ActionFall 2007

Good Pets,Bad Pets

The ASPCA Animal Behavior Center offers lifesaving

advice for atrouble-free pet.

A Note From Ed Sayres

The ASPCA is guided today bythe same belief on which it wasfounded in 1866, that animals areentitled to kind and respectfultreatment at the hands of humans,and that this is not to be left to the

compassionate impulses of humans, but is an entitlementthat must be protected under the law. Despite the verysignificant gains the ASPCA has made in improving thelives of animals, millions of adoptable pets are still beingneedlessly euthanized each year.

Behavioral problems are a major reason pets end upbeing relinquished to shelters. This is why the ASPCA iscommitted to helping people build healthy, strong,loving bonds with their pets through relationshipbuilding, education, and training. I know that you arealso committed to the ASPCA, and you can help changethe fate of America’s animals by urging all those youknow to Make Pet Adoption Your First Option® whenseeking a companion animal, volunteering at your localshelter, or even just passing along this issue of ASPCAAction to a friend or family member when you are donereading it.

With the support of devoted members like you, theASPCA can continue making real, lasting andmeasurable improvements in the lives of America’scompanion animals.

Edwin Sayres ASPCA President & CEO

>> PRESIDENT’S NOTE

2 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org2 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

Board of DirectorsOfficers of the BoardHoyle C. Jones, Chairman, Linda Lloyd Lambert,Vice Chairman, Sally Spooner, Secretary,James W. Gerard, Treasurer

Members of the BoardCindy Adams, Penelope Ayers, Alexandra G. Bishop,J. Elizabeth Bradham, Reenie Brown, Patricia J.Crawford, Jonathan D. Farkas, James W. Gerard,Joan C. Hendricks, V.M.D., Ph.D., Angela Ho, HoyleC. Jones, Linda Lloyd Lambert, Franklin Maisano,Elizabeth L. Mathieu, Esq., Majella Matyas, SeanMcCarthy, Gurdon H. Metz, Michael F.X. Murdoch,James L. Nederlander, Jr., Marsha Reines Perelman, Helen S.C. Pilkington, Gail Sanger, William Secord,Sally Spooner, Frederick Tanne, Cathy Wallach

Directors EmeritiSteven M. Elkman, George W. Gowen, Alastair B.Martin, Thomas N. McCarter 3rd, Marvin Schiller,James F. Stebbins, Esq.

The ASPCA 424 East 92nd Street

New York, NY 10128-6804(212) 876-7700www.aspca.org

E-mail: information@aspca.org

Volume 3, Number 3ASPCA Action

is published four times a year by

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

424 East 92nd StreetNew York, NY 10128-6804

Postmaster—Send address changes and undeliverable copies to:

ASPCA Action ReturnsP.O. Box 97288

Washington, DC 20090-7288

Copyright © 2007 ASPCA. All rights reserved.The American Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals andASPCA are registered trademarks.

For permission to reprint material fromASPCA Action, please direct requests to:

ASPCA Action 110 Fifth Avenue

Second FloorNew York, NY 10011

E-mail for ASPCA Action: ASPCAAction@aspca.org

ASPCA Action

Editorial created by Rebus LLC, 632 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10012. www.rebus.com

Cover: Aaron Goodman.

Send subscription inquiries to: ASPCA Action, 424 East 92nd Street,

New York, NY 10128-6804.

This newsletter is not intended to provide advice on individual pet health

matters or to substitute for consultation with a veterinary doctor.

Bringing Out theBest in PetsLaura Huth, abusiness consultantfrom Urbana, IL,had a problem onher hands. Herthree-year-old cat,Frankie Eddie, abeloved farm rescueshe had hand-raisedsince he was only afew weeks old, wasnot using the litterbox. Scarred bykitten-hoodtrauma, the smokygray tabby wasurinating on hernice wood floorsand new bedroomcarpets. The manshe’d been datingwas not amused.

“I thought I wasgoing to have tochoose between mycat and my boyfriend,” says Huth, who had asked herlocal veterinarian and others about the problem, tono avail. “Then a friend mentioned the ASPCA,located right in my own community.”

She called the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center,part of the ASPCA’s Midwest Regional Office. It offersa range of services for pet parents with troublesomeanimals, from advanced educational programs foraspiring and seasoned professionals, to hands-onbehavior modification by expert ASPCA staff. It isfast emerging as a leading resource for animalbehavior issues throughout the United States.

“Behavior problems are a leading reason peoplesurrender cats and dogs to animal shelters,” says Dr.

Pamela Reid, VP of the ASPCA Animal BehaviorCenter and one of five Certified Applied AnimalBehaviorists who work at the ASPCA. “But mostbehavior problems can be resolved or significantlyimproved within a few months. Our goal is to helppets and their parents bring pleasure to each other’slives.”

Huth received a home visit from the ASPCA’s Dr.Crista Coppola, who created an individualizedtreatment plan for her misbehaving feline. Measuresincluded two weeks of confinement in a large, toy-and bed-equipped crate; plenty of supervisedplaytime; praise and treats for using the litter box; andthorough scrubbing of soiled areas with an enzymatic

>> COVER STORY

3Fall 2007 3

Old Pets, New TricksThe ASPCA Animal Behavior Center offers lifesaving advice for a trouble-free pet

“Frankie is cured, not just ‘better,’” says pet parent Laura Huth.

cleaner.“I was skeptical about putting

my spunky little kitten into a dogcrate, but once I worked up thecourage, I’m so glad I did,” saysHuth. “Surprisingly, Frankie didn’tmind it, and it ended up solvingour problem.”“The consultation cost a couplehundred dollars, but I would havepaid $1,000 it was so successful,”adds Huth, who has since movedinto her boyfriend’s home, whereFrankie enjoys run-of-the-house,along with their other two cats. “Idon’t know how anyone couldgive up a companion animalwithout first going to theASPCA.”

