Adoption Diaries: Silly Is As Silly Does

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

I begin with a video. This is Coco, who was wearing a bow and whom I naturally assumed to be female.


But no, she is a he! Make sure to watch the last few seconds of this clip. Coco is a 1-year-old Yorkie who gets terribly excited when other dogs pass by.

This is me catching Camry at the end of a yawn. Boy, it's exhausting work sitting around all day doing nothing.

Princess is a beaut who's been here suspiciously long. She came to us in September, and was appropriately named--after all, the royal Missus has two cages all to herself. Something tells me she wouldn't have it any other way!

Here we have Marvin, 3 years. I saw him on my way out and couldn't resist opening his door. I love me a golden. Now, usually when I know I'm heading to the adoption center, I wear appropriate clothing. Which means...NOT black. But on this day I had someplace to go after, so I wore my black dress pants. Painful as it was, I was careful to avoid letting animals rub on me. That is, until I met Marvin. He spent a good five minutes trying his darnedest to get as close to me as he could, and I finally said screw it and gave in. I left covered in gold, but with no regrets.

** 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.

Make 'Em All Say AWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Bypass the candy and flowers this Valentine’s Day—how cliché, right? A professional portrait of you and your real true love—your pet—is the ultimate gift.

For a $75 donation to the ASPCA, you will get a 30-minute professional photo shoot at the ASPCA’s 424 East 92nd Street headquarters with photographer Geoffrey Tischman. You’ll also receive a 5 X 7 portrait from the shoot, and when you order additional Valentine’s Day cards and custom prints, 50 percent of those funds will benefit the homeless animals at the ASPCA.

Tischman will be available on Friday, February 1, and Saturday, February 2, from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. As space is limited and RSVPs are required, please call (212) 876-7700, ext. 4586 to reserve your spot.

P.S. All pets are welcome—the furry, the feathered and the scaly!

Adoption Diaries: Cast of Characters

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

The best part about Sneaker is she wasn't in this pose just for me. Oh, no. This is how I found her when I walked in the room. I always marvel at the positions cats find comfortable. Sneaker turned out to be as sweet as she looks. She'd never have left my lap if I didn't eventually have to move.
Yankee is a hoot. He was actually less interested in me and more interested in watching everyone pass by and say hello to him. Yankee comes alive when he's offered a treat. I watched Jimmy Aponte, an Adoptions ACT, reward the sweet pit for shaking paw and sitting. Yankee's definitely a smart one! But don't take my word for it, see for yourself:


Thelma is hysterical! And apparently, loved. She couldn't go two seconds without getting a greeting from an ASPCA staffer. They kept walking by and smiling at her. Well, just look, she's delightfully ridiculous! You'd never know she's 12 years old.

What more do I need to say about Courtney except that she's one month old and likes to climb on crotches? She broke many-a-heart as people walked in and wanted her, only to be told she was on hold.
I owe Dillon and all of his black-cat cousins a lifetime of humble service...when I was a little girl I didn't think black cats were beautiful. What was I thinking? Look at that face! Those penetrating eyes! Ack! What a love dumpling.

So, did ya find anyone you want to take home?

** 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 Digits, Dawg!

We're here to brag--er, humbly report--that ASPCA adoptions at its Manhattan headquarters and mobile adoption center, as well as mobile spay/neuter surgeries, each experienced double digit increases in 2007. Whoo hoo!

“The plight of homeless animals is still a significant concern in New York City,” said ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. “But by focusing on increasing adoptions and preventing unwanted litters, we’re increasing exponentially the number of lives we can save.”

In 2007, a total of 2,728 cats and dogs were adopted, a 21 percent increase over 2006, when 2,253 were adopted. “This is the largest percentage increase we’ve ever seen in a one-year span,” said Gail Buchwald, the ASPCA’s Senior Vice President of Animal Placement and Mobile Clinic Outreach.

The rise in adoptions at the ASPCA in 2007 is attributed in part to a $5 million, state-of-the-art renovation completed in the fourth quarter of 2006, which increased the capacity in its Pet Adoption Center by 40 percent. The quality housing space, in a cheerful and cage-free environment, helps showcase pets and increase their chances for adoption.

