Estimated Value? $826. Estimated Worth? Priceless.

Looking for love this summer? Why not adopt a friend.....and a buddy?!?! 

Here's a coupon from the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) that's worth sharing with everyone you know. 

Estimated value? $826. Estimated worth? Priceless.

Happy Father's Day from the Pennsylvania SPCA

Click here to watch the video: Fox Fursday: Dapper Dads, Dogs

Happy Father's Day, from the Pennsylvania SPCA!!!

We love Dads -- both the two-legged and the four-legged kind -- and we know you do, too. Here are a few ways to say, "I love you, Dad!"

Adopt a Dad! Click here to view all our adoptable Fathers: http://www.pspca.org/adoption_centers

Become a Foster Dad! Click here for information on becoming a Foster Dad for an animal in need: http://www.pspca.org/careers/volunteer (scroll down to "Foster Care Volunteer Program")

Donate in honor of Dad! Click here to make a donation in honor of your favorite Dad: http://www.pspca.org/donate

Happy Father's Day, everyone!

Urgent Appeal to the Community: Foster Homes Needed ASAP!

The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) is making an urgent appeal to the community to provide foster homes for our dogs in need. The Animal Care & Control Team shelter (111 W. Hunting Park Avenue) and the PSPCA Adoption Center (350 E. Erie Avenue) in Philadelphia are full to capacity and we’ve tapped out our existing network of foster parents.

If you can provide temporary housing for a dog, we will provide free medical care and support in return. Foster homes are needed immediately! The longer you can foster the dog, the more lives we can save. 

If you already have a dog, you can still help – just bring your dog with you for a meet-and-greet.

If you can help, please contact ACCT Lifesaving Manager Natalie Smith at nsmith@pspca.org or (267) 385-3800 (ask for the “Lifesaving Department”), or contact PSPCA Director of Adoptions, Rescue, and Foster Care Ray Little at rlittle@pspca.org or (215) 426-6300 (ask for the “Adoptions Counter”).

To view some of the many dogs that need foster care, visit http://www.pspca.org/adoption_centers. As of today, all of these dogs are available for foster care. There are many, many more dogs who aren't listed on this website!

If you can’t become a foster, please consider making a donation to our foster program. Your donation will help offset the cost of medical care for foster animals. To make an online donation visit: http://www.pspca.org/donate (please include the word “FOSTER” in your donation). If you have questions or need additional support, please contact our Director of Development Rachel McCrystal at rmccrystal@pspca.org or (215) 426-6300 ext 217.

On behalf of all our furry friends in need, THANK YOU!!!

Want to Save a Dog's Life? Here's How.

"PSPCA Tails" is a blog about success stories......and these three sweethearts are SO CLOSE to becoming our next story, but they need your URGENT help to get there. These pooches are currently at the Animal Care & Control Team shelter (operated by the Pennsylvania SPCA) in Philadelphia.

Winston, Eva, and Princess have a RESCUE CONFIRMED to take them, but they rescue can't go there for another 7-10 days. So, they each need a short-term, temporary foster home with no other dogs to crash at for 7-10 days. After that, rescue will pick them up and deliver them safely to their second chance at life.

But they need you in order to get their second chance!

If you don't have any dogs already, and you can be a foster parent for just 7-10 days, YOU WILL SAVE THEIR LIVES!!!!!

Ladies and gentleman, I give you "Eva"......

Eva (the beautiful brown dog in the top picture) is only about 1 year old. Eva was scared when she came to us but is beginning to come out of her shell. She is playful and rambunctious and full of adolescent wiggles! Eva is learning to play and she likes to cuddle and give kisses, too! This poor little girl came to us as a stray, so she is skinny and needs to put on some weight. Sweet little Eva is scared here at the shelter, and she's waiting patiently for her foster mommy and daddy.

Next, meet "Winston".......

