NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Artichoke!

ROLL OVER, BEETHOVEN
Are you listening, potential adopters? Artichoke, our super-smart, super-sweet seven-month-old Border Collie mix, will play your heart strings as he shows you how quickly he learns and understands, even without being able to hear very well. “He’s a regular maestro of the dog world, and we can’t get enough of him,” says David Benson, ASPCA Cares.

Although we aren’t sure of the extent of his hearing impairment, our ASPCA Behavior staff can show Artichoke’s new family some simple techniques used to train a hearing-impaired dog. Soon, you’ll have him reading hand signals like notes on a page.

Yes, he’s that intelligent—just ask volunteer Lisa Terezakis. “Look how smart he is,” she says. “And sweet, too!”

Adds Benson, “His quick brain and eagerness to learn make him a perfect fit for anyone looking for an energetic boy with a world of potential. So crank up that Ninth Symphony on your stereo—Artichoke won’t mind—and come on down to meet the maestro.”

If you’d like to know more about this special guy, please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120, and come on in and meet Artichoke.

Ask the APCC: Are Mushrooms Poisonous to Pets?

We have a lot of mushrooms popping up due to all the wet weather we’ve been getting. Could these hurt my pets if eaten? —Nancy A.

Thanks for your question, Nancy. Mushrooms are a very complex group of fungi. Certain species of mushrooms, such as the types you find in the grocery store, are considered to be nontoxic, while other wild species can be very toxic. Some have been known to cause liver and kidney damage, while others result in severe gastrointestinal and even neurological effects.

Because a toxic mushroom could be growing right alongside a nontoxic one, identifying what type the animal ingested can be tricky. Because of this, we advise that pet owners not allow their animals to ingest any wild mushrooms. And since we often cannot get a positive identification of the exact species involved, it is important to treat all wild mushroom ingestions very seriously.

More new questions:

- Is milkweed poisonous to dogs? We have a lot of it where I live.

- If a pet accidentally ate a cigarette, could it be harmful?

- My dog loves to tear up the hibiscus plants in our yard, but leaves other plants alone. Why is this happening, and is this plant poisonous?

Tags: ASPCA, Pet Care, Poisonous

Dog Photo Contest!

You've got the absolute best dog in the world, right? You know it—and now’s your chance to let the world in on it, too. In honor of Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, we’re putting out a call for the most amazing photos of—who else?—the loyal, loveable canine. So get out your camera and catch your pooch doing what he does best—sleeping, chewing, fetching, leaping, drooling (only fooling!) or just chilling. 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.

Submit your photo to the Dog Photo Contest!

New Video: Meet Monty!

Monty came to us with a bad tail injury that required surgical amputation—but as you can see in the video, it didn't dampen his playful, loving spirit. Want to adopt Monty? Please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120, and come on down to meet him.

A special thanks to ASPCA volunteer Debbie Rodriguez for making us this cute video!

Download Free ASPCA Desktop Wallpaper!

Sign up to receive the ASPCA Weekly Update and you'll receive access to our free ASPCA desktop wallpaper!

Putting our wallpaper on your computer is a great way to let your friends, family, and co-workers know that you care about animals and support the ASPCA—and they look great, too.

A sneak peek at a few of the 18 free wallpapers to choose from:



Yes, I want my free ASPCA wallpaper!

Ask the APCC: Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?

Are cucumbers safe for dogs to eat?
—Julie B.

There is currently no data indicating that cucumbers have toxic potential to pets, Julie. However, it is important to keep in mind that even vegetables or plants considered to be nontoxic can produce minor stomach upset if ingested.

While the ASPCA typically does not advocate the feeding of table foods to pets, if you choose to offer your dog a bit of cucumber now and then, be sure to keep an eye out for signs of gastrointestinal upset; if you notice any symptoms, it’s a good idea to discontinue giving him this veggie.

More new questions:

- A few days ago my pug found a chlorine tablet in the backyard. She was treated and is now fine, but I would like to know what could have happened to her.

- How many buckeyes would a 70-pound dog have to eat before becoming very ill? We have buckeye trees in our yard and are trying to figure out where to put a fenced enclosure.

- Are the leaves of the peace lily as poisonous to pets as the flower portion?

ASPCA in the News: NY1 Video of New NYC Shelter

Watch the video of NY1's Roger Clark reporting on the ASPCA's newly renovated NYC shelter!

Download Video: dialup / broadband

New at the ASPCA Store: "Shelter Dogs" (We love this book!)

Over 50 shelter dog portraits! From the book Shelter Dogs, Merrell Publishers 2006, photo credit (c) Traer Scott 2006.

