Adoption Diaries: Having a Ball

Elyse's Adoption Diary:

So last night I volunteered at the Bergh Ball (Bergh is the guy who founded the ASPCA 142 years ago). This is our annual black-tie charity event. One of my jobs was to make sure the six dogs from our adoption center were out on the ballroom floor on time. How funny, the concept of giving dogs their cues!

The highlight of my evening was when I talked to two tall, pretty, skinny women for a good five minutes before realizing they were Miss USA and Miss Universe. They posed with the dogs and made their exit, presumably moving on to the next hot event in town. For the record, because I know you're dying to know, Miss Universe has 2 dogs and a cat, and Miss USA has no pets (but was glad to not have to leave them behind as she travels all year).

One of the dogs we featured last night was Cali. The pretty pit has been with us for a while now, and I was excited to see that she was put on hold this morning. I wonder if she met her match last night?

That covers the glitz and glamour portion of my entry. Now onto the business of this week's visit to the adoption center.

Tobias just had his eye removed due to infection, but this 8-month-old is happy as a clam now. He was full of playful cheer and purrs.

Hooch is a gorgeous senior mastiff who knows his basic manners and is a reigning couch potato. He recently had surgery, so for now he's chillin.'

Can't...roll...over... Almost...there...

Gibbons is 9 years old and can get spoiled and cranky, but that's just because he's been here since October. Who can blame him for being restless? He's nice when he wants to be, and likes other cats.


The kool kat in this video is Myles, our pet of the week. He has been learning tricks diligently from Katie Watts, ASPCA Feline Behavior Counselor. Between you and me, I think most cats would "bowl" if bowling means crashing into neatly lined up objects. But trust me, Myles is smart anyhow--he can also sit, wave and spin!

** Be sure to check out my Flickr page to see all the photos from my visits to the adoption center.

** View available animals at our adoption center.

ASPCA Animals Featured on Oprah.com!

Naturally, the Oprah Winfrey show is focusing on love today. And even more naturally, Oprah is making the wonderful connection between love and adopting an animal!

Check out the 20 featured dogs and cats on Oprah.com. They are all available at our ASPCA Adoption Center!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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 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.

But Did He Serenade the Shelter Animals?

Peter Yarrow visited our shelter this afternoon! Yep, that would be the Peter in Peter, Paul and Mary. He dropped in to surprise his assistant, Rachel Jackson, for her birthday (Happy Birthday, Rachel). Rachel is a volunteer dog walker here. Maybe some of Peter’s do-gooder spirit rubbed off on her…

While visiting, the folk singer met ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres and toured our recently renovated adoption center. Peter is the proud parent of a rescued Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix named Zackie, and recently penned a best-selling children's book titled—well, whaddya know!—Puff, the Magic Dragon.

You rock, Peter—thanks for stopping by!

Kitty’s Turn to Find Real Love!

Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Find me a find
Fetch me a fetch

We at the ASPCA are enjoying the success of our Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality™ program, which has spread to over 100 animal shelters nationwide. This program, which matches an animal’s personality to an adopter’s lifestyle and preferences, has resulted in fewer people returning their dogs.

Now, we’ll be launching the same program for cats and cat lovers, affectionately called: Meet Your Match™ Feline-ality™

Sharon L. Peters of USA Today reported this morning:

"Science is much better than emotion" in guiding a person to the perfect-for-you dog, says Emily Weiss, a certified applied animal behaviorist. She developed the two-pronged tool that assesses and classifies canines according to their personalities and likely post-adoption behavior and also quizzes would-be adopters.

The program was created to deal with the reality that as many as 20 of every 100 dogs adopted from some shelters are soon returned, many of them because of the dog's energy level or other personality traits.

The way Meet Your Match works: Shelter personnel conduct an assessment with each dog to determine its friendliness, playfulness, energy level and motivation or drive. Each dog is scored and placed into one of three color-coded maintenance categories: easy (purple), average (orange) or high (green). And within each of those three categories there are three descriptors, such as "life of the party," "wallflower" and "couch potato," all with details about specific behaviors that can be anticipated.

Humans, meanwhile, complete a five-minute, 18-question survey that provides insights into their expectations, previous dog-care experience, lifestyle and home environment. The questionnaire is scored, and the person is assigned a color that correlates with the type of dog or puppy that best fits.


Then an easy stroll through the facility quickly identifies, through the colored cards on each kennel, which dogs are the best fit for that.

As for creating a similar tool for cats, Weiss had to start back at square one. "Cats are a whole different animal," she says, laughing.

