NYC Pet of the Week: Erica

Jumping up on people? Pulling you down the street during walks? Our beautiful lady Erica has no time for funny stuff like that. She’s figured out that looking gorgeous and acting sweet are far better ways to get the attention of her human friends.

“Erica is fluffy, huggable and calm,” says Dr. Kat Miller of the ASPCA Behavior department. The pretty flat-coated retriever/Chow Chow mix prefers long strolls through the park to running on the sidewalk, and would love to curl up and watch a movie on the couch with her new owner.

Latest Success Story: Blazer

FROM STRAY DOG TO SUPERDOG

There are people who make all kinds of excuses why they shouldn’t adopt from a shelter, and Janice Biniok admits that she used to be one of them. “I didn’t want to end up with someone else’s problem dog, and I always thought it was best to raise a dog from a pup,” she says. “But when I thought about getting a puppy, I had flashbacks of soiled carpeting, gnawed chair legs and middle-of-the-night whining.”

With that in mind, Janice found herself searching her local shelters for an adult dog.

Read the rest of this Success Story...

New York State Residents: Help Pass Humane Laws!

S.6913-A/A.9292-A, Pet Evacuation Bill, Passes Both Houses
The New York Legislature has passed a bill that will require the government to utilize and coordinate “programs to assist individuals with household pets and service animals following a disaster, with particular attention to means of evacuation, shelter and transportation options.” Click here to contact Governor Pataki and urge him to sign S.6913-A/A.9292-A into law.

Legislature Passes S.7213-A/A.9576-A to Close Loophole in Pet Dealer Licensing Law
S.7213-A/A.9576-A will close a loophole in existing law to help the state do a better job at enforcing the pet dealer licensing law. Because it is especially difficult to determine whether a breeder has sold the requisite number of puppies per year, this bill would change the definition of “pet dealer” to include those businesses that “offer for sale” the statutory set number of dogs or cats. This change will enable the Department of Agriculture and Markets to identify, license and inspect many more pet dealers, thereby better protecting consumers who purchase pets-- and providing the oversight of this industry contemplated by the pet dealer law when it first passed in 2000.
Click here to contact Governor Pataki and ask him to sign this important animal welfare and consumer protection measure into law.

A.10767-A/S.7691-A Passes Both Houses and Authorizes Orders of Protection in Favor of Family Pets
The Legislature has passed a measure that would expressly authorize family and criminal court judges to issue orders of protection to safeguard family pets from abuse in a variety of family and criminal court proceedings, including juvenile delinquency, child custody, child support, child abuse and neglect, paternity, family offense and PINS cases. This law will give the court an additional tool to ensure protection of all family members, including the companion animals in the home. In addition to bringing animal cruelty charges when a pet is unlawfully injured or killed, violation of an order of protection carries with it separate penalties, including a possible six-month jail term.
Click here to ask Governor Pataki to sign S.7691-A/A.10767-A into law.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

* Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

* Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

Click here to read the rest of our tips...

New Dog Care Article: Tracheal Collapse

What is tracheal collapse?
Tracheal collapse is a common cause of airway obstruction in dogs. The trachea, or “windpipe,” is a tube made up of sturdy rings of cartilage through which air is transported to and from the lungs. Sometimes, however, the tracheal rings begin to collapse, and as air is squeezed through, a characteristic honking cough results.

Why tracheal collapse occurs is unknown, although a congenital abnormality, in which the cartilage of the tracheal rings is less cellular and therefore weaker than normal, is suspected.
Learn more about tracheal collapse...

Ask the APCC: Is Baby Powder Safe for My Dog?

Is it OK to put baby powder on my French bulldog?
—Trisha L.

We typically do not recommend using any product on pets that is not specifically formulated for animals. Many products that are considered safe for humans could be harmful to pets.

Should enough baby powder be ingested, gastrointestinal upset (including vomiting and diarrhea) could occur. Additionally, if significant quantities of powder are inhaled, respiratory irritation may result.

