News Round Up

In the that's-committment category:

Paraplegic Dog is Man's Best Friend

http://www.pawnation.com/2009/09/09/paraplegic-dog-is-mans-best-friend/

"...He's my rock and my best friend. When I got divorced, Loois is what kept me going."

In the you-can't-be-serious category:

Doggy Pool Shark

http://www.pawnation.com/2009/09/09/doggy-pool-shark/

 

In the Thank God category:

Smoka the 'Miracle Cat' Survives 26 Days Buried Under Fire Wreckage

http://www.pawnation.com/2009/09/10/smoka-the-miracle-cat-survives-26-days-buried-under-fire-wreck/

 

"...Smoka heard my voice and started meowing."

In the we-need-more-of-this category:

CT: Thank Governor for Signing Puppy Mill Bill!

https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?alertId=2586&pg=makeACall

 

Action Needed:

Please call Governor Rell to thank her

for signing SB 499 into law. (CT SB 499—Puppy Lemon Law and Trace Back Bill)

Greater Hartford area: (860) 566-4840

Toll free: (800) 406-1527
"...The law will also require that pet shops provide the identity of dog breeders and dealers to consumers, and that if pet shops sell cats and dogs from out-of-state kennels, such kennels are licensed by the USDA and the appropriate state agency."

Thank you, Governor!

In the crucial-to-know category:

Sugar-Free Gum and Snacks Can be Deadly for Pets

http://www.pawnation.com/2009/09/08/sugar-free-gum-and-snacks-can-be-deadly-for-pets/

"...Most pet owners know that chocolate is a big no-no for dogs. But here's something to chew on: a common ingredient in sugarless gum and snacks can cause a canine catastrophe."

Another one for Thank-God-this-exists:

Charity Transports Shelter Dogs in Style

http://www.gnn.com/article/charity-transports-shelter-dogs-in-style/656368

 

"...Jodie Martin of Rescue Waggin' unloads a dog from one of the specially designed trucks used to haul animals across the highways from crowded shelters where they're likely to put to sleep to facilities where they have better chances of being adopted."

 

"Moving animals in search of adoptive homes is not a new idea, but the scale of this program is unprecedented."

"Our community has always generated more animals than can be adopted, making it verydifficult for us to find homes for all of them. Upon learning about PetSmart Charities'plan to help homeless dogs have a second chance at finding a forever home, we were very excited to join the Rescue Waggin' team. Since joining the team in April of 2007,we have saved 192 lives. The Rescue Waggin' program helps relieve the over-crowding conditions at our facility, allowing us more time to focus on new arrivals that area waiting adoption."

Kevin Stubbs

Executive Director, Caring Hands Humane Society

Newton, KS

In the ridiculus - and this would pay for ONE FIFTH of the New Yonkers Animal Shelter- category:

http://news.aol.com/article/earths-priciest-dog-purchased-by-chinese/666000

xoxo

Just Cause It's Funny

Hero Dog Saves Toddler -- YES! He was once a homeless dog!

When a young British Columbia family stopped to make camp in the Yukon wilderness they were surprised to see a scruffy dog that looked a bit like a coyote come out of the bush.

They saw the mongrel had porcupine quills sticking out of its face and tried to help, not knowing that simple act of kindness would be repaid in the most remarkable way – with the deliverance of their son from a life-threatening ordeal.

Two-year-old Kale disappeared into the bush wearing only a T-shirt on a cool and rainy night late last week. More than 24 hours later, search-and-rescue authorities found him alive, thanks in part to Koda, the yellow mutt with the quill-covered snout who protected the toddler and kept him warm overnight.

“A bear could have got him. Anything could have happened,” said Mike Bondarchuk, a local hotel owner who volunteered in the search for Kale. “What we do know is the dog stuck with him, all night and all the next day.”

Kale and Koda will now be able to stick together for good – Koda's owner has given the dog to the toddler's family.