Winston (the goofy white dog in the middle picture) is a male neutered 3-5 year old American Bulldog Dalmatian mix. Poor Winston was surrendered here due to the health of his owner and family. He is very submissive and outwardly social and friendly, a big boy with an even bigger smile. He is feeling very lonely and confused. Winston knows “sit," “stay,” and “lay down" and he responds quickly and looks to you for the next command with a gaping smile! He is a good boy with a great attitude, considering his confusion and change of environment. Winston has been behaviorally evaluated as "highly adoptable."

Last, but certainly not least, here is "Princess"....

Princess (the striking beauty in the bottom picture) is a stunningly beautiful female Elkhound, about 2 to 4 years old. We believe Princess is already spayed, as she was adopted from a local shelter. Poor Princess was surrendered by her owner’s neighbor because they kept going away and leaving the dog locked in the house and not caring for her. Then they left a key with the neighbor and said they longer wanted her. Princess is a bit shy and aloof at first (can you blame her?!), but she warms up very quickly. She likes to come up and lick your hand and then retreat to the back of her kennel....and then come up again for more kisses and tail wagging. Princess is in great physical shape!

If you can open your home to one of these pups for JUST 7-10 DAYS and save a doggie's life, please contact the ACCT Lifesaving Manager, Natalie Smith, at nsmith@pspca.org and write "I CAN FOSTER for 7-10 DAYS" in the subject line.

Are you an animal lover? Here's your chance to walk the walk. Winston, Eva, and Princess need you. 

Thank you.

 

Are You Ready for Some Football??

Are you ready for some football?!?!?!

The Pennsylvania SPCA is! And we're throwing a "Tailgate Party" to celebrate!

Join the NFL's Jon Runyan, Barrett Brooks, and other players for an afternoon of food & fun, games & prizes, a moonbounce, a doggie kissing booth, autographs, and more.

The event is FREE and open to the public!

Date: Saturday, June 6th

Time: 1:00 to 5:00 PM

Location: The Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA), 350 E. Erie Avenue, Philadelphia

Cost: FREE!

All proceeds will fund the construction of the PSPCA's Dog Park, which will help exercise and rehabilitate abused and neglected animals.

For more info, contact PSPCA Special Events Planner Holly Russel at hrussel@pspca.org, call the PSPCA at (215) 426-6300, or visit http://www.pspca.org/.

Hope to see you there!

Sam's Super Senior Success Story

I have such a soft spot for senior dogs, it's a pleasure to share this success story on Sammy -- now known as "Sam." First, I'm sharing an email from his foster mother, Petra, who is an active volunteer with the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) and the Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT). Second, I'm posting an update from his Sam's new owners, Rob and Eileen. 

If you've ever considered fostering an animal in need, I hope this story moves you to TAKE ACTION!!

Here's an email from Petra, Sammy's foster mother:

"Sammy was an owner surrender to ACCT and listed as ~ 10 years old. He was deemed only foster care, as he was very skiddish with body handling, and very stressed and scared in the shelter. We took Sammy into foster care on March 6 and he was officially adopted on April 18. Sammy came out of his shell within 3-5 days and showed us that he was a mellow, loving and sweet dog. After Eileen and Rob adopted him, he initially developed some separation anxiety that they decided to work on with him, and Sammy now lives very happily with 2 cats, a parrot, and his wonderful parents. He could not have found a better home :-)   Updates like the one we just got from Eileen are what makes it possible to "give up" the dogs that you take into your home, and make fostering a wonderful experience for everyone involved, and most importantly Sam got his chance of living out his golden years loved and cared for which he so much deserved. Thanks to Rob and Eileen for falling in love with a (young) senior and for adopting!!!!"

And here's the update from Sam's new parents, Rob and Eileen:

"Sam is such a pleasure.  Rob and I feel like we've had him forever.  We found treats that he likes, Carvers, which are 80% chicken rather than the other crap that some of the treats have.  Rob bought him a toy last night, a stuffed squeeky ball.  We were surprised how he took to it right away.  He NEVER plays with anything. We throw the ball and he pounces on it and rolls around on the floor and finally winds up on his back playing with it!  So funny to see those short little legs holding the ball.  Take care, just wanted to give you an update on our Sam. We love him to death!!!"

Have we convinced you to become a foster?!?! Check out these links for more information -- the animals will thank you!

