Adoption Diaries: Litter Your Life with Love

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

There really ought to be a warning...I was walking down Bark Avenue (at our adoption center), and turned the corner, and boom! There they were--a litter of nursing puppies! Can you say cuteness overload? It was almost too much for my heart to take!

The only thing better than puppies are ones getting their breakfast from mama. This is Bella. Doesn't she look proud?

And this is Chewy (no, not from Star Wars). Chewy's another silly one. The little Yorkie made himself right at home on my lap. Fuzzy, sweet and curious, he's everything that's wonderful about small dogs. As I headed for the door after our cuddle session, he whimpered, "Don't leave me."
Jazzy Joyce has been here since June of 2006. She's a sensitive 10-year-old, and prefers to be petted on her head. Jazzy was treated for an overactive thyroid gland in September. She's still working on growing back her fur, but I don't know, I think she looks pretty cool without it.

I'm pleased two report that two animals I've mentioned here previously have been adopted! Pocahontas, the sweet old cat, and Cola, the sweet old dog! This was a good week for our seniors!

** Be sure to check out my Flickr page to see all the photos from my visits to the adoption center.** Click here to view available animals at our adoption center.

Best. Picture. Ever.

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween will be here in a couple of days, and we don't want no scaredy cats! Or scaredy dogs, rabbits, pet elephants, etc... So heed these precautions for a stress-free and safe Oct. 31st.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can't see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

Join ASPCA Forensic Vet for a LIVE CHAT -- TODAY!!

How does a forensic vet gather evidence in an animal cruelty case?

What is it like to testify at an animal cruelty hearing?

What tools do you use to do your job?

Because of TV shows like CSI and Law and Order, real-life jurors expect forensic science to back up all the evidence presented to them—and animal cruelty cases are no exception. These days, jurors don’t just want any old evidence—they want forensic evidence.

“It’s because of ‘the CSI effect,’” says ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck, who literally wrote the book on using science in investigating animal cruelty. Merck, who often testifies as a forensic veterinary expert for animal cruelty cases around the country—including animal hoarding, dog fighting and animal torture—has also recently authored the textbook Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations.

She'll join us for a live online chat in our brand-new ASPCA Online Community today, Friday, October 26, from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST, to answer your toughest questions on veterinary forensics.

A Social Network of Our Very Own!

Great news, guys! We launched a brand new ASPCA Online Community for our discussion boards, and it's loaded with lots of other amazing features!

We launched this new community in response to requests from our members, who asked to post pictures and videos, and to make groups for other animals besides cats and dogs. With the new ASPCA Online Community, they can. We’ve seen tremendous response— after only 3 weeks, we’re up to 500 members, and user feedback has been extremely positive.

Here is an overview of our very own social network’s many features:
-Frequent live chats with ASPCA experts
-Participate in discussion forums. With these enhanced forums, you can add photos and videos to your posts.
-Create your own profile—you can upload your photos and videos, and get comments on them.
-Personalize your page.
-Send and receive friend requests to connect with other community members.
-Celebrate your favorite animals with those who share your affection by joining groups such as Reptile Room and That’s Fishy! You can even create groups of your own.
-Keep your very own blog!
-Comment on other people’s pages and receive comments on yours!
-Track your activity—and your friends’ activity, too.

So, come join the ASPCA Online Community and send a friend request to Elyse Orecchio, community rep for the ASPCA...see you there!

Adoption Diaries: They're the Pits!

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

This is Oreo, 3 months old. He wasn't too interested in the idea of leaving his cage. That is, of course, until I took him out and we played for a few minutes. When I dared return him to his kitty condo, he made quite a scene. He wanted out! As I played with other cats, he jumped all around and kept sticking his nose and paws out of the holes, like you see in the pic, and yelling at me. Poor thing looked so pathetic and desperate that he made me feel guilty...I eventually gave in and let him back out.

And here is Pocahontas (I'm desperately trying to refrain from making any silly puns or references to the legendary Native American princess). Pocahontas loved to pose for me like a statue. See? And when I put her in my lap, I knew she'd have stayed there forever if she had a choice. She definitely wouldn't be there if she were younger (she's 12).

Gomez was incredibly difficult to get a photo of, but for the sweetest reason. I couldn't get far away enough to take a picture because the little love bug shadowed my every step! He wanted some up close and personal rubbing. Finally, I broke out the cat dancer toy -- here he is above, ready to attack.

