Make Your Pet Famous at Squidoo

(AND HELP THE ASPCA WHILE YOU’RE AT IT!) Fifteen minutes of fame may be sufficient for humans, but our animal companions can easily handle celeb status for a lot longer than that. To let the world know how awesome your Scruffy and Fluffy are, you’re invited to make your pets famous at Squidoo. If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, head to this popular website and set up your very own free webpage (what Squidoo calls a “lens”) all about your pet. You can include funny stories, cute pics, cool tricks, and Rover-recommended sites, treats and toys. Sounds fun? It is—and best of all, your pet’s page will help generate royalties that go straight to the ASPCA, every month, at no cost to you.

ASPCA Gets Blogged: When Owners Are Just Not That Into Their Pets

From Gothamist.com:

"This made us totally sad: Shelters are getting ready for many pets to be dumped in the next few months. Many people receive pets as holiday gifts, but aren't able to deal with them. Animal Care & Control says that while some people complain that dogs are unruly, they don't admit they didn't take the time to train the dogs in the first place. Here are tips from the ASPCA on how to deal with your new pets... "

Read the rest of this blog entry on Gothamist.

Horse Behavior Q & A: Breeds, Indeed

How can you tell what breed a horse is?
—Jennifer

Great question, Jennifer! There are well over 100 recognized breeds of horses! Being able to distinguish individual breeds can often be a difficult task, though. For example, when a standardbred horse is standing still, you might think that he’s a thoroughbred—but as soon as you see him move in that classic gait, he is easy to identify.

As a general rule, we can look at four horse “types:”

- The cold-blooded horses are heavy boned and less reactive, such as the Clydesdale and Shire.
- Horses who are more finely boned and easily aroused and excited are called hot bloods. Arabians and thoroughbreds fit here.
- In the middle of these two extremes are the more medium-boned and even-spirited horses, known as warm bloods. These horses have an ancestry of “mixed blood,” as they were created from the mixture of cold- and hot-blooded breeds. Trakehner and Hanoverians are good examples of this type.
- A pony is defined by size. If a horse is under 14.2 hands, he or she is a pony.

More questions on horse behavior:

- Will giving my horse treats cause him to become mouthy and bite me?

ASPCA News Alerts

ASPCA WEIGHS IN ON NEW DOGGY DIET DRUG
The ASPCA celebrates advances in veterinary science that have led to the creation of Slentrol, a diet drug for dogs approved on January 5. But we’d also like to remind pet parents that no medication should replace regular diet and exercise programs, and that it is important to work closely with your veterinarian.

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: FROM STARVING STRAY TO SNUGGLE PUSS
When her son took in a pregnant abandoned cat, Louise Alcott drove 110 miles to check on the sole survivor of the litter.

MAKE YOUR PET FAMOUS AT SQUIDOO
Don't you think it's about time the world knew how awesome your furry friends are? Enter the ASPCA Squidoo Lens Contest today and set up a free webpage all about your animal companions.

SAVE THE DATE: ANIMAL CARE EXPO, 5/12
Volunteers and professionals working in the fields of animal sheltering, care and control won’t want to miss this one.

YOU ROCK: THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO WENT ORANGE FOR ANIMALS ON JANUARY 10!
Judging from your photos celebrating the launch of ASPCA^® Mission: Orange™, we can honestly say that everyone—from cats and dogs to kids and coworkers—looks good in orange.

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Diva!

Diva the Rottweiler mix is already a star at our 92nd Street adoption facilities—and very soon the entire world will see her shine, too. Just ask ASPCA’s Victoria Wells, Manager of Shelter Training and Behavior, who handpicked the five-year-old canine to appear on VH1’s Ego Trip’s White Rapper Show.

Although this canine ingénue is new to the biz, we weren’t at all surprised to learn that Diva performed like a true pro during the recent taping, where she was made up and modeled with one of the show’s rappers. “Not only is Diva sweet, she is very smart,” says ASPCA Cares’ Allison Cardona. “She picks things up quickly, and is so easy to train.” And of course, she looked simply smashing in the pretty pink bow she wears on the episode.

Read more about Diva and learn how you can adopt her!

The Perfect Gift for Your Valentine: Harley the Dog Plush

Cuddle up to this oh-so-cute pup and show your support for the ASPCA's efforts to end animal cruelty!

