Don't Forget...

The whole family needs some kissin' at midnight tonight!

'Tis The Season...Sorta!

It's never too early to start next year's Christmas shopping! Not when there are sales to be had.

Check out our online store for amazing discounts on the cutest holiday cards, ornaments and stockings.

Merry Christmas!

What greater gift can you have today than to wake up to the sight of your dog in happy slumber under the tree, or your cat mischieveously rummaging through the packages!

How do you include your pets in your holiday celebration? Do they have their own stockings? Are there gifts waiting for them under the tree? Will you allow them to steal pet-friendly scraps of your holiday meal and pretend not to notice?

We'd love to hear from you! Just post a comment and tell us all about your holiday with your furry familly members.

Jason Taylor Has a New Defensive Strategy

Don’t sit on the sidelines, animal lovers—come join Miami Dolphin Jason Taylor on the ASPCA team! In a brand-new public service announcement (PSA) created by the ASPCA in partnership with the National Football League, Jason introduces us to his good buddy of 11 years, Bear the Akita. “Nothing compares to the love and loyalty of a pet,” says the defensive end. “This little guy’s a big part of my team….and today, we need you to get in this game.”

Jason is not only a football star, animal hero, and in the opinion of some female ASPCA staffers, dreamy—he was recently selected to play on the AFC Pro Bowl squad! Whoo-hoo!

**Got a blog or profile?
Help us spread the message by adding this video!

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Adoption Diaries: 'Tis The Season For Overwhelming Cuteness

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

Reason 893 to love this time of year--coat season for doggies! It was a visual feast to watch the parade of dogs entering and leaving our adoption center this week, sporting their handsome sweaters and coats.

I have a thing about spaniels, and Lady is an especially pretty one! She's nine years old and has stunning brown spots on her white fur. And her ears speak for themselves--amazing! Just look at her photo!

While Lady was all beauty, I especially fell for her less attractive (by society standards, harumph!) poodle roommate, Max. I read on the kennel card that he wasn't at all playful. But he must have come out of his shell since that was written, because if this isn't playful, what is?



Sure, he's not exactly an Olympic athlete, but who needs that when you have a dog who can cuddle? Max and I curled up together on his bed for the longest time. I was in furry heaven.

So remember Whitney, my first love? Well, I'm in love again. The Persian kittens above are comically named Romeo and Juliet. They're a bit scary looking, but I think they're the coolest cats on the planet. Despite the permanent scowls on their face and black noses (as opposed to pink), they curled up together on my lap and purred an purred as I stroked their soft, long, fur. Have I mentioned how much I love cats with long fur? I'd take these guys home in a heartbeat. They probably won't be there by the time I visit next. So this love affair is sadly short lived, I'm sure.

** 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.

Double the Impact of Your Donation

News alert, news alert! Thanks to a generous $50,000 Challenge grant, every contribution you make to the ASPCA before year end will be matched dollar for dollar until we meet our goal of $50,000! This will seriously increase (double, in fact!) the impact of your donation and membership dollars.

This Challenge is for a limited time only, so give today. Donations and memberships sent by December 31, 2007, qualify as 2007 tax deductions.

The Sentence is In for Michael Vick

The ASPCA applauds the sentence received on Monday, December 10, by NFL quarterback Michael Vick. Vick, who pleaded guilty in August to federal charges in connection with a dogfighting operation on his property in Virginia, appeared before Judge Henry Hudson in Richmond, VA, and was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison, effective immediately. This is at the higher end of the federal sentencing guidelines of 18 to 24 months and is to be followed by a three-year probation period, during which time Vick is forbidden to own or have any contact with dogs other than supporting humane organizations.

“This is a significant moment in the history of animal cruelty prosecution,” says Ed Sayres, ASPCA President & CEO. “It sends a clear message to criminals everywhere—this kind of barbaric cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.”

Vick will serve 23 months minus the time he has already served since surrendering himself early. Two of his codefendants, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, were sentenced to 18 and 21 months respectively, on November 30.

The ASPCA is proud to have assisted federal investigators in many aspects of the case, such as participating in the excavation of graves and examination of remains, leading a team of animal behavior experts in evaluating the dogs seized from Vick’s Virginia property and making recommendations to the United States Department of Agriculture and U.S. Attorney’s office regarding the disposition of the dogs. “This case was investigated and prosecuted in a remarkably swift, thorough and collaborative fashion, and we have been honored to assist,” says Sayres. “It gives us some comfort that the animals who suffered did not do so in vain.”

Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing criminal process, further details cannot be made available at this time. However, to keep abreast of ongoing developments in the Michael Vick case, please visit the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Resource Center.

Calling Those With Cash to This Big Bash

When do fine dining and animals go together? New Year’s Eve! Presented by Esquire magazine, Cipriani’s official New Year’s Eve party at 55 Wall Street means getting dressed up to the nines, eating a fabulous meal, unlimited champagne…and oh yes, saving animals! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the ASPCA.

All packages include:

-Premium Open Bar 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.
-Champagne toast at midnight
-Cocktail style seating and VIP table service
-Live broadcast of Times Square Ball Drop
-Celebratory party favors

Check out the event’s website to buy tickets or…marvel. And hey, don’t be surprised if instead of a midnight kiss this year, you get a midnight lick. From your grateful pet, of course.

Adoption Diaries: Beauty

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

I can't help but boast about our adoption center here at the ASPCA. The fact that we have habitats to enable cats to socialize with one another amazes me! I was hanging out in the habitat by the front window, taking notes on a little black teenaged kitten, when I was bombarded by a hunk of orange love. Riley came roaring over to me, lept on to my lap, and began purring, rubbing and licking--he made himself right at home! I'll never know what made him like me so much, but Riley was a wonderful start to my time at the shelter after a long day at work.


Hard as it was, I eventually managed to pry myself away from Riley and move on (covered in orange hair, naturally.)

This is Levi, a gorgeous collie. His beauty took my breath away! Just look at those ears, and that wonderful tongue! Levi is almost two years old and chock full of puppy energy. He was so excited when I walked into his kennel that he could hardly stand it! Some lucky adopter is going to have tons of fun throwing around a tennis ball with Levi. I can't wait to hear about it!

Ah, Art. Art may just have one eye, but I don't think it will take too long for him to be adopted. A. We have many beautiful souls who come in and are taken with animals who are handicapped or have special needs, and B. Art is the mushiest lover imaginable!

** 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.

Watch CSI Tonight...Trust Us!

MUST-SEE TV: CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, "LYING DOWN WITH DOGS"
Don't miss this very special episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Focusing on the brutal and illegal world of dog fighting, the episode was created in close consultation with two ASPCA experts considered leaders in their field—Dr. Randall Lockwood, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Initiatives, and Dr. Melinda Merck, ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian and the country’s only “animal CSI.” The pair has assisted in the prosecution of several high-profile dog fighting and animal cruelty cases, including the recent Michael Vick case.

The episode will air tonight, December 13, from 9:00 P.M. to 10:00 PM, EST/PST on CBS. For more information on dog fighting, please visit ASPCA.org.

Footage of the ASPCA on NBC's Today show

Click here to watch!

Watch ASPCA President Ed Sayres and our very own Forensics Veterinarian Dr. Melinda Merck unveil the news that made history today!

Forensics First

Good news! We’re ready to tell you what we were so hush-hush about yesterday. On NBC’s “Today” show this morning we unveiled to the nation the first-ever “Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit.”

In other words, the ASPCA now has its own CSI truck! This is a specially designed vehicle outfitted with state-of-the-art forensics tools as well as medical equipment tailored to animal patients and the victims of crimes. This is a big step for man, and an even bigger step for animal-kind!

The truck will operate under the leadership of the nation’s premier forensic veterinarian, the ASPCA’s Dr. Melinda Merck, who, as you may know, is the nation’s only “animal CSI,” and who most recently assisted Federal authorities in the Michael Vick investigation. The mobile unit, which will be available to assist at crime scenes nationally, will allow Dr. Merck to examine and care for animals found at suspected crime scenes, and includes a surgical suite for animals in need of urgent care.
Talk about taking the prosecution of animal cruelty into the new millennium!

**Click here to take the pledge to fight animal cruelty.

Shhh! We’ve Got a Secret!

Wanna know what it is? Well, you’ll just have to tune in to the Today Show on NBC tomorrow, December 11, when we’ll be revealing a groundbreaking initiative that will take the fight against animal cruelty to the next level. Please watch and support us tomorrow as we announce this major first for the ASPCA—and for animals everywhere.

Our segment will air at approximately 8:30 AM, but to be safe, it’s best to start watching a bit earlier!

Remember--‘Tis Better to Give!