PSPCA Foster Care: http://www.pspca.org/careers/volunteer (scroll down to "Foster Care Volunteer Program")

ACCT Foster Care: http://www.pspca.org/acct/foster_rescue

Thank you, Volunteers!!!!

THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS!!! We had another successful "Super Pet Adoption Day" at the Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT) shelter, located at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia. Stay tuned for more updates!!!

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!!!

Mr. Pitiful Still Needs a Home!

Otis Redding is still at the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) looking for his forever home! 

Turn up your speakers and watch this video of "Mr. Pitiful" struttin' his stuff. How can you resist that face?! 

As the Otis himself would say, "I've been loving you too long to stop now." We haven't stopped loving him either. And we're not giving up until someone adopts this sweet guy. 

Could you be the one? 

Otis Redding's $75 adoption fee includes neutering, a microchip, 3 free weeks of veterinary care, and 1 year of vaccinations. He gets along with everyone, including other dogs, cats, and kids. 

He also comes with an unlimited, lifetime supply of love and tenderness. 

Come to the Pennsylvania SPCA at 350 E. Erie Avenue in Philadelphia. For more information, call (215) 426-6300 or visit www.pspca.org. 

Try a Little Tenderness

Otis Redding has been at the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) for way too long! I took him on NBC 10 this past Saturday (5/23/09), but nobody came forward to adopt him. 

He's a big boy, yes. But he walks well on a leash, he's calm, cool, and collected (most older dogs are!), and he's loving with everyone (including other dogs and cats). 

He's Otis Redding, the King of Soul....what else would you expect?!?!

To adopt Otis Redding, come to the PSPCA at 350 E. Erie Avenue in Philadelphia. For more info, call (215) 426-6300 or visit www.pspca.org. 

Come on Philly, try a little tenderness. 

Ayla

I recently received an email from Faith's Hope, a rescue group who has taken special needs cases from the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) over the past few years. Their latest rescue was Ayla (formerly known as Rajah), a deaf female pit bull who was surrendered to the PSPCA in January 2008 by another rescue group. Faith's Hope took Ayla into their care in May 2008.

Here's the update I received from Faith's Hope, which begins with a backstory on the woman who adopted Ayla:

"About 8 years ago, someone left a very dirty white Pit Bull puppy in someone's yard. That kind of thing happens a lot these days, especially in cities. Most people would have just taken that puppy to the shelter or at best, cleaned her up and found her a home. Once they found out the puppy was truly abandoned and no one was looking for her, this family chose a different path. They kept that puppy. They knew nothing about Pit Bull and like most people who listen to the news, they were a little "uncertain" and "leery" of a Pit Bull, but they gave the puppy a chance and that puppy changed their minds and hearts forever about the breed. Just as she changed a few other minds along the way.

That dog's name was Storm, she was a beautiful dog and she became a very loved member of that family. Some time later, that family also adopted a male Dogo Argentino who is deaf, his name is Duke. The family has gone through some changes since. The wife and husband are now divorced. Duke went to live with the husband, Storm stayed with the wife, who has two grown sons, the oldest one is about to graduate from college. Storm had an impact on his choice of dog breeds as well, he now owns two pit bulls, both adopted from a shelter. The other son just started college. The woman and Storm lived alone in Northeast Philadelphia and were best friends. Sadly, Storm passed away of bone cancer.

Although she was understandably heartbroken over losing Storm, she is a dog lover and she loves having a dog around to keep her company and share her life with. So she went to petfinder and started searching. And because she only lives less than a mile from me, one of the first Pit Bulls that came up in her search was Ayla. She fell instantly in love with Ayla and emailed me hoping she hadn't been adopted yet. Both me and Ayla's foster mom spoke with her and we both had a very good feeling about her finally being "the one!" Her references were wonderful, her situation pretty much ideal for Ayla. She owns her own home, she lives alone, no other animals, she has Pit Bull experience, she has experience with deaf dogs, and she works full time but pays her neighbor to come over in the middle of the day to let the doggie out. She is home by 3 pm every day.

