Live Chat with Animal Precinct Rehabilitator--TODAY!!

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Victoria Wells a miracle worker. As the ASPCA’s Manager of Shelter Behavior and Training, Wells works daily to rehabilitate animals rescued from abuse by our Humane Law Enforcement officers. If you watch Animal Precinct, you’ve probably seen her in action.

Today, you’ll have a chance to pick Wells’ brain in our ASPCA Online Community, where she’ll host a live chat. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to the animals after the police work is done, don’t miss this opportunity to find out! The discussion will take place today, Friday, November 30, from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST.

For inspiration on what to ask, check out the transcript of our recent chat with HLE Special Investigator Diane DiGiacomo.

Adoption Diaries: Sweet Success

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

Strike up the band! My girl Whitney was adopted yesterday! I've mentioned her here a few times now. I probably shouldn't play favorites, but I couldn't help it with her. As soon as I heard her purr for the first time--it was the loudest purr I'd ever heard--I was hooked. I looked forward to visiting her every week, and now that she's gone, I'll miss the heck out of her. Ironically, I found out she now lives in an apartment just four blocks from mine! But I was specifically told, "No stalking the adopted animals, Elyse." Darn! I'll have to settle for the happy thought that she's powering her new home with that motor of hers. Thinking about it makes me smile.

If that news isn't enough for ya, I've got more. Jazzy Joyce, a 10-year-old Norwegian Forest, was here since March of 2006. It was difficult to find a home for her, because not only is she a senior, but she requires thyroid treatment and careful handling. Happily, an experienced cat owner met Jazzy and they were a perfect match! Our whole staff is misty eyed over this adoption.

Well, as much as I love success stories, let's get down to business. I want to see more adoptions, so here goes! These guys reside together in one of our cat habitats:

They are Ramon, Gustavo and Jonah. Give these playful kittens a toy and life is good! But watch out for Jonah, he's a smart one. If you try to hold a toy out of reach, he will find a way to get to it.

** 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.

The Greatest Role of All

Last Monday, Emmy Award-winning actress Kristen Johnston adopted Pinky, a seven-year-old pit bull mix from the ASPCA adoption center.

The friendly, feisty pooch caught the eye of Johnston, who spotted her at a recent ASPCA mobile adoption event in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Pinky, formerly called Cookie by our staff, has been at the ASPCA since she was rescued by Special Agent Adam Gankiewicz of the ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department last summer. She underwent surgery to repair her broken hip at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

A star of the stage and screen, Johnston received her Emmy Award for her role as Sally on 3rd Rock from the Sun, and shone as hysterical man-hating Beatrice in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. You also know her as Lexi Featherstone from Sex and the City and Drew Barrymore's older sister, Rhonda, in the romantic-comedy Music & Lyrics (she stole the show in that one!).

But we think her finest role is that of dog lover—she is an avid supporter of animal rescue, having rescued several lovable, homeless pups in the past. We wish her and Pinky years of happiness!

Why We're Thankful to our Pets Today

Why we're thankful to our dogs:

• They make great pillows
• They make us feel like superheroes when we walk through the door
• A tail wag a day keeps the doctor away (and we get about 1,437 tail wags)
• They make us strive to be the perfect humans they think we are
• More loyal friends don't exist in this world
  

Why we're thankful to our cats:

• We don't have to worry about forgetting to set our alarm clocks
• They have an uncanny way of being there when we need them the most
• They sure know how to carry a conversation
• They see to it that we keep our minds sharp
• We never know just where we're going to find them--in a box, in the sink, buried in laundry...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR PETS!

Adoption Diaries: A Day of Firsts

Elyse's Adoption Diary

It was kind of by accident that I ended up helping a cat find a home! The folks at the adoption center desk were super busy (those are the days we like and want, of course) and asked if I was a cat socializer. I said I was, and next thing I knew I was escorting a mom and her two kids to meet Baby Boy!

Baby Boy was an easy "sell" with his gorgeous coat and unlimited affection. When he sat on the 5-year-old's lap, that was that. The family was hooked and Baby Boy went home.

Feeling good, I took Fresca for a walk. This was my first solo walk, both at the ASPCA and in my life. So what sounds pretty simple and mundane for most dog people was intimidating for me! Of course, I chose an easy-going small senior who was sweet as could be and gave me no problems. She was a pro--she knew exactly what to do and which way to go when we hit the streets. She practically walked me!

This here is Mattie. I caught a great moment on film, in which he was jumping for joy as someone approached to walk him--unfortunately, I had my camera turned the wrong way. D'oh! But I'm including the clip anyway, just 'cause it's so gosh darn cute.

"Wheeeeee, someone's coming to walk me!"

I spent a long time with Magoo, a blind old boy. At first we were both hesitant with each other, but after his initial investigation, he decided I was a good egg and sat on my lap so we could exchange purrs.