“He was meant to be there at that time,” said Kim Dolan, the owner of Koda, who had been missing for about a week before meeting the boy.

“It was tough to give him away. I was in tears … but it was the right thing to do,” she said.

The toddler, whose last name has not been released, disappeared at about 6 p.m. Thursday while his parents set up their trailer near where North Canol Road crosses the Tay River, about 50 kilometres north of the Ross River, Yukon.

The parents, who asked authorities not to release their names, are experienced in the outdoors and had driven from Kamloops for the camping trip

The Tay River area is about as wild as it gets, with dense forest interspersed with willow thickets, marshes and rushing streams.

After the RCMP in Ross River – population 400 – were notified the boy was missing, a full-scale operation began, with search-and-rescue teams and volunteers responding from three Yukon communities.
But darkness fell with no sign of Kale, who had vanished into the dense bush.

Among the volunteers to arrive were Mr. Bondarchuk, who co-owns the Canol Road Hotel and Koda's owner Ms. Dolan, the daughter of his business partner. Ms. Dolan said Sunday that when she heard the mother of the missing boy describe the yellow dog that had been hanging around, she knew instantly it was her mutt, Koda, who is also called Squeak.

“She said the dog was kind of coyote looking and he had a face full of porcupine quills … I thought what are the chances? It's probably my dog,” said Ms. Dolan.

“He's a total mutt. A total kid dog … he just wants to be loved,” she said of Koda, an abandoned dog she adopted from the streets of Ross River several months earlier. Koda had wandered off before and often came home from the bush with porcupine quills in his face.

As the mother of two sons, Ms. Dolan said she knew what Kale's mother was going through, and comforted her by saying: “That's my dog out there. He won't leave your son.”

Mr. Bondarchuk, who joined the ground search, said he was told the father of the missing boy had pulled some porcupine quills out of the dog's face before his son had vanished. Keiser Sterriah, 14, was getting ready to go hunting with his father, Norman, when news about the missing boy spread through Ross River. They were among a group of about 25 volunteers who responded, along with search and rescue specialists from Faro and Whitehorse.

“They told us we were looking for a little boy in a T-shirt, he had no jacket, and he was last seen with a yellow dog,” Keiser said. “They told us to look under logs because he might be curled up there. And we just started going through the bush … it's very dense there, lots of marshes … there were grizzly tracks nearby,” he said.

“I can only imagine what was going through the mother's mind at the time,” Michael Pealow, a member of the Whitehorse District Search and Rescue Society team wrote in blog posted on the weekend.

“The night was cold and wet and the terrain in the area is rough. . . Most adults wouldn't make it through the night before succumbing to hypothermia, let alone a two-year-old child.”

At 6:40 Friday evening – nearly 25 hours after Kale vanished – a helicopter using forward-looking infrared radar picked up a heat image on the ground, about two kilometres from the camp site. The pilot saw a dog running for cover.

Bill Wood, of the Faro Search and Rescue team, said a ground crew working nearby went to the scene and found the boy, about 40 metres off the gravel road.  They later recovered Koda, who had been scared by the helicopter. He was still stuck with porcupine quills, which the rescuers removed.

“I'm sure it definitely helped [the boy survive],” said Mr. Wood of the dog.

“Overnight they would have been able to cuddle for warmth and a companion makes a world of difference – it doesn't matter if you're a little boy or an adult.”


xoxo

What A Difference A Week Makes

From Baron's new dad:

Well, where do I start? I found this guy online and spent an hour with him. It was love at first bite. Baron is an awesome dog. He is one of the happiest dogs I've seen in recent memory and he's just wonderful all around. I took him to the Pet Store to pick out a bed and he was the beau of the ball. He's beautiful, he's well fed, and he's a really wonderful pooch. He's just such a wonderful dog I can't possibly imagine why nobody would've snatched him up. Well buddy, I guess we were both in the right place at the right time.....