Now, on to the doggies. I got to witness something really neat -- Special Agent Ruiz (you may recognize him from "Animal Precinct") brought three pit puppies in. He had just rescued them from the Bronx. These guys were so anxious to eat they consumed their food in seconds! Just look at them playing! All together now: awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.

I thought I'd leave you with a treat: this is 2-month-old Norma, who was intrigued by my camera. If you listen carefully, you can hear her loud purr. She was adopted by the time I left. They go so quickly when they're that little and cute. It's the older ones who really need help, the poor darlings!

** Be sure to check out my Flickr page to see all the photos from my visits to the adoption center.
** Click here to view available animals at our adoption center.

Have You Hugged Your Vet Tech Lately?

Animal clinics and veterinary students across the country are celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week this week. Officially designated by the North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA) in 1993, the annual event was organized to educate the public about these vital members of the veterinary medical team and provide a forum for vet techs to salute each another for their good work.

Visit NAVTA's official site, http://www.navta.net/, for more on these animal-care dynamos.
If you're interested in being a vet tech, check out NAVTA's career page.

Become a vet tech at the ASPCA!

A Star is Adopted!

Many of the staff at the ASPCA adoption center got to know and love Rocket. He was the huge orange tiger cat who was being fostered in the office of our Senior Vice President, Gail Buchwald. Rocket, however, lived by the “don’t fence me in” philosophy and adopted the 3rd floor Animal Placement area as his entire domain. He could often be found lounging in the “in-basket,” keeping a watch over everything. We knew Rocket was destined for special things and needed a home where his high level of intelligence would be challenged.

Victoria Wells, of our Behavior staff, thought Moscow Cats Theatre might be a perfect fit. She not only arranged Rocket's "audition," but she conducted a site visit and interviewed the people involved to confirm that this was a loving, caring and low-stress adoptive situation for Rocket.

Rocket went for a two-week foster period with the Moscow Cats Theatre and it went great—he was officially adopted! He lives in the home of the producer and trainer for the show and has bonded with them, and is doing great with the other cats. Now that he is bonded with the people he will be taught to perform one or two tricks and to begin his performance career.

Rocket, ever the star of the ASPCA Adoption Center, now has a home with Moscow Cats Theatre

Katherine Miller, also of our Behavior staff, has seen the show and found it very entertaining as well as respectful of the animals. All the cats are trained and rewarded with food rewards, never aversives. Each cat learns just one or two special tricks to perform during the show so they don't have a demanding performance schedule. No cat is forced to perform and if they choose to leave and go backstage they can (and do!). Neither, she nor Victoria detected any fear or stress behaviors among the cats; they were not only relaxed but actually playful and very eager to earn the reward. All the cats live with members of the performance family. They are carefully selected for an outgoing personality so that they are not stressed by being in the show.

A quote from Kat Miller says it all: ”It was a real team effort to arrange this very special placement for a very special cat. We wish our friend Rocket all the best.”

Our Take on the Ellen Story

We have been getting tons of inquries from you regarding "the Ellen situation." To recap, Iggy, the dog adopted by Ellen DeGeneres from the Los Angeles-based rescue group Mutts & Moms, was recently removed from Ms. DeGeneres’ hairdresser’s home after the rescue group learned of the re-homing that was conducted without its knowledge or prior approval, as specified in its adoption contract.

Here is our official statement:

Said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres, “Ms. DeGeneres’ love and concern for animals has become practically iconic. As such, we have the utmost respect for her actions in trying to provide loving homes for animals in need—she sets a great example for not just other celebrities, but the entire American public.”

“We also understand the point of view of Mutts & Moms. Several shelters, including our own, have similar language written into their contracts that essentially function as a safety net for the animals they adopt out, so that adopters know they can always bring the animals back in case the adoption doesn’t work out. With an estimated five to seven million companion animals entering shelters every year, the last thing any responsible shelter wants to see is the unnecessary euthanasia of pets.”

All shelters in the United States function as independent entities, each with their own specific adoption policies. “Had a similar situation been encountered with an ASPCA adopter,” said Sayres, “and had the new home met our adoption criteria, in all likelihood we would have encouraged the new home environment for the animal. Furthermore, the ASPCA applauds those who provide responsible pet care by providing veterinary needs—such as spaying or neutering—behavior training, as well as providing the animal with a safe and loving home.

“We would encourage Mutts & Moms to re-visit their approach to this situation and look forward to a positive outcome that reinforces the importance of pets in our society and the human-animal bond.”