**Click here to check out the available animals at the ASPCA, and get a tour of our awesome adoption center!

United With Love

Happy Martin Luther King Day! If Dr. King were here today, he would surely remind you of his dream that animals should not be judged by the color of their fur, but by the content of their character.

One Million Strong!

Slaps on the back all around...we did it! Back in September 2006, we first asked you to lend your support—and signatures—to the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, started by the UK-based World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). The petition calls on governments all over the world to accept animal welfare as an important issue.

We are thrilled to report that on December 22, 2007, Costa Rican President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oscar Arias signed the petition, making him its one-millionth signatory! WSPA’s goal for 2008 is two million more signatures on the petition, and its ultimate goal is 10 million signatures and United Nations adoption of the declaration.

Every nation in the world is now represented on the petition. Have you signed it yet? To find out more about the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, please visit http://www.animalsmatter.org/.

Adoption Diaries: Kids Will Be Kids

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

Meet Freedom, the bonafide goofball pit pup, who at any given time can be found sitting on top of the crate in his kennel, and never in. Look at those ears! I still get silly looking at them!! By the way, forgive the reflection, this photo was obviously taken through the glass. Why? Because whenever I attempt to open their doors for my photo, the animals stop doing the cute thing they were doing to run for the door and greet me!

Ah, Billie. Sometimes I walk into the room and figure out which kitty I'm going to play with first, and sometimes the decision is made for me. Upon my entrance Billie started yelling at me--she wanted out! Sucker that I am, I obliged, and opened her door. She jumped to the floor, then on to my lap as soon as I sat down. She proceeded to purr and rub at will. I wanted to photograph her, but she kept getting too close and sticking her face in the camera, so I finally set her down with toy so I could show you guys her Reeses peanut butter fur. (I always think of peanut butter and chocolate when I see calicos).

Holly is a 2-month-old pup with toys strewn about, and here she is munching on the one non-toy in the kennel. Boy, animals and children really are the same, aren't they?

Here's a fun guessing game; who is real and who is stuffed?

Good news about Cous-Cous, the unfortunate sweetheart who came to us after being hit by a car--she is now recovering in a foster home!

** 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.

Ohio, End State Law's Discrimination Against Pit Bulls

BILL:

HB 366—Removes Pit Bills from Definition of Vicious Dog

We’re calling out to Ohio residents today—Please email the letter below to your representative in the Ohio House and to House leadership, urging them to support HB 366 and schedule it for proponent testimony.

On Wednesday, January 9, the Ohio House Infrastructure, Homeland Security and Veteran Affairs (ISV) Committee heard sponsor testimony on HB 366. Please urge your representative, along with House leadership, to support HB 366 and to request that their colleagues on the ISV Committee schedule it for a hearing at which proponents like you can speak in its favor.

HB 366 is important legislation that would remove pit bulls from the Ohio dangerous dog law's definition of "vicious dog." This would mean that only an unprovoked dog who injures a person or kills another dog may be deemed "vicious."

Further, by removing pit bulls from the vicious dog definition, HB 366 would ensure that dog owners could not be prosecuted under state law merely because of their dogs’ breed or appearance. Under Ohio law, the owner of a vicious dog must comply with certain confinement requirements and purchase a $100,000 liability insurance policy. Failure to do so is a crime subject to fines and imprisonment--and ultimately, the seizure and destruction of one’s dog.

Importantly, there is no evidence that breed-specific laws reduce dog bites. However, there is significant evidence that well-enforced, breed-neutral laws do. In fact, experts in the field have concluded that only breed-neutral laws can keep communities safe. Please visit the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Resource Center for more information on breed-specific laws.

LINK TO LETTER

Winter Safety Tips--Live Chat This Friday!

Do big dogs need to wear a coat in the snow?

What should I have stocked in case of a blizzard?

What are some winter hazards to steer clear of?

Baby, it’s cold outside, and that means staying extra alert and being ultra cautious during harsh winter months. Want some tips on keeping your pets safe this season? Come join our live chat with the ASPCA’s Dr. Jennifer Lander, Manager of Animal Health, Friday, January 18th, from noon to 2:00 P.M. E.S.T.

