April is All About the Animals

Happy April! We fool you not—April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month! It also just happens to be the month ASPCA Day falls. Henry Bergh, who founded the ASPCA 142 years ago, would be very proud!

What can you do to help animals this month?

1. Take the pledge to fight animal cruelty.
2. Invite your friends to do the same!
3. Go orange for ASPCA Day this April 10th!
4. Read the top 10 ways to prevent animal cruelty.
5. And, of course, become a member of the ASPCA!

Stay tuned this month. Check this blog and our website, www.aspca.org, for updates on events and dates for live, online discussions with ASPCA experts on our Online Community.

And the Winners Are...

Back in February, we put out a call for photos of your first puppy (and kitty) loves for our My Furry Valentine Contest. Our judges have selected their top entries, and we’re proud to present them here. Thank you to everyone who entered, and four paws up to our winners. May your days be filled with wagging tails, purry wishes, furry head butts and doggie kisses!

Click here to get up close and personal with the winners. Read all about these amazing animals and their adoption stories!

Know somebody who can’t resist cute dogs and kitties? Please share our winners with them, too.

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.

Survey Says: Yeah, My Dog's Cute

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

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

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

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!)

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.

Happy October!

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

ASPCA Dog Photo Contest

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

Enter your photo today!

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

Need inspiration? Check out last year's winners.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do You Feed Your Dog Chicken Jerky?

If you feed your dog chicken jerkey, you're obviously a loving pet parent who wants to spoil your pooch with yummy treats. But to be on the safe side, you might want to choose another treat for a while.

FDA update from the Center of Veterinary Medicine:

The Food and Drug Administration is cautioning consumers of a potential association between development of illness in dogs and the consumption of chicken jerky products also described as chicken tenders, strips or treats. FDA has received more than 70 complaints involving more than 95 dogs who experienced illness that their owners associated with consumption of chicken jerky products.

To date, FDA has not been able to determine a definitive cause for the reported illnesses. FDA has conducted extensive chemical and microbial testing but has not identified any contaminant. Many of the illnesses reported may be the result of causes other than eating chicken jerky.

For more information, please visit the FDA's website.

For general pet nutrition tips-- check them out at our website's pet care section.

'Nuff said...

Who Let The Dogs In?

Canines at Shea Stadium were sporting blue and orange tonight, showin' some signature doggie loyalty to the New York Mets.

The game was a nail-biter as the Metsters tried to obliterate the Phillies' smug mugs and erase all memory of their previous sweep (oh, I cringe, I cringe). I watched the game from my couch at home, hoping they'd show more shots of the cute dogs in the crowd who were happy to sit in the stands, tails wagging, no matter what was going on at the plate. We should look to these furry wise ones to learn the meaning of a true fan.

Four paws up to the Mets and the North Shore Animal League for hosting Dog Night at Shea. Tickets for the poochies were 5 dollars (part of the proceeds went to the shelter). I know that lots of water and space were provided, and the dogs looked comfy as can be from what I saw on TV. I didn't hear anything about how their..er..bathroom needs were accommodated. If you know, fill me in!

By the way, we went into extra innings. For us, that meant additional heart failure and panic attacks. For the dogs, it meant more time to sneak fallen crackerjacks from underneath the seats. If you must know, we lost, and only the four-legged ones in the crowd left the stadium happy.

Two Heroic Surfers Save Drowning Dog

When we found this story in the Muskegon Chronicle, we just had to share it with you! Who doesn’t love the story of a man who saves a drowning dog? And this one does it with a surfboard—check it out:

The waves on Lake Michigan Tuesday afternoon "were about as big as they get," said surfer Matt Smolenski, 25, of Grand Haven. And the rip current along the Grand Haven pier was "really strong."

One of those big waves swept a man's dog off the pier around 2:30 P.M., and it was Smolenski who rode a wave in to save the struggling pet, said off-duty Muskegon Heights police officer Royce Rodgers, who witnessed the rescue. That wave caught the dog owner first and "knocked him off his feet," Rodgers said, then knocked the dog into the water. "The dog was trying to swim, but the waves were very large. It was struggling," he said. "The owner was screaming for the dog."

Smolenski saw the familiar dog owner, then said to his surfing buddy, Joe Riopelle, 24, also of Grand Haven, "Oh man, that guy's dog went in. I'm going to go for it."

"When I got to the dog, it wasn't dog-paddling anymore," Smolenski said. "He was able to grab the dog's collar," added Rodgers. "He put the dog up on his surfboard."

