Adoption

ASPCA Pet of the Week: Extra Sharp Cheddar

Friday, April 30, 2010 - 2:30pm

Sweet Cheddar is a darling four year old with special needs. She has fully recovered from a potentially serious liver condition—caused by not eating—but still requires an attentive pet parent who will remind her to chow down.

“Cheddar is amazing!” says Katie Watts, ASPCA Senior Feline Behavior Counselor. “She's very affectionate and would do well in just about any home, including with a first-time cat parent or with children. She's really one of the friendliest cats out there!”

If you’re interested in adopting this little cutie pie, please contact our Animal Placement department at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. To see other animals looking for homes, visit our Adoption Center online.

 

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Adoption
NYC

ASPCA Happy Tails: They Call Me Mellow Yellow

Monday, April 26, 2010 - 11:15am

The Siamese beauty formerly known as Mandarin was adopted from the ASPCA in October 2009 by Brooklyn resident Tiffany Calhoun. Now the gorgeous lap cat and “purr machine” is living the high life with her loving new family. We recently chatted with Tiffany, who described her first meeting with the funny feline and a few of Melo’s (as she’s now called) favorite things.

ASPCA: How did you first meet Melo?
Tiffany: I hadn't even planned on taking a cat home the day I visited the ASPCA. I just thought I’d see what they had and ask questions about five cats who I’d seen on the website and thought would be perfect. To my surprise, an Adoptions Team member recommended that I meet Mandarin, a Siamese with gorgeous blue eyes.

ASPCA: What did you think when you first met her?
Tiffany: I hadn't even noticed Mandarin on the website, and it turned out this was her second time at the ASPCA. She had previously been turned in as a stray, adopted out but returned—this made me a little nervous. But when I went to visit her, she was really friendly, affectionate and calm.

ASPCA: How did your family react when you came home with a cat?
Tiffany: My boyfriend said he wasn't surprised when I walked through the door—he knew I couldn't leave the adoption center without a cat!

ASPCA: What are some of Melo’s favorite activities?
Tiffany: Melo likes nothing better than waking up in the morning with a nice stretch. She also likes play time on her scratching post, sleeping during the day and cuddling up at night. She doesn't have any problems saying she wants to play, even when I’m studying. I am convinced she is a purr machine!

ASPCA: What does Melo mean to you and your family?
Tiffany: She never ceases to amaze me. Even at five years old, she is as playful as a kitten with her special catnip mouse toys. We love having her in our family, and I always look forward to coming home to see her.

To read more stories of happy endings, please visit our Happy Tails archive.


Tags: 
Adoption
NYC

ASPCA Happy Tails: And the Winner Is…

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 4:15pm
Rottweiler

Last month, while many were consumed by the b-ball stylings of teams competing in NCAA® March Madness®, we launched our very own tournament of four-legged champs. With 16 of our favorite Happy Tails adoption stories going head-to-head over four weeks, your votes decided which cats and dogs made it to the championship round. The final furry showdown starred Sherbert, a cuddly lap cat and eternal optimist, and King, a goofy Rottweiler with a heart of gold and a feline fetish.

The competition was intense—but King eventually took home the top prize, edging out his orange-and-white competitor by more than 30 votes. Undoubtedly, it’s hard to resist this sweetheart’s story. When the elder pooch was seized by ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents in September 2007, he suffered from an ear infection, hip dysplasia and various symptoms of neglect. He was eventually adopted by Ashely Santana of New York, NY, who fell for his gentle giant persona.

“The second I saw him I knew he was meant to be mine, but my family wasn't sure about adopting a dog who was so big,” says Ashely. “I brought in my Miniature Poodle, Phoenix, to meet him, and the two got along great.” She adds: “Now over a year later, King lives with Phoenix and two cats, including a kitten with whom he plays all day. No longer the reserved Rottweiler I first met, King loves everyone he meets and even plays with babies!”

Congratulations to King and Ashely! They will receive a Flip video camera to record future memories with Phoenix and the feline gang. And many thanks to all of the competitors, who won the greatest prize many months ago when they found their loving forever homes.

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Adoption

Contestants Announced for the ASPCA $100K Challenge

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 1:00pm
Dog being adopted

Last week, we asked if you were ready to take our Challenge and boy did you answer—in a big way! Officially launched on April 8, the ASPCA $100K Challenge seeks to encourage animal welfare leaders to develop innovate ways to increase pet adoptions in their communities. We received so many amazing applications that we reached our Challenge limit of 50 contestants in less than a week! Congratulations to the following shelters and rescue groups who now have a chance to win more than $125,000 in prizes—including a grand prize grant of $100,000—and save more animals' lives!

