NYC

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: 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.

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!

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. 

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. 

Sally is no plain Jane. She’s an energetic, six-year-old Pit mix who’s looking for a pet parent who loves to exercise as much as she does. A quick study, Sally enjoys showing off her new tricks, especially for a tasty treat. This boisterous babe will thrive best in a home with no other animals, and may be a bit too enthusiastic to live with young children.

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