Smolenski got the 30- to 40-pound dog onto his surfboard and he stayed in the water, fighting the strong current to get to shore. "I got pretty tired," he said. "I had a hard time getting in myself." He was joined by Riopelle, who helped both to shore.

Pit Bull Evaluation

With overwhelming public concern in the fate of the dogs seized from Michael Vick’s Surry County, Va., property, we want you to have information on the upcoming evaluations of the dogs, as well as the nature of assistance we are providing to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, CAAB, executive vice president, National Programs, and science advisor for the ASPCA, will be leading a team of several other certified applied animal behaviorists (trained animal behavior experts who have been certified by the Animal Behavior Society) in conducting behavior evaluations of the pit bulls seized during the course of the investigation.

As part of this process, BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls), a San Francisco-based non profit organization that is an educational resource for pit bull owners and the shelters that house them, will be working with the ASPCA-led team to help identify dogs whocan be absorbed into experienced foster programs for further observation and possible re-homing into appropriate homes—one of several possible outcomes for these dogs.

“We greatly appreciate the trust placed in us by the USDA to ensure that these dogs are given every opportunity to have a second chance, and take this phase of the investigation very seriously,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO. “Fighting dogs obviously face a lot of challenges when considered for rehabilitation or placement but we will make sure they get the professional, thorough and detailed evaluations that they deserve.”

Said Donna Reynolds, BAD RAP executive director, “We’ve seen time and time again that by pooling resources, we can get more accomplished for animals. We’re honored to be a part of the ASPCA’s team effort and look forward to giving our best to the dogs. After all they’ve been through, they certainly deserve a fair trial.”

The ASPCA-led evaluation team will conduct several tests on these dogs, including their response to humans and other dogs, as well as their general reactivity and comfort with being handled. No further details on the specifics of these tests can be released at this time.

Once the evaluations are completed, the ASPCA will provide a final report to the USDA, which will contain the team’s collective recommendations to the USDA on the disposition of the dogs. Other than possible re-homing into appropriate foster homes, recommendation options may include rehabilitation as law enforcement dogs, placement in sanctuaries (which will need to meet USDA facility standards), or euthanasia. However, euthanasia is not the only recommendation or option that will be considered, as has been reported in some media accounts—the results of the evaluations will determine what those recommendations are. No dogs will be placed in private homes at this time. All placements will be made with, and through, experienced rescue, foster and sanctuary groups.

The USDA will review the report, and then pass on its recommendations to a federal court. However, much like the sentencing of a defendant, the final disposition of the dogs will be decided by a federal judge. At no time will the ASPCA take possession of the dogs; they will remain property of the federal government until their disposition has been determined by the government.

For more information on the ASPCA, or to learn more about staying alert to animal cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org/cruelty.

UPDATE: August 29 - The New York Times reports on our role in the investigation.

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!

Good Livin’—Dogs, Big and Small, In the Big Apple

If you have your heart set on a nice, big dog but don’t think you can have one because of your urban living space, we have some good news: you can share your studio with a dog of any size, as long as it’s one of the right breed and temperament.

In a WBAI radio interview, Monday, July 3^, at 8:40 A.M., the ASPCA’s Allison Cardona said, “Some people think, ‘I have a small apartment, so I need a small dog,’ but actually it can be the opposite. Small, loud, barky dogs don’t always make the best apartment dogs because they have so much energy, while a Great Dane might sit around your couch all day and be quiet.”

Here are a few examples of big breeds appropriate for small apartments:

• St. Bernard
• Mastiff
• Great Dane
• Old English Sheepdog

Of course, there are terrific breeds of small dogs who aren’t as “barky,” suitable for apartment living. Examples are:

• Pug
• Chihuahua
• Poodle
• Dachshund

The great thing about adopting from a shelter is that you can find just the right dog to suit your lifestyle. Big or small, these doggies all have lots of love to give. Visit your local shelter or check out the ASPCA’s adoptable animals.

ASPCA Pet Care: 10 Tips For Feeding Your Dog

Adult dogs require sufficient nutrients to meet energy needs and to maintain and repair body tissues. The amount you feed your adult dog should be based on his or her size and energy output. Activity levels vary dramatically between pets, and will play an important role in determining caloric intake.

As a responsible dog owner, one of the most common pitfalls you’ll have to watch out for is overfeeding. Attempts to shower our dogs with love by means of big meals and tons of tasty treats are sweet, but misguided. In dogs, as with humans, extra weight can lead to health problems. Be sure to indulge your four-legged friend with affection, not food—and read our Top 10 Tips For Feeding Your Adult Dog.