Click here to see the adoptable animals here at the ASPCA.

Survey Says: Yeah, My Dog's Cute

Getting to know you...and your pooch! Take our survey!

How does your dog tackle life’s big adventures—like trips to the veterinarian and playtime at the dog run? When no one’s around, does your garbage hound search your home for anything vaguely edible—or would she rather just take a nap until her favorite humans are back? We want to know what you think of your dog and what your dog thinks of you.

So take our just-for-fun survey, pooch parents…and stay tuned for the results!

Live, Online Expert Chat on Dog Behavior Tomorrow

My dog is friendly with all dogs we meet on our daily walks, but there’s one perfectly nice poodle he always growls at. What gives?

Why does my dog eat her food so fast? You’d think we were starving her!

What makes your dog tick? (Besides ticks.) Why does he behave like, well, a dog? You probably have lots of questions about your canine’s crazy behavior. Joining us with answers is Trish McMillan, ASPCA Senior Manager, Animal Behavior, who will be hosting a live online chat -- tomorrow!

To ask McMillan about your dog’s behavior, log in to our brand new ASPCA Online Community next tomorrow, Friday, October 19, between noon and 2:00 P.M. EST.

Go, Nikki, Go!

We recently wrote about Nikki Granat, the 12-year-old singer who did a benefit concert for us. Nikki’s concert in New Jersey raised over $300 for the ASPCA. Wow!

Now Nikki’s back—this time on the radio! This Saturday, the little songbird will be a guest on Junson Radio Kids.

“Tune in to hear Nikki's story, and how you can join her in her efforts to help homeless animals.”

Jonzun Radio Kids airs every Saturday, from 12:30-1:00 P.M., E.S.T, on WPUL 1590 AM. During broadcast times, the show streams worldwide.

Adoption Diaries: All About Dogs

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

Come on, what's cuter than a litter of brand new kittens?

I met these little guys yesterday. They are being fostered in the office of Barbara MacDonald, who is Volunteer Coordinator, Feline Enrichment, at the ASPCA Adoption Center. I don't know how she gets any work done (but she does--she's fabulous!).

After I pried myself away from the kittens, I headed on over to Bark Avenue to play with some doggies. When I walked into Cola's room (which is bigger than my cubicle), Cola greeted me on her hind legs, her ears straight in the air. This funny girl cracked me up--she was more intrigued by my notepad than me, until she realized I give head rubs and my notepad doesn't. When I dared to stop rubbing, she thrust her head into my hands to tell me, "Don't even think about stopping."

Cola is such a sweet girl. The only reason she hasn't been adopted is she's 11, and of course people typically go for the young 'uns. But look at her! How can you resist those giant eyes and that silly underbite! It looks like she has fangs, which is almost scary 'til she starts licking you all over the place like the goofball she is.

Honorable mentions go to Hedley and Eva, two more small dogs who share a room.

Isn't Eva just the silliest little Shih Tzu? And Hedley's got that unbearable "please take me home" face. Ooh, I just want to squish them!

After I had my doggie fix, I went to the cat habitat to visit Whitney, whom I'd been thinking about all week. I was so looking forward to seeing her, but sadly, just as I got there, an animal technician was taking her to the doctor upstairs. I'm keeping my paws crossed for her, and hoping I can see her next week and hear that tremendous purr of hers.

At least I got to play with Harriet. You may recall, I started writing about her last week.

As you can see, she still needs to lose weight, but she's been working very hard on her diet and looks better already! Her coat is really stunning in person. Her colors are quite vibrant and lovely.

That's all for now. Check in next week to read about more animals at our adoption center and get updates on these guys!

Click here to view available animals at our adoption center.

Now There's a Mug

Photographer Donna Ruskin, who fell in love with—and adopted—Sammy, a beautiful German Shepherd, while volunteering at our adoption center in 2002, has a show up. So check it out--

Sammy is the namesake of Ruskin’s photography exhibition, “Sammy and Beyond,” currently displayed on the third floor of the New York Public Library. Ruskin’s show is all about dogs—Sammy, and the canines she got to know out on the town with her. So why are dogs Ruskin’s model of choice? “Simply put, they delight me,” she says.

Stop by the New York Public Library on October 22, when the artist and educator Susan Kleckner will join Ruskin for an "Artist Dialogue" at 6:30 p.m. on the 6th floor.

