ASPCA: Petition

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"The ASPCA has recently launched CATvsDOG.org, an online campaign to raise awareness about some of the most critical animal welfare issues today and to urge animal lovers across the country to support its drive towards ending animal cruelty.

"The goal of the nationwide online campaign is to incite one million Americans to sign a pledge to prevent cruelty and abuse," said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. "By signing the pledge and casting their vote, people are helping the ASPCA ensure animals have a voice in the upcoming election."

The campaign highlights eight important animal welfare issues such as puppy mills, “dangerous breed” bans, pets and family violence through the eyes of candidates Mittens-the-Cat and Rowdy-the-Dog. Candidate Mittens and Rowdy take humorous, opposing positions on each of the issues through intriguing debates that are summarized with facts to bring light to the seriousness of each topic.

"The ASPCA will deliver one million signatures collected from the online campaign to the newly elected president shortly after the presidential election is concluded," said Mr. Sayres. To date 366,533 signatures have already been collected.

Rescuing Pets

"Pet experts say a cocoa mulch can pose a serious health risk to pets.

This type of mulch is made of the husks of the cocoa bean.

Local landscapers said it has become popular in northeast Ohio recently because of its aroma. But that aroma can also reportedly attract dogs and cats.

If a pet consumes a large amount of mulch it can cause them serious digestive problems, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA."



"One of four kittens born to a mother cat rescued from a shelter in Georgia, this kitten will be bottle-fed until old enough to eat solid food. A local woman’s compassion compels her to travel wherever necessary to rescue entire litters of animals such as these kittens from being euthanized at overcrowded animal shelters. "

Adoption and DNA

"Assembly Bill 2949 will move to the Senate for consideration. Please visit The ASPCA Press Room to read more about it! Thank God there is Hope for these innocent cats and dogs who need a loving home. Do you have room in your home for a loving dog or cat who can bring so much love to you? Please visit your local ASPCA affiliated adoption center today and see where your heart takes you! I feel very badly about people who have never experienced the unconditional love of a pet. Now more than ever, the have a chance to experience---perhaps for the first time the JOY of a Cat or Dog Here's where you can learn about the Bill:"




"A new DNA test can not only tell you what your mutt is made of but also what health problems he may risk.

Piper was discovered at the Cleveland APL about eighteen years ago. He's an old dog and we think he may be a mix of Scottish Deer Hound and Lab. But we could never be sure until now.

Piper's DNA is being analyzed by the Wisdom Panel DNA test. It will not only tell me what's in his breed mix, it will also identify 316 genetic markers.

From a small blood sample, veterinarian Carol Osborne says the test can determine what Piper is from 134 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club."

Pet Honeymoon

"A honeymoon period can exist if you are 18 or 80, have children or don't, are married or not and causes many roundtable discussions among people who are committed to caring for these animals.

The period starts when you decide to adopt an animal. Your adrenaline increases along with your excitement level. You are sure you will find just the right pet for you and off you go to an animal shelter or rescue group.

Up and down the aisles you go, peering in every kennel to find just the right one. Is that one too hairy, or maybe a little too small? I like that one with the brindle coat, but I think she is a little big. What do you think?"

The Family Pet

"Walking into a pet store, I hear the same conversation over and over. "That puppy is so cute! Let's get it!" Yet once that animal grows up, they realize the full responsibility of taking care of that "cute puppy" and some toss their pets aside. Since when have animals become like pieces of furniture, throwing out what we think is old, and replacing it with something more fashionable? What more and more people are failing to comprehend is that when they commit to taking in an animal, they are making a commitment to take care of that life as long as it lives. Many people consider themselves "huge animal lovers," yet they buy their pets from pet stores. It is no secret to anyone that only puppy mills will sell to pet stores."



"On May 12th, 2008, Bernadette Peters hosted a launch party for her first book, "Broadway Barks". A long time advocate for pet adoption, Peters and fellow actress Mary Tyler Moore started the organization Broadway Barks! Each year they hold a star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon, benefiting New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. The event is produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and sponsored by the ASPCA. The book, authored by Peters, with illustrations by Liz Murphy, is published by Blue Apple Books and is the star's first foray into the publishing world. She did it at the prompting of friends and agreed to not only write the book, loosely based on how she adopted her dog Kramer, but also penned an original song, again at the prompting of both friends and her publisher, which comes on a CD inside the book along with her charming reading of the story...sound effects and all! "

The Houdini Dog

Interesting story.


"His name is Butch, but you could call him the Houdini dog.

Here one minute. Gone the next.

The 10-pound silky terrier lived in Barberton with Ellen and Mark Thompson, then after a short adoption elsewhere, disappeared.

Nobody knows where he went or what happened to him. But he reappeared six months later."




"When the urge to adopt strikes, few potential pet parents consider the costs of pet ownership, which can often be far greater (and run longer) than they anticipated. The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) today released its updated guide to pet costs to help new pet parents plan and budget for their futures."

Pet Ownership

"When the urge to adopt strikes, few potential pet parents consider the costs of pet ownership, which can often be far greater (and run longer) than they anticipated. The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today released its updated guide to pet costs to help new pet parents plan and budget for their futures."



"On Sunday, March 23, many well-meaning parents will purchase live bunnies for their children as an Easter gift. Many of these Easter rabbits will wind up at shelters weeks later after the novelty has worn off. Unlucky ones may be released outside where they face predators, cars, illness, and injury. Others may live out their lives bored in a cramped cage."

Pit Bulls

"Bad dogs, or bad press? When it comes to pit bulls, it seems like most people assume it's the first. But it wasn't always that way.

A pit bull named Stubby earned the rank of sergeant in World War I and appeared on the cover of "Life" magazine. Loyal pet of the "Little Rascals" on TV, the breed also used to symbolize the nation in editorial cartoons and army posters at the beginning of the 20th century. At one time pit bull terriers were the classic American dog.

Despite this honorable history, they've fallen on hard times. But their defenders are working hard to redeem them.

This February, the ASPCA in New York City is introducing its Adopt-a-Bull contest, co-sponsored by the Animal Farm Foundation in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Open to adopters from shelters that use the ASPCA's Meet Your Match temperament testing, the grand prize winner will get a trip to New York and a $5,000 grant for their shelter."