011 Calendar.

Orange License Plate Frame
Setting your license plate in an ASPCA frame isn’t just a great way to jazz up your ride—it lets other drivers know that you love animals, and it helps get the word out about our life-saving work!

Comfy Hoodies
It’s the season for hoodies, and our 50-50 cotton/poly fleece sweatshirts will help you transition to spring in style. Right now, when you purchase an ASPCA logo hoodie, you get a second one for 25% off.

New Mug Designs
Whether you keep one on your desk at work or in your kitchen, our new mugs boast stylish and often hilarious designs, and they’re a great way to show you care about animals.

As always, proceeds from all of your purchases support our life-saving work. Happy shopping, and remember: Orders over $45 get free shipping for a limited time!

2. Celebs Pick Top Dog in ASPCA Talent Show—Now It’s Your Turn to Vote!

A star-studded panel of judges—including Blondie’s Debbie Harry and songstress Roberta Flack—selected the winner of the Sixth Annual ASPCA “Best in Show” Talent Competition last week, but now we want to hear from you!

On February 11, some of the ASPCA’s most talented dogs showed off their best moves (and costumes!) in hopes of winning over the panel of judges—which also included New York Post gossip columnist Cindy Adams, Aida Turturro of The Sopranos and Humane Law Enforcement’s Joseph Pentangelo—and demonstrated that dogs can survive terrible situations to become great pets.

Before the panel of celebrities and a bevy of photographers, 11 dogs—four of them rescued by ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement and four by our Field Investigations and Response Team—went way beyond Sit and Stay, jumping through hoops, dancing and even modeling. Showing great poise under pressure, these talented canines kept their eyes on the prize (doggie treats, of course) to perform as a firedog, a great artist, a yogi and even a baby!

After the veritable parade of pups had strutted their stuff, the judges awarded Brenda, a Pit Bull, the top prize for her riveting performance as a search-and-rescue dog who saves a trapped miner. That wasn’t an easy call; all the dogs and handlers put on a great show, and it seems to us that more than one dog should take home top honors.

That’s why we’re asking our loyal readers to cast their vote for the Viewer’s Choice award. Watch videos of five ASPCA doggies performing at the talent show, and vote TODAY for the one you think deserves Viewer’s Choice. Voting closes at 11:59 P.M. on February 27. May the best pooch win!

3. ASPCA Happy Tails: Home-Cured Salami

In October 2009, a Rat Terrier mix named Saloma arrived at the ASPCA from Tennessee in the hopes of meeting a new family to settle down with in the big city. Luck was on this furry Southerner’s side. After a bumpy start, Saloma eventually found a loving home in Manhattan with Danielle Ramos and her family. Danielle recently sent us a note about her beloved pooch.

About two years ago, we lost our family pet. He had been with us for over 10 years and had seen me through some of the toughest moments in my life. After much discussion, I suggested that maybe adoption was ideal, seeing as how we could not find the time to train a puppy.

After looking into a few shelters, my mother came across a photo of an adorable little Rat Terrier by the name of Saloma. That very same day we were off to the ASPCA. The fates were aligned because the family that had adopted her prior to our arrival had returned her. I fell in love with her big brown eyes the moment she rocketed out of her room in search of a treat.

We brought her home that same day, changed her name to something less like Salami, and never looked back. She now rules the roost in our house and has discovered the joy of pouncing through mounds of snow like a rabbit.

From the bottom of my heart, I'd like to thank the staff at the ASPCA for the amazing job they do and for helping us find Shea, better known as Saloma Salami.

Please visit our Happy Tails archive to read more adoption success stories.

4. Why Does My Cat Do That? Compulsive Behavior in Felines

Cat lovers know that our feline friends often engage in, shall we say, unusual activities. From kneading to stalking to playing the piano, the unique talents and varied personalities of cats are, in part, why we love them. But when does your cat’s eccentric behavior or charming habit become compulsive and destructive?

Most kitty compulsions are normal activities, such as eating or grooming, but they occur in the wrong context and to such an extent that they interfere with normal functioning. The most common compulsive behaviors in cats are wool sucking or fabric eating as well as excessive licking, hair chewing or hair pulling. When performed over and over again, these behaviors can be harmful. Cats who eat fabric can suffer intestinal obstruction, and cats who over-groom can develop skin wounds.

So what can you do to help your compulsive cat cope? First, it’s important to visit a veterinarian to rule out health problems. Some medical conditions can cause compulsive behavior, so it’s crucial to have your cat thoroughly examined by her veterinarian.

Once you’ve ruled out medical issues, the next step is to figure out what’s causing your cat’s behavior, and make an effort to remove the stressor. Some of the most common factors that contribute to compulsive disorders include:

• General stress related to a move or other changes in environment
• Inadequate social or environmental stimulation
• Physical injury
• Dermalogical (skin) conditions

Behavior modification, drug therapy and changes to your cat’s environment can be effective treatments for reducing the frequency and intensity of compulsive behavior. Please remember, however, that punishing your cat is never the answer. It will only increase his stress, and he may resort to more compulsive licking, sucking or chewing as a result.

For a complete list of compulsive behaviors and solutions to help your cat overcome them, please visit our Virtual Pet Behaviorist.