  • SPCA, Inc., Lakeland, FL
  • Wisconsin Humane Society, Milwaukee, WI
  • St. Hubert's Giralda, Madison, NJ
  • Team: Richmond AC&C and Richmond SPCA, Richmond, VA
  • Kansas Humane Society, Wichita, KS
  • Kauai Humane Society, Kauai, HI
  • SPCA of Wake County Raleigh, NC
  • South Suburban Humane Society, Chicago Heights, IL
  • Animal Aid Coconut Creek, FL
  • Erie County SPCA, Tonawanda, NY
  • HS of Boulder Valley, Boulder, CO
  • Animal Resource Center, Dayton, OH
  • Irvine Animal Care Center, Irvine, CA
  • Jacksonville Humane Society, Jacksonville, FL
  • Joplin Humane Society, Joplin, MO
  • Larimer Humane Society, Fort Collins, CO
  • Louisiana SPCA, New Orleans, LA
  • Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, Rochester NY
  • Tallahassee Leon County Animal Services Center, Tallahassee, FL
  • Team: Geauga Humane Society and Lake Humane Society, northeast Ohio
  • Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, Menands NY
  • Team: Arizona Animal Welfare League and HALO Helping Animals Live On, Phoenix, AZ
  • Western PA Humane Society, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Atlanta Humane Society & SPCA, Atlanta, GA
  • Animal Rescue League of Boston, Boston, MA
  • Animal Welfare League, Chicago Ridge, IL
  • Humane Society for Southwest Washington, Vancouver, WA
  • Humane Society of North Texas, Fort Worth, TX
  • Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Birmingham, AL
  • Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Santa Fe, NM
  • Autauga County Humane Society, Prattville, AL
  • Calcasieu Parish Animal Services & Adoption Center, Lake Charles, LA
  • Northwest Organization for Animal Help (NOAH), Stanwood, WA
  • Kern County Animal Control, Bakersfield , CA
  • Puerto Rico Animal Welfare Society, Isabela, PR
  • St. Tammany Parish Dept of Animal Services, Lacombe, LA
  • Capital Area Humane Society, Hilliard, OH
  • Southern Pines Animal Shelter, Hattiesburg, MS
  • Dubuque Humane Society, Dubuque, IA
  • City of San Jose Animal Care Center, San Jose, CA
  • McKamey Animal Center, Chattanooga, TN
  • Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society & SPCA, Tacoma WA
  • Animal Friends Humane Society, Hamilton, OH
  • Humane Society of Greater Dayton, Dayton, OH
  • Kent County SPCA, Camden, DE
  • Maui Humane Society, Maui, HI
  • Salt Lake County Animal Services, Salt Lake City, UT


The official competition period is August 1 through October 31, when all 50 contestants will start tracking their progress. To qualify for the grand prize grant, shelters need to save a minimum of 300 more animals from August through October 2010, compared with the same three-month period in 2009. Beyond that, the winner will be the shelter that saves the most additional animals during the same time period. The ASPCA will also grant $25,000 to the shelter that most engages its community to promote pet adoptions and reunite lost animals with their pet parents. Winners will be announced in December 2010. Stay tuned to ASPCA.org for the latest news about the ASPCA $100K Challenge. 

Tags: 
Adoption
Events

ASPCA Happy Tails: These Boots Are Made for Snuggling

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 11:15am

When three-year-old Boots returned to the ASPCA in December 2009, we found comfort in knowing the extroverted love bug would soon find another home. Tanya Khan of Queens, NY, was the lucky parent who fell for the outgoing kitty’s cuddly ways. We recently caught up with Tanya, who sent us a note describing how Boots (now called Billee Boots) is enjoying the good life in his cozy new home!

When I came to the ASPCA, the first thing I saw was the shelter’s amazing habitats for cats. Boots was in the second one—the one located near the front window. When I started to pet him, he immediately flipped his head into my palm. I fell in love right away.

The adoption volunteer took me around the entire shelter, but I just kept thinking about Boots. I passed by his habitat again and realized I wanted to adopt him right then and there. Since I’ve never had a cat or dog before, I went home to think about whether I could really take care of a pet. But I couldn’t stop thinking about that cat!

The next morning I returned to the ASPCA, adopted Boots and renamed him Billee Boots. (Billee means “cat” in my native Urdu.) Now he sleeps cuddled next to me every night like a baby. He’s extremely outgoing and affectionate, and never shies away from company. When I come home, he puts both paws around my shoulders and gives me what I like to call “kitten kisses.”

My entire family loves him, and I can’t thank the ASPCA enough for taking care of this little guy. He’s a spoiled little boy! Billee Boots has changed my life for the better.

Tags: 
Adoption

The Big Apple Goes Orange for Animals in NYC

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 3:45pm
ASPCA

Are you ready to paint the town orange in honor of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month? Well, dress yourself, your kids and your pets in ASPCA orange and join us on Saturday, April 17, from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., at Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza for the 2nd Annual ASPCA Pet Health Block Party!

