ActionFall 2006

Animal Makeovers How the ASPCA brings out the best in pets. >> PRESIDENT’S NOTE Building Humane Communities Board of Directors With autumn right around the corner, many of us are looking Officers of the Board forward with relief to bidding Hoyle C. Jones, Chairman, Linda Lloyd Lambert, Vice Chairman, Sally Spooner, Secretary, farewell to summer.This year, most James W. Gerard, Treasurer of the country experienced a summer of rising temperatures and Members of the Board gas prices. Here at the ASPCA headquarters in New Penelope Ayers, Alexandra G. Bishop, J. Elizabeth York City, things were no different.The rising cost of Bradham, Reenie Brown, Patricia J. Crawford, gasoline had curtailed the efforts of the Mayor’s Alliance Jonathan D. Farkas, Franklin Maisano, William Morrison Matthews, Sean McCarthy, to fuel a transport van that shuttles animals from city Gurdon H. Metz, Michael F.X. Murdoch, shelters to foster homes until the animals can be James L. Nederlander, Marsha Reines Perelman, adopted. Most of these animals would otherwise be George Stuart Perry, Helen S.C. Pilkington, Gail euthanized. Sanger, William Secord, Frederick Tanne, In an effort to salvage this program aimed at Richard C. Thompson, Cathy Wallach protecting the city’s homeless pets and our overall Directors Emeriti commitment to making New York City a model Steven M. Elkman, George Gowen, Alastair B. humane community, the ASPCA agreed to donate Martin, Thomas N. McCarter 3rd, Marvin Schiller, $10,000 to the Mayor’s Alliance to continue its James F. Stebbins, Esq. transportation initiative as fuel costs rise.The public stepped up and matched our donation, dollar-for-dollar. The ASPCA 424 East 92nd Street This is just one more example of our ability to New York, NY 10128-6804 improve animals’ lives thanks to the generosity of (212) 876-7700 www.aspca.org ASPCA members.As one of our most dedicated E-mail: [email protected] supporters, you understand our commitment to finding Volume 2, Number 3 permanent, loving homes for America’s homeless pets ASPCA Action and putting an end to animal cruelty.Thank you for is published four times a year by joining us in our efforts to change the fate of America’s The American Society for homeless, abused, and neglected pets. the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 424 East 92nd Street New York, NY 10128-6804

Postmaster— Send address changes and undeliverable copies to: Edwin Sayres ASPCA Action Returns P.O. Box 97288 ASPCA President & CEO Washington, DC 20090-7288

Copyright © 2006 ASPCA. All rights reserved. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and ASPCA Action ASPCA are registered trademarks. Editorial created by Rebus LLC, 632 Broadway, 11th Floor, For permission to reprint material from ASPCA Action, New York, NY 10012. www.rebus.com please direct requests to: ASPCA Action Cover photo: Doug Menuez/Photodisc Green/Getty Images 110 Fifth Avenue Second Floor Send subscription inquiries to: ASPCA Action, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10011 New York, NY 10128-6804. E-mail for ASPCA Action: This newsletter is not intended to provide advice on individual pet health [email protected] matters or to substitute for consultation with a veterinary doctor.

2 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org >> COVER STORY Animal Makeovers ASPCA behavior experts help more pets find permanent, loving homes

The three dogs were a sorry sight when ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents pulled them from the dark basement where they’d been abandoned. Emaciated and fearful, they were rushed to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in Manhattan, where ASPCA experts could provide lifesaving veterinary treatment and tender care. “All three dogs were extremely withdrawn when they first came in,” says Victoria Wells, Manager of Shelter Behavior and Training at the ASPCA.“They stood in one spot, frozen, and threatened to snap when touched—telltale signs that a dog has had very little positive interaction with people.” Two months and twenty plus pounds later, the three brown-and-white husky-shepherd mixes were well on their way to new and better lives. Dubbed Months of “therapy” transformed the fearful Slim Jim Slim Jim, Oscar Meyer, and Mary Jane by ASPCA into a loving and pampered Freud. staff who office-fostered them, the three siblings responded remarkably well to the humans now adoption.And like many before, all found loving showing them such affection and care. homes: Mary Jane with her ASPCA foster “mom”; “Slim Jim was the most miraculous of the Oscar Meyer with an older gentleman; and Slim Jim turnarounds,” says Wells.“The second day I had been with a couple who, sympathetic to his lengthy sitting on the ground with him, talking to him and “therapy,” renamed him Freud. trying to feed him treats, when all of a sudden you could see the blank look in his eyes fade away.There A Few Simple Tricks was something living in there! As he became more Behavior training has helped all sorts of “problem” and more comfortable, it got to the point where if he animals at the ASPCA get a second chance.There was caught a glimpse of me from 20 feet away he’d run to Emma, the deaf white pit bull who with the help of a me to get hugged.” vibration collar and hand signals learned basic skills Like thousands of other abused and neglected that made her irresistible to a new pet parent.And animals rescued by the ASPCA, all three dogs 10-year-old Sheila, the bone-thin, tick-infested underwent extensive behavioral evaluations and German shepherd rescued from one backyard who rehabilitation to make sure they were suitable for spent a second puppy-hood romping through fields BEHAVIOR TIMELINE ASPCA: 140 years of fostering the human-animal bond

Philanthropist The ASPCA first begins Behavior helpline ASPCA staff begin Henry Bergh offering dog obedience service is set up behavioral calls attention to classes. Brochures at the to provide new evaluations of

1866 the inhumane 1944 time note, “Dogs and owners pet owners with dogs and cats up

treatment of are always trained together, 1970s ready advice 1980s for adoption. many animals in the theory being that we and information Programs for our society and teach you to train your dog,” on behavior Animal-Assisted establishes the a philosophy that continues questions. Therapy are ASPCA. to inform activities to this day. established.