Beta testing in five facilities has shown the Feline-ality Meet Your Match program to be highly effective. Feline-ality™ is even helping them succeed in an area shelters struggle with: getting new homes for older cats.

Read the full article in USA Today!

Save Some Pooches in Greensboro—Hurry!

This is a shout-out to the people of Greensboro, NC. If you’re thinking about adopting a pet, now would be a great time to do so—and the Guilford County Animal Shelter is the place to go. Here’s why:

The Greensboro shelter may have to euthanize healthy, adoptable dogs because it must care for 15 pit bulls seized from the property of a man charged with dog fighting and animal cruelty.

"They're taking up 15 cages—that's 15 adoptable animals we can't hold," said Marsha Williams, Guilford County Animal Shelter's executive director. "We have doubled up on some animals."

Since the pit bulls were seized Friday, August 17th, the shelter has euthanized two other dogs with medical conditions because they didn't have cages for them, Williams said. Healthy, adoptable animals also may have to be euthanized, she said, though how many was impossible to predict.

"I couldn't even begin to imagine," she said Thursday. "Every day we have to make that decision based on how many animals come in.”

To read more, click here.

Guilford County Animal Shelter
4525 West Wendover Ave.
Greensboro, North Carolina 27409
Phone: (336) 297-5020

Remember—this is your chance to be a Greensboro Hero!

TAKE A TOUR OF THE ASPCA ADOPTION CENTER!

If you’re considering adding a four-legged member to the family, but don’t feel like being a tourist in your own city and wandering all over New York, you ought to get started with this video! Allison Cardona, Director of Volunteer Programs, takes viewers on a tour of the ASPCA’s ultra modern adoption facilities. Watch Brittney, an adorable pooch who comes to the center, get a makeover and meet her new pet mom.

As you stroll down Bark Avenue, you’ll see the neat glass-front puppy pens and the plush cat communities. We’ve eliminated ye olde cage system and our animals are livin’ it up in style until they can find forever homes.

In this video you’ll also learn more about the adoption process. Whether you’re looking for a new dog or cat, or just to say “Awwww,” click below to watch! But beware; if you didn’t want a pet before watching, you probably will after.

Don’t forget to visit our website and check out our adoptable animals!

ASPCA Hosts August Adoption Events Throughout NYC Boroughs

This August, our mobile adoption program is hosting and co-hosting several adoption events around New York City. We encourage all New Yorkers and friends interested in adopting an animal to visit these events. Adoption counselors will work with you to find the perfect pet for your lifestyle. All of the animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and tested for breed specific illness and disease. In addition, adopters who take home an animal from the ASPCA receive the following:

· A certificate for 14 days of free follow-up veterinary care and medical support at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital;
· A leash and collar or pet carrier to help you transport your new companion animal; and
· Literature and information about animal behavior and what to expect from your new pet.

The following are dates, times and locations for these events. You can also check out our website to view our adoptable animals.

Thursday, August 9, 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Petland Discounts
2708 Broadway (between 103rd & 104th)

Saturday, August 11, noon to 4:00 P.M.
The Body Shop
2159 Broadway at 75th St.

Sunday, August 12, noon to 4:00 P.M.
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton St. at S. Portland Ave
Ft. Greene, Brooklyn

Thursday, August 16, 4:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M.
Petland Discounts
2708 Broadway (between 103rd & 104th)

Saturday, August 18, noon to 4:00 P.M
The Body Shop
2159 Broadway at 75th St.

Sunday, August 19, noon to 4:00 P.M.
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton St. at S. Portland Ave
Ft. Greene, Brooklyn

Thursday, August 23, 4:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M.
Petland Discounts
2708 Broadway (between 103rd & 104th)

Saturday, August 25, noon to 4:00 P.M
The Body Shop
2159 Broadway at 75th St.

Sunday, August 26, noon to 4:00 P.M
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton St. at S. Portland Ave
Ft. Greene, Brooklyn

If you plan to adopt an animal during your visit to one of our mobile adoption events or from the ASPCA’s Pet Adoption Center in Manhattan, please bring two forms of identification (one with current address and one picture ID), the names of two personal references available by phone, vaccination records for any current pets in your home, and proof of income.

Please note the following adoption fees:
$75 for adult cats and most adult dogs
$125 for one kitten, $150 for two
$200 for puppies and small-breed dogs

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Maddie!