Mouse CallsASPCA Animal Behavior Centerhouse calls aren’t a practical optionfor the millions of pet parents wholive outside of central Illinois. Butanyone with a computer canaccess a wealth of invaluablebehavioral advice on the ASPCAwebsite (www.aspca.org/behavior).There, expert training tips andscience-based techniques tackleeverything from pet etiquette anddestructive behaviors to newadoptions, keeping your animalstimulated, and finding a good

trainer or behaviorist.Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, aCertified Applied AnimalBehaviorist and ScienceAdvisor for the ASPCAand SVP of NationalPrograms, knows the valuethat a highly trained animalbehaviorist can bring tomodifying pet behaviorproblems. A kitten that nips atpeople’s ankles, for example, maybe expressing the normalpredatory behavior of felines, hesays. Providing the cat with avariety of toys to redirect thatbehavior, along with regular playsessions to dissipate the predatoryplay drive, may correct theproblem.A dog terrified of thunder, on theother hand, may require a differenttack. One approach: Shower thepet with treats or hugs whileplaying a recording of thunder at alow rumble. By slowly increasingthe volume during subsequentsessions, all the while providingpositive stimulation, pet parentscan counter-condition their pet to“unlearn” the frightful associationsand link the loud sound withcomforting sensations.“So many people have problemswith their pet and don’t know

4 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org4 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

Top PetPeeves

Dogs:• aggression tofamily members,strangers, or

children• aggression over

food, bones, or toys

• fears and phobias(thunder, etc.)

• destructiveness• anxiety when left alone• urinating or defecating in thehouse• excessive barking• compulsive behaviors, such asexcessive licking, tail chasing,pacing, or snapping at flies

Cats: • urinating, defecating, orspraying outside the litter box• aggression to family membersor strangers• extreme shyness• excessive vocalizing• nighttime over-activity• compulsive behaviors, such asexcessive licking or aggressivetail chasing

For expert advice on these andother problems, visitwww.aspca.org/behavior.

>> COVER STORY

The ASPCA Animal Behavior Center offers a free Pet LossHotline for those coping with the loss of a belovedcompanion. The service is led by Stephanie LaFarge,Ph.D., a psychologist with a deep understanding of thehuman-animal bond. As Senior Director of CounselingServices for the ASPCA, Dr. LaFarge helped hundreds ofpet parents following the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina andRita and continues to aid those facing difficult circumstances.She offers these tips for coping with the loss of a pet.

1. Very intense, often unpredictable, feelings of grief arenormal in the days following the death of a pet. Somepeople are shocked to find they feel more upset than theydid when a close friend or relative died, and may even“hallucinate” an absent pet is still around.

2. The most responsible pet parents are the most likely tofeel guilty and that they made the wrong choices regardingend-of-life care. These feelings should lessen after a coupleweeks.

3. Be reassured that the decision to euthanize your pet is

Did You Know?

5Fall 2007 5

>> COVER STORY

where to turn,” says the ASPCA’sDr. Reid. “Most veterinariansaren’t trained in behavior, andsome people who call themselves‘trainers’ are not well qualified.And even if you are lucky enoughto live near an applied animalbehaviorist or veterinarybehaviorist, their fees can pose aninsurmountable barrier.”That’s one reason the ASPCA isramping up efforts to create a“smarter” website, tailored toindividual pet problems. Theinnovative program will walk petparents through a series ofquestions, then offer personalizedguidance and tutoring videosbased on an animal’s uniquehistory. The ASPCA also offerscontinuing education programs forprofessionals and has teamed withthe University of Illinois inUrbana-Champaign to offer aMaster’s-level degree in AppliedAnimal Behavior.“The ASPCA has the expertise tohelp so many people on a nationalscope,” says Reid. “We arededicated to helping peopleunderstand their pet’s behavior,and to fostering happy, lovingrelationships between people andtheir pets.” �

Bob’s Turnaround

Jeri Cochran knew right away that something was terribly wrong themoment she walked in her house. Drawers had been opened, theircontents strewn about, and her usually joyful four-year-old Rat Terrier,Bob, lay cowering and traumatized under the bed.

“After that robbery, Bob would have an anxiety attack anytime he saw aman he didn’t know,” says Cochran. “He would hide for hours, run incircles, or dash across the road. It was heartbreaking, and life-threatening.”

Fortunately, a man in her local dog club, Dave Stone, put her in touchwith Dr. Pamela Reid, VP of the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center in nearbyUrbana, IL. Through a series of in-home behavior sessions and intensivefollow-up involving the strategic use of anti-anxiety medications, treats,and male volunteers willing to play ball with the terrified terrier, Bob wassoon on the road to recovery.

“Pam’s methods are the only thing that pulled Bob through this,” says agrateful Cochran, thrilled to have her happy little fellow back in action. “Iwould heartily encourage anyone with a problem to contact the ASPCA.”

not the same as “killing” your pet. Euthanasia provides agood, peaceful end for an animal that would otherwisesuffer.

4. Plan to memorialize your pet in a way that includesothers who cared about him or her. They can help form asupport network, even if family and friends don'tunderstand the depth of your attachment. Learn to ignorethoughtless comments.

5. Much of your mental energy will be preoccupied with

thoughts of your pet, so be careful when driving, and eatand sleep on a regular schedule. Consult your doctor ifsevere symptoms of grief persist for longer than a month.

The ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline is free and available round-the-clock. Call 1-800-946-4646, enter pin number 140-7211, then your own phone number, or call 1-217-337-9773. Dr. LaFarge will return your call. For more advice,including helping kids cope with loss, visitwww.aspca.org/behavior.