An accredited member of several national and state veterinary associations, Dr. Lander lives in New York City with her husband, their two sons, and Casey, a 14-year-old lab-mix.

Flip Out!

Chicas, how would you like to score a $5,000 scholarship toward education just by doing what you do anyway—showing off your love for animals! All you have to do is create a digital scrapbook. Check out Flip.com, the new “for girls, by girls” user-generated-content site where you can create your own scrapbooks—called "flipbooks"— using music, backgrounds, borders, stickers, animations, etc.

Scholarflips is focused on rewarding girls for what they care about most. Flip.com and the ASPCA have partnered on this program to give girls the opportunity to share their passion for animal rights by creating a flipbook about it.

How to Enter: Using photos, video, text and some exclusive images provided by the ASPCA, create a flipbook and share your love of animals with others. One grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship towards education. Click here to view a sample flipbook.

Enter now!

Reminder: Live Expert Chat Today--Animal Assisted Therapy

How do I know if my pet qualifies to be a therapy animal?

How do I get my pet started in animal assisted therapy?

Where are therapy animals needed?

Think a cuddle from your dog could light up an elderly person’s face? Maybe your cat’s company will help a child concentrate better on his reading. Whether you’re interested in getting your pet started with animal assisted therapy, or would just like to learn more about it, now’s your chance to talk to the ASPCA’s Manager of Animal Assisted Therapy, Greer Griffith. She will be joining us for a live chat today, January 11, from noon to 2:00 P.M. Be sure to log into the ASPCA Online Community to participate.

*Click here to read up on the ASPCA’s affiliation with the Delta Society, a national organization that aims to improve human health through the assistance of service and therapy animals, and to get information on the animal assisted therapy classes we offer you and your dog.

Adoption Diaries: Big is Beautiful

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

Last night on Jeopardy! there was a category on dog breeds, and let's just say I didn't quite get all five questions...answers...you know what I mean... right. I still have a lot to learn about dogs. Like the difference between a fat one and a pregnant one.

This beautiful Basset is Lucille. When she stands up, her belly droops almost to the ground. Between that and her protruding doggie nipples, I thought for sure that she was pregnant. As I have a litter of one coming myself, I thought Lucille and I were sisters, kindred spirits, and sat myself down with her to bond. I pet her belly, she flopped her ears--we were pals. It wasn't until later I was told she's actually just really fat. Pretty, but fat. Oh well, I still love her!

And speaking of cat, Biscuit is the biggest cat I've ever seen. Naturally, he's in the "fat cat habitat." He's also a giant mushball. He's a complete sweetheart and everyone at the adoption center loves him.

Here are Pearl and Usher. I'll leave it to you to guess who's who in the photo. They would be awesome cats to adopt together. I just think it'd be so cool to have one cat who's pure white and the other pure gray. And they are both incredibly sweet and purry. The difference in personality is hysterical--when I opened the cage door Usher came to me and rubbed all over me, completely working his charm, while she just sat there like a princess, asleep, ignoring all the action. I figured she was prissy until I gave her the slightest head rub--she rolled over and gave me a belly show. I love this duo!

I don't have much to say about Brandy except awwwwwwwwwwww. Look at that scrunchy wunchy! She's the type of cat who totally makes you delve into baby talk.

Poor Cous Cous. She came to us with a broken pelvis after a car accident. Maxine and Steve, a married couple who volunteer every week, told me she's looking much stronger now. Apparently a few weeks ago she barely got up. Now, she's affectionate and would do great in a foster home. Any takers?

** 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.

Nutrition Q & A: Are Tomatoes Safe?

Can I occasionally feed my dog tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, watermelon, honeydew and Crenshaw melons?
—Kathy

Although ingestion of ripe tomatoes may be harmless, Kathy, ingestion of the green parts of the plant or green tomatoes may result in clinical symptoms such as increased salivation, not wanting to eat, severe stomach upset, diarrhea, drowsiness, central nervous system depression, confusion, changes in behavior, weakness, dilated pupils and slow heart rate. We are not aware of reports indicating that eggplant, bell peppers, watermelon, honeydew, or Crenshaw melon are dangerous for dogs, but adding any new food to your dog's diet can cause adverse reactions.