Fall 2006 3 >> COVER STORY with her new —proof Society. Her own dog Sophie, an scope to foster happy, loving positive you can teach an old dog Eskimo-shepherd mix deemed relationships between people and new tricks.ASPCA Action readers “unadoptable” after she was their pets.” ■ may also remember Fluffy Bee, the rescued from a drainage ditch, painfully shy gray tabby who was went on to become a model adopted after ASPCA doctors put therapy dog, working with her on anti-anxiety medications. prisoners and troubled youth. “A few training techniques can make all the difference,” says Dr. Coming to Your Home Stephanie LaFarge, Senior The ASPCA offers a wealth of Director of Counseling Services at invaluable training tips at its website the ASPCA.Training can correct — www.aspca.org/behavior — everyday problems like jumping and is ramping up efforts to create up, pulling on the leash, or a “smarter” site that offers chewing up furniture, a major personalized guidance tailored to reason why so many pets end up individual needs, often in shelters in the first place. accompanied by tutoring videos. Knowing a few basic tricks like “This is going to be an enormous “Sit” or “Stay” may even be the help to pet parents,” says Dr. charm that gets an animal Pamela Reid, Certified Applied adopted, as graduates of the Animal Behaviorist and VP of the ASPCA’s first Charm School ASPCA’s Animal Behavior Center training program learned first- in Urbana, IL. hand earlier this year. Reid cites statistics showing that Beyond basic good manners, most people experience some type select dogs at the ASPCA shelter of behavior problem with their are now identified as animal, yet few are able to do temperamentally suitable for much about it.“Even if you are therapy dog work, in which lucky enough to live near a intensively trained teams of people behavior expert, their fees can and their pets visit hospitals, pose an insurmountable barrier,” nursing homes, schools, and other she says. locales.“Therapy team visits can “The ASPCA wants to help as aid medical recovery or boost many pet guardians as we can, performance,” says LaFarge, who thereby reducing the number of runs Animal-Assisted Therapy pets being relinquished to Once deemed “unadoptable,” classes at the ASPCA, part of a shelters,” says Reid.“We have the Sophie went on to become a highly training program with the Delta expertise to help on a national skilled therapy dog. BEHAVIOR TIMELINE ASPCA: 140 years of fostering the human-animal bond

The ASPCA begins conducting original The ASPCA The ASPCA The ASPCA expands nationally by research on pet behavior problems, holds an official offers the first establishing the Animal Behavior shelter dog behavior, and companion dedication for its post-doctoral Center in Urbana, IL, a sister 2002 animal loss, presenting papers at 2000 new behavior Fellowship in department to the Animal Poison 2005-

1990s training space in Applied Animal scientific meetings worldwide. Control Center that handles over its New York City Behavior. present 100,000 lifesaving requests a year. ASPCA staff help develop and review headquarters. more than 15 ASPCA books on pet The ASPCA staff includes five care and training. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists.

4 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org >> NEWS Big Fix on the Gulf Coast

the affected areas: Spay/Louisiana, the Humane Society of South Benefits of Spay and Neuter Mississippi, and Mississippi Spay • Fewer unwanted litters • Fewer animals entering shelters and Neuter (SPAN).These local • Fewer problem behaviors in groups will take a three-pronged pets (yowling, fighting, spraying, approach to ending animal roaming) overpopulation long-term: • Lower risk of certain cancers A spay and neuter voucher (uterine, ovarian, testicular) program. Residents throughout • A longer, healthier life for your pet Mississippi and in hard-hit areas of Louisiana are receiving vouchers Rebel Field in Chalmette, where Tina Bernard (right) issues the for free or low-cost sterilization ASPCA rescuers took in pets in first spay and neuter voucher to surgeries.“It’s a very easy, very the harrowing weeks following Jo Ann Williams and Jazz. helpful program,” says Jo Ann Hurricane Katrina.The Big Fix Amid the heroic rescues during Williams, the first voucher Rig will continue to provide “on- last years’ devastating Gulf Coast recipient in St. Bernard Parish east the-go” low-cost spay and neuter hurricanes, a troubling truth of New Orleans, one of the areas services in hard-hit communities emerged: Fully 80% of the dogs hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. throughout the state. Later this and cats that turned up at rescue Her Pomeranian, Jazz, was recently year it returns to Mississippi, facilities throughout the region neutered at a local clinic. where it has already done 540 were unaltered. Now the ASPCA, Permanent, high-volume surgeries and handed out 1,400 along with PetSmart Charities, the spay and neuter clinics. The vouchers in just four weeks. International Fund for Animal rebuilt and relocated Humane Also planned is an in-depth Welfare, the Humane Society of Society of South Mississippi, survey of Gulf residents about the United States, and United serving a 90-mile radius, opened why they do or do not alter their Animal Nations is helping to solve its doors in Gulfport in May.A animals, to help make this the problem, with an ambitious brand new facility for the New program more effective.“Thank $3.3 million program to bring free Orleans area, serving 25 parishes, is you,ASPCA members, for making and low-cost sterilizations to an slated to open next spring.Vans all this possible,” says Julie Becker expected 20,000 animals in the will provide the elderly, feral cat of Spay/Louisiana.“We’re amazed coming year. caretakers, low-income pet parents, at every step of the way how “Spaying and neutering is the and others ready access to state-of- supportive you all have been.” ■ first crucial step to stop the cycle the-art surgery suites in order to of unwanted pets,” says ASPCA sterilize up to 17,000 Spay/Neuter Initiatives Manager dogs and cats a year. Aimee St.Arnaud, who is helping The Big Fix Rig. to coordinate spay and neuter This 53-foot mobile van efforts in the area.“The key to that can hold up to 160 prevention is to make spay and cats is equipped with neuter an affordable, accessible, operating tables and routine thing to do.” designed to sterilize an The program, unprecedented in additional 4,000 animals scale, funds three organizations in the coming year. Its that have a strong track record in first stop in Louisiana: The Big Fix Rig will add 4,000 sterilization surgeries in its first year on the road.