I heard this news on my birthday last week, and I gotta say it was the best present I could have possibly been given. I walked Baron on occasion and he truly is a great dog, one of many Yonkers Animal Shelter has. He's one of those that you look at and think to yourself, there is nothing wrong with this dog except that he's homeless. He's beautiful, cheerful, happy to see you, obedient (though rambuctious!), and just wants to please.

Now, onto Mr. Willie, Miss Sophie, June-y-June, Grumpy Gracie, Abbey, Hanna Banana, Pudgie, Debbie-with-the-mole-on-her-cheek, Dixie-who-likes-her- treats...


xoxo

Pet Carrier Giveaway

Click the title for a link to the full story. These carriers looks nice.

CONTEST RULES

To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us about your pet's most endearing quality.

The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Monday, September 14, 2009.

You may enter only once. One winner will be selected in a random drawing.

One winner will receive an ORIGINAL Komfort Pets Carrier (19" x 13" x 16") in Silver (valued at $149).

Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

Click here for complete Official Rules. Winner will be notified by email, so be sure to provide a valid address!

xoxo

Chanel, World's Oldest Dog Passes Away

Click the title for the link. She started as a shelter puppy!

xoxo

You. Must. See. These. Videos.

Meet Sharky the Pitbull and his little chicks. The whole family lives in the Great State of Texas.

Hilarious.

Day 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoHYmUx2Uuw&NR=1

Happy Easter: Be sure to click "1 year" and "2 years" to view progress!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2OC5Z1Fii8&feature=channel

Day 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3_-q55hqMI&annotation_id=annotation_862201&feature=iv

Day 4: (this is my favorite!!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdfbGHtfFR4&annotation_id=annotation_970983&feature=iv



xoxo

Dog Auditions in Philly!

...AT THE WALNUT STREET THEATRE!

SEEKING:
A dog from one of the following breeds: English or American Staffordshire Terrier; English or American Bulldog; American Pit Bull terrier (or a mix of any listed breed).

Coat must be white or mostly white, dog may be male or female, one year or older. To be featured in the Walnut Street Theatre’s upcoming production of Oliver! The dog should be calm, take commands well, and be comfortable both on and off a leash. Will have limited stage time, but must be comfortable on stage and must be available for all performances (8 shows a week from November 10 – January 10) and some rehearsals (mid October through early November).

Full performance schedule is available at:
http://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/season/schedule.php?event=37

Auditions will be held at the Walnut Street Theatre on Wednesday, September 15 between 12 and 2pm.

Please email WSTOliverCasting@gmail.com with the subject heading “Dog Auditions” to schedule an audition.

Please include a photo of the dog as well as your name, phone number and address in the e-mail.
No phone calls, please.

xoxo

More Adoptable Pets From Yonkers Animal Shelter

Penelope in the pool. She's a favorite of volunteer Erika.

Miss Daffy

Miss Abbey

Miss Gracie, who is always afraid she is missing out on a treat

Miss Maybelle, one of many staff favorites

Miss June, showing off her new pink polka dot collar

Meet Mr. Rusty, volunteer Shauna's favorite little guy. He is very calm, walks nicely on a leash, is quiet, friendly, and unpeturbed by much. Check out the video after the pics.

Ears up!

See a video of Rusty:

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12023877&mtf=1#

Come and visit sometime! We have many nice dogs!


xoxo

News Round Up

Here is what's in the news...

Bernadette Peters sings for Broadway Barks
Broadway star, Tony, Grammy and Golden Globe Award winner, and long-time Broadway Cares / Equity Fights Aids friend and Trustee, Bernadette Peters, will perform a special one night only concert "Bernadette Peters: A Special Concert for Broadway Barks Because Broadway Cares" on Monday, November 9 at 8 PM at Broadway's Minskoff Theatre (1515 Broadway).