Harley the Dog is an honorary Special Investigator with the ASPCA's Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) department. He sports a black turtleneck with the ASPCA logo on the collar and the HLE badge on the front. This is the same badge worn by ASPCA humane law enforcement agents on the job.

With every Harley you order, we'll give you two free ASPCA wristbands! Order Harley Today!

Help Reinstate Protection for Wild Horses and Burros!

Last year, the Burns Amendment to the Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act opened the door to the slaughter of thousands of wild horses. This amendment was inserted in a must-pass appropriations bill, and forced the Bureau of Land Management to allow individuals and corporations to buy these animals and resell them for slaughter. Selling and transferring wild horses and burros for processing into commercial products was illegal for 33 years before passage of the Burns Amendment—but now, these historically significant creatures may be slaughtered so their meat can be offered on foreign menus.

Please send a letter urging your representative to stop the needless slaughter of wild horses and burros by supporting and cosponsoring H.R. 249.

Send a letter to your representatives today.

Pet Poison Q & A: Hemlock...Or Not?

I'm planting a windbreak this spring and I'm planning on using Canadian hemlock. Before I buy, I want to know if this species of hemlock is poisonous to dogs and cats. Can you help?
―Brian W.

Good question, Brian. Tsuga canadensis―Canadian or Eastern hemlock―is not a hemlock considered to have toxic effects on pets, not beyond the mild gastrointestinal upset that could result from ingesting any plant material. Therefore, while your dog and cat should be discouraged from chewing on this plant, you should not expect any significant troubles if they manage to sneak a nibble.

More questions this week:

- What could happen if a goat eats a paintball?

- I have found conflicting reports regarding the toxic effects of rubber plants on cats. Can you be the tie-breaker?

Urge Your Legislators to Support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act!

Send a letter to your senators and representative now and urge them to support the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act!
Last year, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. Unfortunately, Congress recessed for the year before the Senate had a chance to vote on the measure. As a result, the bill died and had to be reintroduced in both houses of Congress this year. The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (AHSPA), H.R. 503/S. 311, has now been reintroduced by the 110th Congress! The bill would prohibit the transport, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of any horse to be slaughtered for human consumption.

Learn more about this bill and send a letter to your senators and representatives.

Ask the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service: Help for a Shedding Shepherd

I adopted my dog, a German shepherd/beagle mix, from the shelter, and she seems to have a serious shedding problem. I’ve tried brushing her with a shedding tool daily and it doesn’t seem to help. She is an inside dog, and I feed her Purina weight management formula.
―Angela

Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service.

Although shedding is a normal activity for dogs, the amount of shedding that they do often depends upon their breed or breed mix. Seemingly excessive shedding can be normal for some dogs, but it can also be the result of stress or a medical problem. We encourage you to continue with regular brushing. This will help to eliminate the excess hair around your home. Your veterinarian or groomer may be able to recommend a specific type of brush that will work best for your dog’s coat.

Nutrition can be a factor in excessive shedding, but with the diet you are using, we think it is unlikely...

Read the rest of the answer

Help Animals Now By Supporting Humane Legislation!

Illinois: HB 9 Lets Judges Protect Pets in Domestic Violence Disputes

Indiana: Support Counseling Sentences for Animal Abusers

Missouri: Dog Breed Bans Are Discriminatory and Ineffective. Please Ask Your Reps To Oppose HB 226

Missouri: SB 73 Allows State Courts to Stop Animal Neglect Before Tragedy Occurs

Nebraska Residents: Say Yes to More Inspections of Kennels and Pet Stores!

Washington Residents, Help Stop Breed Discrimination by Insurance Companies!

Ask the Pet Nutrition Service: What's Up With My Skinny Pup?

I have a six-month-old pit bull. He eats two full bowls of dog food each day, but he still does not seem to be gaining enough weight. I have had him tested for worms and had a stool sample tested, and both came back negative.
―Candace

Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service.

We think it would be best for your puppy to be seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are a lot of factors that could prevent him from gaining weight. You will want to discuss whether or not your pup is gaining appropriately, and if other medical intervention is necessary. Once your veterinarian has completed the exam, he or she should be able to give you a time frame in which to expect your puppy to start gaining weight.

