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Your pet and you: Furrever true!
| April 2014 |
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April is the ASPCA's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and we've collected a bouquet of information for all our friends that we think you'll find useful year round! It's a tough topic, to be sure, but a little vigilance and some time can make a world of difference for an animal in need. Be sure to see our post on spotting animal abuse and how to report it in NYC!
We also have ideas on how anyone can help animals, even if you don't have time to volunteer at a rescue organization or shelter! From letter-writing campaigns, to online fundraising, there's an option for everyone!
And finally, a fun way to show you care! AMC is hosting a fun fair in May on the UES. There's activities for two- and four-legged kids of all ages.
But first: Meet Mischa, a sweet rescue dog with a wonderful story, as told by her Fur-Father Stan!
Helen Adler |
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 Meet Mischa, our featured pet, as told by TPM client Stan S.
I would not call myself a "Dog Person." I don't get down on the sidewalk to play with dogs as they pass. Once, some years back, I had co-ownership of a rescue, and I was freaked out when someone on the street told me that "dog" backwards was "god." I navigated with difficulty through all the social networking a dog affords; I wondered if I had to speak to everyone walking a dog.
But finally, I decided the time was right for me. I wanted a dog, and I chose to adopt. Continue Reading ...
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Animal abuse is a tough topic; helping animals is easy! Here's how:
April may be "the cruellest month" but it's unlikely T.S. Elliot had animal abuse in mind when he wrote "The Wasteland." But, in a poetic twist, April also the ASPCA's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and they have many ideas how you can help, this month, and every month:
 Talk to your Representative: Encourage your local rep to join the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus! Just enter your zip code and fill out the form letter! Voila! Write Your Representative
Become an ASPCA Ambassador: Help inspire hope and influence change to make the world a better place for animals. They offer great fund-raising ideas to get the whole community involved! Animal Ambassador
Create a Tribute Page: Here's an options for those of us tuned in to tech! Set up a special tribute page in honor of your lost pet, and help raise funds! This option is also great for animal lovers who already have too many cat or dog nick-knacks, and want to give loving friends and family an alternate option for gift giving! Loving Tribute
Become an Advocate: If you enjoyed sending your rep a letter, why not join the brigade? ASPCA Advocacy Brigade members help fight for strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state, and local levels. You'll receieve important email alerts whenever help is needed! It's the next best thing to a bat signal! Don't Wait, Advocate!
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 Fun fur all at The Animal Medical Center's 2014 PAW Day!
Finally! A festival the whole family can enjoy: Fur-Kids included! On Saturday, May 17th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., AMC is hosting this free community event at Carl Schurz Park on the UES. This fun and informative festival has something for everyone. Adults will appreciate tips and talks with AMC veterinarians, lots of great information on preventative care and pet safety, pet first aid tips, even doggie yoga and massage! The kids will love the children's area where they can meet Clifford the Big Red Dog, get their face painted, and visit a stuffed animal clinic!
PAW Day: Pet and Wellness Fair
Saturday, May 17, 2014
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Carl Schurz Park
84th Street and East End Avenue
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 You can help a fur-friend in need!
New York's a city where it's second nature to mind your own business, but if you suspect animal abuse, please take a closer look. Animals, especially domestic ones, rely on people for almost everything, but they can't ask for help: you can!
Animal abuse can take many forms: neglect, inadequate shelter or care, hoarding, physical abuse, even abandonment. All 50 states have laws protecting animals from abuse, and all but one include felony provisions.
Not sure what to look for? The ASPCA has a great guide, and the New York State Humane Organization has their procedural guide online, which is a very helpful guide to what kinds of information they need in order to act effectively on your report. The Humane Society also has a step-by-step guide to help you recognize, document, and report suspected cases.
If you suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, call 311, or visit NYC's Animal Abuse & Complaints page.
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Meet Mischa!
I would not call myself a "Dog Person." I don't get down on the sidewalk to play with dogs as they pass. Once, some years back, I had co-ownership of a rescue, and I was freaked out when someone on the street told me that "dog" backwards was "god." I navigated with difficulty through all the social networking a dog affords; I wondered if I had to speak to everyone walking a dog.
But finally, I decided the time was right for me. I wanted a dog, and I chose to adopt. I enlisted my neighbor Jill to go the Humane Society on 59th Street with me. I had no thoughts about what kind of dog I wanted. My first pet was a black Cocker Spaniel, Schnooky, but that was more than 50 years ago. As an antique dealer, I trust my instinct. I know when something is right.
Jill knew people at the Humane Society and when we arrived she announced: "Bring us your best dog!" And in came Mischa, a five-and-a-half year old West Highland Terrier. Her previous owner had run into some financial hardships, which forced her to move, and the new place didn't allow pets. We watched Mischa play for a while and then she sat in my lap. She was calm and adorable. It was love at first sight.
 Now, I do not necessarily believe that Mischa was really the best dog at the Humane Society, but she was arguably a new favorite. She was very loving, trusting and sweet with everyone. I met her on a Sunday, and filled out paperwork that required banking information and personal references. It was as if I was applying for a mortgage or adopting a child! A couple other folks had looked at Mischa, too, so I was afraid someone else would scoop her up.
They called me later that week, and I picked Mischa up that Sunday. We pranced all the way home from 59th to 48th Street, and within two hours Mischa seemed happily settled. I had considered changing Mischa's name, but decided that after five-and-a-half years she should keep it. The name suits her. Mischa means 'little bear' in Russian and 'mice' in Polish. Westies are stout with short legs, and I have to smile when she runs; it reminds me of a chubby rat trundling along!
This was my first rescue and I was easing myself into being an adoptive pet parent.
Mischa was in need of a grooming and Jill fixed me up with The Pet Maven. Within 48 hours, Mischa was luxuriating in a home grooming under the special care and talent of Helen. In the past 18 months, Helen has become an important part of my life, too. Helen noticed this past winter that Mischa did not have much of a waist, and helped trim back her feedings. It was winter, and both Mischa and I had put on some weight. Now we are both on a diet!
I am so grateful for Mischa. She puts a smile on my face every day. Her tail is always wagging. She wakes up and her tail is wagging! All who meet her can see how sweet she is. I can't imagine not having a dog, now. In fact, I am pondering a little brother or sister for Mischa. Of course, I will let Mischa know that she is still numero uno. Maybe I'll get a foster-to-rescue and see how it works out. There's no rush ... but life without Mischa is unimaginable!
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