Exhibition info:
6 September – 18 December 2007

The Art Collection, 3rd floor

Hours: Mon-Wed 9-9, Thu-Sat 10-6

Looking for Love in the Big City?

The recently renovated, state-of-the-art ASPCA Adoption Center hosts the most amazing adoptable dogs and cats—and here at ASPCA.org, we’ve been doing some of our own renovating to help these homeless pets.

The new online ASPCA Adoption Center features fabulous photos of our available animals taken by New York-based professional photographer Geoffrey Tischman, along with detailed descriptions of the animal’s vital stats, ideal home, and likes and dislikes.

Wanna find out how poodle-mix Desdemona gets in touch with her inner diva? We can also introduce you to a tabby whose list of awards includes “Voted Most Macho.” Come check them all out today at the ASPCA Adoption Center. (Even if you’re not looking to adopt in the near future, it’s fun to see who's out there anyway. Hey, you never know!)

Flower: Bringing Meerkats Mainstream

The death of Flower, meerkat and “star” of Animal Planet’s hit series “Meerkat Manor,” has been the talk of the country. Flower, the matriarch of the Whiskers tribe, was killed defending her “people.” She was bitten by a snake.




The last meerkat we remember being so popular was Timon from Disney’s “The Lion King,” brought to life with the vocal talents of Nathan Lane.

Flower will be missed by many. We’ll remember her as a hero. Not only did she die defending her cubs, but she brought national attention to a fascinating species.

Adoption Diaries: Getting To Know You

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

This week I began socializing cats at our adoption center after joining other volunteers in a cat class. My plan is to bring you weekly updates of the cats I get to know. Why? The most important reason is to give these cats some much needed PR, of course (maybe you readers will want to adopt someone!). The other reason is, frankly, I wanted an excuse to gush about kitties and doggies! I'm still in dog training (more on that next week).

So, the cats of the A: Some cats are in cages (really nice, modern ones that don't haver bars!) and others are in habitats. Habitats are spacious rooms that house cats who can freely roam about and interact with each other.

Yesterday, I walked into what I've dubbed the "fat cat habitat." The overweight cats are put together, of course, because they are on similar diets. I made my rounds, patting kitties one by one. Suddenly I heard a gigantic rumble. Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I turned around and saw Whitney frantically trying to get me to come back and pay more attention to her. She stuck her head out as far as it could go, wanting some more ear rubs . Whitney is a 4-year-old stunning snow-white girl. I LOVE white cats! "Ok, Ok!" I told her. "Relax, I'm coming!"

I scooped Whitney up into my arms and carried her to the socialization area. I sat down and she plopped herself on my lap. I'm not kidding, this girl has the loudest purr I've ever heard. Oh man, I'm so in love.

As I played with Whitney, another cat, Harriet, investigated the stuffed meerkat I had on the floor by my purse. Harriet's a cutie--she mostly lounges, but does have little spurts of playful energy. Like when she sees a meerkat. Harriet has been with us since Sept. 06--needless to say, she can really use a home.

I wandered into the next habitat and found Pierre. Pierre is a beautiful boy, here since March 06. He has an old scar with fur missing between his shoulder blades. He'd love to go home with another cat from his habitat or join a household that already has other felines. Pierre is one chill dude.

Here's Pierre coming toward me with that swanky walk and "come hither" eyes.

This is Smokie. Smokie is being fostered in an office by two employees--Karen Lopez, Manager of Shelter Staff and Trish Suess, Intake Assistant. The second I walked in he started purring and licking me (maybe he could tell I had pizza just before?). Smokie is a cuddly mushball who loves to explore--especially boxes. His foster moms said he's getting pretty bored and is needing a home, like, yesterday. I don't blame him! Usually folks get to leave an office after working all day! And he works very, very hard. I hear he's about to be promoted.

Click here to view available animals at our adoption center.

New York Showcases Its Cats This Weekend

If you’d like to spend zero and see 500 cats this weekend, head on over to NYC’s Madison Square Garden for its giant Adopt-A-Cat event. The public is invited—admission free—to meet the homeless cats presented by more than 20 local animal shelters, humane associations and rescue groups.

And yes, of course the felines of the ASPCA will be making an appearance! Once they heard that people were going to be adopting kitties, they told us we better bring them along if we know what’s good for us. And you know cats—can’t say no to ‘em. Of course, the silly kitties also thought the event was at a real garden (we let them down gently).

Public hours:
Saturday, October 13th: 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Sunday, October 14th: 10 A.M. to 5 P.M.