Broadway Barks, originally conceived by Ms Peters with Mary Tyler Moore as a program to promote the adoption of shelter animals, has evolved into an annual event that promotes and celebrates the work of animal shelters in New York, while also focusing attention of responsible pet ownership, spay / neuter programs, and the importance of pet-identification.


In the People-Will-Never-Come-Close-To-Dogs Category:

Woman Who Adopted Dog Thrown Off Bridge Faces Eviction




In the I-Bet-You-Didn't-Know-They-Know-How-To-Do-This Category:

Bear Uses Ladder to Escape From Skate Park

In the Thank-God-This-Exists Category:

Soldier's Pets Find a Home Away from Home

(This organization, which I know through a Soldiers' Angels (http://www.soldiersangels.org/) connection, has agreed to be interviewed and I will do an extensive post on their work.)

xoxo

Free Stuff and We Are Their Voice

http://www.aspca.org/about-us/free-aspca-stuff/free-pet-safety-pack.html

From the good 'ol ASPCA. I love this group and am proud to be a monthly supporter.

I have called them twice before; once for a skunk that needed to be rescued and the owner of the building - actually a nursing home - next to me was too slow in getting someone to humanely trap and remove the little stinker to the woods. One of the program staff out of their NYC office got on the horn that day and had the problem taken care of. The nursing home has now placed chicken wire all around their basement window-wells so animals don't keep falling down there. Total problem solved in about 48 hours. The program guy called me back and said they were going to do it, but the call gave them the impetus to do it that day! Program Man didn't hassle him, they just talked and I think having a group look out for animals was enough for the nursing home director.

"We are their voice!"

One time I was going to lessen my month amount, just due to cutting back a bit. I hesitated since I really believe this group is worth every penny I give them. But I had it on my mind, and then the magazine came out with their expose on puppy mills. It was hard to read but I was so proud of them that there is no way I'm lessening my monthly gift. In fact, they got me on the phone a couple of months ago and when I told about how I had thought to lessen my gift and so there was no way I could increase, he still got me to round up $2 extra bucks a month! Nice job, if I say so myself.


xoxo

The Little Guy

Here is my own little guy. Renaldo the Red (like Robert the Bruce). Hey, a little guy's gotta have some heritage and when they are pound puppies, you gotta make it up for them!

I got him from Elmsford Animal Shelter (http://www.elmsfordanimalshelter.com/about.htm) in January '07, two months almost to the day after I lost my beloved Miss Maddie, another rescue from Elmsford. Pics on her another time.

Notice in the background is the daschund his "grandmother" bought him for Christmas last year. It sings "Low Rider," and moves even lower than it is normally as the music plays. Renaldo torpedoed it with his pointy nose, knocking it over when I first played the song.


Don't be fooled by his sitting on the floor either. Feh. It's a big act is what it is.

Actually, if you go to the "Happy Endings" section of Elmford's website and go in about three pages, you'll see the bit I wrote about him. It's a really cute picture of him with his favorite bone and it looks like he has a cigar in his mouth and he's smiling. He loves his bully sticks.

(This is a picture off the internet. That's about the size of it, too!)

xoxo

ASPCA responds to death of dog left in car by Richmond Virginia head of SPCA

I feel very badly about this case, but it shows you it only take one mishap and your dog will suffer. I hope this lady's husband can one day forgive himself.

First the article, then Virginia SPCA's statement, and then the ASPCA's statement following. Im glad they are forgiving of her. It's terrible but honestly, it's not like she knew and certainly wouldn't have left him in there herself.

Va. SPCA exec's dog dies after 4 hours in hot car

RICHMOND, Va. - An executive for an anti-animal cruelty group says her 16-year-old blind and deaf dog died after she accidentally left him in her hot car for four hours.

Robin Starr, the CEO of the Richmond Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, says she didn't realize "Louie" was in the car until noon. Starr's husband, Ed, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch he put the dog in her car as she got ready for work Aug. 19. She often took the dog to work with her.
Robin Starr took the dog to two clinics, but he died of kidney failure.
The National Weather Service says the temperature had reached 91 degrees by noon that day.
The board of the SPCA says it still supports Starr, who has been CEO since 1997 and does not plan to resign. It was unclear whether she would be charged.