If you want to apply something to your French bulldog to make her smell better or help soothe her skin, we would advise talking with your dog's veterinarian to get a recommendation on an appropriate product to use.

More Questions...

I would like to grow coriander and parsley (both curly and Italian) inside my home. Are these herbs harmful to cats?

Our neighbors who live two houses down from us just painted their house, and the fumes are very strong. Could this be harmful to our dog and cat?

I have wisteria growing in my yard. Could it be poisonous to my Springer spaniel?

Adopt Bambi from Meow Mix House!

You've seen her on Meow Mix House, the first-ever cat reality show in which ten kitties from U.S. shelters live together in a specially designed house in New York City as they vie for the title of Feline Vice President of Research and Development. Although you can catch the project on three-minute segments on Animal Planet now through August 18, the cats' time together is coming to a close—and Bambi, our ASPCA shelter cat, is looking for some new digs.

The four-year-old brown tabby girl hails from the Big Apple and, like many New Yorkers, she's inquisitive, social and quite independent. Bambi loves to be around her people and other cats, and would be an excellent addition to any cat-loving household. True, she's a star, but this girl's no diva—we promise she checked her ego at the Meow Mix House door!

To learn more about adopting Bambi, please contact the ASPCA Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120.

New York City Pet of the Week: Meet Baxter

FIRST CHOICE FOR A SECOND CAT

“Baxter’s sweet little face has seen a lot in his first year of life,” says ASPCA Animal Placement’s Cherylyn Washington.

After his owner died in his apartment, Baxter went to live with his owner’s sister. When she became homeless and unable to care for him, Baxter was brought to the ASPCA’s 92nd Street headquarters. Strongly bonded to his owner, the handsome boy was very shy with us at first. “But thanks to the great work of our volunteers and staff,” says Washington, “Baxter’s made great progress—and our animal behaviorists believe he’ll bond again with someone in the right home.”

Click here to learn more about Baxter...

Latest Success Story: Sammy

SAM’S CLUB
by Kate Werdebaugh

In March of last year, Kate Werdebaugh lost her beloved cat, Beatrice, to chronic kidney failure. “Shortly after, my husband coaxed me into visiting the Stray Cat Alliance in Eugene, OR, where we live,” says Kate. “Devastated by our loss, I really didn’t want to get another pet.”

But sometimes, things don’t always go exactly as planned... read the rest of this success story.

New Cat Care Article: High-Rise Syndrome

When summer comes around, many pet parents are eagerly opening their windows to enjoy the weather. Unfortunately, they are also unknowingly putting their pets at risk. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them so often that the veterinary profession has a name for the complaint—High-Rise Syndrome. During the warmer months, veterinarians at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital see approximately three to five cases a week. Falls can result in shattered jaws, punctured lungs, broken limbs and pelvises—and even death.

Learn more about High-Rise Syndrome...

Big Apple Residents: Help Make NYC More Pet-Friendly!

As many of our loyal activists know, the ASPCA, along with other humane organizations, has been working for some time to pass legislation that would protect a tenant who wishes to keep his or her pet and to get another pet when the previous one has died. This is due to a court decision that held once a tenant gets a new pet, the three-month process required to waive the no-pet provision in renter’s leases must begin again. After many meetings and discussions, the legislation, now referred to as Int. 13, would protect pet owners already covered under the “3 month law” to get a “replacement” pet of the same species; the proposed legislation would cover the same number of animals the person has or had when he/she became covered under the law.
Unfortunately, Int. 13 is being vigorously opposed by the real estate industry. To help protect New York City pets and ensure that this legslation is passed, it is crucial that you contact your councilmember and urge him/her to support and co-sponsor this bill.

Click here to learn how you can help.

New Cat Videos: Meet Pebbles and Princess

Pebbles is a 3-1/2 year old male cat -- handsome with his gray body and white markings. Pebbles can occasionally be a little feisty, but he loves people. He is looking for an adopter who has had cats before and can read feline body language. Pebbles would do best in a household with kids 13 years and up. To learn how to adopt Pebbles, visit www.aspca.org/animals.