While volunteering at shelters, photographer Traer Scott was asked to take photos of the dogs she was working with for records and Internet adoption sites. As her files grew, Scott realized that many of the dogs whose photos she had in her archives never made it out of the shelter alive. “I found that no matter what, I couldn’t bring myself to delete their photos, which were in some cases the only record of their existence,” she says. A few months later, Scott began to create the beautiful, honest portraits that make up Shelter Dogs. The 96-page book features 50 dogs, their souls and spirits revealed through Scott’s images. The author included notes explaining how each dog came to the shelter and what eventually happened to him or her. As important as it is beautiful, Shelter Dogs is a must for anyone who cares about animals—and anyone who’s ever been to a shelter. Quite simply, we love this book. Buy it now from the ASPCA Online Store!

ASPCA in the News: Renovated shelters are the cat's meow

USA Today

The surroundings are plush. There are duplexes with glass walls, funky modular furniture, brightly colored cushions and hallways lined with elegant portraits.

This is no luxurious Manhattan co-op, at least not one inhabited by people. The residents enjoying these high-gloss digs are more than 350 homeless cats and dogs living in the newly renovated shelter unveiled Monday by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

With the $5 million upgrade, the ASPCA replaced cages with glass cubicles, cinderblock walls with waterproof Corian. They installed high-energy air filters and stucco ceilings to cut down on odors and noise. Piped-in sounds soothe the animals. Cats, for example, get the sounds of birdsongs and babbling brooks.

Read the rest of the article and view the photo gallery.

The ASPCA Loves Ellen DeGeneres!

A huge thank you goes out to animal lover/comedienne/all-around awesome person Ellen DeGeneres. A $25,000 contribution to the ASPCA was made by the United States Tennis Association on her behalf for her participation in Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on August 26. The talk show host served as the chair umpire during the event, and also got to practice her backhand with Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and Andy Roddick. Thank you, Ellen, for always thinking of us—and of the animals we work to protect. What an ace!

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Ritz Carlton, World's Most Handsome Cat

Looking for the ultimate people cat who’ll greet any and all visitors to your home? We present Ritz Carlton, our resident feline host with the most. The UPS man’s at the door? He’s all over him. Your friendly neighbor? He’ll demand a hearty top-of-the-head scratch. And you, his number-one fan? You’re perfect for leaning up against during grooming sessions and for cuddling with on chilly fall nights.

Like his namesake, this four-year-old flamepoint Siamese mix is majorly accommodating.

“Ritz is very energetic, social and charismatic,” says Dr. Kat Miller of the ASPCA Behavior department. This loving, gentle boy maintains his Hollywood heartthrob looks with lots of exercise, including running, jumping, and fetching. (Get your pitch and arc just right and he’ll leap to snag it mid-air with a Derek Jeter flourish.)

Of course, Ritz’ll need a lot of space for his big personality, and an adopter who’ll spend ample time playing with him. Potential pet parents will need to know that, although Ritz adores people and well-behaved dogs, he’s not a fan of other felines, and must live in a single-cat household.

Can you handle such an unbelievable amount of feline charisma? Of course you can! Please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120, and come on down to meet Ritz.

Our Latest Success Story: Okra

Two weeks after Dawn Payne and her husband got married, the couple went to their local animal shelter in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, to find a dog. Or, to be more precise, to find a small dog.

“I had called ahead,” says Dawn, “so when we got to the shelter, they took us back and showed us all of the small dogs they had.” Dawn took care to stop and visit with all of them but, she says, “None of them really spoke to me.”

On her way out, a little white dog in the very last cage caught her attention...

Read the rest of this Success Story!

Press Release: ASPCA to Unveil Newly Renovated New York City Shelter

$5 Million Space, Only Vertical Shelter of Its Kind, Accommodates 40% More Cats & Dogs in Deluxe, State-of-the-Art Enclosures and Communal Housing

(NEW YORK, NY) September 13, 2006 -- The ASPCA will unveil its newly renovated shelter at 424 East 92nd Street in New York City during a grand opening Monday, September 18 at 11 a.m.

The placement of 200 cats and dogs in their new habitats, as well as ribbon cuttings and acknowledgements by community leaders and ASPCA President Ed Sayres, will mark the occasion.

The grand opening marks the completion of a $5 million remodeling effort that began in 2005 and covers 12,000 square feet. The new interior, which includes the lobby and fourth floors, can house 86 more animals a 40% increase over its previous capacity. That’s twice as much colony housing for cats and four times the space for dogs.

Click here to read the rest of this press release...

Press Release: ASPCA Agents Arrest Woman for Felony Animal Cruelty

(New York, NY) September 13, 2006 -- ASPCA Special Agents arrested Rosalda Faraci, 30, of Queens for one count of aggravated animal cruelty, one count of animal cruelty, and one count of criminal possession of a weapon for wrapping a dog’s testicles with a rubber band.

