- 1. Give a Gift that Costs You Nothing Now (Or During Your Lifetime!)
- 2. More than 400 Animals Rescued from Mississippi Shelter
- 3. ASPCA Happy Tails: California Dreamin’
- 4. Coping with the Loss of a Pet
- 5. ASPCA Grants Additional $25,000 to Katrina-Ravaged Community
1. Give a Gift that Costs You Nothing Now (Or During Your Lifetime!)
Do you have questions about estate planning and charitable contributions? There are many different ways to make a charitable gift to the ASPCA, and many types of assets you can give. To help you make the right choice, we’ve created a handy guide to planned giving that allows you to compare gift options and learn how different programs can help you meet your financial goals—and benefit the ASPCA, too!
This specialized website also includes an interactive, personalized gift illustration that details your plan, offers a Tip of the Day and answers many frequently asked questions. So start planning today and explore your options with the ASPCA.
For more information about creative giving strategies, please contact Marsha Pierson, CFP®, at (212) 876-7700, extension 4505, or via email at marshap@aspca.org.
2. More than 400 Animals Rescued from Mississippi Shelter
On January 24, under the authority and request of the City of Clarksdale, MS, the ASPCA dispatched members of our Field Investigations and Response Team to assist in the removal of more than 400 cats and dogs from the City of Clarksdale Animal Shelter.
"We found more than 400 animals living in a space designed for about 60," reports Tim Rickey, ASPCA Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response. “Our goal is to export as many of the animals as possible to other agencies where they can be placed up for adoption.”
The animals were suffering from obvious neglect—including medical conditions such as mange, and injuries and bite wounds sustained as a result of living in overcrowded cages. A team of local veterinarians conducted exams on each animal and triaged any immediate concerns.
Tim Rickey, ASPCA Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response, with a dog from the City of Clarksdale Animal Shelter.
Rickey says, "It appears that this is a situation where the intake of unwanted animals was much higher than the number of animals being adopted, and it led to horrible living conditions. We are glad to be able to provide relief."
Essential medical aid has been provided by a veterinary team from Mississippi State University, led by Dr. Phillip Bushby, as well as local veterinarians Dr. Andrea Marble, Animal Medical Clinic; Dr. Jody Swartzfarger, Lawndale Pet Hospital; Dr. Wayne Adams, Adams Vet Clinic; and Dr. Rebecca Coleman.
Rescuers, including members of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, prepare animals to be transported to other shelters.
On January 26, groups of animals began leaving the area with various rescue agencies, including the ASPCA, bound for New York City and several rescues based in Vermont and Delaware. The Atlanta Humane Society is transporting at least 100 animals to Georgia, and countless other shelters, individuals and organizations are offering their critical support in the rescue and temporary housing of the animals, including:
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Anna Ware of Holland M. Ware Foundation
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Mississippi State Animal Response Team
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Mississippi Animal Rescue League, MS
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Greg Norred with Norred & Associates
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Tailwaggers for Life, MS
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Jane Berry of Sterile Feral, GA
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PAWS Humane, GA
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Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, MS
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Tampa Bay SPCA, FL
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Broward County Humane, FL
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Delaware Humane Association, DE
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Kent County SPCA, DE
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White River Animal Rescue, VT
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Northern New England Dog Rescue, VT
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Bolivar County Animal Shelter, MS
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Louisiana SPCA, LA
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Capital Area Humane Society, OH
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Petfinder
For the latest information about the rescued animals, including thosewho will be available for adoption from the ASPCA Adoption Center, please visit ASPCA.org.
3. ASPCA Happy Tails: California Dreamin’
In October 2007, Jennifer Gill met a wiggly, affectionate Bichon Frise named Rocket—and it was love at first sight. “When I saw him at the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York, he was such a happy and loving dog that I couldn’t help but immediately fall in love with him,” she says. “He’d been dropped off the day before by a family who wasn’t able to care for an active puppy—but I was up for the challenge!”
And a challenge it was. The one-year-old pup was a ball of youthful exuberance, but he was also more than willing to tame his wild ways for his new pet mom. “Learning commands, leash manners and house breaking took some time, but Rocket was an eager student and seemed to enjoy the education,” Jennifer says. “We even found him a wonderful, loving day care—that way, he could play all day and work out his puppy energy while I was at the office!”
In 2008, Jennifer’s company moved her from Manhattan to Los Angeles, where Rocket quickly adapted to the good life as a Cali pooch. “L.A. is so different from New York! There is more grass, a yard to play in, trails to hike and boardwalks on the beach. After exploring these new sights and smells, Rocket decided that he loves his new city. He enjoys his new day care and adores riding in the car, hiking up Runyon Canyon in Hollywood and going to the park in Culver City.”
This plucky Yankee pooch has also embraced the West Coast’s laid-back lifestyle. Jennifer adds, “During his lazy time, I can usually find him sitting at the big picture window in our living room, looking out at all the neighborhood activities.”
4. Coping with the Loss of a Pet
It is difficult to imagine our lives without our pets, but sooner or later, all pet parents will face the passing of our beloved animal friends. The powerful emotions that may be triggered by a pet’s death can cause some individuals to feel confused, frightened, angry, guilty and sad. Please remember, these emotions are all normal. It is natural to grieve, and it is important to have compassion and support in one’s time of grief.
The ASPCA can help if the animal you love has died or if he or she is ill, injured or elderly. At aspca.org/petloss, we have compiled a wealth of information to aid you during this trying time. Our End-of-Life Care FAQ addresses questions about making your pet’s final days comfortable, peaceful and dignified. We also have a general Pet Loss FAQ and an article on helping children understand the loss of a pet.
In addition, ASPCA Counseling Services offers a Pet Loss Support program that provides personalized help with euthanasia issues, grief counseling, helping other pets cope and more. For assistance, please email Dr. Stephanie LaFarge, Senior Director of ASPCA Counseling Services, through her online Pet Loss column. You may also call the ASPCA’s 24-hour, toll-free Pet Loss Hotline at (877) GRIEF-10.
5. ASPCA Grants Additional $25,000 to Katrina-Ravaged Community
The Hancock County (MS) Animal Center, a 6,500-square-foot facility that will provide a haven for dogs, cats and other small household pets, will begin construction later this year thanks to the support of many professional and educational organizations and individuals. The ASPCA made an initial grant of $250,000 toward the project, and with the long-awaited Center soon to become a reality, the ASPCA is following up on our commitment by granting an additional $25,000.
When Hurricane Katrina touched down on Hancock County, MS, in August 2005, the resulting destruction was absolute: not one home or building was left intact over the entire seven-mile beachfront. The storm had a predictably dire effect on the area’s stray animal population, which has further exploded due to more recent financial and housing crises.
The ravaged community has pulled together, however, and made a commitment to provide its animals with the resources they need. The Bucks-Mont Katrina Animal Center Project, a volunteer and charitable initiative organized by citizens of Buck and Montgomery Counties, PA, launched the campaign for a new Animal Center, where needy pets will receive medical care and shelter. The ASPCA’s latest grant will be used to equip the new shelter with medical and other animal care supplies.
To learn more about the admirable community effort behind the Hancock County Animal Center, please visit the Bucks-Mont Katrina Animal Center Project’s website.