News Alert: January 30, 2009

1. ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day
2. ASPCA Pet of the Week: A Cuter Pup Than Brooklyn? Fuhgeddaboutit!
3. Brooklyn Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty
4. Get Your Degree in Animal CSI: New ASPCA Program Offered at University of Florida
5. Cast Your Vote in the Bounce 15 Most Lovable Shelter Pets Contest
6. ASPCA Success Story of the Week: Southern Gentleman
7. ASPCA Job of the Week

1. ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day

Furry valentines across the country will be party to all sorts of romantic evenings at home this February 14—are you prepared to keep your pet safe?

Two common holiday hazards to stay alert to are chocolate and lilies, warn our poison control experts. In the week prior to Valentine's Day 2008, cases involving chocolate ingestion increased by 74%—a number comparable only to cases seen during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. And bouquet senders and receivers alike are often unaware of the dangers of lilies.

Says ASPCA pet poison prevention expert Dana Farbman, CVT, "We do see an increase in calls regarding traditional holiday gifts, particularly in the few days leading up to and after Valentine's Day—right when those bouquets and lovely boxes of chocolate arrive."

Here are some helpful tips from the ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day:

- When sending a floral arrangement, request that it contain no lilies, as all species within the plant genera Lilium are toxic to cats. And please de-thorn your roses, as their sharp, woody spines can hurt your pet if chewed, stepped on or swallowed.

- Stow chocolates in paw-proof drawers and cabinets. The darker the chocolate, the more likely a pet who’s ingested it will suffer vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an elevated heart rate.

- Spilled wine is nothing to cry over—until a curious pet laps it up. Because animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of alcohol can do a lot of harm, causing vomiting, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing and even coma.

- Gather up tape, ribbons, cellophane and balloons after you open presents—long, stringy and “fun-to-chew” items can get lodged in your pet’s throat or digestive tract.

For more tips, read our complete online guide. As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or the APCC’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

2. ASPCA Pet of the Week: A Cuter Pup Than Brooklyn? Fuhgeddaboutit!

Brooklyn is only eight months old, but this pit bull mix has already been unlucky in love—she lived in two homes and was returned twice, both times for reasons that weren’t her fault. Now all she wants is to set down roots—permanently. “Her sweet nature will win your heart in a jiffy,” says Trish McMillan, ASPCA Director, Animal Behavior. “Brooklyn is a very smart, super-affectionate, wiggly young girl who would love to live in an active home with people who will take the time to train her.”

Like all true New Yorkers, Brooklyn is a fast learner. She already has a good start on obedience training. She will need her new pet parents to take her to puppy obedience classes to make sure she lives up to her superstar potential! Any athletes out there? Brooklyn would make a great running partner. She would do best in a home with no other dogs or children, since her enthusiasm and energy will require lots of attention.

To give Brooklyn your all—and get a whole lot more in return—please call (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. To see other animals who are waiting for homes, please visit the ASPCA Adoption Center online.

3. Brooklyn Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty

On October 30, a three-year-old poodle named Cuddles was brought by his caretaker to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital as an emergency walk-in. Veterinarians discovered injuries to the male dog’s face, left eye, right side and back. After receiving medical treatment, Cuddles was reunited with his owner.

Following an investigation, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents arrested Brooklynite Donauld Soleil, a 19-year-old acquaintance of the dog’s owner, in late December. He has been charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty for allegedly causing the dog's injuries, and faces up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

If you know of an animal who is being hurt, please report it—those who intentionally hurt animals often move on to abuse the people in their lives, too. To report animal cruelty in New York City, contact the ASPCA’s anonymous tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.

4. Get Your Degree in Animal CSI: New ASPCA Program Offered at University of Florida

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the ASPCA Veterinary Forensic Sciences program in partnership with the University of Florida. With expected course offerings to include Animal Crime Scene Processing, Forensic Entomology and Bloodstain Analysis, the program will provide students with the expertise to solve crimes against animals. Both undergraduate and graduate programs will be offered, as well as continuing education programs for veterinarians, law enforcement, animal control officers and attorneys.