Read the rest of the answer

Hot Off the Presses: This Week's ASPCA News Alert

PET PARENTS: GET OUR HOT TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER!
Winter may have made a late debut in many parts of the country, but it has certainly arrived in full force. With the thermometer dipping lower and lower, the ASPCA wants to remind you that your four-legged companions may also be feeling the chill. Our experts offer some tips to keep pets safe and sound until springtime.

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: READY TO TAKE A CHANCE
A grief-stricken woman goes to her local shelter and finds a friend for life.


HELPING HORSES: ASPCA AWARDS GRANTS TO EQUINE GROUPS
Our Equine Fund helps the nation’s horse welfare organizations continue their worthy efforts.

SAVE THE DATE: FARM ANIMAL FORUM, 4/29
You can’t miss this one if you’re interested in becoming part of the nation’s leading efforts to help protect farm animals from abuse.

FROM OUR EMAIL BAG: ASPCA MISSION®: ORANGE™ MANIA
We were thrilled to launch our campaign to create a country of humane communities—but we were truly overwhelmed to learn how excited you were, too.

Horse Behavior Q & A: Pony With a Bad Attitude

My old pony recently started giving me a really bad attitude, like threatening to bite and pinning her ears back. She doesn’t show any signs of being sick. What did I do?
—Amber

What a great question! The first step is to get a thorough checkup from a qualified veterinarian. As you correctly implied, abrupt behavioral changes are often related to physical issues. Pinning ears, evading physical contact and similar behaviors can be signs of pain, often in a pony’s back or legs.

Our expert answers more questions:

- Does it hurt horses to have people ride them?

Pet Poison Q & A: Dogs Who Drink from the Toilet

How dangerous is it for a dog to take a drink from a toilet bowl treated with a cleaning tablet?
—Hannah P.

It really depends, Hannah. Most toilet bowl cleaning tablets that are used according to label directions would not be expected to cause serious or systemic clinical problems, provided that the animal does not ingest the tablet directly. Typically, we see only mild gastrointestinal upset. If you feel that your dog may have come into contact with more of the cleaner than would normally be present in the toilet bowl, we advise that you contact your local veterinarian, emergency clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

More questions this week:

- Is beeswax bad for cats?

- Does rat poison affect cats and dogs the same way?

ASPCA in the News: Richmond SPCA

Richmond.com: A No-Kill Zone
No healthy cats or dogs were euthanized in Richmond because of homelessness in 2006.

Cats may not have nine lives but they can come close in Richmond.

The Richmond Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) announced in a press conference Tuesday that no healthy cats or dogs were euthanized in Richmond because of homelessness in 2006.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also announced that Richmond's SPCA will be incorporated in a new program called "Mission Orange." This initiative will allow selected SPCA communities in the nation to learn from the Richmond SPCA to foster their own success.

Read the rest of the story...

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Area SPCA chosen as model
It will be a training center for cities to learn no-kill policy

The Richmond Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced yesterday that it has been selected to serve as the model for the American SPCA's "Mission: Orange" program. The program helps targeted cities improve their animal-welfare services.

No healthy homeless animals were euthanized here in 2006, said Robin Starr, chief executive officer of the Richmond SPCA.

"Having made [our accomplishment] in 2006, I can assure you we will continue to do so," Starr said yesterday at a news conference at the Richmond SPCA on Hermitage Road. "Never again will a healthy animal die in Richmond for lack of a home."

Read the rest of the story...

ASPCA in the News: Partnership Brings New Hope to Thousands of Pets

Staten Island Advance
ASPCA funding, distributed by city, has reduced number of animals euthanized by more than a third.

Sergio, a year-old stray cat, does not, as the saying goes, have nine lives.

But thanks to a partnership between the Mayor's Alliance for New York City's Animals and the ASPCA, he and thousands of other pets have a better shot at long and healthy lives.

In fact, due to the partnership's efforts, the number of pets euthanized since the group formed in 2002 has dropped by more than a third.

Click here to read the rest of the story...

Press Release: ASPCA Reacts To FDA Approved “Doggy Diet Drug”

Nation’s Oldest Animal Welfare Organization Applauds Advancements in Veterinary Science; Cautions on Importance of Veterinary Supervision

NEW YORK, January 15, 2007—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today applauded the advances in veterinary science that have resulted in the approval of a “diet drug” for dogs (Pfizer, Inc.’s Slentrol) to be approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the country’s oldest animal welfare organization reminds pet parents that this should not replace regular diet and exercise programs; and that it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine if your pet would be an appropriate candidate for this treatment.