Fall 2006 5 REWARDS!REWARDS! They're not just for pets any more! Get great rewards with the ASPCA credit card! Apply Now! The ASPCA will receive a $75 donation from Chase – at no cost to you – after first use of your card2

You'll receive: Flex Rewards (redeemable for cash, travel, merchandise, gift cards and more)1 No Annual Fee Low introductory APR Generous Credit Line 24 Hour Cardmember Service

Carry the official ASPCA credit card and make a difference for animals with every card purchase!

Dog Platinum Cats Platinum HLE Platinum To apply, call 1-800-877-6745 or visit www.aspca.org

Official Platinum Visa® Card 1Points are earned on card purchasesonl y. Points are not earned on balance transfers,cash advances,overdraf t protection advances, travelers checks,any checks that accessy our account,finance charges,or fees of any kind, including fees for products that protect or insure the balancesof the cardmember'saccount. After you receive your first statement, your rewards disclosurew ill be sent to you containing all program guidelines & benefits . 2The ASPCAwill also receive .2% of all purchasesm ade using the ASPCArewards card.Y our card must remain open for a minimum of six (6) months and you need to make a purchase. Subjectto credit approval. The ASPCAcredit card is issued by ChaseBank USA,N.A., and may be serviced by its affiliates. >> NEWS BRIEFS Animal Precinct TV show, champagne (donated by ASPCA Back-to-School corporate partner Windsor Vineyards of California), and Reading List cookies (donated by Latka’s Dog Treats) rounded out the festivities. This year’s ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Awards were Brooklyn Borough President presented in June at the Marty Markowitz unveiled a American Library Association’s proclamation during the event annual conference in New declaring May 6, 2006,“ASPCA Orleans. Winners and honorees* Day in Brooklyn.” ■ for 2005 include: Commemorating the ASPCA’s ER Vets: Life in 140th year at Bergh’s resting place. an Animal Emergency Honoring Henry Bergh Room, by Donna Over 300 well-wishers gathered at M. Jackson historic Green-Wood Cemetery (Honor). A photo- in Brooklyn, NY,in May to filled, behind-the- scenes look at a celebrate the ASPCA’s 140th Colorado animal anniversary and to honor its hospital. founder Henry Bergh, who is buried there.“He was a pioneer Aiding Animals Magnus at the Fire, by of compassion in the United Jennifer Armstrong (Award). A States,” says Valerie Angeli, Senior Worldwide firefighting gray stallion refuses to be put out to pasture. Director of Public Information Some 300 Turkish veterinarians and Special Projects at the and veterinary students learned Dog Sense, by Sneed B. ASPCA.“This was a joyful valuable lessons on the practice of Collard III (Award). A 13-year-old celebration of a life and of a great veterinary medicine in U.S. shelters takes on the school bully with person who made the world more when the ASPCA’s Lila Miller, the aid of his beloved dog. humane.” D.V.M., presented at the Third A Dog’s Life: Young and old,along with guest Annual Small Animal Medicine The dogs, therapy cats,ASPCA dogs Conference at Uludag University Autobiography up for adoption, and the NYPD in Bursa,Turkey. Dr. Miller is co- of a Stray, by Mounted Police joined in an editor of Shelter Medicine for Ann M. Martin honor walk to Bergh's Veterinarians and Staff,a (Award). Life mausoleum, where the bronze groundbreaking text on caring for lessons from a stray’s point-of- animal sculpture that once hung companion animals housed in view. on the side of the ASPCA’s main shelters. Her talk covered such headquarters in Manhattan now critical issues as disease control, Defiance, by Valerie Hobbs adorns the lush grounds. Guests shelter design, feral cat programs, (Young Adult Award). A young enjoyed one-of-a-kind artifacts and cruelty investigations, all issues cancer patient befriends an from ASPCA archives in a special vital to humane care for animals elderly neighbor and her pet cow. museum exhibition,“Blessed Are everywhere.The visit was capped *Correction: Our Summer ‘06 the Merciful: Celebrating Henry by a tour of a state-of-the-art issue erroneously cited all book Bergh and the ASPCA.” Bagpipers shelter complex under award finalists as winners. For a playing animal-themed songs, construction, led by Bursa’s mayor complete list of animal-friendly appearances by ASPCA “animal and filmed by Turkish public books, visit www.aspca.org. cop” stars from the popular television. ■

Fall 2006 7 >> CORPORATE PARTNERS ASPCA and Fresh Step Boost Adoptions

The Capital Area Humane Society in Columbus, OH, will enhance its Mayor Tom Barrett of celebrates the Wisconsin Humane Website and offer a Re-Homing Kit Society’s Safe Steps Home grant. to boost adoptions.

Imagine a world where every cat throughout the month of June. Oregon Humane Society counts! That was the theme for this Locally, each SSH grant shelter (Portland, OR) year’s ASPCA Adopt-A-Shelter- participated in local radio Mercer Island Eastside Cat Month, a national promotion promotions and media events Orphans and Waifs sponsored by the makers of Fresh which resulted in raising awareness (MEOW) Cat Rescue Step Scoopable Cat Litter with of cat adoption as well as (Seattle, WA) carbon. Fresh Step also sponsors increasing adoptions overall. Neighborhood Cats (New the Safe Steps Home (SSH) shelter The ASPCA and Fresh Step are York, NY) grant program, and the ASPCA pleased to announce the following The Scratching Post was able to integrate the two grant recipients for this year’s Safe (Cincinnati, OH) programs this year by creating an Steps Home program. Each shelter Wisconsin Humane Society Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month tour was awarded $20,000 for (Milwaukee, WI) with special cat adoption events in innovative programs that help cats: cities that received grants. For details on each individual During each cat adoption event, Animal Rescue League of grant, please visit local shelter spokespeople and Boston (Boston, MA) www.aspca.org/freshstep. veterinarians were on site to offer Animal Rescue League of On behalf of all our grant advice on adopting a cat and tips Western Pennsylvania shelters and the cats adopted as for caring for a new cat. In (Pittsburgh, PA) part of this extraordinary effort addition, the makers of Fresh Step Capital Area Humane Society we thank Fresh Step for its litter gave away free Cat Adoption (Columbus, OH) sponsorship of these lifesaving Starter kits to anyone who adopted Indianapolis Animal Care and programs. ■ a shelter cat during the event and Control (Indianapolis, IN)