Enjoy free refreshments and entertainment, including tunes by DJ Hard Hittin Harry, along with a full range of pet services and family-fun activities: 

  • Free spay/neuter surgeries for all pets
  • Free microchipping and vaccinations 
  • Free pet ID tags
  • Cats and dogs available for adoption
  • ASPCA health and behavior experts on hand to answer pet-related questions
  • Meet and greet with ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents
  • Special "Kids’ Zone" with face painting, temporary tattoos, cotton candy and more!

Plus, don’t miss our special guests—including Grammy-nominated R&B recording artist Maiysha and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz—who will issue a proclamation in honor of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.

For more information on the event and for other ways to help celebrate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month this April, please visit ASPCAApril.org. 



Tags: 
Adoption
Events
NYC

Save More Lives—Take the ASPCA $100K Challenge

Monday, April 12, 2010 - 4:30pm
animal shelter

Are you looking to make a real difference in the lives of animals? We’re searching for public and private shelter leaders and volunteers to take their town to the next level by vastly increasing pet adoptions in their community. To sweeten the deal, we’re launching a friendly competition to inspire innovation and showcase successful, life-saving programs.

Officially launched on April 8, the ASPCA $100K Challenge will award more than $125,000 in prizes, including a grand prize grant of $100,000! To qualify for the grand prize competition, shelters need to save a minimum of 300 more cats, dogs, kittens and puppies from August through October 2010, compared with the same three-month period in 2009. Beyond that, the winner will be the shelter that saves the most additional animals from August through October 2010. The ASPCA will also grant $25,000 to the shelter that most inspires and engages its community to get involved in promoting pet adoptions and reuniting lost animals with their pet parents. (And yes, the same shelter can win both big prizes!)

“Unique from our other grants that fund specific programs, the ASPCA $100K Challenge is a competition to inspire creative solutions for increasing pet adoptions and improving return-to-owner rates,” says ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “The Challenge will spark innovation and draw more community support to help shelters help animals.”

So hurry and register today or help us spread the word to your local animal welfare leaders! We’re accepting applications through June 30, but the Challenge is limited to 50 shelters. The official competition period is August 1 through October 31, and winners will be announced in early December 2010.

To read all Challenge rules or to enter your shelter to win for animals, please visit ASPCApro.org. 

Tags: 
Adoption

ASPCA Pet of the Week: Little Orphan Sandy

Friday, April 9, 2010 - 12:45pm
Cocker Spaniel

Meet Sandy—a four-year-old, buff-colored Cocker Spaniel who boasts brains and beauty. She’s a quick study and loves to learn new tricks, especially if you entice her with tasty treats.

Sandy has a few long-term medical needs—she was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism—and is scared of tall men and loud voices. She would like to meet an experienced pet parent who’s eager to take care of her grooming needs in a home without young children.

If you’re interested in adopting this special pooch, please call our Animal Placement department in New York City at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120. Or to view other animals looking for homes, visit our Adoption Center online. 

Tags: 
Adoption
NYC

Animal Action Grants Sponsored by DoSomething.org

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - 3:45pm
Grey cat

Under 25 and passionate about animal welfare? Apply for an Animal Action Grant, sponsored by the ASPCA and DoSomething.org! Six grants will be awarded to project proposals that have the potential to increase adoptions, decrease the euthanasia of shelter animals and reunite more people with lost pets.

Visit DoSomething.org’s animal welfare section to learn more about the specific actions proven to help improve the lives of homeless animals across the country. Then submit your application by April 30! Two $1,000 and four $500 grants will be awarded, and the winners will be announced in May. Special consideration will be given to ideas that promote innovative solutions for returning lost pets to their forever homes.

All grants are open to citizens of the U.S. and Canada who are under age 25. DoSomething.org completes the initial screening for eligibility, and then forwards the applications to an ASPCA jury, which makes the final selection. For more information about our Animal Action Grants, please visit DoSomething.org.   

Tags: 
Adoption
Animal Cruelty
Take Action

Happy Ending for Bulldog Spike

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - 2:15pm
Bulldog

Spike, the 11-month-old English Bulldog whose brutal beating was caught on camera phone, is on the fast track to happily-ever-after. After multiple surgeries and an extended recuperation time, the ASPCA is thrilled to have placed Spike in a home with an experienced pet parent familiar with taking care of animals with special needs.

Due to the overwhelming attention his case received, Spike's new mom prefers to remain anonymous—but rest assured folks, she is overjoyed by the new addition to her family. "Spike is doing fantastic," says mom. "He's such a big mush and I'm completely smitten."

Apparently, Spike's new pup-brother Petey is, too. "The two of them hit it off right away," she declares. "Bosom buddies, they are always together and you can tell that their friendship has really helped Spike regain some of his confidence."

Aside from his spirits, little Spike's physical condition has improved as well. "Spike will probably always have difficulty seeing and walking," explains his new mom. "But that doesn't stop him from getting around—he's full of that great puppy energy!"

Spike's former owner, Maria Aguilar, is expected in court on April 12.

To see other rescued animals looking for homes, visit our Adoption Center online. 

Tags: 
Adoption
NYC

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