LEARNING FROM TRAGEDY

The Board of the Richmond SPCA fully supports our CEO Robin Starr during this time of great personal loss. Robin has been a staunch and unwavering advocate for animal welfare and her efforts have been instrumental in improving the plight of animals since she joined the Richmond SPCA in 1997. We expect Robin to continue her lifesaving work as CEO of the Richmond SPCA for many years to come. We can only hope that this unfortunate accident will help other pet owners avoid similar tragedies in the future with their beloved pets.


ASPCA Responds to Death of Richmond SPCA CEO’s Dog

August 26, 2009

NEW YORK– The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) issued a statement from President and CEO Ed Sayres prompted by the recent death of the Richmond SPCA CEO's dog:

"The ASPCA was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Louie, Richmond SPCA CEO Robin Starr's beloved dog, who died after accidentally being left in Ms. Starr's car for several hours on a hot summer day. The ASPCA truly believes that this incident was a horrible and unfortunate accident.

"Robin has dedicated her professional life to saving animals' lives. An outspoken advocate for the prevention of animal cruelty, Robin has worked diligently with her staff for many years to increase the shelter's adoptions and decrease euthanasia since becoming a no-kill facility – a remarkable achievement for the animals at-risk in the Richmond area and a model for the entire nation. If a terrible tragedy like this could happen to someone like Robin, then it can truly happen to anyone.

"Certainly, the grief that Robin and her family must be going through right now is profound. Anytime you lose a pet, it's tantamount to losing a member of the family – but it is hard to imagine the pain that comes with losing a pet in such a tragic way.

"While some might unfortunately call for Robin's resignation as a result of this horrible accident, it is imperative that we focus on the thousands of animals' lives that she has saved through her work with the Richmond SPCA. Louie's death serves as a tragic lesson – animals should never be left alone in a parked vehicle, and pet parents must stay vigilant when it comes to their pets' safety."


xoxo

Little Baby Cloe Got Adopted

A sweet very puppyish nine month old brindle female named Cloe (who I dubbed Little Baby Cloe) was adopted by two guys this week from Yonkers Animal Shelter. I'm so thrilled! I used to walk Cloe most days I went to the shelter. What a little love! I like to take them into one of our two outdoor pen areas (one is the adoption area people meet and play with prospective pets and the other is a covered outdoor pen that's big enough for the dog to run around in and which has a dirt floor.) I took Cloe in the bigger pen about two weeks ago and she immediately stood up on the bench in there, though that was intermingled with her romping around. She slid off the bench and got her arm caught on one of the shaped metal things that hold the bench up so you can sit on it, and she just looked at me with guilty eyes that said "am I in trouble?" and "help me" simultaneously. She wasn't hurt or anything, just stuck, by her own doing!

All from a dog that was left in a closet when someone got evicted from their house! Can you imagine? It happens and it doesn't always end as well as this did.

Anyway, since the brindles (one "color" of pittbull) are dark brown and black striped (and usually have some white on their chest and paws), I and other volunteers or staff try to buy them brighter color collars so they get noticed. I'm not sure if we ever got a picture of her with the bright pink hibiscus collar I got, but I know those two guys noticed her as she walked down the street with a volunteer. That's how they first say saw her. Plus, it says to anyone visiting the shelter, someone cares about this dog and yes, even though they are in a pound, they are "pet-able." She looked adorable in that pink collar!

I actually got an email from Leslie, the volunteer coordinator (the one who roped me into all this!) letting me know Cloe was "going home," so I dashed from my office to quickly say goodbye and good luck. I was glad I did; she waggled her whole body at me. It was a good day.