If you notice any significant changes after giving your dog these foods, we would recommend removing them from his diet. However, if there are no adverse reactions and he enjoys the foods as a treat, they should be okay sometimes. Just keep in mind, treats should not constitute more than five to 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. The vast majority of his calories should come from a high-quality nutritionally complete pet food.

Please take a look at the information on our website about toxic and nontoxic plants, including potentially toxic garden plants.

We also provide information on a variety of people foods and products you may wonder about, and foods that must be avoided because they are harmful to pets.

Adoption Diaries: New Year , New Cuties

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

Happy New Year! What better way to kick off a new year than to visit little furry ones? I made a resolution to go see them even more often and play with them longer...maybe you can, too!

To get this party started...puppies!

This is Holly and Patty. Just 2 months on this planet and they're already fighting for the camera's attention!

Awww, Rudy! He really is as cute in person as he is in this photo! I was taken aback by how calm and sedate this 7-year-old is. He likes to be pet and it says on his card that he gets really attached to people and wants a home where he won't be too lonely. Bestill my heart! He still needs to finish up his medical work (he had bladder stones removed) before he can be adopted.
I was stricken by Amber's pretty face. She is 2 years old, and yelled at me to open her cage. But when I obliged, she stood there, frozen. It took her a few minutes to warm up to me. She was more shy and nervous than she was mean. She was actually pretty sweet. Makes you wonder what they've been through before coming here...

Uh, yeah, I don't know their names. I just snapped the picture cuz they were so cute and forgot about everything else. Sorry, guys, I'll make it up to you and get you your P.R. next week!

Introducing...Feline Dancing Queen! My boss, ASPCA Web Editor Pune Dracker, dances when she's not editing. She swears this kitty is doing an arabesque! If only we were all that flexible...

** 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.

Because What's More Therapeutic Than Doggies and Kitties?

How do I know if my pet qualifies to be a therapy animal?

How do I get my pet started in animal assisted therapy?

Where are therapy animals needed?

Think a cuddle from your dog could light up an elderly person’s face? Maybe your cat’s company will help a child concentrate better on his reading. Whether you’re interested in getting your pet started with animal assisted therapy, or would just like to learn more about it, now’s your chance to talk to the ASPCA’s Manager of Animal Assisted Therapy, Greer Griffith. She will be joining us for a live chat next Friday, January 11, from noon to 2:00 P.M. Be sure to log into the ASPCA Online Community to participate.

*Click here to read up on the ASPCA’s affiliation with the Delta Society, a national organization that aims to improve human health through the assistance of service and therapy animals, and to get information on the animal assisted therapy classes we offer you and your dog.

Happy New Year!

If your pets are having trouble coming up with some New Year’s
Resolutions, you can gently suggest some of these! At best, you’ll provide your furry ones with some comic relief.

Dogs:
• I resolve to lick my privates in…well, private.
• I resolve to show compassion toward my feline counterparts.
• I resolve to stay away from designer shoes and stick to department store brands (after all, these are supposed to be realistic).
• I resolve to refuse the broccoli little Johnny sneaks under the table at dinner—the boy needs it more than I do.
• I resolve to wait patiently and quietly when it’s time for a walk.
• I resolve to chase someone else’s tail for a change.
• I DO NOT resolve to avoid slobbering kisses all over you. There are some things you’ll just have to deal with because I love you.

Cats:
• I resolve to confine all claw action to the scratching post you lovingly bought me.
• I resolve to quit the “I’m starving” theatrics when you have friends over. I know I’m perfectly well fed.
• I resolve to tolerate my canine counterparts. “Tolerate,” not to be confused with “welcome.”
• I resolve to make myself useful. Maybe this year I’ll get off the couch and finally get that mouse!
• I resolve to respect your plants and picture frames.
• I resolve to allow your real alarm clock to go off instead of taking it upon myself to be your alarm.
• I DO NOT resolve to keep my ever shedding hair off your bed. I love you and you’ll have to deal with my wanting to be near you all night.

Here’s to a warm and fuzzy 2008 for you and your family members—the furry and the non!