ASPCA Humane Awards2007

And the ASPCA Humane Award goes to…

The ASPCA is asking you to help identify extraordinary animals andanimal lovers who have furthered animal welfare in the UnitedStates over the past year. Winners will be chosen by a committeeselected by the ASPCA, and will be invited to attend the HumaneAwards Luncheon in New York City.

Deadline for entries is August 15, 2007, at 12:00 PM (EST).

Please select a category:

ASPCA Dog of the Year For the dog who has performed a heroic act in the past year.

ASPCA Cat of the Year For the cat who has performed a heroic act in the past year.

ASPCA Kid of the Year For someone 14 years of age or younger who has performed a heroic actin the past year.

ASPCA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year For the member of a municipal police force—or other public serviceofficer—who made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year.

ASPCA Firefighter of the Year For the member of a fire department or rescue squad who hasmade a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year.

Submit your nominations via the ASPCA Web site at:www.aspca.org/nominate.

Who could resist Mick,the fresh-faced canine inthe clown suit, or

Wolfman Jack, the big brown muttwith an endearing underbite? Bothdogs were featured in the ASPCA’sShelter Dog Photo Contest, heldlast year in honor of “Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month,” and bothwere among many pets that foundloving homes, thanks to the ASPCAand humane organizationsnationwide.“Mick had been at our shelter for awhile,” says Angela Malik, volunteerat the League for Animal Welfare, anonprofit group serving the greaterCincinnati area. “The day hispicture hit the ASPCA website, awonderful woman from New Yorksaw it and couldn’t stop thinkingabout him.”“It was the joy in his eyes,” says

Kathleen Moore, whoin January made the16-hour trip from herhome on Long Islandwith her cattle dogJack to meet Mick.“Within minutes, thetwo were racingaround the yard, and Iknew he would be mydog.”Moore made a returntrip in February topick up Mick. “Whenit is you, the dog, theroad, and three badradio stations, you tendto bond prettyquickly,” she says. “Thesecond night back,Mick was curled upnext to my bed,

watching me very seriously. Hethen let out a huge sigh, as if heknew he was finally home.”“We are so grateful to the ASPCAfor making this happen,” says Malik.“They wouldnever have metwithout your photocontest!”

All in the FamilyMargaret Melson ofLewes, DE, wascaptivated by thephoto of the “sad butregal” WolfmanJack. “I tookone look atthat unusualface andknew I hadto meet thatdog,” says

Melson, who with her dogCandace drove five hours to theNew Rochelle Humane Society inNew York. “We played with Wolfiefor two hours to see if they werecompatible. Needless to say, theadoption has been a grand success.”

“This is one fabulous dog, a littlenaughty, but such a big, lovablegoofball,” says Melson of her latestadoptee. “I have this wonderful,loving family of animals onceconsidered disposable by others. Myother dog loves him, and so doesone of my cats. The other cat is notyet convinced!”

“Jack’s story is so special in somany ways,” says Dana Rocco ofthe New Rochelle HumaneSociety. “He’s the perfect exampleof how shelters working togethercan increase adoptions and successfor all!”

Reminder: October isAdopt-a-Shelter Dog Month.Visit the ASPCA, or your localshelter, to adopt a pet in need. �

>> NEWS

7Fall 2007 7

Shelter Dogs Say “Cheese,” Get Adopted

Mick poses for potential adopters.

Who could resistWolfman Jack?

88 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

>> MAJOR GIFTS

Wanda and Mark Shefts ofNew York, look backfondly on the years they

enjoyed with their beloved LabradorRetrievers, Onyx and Breezy. “Wefirst adopted Onyx back in 1991,and the moment she came into ourlives we learned of a new happinessand love that we never knewbefore,” remembers Wanda. Six yearslater, Breezy joined the happy familyand took on the role of the mellow,affectionate couch potato, playingthe perfect counterpoint to Onyx’sebullient and athletic personality. The Shefts couldn’t imagine lifewithout their two beloved dogs.Then, in 2004, the unbearable

happened; both dogs died withinseven weeks of one another, Onyxof old age and Breezy following atwo and a half year battle withcancer. The Shefts were immediatelydetermined to keep their memoriesof their two companions alive, anddecided there was no better way todo so than to continue to supportand advocate for animals. At the endof 2004, they established The Onyxand Breezy Foundation(www.onyxandbreezy.org) toimprove animal welfare throughfunding of equipment for medicalfacilities, needed research and otherendeavors that benefit the welfare ofanimals.

When the Shefts heard of theASPCA’s shelter renovationsat our headquarters in NewYork City, they knewimmediately they had to getinvolved. “For us, the ASPCArepresents the national effortto ensure that no adoptablepet is without a lovingfamily,” says Mark Shefts. “Weknew that this opportunity tobecome part of the ASPCA’sadoption efforts was theperfect way for us toremember how Onyx andBreezy enriched our lives, andto encourage other people tobring the same sort of joyinto theirs through shelteradoption.” After touring the ASPCA andmeeting with Vice President ofDevelopement MatthewBershadker about therenovation efforts, the Sheftsset their hearts on contributingtoward the building campaign,

and in March 2006 they pledged$250,000 toward the shelterrenovation efforts. Their gift earnedOnyx and Breezy a permanentplace in the ASPCA’s shelter—thenew lobby level adoption center isnow named the Onyx and BreezyShefts Adoption Center. For MarkShefts in particular, theircontribution has brought hisexperience with animals full circlein a very special way: “As a boy, Iadopted my first dog from theASPCA. This contribution was sospecial to me because it is benefitingthe place that first taught me to loveanimals.” �

ASPCA staff and volunteers pamper pets up for adoption at the Onyx and BreezyShefts Adoption Center.