Princess is a gorgeous long-haired black and white cat. This eight year old cat is a very loving girl and very much enjoys petting and stroking. Ear scratches are of course also most welcome. She enjoys playing with dangling toys, especially cat dancers and toy mice. Princess is a little tired of being passed by because of her age, since she knows she is hardly even middle aged yet and has many affectionate years ahead of her. To learn how to adopt Princess, visit www.aspca.org/animals.

Top Ten Ways to Help Your Local Shelter

You don’t have to be an animal expert to help out at your community’s shelter. You just need to have the time and desire to lend a helping hand. And it doesn’t have to be a lot of time, either. In fact, whatever you do for a living, you’re bound to have skills and talents that your local shelter can use.

1. Go To School!
Dog school, that is. Grab a handful of tasty treats, find a suitable canine and get to class. Helping teach shelter dogs to sit, stay, walk calmly on a leash or shake paws will make them infinitely more adoptable. The Humane Society and SPCA of Austin, TX, for example, boasts a team of volunteers who spend their time playing with puppies and taking adolescent dogs to obedience classes. Other helpers pursue more advanced training and learn how to evaluate temperaments and match adopters with suitable dogs.
Read the rest of the ways to help your local shelter...

Ask the APCC: Can canned tuna fish be fed to cats?

Can canned tuna fish be fed to cats? Mine loves the smell and desperately wants it, but I heard that tuna contains mercury.
—Jo P.

An occasional tuna treat given to your cat is probably relatively harmless. It’s true that mercury is often present in tuna, and at low levels, this may not be a problem. But if tuna is fed nearly exclusively, it could potentially pose significant problems. Read more...

More Questions...

- Is petroleum jelly poisonous to pets?

- I have three cats, and was wondering if it’s safe to have spider plants in the house?

- My Yorkie likes eating lunch meat. Is it OK to let him have some?

Urge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Save the Sheldon Range Wild Horses!

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has been engineering a plan to eradicate the Sheldon Range wild horses in Nevada. USFWS claims that the Sheldon horses are non-indigenous and feral, and therefore not protected by law. The reasons given for their removal are to protect the water resources and to enhance the populations of pronghorn antelope and sage grouse, two species that bring in revenue from special hunting permits. However, a paper published by USFWS found that wild horses, in reasonable numbers, have no demonstrable adverse affect on these species.

USFWS’s plan, if implemented, would make it impossible for rescues and individuals to directly adopt small numbers of Sheldon horses, as has been done in the past. The “more efficient” plan allows for only mass adoptions of horses to three “carefully screened” agents. The agents will be paid $300 per horse to take them by the truckload. There is no doubt that many of these horses will end up at auction, and ultimately at slaughter. In fact, 40 Sheldon horses bought by one of the agents were recently “bought back” from a slaughter plant by the agent who had previously “adopted” them from USFWS.

Also disturbing, USFWS has announced that they are planning another gather of Sheldon wild horses in June—in the middle of foaling season! A gather at this time represents a cruel assault on the pregnant mares, who may abort their foals, as well as risks to the new-born foals, including foals being separated from their mothers, trampled to death, or run to exhaustion. USFWS has offered no explanation for the unusual timing for the upcoming gather.

Please contact the US Fish and Wildlife Service directly and ask them to put a halt to their plan to eradicate the SheldonRange wild horses! Go to http://www.congress.org/congressorg/mail/?agencyindid=790&type=AN and write a letter to The Honorable H. Dale Hall, Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Use the sample letter to Congress as a guide.

Also, please contact your senators and representatives today and ask them to urge USFWS to put a halt to the plan to eradicate the Sheldon Range wild horses until the proper environmental studies have been conducted, and until the safety of any captured horses can be ensured! Take Action Now!

It is urgent that both Congress and the Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service hear from you immediately! Thank you for your support on this issue.