I'm trying to get more pictures of her; the one above she looks a little menacing, but she was anything but! The dogs move around a lot when they are out of the pens so it's hard to get good pictures. But what a mush she is! I hope new owners and new pet are all happy. Best of luck to Little Baby Cloe.

Chihuahua-Land

Well, well... and here we have the vicious pit bull, tormentor of little dogs.

(Hey, sometimes it happens, but not in this video!)

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQlHj27Lvcc

And here is another story about a little guy who saved the day. I'm making up for my Mr. Big post with stuff about Little Misters.

http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/24/chichi-the-chihuahua-mix-named-hero-pet-of-the-year/

Here is the Big Hero, ChiChi:

And finally, as I write this, in the background is America's Funniest Videos and some person sent in a tape of one dog marrying another, and yes, they were both chihauhaus. The bride wore white, the groom skirmed in his mom's arms but did have on a tuxedo!

Today, life is as it should be.

xoxo

Shelter in the City. Meet Mr. Big.

Shelter in the City...

The City of Yonkers that is!

But hey, to you folks outside the Northeast, it's probably all the same anyway.

So meet Mr. Big.

He is the "New Caesar," meaning he's huge! He's demanding, too, barking when you come nearby to make sure he gets his treat. I actually hurry up and give him his so I can take my time and feed the mother-daugther combination in the pen next to him. Then he's quiet, for about a second! So I bring two treats, one for before and one after (clearly he's better at this than me). Apparently, he's well behaved and calm when he comes out.

They never do what you expect, do they?

We get all kinds of folks calling for dogs they see posted on Petfinder.com. Caesar was adopted by a retired homicide detective who wanted "a man's dog." He specifically did not want a dog that was "a chihauhau or something." So he and Caesar went home together and now we get emails telling us how Caesar eats out of his granddaughter's hand ("like a lamb.")

Now Mr. Big is the new Caesar. Why don't you come around sometime? But beware, you'll be buying the dinner. No dutch treat with this guy.

Click the title of this post to go to Mr. Big's page at petfinder.com for video and other pictures.

President of ASPCA speaks about Michael Vick

Ed Sayres: The Road Ahead for Michael Vick

After careful consideration, we have decided to speak out now about Michael Vick because of the special circumstances involving the ASPCA. Several months ago, Mr. Vick's PR representatives approached the ASPCA to help educate America about the heinous act of dog fighting following his release from prison. We were the first animal welfare organization given the opportunity to work with Mr. Vick but immediately turned him down due to the unique knowledge we had of his indescribable and barbaric acts of animal cruelty where he and his associates savagely electrocuted and beat dogs to death after they lost their brutal fights.

The ASPCA's general consultation and our specific role in processing the forensic evidence in this case were key elements that resulted in Mr. Vick and the three other defendants all pleading guilty to felony crimes. As such, this organization and I personally have seen the acts of cruelty committed by Mr. Vick first hand-- acts so heinous that the public has never laid witness to them. And now that Mr. Vick has spoken out for the first time since his release from prison, the ASPCA wants to make clear why this organization chose not to partner with him in his supposed rehabilitation efforts. We are simply not convinced that Mr. Vick has demonstrated compassion toward animals as living beings or the necessary remorse for his criminal actions against them.

60 Minutes provided a convicted criminal a national platform to selfishly focus on his own recovery when, in fact, the animals, the victims who cannot speak for themselves, should have received the attention. CBS did a grave disservice to the animal welfare community by failing to show the ugly truth of Mr. Vick’s actions and the horrors of dog fighting and animal cruelty in this country. The continued attention paid to Mr. Vick is only reinforcing that criminal behavior does not destroy fame and fortune.

The ASPCA works every day to prevent animal cruelty, in the absence of tougher, more consistent laws and lack of education and awareness. We serve as the animals' voice, as millions of animals suffer alone and in silence because they cannot speak out against their perpetrators. When a crime against animals is committed, the ASPCA's priorities are to build a sound case that results in successful prosecution of the perpetrators, as well as the rehabilitation of the victims. Our direct involvement in the Vick case yielded success in both areas, and in fact, we work every day to ensure perpetrators like him are behind bars.