In Honor of Onyx and Breezy Shefts

9Fall 2007

ASPCA® Mission:Orange™ Kicks Off onGulf CoastRepresentatives from suchorganizations as the Gulfport andBiloxi Police Departments, theHarrison County Sheriff ’sDepartment, the Humane Societyof South Mississippi, and MisissippiSpay and Neuter joined ASPCAstaff in April for the launch ofASPCA Mission: Orange, theongoing ASPCA initiative to createmodel humane communities inselect cities nationwide. Thefestivities took place at Popp’s FerryElementary School, which receiveda set of the winning ASPCAHenry Bergh Children’s BookAward books (see page 22). �

Louisiana PartnershipThe ASPCA has teamed with theLouisiana Society for the Pre-vention of Cruelty to Animals(LA/SPCA) to form the Louisiana

Partnership, a collaborative effort toboost animal welfare groups inrural parishes still struggling torecover from the ravages ofHurricane Katrina. “We want tohelp agencies that will positivelyimpact their communities and theanimals they serve,” says KatePullen, a Senior Director inNational Outreach for the ASPCA.Initiatives include working withlocal agencies to improveoperations; a legislative review ofstate animal laws; and training localsheriffs so they can betterinvestigate and prosecute animalcruelty and dog fighting cases. �

School Kids Go OrangeStudents at Steeple RunElementary School in Naperville,IL, “Went Orange for Animals” onASPCA Day, April 10, raising $680for the ASPCA. “Just think ifevery school in our district didit?” says Deb Palmer, healthtechnician at the school. “It would

mean so much to all the animals,and your cause.” �

>> NEWS BRIEFS

Reader’s Choice

Extraordinary DogsThe story of Sweet Pea, thepartially paralyzed poochrescued by the ASPCA'sHumane Law Enforcementteam in 2005, is featured inExtraordinary Dogs: InspirationalStories of Dogs with Disabilities,by Joyce Darell. Sweet Peareceived a custom-fitted cartfrom Leslie and Eddie Grinnell ofEddie's Wheels, who lateradopted the four-year-old PitBull. The book is available at theASPCA Online Store(www.aspca.org/store).

Ella and Peter Wulff are long-time animal lovers andASPCA donors. A number

of years ago they had a meetingwith their financial advisor to planfor their retirement and reviewtheir estate planning options. Theytalked about their children, theirlove for animals, and theirphilanthropic interests. At the endof the discussion, the financialadvisor presented Ella and Peterwith an idea that enabled them tofulfill their philanthropic desiresand provide their two daughterswith more of an inheritance thanthey ever thought possible.

The Wulffs had highlyappreciated securities which theydid not plan on using for theirretirement income. They plannedto leave the securities to their twodaughters and did not anticipatebeing able to make any substantialcharitable gifts. But their financial

advisor had another idea thatwould enable them to do more fortheir children and their belovedanimals: establish charitable giftannuities and a second-to-die lifeinsurance policy.

A charitable gift annuity is a wayof making a gift to charity whileproviding income for life foryourself and/or a loved one. Ellaand Peter established gift annuitieswith the ASPCA and othercharities that were important tothem using their highlyappreciated securities. Although aportion of the gift annuitypayments are taxed at a capitalgains rate, they were able to usethe full amount of their securitiesto establish the gift annuity. Theannuity payments they willreceive for therest of bothof their liveswill pay for the

premiums on a second-to-die lifeinsurance policy. Those premiumstend to be less than the premiumson two individual policies, and theWulffs were able to get a policythat will give their daughters morethan three times what thesecurities were worth.

A charitable gift annuity withthe ASPCA is a wonderful way toprovide for animals in need whilestill providing for you and yourloved ones. For more informationon how an ASPCA CharitableGift Annuity can work for you,please call our Director of PlannedGiving, Marsha Pierson, CFP®, at212-876-7700 ext. 4505, or emailher at marshap@aspca.org. �

>> PLANNED GIVING

10 ASPCA Action

Leaving Two LegaciesA wonderful way to provide for pets and people

Ella and Peter Wulff.

www.aspca.org

“We are both sointerested in animalwelfare that wedonated money toseveral organizations.”

–Peter and Ella Wulff

>> RESCUE

Valerie Angeli, SeniorDirector of GrassrootsMarketing at the ASPCA,

first spotted the small, white bundleof fur while giving a behind-the-scenes tour of the ASPCA’s BerghMemorial Hospital in Manhattan tomembers of a visiting animalwelfare group.

“He was excruciatingly cute, lyingupside down with his paws in theair and the most ridiculous look onhis face, part Dennis-the-Menacemischief combined with incrediblewisdom,” she says. “He was also oneof five animal cruelty cases beingtreated at the ASPCA that day.”

With both back legs broken and afractured rib, “the dog could barelywalk,” says Dr. Robert Reisman, theASPCA’s Medical Coordinator of

Animal Cruelty Cases. After carefulassessment, “the conclusion I drewwas that a person had done this tohim,” he says.

Make that CallThanks to an anonymous tip

from a neighbor, the badly injuredpet had been rescued from theRockaway neighborhood ofQueens, NY, by Special Agent PaulLai, a five-year veteran of theASPCA’s Humane Law Enforce-ment team. The owner was arrestedand charged with animal cruelty.

“It’s important that people getinvolved and make that call,” saysJoseph Pentangelo, AssistantDirector for Humane LawEnforcement for the ASPCA.Whether it’s the ASPCA, the police,

or an animal control agency in yourhometown, “animals can’t pick upthe phone and call for themselves.”

“You may be saving not only thelife of that animal, but other animalsyou don’t see,” adds Dr. Reisman.“You could even be saving the lifeof a person, because abusiveindividuals often have multiplevictims, both animals and people,including children, a spouse, or theelderly.”