I did the home visit, her home is beautiful and you can tell how much she loved Storm. After the home visit, she drove to the Ayla's foster mother's house to meet Ayla. It didn't take hervery long to decide Ayla would be making the trip back to Philadelphia with her. Finally, after so many months in foster care, after spending a few months in a shelter along the way, Ayla has a home of her very own! I am just so VERY happy for her, she is a wonderful dog and she has been incredibly patient."

The Pennsylvania SPCA is very proud of Ayla!

And we're not the only ones!

Ayla was photographed by professional pet photographer Melissa McDaniel, who traveled the country meeting with rescue dogs and deaf dogs for upcoming photo books titled Rescued in America and Deaf Dogs. A large portion of the proceeds will be donated to animal welfare groups, such as the Pennsylvania SPCA.

“This is a series of photo books with educational content, designed to call attention to certain topics, raise awareness on issues, celebrate the beauty that is around us, and give non-profits ameans to raise money for themselves,” said McDaniel.

Deaf Dogs will feature more than 50 deaf dogs from the US and Canada. The purpose of the book is to dispel the myths that surround deaf dogs.

“We could learn so much from these inspirational animals that never let their handicap hold them back," said McDaniel.

For more information on the books and to order, visit http://melissashouse.typepad.com/shelterstories/preorder-the-photo-books.html. You will have the option to donate to the Pennsylvnia SPCA when you order.....and the dogs will thank you for your kindness!

Super Adoption Day at ACCT

Saturday was a SUPER day for Philadelphia's animals! The Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT) shelter, powered by the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA), hosted "Super Adoption Day" on May 16 from 11 AM to 4 PM. This was the first time ACCT opened its doors to the public for adoptions, and the public responded enthusiastically: six dogs were adopted and several others found loving foster homes!

From the balloons decorating the parking lot to the happy pups playing on the front lawn, the atmosphere at ACCT was festive and uplifting. When potential adopters arrived at the shelter, dozens of smiling volunteers were on hand to answer questions, lead meet-and-greets, assist with adoption applications, and help the animals put their best paws forward. With so many volunteers helping out, every dog in the shelter got to roll around in the grass and sunbathe. This gave visitors a chance to see the dogs outside of their kennels, in a natural setting where they could interact with them and see their personalities shine through. Both the dogs and the public loved every minute of it!

"Super Adoption Day" could not have happened without our volunteers, an amazing group of animal-lovers who donate their time, skills, and resources to give Philadelphia's animals a second chance at life. Volunteering at a large, urban animal shelter is challenging work, particularly when a struggling economy has led more and more people to surrender or abandon their pets. But our volunteers consistently go above and beyond the call of duty, and "Super Adoption Day" was a testament to their dedication, passion, and spirit. 

Roscoe, Tuck, Tyson, Bambi, Jessica, and Booker -- the lucky dogs that got adopted on Saturday -- give "Super Adoption Day" two paws up, and their furry friends back at the shelter can't wait to do it again soon! 

Congrats to the Class of 2009

(Click on the pictures to see a larger version!)

On May 11, the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) hosted the Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) exam at our Philadelphia Adoption Center and we are pleased to announce that 10 dogs passed with flying colors. This was the first time that the PSPCA has administered the CGC exam at our shelter.

The CGC exam is a certification program administered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) that rewards dogs who have good manners at home and in the community and stresses responsible pet ownership. The United States Senate and 35 state legislatures, including Pennsylvania, have resolutions endorsing the Canine Good Citizen® concept. The CGC exam is also a pre-requisite to therapy dog certification.

Of the 10 dogs that passed the CGC exam, seven were Pit Bulls/Pit Bulls mixes, including three that were adopted from the PSPCA. Two of the adopted Pit Bulls had been rescued from cruelty cases in Philadelphia by PSPCA Humane Law Enforcement Officers.

The Animal Farm Foundation is generously providing the PSPCA with a $150 Incentive Award for each of the seven Pit Bulls/Pit Bull mixes that passed the CGC exam. This will generate a total of $1,050 in support for the PSPCA.