Want your gift to be the hit of the holidays? You can further the ASPCA’s lifesaving work by providing a gift membership to a loved one. An ASPCA gift membership makes a real difference in the fight to end animal cruelty and find permanent, loving homes for America’s adoptable pets.
All ASPCA gift memberships of $25 or more include a membership card, an ASPCA calendar, a free subscription to ASPCA Action and an ASPCA wristband. Don’t forget—a gift membership of $50 or more also includes a cuddly Harley dog!

Psst, if you need extra motivation…we bet it’ll make your mom cry.

Check out our website for more details.

Parents--Talk to Humane Education Expert TODAY at Noon!!

How do children learn to care about animals?

Does having a pet help my children socialize more easily?

How much help should I really expect from my kids in taking care of our pets?

This one goes out to the mamas and papas—and anyone else interested in educating children about being kind and respectful to animals! Please join Joanne Pentangelo, ASPCA Humane Education Specialist, for a live chat today, December 7, in the ASPCA Online Community. She’ll be there from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST to answer all your questions on children and humane education.

If you’d like to speak with Joanne, but aren’t sure what to ask, check out our Humane Education website. You’ll find excellent resources from books to parent newsletters and volunteer opportunities for kids.

Yes, by the way. That is a pig in the photo.

Vick Codefendants--Sentenced

The ASPCA applauds the strong sentences received on Friday, November 30, by two codefendants of NFL quarterback Michael Vick in the federal investigation against them. Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips—who pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges, including conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsoring a dog in an animal fighting venture—received sentences of 18 and 21 months respectively, which fall on the higher end of the federal sentencing guidelines. The two men will also be on probation for an additional three years, during which time they cannot have any contact with dogs.

“Judge Henry Hudson’s sentencing is extremely significant in the history of the prosecution of animal cruelty,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA President & CEO. “His decision clearly reflects the outrage felt over the cruelty inflicted upon these animals. We are deeply grateful that justice is being served.”

Vick, who voluntarily surrendered himself on November 19 to begin serving his prison term early, will face sentencing next Monday, December 10, in Richmond, VA.

The ASPCA has been assisting federal authorities in this case from the beginning of the investigation—most recently, having led a team of animal behavior experts in evaluating the dogs seized from Vick’s Virginia property. “We are incredibly proud to have played such an instrumental role in this landmark case which, I believe, will change the way America regards the cruel treatment of animals,” comments Sayres.

Due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing criminal process, further details cannot be made available at this time. To keep abreast of ongoing developments in the Michael Vick case, please visit the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Resource Center.

Adoption Diaries: Reigning Cats and Dogs

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

My first order of business was to play with Jersey. I confess I had no good reason except that she looked soft and would feel good in my arms.

She preferred roaming around to cuddling with me, but she stopped by every so often for a pat.

T.J. was similar. I love orange tabbies (I have two at home!), so when he gave me the eye, taking him out to play was a no-brainer. He tricked me, though. It wasn't me he wanted--he was after an adventure. He left me to explore the "neighborhood." When he finally did come to say hello, I was amazed at what a gorgeous, thick tail he had! Will you please look at this thing?

He was adopted the next day. No surprise there.

And now for the canine section of this diary--this is Max. I fell for him immediately because of his ears, one erect and one floppy. He's a couch potato sort of gent, and is looking for a quiet home with older kids (if any).

Oh my gosh, lots of puppy cuteness going on at the ASPCA this week! Observe!




** 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.

Won't You Adopt a Winning Dog?

In honor of this October’s Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month, we asked staffers all over the country to submit photos of special pooches who’ve been waiting way too long for their forever families. Our contest judge, amazing photographer Traer Scott, did a fantastic job of choosing the following adorable, silly, wiggly, alert, loyal, people-pleasing (not to mention photogenic!) dogs sniffing around for the place they’ll call home.

And here they are, pooches of the hour:

Please visit the contest website to see larger images of the dogs and learn more about them! And check out yesterday's blog entry to see winners in the public photo submission contest!

Dog Photo Contest Winners!

In honor of Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, this October we asked you to catch your pet in the act of being himself—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… We were overwhelmed with the number of high-quality entries this year, and are proud to show off the winners.

Congratulations and four paws up to our top dogs—and thanks to all who participated. A huge round of applause goes out to contest judge and amazing photographer Traer Scott, who had the tough task of selecting the best of the best.

Please visit the contest site to view larger images and learn all about these wonderful dogs.