A Work of ArtAngeli couldn’t get the little muttoff her mind and soon became hisfoster parent. After months ofphysical therapy involving “legbicycles and stretchies,” she officiallyadopted him this spring, naminghim DaVinci for his crooked,Mona-Lisa-like smile. “Amazingly,he went from broken in half tocompletely healed, a magnificentwork of art,” she says.

Today, DaVinci’s busy life includesmoving his many toys from oneside of the apartment to the otherand back, and romping through hisnew baby pool during weekendvisits to Long Island.

“He was one animal of thousandsthat got a bad start in life, throughno fault of their own,” says Angeli.“There are so many others inshelters across the country waitingfor a second chance.” �

11Fall 2007

DaVinci enjoys a quick cool-off.

Nothing has exposed the face of cruelty like thereality TV series Animal Precinct on Animal Planet.ASPCA rescue brings a second chance to oneneglected mutt.

The DaVinci Dog

>> OUTREACH

12 ASPCA Action www.aspca.orgYour Dolla12 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

$600,000ASPCA® MISSION: ORANGE™

� Washington Spokane, WA, is the newest beneficiary of ASPCA Mission: Orange, thegroundbreaking ASPCA initiative to create model humane communities intowns and cities nationwide. The ASPCA has committed expert staff and$600,000 in community grants over three years in each of these locales toboost collaboration between animal welfare groups as they strive to find goodhomes for all animals in need.

$3,000A SECOND CHANCE FOR HORSES� ColoradoA barn full of hay means Spring Creek HorseRescue of Ignacio, CO, will be able to take inmore of the abused and neglected equines itrehabilitates and readies for adoption eachyear. “We’re very thankful for the ASPCA’s$3,000 grant, which will go for feed,medications, and bedding,” says ExecutiveDirector Diane McCracken. “When a horsewho otherwise wouldn’t be alive comes and

puts his head on your shoulder, it makes all the hard work worth it.” The ASPCAhas awarded more than $260,000 in equine grants in 2007, furthering its 141-year commitment to horses and all animals.

�

�

$5,000FIGHTING CRUELTY� Texas & ArkansasTwo hundred elementary and middle school teachers learned ASPCA lessons inhumane education at a January workshop in Houston, thanks to ongoing efforts bythe ASPCA to sow a culture of compassion in classrooms across America.Educators can incorporate humane care in their curriculum, with standards-basedlessons on such topics as fighting cruelty, alternatives to dissection, and pet-friendlybooks. Many more teachers will be trained in the coming year, as ASPCA teacherworkshops are being planned for ASPCA® Mission: Orange™ communities inAustin, Gulfport-Biloxi, Tampa, Philadelphia, and beyond.

$20,000SAFE STEPS HOME� IndianaAn outside cattery as well as a mobile “kitty condo” in the lobby has helped to boostadoptions at Indianapolis Animal Care and Control, thanks to a $20,000 Safe Steps Homegrant from the ASPCA and Fresh Step Scoopable Cat Litter. Funds also went to spay or

neuter hundreds of feral cats and provide free sterilizations and vaccinations for hundredsmore low-income pet parents. “It will have a tremendous effect on our community,”

says Leslie Fatum, administrator for the group. “I am so grateful to the ASPCA andFresh Step for allowing us to do that.”

13Fall 2007rs At Work

13

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$300,000CURBING PET

OVERPOPULATION� North Carolina

A $300,000 ASPCA pledge to the Humane

Alliance of Western North Carolina’s National

Spay/Neuter Response Team (NSNRT) will go

to open 12 high-volume spay and neuter

clinics across the country this year. First

stop: Hickory, NC, where the Humane Society of Catawba County, currently under

construction with generous help from the Ryan Newman Foundation, will work with

local shelters and rescue groups to operate one of the model clinics. Since NSNRT

began their highly effective spay/neuter initiative in 2005, more than 200,000

companion animals at 21 new clinics have been sterilized.

�

�

�

$10,000 BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE� FloridaThe ASPCA was among the many groups and individuals that came to the aidof the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) after a devastating overnight firedemolished much of the Florida shelter this spring. “The generous grant fromthe ASPCA will help us build the type of shelter that will provide for thecomplete comfort and safety of our homeless pets, as well as serve the needsof the Jacksonville Community, not just now, but for many years to come, "says JHS Executive Director Leona Sheddan.

>> ADVOCACY

15Fall 2007

Responding to the massive petfood recall incident this past spring,members of Congress heeded thecall for better laws regulating thepet food industry. “New measuresare critical to help assure the safetyof our pet food supply,” says LisaWeisberg, Esq., Senior VP ofASPCA Government Affairs andPublic Policy. The department hasbeen meeting with lawmakers inrecent months to advise on theneed for an early warning systemto protect our pets. The ASPCAAnimal Poison Control Center haslikewise taken an active role inproviding advice to pet parentsconcerned about tainted food,providing scientific expertise to

investigators, and working withrepresentatives to implement awarning system consistent with itsown sophisticated system ofmonitoring and responding topoison complaints.

Legislation to establish an “EarlyWarning Surveillance andNotification System” wasintroduced in the U.S. Senate bySenator Richard Durbin of Illinois,with Representative Rosa DeLauroof Connecticut leading efforts in theHouse. Both bills would amend theFederal Food, Drug, and CosmeticAct to provide an immediate,efficient mechanism for pet parents,veterinarians, and organizations toreport suspected cases of adulterated

pet food and outbreaks of illnessassociated with

ingestion ofsuspect food.

Protecting Pet HealthModeled after the Centers forDisease Control and Preventionsystem, which monitors humanhealth, this early warning systemwould provide a central reportingmechanism and more quicklyidentify harmful food, therebyminimizing danger to other dogsand cats. Both bills would establishstandards for processing pet foodand the ingredients used, andwould update the labelingrequirements to include nutritionaland ingredient information. Thesemeasures would also speed theidentification of other pet foodbrands that may have beencontaminated in plants where theadulterated food originated, orwhere adulteration occurredduring processing.