**In conjunction with the event, the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's animals, along with the Cat Fancier's Association, will present a Code 3 van parked outside MSG, on 33rd st. and 8th Avenue, both days this weekend. You’ll get a chance to tour a real mobile animal hospital!

This One's For the Pros

For years the ASPCA has shared resources and provided consultations with animal welfare professionals through our National Outreach programs. Now veterinarians, shelter staff, law enforcement officials and volunteers are invited to utilize ASPCAPro.org, a resource created by professionals who know what it takes for you to do your jobs well. By sharing tools, strategies and a wealth of practical information from the ASPCA’s nationally recognized programs, ASPCAPro.org aims to help professionals maximize their time and energy when tending to areas such as adoptions, spay/neuter surgeries, shelter medicine and fundraising.

“I’m extremely excited about this latest development, which will provide even greater collaboration between those communities whose efforts help save lives,” says Julie Morris, ASPCA Senior Vice President, National Outreach.

ASPCAPro.org features our signature adoption and outreach programs, as well as how-to information from ASPCA and other experts across the country; look for materials on anti-cruelty, animal poison control and disaster readiness as the site grows. Please visit us at aspcapro.org!

This One's For the Kiddies

Top 10 Things You Can Do For Your Dog

October is Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month—and here at the ASPCA, that means that we’re not gonna stop talking about how great dogs are from now until October 31!

To get the pooch party started, we prepared a list of 10 things you can do for your dog this month…and every month!

1. Is your pooch an action hero or a couch potato? If you can’t feel Rover’s ribs, he may need to shed a few pounds. Ask your vet about a healthy and safe doggie diet-and-exercise program.

2. Tag, you’re it! Be sure your dog wears a collar with ID tag that includes your family’s name and phone number.

3. Did you know that your dog has her own personal hair stylist? She sure does—and that would be YOU, of course! It’s a good idea to brush her once or twice a week. (If she has long or curly hair, you’ll need to comb her every day.)

4. Your dog has her own personal trainer, too! Yup, that’s right, you again! Spend at least 20 minutes a day playing her favorite game, whether it’s fetch, Frisbee or find-the-biscuit.

5. Fur sure! Check your dog’s coat and skin for lumps, bumps, flakes and scabs. If you find what looks like teeny specks of black pepper, tell an adult. Poochie may have fleas!

6. Snip tip! Did you know that your dog’s nails should be clipped regularly? Your vet can show you how.

7. Is Boo Boo on his best behavior? A well-mannered pooch can walk on a leash without pulling and understands the commands “Come,” “Sit!” and “Stay!”

8. Mean greens! Keep Kookie away from poisonous plants and trees, including lilies, azaleas, rhododendron, English ivy and yew.

9. Puppies just wanna have fun…and when they start teething, they just wanna chew. Get your pup set up with a nylon bone.

10. Be a hot shot and make sure your dog visits the veterinarian for a checkup once a year.

To learn more about animals, visit Animaland, our website for kids!

Chat About Your Dog's Health With ASPCA Vet -- TODAY!

We've mentioned it a few times, but it's worth repeating: October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month! Here to kick things off is Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President, Veterinary Outreach. Dr. Miller will join us for a live, online TODAY from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST, to answer your health questions about shelter dogs and your own pups. Here are a couple of examples:

I am interested in adopting a special needs dog—what do I need to be prepared for?

What are some less obvious signs that it’s time to take my dog to the vet?

How do small shelters with little money deal with a dog’s health problems?

Miller has been working with pooches at the “A” for almost 30 years and has recently co-edited the first textbook on shelter medicine, Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff. She’s currently working on a textbook devoted to the management of infectious diseases in shelters.

P.S. Please note, you'll need to log in to post your questions, so click here to sign up if you're not already a member of the ASPCA Community.

Let Your Job Do the Work

How ironic that donating through your job can save you a ton of work. If you are a federal employee, you can give to the ASPCA through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which runs from September through December each year (that’s now!). Whether you donate $1, $10 or more per paycheck, or make a one-time donation, your contribution will go a long way in helping us continue to find effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

In addition to the CFC, the ASPCA participates in a variety of state, city and other workplace giving campaigns as a member of Independent Charities of America and Animal Charities of America. Check with your Human Resources office to see if the ASPCA is a designated charity in your workplace contribution campaign. If we are not a designated charity, ask if you can write us in or have us added to the list. For more information, please contact Nada Polanco at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4502, or nadap@aspca.org.

