TGIF

Happy Friday, Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) fans! Last weekend marked the unofficial start of summer (yay!), and it looks like we're in for a great season. Here are the top five reasons why I think so:

(1) I received a lovely email about Annie, a four-year-old Pit Bull (the black dog shown above!) who came to the PSPCA in April 2008. She had been adopted in January 2009 and then returned two months later. In April 2009, Annie went to her forever-and-ever home with a loving family. Her new owner wrote, "Annie has been doing really good and fitting in great with the family. Here is a picture of Annie playing in the yard with the kids." 

(2) Otis Redding, the 7-year-old Pit Bull mix I posted about on Monday and Thursday, went to a foster home last night! As much as I'm going to miss seeing the old man around the shelter, we're all thrilled that he's safe and sound in a loving home. No more "Sittin' on the Dock of the PSPCA" for Otis Redding!

(3) Another great thing happened last night: Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Second Baseman Chase Utley and his wife Jen hosted the second annual "Utley All-Star Animals Casino Night" to benefit the Pennsylvania SPCA. Chase and Jen have been outstanding advocates in the fight against animal cruelty. And they're not just advocates -- they're parents, too! The Utleys adopted a Pit Bull from the PSPCA named Jack. Jen said, "His parents were cruelty cases, they were brought in from a dog fighting ring in a row house in North Philly, and his mother happened to be pregnant." Check out Chase, Jen, and Jack Utley on ABC 6 yesterday talking about their event, the PSPCA, and their beloved Jack!

(4) If you watch "Animal Cops: Philadelphia," then you've seen Juice, the [huge!] white American Bulldog who, along with 30 other dogs, was rescued from a horrible case of cruelty/neglect in South Philadelphia last September (click here for pictures/story).  The owner had been breeding dogs illegally and some of them were used in a dog fighting ring. After living at the PSPCA for nearly a year, Juice was adopted last Saturday! With his goofy smile and stunning looks (and the endearing wads of drool that always hung from his mouth!), this gentle giant had become a staff favorite. We're so happy he's in a safe, loving home where he can finally enjoy a dog's life. 

(5) "Super Adoption Day" at the Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT) shelter is back by popular demand! On Saturday, May 30th, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the ACCT shelter -- located at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia -- will be open to the public for adoptions. We'll have dozens of cats and dogs looking for forever homes (and foster homes!) and we're counting on YOU to help spread the word! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to stop by and meet our adoptable pets! For more details, check out the flyer posted above or visit http://www.pspca.org/events?id=254. You can also call ACCT at (267) 385-3800.

Happy summer!!! And happy Friday!!!