New Cat Care Article: Hyperthyroidism

What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is the most common glandular disorder in cats. It is most frequently caused by an excessive concentration of circulating thyroxine—a thyroid hormone better known as T₄—in the bloodstream.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
Weight loss and increased appetite are among the most common clinical signs of this condition. Weight loss is seen in 95 to 98 percent of hyperthyroid cats, and a hearty appetite in 67 to 81 percent. Excessive thirst, increased urination, hyperactivity, unkempt appearance, panting, diarrhea and increased shedding have also been reported. Vomiting is seen in about 50 percent of affected cats. Clinical signs are a result of the effect of increased T₄ levels on various organ systems.

Learn more about hyperthyroidism...

New Dog Care Article: Canine Arthritis

What is canine arthritis?
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a progressive, debilitating disorder characterized by a loss of cartilage and the death of cartilage-producing cells. DJD can occur in any joint, but is most often found in the hip. It can lead to permanent loss of function.

What breeds/ages are prone to canine arthritis?
In most cases, DJD occurs secondarily to trauma, nutritional disorders or infections. It is prevalent in middle-aged to geriatric dogs (and sometimes in cats). DJD may also occur in young dogs who suffer from canine hip dysplasia, a common developmental disorder of the hip joint found primarily in the larger breeds and breed mixes.

Learn more about canine arthritis...

Latest Success Story: Bart

THE OLD SOFT SHOE


“All I knew is that I wanted an adult cat,” remembers Kirsten Votaw about the trip she made to her local Las Vegas, NV, shelter about ten years ago.

While visiting the adoptable felines that March day, Kirsten noticed that a playful kitten had knocked down the information tag on another cat’s cage. When she went to put the tag back in its holder, she was greeted by the cage’s occupant—a black, gray and white cat who sat very quietly as he looked at her from below. “There was just something unique about his quiet personality that made me know he was the right cat,” says Kirsten. “The adoption worker told me that he was slated to be put to sleep the very next day, too.”

Read the rest of this Success Story...

ASPCA Weekly Update

- Calling All Shutterbugs: Entries Needed in ASPCA Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month Photo Contest!

- Don’t Use Sparky’s Flea Drops on Fluffy!

- See You In September: National Feral Cat Summit, 9/9

- Find Perfect Gifts for Dads & Grads—and Help the ASPCA While You’re At It!

- Volunteers Needed for Spay/Neuter Clinics in Galapagos

Cat History 101

The Origins of the Cat
The origins of our canine companions are often debated among academics and dog lovers alike. But although there is still much to know about how the first dogs came to be, the introduction of cats into the human world seems better established. Cats became part of our lives 7,000 to 8,000 years ago, after people had already begun to live in permanent communities. Apparently attracted to rodents who came to feed on stored grain, the ancestor of today’s cat, the African wildcat, became a frequent and welcome visitor. The cat, as we know her, played an important part in Egyptian culture and lore. It was also at this time that felines and humans began a curious relationship that has proven to be both good and bad for the cat.

Read the rest of Cat History 101

Top Ten Reasons to Adopt from an Animal Shelter

1. No assembly required! Shelter pets come complete with shots, house training and a lifetime of love.

2. Every dog should have his (adoption) day.

3. Make a fast friend. (It only takes minutes, but it lasts a lifetime.)

4. You can’t find Cats on Broadway anymore.

5. Girls dig guys who are sensitive and caring.

6. Guys dig girls with cool dogs.

7. Shelters are filled with stars waiting to be discovered—just ask Benji and Morris!

8. You current best friend probably can’t catch a Frisbee in his mouth.

9. You can stop looking for love in all the wrong places.

10. It’s the easiest way to gain superhero status.

Read more adoption tips...

Ask the Behaviorists: Are Two Cats Better than One?

Are two cats better than one--or does it spell double trouble?

