It’s no myth: While all dogs have personality, senior dogs have soul.If you've ever experienced that special moment—that twinkling of the eyes when an older pooch gets adopted and realizes that after a lifetime of searching, he's finally home—we want to hear about it. Please send your photo and adoption story to dogstory@aspca.org. You and your golden oldster just may be featured on our website

“I want to apologize.” “I take full responsibility for my actions.” “Those things just didn’t have to happen.” —Michael Vick, former football star sentenced to 23 months in federal prison on charges in connection with a dog fighting operation on his property in Virginia The sentence may have been handed down, but the concern and questions still remain. What happened to the dogs seized in the

If you like a little brains with your brawn, meet Tiger, an athletic smarty pants with a need for speed. A six-year-old pit bull mix with hot brindle markings, he lives to learn new things and reap those sweet rewards like treats and belly rubs. “Tiger is the world's greatest running partner!” says Joel Lopez, Coordinator of the ASPCA’s Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic. “He loves to explore the world

As the festive days of summer wane in many parts of the country, one little parasite keeps the party hopping in warm, humid areas where he reigns. With nearly 2,000 species and subspecies, the flea thrives at temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees and feeds on the blood of the unsuspecting—especially cats and dogs. The ASPCA offers the following tips for an itch-free end of summer: Know your enemy:

Does your dog walk you in the mornings? Does your cat join you at the table for dinner? Don't get frustrated. Animals aren't born knowing how to sit, stay or get off the furniture when you tell them to, but they can be taught—and we can tell you how!Please join the fabulous Victoria Wells, ASPCA Manager of Shelter Behavior and Training, for a live discussion all about animal training. Wells, who

The 2007 dog fighting scandal and resulting federal case against former football star Michael Vick and his codefendants dominated the press for months and generated overwhelming public concern. On Friday, September 19, the American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Canine Research Council will host “Prosecuting and Representing Animal Abusers and Caring for the Victims—the Michael Vick Case

DominoWant some feline affection, times two? Look no further than Domino and Murphy, best friends and partners for life. Domino is a ten-year-old black-and-white boy on the reserved side; Murphy’s all feminine charm. She’s a sweet seven-year-old with gentle tiger markings and a petting fetish.Murphy “This duo loves to lounge!” says Kalie Dominguez, intern at the ASPCA’s Mobile Spay/Neuter

You serve him kibble, play fetch and let him sleep with you. Of course, it's worth every cuddle and doggie breath-flavored encounter, but now you realize he returns your love with way more than slobbery kisses. Does he bring in the morning paper, or do a great job comforting your kids when they’re sick? Maybe he's the best babysitter you ever had, or he’s a visiting dog who brings sunshine into

ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement has caught a 32-year-old man who tried to shirk responsibility by abandoning his sick dog in another borough. On July 25, ASPCA Special Agent Peter Rivas arrested Bronx resident Russell Hobbs for animal cruelty. He has been charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty, and faces up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine. Hobbs allegedly abandoned his sick

Who’s that curvaceous creature doing the catwalk? It's 44-pound Powder, a rather shapely puss found wandering, homeless, on the patio of an apartment complex in Vorhees, NJ. No, Powder isn’t a victim of tough love for cats. He’s a victim of our country’s growing number of home foreclosures. His owner, a senior citizen who was forced to move in with friends after losing her home, was no longer

ASPCA, New York City: Sue McBride of Clio, MI, embraces her new boy, Tommy, an 11-year-old beagle, at the ASPCA Adoption Center. McBride—who lost her beloved beagle Clarence in April—saw Tommy on a segment of NBC’s Weekend Today, on which he appeared with Dr. Louise Murray, the ASPCA’s Director of Medicine. Late last month she drove from Michigan to Manhattan to adopt him, much to the delight of

Want a big ol’ lug with a sense of humor? One part cuddly bear, one part stand-up comedian, King is the pooch du jour. A six-year-old Rottie mix, he’s a gentle giant with years of experience under his charmingly saggy belt. “King is a very affectionate big boy!” says Trish McMillan, ASPCA Director of Animal Behavior. “He greets all of his friends with a happy wag of his stubby tail. He’s

Sometimes the big city can be tough on sensitive souls, and Nala, a tan pit bull with a sweet disposition, is no exception. Earlier this year, the two-year-old dog—emaciated and weak from prolonged starvation—was admitted to the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City for severe anemia and digestive distress. Veterinarians immediately performed extensive blood work and

Daydreaming of a sandy beach and a breeze shimmying through the palm trees? Paradise, right? Not so fast, says Fido. Though palm trees evoke relaxation of the highest order, Sago palm (Cycas revolute)—a stocky member of the Cycad family of plants—is downright dangerous to dogs and cats. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, pet poisonings from the increasingly

Like your boy kitties mellow and mushy? Bogey is a ten-year-old orange butterfly who lives for friendships with his four-legged brothers and sisters. In a human companion, he’s looking for someone with a healthy sense of boundaries and life on the sunny side. “Bogey absolutely LOVES other animals, including dogs!” says Katie Watts, ASPCA Feline Behavior Counselor. “At first he was very nervous

Unfortunately, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 503), the anti-slaughter bill we have advocated for in the past, has stalled in Congress due to political maneuvering. Similar to H.R. 503, the newly introduced Prevention of Equine Cruelty Act (H.R. 6598) would prohibit the possession, shipment, transport, purchase, sale, delivery or receipt via interstate commerce of any horse

What should I pack in my pet’s travel kit? Is it better to feed my cat before or after a long trip? How can I get my dog used to car rides? Getting ready to hit the road or air with your four-legged friend? Globetrotting with your pet or just taking a nice long drive doesn’t have to be stressful—if you take the right precautions. Please join ASPCA Executive Vice President and Science Advisor Dr.

Central Park, New York City: Teen sensation Miley Cyrus joined hometown hero ASPCA Officer Annemarie Lucas and ASPCA spokesdog DaVinci on Friday to launch Bolt Across America—a coast-to-coast fundraising event to promote the Disney film Bolt, which stars Cyrus. Bolt Across America centers around four Bolt fans who will roll from city to city in a giant hamster ball attempting amazing feats and

The weekend’s almost here, and what better way to usher in Caturday than by celebrating the winners of the Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month Photo Contest? Back in June, we asked you to catch your cat in the act—of being a cat! You know…attacking dust bunnies, harassing the dog, playing guitar…whatever he does when thinks you’re not looking. Uh, playing guitar? Yup! The photo featuring that talented

The “A” would like to give a shout out to the animal-loving girly girls over at CosmoGirl magazine. They raised over $2,000 for us by opening up the doors of their prize closet—filled with all kinds of goodies from their corporate sponsors—and selling it all to help us out! Every year CosmoGirl chooses a lucky charity to benefit from this prize closet sale, and because Senior Web Editor Deanne