8 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org >> RESCUE

For one paralyzed pooch, ASPCA rescue brought mobility and a new friend-filled home. Sweet Pea’s Sweet Rewards It was last September that ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents, tipped off by a concerned citizen, were called in to investigate a brown-and-white pit bull languishing in a New York home. Filthy and emaciated, the badly neglected four-year-old terrier could barely drag its paralyzed hindquarters across the floor. “She was in a great deal of pain when our agents seized her,” says ASPCA Supervisory Special Investigator Annemarie Lucas. “The ailing dog was treated by ASPCA doctors.The owner was arrested and charged with neglect.” Sweet Pea (right) joins family and friends at Eddie’s Wheels for Pets. Christened “Sweet Pea” by the ASPCA adoption team, the cuddly Home Free countryside for a two-week canine responded well to the That’s when ASPCA volunteer “vacation” with Leslie and Eddie expert care provided by ASPCA Esther Koslow contacted Eddie’s Grinnell, Eddie’s Wheels’ founders. veterinarians and staff.An avid Wheels for Pets, which makes “Within a half hour, Sweet Pea eater, she regained strength and custom-fit assistive carts for was at ease with her new setting was soon scooting across the floors animals.The organization, based in and canine pals,” says Koslow.“The of ASPCA headquarters. Shelburne Falls, MA, donated two next day, Eddie and Leslie “She quickly learned that two sets of wheels, one for Sweet Pea announced that Sweet Pea was hands are better than one, so that if and another for fellow shelter-dog going to stay with them for good. you stroked her with just one hand, Baby (see “Miracle Baby!” page 18). It was a perfect match.” she poked at the other with her soft Sweet Pea quickly adapted to Sweet Pea and Toby, a large muzzle,” says Elizabeth Silverman, long, wheel-assisted walks in the Doberman-Rottweiler mix, have an ASPCA volunteer who tended park. But months later, she still become the official “shop dogs.” to Sweet Pea.“She thrives on TLC, hadn’t found someone willing to Fellow companions include Daisy, so much so that she even enjoys take on the responsibility of a dachshund also on wheels; a having her teeth brushed!” adopting a special needs dog. Doberman named Autumn; and a Still, Sweet Pea had persistent “After all that time in the host of staff and visitors. health problems, including shelter, Sweet Pea needed a break,” “The little mush-pot is doing recurrent infections and chronic says Koslow. In June, she and great,” says Leslie Grinnell of her pain that required daily medicines. fellow ASPCA volunteers Dina new addition to .“She’s And despite the intensive medical Schmidt and Joseph Rivera been falling at people’s knees to attention, she would never walk brought the lovable canine up to tell them,‘My name is Sweet Pea. again. the lush western Massachusetts You can pet me now.’” ■

Fall 2006 9 >> OUTREACH $20,000 SAFE STEPS HOME ■ Washington Mercer Island Eastside Orphans and Waifs (MEOW) Cat Rescue in Seattle, WA, will use a $20,000 Safe Steps Home grant from the ASPCA and Fresh Step Scoopable Cat Litter (see page 8) to purchase a much-needed cargo van to transport cats to low-cost spay and neuter clinics and adoption events throughout the city. “I cannot tell you what this grant has meant to MEOW. It has changed the way we operate in so many ways,” says one MEOW spokesperson. “We are so proud to have our hearts’ work honored by the ASPCA/Fresh Step Safe Steps Home Program.” ✷ 700+ MEET YOUR MATCH™ WORKSHOPS AND VIDEOS ■ California to Maine ✷ Staff from more than 450 shelters have attended Meet Your Match™ regional training workshops throughout the U.S. to date. Meet Your Match™, an ASPCA program made possible by grants from Iams, color codes people and canines based ✷ on personality and lifestyle traits to make the best possible pet/parent connections. This year the program has expanded to include puppies, and a first-of-its-kind Feline-ality Adoption Program, matching cats with potential adopters, begins this fall. Some 250 additional animal welfare groups have learned about the program through the Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality & Puppy-ality Guide and Instructional Video, available online at the ASPCA store (www.aspca.org/store). 3,000+ ASPCA KIDS ■ Texas to Massachusetts Every month, hundreds of schoolchildren, from pre-K through high school, learn about the importance of being kind to animals through the ASPCA Kids Classroom program, which teaches humane care in schools throughout the New York area. This year, classroom and teacher workshops are expanding from New York City to Massachusetts, Texas, and beyond. In the first half of 2006, the ASPCA reached over 3,000 kids through classroom presentations, mini-camps, and public programs. It’s one more way the ASPCA is spreading its message of caring to an up-and-coming generation of young Americans. Your Dolla 10 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org $22,000 SENDING OUT AN SOS ■ Wisconsin The Dane County Humane Society in Madison, WI, was the proud recipient of a $22,000 SOS Grant, awarded by the ASPCA with funding from the Glaser Progress Foundation to bring low-cost, high-volume spay and neuter services to rural areas of the state. The SOS, or Shelter Outreach Services, model has met with great success in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, where some 15,000 animals have been altered in the three years since the program started. ASPCA experts have since expanded the program to rural areas of New Hampshire and Vermont and, now, the upper Midwest. ✷ ✷ $10,000 FUELING ADOPTIONS ■ New York City With gas prices , the ASPCA pledged $10,000 to fuel a homeless animal transport van run by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. The vehicle ✷ shuttles hundreds of pets a month, 7 days a week, from city shelters to foster homes until they can be adopted. Many of these animals would otherwise be euthanized. Within days, compassionate citizens rose to the ASPCA’s 10K challenge by donating an additional $10,000 plus to the cause.