** 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.

Send a Thanksgiving e-card!

Okay, so this Thanksgiving e-card was meant to be for kids, but you know you want to send it to all your grownup family and friends, too!
Just click on the animated card and find out what holiday mischief this dog gets himself into!

Moderation and Common Sense Make a Safe Thanksgiving for Pets

Before you dig into your holiday feast and share with your pet, please take a few minutes to read the transcript of our online community’s chat with the ASPCA’s Dana Farbman, CVT, Senior Manager, Professional Communications, and Dr. Eric Dunayer, Veterinary Toxicologist. These two experts gave fantastic advice on how to prevent your furry ones from consuming potentially hazardous “goodies” during the holidays.

Every year, I use sage in my Thanksgiving stuffing. My cat is attracted to the smell—he will jump on the counter to get it. Is sage bad for cats?
—Cynthia

Sage (Salvia species) is considered to be edible in small amounts. However, it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and even central nervous system depression if eaten in large quantities.

Cats are sensitive to the effects of essential oils, so for safety’s sake, I suggest you break the bad news to kitty and keep him away from the sage you are cooking with this Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful holiday season!
—Dana Farbman, CVT

Click here to read the rest of the transcript.

The Auction Has Begun!

At the beginning of the month we announced the upcoming eBay auction of the autographed Komfort Pets pet carrier. Now that the auction is live, here is the info again:

Komfort Pets, the company who brought the first ever climate-controlled pet carrier to market, announced that they will auction off a carrier signed by celebrities. Proceeds from Komfort Pets carrier will benefit the ASPCA!Celebrities had an opportunity to autograph this carrier at the GBK Productions Emmy gifting suite on September 12th, 13th and 14th.

Those who lent their signature for this cause include: Debra Messing, James Pickens Jr., Lorraine Bracco, Paula Abdul, Kevin Dillon, Cheryl Hines, Rebecca Gayheart, Seth Green, Rex Lee, Mario Lopez, Michael Urie, Beau Bridges, Bradley Whitford, Blair Underwood, Stacy Keibler, Michael Maloney, William Baldwin, Michael Madsen and Leeza Gibbons.

Bidding ends November 19th on eBay. To place your bid, here's the link!Celebrity-Signed Komfort Pets Carrier to Benefit the ASPCA

For more info on the carrier’s cool features, like auto heating and cooling, visit http://www.komfortpets.com/.

Adoption Diaries: I Think I'll Go For a Walk Outside Now...

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

I can officially walk level one (easy) dogs at the ASPCA adoption center now! This weekend I completed my training. Dog Captain Neal Kushner, who generously donates his time on Saturdays to train new volunteers on dog walking, gave us a whopping 3-hour lesson. After giving his table talk, Neal took us out to walk Cookie.

Cookie is a darling 7-year-old pit mix with unusually large ears for her breed! She was a delight to walk with outside--cooperative and inquisitive. All three of us in training took turns walking her...and guess which one of us got the honor of demonstrating her first poop scooping?

I returned to the adoption center yesterday. There seem to be a whole lot of puppies there right now! Speaking of puppies, Bella's bunch are growing beautifully. Here, see for yourself!

Remember how small they were in my last photo?

My 'lil video clip du jour is of Zena. I didn't get to know her well, but I hung with her long enough to fall in love with that amazing tongue of hers! Observe her conversation with a dog mate:



Don't worry, I didn't neglect the cats! (As if!) Of course, I made my usual trip to the "fat cat habitat" and hung with Whitney (guys, why is she still there? Did you NOT see last week's purr video??). Whitney's buddy Missy turned out to be a real mush ball too. Give her a head rub and she's golden.

Over in Habitat 1 is Fresca. She likes to hang out in the window and observe NYC foot traffic, and she apparently also likes to pose for photographs.

** 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.

Top Ten Winter Tips

Brrrr…it’s getting cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.

9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for more information.

10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Live Chat With ASPCA Toxicology Experts -- TODAY!!

Has it hit you yet? The holidays are coming! Time to start preparing! And to help ensure that the furry members of your family have a safe and happy season, too, we’ll be holding a live online chat with two toxicology experts from the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. On hand to discuss how to keep your pets safe from all the potentially toxic “goodies” that enter the home this time of year will be Dana Farbman, CVT, Senior Manager, Professional Communications, and Dr. Eric Dunayer, Veterinary Toxicologist.

Wanna find out how to keep your pets away from your Hanukah chocolates, or which foods from the Thanksgiving buffet are safe to give your pooch? Our chat will be held today, Friday, November 9, from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST, and will take place in our new ASPCA Online Community.

Adoption Diaries: Reunited!