Although Mr. Vick has served his time and is now entitled to employment, the ASPCA was strongly against him being able to immediately re-join the NFL, to play alongside highly paid elite athletes who are looked upon as our heroes and role models. Today, it is difficult to see him in the uniform of a Philadelphia Eagle because of the startling lack of judgment and moral character he has demonstrated over the past several years. It is questionable whether he will have any credibility as an educator on the dog fighting issue. The ASPCA welcomes a national conversation on animal cruelty and especially dog fighting, but questions Mr. Vick’s ability to lead it. The ASPCA will heighten its efforts to bring this national travesty to the surface through meaningful education and discussion that brings the hard, cold sickening reality of a fight into stark relief for those who might wonder why all the fuss about a dog fight. A true national discussion would focus not on one man and his crimes, but on a nation that allows dog fighting to happen every day without a national outcry. This is where the ASPCA will focus its energies in the coming months.

Mr. Vick has indeed been given another chance to play football with the Philadelphia Eagles. It is important to state that the ASPCA is extremely disappointed that owner Jeff Lurie hired him for his team before it was clear that Mr. Vick has truly developed a sense of compassion for his victims, the animals whose lives were taken by him. The ASPCA believes in second chances-- in redemption-- but that second chance has to be earned through contrition, conversion to the cause of animal welfare and finally, through hard work. Mr. Vick has only now begun his journey toward a second chance. It will be a long and hard road for him, and while we wish him well, we also want to remind the nation that the work of ridding the nation of dog fighting is as compelling a story as one man’s path to redemption. Let’s not forget to focus on the animals, the crimes that are still being committed every day in the United States. What are we, as a nation, going to do about that? How are we going to express our outrage long past the first time Mr. Vick takes the field in Philadelphia?

Compassion for animals is the hallmark of the ASPCA and the ultimate message that we hope is gleaned from this horrific story. While this case has garnered the national spotlight because of Mr. Vick’s notoriety, it is the end result that will matter most. Will Mr. Vick have learned something—and taken the opportunity he has been granted to impart to his legion of fans the importance of compassion toward animals? Certainly, only time will offer us an answer—but we will be watching.

Photo Essay on the Golf Tournament- Dinner

The event was a huge success!! A great time was had by all!!

(UPDATE: to date, almost $17,000 has been raised from this event, and we are still counting!)

Kay Pistone Carucci (who heads up the effort to raise the needed funds for the New Yonkers Animal Shelter,) Augie Cambria - Commissioner of the City Dept. of Parks - and volunteer committee member, Mayor Phil Amicone (who attended and is genuinely serious about getting this shelter built,) Mike Silvestri (who donated our beautiful venue, absolutely delicious food, and the time of his highly-courteous staff,) and a bevy of committed volunteer committee members are all to be congratulated on a job WELL DONE.

More details on what we raised in the days to come. For now, enjoy the pics... (taken with my cell phone!)

Kay Pistone Carucci and Mayor Phil Amicone (above)

Our clients (below)

Kay and the very wonderful Mike Silvestri (above)

The view at the Beautiful Riverview

The room (check out those paw print balloons!)

Volunteers:

Golfers:

Lots of donated gifts (complete list of donors to be posted soon)

Hole Sponsor (below) (This is the store of Darlene, the shelter staff member who held her own fundraiser last week - Cause for Paws)

Kay with more volunteers: (sorry - I'm still getting to know names!)

Our beautiful venue, with a staff that really cared and made our evening special (thanks!)


Our clients

More to follow in the days ahead. Thanks to all who helped bring this wonderful event to fruition! We are that much closer to our $2.3M goal.

Official New Yonkers Animal Shelter website:

http://www.newyonkersanimalshelter.org/

...