At just 2 1/2 years old, Maddie, a pit bull mix currently awaiting adoption at the ASPCA, is the complete package. Not only is she playful, sweet, affectionate and loyal, she is an extremely intelligent girl who has had a lot of obedience training.

“Maddie needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and loves obedience training,” says the ASPCA’s Trish McMillan, Senior Manager, Animal Behavior. “It would be great if her future owner took her to classes so she can show off what she knows.”

We gave Maddie medical rehabilitation and loving care after our Humane Law Enforcement agents rescued her from neglect. She is now ready to find a caring household where she can be the only pet, enjoy a good game of fetch and receive mental stimulation with clear direction and boundaries.

Come meet this girl who’s got it all at our 92nd Street Adoption Center, or call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. To see some of the other animals who are waiting for homes, please visit ASPCA.org.

New Video! ASPCA Charm School: Talented Hounds Abound

On Friday, February 2, the ASPCA Charm School Talent Show for Dogs proved just how adoptable and trainable shelter dogs are. The 13 canine contestants showed off their tricks in front of an enthusiastic audience of television crews, photographers and ASPCA staffers.

Our judges, two-time Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters, radio personality Angie Martinez, The Bachelor’s Prince Lorenzo Borghese and ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agent Annemarie Lucas, gave their rapt attention to the furry contenders. Dogs were judged on overall presentation, attentiveness to the handler and creativity of the tricks performed.

"The remarkable thing is that these are all dogs who have been rescued from neglectful situations, so they've come so far," says the ASPCA’s Allison Cardona.

Many of these talented contestants are still looking for a home! Please visit our Available Animals page for a full list.

ASPCA in the News: ASPCA Holds Talent Competition For Adoptable Pooches

NY1

February 02, 2007 -- The first-ever American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Charm School and Talent Show competition took place Friday in Manhattan.

Thirteen dogs took part in the event, which helped kick-off "I Love NYC Pets" month.

Read the rest of the news article...

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Jazzy Joyce!

Looking to make a faithful friend? Meet Jazzy Joyce—she’s all that. Sweet and calm, this four-year-old tortie-colored Norwegian forest cat will climb up onto your lap for some quality time. Like other members of her breed, this feline likes receiving quiet, calm attention from people.

“Jazzy Joyce doesn’t have that crazy kitten behavior, yet is still young enough to be active and play,” says ASPCA Cares’ Allison Cardona. “That’s the nice thing about adult cats—they are loyal but less boisterous companions.”

In addition to providing love, it will be important for Jazzy Joyce’s new owner to ensure that she receives regular medical attention, since she has a hyperactive thyroid gland and needs periodic blood tests. This long-haired lady will also need daily brushing (our medical staff gave her a shave, as you can see in the photo, to remove some mats), and we recommend that she be the only pet in a home with kids ages 12 and up.

Please stop by the ASPCA’s 92nd Street headquarters and experience this sweet girl for yourself. You can also learn more about Jazzy Joyce by calling the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. To see some of the other animals at our shelter who are waiting for homes, please visit ASPCA.org.

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!

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Artichoke!

ROLL OVER, BEETHOVEN
Are you listening, potential adopters? Artichoke, our super-smart, super-sweet seven-month-old Border Collie mix, will play your heart strings as he shows you how quickly he learns and understands, even without being able to hear very well. “He’s a regular maestro of the dog world, and we can’t get enough of him,” says David Benson, ASPCA Cares.

Although we aren’t sure of the extent of his hearing impairment, our ASPCA Behavior staff can show Artichoke’s new family some simple techniques used to train a hearing-impaired dog. Soon, you’ll have him reading hand signals like notes on a page.

Yes, he’s that intelligent—just ask volunteer Lisa Terezakis. “Look how smart he is,” she says. “And sweet, too!”

Adds Benson, “His quick brain and eagerness to learn make him a perfect fit for anyone looking for an energetic boy with a world of potential. So crank up that Ninth Symphony on your stereo—Artichoke won’t mind—and come on down to meet the maestro.”

If you’d like to know more about this special guy, please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120, and come on in and meet Artichoke.

New Video: Meet Monty!

Monty came to us with a bad tail injury that required surgical amputation—but as you can see in the video, it didn't dampen his playful, loving spirit. Want to adopt Monty? Please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120, and come on down to meet him.

A special thanks to ASPCA volunteer Debbie Rodriguez for making us this cute video!

New at the ASPCA Store: "Shelter Dogs" (We love this book!)

Over 50 shelter dog portraits! From the book Shelter Dogs, Merrell Publishers 2006, photo credit (c) Traer Scott 2006.