Ah yes, there are many benefits to having two cats, but they apply only when the two cats are well matched and have enough physical space to live together comfortably. For one, two cats provide each other with exercise, social interaction, and mental stimulation. Cats housed together have more opportunity to “just be cats” by socializing and playing with each other, and this means they are less likely to be destructive or engage in other problematic behaviors. For example, some single cats annoy their owners by trying to wake them during the night for play. Two cats might still wake the owner by tearing around the home, but at least the owner isn’t getting up out of bed to entertain the cat. Another benefit of having two cats is that they are sometimes cleaner than “single” cats. Cats will groom each other’s ears and coats, often getting at places they can’t reach on their own!

Read the rest of our behaviorists' advice...

Toxicology Briefs for Vets and Vet Techs

Just Posted - Recent Veterinary Technician Toxicology Briefs

Ingestion of Club Drugs
With news of club drug use among college and high school students, it is not surprising that pets are being exposed to these drugs by accident and by human intent to “get the dog high.” Unfortunately,when the pet is brought to the veterinary office, the content of the substance involved is not always known, and it can be very difficult to take an accurate history. Knowing what to ask the owner and what signs to look for can help in identifying... Read more (PDF)

Antidepressant Drug Overdoses
In 2005, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received more than 2,200 calls concerning accidental ingestion of antidepressant medications by pets. Most cases involved dogs, but cats, birds, and pot-bellied pigs were also exposed... Read more (PDF)

Ask the APCC: Are Pennies Toxic?

My friend and I are having a debate over the toxic potential of pennies. I heard that pennies before 1980 are poisonous to pets, but she says it is those minted after 1980. Who is right?
—Joan C.

Your friend is almost correct, Joan! United States pennies minted after 1982 contain 99.2 percent zinc by weight (the remaining 0.8 percent is copper), whereas pennies minted prior to 1982 only contain 5 percent zinc. This is a concern because with ingestions of significant amounts, zinc can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and red blood cells. Due to their high zinc content, pennies minted after 1982 are considered to be potentially toxic if ingested by pets.

More questions...

I just purchased a bearded dragon lizard, and was told not to feed him fireflies. Do you know why?

I work in a pet store, and a customer told me that tea tree oil, often used for flea control, can be toxic to pets. Could I get more information about this?

We recently had our water tested, and while we learned that we have a small amount of arsenic in it (0.01 ppm), we’ve been told that it is still safe for us to drink. I’m concerned about my dogs, though.

New Video: Meet Reese

Reese is a 1 1/2-year-old Rottie who was rescued by our Humane Law Enforcement agents from a dreadful situation. But this young gal doesn't hold any grudges. She loves everyone she meets. Reese is very energetic. She needs lots of exercise, and adores jumping up and mouthing people. (She needs an owner who will teach her that this puppy-like behavior is not appropriate.) And Reese is very, very eager to learn! She knows sit, down, stay and rollover. She needs to continue her training classes, so that she can mature into an upstanding canine citizen. Reese is quite the busy body--always very curious about everything. She needs a very active, experienced owner who will give her lots of exercise and who wants to train her.

For more information about adopting Reese, visit ASPCA.org.

Latest Success Story: Felicity

ROADSIDE ATTRACTION


Linda Davis was on her way to a physical therapy session one afternoon five years ago when she saw what looked like “a little bit of fluff rolling back and forth” in the busy street ahead of her. “For some reason,” recalls Linda, “I stopped in the turning lane and got out of the car.” After waving for an oncoming car to stop, she picked up the “little fluff” and brought it to safety. It turned out to be a tiny kitten, weighing just about a pound.

Read the rest of this success story...

ASPCA Advocacy Alerts

LOUISIANA: COCKFIGHTING LEGISLATION FAILS
SB 652, legislation that would prohibit the cruel and barbaric bloodsport of cockfighting, failed to be reported favorably out of the House Agriculture Committee last week. Although the bill made history by passing favorably out of two Senate Committees and achieving victory and successful passage on the floor of the Senate, the bill was deferred in the House Agriculture Committee by a vote of 9 to 4.