$1.7 MILLION A MODEL SHELTER ■ Mississippi Hundreds of guests celebrated the unveiling of the Humane Society of South Mississippi’s new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Gulfport in May. The ASPCA has contributed or pledged some $1.7 million to date for recovery, rebuilding, and spay and neuter efforts after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the old shelter. The 42,000-square-foot facility on seven acres will greatly expand humane programs in a six-county area, allowing for high-volume spaying and neutering of up to 15,000 animals a year in a 90-mile radius. rs At Work Fall 2006 11 >> ADVOCACY And Justice for All ASPCA legal experts aid pet parents all across America

Take Two Riston felt a familiar sense of outrage earlier this year when TV news reports showed distraught pet parents in Cutler, IL, three hours north.There, officers had been seizing pet Rottweilers from their homes following a similar ban targeting “dangerous” breeds. “When I saw it on the news it just tore my heart out, because I knew how those people felt,” says Riston, now legislative liason for the Southern Illinois Pet Society (SIPS), an animal rescue group. Again she contacted the ASPCA and, with the help of VanKavage, the law was rescinded and pets returned. “Dangerous dog legislation is important, but it should be breed- Susan Riston of Cairo, IL, knows specific legislation, which bans the neutral,” says VanKavage, who firsthand what it means to face ownership of specific breeds of speaks often on breed-specific breed discrimination.When her dogs deemed to be dangerous, laws, including at the 2006 Canine son came home with a tiny, red- regardless of the animal’s Legislation Conference in Chicago brown ball-of-fur named Buddy, a individual temperament. this August.“Responsible and pit bull he’d rescued from a street- “The idea of getting rid of a caring pet parents should be able corner,“I had visions of this ‘Cujo’ dog that was a member of our to own whatever breed or mixed breed ravaging the two-year-old family was heartbreaking,” says breed of dog they want.”With her child and the other pets in our Riston. Spurred to action by help, the state of Illinois has passed home. But I decided I had to give Buddy’s “outlaw” status, she made several important pieces of this ugly little pup a chance.” it her mission to take on Cairo’s legislation aimed at placing more “Three years later,” says Riston, vicious dog ordinance. responsibility on pet guardians, “Buddy turned out to be one of “I was lucky,” Riston says.“A rather than focusing on specific the best dogs we’ve ever had. He friend put me in touch with Ledy breeds. spends most of his day getting his VanKavage,” Sr. Director of Legal “Any pet parent can make a ‘beauty sleep’ on our bed.” Training & Legislation for the huge difference,” says Riston.“The But for a year, Riston and her ASPCA. VanKavage informed the wealth of free information the family lived in fear that “someone city attorney that the breed- ASPCA makes available to anyone would take our Buddy from us.” specific ordinance was illegal in who is interested is unbelievable.” As in many cities across America, the state of Illlinois, and the ban To get your information, visit her town had enacted breed- was abolished. www.aspca.org/lobby ■

12 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org >> ADVOCACY State Highlights

Maine: their companion animals could not an increasingly popular “sport” that Family Protections accompany them, remained behind can harm all animals involved. Victims of domestic violence are with their pets, further complicating often faced with abusers who rescue efforts in the wake of the Alabama: threaten to kill or maim their pets. storm. A comprehensive new Pet Pet Population Control Now those animals will be Evacuation Bill in the Bayou State Alabama has taken a solid step protected, thanks to a landmark will help protect pets and people toward curbing pet overpopulation new law, signed by Maine’s during times of emergency. The new with House Bill 252, signed into law Governor John Baldacci, that allows law, signed by Governor Kathleen by Governor Bob Riley. It requires animals to be included in protection Blanco in June, allows household the sterilization of all animals orders in domestic violence cases. pets in carriers onto public acquired from public and private “With this new law, we hope to help transportation during evacuations animal shelters and nonprofit animal remove another tool for emotional (provided they don’t endanger welfare groups—a measure that will and physical violence used by the people). It also promotes advance no doubt help cut down on the abuser to exert power and control disaster planning, public education millions of adoptable pets over their victims,” says the efforts, and emergency volunteer euthanized each year simply Governor. training, and enhances pet because there are not enough identification systems to help ensure homes for them. Curbing animal Louisiana: pet parents separated from their overpopulation will help all No Pet Left Behind four-legged friends are swiftly adoptable animals find a home. None of us can forget the reunited. devastating images of pets left Tennessee: stranded in the wake of Hurricane Illinois: The Littlest Victims Katrina. Many pet parents, knowing Safer Streets Household pets in the Volunteer A first-of-its-kind new law from State will get added protections, Illinois (House Bill 2946) prevents thanks to a new law requiring convicted felons from owning employees of any county child or unsterilized or vicious dogs. Signed adult protective services agency to into law by Governor Rod report suspected animal abuse, Blagojevich, the measure is cruelty, or neglect. Family violence is designed to protect the health and about power and control, and safety of Illinois’ pets and citizens abusers often victimize the least and to prevent animals from being powerful members of their family, used as weapons. including the pets. One study revealed that animals were abused North Carolina: in 88% of the families in which Peaceable Kingdom children are abused. House Bill 2098, signed by North Carolina’s Governor Mike Easley, not only prohibits the fighting of dogs TAKE ACTION IN YOUR STATE versus dogs, but expands current law to prohibit dogs fighting any To learn more about important animal welfare bills in your state animal. This important legislation and find contact info and sample will help curb the cruel spectacle letters for your state lawmakers, join of “hog-dog” rodeos, in which the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade at www.aspca.org/lobby. dogs are pitted against wild pigs,