Elyse's Adoption Diary

Whitney's back in her habitat! For those who don't recall, Whitney is the fabulous white cat I fell for weeks back. I had to endure a couple weeks without her as I waited for her to recover from her upper respiratory infection. Now, she's back and purrier than ever. I had to take a video so you could hear this loud motor for yourself. Observe:

My favorite part is toward the end, when you see her rest her head on my lap.

I implore you, give her a good home! As much as I'll miss her, I'll be thrilled to see her gone. This 4-year-old white love ball is waiting for the chance to make someone very happy and spoiled. I'd take her myself if my own cats would let me.


Aaaaand this is Tulip. Tulip has been here at the ASPCA for almost 2 years. She was rescued by our Humane Law Enforcement officers, who found her scarily emaciated. They took her back to the ASPCA, and within a week, she regained 48% of her weight! That's half a Tulip! Now, I must admit she has a pretty good life, living in a corner office and getting pampered all day by the corporate folks who work on her floor.

Everybody stopped me to tell me how much they loved Tulip and to please get her adopted (so come on, people, my reputation is at stake). Even though Tulip likes "her" office, Tulip needs a great home, a place she doesn't wonder where everyone went off to on weekends and national holidays. Besides, we want to give other cats a chance to be an office foster.

Hey, I have two more adoptions to report! Gomez, a wonderful and kind cat, and a little funny pooch, Hedley, found homes. Thanks for all the warm comments you've sent about these guys! Keep up the good work! Who knows, you may have helped guide their adopters to them.

** 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.

Love Really Does Come in All Sizes!

This is Gibson, the Great Dane, joined by Boo Boo, the toy Chihuahua. What do they have in common? They are both world record holders.

To read the full story, click here.

"Measuring a whopping 3.6 feet, gentle giant Gibson was named tallest dog back in 2004. Joining him in the hall of fame for 2007 is tiny Boo Boo, who only measures 3.6 inches tall and is smaller than Gibson's head."

This Week is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week!

Have you been telling yourself that you really ought to stop by your local shelter some time soon? Well, this week is the perfect time to do it!

Let the folks at your shelter know how grateful you are for the work they are doing. Many of them are volunteers, and their best—and only—reward is to improve the lives of the animals with whom they so tirelessly work.

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week was launched in 1996 by the Humane Society of the United States. The HSUS says: “This campaign was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services.”

Click here to see the ASPCA’s list of 10 ways you can help your local shelter.

Animal Precinct Finale Airs Tonight!

Tonight. 10:00 P.M. EST. Be there.

Turn on the tube and tune in to the year’s final episode of the show that takes viewers on patrol with New York City's ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents. The grand finale captures NYC’s finest on film as they unearth an animal cruelty case in Brooklyn involving 21 dogs—including seven starving pups—while, across town, agents check out a severely matted dog named Cloudy.

(What do you mean it’s Friday night and you had better plans? Cancel them!)

Stay tuned for new episodes in 2008 and, in the meantime, catch up on all the past episodes you missed!

ASPCA on Halloween!

76 trombones led the big parade…

Apparently, dogs all over New York City heard this song, and the news about these trombones traveled fast! Dozens of dogs showed up prepared for a big brass meal! Boy, were they disappointed to learn the truth—but they had a good time at the parade anyway. The pooches came from rescues and shelters all around the city. Ever in Halloween spirit, they were dressed in inspired costumes.

ASPCA staffers joined the annual Greenwich Village Halloween parade, proudly representing in orange and handing out hundreds of orange wristbands to the crowd! The ASPCA and other animal organizations walked alongside a fabulous "Animals Love NYC" float, sponsored by New York Tails Magazine, Q1043 FM , Bella Starlet Dog Talent, Street Treats and Tribeca-Soho Animal Hospital.

Click here to see more ASPCA pics from the parade (and you get to see a few shots of the staffers at the office, too!).

Ladies and Gentleman Pet Parents, Start Your Bidding!

Komfort Pets, the company who brought the first ever climate-controlled pet carrier to market, announced that they will auction off a carrier signed by celebrities. Proceeds from Komfort Pets carrier will benefit the ASPCA!

Celebrities had an opportunity to autograph this carrier at the GBK Productions Emmy gifting suite on September 12th, 13th and 14th. Those who lent their signature for this cause include: Debra Messing, James Pickens Jr., Lorraine Bracco, Paula Abdul, Kevin Dillon, Cheryl Hines, Rebecca Gayheart, Seth Green, Rex Lee, Mario Lopez, Michael Urie, Beau Bridges, Bradley Whitford, Blair Underwood, Stacy Keibler, Michael Maloney, William Baldwin, Michael Madsen and Leeza Gibbons.

Bidding begins November 14th, and ends November 19th on eBay (http://www.ebay.com/). For more info on the carrier’s cool features, like auto heating and cooling, visit http://www.komfortpets.com/.