CONNECTICUT: LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM ESTABLISHED!
Wonderful news! Last Friday, June 2, Governor Rell signed HB 5795, legislation that will help both people and animals. Connecticut residents, please thank the Governor today.

NEW YORK: URGE SENATE TO PASS “TAX CHECK-OFF” TO FUND LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER
New York residents, please urge the Senate to pass A.3651-A/S.8070. This legislation will infuse much-needed funding into the Animal Population Control Program, which provides low-cost spay/neuter services to New York pet owners.

ASPCA Store: Cute Camisoles for Summer!

Look sweet and cool in our new ASPCA camisoles!
Available in black, orange, heather, light blue, and pink.

Fast Facts: Pet Overpopulation in the U.S.

It is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States; estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.

The cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for a year.

Five out of ten dogs in shelters and seven out of ten cats in shelters are destroyed simply because there is no one to adopt them.

Read more about pet overpopulation in the U.S.

ASPCA Store: 2005 Award-Winning Books!

New at the ASPCA Store: Help foster kindness to animals by giving one of our 2005 award-winning books to the littlest animal lover in your life!

The Henry Bergh Children's Book Award honors books that promote the humane ethic of compassion and respect for all living things.

Tails Are Not for Pulling
Teaches kids how to pay attention to their pets' body language, and that teasing isn't nice.

So, What's It Like To Be a Cat?
When he’s given a school assignment to interview someone, a young boy decides his companion feline would be a wonderful subject.

A Dog's Life
The autobiography of Squirrel, a dog who has spent most of her ten years as a stray.

Fast Facts: Pet Ownership in the U.S.

About 60 percent of all households in the United States have a pet. (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association)

About 60 million dogs and about 75 million cats are owned in the United States. (Source: Pet Food Institute)

The cost of spaying and neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for one year.

More about pet ownership in the United States...

Cat Photo Contest!

ASPCA ADOPT-A-SHELTER-CAT MONTH PHOTO CONTEST



IS YOUR KITTY THE CAT’S MEOW?
In honor of Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month, we’re putting out a call for the most awesome photos of…who else?…the irresistible, inimitable feline. So get out your camera and watch your cat doing the things she does best—sleeping, eating, playing, contemplating, or just being cute. The top ten winners will receive an ASPCA Prize Pack, and our top three photos will also be featured in an upcoming issue of ASPCA Action, the ASPCA’s quarterly newsletter. C’mon, shutterbugs—hit us with your best shot!

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO

Ask the APCC: Why Can't I Give Milk to My Pets?

In the summer issue of ASPCA Action, I read that I should avoid giving milk to my pets. Why?
—Chuck

Unless they are spoiled or moldy, milk, cheese and other dairy foods are not considered to be poisonous to pets. However, many pets’ digestive systems cannot tolerate dairy foods very well. This can result in vomiting and diarrhea, which in severe cases could lead to inflammation of the pancreas. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering any “people food” to your pets.

More new questions...

I have a clematis plant in my backyard. If my dog were to chew on it, could it cause her to become sick?

I’m planning on spreading sulfur around my house and fence. Could this harm my Shih Tzu?

I just got an email informing me that Swiffer Wet Jet contains antifreeze, and has caused liver problems in animals. Is this true?

New Video: Meet Seneca

The Roman philosopher and playwright Seneca (4 B.C.-31 A.D.) believed that reason and virtue, in accordance with the properties of nature, are the basis for a good life.

The New York City cat Seneca (born 1996) believes that back scratches and head rubs, in accordance with the properties of falling asleep in your lap, are the basis for a good life....

“It’s safe to say that the only thing these two have in common is the name,” says David Benson, ASPCA Cares, of the beautiful creamsicle-colored male cat who was brought to our 92nd Street headquarters by a Humane Law Enforcement officer. “Still, we can call Seneca a thinking person’s cat, as he is more than willing to fall sound asleep in your lap while you work diligently away at great matters of philosophy and art.”