Fall 2006 13 >> PLANNED GIVING Planned Giving: The Gift of Love How one animal lover provides big-time support for the ASPCA

Did you know that when retirement plan assets are left to heirs other than the spouse, the beneficiary could incur estate and income taxes of up to 70 percent? Since income taxes were not required to be paid during one’s lifetime, they must be paid at death in addition to potential federal and state taxes, leaving little for heirs. Giving retirement assets to the ASPCA tax free can be a wonderful way to make a gift to the animals. Life insurance policies are another easy and often overlooked way to make a meaningful charitable gift.There are a number of ways to support the ASPCA’s many programs with an insurance- related gift, such as beneficiary designation, gift of a paid-up policy, or making the ASPCA the owner and beneficiary. You can also use bank and investment accounts in most states ASPCA supporter Lois gave the gift of love. to leave a legacy to the ASPCA. The arrangement is known as Lois is an ASPCA donor and a ASPCA was now a beneficiary of TOD/POD or Transfer-on- long-time New York City her IRA. Death/Payable-on-Death.This resident, so it seemed natural to Like Lois, you too can use the requires that you complete a form her to come to us when she beneficiary designations available directly with your financial wanted a second cat. Soon after for a variety of your financial institution.You do not have to adopting the beautiful Lily, Lois assets to fulfill your wish to help work with an attorney or called the Planned Giving animals in need. Leaving a bequest accountant, nor are any fees Department; she was bubbling to the ASPCA in your will is not involved to arrange such a gift. with enthusiasm for the ASPCA the only way to include us in your We hope we have started you because of her wonderful estate plans. thinking about how you can make experience.The staff in the Many of you have retirement a difference for animals in need. Adoption Center could not have plans, IRAs, 401(k)s, or 403(b)s, For more information, please call been nicer or more helpful, and that require a beneficiary our Director of Planned Giving, Lily was the perfect companion designation.Your beneficiary does Marsha Pierson, CFP,at 212-876- animal. It was during that not have to be an individual; the 7700 ext. 4505, or email her at conversation that Lois told us the ASPCA can be your beneficiary. [email protected]. ■

14 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org >> PET PARENTS Keeping Your Pet Safe in Emergencies

A survey of those affected by last Pet medicines and year’s devastating Hurricane medical records. Store in Katrina found that 42% of people a waterproof container. did not leave the area; 44% of those cited pets or loved ones as First aid kit. Bandages, the reason.The ASPCA is working scissors, tape, etc.Ask your with state and federal legislators to vet what to include, or visit make pets part of any evacuation www.aspca.org/store to buy plan.We have also teamed with a kit online. the U.S. government and leading animal welfare organizations to get Collar, harness, or leash the word out on three key steps to with ID tag. ID is a must keeping your pet safe should for all pets at all times. disaster strike. Crate or other pet 1. Prepare. Assemble a pet carrier. A sturdy, safe, and Talk to your veterinarian. Yo u emergency supply kit that comfortable crate or carrier makes might consider permanent ID, includes: it easier to transport your pet. such as microchipping or enrolling your pet in a recovery database. If Food and water. Include a Sanitation. Include such items as you do microchip, make sure that three-day supply. pet litter and a litter box (for cats), you keep your contact info up to as well as paper towels, trash bags, date in the recovery database. newspapers, and household bleach. Compile contact information. 2. Plan. Should you stay put or Include veterinary hospitals in evacuate? Listen to the radio, your area, as well as in places watch TV,or check the Internet where you may seek shelter. for information and evacuation instructions. Obtain “Pets Inside” stickers (visit www.aspca.org/emergency). Create a plan to get away. Place on your doors and windows Plan how you will assemble your to alert firefighters and rescue pets and where you will go. workers. Consider including a Remember: Some public shelters phone number where you could do not permit pets. Research be reached in an emergency. motels and kennels that do take companion animals. 3. Stay informed. Know about types of emergencies that Develop a buddy system. Plan may affect your area. with neighbors, friends, or relatives to take care of your pets if you are Visit www.aspca.org/emergency unable to, and determine a for more information and meeting spot. lifesaving tips.

Fall 2006 15 >> ASK OUR EXPERTS Garlic + Onions = Danger? Garden Bulb

Tina Wismer, D.V.M., DABVT, DABT, is a Veterinary Hazards Toxicologist at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Q. The ASPCA lists garlic and onions as Steven Hansen, foods to avoid for pets. My pet food contains D.V.M., is Senior VP some garlic and onion powder in the list of of the ASPCA Animal ingredients. Are these foods Poison Control Center. dangerous? A.A., via email ([email protected]) Q. This fall I’m A. Garlic and onions can cause anemia planning on planting tulips in our pet animals. Cats are more sensitive and daffodil bulbs for spring than dogs to these effects. Most pet foods do blooming. Are these garden not contain enough garlic or onions to cause a bulbs dangerous to pets? problem in a healthy animal; however, there B.T., Sharon, CT have been several instances in which kittens were fed baby food that contains garlic or onion powder and developed anemia. So, I would A. Like many ornamental definitely not feed anything containing garlic or bulbs, the bulbs of tulips and onions to any very young, sick, or debilitated pet. daffodils (Narcissus) contain toxins that can be hazardous to pets. Curious dogs in particular may be Choosing Gender tempted to get into a bag of Crista Coppola, Ph.D., is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist unplanted bulbs or to dig up fresh and Behavior Fellow at the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center. plantings. Fertilizers such as bone or blood meal can also attract dogs Q. I have a girl dog and want to adopt a to bulb gardens. Signs of ingestion second pup. Should I get a boy? can include gastrointestinal upset, J.L., Portland, OR drooling, loss of appetite, and convulsions. If you suspect your A. Assuming that your girl is spayed, it is best to add a pet may have ingested garden male to your family. In general, female and male dogs get along bulbs, contact your local better than dogs of the same sex.While two females or two males can live veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal harmoniously in the same household, if the dogs do not get along, it is Poison Control Center (1-888- more often a pair of the same sex.And rumor has it that if two females 426-4435, fees may apply) for disagree, they are more likely to inflict injury on each other during fights. immediate assistance. Fences or If dogs are not getting along, they are usually sparked to fight over wire bulb cages, or avoiding bulbs resources like food, beds, toys and bones, and human attention.With any altogether, may be useful if your combination of pets, it is wise to be careful when offering food, treats, and pet is a tenacious digger and edible toys, as you don’t want to provoke an unnecessary fight. Providing chewer. basic obedience training to both dogs will increase the likelihood that the dogs will get along well because they will be easier to control in potentially testy situations.

