A central Vermont company is having some fun with a serious topic: the 2016 race for the White House. The toys are available in caricatures of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders Fuzzu, based in Waterbury, is selling pet toys lampooning the presidential candidates. "I think it's a natural stress reliever," said Anne Lika of Fuzzu. "We look at ourselves as an entertainment company. We love the humor." Lika said sales are skyrocketing, with customers as far away as Japan. The toys are made in China, using heavy, reinforced canvas, and are available in caricatures of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders.l The Clinton toy, clad in a pantsuit, has a "smile switch" on its back, while the Trump doll has wild hair and is carrying directions on how to build a wall. The Sanders toy, meanwhile, wears a watch that says "time for a change." "It's lightening it up," explained Fuzzu designer Sarah-Lee Terrat, describing the company's goal to inject some humor into the election cycle. "It's time to have fun with it." When asked if buyers are likely to pick products based on the party they love — or the one they love to hate — Terrat said "people are buying them for both reasons." "I think the Hillary camp is buying Hillary, and the Donald camp is buying Hillary, for completely different reasons," she explained. Trump toys are the top sellers right now, she noted. Also available from Fuzzu: cat toys with catnip inside and jumbo versions of the political dolls for decoration. Styles retail for between $10 and $35. The company said it will stay in business after the election and has many more design ideas in the works.
Tarpon Springs, Florida - The Tarpon Springs Police Department has just released a four-legged fugitive from custody that it picked up while on the lam. Police say "Willow" had wandered away from her home, so police picked her up and took her to the police station where she was "booked and photographed." "She was very cooperative with officers and probably one of the most friendly prisoners we've ever had in custody," police said on the department's Facebook page. Willow is seen in photos the department posted being held up for her "mug shot" (because she was too short) and her paw prints were taken (digitally.) Fortunately, Willow's owners were located and they "bonded her out." She is now home safe, police said.
The "I CHOOSE YOU!" Adoption Event is this weekend at the Maryland SPCA. In addition to having multiple Poke-stops on our campus, we also have an abundance of adoptable pets! This weekend we will be waiving adoption fees for adult pets when you say the code-word "Pokemon". Our hours for adoption on Saturday and Sunday are from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Pet visiting hours end 15 minutes prior to close. Standard adoption procedures apply including the $20 pet ID Package. The package includes a microchip, engraved name tag, Baltimore City License, and collar.
Baltimore, Maryland - The Maryland Zoo is trying to “catch ’em all.” Not Pokémon, but Pokémon GO players. Between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday, the zoo will have “lures” activated within the park to attract the digital monsters, and the real-life people who are hunting them. Pokémon GO is a new augmented reality phone app that uses GPS to guide users to real-world landmarks for the purpose of collecting the digital cartoon creatures. It’s been downloaded by millions of people, causing Nintendo’s stock to soar. At “Pokéstops,” players can collect gear to help them catch new monsters and heal injured ones, and they can fight their Pokémon at “gyms” to advance in the game. The zoo says there are 26 Pokéstops and two gyms within its gates, and is encouraging Pokémon chasers who visit to share the fun by tagging Pokémon screenshots on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #marylandzoo or @marylandzoo. Adult admission to the zoo is $18.
"They told me I better not get in my car," said car owner Katie Hauer Two men pulled an 8-foot-long boa constrictor from beneath a car parked outside of a northeastern Pennsylvania medical building. The Citizens' Voice in Wilkes-Barre reports the men pried the snake from a Mercury Mountaineer's undercarriage Thursday afternoon after one saw it wriggle underneath. One of the men, herpetologist Cameron English, identified the snake as a red-tailed boa constrictor. "They told me I better not get in my car," said owner Katie Hauer, who had been inside the Geisinger Kingston medical center in Kingston borough. Hauer said she was told she may have transported the snake from where she lives to the medical building. "I'm going to be checking under my car and around my car every single day now," Hauer said. Rescuers said the snake appeared to be a well-fed pet. It was placed in a plastic container. No one was injured and it wasn't immediately known who owns the snake.
