February 9, 2012
It has often been said that love comes in all shapes and sizes, and we couldn’t agree more. This Valentine’s Day, we invite you to make a difference for shelter pets in need. It’s easy! Simply share a virtual Valentine’s Day card promoting pet adoption. Here’s how:
1. Choose one (or all!) of our special Valentine’s Day cards promoting pet adoptions.
2. Share the card on your Facebook wall so all your friends can see—and ask them to share the card, too!
3. You can also post the card directly on your friend’s wall—simply save the image to your computer and upload it as a special post.
4. Feel free to share the cards on Twitter, Google+ or via email, too!
Remember the more you share, the better chance people will consider adopting a shelter pet of their own! Spread the love today.
February 8, 2012
Let’s face it: Finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift isn’t easy. In fact, it can be downright hard. Flowers are overrated and chocolates…well, they’re not really long-lasting. So why not try something a little different this year? Celebrate your love with an ASPCA Symbolic Gift—and change the life of an animal forever.
Our Symbolic Gifts program allows you to choose an action that will benefit animals in need.
Options include: emergency transport for an animal victim of cruelty, a spay/neuter surgery, or you can select the ASPCA’s area of greatest need. There are dozens of actions to choose from.
Your loved one will receive a special card, a Certificate of Appreciation, and with select gifts, an ASPCA portable pet bowl, cat collar or horse pin. Ta-da! You’ve just picked out the best Valentine’s Day gift ever! It’s meaningful, personal AND it helps save lives!
Order your ASPCA Symbolic Gift today!
February 7, 2012
Love is in the air—and it’s time to plan that special date! Here are our top picks for animal-friendly outings that are sure to get those sparks flying.
Skip the
circus
and head to a movie! Unlike animals under the Big Top, movie actors aren't forced to do anything cruel or unnatural. Besides, there’s nothing more romantic than holding hands and stealing a few kisses under the Big Screen. (Word of warning: skip the popcorn; kernels get caught in your teeth.)
Forgo the
horse-drawn carriage
and opt for sledding. Instead of making an overworked horse carry you through congested streets, find a big hill and go sledding. After all, what could be more fun than holding on tight to your sweetheart at top speeds? Don’t forget the hot cocoa!
Instead of window shopping for puppies,
volunteer at your local shelter
. Many couples find picking out a new puppy together romantic. But before you take your date window shopping, remember that most puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. Why not head to a shelter instead? You’re sure to get warm fuzzies spending the day volunteering with your date—and you might not leave empty-handed.
For more fun action tips, visit our Get Involved section.
February 6, 2012
This guest blog is written by Kristen Leem, a longtime ASPCA supporter and proud pet parent of Amelia and Bob.
One cold winter morning my husband took our dog, Bob, out for his regular morning constitutional. Little did he know, his life was about to change forever.
Huddled beside our back deck was a shivering, brown ball of fur. As my husband leaned closer to investigate, the animal turned around, and the saddest puppy eyes ever stared up at him. Before my husband could make a move, the little pup flew over the icy snow trying to get away.
Bob quickly tackled the poor creature and held her gently as my husband ran over to retrieve her. After checking the little pup out, we were shocked to discover that she had been shot in the side with a small-caliber gun—we rushed her to the local vet. Who could have done such a thing?
The vet assured us the wound wasn’t life-threatening, but we decided to notify authorities. We called the local police and humane society and told them of the gunshot wound. They tried in vain to find her previous owners (and possible abusers)…but nothing turned up. It soon became obvious she was meant to be with us. We named her Amelia, and she and Bob became inseparable.
Today, Amelia is one of the most loving and caring pets we've ever had—we can’t imagine our lives without her.
For more heartwarming tales of rescue, visit Your Stories. To become an official ASPCA member, visit Becoming a Member.
February 3, 2012
Hey there, cute couples! Do you and your pet look smashing together…or maybe even alike? Maybe you’re the proud pet parent of a charming pair of kitties? Or perhaps your pooch looks too-cute cozied up with his best friend? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then this contest is for you!
In honor of Valentine’s Day, our Cutest Couple Contest will start taking submissions…NOW!
The top winner—selected by YOU—will receive a $100 ASPCA Prize Pack and be featured on our website. Entries will be accepted now through February 29, 2012—and voting begins March 1!
The winner will be announced on March 12th. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got for us, so enter your pic today!