On August 15, 2006, the ASPCA responded to a complaint of a 10-month-old Cairn terrier named Lucio being beaten in the backyard of the defendant's home. The dog’s testicles were tightly wrapped with a rubber band, and a foul odor emanated from the injured area. Lucio was taken to the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital for treatment. According to veterinarians there, the injured site was severely infected and caused the puppy great pain. Lucio was also significantly underweight. After surgery to correct his condition, Lucio is doing well and the ASPCA is hopeful for a complete recovery.

If convicted, Ms. Faraci faces up to four years in prison.

Summer Spay Day Is A Success

The ASPCA, Animal Care & Control of New York City and the Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals, Inc. sponsored free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for cats and dogs belonging to qualifying area residents on August 20 at St. Mary's Recreation Center in The Bronx. We had an excellent turnout, and a total of 155 cats and dogs were spayed and neutered.


ASPCA volunteer Annemieke Farrow discharges a puppy back to his family at the August 20th Spay Day in the Bronx.

Press Release: ASPCA Arrests Bronx Resident For Attacking Pomeranian with a Mop Handle

(New York, NY) September 12, 2006 -- Special agents of the ASPCA arrested Edwin Roman, 44, on September 10 outside his Bronx residence at 1221 Brook Avenue for assaulting and seriously injuring his family’s pet dog, Lucky.

Following the assault, which occurred on July 18, 2006, the 10-lb. male Pomeranian was taken to NYC Animal Care and Control (AC&C) in Brooklyn by a relative of the suspect. Employees at AC&C alerted the ASPCA; Lucky was removed and taken to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal hospital. At the ASPCA, veterinarians performed extensive surgery to correct Lucky’s jaw, which was shattered when the suspect attacked him with a mop handle.

The ASPCA carried out an investigation which led to the arrest of the suspect. Mr. Roman is being charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, and one count of criminal possession of a weapon.

Lucky’s prognosis is good and he is recovering.

Pooches And Their People Make A Splash For The ASPCA, 9/7

At least 40 pet lovers and their pool-loving pooches headed out to the Dog Run in New York City for the 2nd annual Leashes and Lovers "Dog Dogs of Summer" pool party, which benefited the ASPCA. Among those on hand to mix, mingle, do the doggy paddle and watch the canine bathing suit contest were Steven Stark and his dog, Bru, shown here.

Leashes and Lovers, founded in 2003, helps make meaningful connections both online and in person between dogs and dog lovers via dog-friendly events. For more information, please visit Leashes and Lovers.

Ask Dr. LaFarge: What To Do If A Pet Dies At Home

What do you do if your pet dies at home?
—Donna

This is a very important issue that all owners should be aware of, Donna, since the death of a pet can occur at any time. Pets die at home for the following reasons:

- Owners plan a home euthanasia because they know their pet's quality of life is diminishing and that they may be suffering. The veterinarian will provide this service in the home to avoid the stress of a trip to the hospital.
- The pet is terminally ill, but dies sooner than expected at home.
- The pet dies at home in an accidental or traumatic way.

Read the rest of Dr. LaFarge's advice...

Ask the APCC: The Scoop on Febreze, Please

A vet once warned me that Febreze is not safe to use in the home if you have pets. However, I know many people who do use it. What is the answer to this controversy? I have a 9-year-old cat and do not use Febreze.
—Taylor B.

Good question, Taylor. Contrary to rumors circulating on the Internet alleging that Febreze causes serious illness or death in pets, our veterinary toxicology experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center regard Febreze fabric freshener products to be safe for use in households with pets.

As with any product, it is important that you always follow label instructions for use. However, should your cat accidentally come into contact with Febreze when it is still wet, we would not anticipate problems beyond mild skin irritation (which can occur with any product in animals with sensitive skin) or minor stomach upset, if it is ingested.

More new questions:

- I was always told to give my dog Pepto Bismol for mild vomiting. But a friend recently told me that Pepto Bismol can be toxic to dogs. Is this true?

- Are paintballs toxic to pet birds?

- I occasionally use a carpet deodorizing powder for pet odors when I vacuum the house. My dog isn’t in the room when I use this powder, but is it safe for homes with pets?

ROCK OUT FOR ANIMALS!

Hey hey, NYC animal lovers! Please join the Big Apple’s most compassionate musicians and celebs for “Gimme Shelter: Rock & Rescue NYC” on Wednesday, October 4. Hosted by Rational Animal and the ASPCA, the charity event will benefit local rescue groups and New York City’s homeless animals, as we move towards our goal that all city shelters will be no-kill by the year 2010. Be there!

BEASTIE BOYS, JOE & ALBERT BOUCHARD of BLUE OYSTER CULT, THE CHOKE, THE DUELLING BANKHEADS, JOE HURLEY AND THE GENTS, MARSHALL CRENSHAW, MURRAY WEINSTOCK NELLIE MCKAY, SIC F*CKS, THE STAR SPANGLES, The group MORE AND MORE GUESTS T.B.A.