“In the most recent National Academy of Sciences National Research Council report on the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats, pet obesity was highlighted as an issue that needs to be addressed,” said ASPCA President & CEO, Ed Sayres. “This drug certainly does that, and points to the incredible advances in veterinary science that are turning futurism and fiction into fact, but it is too soon to say what the effects and/or side effects of this drug will be with long-term use in large numbers of dogs.

Read the rest of the press release...

ASPCA in the News: Queens Man Held for Dog Neglect

Newsday
January 14, 2007

In New York City's first animal cruelty arrest of the year, a Queens man was charged Saturday with neglecting his three-year-old Chow Chow so badly that the dog was being strangled by a collar that had grown into her neck, officials said.

Oswald Joudan, 51, of 131-07 135th Ave., was arrested yesterday morning by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty . If convicted, he faces up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $2,000.

Special agents of the animal advocacy group acted on a neighbor's tip Dec. 29 to find the tan Chow Chow chained and emaciated in Joudan's backyard, said ASPCA spokesman Joseph Pentangelo.

Read the rest of the story...

Pet Poison Q & A: Roasted Meats

Is deer meat harmful to pets if fully cooked?
—Tamara C.

Unless your dog has a food allergy to the meat, an occasional nibble or two of cooked venison should not pose a serious hazard for a healthy dog, Tamara. However, it is important to keep in mind that any food that is not part of your pet's normal diet—especially those high in fat, such as roasted meats—can cause gastrointestinal upset. The consumption of large amounts of fatty foods may also lead to pancreatitis, a serious inflammatory condition of the pancreas.

The bottom line? If you decide to offer your dog a treat of cooked venison, please do so only on occasion, and in small amounts.

More new questions:

- Are citronella anti-barking collars dangerous to dogs?

- What can you tell me about croton and bamboo?

Nebraska Residents: Say Yes to More Inspections of Kennels and Pet Stores!

Nebraska has only one inspector to serve the more than 700 kennels, pet stores, shelters and humane societies in the state. Senator Mick Mines has introduced LB 12 to remedy this. This key piece of legislation will provide for four additional inspectors, a veterinarian field officer and legal help for the inspectors. The additional inspectors will allow for pre-license inspections as well as annual inspections

If passed by Nebraska, LB 12 could improve animal protection and enforcement efforts.
Cornhusker State residents, we need your help immediately:

- Please call or email the members of the Agriculture Committee today and ask them to support LB 12. Urge their support of LB 12 and thank them for their consideration of your request. Click here for contact information.

- If possible, please attend next week’s hearing of the Agriculture Committee at the State Capitol on Tuesday, January 16, at 1:30 P.M.

Press Release: ASPCA Announces Launch of “ASPCA® Mission: Orange™”

Focused Campaign in Target Cities Aimed at Creating a Country of Humane Communities, One Community at a Time

NEW YORK, January 10, 2007—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today launched, in partnership with target animal welfare and community organizations from across the country, “ASPCA^® Mission: Orange™”—a focused effort to create a country of humane communities, one community at a time. In order to achieve this goal, the ASPCA and its partners will identify the unique needs of each target community and implement programs that will result in immediate, measurable and sustainable change for the animals in these communities, especially those most at risk—the shelter population. These programs may include, but are not limited to, financial assistance and grants, strategic planning, community grass roots activities, humane education and a variety of training opportunities. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org/missionorange.

Read the rest of the press release.

New on ASPCA.org: The Truth About Premarin®

The truth behind one of today’s most widely prescribed drugs will shock you. Get the facts and get involved.

What Is Premarin^®?
Premarin^®, a drug derived from pregnant mares’ urine (PMU), is prescribed to alleviate symptoms of menopause and to prevent osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. The estrogen-rich urine used in its production is collected from mares confined in barns on PMU ranches in Canada and the United States.

How Do Horses Suffer in the Production of Premarin^®?
The Premarin industry is self-regulated through manufacturer Wyeth Ayerst’s Code of Practice, but there are hundreds of farms and no outside scrutiny. Mares used in the production of conjugated estrogens are at risk for abrasions, leg swelling, excessive boredom, stress, and an early death, due to the conditions under which they are kept.