“The Animal Farm Foundation’s AKC Canine Good Citizen® Incentive Award is designed to bring together dogs, their owners, and the community,” said Stacey Coleman, Foundation Manager for the Animal Farm Foundation. “Dogs and their owners strengthen their bond by training together for their CGC. In turn, the dog-owner teams help the shelters by earning much needed funds for the homeless animals in their community. We are pleased that the Pennsylvania SPCA is participating in our incentive award program and is successfully bringing their community together for the good of the animals.”

The PSPCA provided scholarships for all Pit Bull/Pit Bull mix owners whose dogs took the CGC exam, which would otherwise cost $25 per dog.

“Pit Bulls have been misunderstood and maligned for years due to sensational myths and advocates of breed bans,” said Nicole Larocco, Director of Animal Behavior & Training for the PSPCA. “This means that Pit Bulls often linger in the shelter for months because they are overlooked and unwanted by potential adopters who are not aware of their loyal, loving nature.”

During the six weeks leading up to the exam, Larocco taught a training class to help dogs and their owners prepare. Five of the 10 dogs that passed the exam had participated in Larocco’s class.

Beth Strecker, an approved CGC evaluator who has volunteered with the PSPCA for nearly 40 years, administered the exam on behalf of the AKC.

22 Litters and Counting

Kitten season is not coming. It's here. And it's in full swing. The Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT) shelter -- which is run by the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) -- is overflowing with litters!

Twenty-two litters, to be exact. And that number is rising rapidly.

We have kitties. We have mommas. We have kitties and mommas. We have some mommas who were turned in without their babies, so they're taking care other mommas' kitties, who were turned in without their mommas. (Try saying that five times.....)

In other words, we are in dire need of foster homes.

Our goal is to place every single one of them in time for Mother's Day on May 10. Preferably sooner, of course, as there are surely 22 more litters waiting on deck. 'Tis the season.

ACCT will provide all veterinary care and medicines free of charge, as well as support and information on bottle-feeding, caring for kittens, and other foster-motherhood questions. You can think of us as the Dr. Spock for all things furry.

To see pictures/descriptions of all 23 litters looking for homes, visit: http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/pet/1159182271.html.

If you can make a difference and become a foster parent, please call ACCT at (267) 385-3800 or stop by our shelter at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM (we're open 7 days a week!). Or, you can email Natalie (nsmith@pspca.org), Jill (jsweeney@pspca.org), or Jennifer (jlayton@pspca.org).

Thank you for finding room in your home and your heart for these precious babies.

PS: Still on the fence? Here's some inspiration: http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/good_day_philadelphia/fox_fursday/050709_Fox_Fursday_Mama_Pets_Need_Homes_Too

Canine Good Citizens

On Monday, May 11, the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) in Philadelphia will administer the Canine Good Citizen Exam to approximately 15 canine candidates and their owners. This is the first time we've offered the exam and we're excited to see who will comprise our first graduating class.


Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes have been invited to take the exam for free. Nearly half the dogs signed up are Pits, some of whom were adopted from our shelter.

With so much negative publicity surrounding this misunderstood breed, the PSPCA is proud to show the world what good citizens they can be, particularly in the hands of responsible owners.

The handsome boy shown above is Louis, who was rescued by PSPCA humane law enforcement officers in 2008. Louis is taking his Canine Good Citizen Exam on Monday, so be sure to send him some good luck vibes!

We Love You, Mom!

Mother's Day is just around the corner (May 10th!), so the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) is encouraging everyone to think outside the box -- or the cage -- this year.

Mothers play so many different roles at our shelter, so we came up with three very special ways to say "I love you, Mom."

#1: Adopt a Mom!

Many cats and dogs come to our shelter with "buns in the oven" and give birth to kitties and puppies. Their babies get adopted quickly but the moms are overlooked because they're older, so they're left behind in the shelter. In other cases, our humane law enforcement officers rescue "breeding mothers" (dogs who are used to give birth to litter after litter) from puppy mills, backyard breeders, or dogfighting rings. When the dog can no longer produce litters, the owners often neglect them -- or worse -- so we step in and save them. So one way to show moms how much we appreciate everything they do is by adopting one! All of our adoptable animals (including Lisa, the dog shown above, who was a breeding mother in a Philadelphia dogfighting ring) are listed on the PSPCA website at: www.pspca.org/adoption_centers.

