News Alert: May 1, 2009

1. Can My Pet Catch Swine Flu?
2. ASPCA Pet of the Week: Still on the Menu
3. ASPCA Guide to Caring for Pets in Their Final Days
4. Your Stories: Fighting Animal Cruelty, One Action at a Time
5. ASPCA Happy Tails: The Sound of Music
6. ASPCA Job of the Week

1. Can My Pet Catch Swine Flu?

Don't worry, pet parents! The recent, rapid outbreak of the H1N1 virus, previously known as swine flu, appears to present little risk of infecting our furry friends. In the past few weeks, only humans have been affected by the new virus, and it's still unknown how the virus will impact other species.

"Currently there's no data demonstrating any risk of dogs and cats contracting this strain of the virus," says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City. "However, owners of pet pigs, as well as farmers, should monitor their animals' health more closely and take steps to limit transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa."

If you do count a pet pig as your animal companion, please consult with your veterinarian about a Type A influenza vaccine, which is available and recommended for all healthy swine.

Dr. Miranda Spindel, Director of ASPCA Veterinary Outreach, adds: "Swine influenza or swine flu is one of the leading causes of respiratory disease in swine throughout the world. Like most influenza A viruses, swine flu generally causes high levels of illness in pigs, but fatalities are uncommon."

For the latest information about the outbreak and your pet's health, please visit the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu). If you suspect your pet is ill or if he exhibits any sudden changes in behavior, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Read the ASPCA's official statement on swine flu.

2. ASPCA Pet of the Week: Still on the Menu

It’s no wonder that Menunu is a bit pudgy, considering he has the word “menu” in his name! It’s not that Menunu is adverse to exercise—he simply prefers yoga to cardio. Six years old and content in his own fur, he loves the chance to stretch his paws and sit in the middle of the room, enjoying the space and peacefully observing his surroundings.

Menunu has been dubbed a Sidekick by Katie Watts, ASPCA Feline Behavior Counselor.

“I love Mr. Pudge! He's the best! He's perfect for someone who wants a cat who has it all (in a really big, cuddly package),” beams Watts. Menunu would love to be your constant companion as you roam about your home, and provide you the quiet comfort you seek after a long, hard day. Everything about Menunu is relaxing; his black fur, his quiet purrs—even his soft meows.

Potential parents should be aware that Menunu will need to be on a special diet, probably for the rest of his life. If you are into the serene scene and would like to meet Menunu, please call the ASPCA Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. To see other animals who are waiting for homes, please visit the ASPCA Adoption Center online.

****Got Facebook? Won’t you please donate your status to Menunu today? Just copy and paste the following message onto your profile status to help spread the word that Menunu needs a home!

[Name] is donating his/her status to Menunu—AKA Mr. Pudge—a cat at the ASPCA who needs a home. http://www.aspca.org/menunu

3. ASPCA Guide to Caring for Pets in Their Final Days

Will My Pet Show Signs that He Is Ready to Pass Away?
How Can I Tell if My Pet Is in Pain?
What Is Pet Hospice Care?

One of the most difficult moments pet parents face is the death of a beloved animal. “Because it is so painful to anticipate the loss, pet parents very often avoid being properly informed about the last moments of their animal companion’s life,” says the ASPCA’s Dr. Stephanie LaFarge, Senior Director of Counseling Services. “The most important thing you can do is make a pet's last months and days as good as the rest of her life has been.”

The ASPCA End-of-Life FAQ guides pet parents in giving the highest quality of care to an animal companion as she approaches her passing. Tips in our guide include:

Minimize your pet's discomfort or pain by having her examined by a vet and treating any health problems she's experiencing.
Monitor your pet's quality of life by asking your veterinarian to explain the physical and emotional sensations that are associated with your pet’s condition.
Keep a daily record of your pet’s behavior, noticing if she seems confused, has lost her appetite or seeks out unusual places to hide.
Make an elderly pet feel secure by surrounding her with her favorite things, like a warm blanket or special squeaky toy.

“It is important to be as informed as you can about your pet’s normal behavior,” reminds Dr. LaFarge. “Being aware that your pet is expressing signs of discomfort or distress will give you every chance to ameliorate her suffering so that your pet's final days are peaceful and dignified.”

Let our experts guide you in caring for your pet during his final days. Read the complete ASPCA End-of-Life FAQ.

4. Your Stories: Fighting Animal Cruelty, One Action at a Time

In early April, we asked you to help us celebrate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month by telling us how you have prevented animal abuse in your communities. Boy, did you deliver! We received hundreds of remarkable stories, from a law enforcement agent who helped get the first animal cruelty conviction in Daytona Beach to folks who care for feral cat colonies. Thank you all for making a difference!

Check out these amazing stories of animal lovers just like you who took a stand against cruelty.

5. ASPCA Happy Tails: The Sound of Music

Back in January 2004, camerawoman Louisa Griffith-Jones was working on the film crew of a popular Animal Planet series featuring the work of the ASPCA's Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) officers—know which one we mean!?

“It was amazing to film Animal Precinct and show people the harrowing work HLE officers do,” Griffith-Jones says. “We followed the agents around the five boroughs as they investigated animal cruelty, seized abused animals and arrested perpetrators.” One day, while filming at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Hospital, Griffith-Jones walked by a cat with bandaged feet, sitting on a cushion in his kennel. “He gave the biggest meow I'd ever heard,” she says, recalling her first meeting with Chatterbox, a stray who’d been found in the Bronx, unable to walk on burned footpads.

While healing in the hands of ASPCA veterinarians, it became clear how this kitty got his name. “The vet techs informed me that Chatterbox meowed this special way whenever he saw me,” admits Griffith-Jones. “Apparently, I was adopted!”

Though this little survivor now goes by the more dignified moniker of Alfie, his vocal talents are regularly put to good use. “If Alfie can't find me, he yowls very loudly until I find him,” Griffith-Jones tells us. “And when he travels in the car with me he sings, yowling joyfully at everything he sees.”

Griffith-Jones remembers the filming of Animal Precinct as a tough job, but the benefits far outweighed the pain. “Not only did we help make people aware that they can help animals who’ve suffered, but I met Alfie, an amazing character who completely enriches my life. He’s just gorgeous and continues to sing—rather loudly—the praises of his happy life!"

6. ASPCA Job of the Week

Are you a math whiz? The ASPCA is looking for an Accounts Payable Manager to oversee daily processing and payment of invoices and to develop a strong internal system for account coding and authorization. Our ideal candidate has advanced knowledge of accounts payable procedures in a digitized environment—including financial software—and five years’ experience in a similar role. If you’re a thorough numbers guru with a love of animals, we’d love to hear from you!

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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