ASPCA Pet Nutrition Q & A: Weight Loss in Mother Dogs

Do dogs typically lose a lot of weight after delivering and weaning puppies?
—Kristi

It is not uncommon for mother dogs to lose a significant amount of weight after giving birth, Kristi. However, they should ideally not lose more than 10 percent of their original body weight. Just remember that nursing puppies will continue to put a drain on their mother's body, so be sure to provide your canine mom with a high-quality food. We suggest a product for active dogs or a puppy formula, which are higher in calories.

It is also ideal to keep food and water available for her at all times while she is nursing. After the weaning period, which lasts approximately eight weeks, the mother dog should begin to steadily gain weight. If your dog is not gaining weight, contact your veterinarian to make sure that she is not suffering from any health problems. Sometimes it just takes time, but parasites or other medical factors could play a role in her slow return to a normal weight.

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.

Press Release: ASPCA Reacts To FDA Approved “Doggy Diet Drug”

Nation’s Oldest Animal Welfare Organization Applauds Advancements in Veterinary Science; Cautions on Importance of Veterinary Supervision

NEW YORK, January 15, 2007—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today applauded the advances in veterinary science that have resulted in the approval of a “diet drug” for dogs (Pfizer, Inc.’s Slentrol) to be approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the country’s oldest animal welfare organization reminds pet parents that this should not replace regular diet and exercise programs; and that it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine if your pet would be an appropriate candidate for this treatment.

“In the most recent National Academy of Sciences National Research Council report on the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats, pet obesity was highlighted as an issue that needs to be addressed,” said ASPCA President & CEO, Ed Sayres. “This drug certainly does that, and points to the incredible advances in veterinary science that are turning futurism and fiction into fact, but it is too soon to say what the effects and/or side effects of this drug will be with long-term use in large numbers of dogs.

Read the rest of the press release...

Check out the winners of our 2006 Dog Photo Contest!

In honor of Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, this October we put out a call for the most awesome photos of…who else?...the loveable, loyal canine. We were overwhelmed when thousands of entries came rolling in from all across the country—and although our judges had a hard time selecting the best of the best, we are proud to announce the winners here.

Congratulations and four paws up to our top dogs—and a big thank you to all who participated.

Last Chance to Submit Your Dog Photo!

The deadline for Dog Photo Contest submissions is tomorrow, October 31st! Don't miss the opportunity to show of your furry friend and win some prizes!

Enter the 2006 ASPCA Dog Photo Contest!

Shelters Only: Attention, shelter staffers and employees. Are there any dogs who have been at your shelter for a long—too long—time? Any sweet, shy guys and gals who always seem to be overlooked? This is your chance to promote your “diamond-in-the-ruff” on the ASPCA’s website. Submit a photo of a dog at your shelter!

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.

Dog Photo Contest!

You've got the absolute best dog in the world, right? You know it—and now’s your chance to let the world in on it, too. In honor of Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, we’re putting out a call for the most amazing photos of—who else?—the loyal, loveable canine. So get out your camera and catch your pooch doing what he does best—sleeping, chewing, fetching, leaping, drooling (only fooling!) or just chilling. The top ten winners will receive an ASPCA Prize Pack, and our top three photos will also be featured in an upcoming issue of ASPCA Action, the ASPCA’s quarterly newsletter.

Submit your photo to the Dog Photo Contest!

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!

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!

ASPCA in the News: Dog Advocates Speak Out Against Breed Banning

By JAMES HART
The Kansas City Star

Tough laws are needed to protect the public from dangerous dogs, but banning pit bulls or other breeds wholesale isn’t a real solution, an ASPCA lawyer said Wednesday.

Some cities now impose stiff penalties, including jail time, if pet owners let a dangerous dog attack someone, said Ledy VanKavage, an attorney from the St. Louis area. Others push dog owners, pet shops and animal shelters to alter their dogs, a process that could cut down on dog aggression.

But breed bans aren’t fair because they punish animals that haven’t done anything wrong, VanKavage said. “We should be allowed to own any dog we want as long as that dog doesn’t hurt anybody.”

Read the rest of this news article...

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…

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NPR's Justice Talking Presents "Protecting People and Their Pets"

NPR host Margot Adler moderates a debate between animal advocates over the total banning of pit bulls. The ASPCA's Ledy VanKavage, Esq., speaks out about the ineffectiveness of breed banning.

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Visit the NPR's "Protecting People and Their Pets" Page

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.

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Californians: Help Ban Dog Chaining!

SB 1578, the bill to ban dog chaining as the primary means of confinement, has already passed the Senate and is now set for a vote on the Assembly floor, probably within the n