#2: Sponsor a Mom!

We understand that not everyone is able to have pets, but you can still show your support by sponsoring one. For a donation of $50 or more, we'll send your Mom a photo and the story of one of the animals in our shelter. Your donation will help cover the animal's food, shelter, and medical care while it waits to be adopted. Normally the Sponsor-a-Pet program is $150 for cats and $200 for dogs, but we will honor the reduced price of $50 (for cats and dogs) until Tuesday, May 5, at 5:00 pm (this guarantees that your gift arrives in time!). To sponsor a pet for Mother's Day, contact Katie Riecks, Development Associate, at (215) 426-6304 ext. 272 or kriecks@pspca.org.

#3 Become a Mom!

That's right, you can become a Mom -- a foster mom! -- in time for Mother's Day! Foster moms provide caring homes for animals that are too young, too sick, or too unsocialized to be adopted yet. And now that kitten season has arrived, we especially need foster moms to take nursing cats and their babies. Newborn animals, nursing moms, and sick animals require much more attention than they can receive from the shelter staff. Foster moms can give them animals the extra TLC they need before finding their permanent homes, and they also clear space in the shelter for other animals waiting to be adopted. To become a foster mom, visit the PSPCA website at http://www.pspca.org/docs/Foster_Application_Internet.pdf or the Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT) website at http://www.pspca.org/acct/foster_rescue.

On that note, here's a video of a mommy cat and her baby kittens, who were born one day after arriving at the PSPCA.

Happy Mother's Day!

Couch Potatoes

Yesterday I wrote about a cat who likes broccoli, so today I'm writing about potatoes.....couch potatoes, to be exact!

Here are two emails I received about dogs who love to lounge. Both of them were adopted from the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) in Philadelphia.

The first email is from Nanci, who adopted Dempsey (formerly known as Heinz) -- the pit bull in the top picture:

"We adopted Dempsey in mid-January of 2009 and he’s as happy as he can be. He is an amazing addition to our family! He’s just loving life and his new pack. He is incredibly gentle with the kids. When the baby hands him his dog toys, Dempsey is so careful and gentle while accepting them. Everywhere I take him, he is simply fawned over and eating it up. His new vet is in love with him. Dempsey is a great on following commands -- he can sit, lay, and stay. Dempsey also LOVES other dogs and has made a few new doggie buddies at the dog park (there are no restrictions on pit bulls where we live!). His favorite activities are chewing on his bones, getting massages, and resting on his old man chair….it’s now his!"

The second email is from Anne, who adopted Buddy (formerly known as LT) -- the Lab mix in the bottom picture):

"Buddy is doing GREAT! What a sweet dog! He loves to play, he goes for long walks two times a day with my dad, and he hangs out with his new sister Maggie every now and then. She usually comes in to raid his toy box and Buddy doesn't mind at all, mainly because he's a big 'ol couch potato. He and my dad made quick friends! I take him with me on Sundays to my friend’s house and we walk through the cemeteries with her dog, Jay. She also has 3 cats and 2 birds, and Buddy is NOT aggressive with other animals. We are so HAPPY that someone saw what a great dog he was and set things up so that he could at meet his new sister, which obviously went well and now he has forever home. We love Buddy so much!!! Take care and thanks again for checking in."

He Likes It! Hey Mikey!

I've officially run out of excuses for not eating my vegetables.....even the cats are doing it!

Read this success story about Mikey, who has an affinity for broccoli. Mikey was surrendered to the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) on New Years Eve of 2008.

"We adopted Angel, who we have since renamed Mikey. The week before we adopted him, I was at the PSPCA with my sister and saw him. The following weekend my 19 year old daughter went with me to “visit." We opened the cage and he instantly put his two front paws up on her shoulders and snuggled under her chin and began purring. She looked at me and said “I think he just adopted us.”