Learn more about Premarin^®

ASPCA News Alert

PET POISON SAFETY TIPS FOR BIRD OWNERS
Bird in the house? Did you know that many common household items could be harmful to your pet? To help raise awareness on this fifth annual National Bird Day (that’s today!), ASPCA experts are offering some poison prevention tips to keep your companion avian in the “sing” of things.

GO ORANGE FOR ANIMALS NEXT WEDNESDAY!
Here at the ASPCA, we’ve got some big plans to help homeless animals in 2007. Will you join us in going orange on January 10?

ASPCA SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK: PUPPY LOVE
Meet the four-legged reason why Michelle Ranous thought volunteering at her local shelter would be a “bad idea.”

VICTORY FOR ANIMALS IN ILLINOIS
The Prairie State became the first in the nation to crack down on the criminalization of canines.

THE ‘A’ ASKS YOU: WHAT’S YOUR “MEW” YEAR’S RESOLUTION?
Calling all friends of felines! Visit the ASPCA Community and share your plans for making 2007 a happy, healthy year for your cat.

WHAT’S GOING ON?
Check our list of animal-related events taking place in January.

THE ASPCA GOES MOBILE!
Sign up to receive text messages on pet care and pending legislation from ASPCA experts.
Sign Up Now.

ASPCA COMMUNITY
Hot Topics of the Week
- Cats and declawing
- Is it OK to give rabies shots to allergic dogs?
- What kind of careers can help animals?
Join the ASPCA Community to discuss these topics and more.

Press Release: ASPCA Announces Key New Hires to Battle Cruelty to Animals

NEW YORK, January 4, 2007—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today announced the appointments of Elizabeth Dribben, Dr. Melinda Merck, and Robert Baker, to key positions in its Anti-Cruelty Initiatives & Legislative Services departments. Effective immediately, they will be joining as follows: Elizabeth Dribben as Senior Managing Director of Legislative Services, Dr. Merck as Forensic Veterinarian and Mr. Baker as Investigator.

“I am extremely pleased that we are continuing to attract such qualified and high-profile professionals to our team,” said Ed Sayres, president & CEO of the ASPCA. “This speaks volumes to the quality of work the ASPCA is doing in the anti-cruelty field which is, after all, the clearest manifestation of our mission: to provide effective means of prevention of cruelty to animals.”

Read the rest of this press release...

ASPCA in the News: With Public's Help, ASPCA Better Tackles Crime

New York Sun
By Bradley Hope

A growing public perception of animal cruelty and new resources have led the law enforcement arm of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to Prevent Cruelty to Animals to a more than 400% surge in arrests since 1999, the agency reported.

In the past seven years, the private agency purchased a live dispatch system and built a high-tech headquarters in Long Island City. It increased the number of special agents in 2006 to 19 from about eight.

Last year, the agency arrested 103 people in separate cases, including several on felony charges. In 1999, the agency arrested 20 people, statistics show. ASPCA agents have been empowered to carry weapons, make arrests, and execute warrants since New York aristocrat Henry Bergh founded it in 1866.

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Pet Poison Q & A: Shedding Light on Bulbs

I received an amaryllis bulb for growing indoors as a holiday gift, but I am worried that my two puppies might get into the plant while I’m not looking. Is this plant dangerous to dogs?
—Joan C.

It certainly could be, Joan. Many varieties in the Amaryllidaceae family, including Hippeastrum spp. (commonly known as amaryllis), contain potentially irritating substances such as lycorine. The bulb, or rhizome, is usually considered to be the most toxic, but other parts can also possibly produce intense gastrointestinal irritation, depression, drooling (hypersalivation), loss of appetite and tremors, if eaten in large quantities. Based on this, we do advise keeping these plants out of the reach of pets.

More new questions:

- Is zucchini safe for my dog to eat?

- Can I use ice melt around pets?

ASPCA In the News: More pets are going to work

The News-Gazette.com
By Julie Wurth

URBANA – The morning routine is the same as in most offices. Co-workers Miles, Lily and Riley greet each other, admire new outfits, maybe sniff each other once or twice.

Canines of all stripes – and spots – roam the offices of the ASPCA Midwest Office in Urbana's Sunnycrest Mall.

Forget family friendly; this is a family-pet-friendly work place. Here, you'd feel left out if you didn't have a critter – or two – snoozing in the corner.

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