Other steps would require theSecretary of the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) to issue analert if an adulterated food hasbeen associated with repeated andseparate illnesses; require recall ofharmful pet food; and require FDAinspection and certification offoreign plants, where an increasingamount of human and pet food isimported into the U.S.

As ASPCA Action went to print,both bills were moving ahead inCongress. The ASPCA governmentaffairs and public policy depart-ment will continue to lobbymembers of the House Com-mittee for the passage of this life-saving legislation. �

Help Assure Our Pet Food Is SafeEarly warning system moves forward in Congress

>> ADVOCACY

16 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

Tennessee:*Protective Orders for Pets: A new law in Tennessee (House Bill1161/Senate Bill 196) extendscourt orders of protection to familypets, helping to break the cycle ofabuse in which abusers threaten to harm a cherished pet in order toterrorize human victims. “Animalsare often used as pawns indomestic disputes,” says SherryRout, ASPCA Legislative Liaisonfor the southern region, who metwith the bill’s sponsor last fall toraise awareness about the need forsuch legislation. “This legislationprotects both people and theirpets.” *Spay/Neuter LeadershipConference: The ASPCA, alongwith other animal welfare groups, isa proud sponsor of the SouthernRegional Spay/Neuter LeadershipConference, scheduled forSeptember 13-16 in Memphis, TN.“It’s a great opportunity forindividuals at any level to meet other

folks in the field, share successesand pitfalls about their programs,and coordinate resources,” says theASPCA’s Sherry Rout. This year’sprogram includes a special track forveterinarians. For more information,visit www.spayneuterconference.org.

Texas:*No Horse Slaughter: TheASPCA applauds the TexasLegislature for upholding the banon horse slaughter. *No More Dogfights: House Bill916 increases penalties forparticipating in and attendingdogfights.*Aid Cruelty Prosecutions:House Bill 2328 closes loopholesin Texas’s Animal Cruelty Statute,particularly for stray dogs andhorses.*Limit Tethering: House Bill 1411provides penalties for theexcessive continued restraint ofdogs by tethering.*Simba’s Law: House Bill 88bolsters plans for evacuation,transport, and temporary shelteringof service animals and householdpets in a disaster.*Officer Training: Senate Bill1562 provides for training andcertification of animal controlofficers.

“The anti-cruelty laws of any stateare a reflection of our basic valuesand attitudes toward animals,”says ASPCA President & CEO EdSayres. “I commend Texaslawmakers on truly being the voiceof their constituents, and taking asignificant and measurable stepforward by passing this wonderfulcollection of bills.”

Illinois: *Potentially Dangerous Dogs:House Bill 822 requires that a newcategory of “potentially dangerousdog,” defined as unsupervised andfound running at large with three ormore other dogs, be spayed orneutered and microchipped forpermanent identification. *Increased Penalties forFighting: Dog fighting is a felony inIllinois; House Bill 3614 makesfighting cocks and other animals afelony as well.*Horse Slaughter Ban: House Bill1711 prohibits engaging in anyway in the slaughter of horses orthe trafficking of horse meat forhuman consumption. *Domestic Protections: HouseBill 9 helps protect pets caught upin domestic violence conflicts byallowing judges to include animalsin orders of protection. *Breed Discrimination: SenateResolution 166 will address andstudy the issue of dog breeddiscrimination by insurers.

“It has been a stellar year in Illinois,but not quite time to sit back andrest,” says Ledy VanKavage,ASPCA Senior Director of LegalTraining and Legislation whodrafted several of the bills.“Governor Blagojevich has signedonly the horse slaughter ban. If youlive in Illinois, please let theGovernor know that all would beterrific laws to add to his legacy!”

16 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

State Highlights

TAKE ACTION IN YOUR STATE

To learn more about importantanimal welfare bills in your stateand find contact info and sampleletters for your state lawmakers,join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigadeat www.aspca.org/lobby.

>> PET PARENTS

1919Fall 2007

1. During storms, bring yourpets inside and make sure theyhave plenty of food and water.2. Arrange a safe haven foryour pets in the event ofevacuation—don’t leave your petsbehind. When disaster strikes,many emergency shelters will notaccept animals because of healthand safety regulations, so it is vitalyou determine where you willbring your pets ahead of time.With your family, work out anevacuation plan in the event of acrisis.3. Keep emergency suppliesand traveling kits handy foryour pets, and make sure everyonein the family knows where theyare. Include these items in a PetGrab ‘N Go Bag, one bag per pet:• Medication (make sure it’s

current)• Medical/Vaccination Records• Special Medical/Behavioral

Instructions• Picture of Your Pet, Picture of

You with Your Pet• All ID Numbers (tag/microchip,

tattoo)• List of Identifying Features/Marks• Emergency Contact Info for You• Emergency Contact Info for Your

Pet (vet, petsitter, caregiver, etc.)• Emergency Contact for Someone

Outside the Disaster AreaAlso include: • Food/Water for 7 Days• Pet First-aid Kit• 2 Extra Collars and Leashes• Collapsible Food/Water Bowl

4. Obtain “Animals Inside”stickers. Order yours free fromthe ASPCA, on the Web at:www.aspca.org/rescuesticker.Place on doors and windows toalert firefighters and rescueworkers. Consider including aphone number where you couldbe reached in an emergency. 5. Choose a designatedcaregiver who can take care ofyour pet if you are unable to reachhome immediately, or in the eventsomething should happen to you.

For a detailed list of emergencyand evacuation preparednesssuggestions, visitwww.aspca.org/emergency.