With special appearances by DEBBIE HARRY and MISS GUY

Master of ceremonies: Nightclub Empress CHI CHI VALENTI

Guest MCs: Comedian MICHAEL SHOWALTER, HANDSOME DICK MANITOBA (formerly of the Dictators), jewelry designer/former Beatle associate MAY PANG

With Very Special Guest DJs TONY (BUZZCOCKS) BARBER and KARMEN GUY (of the band MAD JUANA).

$50 GENERAL ADMISSION
(SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR SHELTER AND RESCUE WORKERS)

WHEN: October 4, 2006, 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM

WHERE: HIRO BALLROOM at the Maritime Hotel, 363 West 16th St. (@ 9th Ave)

Click here more information and to buy tickets!

ASPCA Hails Passage Of Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

The ASPCA today hailed the passage of H. R. 503, the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, as a significant move towards permanently banning the slaughter of horses in the United States for human consumption abroad. The U. S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bill by a vote of 263 to 146.

“Americans have long had a love affair with horses, both domesticated and wild,” said ASPCA President Ed Sayres. “The recent public and media interest in the recovery of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro is a clear indication of the fascination, awe, and empathy we feel for these magnificent animals. The history of our nation is indelibly linked to these great creatures and, with the passage of this bill, we are one step closer to treating horses as we should—as valued members of our humane community.”

Read the rest of the Press Release...

ASPCA in the News: Cute and Furry, Some Say. A Beaten Dog, a Court Finds.

New York Times - Orders of protection are not unusual in New York courts, but one issued yesterday by a Queens judge to protect a 5-year-old is believed to be the first of its kind, according to an animal society special agent.

The 5-year-old is a dog, Bebe, a bichon frisé from Lindenwood.

The order, signed by Judge Alex J. Zigman of Queens Civil Court, says that Frederick Fontanez, 20, a friend of Bebe’s owner, Derek Lopez, must maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from both the dog and Mr. Lopez.

Read the rest of this article in New York Times...

ASPCA in the News: New York dog gets first restraining order

NEW YORK (AFP) - A New York judge has issued the first restraining order on behalf of a dog, using a new state law that offers protection to pets, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said.

A 20-year-old man was ordered to stay at least 90 meters away from the five-year-old bichon frise, Bebe, after he was arrested and charged with injury to an animal for allegedly hitting the pup.

The dog's owner, a friend who had been fighting with the accused man, returned home to find Bebe covered in bruises. The man faces up to a year in prison for beating the animal.

Read the rest of this story on Yahoo! News...

Press Release: An Expanding Problem With Pets--Ingestions of Polyurethane Glue Are on the Rise

309% Increase in Expanding Glue Cases Since 2002

(Urbana, IL) September 5, 2006 - Imagine this scenario: a young boxer puppy chews open a tube of polyurethane glue, accidentally left out by his owners who were using it to do repairs on their home, and swallows some of its contents. The next morning, to his owners’ surprise, the boxer refuses his breakfast, and begins vomiting. The puppy’s abdomen appears swollen and seems tender to the touch. The bewildered owners take their pet to the local animal hospital, where they discover a large mass in the puppy’s stomach, and rush him into surgery to remove it. After the successful procedure, the shocked owners are told the mass was a softball-sized lump of expanded and solidified polyurethane glue.

Read the rest of this press release...

Ask the APCC: Dogs Who Drink From the Toilet

I put automatic toilet bowl cleaner tablets in the back tank of my toilet. If my dog were to drink from the bowl, could it be dangerous?
—Danielle B.

It’s not likely to be, Danielle. If you follow label directions, most toilet bowl cleaning tablets would not be expected to cause problems beyond minor stomach upset, should a dog take a drink out of the diluted water in the toilet bowl. Bacterial-related gastrointestinal problems could occur from drinking stagnant toilet water, however, so it is still a good idea to discourage your dog from imbibing from the commode.

More new questions:

- Cocoa bean mulch is popular in our neighborhood. Is this toxic to dogs?

- My cats have recently begun playing with crickets, and I’ve even seen them eat them. Could this cause problems?

- Is it safe to feed my dog rawhide bones?

Ask Dr. LaFarge: I'm Not Home During the Day--Can I Still Have A Dog?

I work full-time, and am gone from about 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. I really want a dog, but the thought of a dog alone all day seems unfair. I am single with no children, and really would love to have a small dog. —Roberta F.

Your desire to have a dog to enhance your personal life makes sense, Roberta—and your willingness to consider the dog's quality of life is very commendable.

Read the rest of Dr. LaFarge's advice...