While volunteering at shelters, photographer Traer Scott was asked to take photos of the dogs she was working with for records and Internet adoption sites. As her files grew, Scott realized that many of the dogs whose photos she had in her archives never made it out of the shelter alive. “I found that no matter what, I couldn’t bring myself to delete their photos, which were in some cases the only record of their existence,” she says. A few months later, Scott began to create the beautiful, honest portraits that make up Shelter Dogs. The 96-page book features 50 dogs, their souls and spirits revealed through Scott’s images. The author included notes explaining how each dog came to the shelter and what eventually happened to him or her. As important as it is beautiful, Shelter Dogs is a must for anyone who cares about animals—and anyone who’s ever been to a shelter. Quite simply, we love this book. Buy it now from the ASPCA Online Store!

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Ritz Carlton, World's Most Handsome Cat

Looking for the ultimate people cat who’ll greet any and all visitors to your home? We present Ritz Carlton, our resident feline host with the most. The UPS man’s at the door? He’s all over him. Your friendly neighbor? He’ll demand a hearty top-of-the-head scratch. And you, his number-one fan? You’re perfect for leaning up against during grooming sessions and for cuddling with on chilly fall nights.

Like his namesake, this four-year-old flamepoint Siamese mix is majorly accommodating.

“Ritz is very energetic, social and charismatic,” says Dr. Kat Miller of the ASPCA Behavior department. This loving, gentle boy maintains his Hollywood heartthrob looks with lots of exercise, including running, jumping, and fetching. (Get your pitch and arc just right and he’ll leap to snag it mid-air with a Derek Jeter flourish.)

Of course, Ritz’ll need a lot of space for his big personality, and an adopter who’ll spend ample time playing with him. Potential pet parents will need to know that, although Ritz adores people and well-behaved dogs, he’s not a fan of other felines, and must live in a single-cat household.

Can you handle such an unbelievable amount of feline charisma? Of course you can! Please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120, and come on down to meet Ritz.

Our Latest Success Story: Okra

Two weeks after Dawn Payne and her husband got married, the couple went to their local animal shelter in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, to find a dog. Or, to be more precise, to find a small dog.

“I had called ahead,” says Dawn, “so when we got to the shelter, they took us back and showed us all of the small dogs they had.” Dawn took care to stop and visit with all of them but, she says, “None of them really spoke to me.”

On her way out, a little white dog in the very last cage caught her attention...

Read the rest of this Success Story!

NYC Pet of the Week: Meet Jacob

“Jacob is a very special dog,” says the ASPCA Behavior department’s Trish McMillian of the eight-year-old Lab/mastiff mix currently on the lookout for his forever home. After a rough start in life, the gentle golden oldie is ready for his retirement. “He would love to just curl up on the couch with you,” says McMillian.

But don’t let Jacob’s age and well-developed “cuddle gene” fool you—our elder statesman hasn’t lost and get-up-and-go. “He would be great on long, leisurely walks,” says McMillian.

Sweet, in shape…and smart, too? Yup, Jacob’s got it all. He knows Sit, Stay, Shake, Come and Down and, reports McMillian, “Being as motivated to learn as he is, we’re sure he can learn even more commands.”

Looking to add a gentle and gallant canine friend to your home? Please call the Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120, and come on down to meet Jacob. To see some of the other animals at our shelter who are waiting for homes, please visit ASPCA.org.

This Week's Success Story: Meet Jade

IT WAS JUST MEANT TO BE
Submitted by Kristi Zamzow

This story begins about six years ago, when Kristi Zamzow was a sophomore at Southwest Texas State University. “I was a volunteer at the local animal shelter in San Marcos,” Kristi tells us, “and began spending time with a beautiful yellow Labrador retriever named Jade.” Unable to resist the canine’s adoring eyes and sweet disposition, Kristi promptly fell in love.

And although Kristi couldn’t adopt the dog because she lived in the campus dorms, her parents had 40 acres of land out in the country. She just had to convince her parents…

Read the rest of this Success Story...

This Week's Success Story: Meet Bailey

GOOD DOGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT


When Sarah and John Hall first began looking for a dog, they knew exactly what they wanted. “We decided that a cocker spaniel would be a good breed for us,” says Sarah, “and we had actually looked into getting a dog from a breeder.”

But when Sarah started to think about it, she had a definite change of heart—and the family opted to adopt from a shelter. “Even if we didn’t get the exact breed we wanted, we’d much rather save an animal’s life,” she tells us.

Read the rest of this Success Story...