Be Pet-Ready in EmergenciesHurricanes, floods, tornados, fires. Emergencies come in many forms. The best thing you can do for you and your pets is to be prepared.

The ASPCA, along with UnitedAnimal Nations, sponsors Emer-gency Animal Rescue Services(EARS) Volunteer Training in citiesacross the U.S. "Whether it’s apower outage in your home or atornado that hits a metropolitanarea, effective preparation andtraining saves lives," says TiffanyMahaffey, National DisasterPreparedness Manager for theASPCA. The next EARS workshopsare scheduled for Oct. 6 and 7 inthe Boston area. To learn more, visitwww.aspca.org/disaster.

We’re All EARS

>> ASK OUR EXPERTS

2121Fall 2007

Steven Hansen, D.V.M.,is a veterinary

toxicologist andSenior VP of theASPCA MidwestRegional Office,which includes the

Animal Poison ControlCenter.

Q. My mutt lovespretzels. Is the salt bad forhim? T.B., Portland, OR

Pamela Reid, Ph.D., is VP of the ASPCA Animal BehaviorCenter and a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.

Q.Help! My 6-year-old cat always tries tourinate in the living room — she even tries tonail the wall! Can she be treated? D.S.,

A.Your veterinarian can ruleout a medical condition, but itsounds like your cat is urinespraying. Cats spray for manyreasons: during territorial disputes,aggressive conflicts, and sexualencounters. • Have your cat spayed if she is

still intact. Even though female catsare less inclined to spray than males,

they will still urine spray, especially aroundthe estrus cycle.

• Try to identify the reason(s) your cat isspraying and eliminate triggers. If your catfeels threatened by the sight of catsoutdoors, for instance, block your cat’s viewout windows and doors.

• If the spraying is due to conflict among resident cats, see a behaviorexpert. You may need to separate the cats until harmony is restored.

• Place foil, plastic wrap, or upside-down vinyl carpet runner near sprayareas so it is uncomfortable for your cat to walk on.

• Encourage different behaviors in sprayed locations by placingher food dish and toys, as well as a litter box, in spotswhere she sprays.

• Clean sprayed areas with an enzymatic cleanserdesigned to eliminate urine odors.

Never punish your cat for spraying, and do nottake her to the area and admonish her. She mayactually spray more if she is stressed by therealization that she can’t trust you not to harm orfrighten her.

Feline Spraying Salty Snacks

A. It’s a good idea to avoidfeeding your pet salty foods. Whilea mini-pretzel or two is not likelyto pose a problem, large amounts ofsalt can produce excessive thirst andurination or even be life-threatening. That’s one reason whywe recommend hydrogen peroxide,rather than salt, when it’s deemedappropriate by a veterinarian toinduce vomiting at home. We seecases of dogs that developdangerous symptoms of sodiumpoisoning after lapping up toomuch ocean water as well.Symptoms of sodium poisoningmay include vomiting, diarrhea,depression, tremors, fever, seizures,

and even death in severecases. If you suspect that

your pet may haveingested a significantamount of salt, callyour veterinarian orthe ASPCA Animal

Poison ControlCenter at 1-888-426-

4435 (fees may apply).

HAVE A QUESTION? ASK OUR EXPERTS E-mail: ASPCAAction@aspca.org, 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.

22 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org22 ASPCA Action www.aspca.org

>> PEOPLE & EVENTS

Hundreds of animal lovers gatheredat Manhattan’s Mandarin OrientalHotel on May 10 for the TenthAnnual 'Tails of Time' ASPCABergh Ball, named for ASPCAfounder Henry Bergh. Fashiondesigner Isaac Mizrahi was Masterof Ceremonies for the benefit,

which raised more than a milliondollars for animals in need. For asecond year, the event was sponsoredby Swiss jewelry and watch brandChopard, with artwork donated byDavid LaChapelle, Bruce Weber,Roberto Dutesco, RossBleckner, and Arthur Elgort.The

Bergh Ball's Benefit Committeeincluded Matt and Annette Lauer,Chuck Scarborough, RichardMeier, Jonathan and SomersFarkas, Linda and BenjaminLambert, Nicole Miller, LorenzoBorghese, Lake Bell, and DylanLauren. �

More than 170 cats and dogs wereadopted at the first-ever SpringPet Adoption Expo, hosted onMay 19 by the ASPCA and NoMore Homeless Pets, an ASPCA®

Mission: Orange™ partner inTampa, FL. More than 20Hillsborough County rescueorganizations participated in theevent. “The collaboration of somany groups to find permanent,loving homes for these wonderfulpets goes to the very core of whatwe’re trying to accomplish,” saysASPCA Tampa Team Leader,Sherry Silk. Plans for a fall Expoare underway. �

AdoptionExtravaganza

Bergh Ball “Tails of Time”(Far left) EllenScarborough,Linda Lambert,ChuckScarborough,Margo MacNabb,Somers Farkas.(Left) Ed andMichelle Sayres.(Right) IsaacMizrahi and Lake Bell.

Bergh Book AwardsVisitors to the American Library Association’s Annual Conference inWashington, D.C. in June enjoyed a special presentation of the ASPCA®Henry Bergh Children’s Book Awards, which recognize exemplary children’sliterature relating to animals and the environment. Some winners are listed

below; for a complete list, visit www.aspca.org.

Is My Dog a Wolf? by Jenni Bidner. Can a wolf betrained? Why do dogs like to lick your face? Howyour pet compares to its wild cousin.

Wings, by William Loizeaux. Ten-year old Nicknurtures a baby

mockingbird named Marcy to adulthood, thenlearns a valuable lesson about lovingsomeone enough to allow them their freedom.