Washington, DC - Families of ducks living in the Capitol Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. are being put in harm’s way due to people feeding the ducks and ducklings. The Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League is encouraging people frequenting the Capitol Reflecting Pool to stop feeding the ducks, as the ducklings are becoming separated from their mother and are unable to return to water. The ducks are also being fed a dangerous diet of bread and crackers. “This is a potentially dangerous situation that could be avoided,” said Lisa LaFontaine, WHS-WARL President and CEO. “While we understand the public’s fascination with these ducklings, feeding them causes the ducklings to leave the water in an area in which they cannot return to the pool without assistance. In addition, the public is feeding the ducks bread, which is harmful to their digestive systems. We call on all members of the public to refrain from feeding waterfowl for both of these important reasons.” The families of ducks call the Capitol Reflecting Pool home. With thousands of visitors to the Capitol Reflecting Pool daily, people are tempted to lure the ducklings closer with food, so that they can get a better view of these charming birds. However as the ducklings move closer to the edge of the pool to find the food, they inadvertently step off of the pool and over the retaining wall. At that point, they may not find their way back into the pool without assistance. Feeding the ducks bread is another dangerous issue. Ducks that are fed bread can develop health issues, including “Angel Wing,” a condition that causes their wings to twist outward and prevents them from flying. Ducks that cannot fly cannot escape predators and are often hit by automobiles and other vehicles. City Wildlife, an organization based in Washington, DC, works with Architect of the Capitol and, along with WHS-WARL, monitors the ducks and ducklings and returns them to the water each day.
About (WHS-WARL) The Washington Humane Society -Washington Animal Rescue League combined organization cares for more than 60,000 animals annually. The broad range of programs offered include: rescue and adoption, humane law enforcement, low-cost veterinary services, animal care & control, behavior and training, spay-neuter services, humane education, and many others. Operating four animal-care facilities in Washington, D.C., the organization occupies a significant footprint in the District, and serves as a resource to current pet guardians and prospective adopters across the region. Together, the organizations offer one, dynamic, industry-leading animal welfare organization in the Nation’s Capital; creating a unified vision for a model urban community for all animals – pets and wildlife alike – and the people who love them.
On Mothers Day, eight little puppies were born at our Oglethorpe Adoption Center. They have since been subject to endless hours of selfies, cuddle sessions, and Shark Week fun. Our staff has not only dedicated their days to taking care of them, but have fallen in love with each and every one -- even when they've rolled in each other's poop. As they become available for adoption over the next two days, our animal care givers, behavior and training staff, and volunteers who socialized them deserve a huge pat on the back. Taking care of puppies is hard work, and these guys have great lives because of you. Thank you!
Have you heard about the ‘Clear the Shelters’ Adoption events happening all over the country on July 23rd? You may have seen the commercials on television about clearing the shelters. ‘Clear the Shelters’ is a nationwide adoption event. Animal shelters across the country will come together July 23 for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption initiative that aims to connect animals in need with loving new families. If you are considering adding a furry family member, please contact your local animal shelter(s) to get more information on their event. Most people want puppies, and often overlook senior pets. Did you know that there are many benefits of adopting a senior pet? Please read my post: There Are Many Benefits to Adopting a Senior Pet from a Shelter or Rescue Organization: Gratitude and Loyalty of the Animal for the Remaining Years of its Life, Are Two of Them
Please consider adopting a senior pet.
If you live in the Washington DC Metro Area: I will be covering the ‘Clear the Shelter’ event for the Washington Humane Society/Washington Animal Rescue League on Saturday, July 23, for my blog, The Pet Tree House. Are you thinking about adding a new fury family member? If you are ready now, come join me at this event. You may have seen the commercials on television about clearing the shelters. ‘Clear the Shelters’ is a nationwide adoption event. Animal shelters across the country will come together July 23 for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption initiative that aims to connect animals in need with loving new families. Most people want puppies, and often overlook senior pets. Did you know that there are many benefits of adopting a senior pet? Please read my post: There Are Many Benefits to Adopting a Senior Pet from a Shelter or Rescue Organization: Gratitude and Loyalty of the Animal for the Remaining Years of its Life, Are Two of Them
Please consider adopting a senior pet. Want a head start? Take a look at some of the animals that will be available for adoption on the 23rd , from Washington Humane Society/ Washington Animal Rescue League. Just click on the links below. Washington Humane Society Washington Animal Rescue League Hope to see you there, but most importantly hoping to see you give a loving home to a deserving animal.