For more information about adopting Seneca, visit ASPCA.org.

New Video: Meet Sweet Pea

TWO-LEGGED WONDER YEARNS FOR A LOVING HOME!!!! Here at the ASPCA, we all agree that Sweet Pea is an absolute doll. This 4-year old pit mix was part of a cruelty investigation by the Humane Law Enforcement department. When her owners dropped Sweet Pea off at a shelter, she was thin, filthy, and unable to walk on her hind legs. HLE officers heard about her, and brought Sweet Pea to the ASPCA, where our wonderful vets could attend to her needs. As a result of her sad past, Sweet Pea suffers from hind leg paralysis, causing her to walk mainly on her front legs. (Oh, but she has strong front legs and loves to drag herself around!) Because of her strong will to live...and love...she was custom-fitted with a cart (donated by Eddie's Wheels of Shelbourne, MA). Watch the video to see Sweet Pea zoom around! For more information about adopting Sweet Pea, visit ASPCA.org.

Attention, Big Apple Residents! Last Chance to Get a Free Gift Bag!

Central Park is the only place to be tomorrow, pooch parents! If you haven’t had a chance to sign up for the ASPCA’s Dog Walk, there’s still time. Sign up online and you will receive a FREE gift bag tomorrow morning!

Our Latest Success Story: Graham

IT TAKES TWO


“I was never much of a cat person,” admits Maryland’s Melanie Coogan. “When my husband and I first moved in together we had a rabbit, but we still had more love to give—and he wanted a kitten.”

Read the rest of this Success Story...

ASPCA News Alert: Help Raise Money for the ASPCA!

HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THE ASPCA—AND WIN A PONTIAC!

Pontiac and TV’s The Apprentice have teamed up to raise money for America’s favorite charities—including the ASPCA. Now through June 6, Pontiac will be donating $500,000 to 300 charities via the Raise the Roof sweepstakes contest. Read more...

More News Alerts:

Planning to Fertilize Your Lawn? Read This First
Every Cat Counts During Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month!
Humane Heroes: Illinois Students Propose Canine-Friendly Legislation
See You in St. Louis: “Cats, Dogs and Disasters” Forum, 6/7

Keep Your Pets Safe While Maintaining Your Lawn And Garden

ASPCA PRESS RELEASE:
Keep Your Pets Safe While Maintaining Your Lawn And Garden
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center answers the most common questions asked when it comes to gardening and yard care.

1. What plants are toxic to pets?
2. What should pet owners do if they suspect their animal has ingested a poisonous plant or mushroom?
3. Is there a way for pet owners to train or teach their pets not to eat poisonous plants or mushrooms?
4. What about pesticides and fertilizers that might be in the garage or tool shed?

For answers to these questions, check out our latest press release.

Governor Blagojevich Signs 3 Bills Spearheaded by the ASPCA

Wonderful news! Governor Blagojevich has signed three public safety measures into law aimed at protecting the public from all breeds of vicious and dangerous dogs. HB 2946 will prevent convicted felons from owning unsterilized dogs. Studies have shown that unneutered and unspayed dogs are involved in the majority of severe bite cases. HB 4711 increases penalties for dog fighting. HB 4238 increases penalties for owners of vicious and dangerous dogs who fail to comply with the restrictions imposed on those dogs.

Please click here to send a letter thanking Senator Don Harmon, Senator William Haine, Senator Iris Martinez, Representative Linda Chapa LaVia, Representative Jerry Mitchell, and Representative Mike Boland for rejecting canine profiling and sponsoring good breed neutral public safety legislation.

Related press release:

Illinois becomes first state in the nation to ban felons from owning or possessing unaltered dogs that could be used as weapons
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed new laws toughening the penalties for owners of vicious and dangerous dogs if their pets attack someone. The laws also include the nation’s first restrictions banning convicted drug dealers and violent offenders from using dogs as weapons, and increased penalties for dog fighting.

Read the rest of the press release...