HAVE A QUESTION? ASK OUR EXPERTS E-mail: [email protected], or write: ASPCA Action, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128 Visit www.animed.org for more answers about your companion animal health and behavior questions from the ASPCA experts.

16 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org >> PEOPLE & EVENTS Happy Paws at Bergh Ball Supporters celebrated the ASPCA’s 140th anniversary at the 9th Annual ASPCA Bergh Ball,“Happy Paws for the ASPCA Cause,” held April 27 at Manhattan’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Among those in attendance were Lake Bell; Colin Farrell; Kristen Bell; Kate and Andy Spade; Dylan Lauren; Somers Farkas; Jonathan Farkas; James Nederlander and Margo MacNabb; ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres and Chairman Hoyle Jones; Event Chairmen Linda and Benjamin Lambert and Jeanne Sorensen- Leff; and Junior Chairmen Allison and Jay Aston along with Stephanie and John Harris. Hotel guests Robin Williams and New York Knicks player Stephen Marbury popped in for a surprise visit as well.The event included a live auction with artwork by William Wegman, Peter Beard, and Eric Fischl. Sponsor of the evening was Chopard, creators of a line of jewelry with floating diamond paws that benefit the ASPCA.The evening raised a ■ Clockwise from top left: Ed Sayres & Marc record-breaking $1 million plus for the ASPCA. Hruschka; Kristen Bell; Lake Bell & Colin Farrell; Robin Williams & Dylan Lauren.

Q. How can NASCAR fans NASCAR Cares Q. Do you have pets now? help protect animals? A. My girlfriend Nicole Lunders and I Champion A. As a start, all of us need to spay have Foster, a 5-year-old boxer; his or neuter our animals. Animal NASCAR driver daughter Gracie; and Savannah, a Greg Biffle took overpopulation is a serious problem boxer-shepherd rescue from and the reason so many animals are a break from a Georgia. Our newest addition is busy racing put down each year. We can also do Daisy, a Jack Russell mix we’re our part by keeping shots updated, season to talk fostering. They’re like our children. with the ASPCA keeping current tags and collars on about the our pets, and by coming together importance of Q. How does your life as a and getting the word out about ways being kind to NASCAR champ aid animals? we can all help animals. animals. His A. It gives me a chance to speak up charitable and let people know about ways we Q. Why are groups like the foundation can all make things better for animals. ASPCA so important? (www.GregBiffle.com) raises money A. Without national groups such as for animals in need. Q. What are your proudest the ASPCA, there would be no way foundation accomplishments? to educate large numbers of people Q. What sparked your interest A. The Greg Biffle Foundation and help animals all across the U.S. Photo by Ron Deshaies, in animals? donated to shelters on the Gulf A. I always had animals around Coast following Hurricane Katrina. What would you most like to Treasured Events, Charlotte, NC Treasured Q. when I was growing up—cats, dogs, Our visit was broadcast on TV to the tell your fans about animals? pigs, chickens. My pig, Penelope, racing community and brought the A. When you are considering was my real buddy; I used to ride real problems residents are still donations, don’t forget about the her around like a pony. facing down there back into the animals. They offer so much love spotlight. and are a wonderful part of life!

Fall 2006 17 >> PEOPLE & EVENTS Broadway Barks Entertainment legends Bernadette (“Tryst”), Michael Cerveris Peters and Mary Tyler Moore (“Sweeney Todd”), Victoria Clark co-hosted a star-studded gathering (“The Light in the Piazza”), of celebrities and their four-legged Georgia Engel and Bob Martin friends in New York’s famed (“The Drowsy Chaperone”), John Shubert Alley on July 8 for the 8th Lloyd Young, Christian Hoff, Annual Broadway Barks adopt- Daniel Reichard, and J. Robert a-thon. Shelter pooches from the Spencer (the “Jersey Boys”), Eden ASPCA and throughout the city Espinosa, David Garrison, and strutted their stuff in front of Carol Kane (all in “Wicked”), thousands of fans; many were Shuler Hensley (“Tarzan”), and adopted into loving new homes. more.The ASPCA helped sponsor Supporters included Broadway stars the event, which also included an Lucie Arnaz (“Dirty Rotten auction of celebrity-autographed Scoundrels”), Maxwell Caulfield memorabilia. ■