“The ability to offer a joint forensic science and veterinary medicine education at the Bachelor and Master’s levels is unprecedented,” says the ASPCA’s Dr. Melinda Merck, Senior Director, Veterinary Forensics. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with the University of Florida and to create a program that can provide ‘one-stop shopping’ for agencies and individuals.” Stay tuned for details regarding the development of the program.

5. Cast Your Vote in the Bounce 15 Most Lovable Shelter Pets Contest

Pet owners know that cuddling sessions can become hairy situations, but hairier still are the lives of orphaned animals who have no one to hold them. Bounce not only works to solve the “hair-on-the-clothes” problem with dryer sheets that help repel hair and fur, but in a charitable partnership with Petside.com and the ASPCA, the company is aiming to help some very special homeless pets.

Now through March 9, 15 shelter dogs and cats will be featured on Petside.com in the Bounce 15 Most Lovable Shelter Pets contest. Hand-picked from three ASPCA Mission: Orange shelters—our partners in helping to stop the unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable animals—these cuties have put on their most glamorous faces for the camera. Read their stories, check out their photos and cast your ballot. Each is available for adoption—so you may just meet your furry dream-come-true.

Cheers to Bounce for continuing ASPCA Mission: Orange efforts by working to find homes for these pets. Each participating shelter will also receive a contribution, and the shelter caring for the winning pet will receive an additional $2,500 toward vaccinations for the other animals in its care.

Vote today or donate online to make an immediate impact for animals in need. And don't forget to check back after March 9 for the results!

6. ASPCA Success Story of the Week: Southern Gentleman

How far would you travel to find true puppy love? “Twelve hundred miles!” was the answer for Suzanne Smith. Rewind to April 2007, when Suzanne and her husband were devastated over the loss of their eldest dog, Jack, to a long battle with cancer. They knew he was irreplaceable, of course, but wanted to find a dog who resembled their beloved family member.

Suzanne hit the Internet and came upon a profile of Moose, a six-month-old Catalan shepherd mix at the South Carolina's Darlington County Humane Society—a long way from their home in Indianapolis, IN! It seemed crazy to travel all the way there,” Suzanne admitted. But Moose reminded the couple of Jack, and they couldn’t resist making the trip.

When Suzanne and her husband arrived at the small shelter, they found a homemade sign on the gate—from Moose!—welcoming them. A man carried the pooch out on his shoulders like a sack of potatoes, and Suzanne was in love. Moose must have sensed he was heading to a happy home, for he handled the 11-hour drive like a pro. “We made several ‘potty breaks’ and caught some sleep in a motel around Asheville,” Suzanne remembers. “Moose stayed in the room and didn't make a peep.”

These days, love and protection are a two-way street in the Smith household. Moose watches over his pet parents while they sleep. And his good manners extend beyond the home. “We refer to him as a southern gentleman, because he always greets everyone at the dog park,” boasts mama Suzanne.

In the summer, Suzanne fills a kiddie pool for Moose and his labradoodle brother. “Moose will take their toys and put them in the pool, knowing that his brother won't dare go after them!” says Suzanne with a laugh. Well, we can’t be on our best behavior at all times.

7. ASPCA Job of the Week

The ASPCA is searching for a Senior Veterinary Assistant to provide essential support for our Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic. Our ideal candidate has at least five years’ experience in veterinary care, including surgery, pre- and post-operative care, emergency care, restraint and treatment. If you’re a reliable team player with excellent customer service skills, a driver’s license and a commitment to spay/neuter, you could be the one!

This position is full-time, four days a week, and may require weekend shifts. The ASPCA offers generous benefit packages for full-time employees. Please submit your resume and salary requirements for our prompt consideration.

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