Buddy Unchained, by Daisy Bix. Buddy, alovable mutt, chronicles his rescue from anunhappy, neglectful home into a new, loving one.

23Fall 2007 23

Members of the AnimalHealth Club at BeckerCollege in Leicester,

MA, enjoyed a tour of the newlyrenovated ASPCA AdoptionCenter in Manhattan in May aswinners of the ASPCA’s 2007Community Leaders Contest,which honored creativecelebrations of ASPCA Day onApril 10.

“To receive recognition forsomething we truly believe in isdefinitely the ‘cat’s meow,’” saidcontest winner Victoria Axford,who made the trip with fellow clubmember Lynn Kelley.The groupheld an on-campus demonstrationwhere students took 15-minute

“imprisonment”shifts undercramped tablescovered with suchwords as “neglect”and “cruelty.” Theevent raisedawareness of harshconditions animalsface in the U.S. and$220 for theASPCA.

The pair met with ASPCASupervisory Special InvestigatorAnnemarie Lucas and ASPCAPresident & CEO Ed Sayres,who notes, “It is young people likethese who will be our standard-bearers in years to come.”

Honorable mentions go to Jenny’sCountry Manor, a personal-carehome in New Tripoli, PA, wheretherapy dog visitors wore ASPCAOrange bandanas; Patrick Sims, aUniversity of Kentucky studentwhose 8-hour stationary bike-a-thon raised money for the ASPCA;and Justine Berkhouse, a 4thgrader at Ingram Elementary Schoolin Pittsburgh, where students worehats for a $1 ASPCA donation. �

>> PEOPLE & EVENTS

The pictures tell a thousand tails,as ASPCA well-wishers gatheredin New York City’s Union SquarePark to celebrate ASPCA Day onApril 10. Across the country,landmark buildings were lit inorange, school-kids held specialorange-themed fundraisers, andpets donned orange attire to markthe ASPCA’s 141 years ofprotecting animals in need. �

ASPCA Day, April 10!

Q. What wasthe name of yourfirst pet? A. Molly, our Shetland Sheep Dog.We got her when I was four.

Q. Do you share your lifewith pets now? A. Yes. A Black Lab named Rex, aChocolate Lab named Ripley, anda barn cat named Simba, whorules the house. India, ourdaughter, feeds them their dinnerevery night.

Q. What’s your fondest petmemory?A. When we first brought ourdaughter home from the hospital,we wondered how our dogs wouldreact. They were both frantic withexcitement, wagging their tails andeager to meet her. Then they bothlay down beside her in her car seatas if to say they were happy tohave a new addition to protect.Their devotion has never faltered.

Q. Why are groups like theASPCA so important?A. Animals are helpless in manyways, as they have no voice. Soadvocate groups like the ASPCAare very important to speak up forand protect them.

Q. What is the mostrewarding part of owning apet?A. They are just a part of ourfamily. The joy and love they bringto our lives is immeasurable.

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Community Leaders

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA (American Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Animals) was the first humaneorganization established in the Western Hemisphere and todayhas one million supporters. The ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animalsthroughout the U.S. The ASPCA provides national leadership inhumane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and animal poison control. The NYC headquarters houses a full-service animal hospital, animalbehavior center, and adoption facility. The Humane LawEnforcement department enforces New York’s animal crueltylaws and is featured on the reality TV series Animal Precinct onAnimal Planet. Visit www.aspca.org for more information.

Have a rescue tale for the ASPCA? Send us YOUR STORIES E-mail us: ASPCAAction@aspca.org, 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 ReturnsP.O. Box 97288Washington, DC 20090-7288

YOUR STORIESLife of RileyMelissa M., Raleigh, NC

I never knew that plantswere a problem for pets.But one day I foundRiley, my huge, orange,20-pound tabby,suddenly lethargic andsalivating like a bulldog.He seemed so miserable.

I had recently pur-chased two little babypalm trees, and I could

see where Riley had chewed a couple of the reallystiff, sharp leaves. I called the animal hospital andexplained what was going on. They gave me thenumber for the ASPCA Animal Poison ControlCenter, which I called.

I was so knocked out, not only by the informationthey gave me, but also by how kind the ASPCA vetwas. She really cared that Riley got better, and that Iwas calm. She explained that no part of the plant wastoxic, but that it could be a matter of needing tomask the taste, or that he might have a thread fromthe plant lodged in his throat.

She advised giving Riley tuna juice, which he wasvery pleased with. That worked, and he got to feelingbetter. I’ve since passed on the ASPCA number tofriends who have pets. I am still so grateful for thekindness and peace of mind they provided me.

Peaceable KingdomPegeen F., Falls Village,CT

It takes a certain amountof vision to look outfrom the tall windows ofa high-rise in New YorkCity and imagine abucolic refuge for pets.But that’s what radiohostess Pegeen Fitzgeralddid many years ago, andher dream and goal, TheLast Post Animal Sanc-tuary, is 25 years old thisyear.

The sprawling 37-acre property along theHousatonic River in northwestern Connecticut hasbecome a retirement home for more than 300 cats, 7dogs, 2 goats, a rooster, 3 pigs, and at various timesraccoons, skunks, turkeys, donkeys, and deer. Pamperedpets lounge on luxurious day beds, eat only the bestfood, and are cared for by a patient, loving staff.

Led by Jeanne Toomey, the staff has ridden to therescue of endangered or abused pets throughout thearea and beyond, some from as far away as Kuwait.Classical music is the order of the day in the main dayroom, where the more sociable cats climb along theceiling beams and scratch against posts.

A daily highlight is the trip to McDonald’s, wherecanine denizens enjoy a treat, and no one in thedrive-through window has ever asked why there’s noneed for napkins, sauce, or anything to drink.

Pet problem? Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control CenterHotline at (888) 426-4435; fees may apply.