Now get to work!

Introducing a Bouncing Baby...Walrus?

The first walrus ever born in New York City made his public debut last week at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The male Pacific walrus baby came into the world on June 12, and already weighs a whopping 250 pounds! With the aquarium staff enamored of him, hordes of adoring fans and his doting parents by his side, this blubbery boy has everything an up-and-coming young aquatic star could want—with one exception. He still doesn’t have a name!

The aquarium has picked out four exotic names from the Siberian Yupil language, and wants the public’s help picking the best one. Visit the voting website created by the Today Show to cast a vote for your favorite name by Wednesday, October 10.

Your name choices are:

Utvak: Means ice made from snow or ice cube
Ukiivak: Means king island
Utumek: Means earth
Akituusaq: Means gift given in return

Tune in to Today on October 12, the walrus’s four-month birthday, to find out which name won! And to learn more about Brooklyn’s premier walrus family or, better yet, plan a visit to meet them, visit the New York Aquarium online.

You haven’t seen cute until you’ve seen a baby walrus.

Good News for Majority of Seized Vick Dogs

A team of certified applied animal behaviorists, led by the ASPCA, evaluated the 49 pit bulls seized in the Michael Vick case and determined that 48 had the potential to be rehabilitated. Yesterday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a motion that reflected the evaluation team’s report. Only one of the 49 dogs was deemed unfit for rehabilitation and recommended for euthanasia, which was ordered by Judge Henry E. Hudson.

So what will happen to those 48 dogs? Recommended placement options include
possible re-homing into appropriate foster homes for further observation/evaluation, rehabilitation as law enforcement dogs or placement in sanctuaries (which will need to meet U.S.D.A. facility standards). A federal judge will determine where the dogs end up.

Click here to read the full press release and learn more about the team involved in these evaluations.

Happy October!

Today we're kicking off Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month!

ASPCA Dog Photo Contest

What does your canine pal do when no one's looking? You know…when he has space, time and perhaps permission to set his own agenda for a bit? Like during the day when no one’s home, or out in the backyard when he thinks no one’s looking. Are you up for the challenge? Take a step back from your usual caretaking role for a day, and just observe. Catch your dog in the act of being...your dog.

Enter your photo today!

Resources:
7 Steps to Picture-Perfect Pooches We asked photographer Traer Scott for some tips on capturing companion canines on film.

Need inspiration? Check out last year's winners.

Other awesome goodies for this month that's all about dogs, dogs, dogs:

DOG CARE 101 Caring pet parent + our tips = one happy, healthy companion canine.

GOOD BUDDIES Check out our truly Awww-inspiring pics of pooches and their pals.

OH, BEHAVE! Expert advice on correcting Boo Boo’s bad habits.

BRINGING HOME A NEW POOCH? We’ve got top ten tips for you.

Top 10 Dog Books ASPCA staffers share some of their fave canine-themed reads.

Animal CSI

These days, jurors don’t just want any old evidence. They want to see forensic evidence, like they do on TV. It’s because of “the CSI effect,” said ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck. Because of TV shows like CSI and Law and Order, real-life jurors expect forensic science to be presented to them. And animal cruelty cases are no exception.

Delaware Online spoke to Dr. Merck and reported:

DNA also can aid fight investigations by determining dog ownership, Dr. Merck said. "Many used in dog-fighting are stolen," but can be traced.

Animal forensic investigators also can get DNA from urine—rare for humans—because dogs and cats shed more cells into the discharge than people, she said. But bruises are hard to find in cats and dogs. "They don't have a lot of blood supply, so they don't bruise as easily," she said, so deeper tissue must be examined.

Fur can hide damage found by tests, she said, showing an X-ray of a
cat's broken bones with a bullet still lodged and shadows of bone-regrowth, indicating an old injury.

By documenting fine details, including pet remains' temperature, air and flesh temperature, weather conditions, recent rain, time and temperature in transport and later refrigeration, Merck said she has been able to fix cruelty victims' time of death to as little as two hours.

Fascinating, huh? We over here in the lowly editorial department marvel at these fascinating scientific discoveries that rescue animals in so many ways. (But hey, someone’s gotta write about them—or how would the world know?—so we’re still cool.)

P.S. You’ll have a chance to participate in a live online chat with Dr. Merck on October 26 and ask her all about her amazing career in animal forensics. Stay tuned to http://www.aspca.org/ for details.