Mikey settled right in with our other male cat and our big dogs. He is extremely calm, loving, and affectionate. For the first week or two, the cats avoided each other, but after that, they became the best of friends. They play, sleep, eat, and watch the birds from the patio window together.

He loves attention from us as well, and will still put his front paws up to be picked up and carried around like a baby looking over my shoulder or snuggling under my chin.

We have found (by accident) that he finds people food amusing as well as an occasional tasty treat. He will bat a piece of broccoli around the floor, pick it up in his mouth and toss it around for a few minutes, before finally eating it (yes…he eats broccoli).

Mikey has been a wonderful addition to our family and we are so happy that he is with us. His constant purring makes us think he is pretty happy with his home as well."

"Puppy Mills: Exposed" Airs Tonight on Animal Planet

Do you remember my story about Baxter, the white labradoodle shown above? He was rescued by the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) from a puppy mill outside Philadelphia: http://pspcatails.blogspot.com/2009/03/blog-post_27.html.

Tonight you can get the full scoop on Baxter and other puppy mill dogs by watching Animal Planet’s “Puppy Mills: Exposed” episode, which airs tonight (Monday, April 27) at 10:00 pm EST on Animal Planet.

The episode features real-life footage of PSPCA humane law enforcement officers busting local puppy mills and saving animals from abuse and neglect.

You’ll learn why Pennsylvania – specifically Lancaster County – is called “the puppy mill capital of the east.”

You'll also learn why it's so important to adopt, rather than shop, for pets.

"Puppy Mills: Exposed" is something everyone should see....even if it's past your bedtime.

To learn more about the PSPCA’s efforts to stop puppy mills in Pennsylvania, visit: http://www.pspca.org/news/puppy_mills.

Happy Hour Has Gone to the Dogs!

You are NOT going to believe what just happened.

I'm in my office at the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) and four dogs walk over to my desk. They all looked familiar and they seemed to know their way around the place.

One of them -- the Australian Cattle Dog/Collie mix-- steps forward and hands me a letter. The brown Pit Bull with the perky ears says they're not leaving until I post it on the blog. The Pug starts licking my face and says she won't stop until I do it. The white, three-legged Pit Bull says he needs me to type it for them.

He only had three legs, how could I say no?

So here's their letter, which I'm posting on the dogs' behalf.

To all the dogs in Philadelphia:

Our names are Uluru, Mary Todd Lincoln, Mazzy, and AJ. We were each adopted from the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA), where all of our moms work.

As PSPCA alumni, we want to give something back to all the dogs who are still in the shelter, so we're throwing a happy hour to raise money for a PSPCA dog park!

Yep, that's right. Happy hour has gone to the dogs! The festivities take place tonight, Thursday, April 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Parc (227 S. 18th Street in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia).

You see, we have great lives now, but we remember what it's like to be a shelter dog. We'd sit in our kennels all day long, dreaming of green grass and fresh air. We'd have so much energy, we didn't know what to do with ourselves. All we wanted to do was run around.

At times we got a little stir-crazy. Other times we felt like giving up. Most of the time our muscles hurt from not being used.

Now that we're adopted, our moms take us to the park everyday. Boy, is that living! We run, we play, we sniff grass, we meet friends......life couldn't get any better!

And that's why we want to build a dog park for our friends who are still at the shelter. We think it's the perfect way to keep them happy and healthy while they're waiting for good homes.

But we need your help. So here's what we're asking:

(1) Invite your owners to the happy hour tonight. Make sure they know that a portion of tonight's drink sales will directly benefit our dog park project.

(2) Invite your owners' friends to the happy hour tonight. The more, the merrier.

(3) If they can't come, don't bark at them. Just remind them to show their support by donating online: http://www.pspca.org/donate/dogpark

One last time......Thursday, April 23, 5:0o to 7:00 PM, at Parc.

We hope to see you there (and yes, we will ALL be there....and so will our moms!)!

Sincerely,

Uluru, Mary Todd Lincoln, Mazzy, and AJ