Co-hosts Moore and Peters. Miracle Baby! made the walk without her wheels! Within days of her Pink Goes adoption, she had shed the cart and was running up ASPCA Orange! stairs, delighted to be in her loving new quarters.“When Pop star and I picked her up at the songwriter Pink ASPCA, one doctor said turned up in point blank,‘Don’t expect ASPCA Orange miracles,’” says Griffey.“But for a surprise that’s just what happened.” concert and Baby and Patches are best friends. Griffey and Baby endured afterparty at a 7-hour trip to join the New York Baby, the three-legged beagle mix ASPCA Dog Walk not just once nightclub featured in our last issue after but twice after the original event Crobar in receiving an assistive cart donated was rained out.They joined over April.The by Eddie’s Wheels for Pets, was a 100 people-pet pairs under drizzly singer and special guest at this year’s ASPCA skies to raise more than $14,000 animal advocate charity Central Park Dog Walk, to provide shots and veterinary wore the bright held June 24 in New York City. care for homeless pets. orange dress in Karen Griffey of Olean, NY, “I sometimes call her Mrs.Wags, support of Anti-Cruelty adopted the lovable canine along because her tail is wagging most of Month and the 140th Anniversary Courtesy of Kevin Mazur/WireImage with Patches, a special needs cat the time,” says Griffey.“I would of the ASPCA, a bond she with deformed ears.Today the two highly recommend adopting a pet reinforced by exclaiming “Do it are inseparable. with special needs to anyone for the doggies!” midway through And miraculously enough, Baby considering it.” ■ her set. ■

18 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org >> PEOPLE & EVENTS Reality TV Gets “Cat”ty! contests, such as who can purr the Celebrity Corner loudest, who can catch the most toy mice, and who can fall asleep Crystal Hunt the fastest. Animal Planet viewers tuned in Soap Opera star, formerly of The each week to see which puss Guiding Light would get the boot.Though one of the cats was voted off at the end of each episode, every kitty was a winner: Each cat featured Q. What was the name on the show was adopted into a of your first pet? new family and received a year A. Rusty, a Yorkshire terrier. supply of Meow Mix. The ASPCA’s Bambi competed for Meow Mix also generously Top Cat. Q. What’s your fondest donated 40 cases of wet food to “pet memory?” Meow Mix jumped on the reality the ASPCA’s main adoption A. The day I saw Roxy, my TV bandwagon with Meow Mix center in Manhattan.“The wet Maltese, when she was only a House, a show that featured 10 food is critical—and actually couple weeks old. She was and cats living together in a glass- lifesaving—for our shelter cats still is the most beautiful little ball fronted home on New York’s posh with upper respiratory infections,” of fur. From that day on, she Madison Avenue while competing says Gail Buchwald,Vice President was wearing bows, dresses, you to become the new Feline VP of of ASPCA Cares.“If we can get name it. Roxy appeared with me on every episode of The Guiding Research and Development for them eating again with tasty treats, Light. Meow Mix. Selected from shelters it’s often just a matter of time and rescue groups in ten different until they regain their strength Q. Cats or dogs? ■ cities, the cats competed in and health.” A. Definitely dogs.

Q. Why are groups like the ASPCA so important? Shelter Pets Rule A. Because they give homes to animals that don’t have one. I’m pet parents, and sure there are many people who ASPCA staff in would love to do the same, but May. Baldwin had nobody has a house big enough to fit them all. Thanks to the donated his time ASPCA, fewer and fewer animals to help the are wandering homeless. Decker family pick out the Q. Do you share your life perfect shelter with pets now? pet as part of a A. I do, with Roxy and my shih- CharityFolks.com tzu Snuggles. Although if they auction. hear you call them the “D” word Photographer and (dog) they look at you like you’re crazy; they think they’re little Actor and animal advocate Alec ASPCA volunteer Geoffrey humans. They aren't our dogs, Baldwin (second from right) Tischman was also on hand to they are our family members. joins shelter dog Lexy, proud new record the event. ■

Fall 2006 19 YOUR STORIES

Iraq Homecoming Easy Rider Angel and Aruba Chatt Anne J., ASPCA member, Somerville, MA Patty S., ASPCA Member, Morris, IL

I would like to share the Chatt came into our story of my two precious lives when my husband girls,Angel and Aruba. and I were on vacation Angel’s mother, a feral in Tennessee a year ago. cat, abandoned the 11- It was in August, and we ounce kitten under a were riding our neighbor’s porch last motorcycle outside of year. She had a nerve Chattanooga when I saw disorder that makes her a honey-colored puppy hobble and wobble.The challenges in raising her sitting along the guardrail on the edge of the were enormous, including eight months of bottle- highway.Afraid the little pup would be hit by a car, I feeding, but her stamina prevailed.Today the white- made my husband stop so I could scoop him up.As and-black 12-pounder has run of the house. soon as I did he licked my face, as if to say,“Thank A few months later, while on vacation in Aruba, a you.” thin grey homeless tabby, missing her left eye, My husband and I brought him back to our motel “greeted” us on the beach.We fed her, flew her room and decided we’d bring him home with us.We home, and named her Aruba.Today she is one of the named him Chatt, short for Chattanooga, to friskiest, most inquisitive cats I’ve ever known. commemorate where we had found him.The entire My son has been a sergeant in Iraq for the past rest of our trip we spent playing with our new puppy year. He has not yet met Angel and Aruba, but they and trying to figure out what breed of dog he could have been his squad’s mascots. He has followed their possibly be. progress through a series of pictures posted in his After our vacation was over, Chatt rode home with humvee.Within the next few months, he will meet us on our motorcycle, over 600 miles! He was a his mascots.We cannot wait for that moment! trooper, and spent most of the trip lying calmly in Our love to the soldiers and the animals my jacket. Chatt is now a happy member of our everywhere.Thank you, ASPCA, for your family, and we couldn’t think of a better souvenir to wonderful work. remember our vacation!

Have a rescue or anniversary tale for the ASPCA? Send us YOUR STORIES E-mail us: [email protected], or write: ASPCA Action, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128. Please include your name, address, and a photo (high-resolution digital or print) we can keep. Stories will be edited to fit.

ASPCA Action Returns P.O. Box 97288 Founded in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Washington, DC 20090-7288 Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere and today has one million supporters. The ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the U.S. The ASPCA provides national leadership in humane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and animal poison control. The NYC headquarters houses a full-service animal hospital, animal behavior center, and adoption facility. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality TV series Animal Precinct on Animal Planet. Visit www.aspca.org for more information.