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Harley Goes Home

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - 11:15am
Black dog laying down

When Midnight, a six-year-old Labrador Retriever mix, came to us, he suffered from severe skin disease and ear infections and looked emaciated. He underwent treatment at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital and slowly began to recover. When he was ready, Midnight stayed for months in our Adoption Center, waiting patiently for someone to take him home.

 In February, Victoria D'Asto and Michael Pisula did just that, giving Midnight a new life as part of their family.

“My husband and I waited a year and a half after the passing of our last dog before visiting the ASPCA in Manhattan,” Victoria says. “After looking at all the dogs and meeting several of them, we settled on Midnight, now known as Harley.”

Harley has come a long way, but he still suffers from chronic ear infections. With medication and TLC, Harley’s ear infections are manageable.

“Even with his health issues and difficult past, we felt that he would be a great addition to our family,” Victoria says.

And they were right. Harley is thriving in his new home.

“It turns out that we really lucked out—Harley is so well trained and sweet with everyone he meets,” Victoria says.  “He seems to enjoy his new diet and exercise program as he gains those last five pounds to bring him back up to a healthy weight.”

Victoria tells us that Harley loves to go for walks in Manhattan’s Riverside Park, on shopping trips, and enjoys romping around at Victoria and Michael’s country home on the weekends.

“He loves destroying his toys, fighting for the peanut butter in his new Kong toy and lounging by the fireplace,” she says.  “It's been almost two weeks, and he's already become our best friend!  Thanks, ASPCA!”

Want to help support our efforts to find homes for thousands of homeless pets like Harley? Please consider becoming an ASPCA Guardian today.

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Food Stamps for Pets? You Bet!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - 11:00am
Hungry dog

A new donation-based program called Pet Food Stamps wants to ensure that furry members of low-income families receive the pet food they need. The new program is open to anyone in the United States, and already more than 45,000 pets are registered, Marc Okon, the program’s founder and executive director, told ABC News.

Approved applicants to the program receive pet food from the retailer Pet Food Direct for six months, Okon says.

The program does not receive federal funding. “Should the government be willing to provide assistance further down the line, we will look into it,” Okon told ABC News.

Approximately 46.6 million people used the federal food stamp program in 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Do you think food stamps for pets are a good idea?

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It’s National Spay/Neuter Month—Share One of Our Awesome Memes!

Monday, February 25, 2013 - 3:15pm
National Spay/Neuter Month Memes

Does it seem like there are too many animals and not enough homes for them all? Well, you’re right! And the biggest cause of pet overpopulation is failing to spay and neuter your pets. You’d think people would have gotten the message by now—spaying and neutering saves lives! But there are still tons of unwanted litters. What gives?

February is National Spay/Neuter Month, and we could use your help to spread the word. Please share one of our spay/neuter memes on your social networks—like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. They're funny, informative and a really easy way to remind people about the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Visit our collection of shareable memes today, and let us know which one is your favorite.

Thanks for helping!

This Week in Animals

Friday, February 22, 2013 - 4:15pm
Dog sticking tongue out

Happy last Friday in February! Spring is right around the corner; we can feel it. Surely animals have spring fever, too, if this week’s news is any judge.

This week we learned that cats have been tiptoeing across their guardians’ work for hundreds of years. [The Atlantic]

But cats aren’t the only ones acting smart. Dogs can actually recognize other dogs’ faces, according to a new study. [Scientific American]

Speaking of faces, is there anything cuter than this little lamb’s sweet mug? [Farm Sanctuary]

Finally, just in time for spring, two resilient bald eagles have rebuilt their nest, which was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy. [New York Times]

See you Monday!

Cute Pets, Free Gifts: You’re Invited to the "Pawcademy Awards"

Friday, February 22, 2013 - 11:15am
Tan pit bull

Have you always wanted to cuddle with Daniel Day-Lewis or shake paws with Robert De Niro? Well, now you can! In honor of Hollywood’s biggest night, we’re inviting animal lovers and film fanatics to celebrate the Pawcademy Awards with the ASPCA. 

On Sunday, February 24, you’ll be able to meet and mingle with 10 award-winning dogs and cats, all nicknamed after this year’s nominees, at the ASPCA in Manhattan. And if you happen to adopt one of our pet-celebs, you’ll receive a surprise gift. It’s like winning your own golden statue!

But the celebration doesn’t stop there: On Monday, February 25, the adoption fee for any pet whose namesake takes home an award at Hollywood’s big event will be discounted by 50 percent!

Ready to meet the nominees? Check out our award winning adoptable dogs and cats in this special photo album.

Pawcademy Awards Adoption Event

Where: ASPCA Adoption Center
424 East 92nd St. (between 1stand York)
New York, NY 10128
(212) 876-7700

When: Sunday, February 24
11:00 A.M - 6:00 P.M.

Monday, February 25
11:00 A.M - 7:00 P.M.

See you at the movies!

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