Scooter, the Neutered Cat Says ‘It’s Hip to Be Snipped

There’s a cool new cat in Cincinnati – hitting the airwaves, movie theaters, billboards and the Net. His name is Scooter, the neutered cat.

Rocking aviator sunglasses, a turtleneck sweater and an irreverent sense of humor, Scooter is the star of a $2 million media blitz aimed at persuading Cincinnatians their kitties will stay cool cats if they’re spayed or neutered.

Scooter is the creation of Cincinnati-based marketing and advertising agency Northlich. The agency’s funny, urban hipster pitches his message in a radically different way than the typical tear-jerker approach employed in talking to animal lovers. Northlich’s creative team wanted to evoke 1970s movies like “Shaft” or TV’s “Starsky & Hutch.”

Giving Scooter a macho attitude is no accident. Northlich’s research revealed that a lot of pet owners hesitate to get their cats fixed over concerns it will change their pets’ personalities. Scooter billboards say it’s “hip to be snipped.”

“Some owners worry their cat will feel less manly or lose their sexual identity if they get neutered – the Scooter approach turns that idea on its head,” said Terry Dillon, a senior copywriter at Northlich.

Laura Gels, senior art director at Northlich, said the 1970s vibe also appeals to viewers’ pop culture memories.

“People remember those, and it automatically makes Scooter more approachable,” Gels said.

Other barriers for pet owners are cost and location. The campaign directs pet owners to a website that lists affordable spay and neuter services by location.

The campaign is funded by the Joanie Bernard Foundation that wants to stop the 1.4 million cats being put down each year due to the overpopulation of strays. There are 70 million stray cats in the U.S. – compared with 73 million that have homes.

Deborah Cribbs, chair of the foundation, said she was open to a new type of campaign. Several meetings at Northlich ended with hysterical laughter. The campaign, which launched April 28, is called “Ten” – a play on extending cats’ mythical nine lives. Ads also are being aired in Indianapolis.

“We wanted to be a little more in your face to get noticed,” she said. “We wanted something edgy and irreverent – but factual.”

One unsettling set of facts: The average female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 kittens in seven years. A female cat can get pregnant as young as six months and two weeks after giving birth to a litter.

In one ad that’s been viewed on YouTube 35,000 times, Scooter struts from his home in the city to the soundtrack of the jingle: “Other cats make babies, with him there’s no yes or maybe – Who’s your Daddy? Not me.”

The ad ends with Scooter comfortably perching on the hood of a vintage Cadillac. A voiceover tells viewers to go to GiveThemTen.org for a listing of low-cost spay and neuter services.

Early results of the social media campaign are encouraging.

So many owners promised to get their pets spayed or neutered and retweet the “Ten” message, that a free T-shirt offer was quickly overwhelmed.

The campaign is ordering new T-shirts after running out of its first batch.

Website: http://www.givethemten.org/frisk-and-fun/meet-scooter.html

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Bear Walking Upright Like A Human - (Video)

Some people are calling this video a hoax, and say that it is impossible for bears to walk upright. Below this video is another close up video of another bear walking upright.




This is not the same bear. This was on facebook.

Post by John Leyden.

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Washington, DC - DC's Most Beloved Dog, Romo, Moving Out of Adams Morgan Neighborhood

We are certainly in the middle of the dog days of summer right now. But in one Adams Morgan neighborhood, every day is a dog's day. And that dog's name is Romo.

This pooch has become a beloved local celebrity in D.C. He is so well known that he is often called “The King of Adams Morgan.” But sadly for many, all of that is about to change.

Tiffany Bacon fell in love with Romo the moment she met the 4-week-old pup. He was the only one in his litter to survive a puppy mill.

“We thought he was a boxer and then he just kept growing and growing, and 150 pounds later, we have biggest baby in the entire world,” Bacon said.

Bacon's fiancé Peter Scourby fell in love with her first and then quickly lost his heart to her giant bullmastiff and pit bull mix too.

“When I met Tiffany, obviously she's beautiful, successful, she was a cheerleader for the Redskins, but with every good woman, there is a catch,” Scourby told us. “And unbeknownst to me, the catch was she had a 150-pound rhinoceros living with her.”

This D.C. couple loves their dog enough to let him take over their bed and watch television when they are not home.

But they never realized that one day when they opened the front window of their Adams Morgan home that the rest of the city would come to love him too.

“He just kind of got up and nudged his little head underneath there [at the window] and just sat down,” said Bacon. “Of course it was petrifying. It's like, ‘Oh my God, I think he is going to jump out.' So we closed [the window] and kept it lower and he'd just nudge it open when we weren't looking and he's never even tried to jump out. He is just happy as can be.”

It turns out when you open Romo's window, the fans will come.

“There were just flashes of light -- ‘Pop, pop, pop, pop' -- and it was people taking pictures of Romo,” Bacon said.

Through the years, this pooch has developed quite a following. He has quickly become not just the top dog in the family -- but at their street, their neighborhood and even the city.

“He's absolutely priceless,” said one resident.

Maybe it is his fabulously droopy face and chill manner or it could be the way he seems to defy gravity and lean a good 100 pounds of his heft out the window so he doesn't miss a thing.

“Sometimes I think he's human, just sitting out window looking out, looking at neighborhood, looking at people go by,” said a FedEx driver in the area. “He's a cool dog.”

He is so popular that fans have created Facebook and Twitter accounts for him and his owners have discovered people selling pictures of him on everything from postcards to fancy framed art.

“It's really special and amazing and weird that what we love so much has become so loved by so many other people,” said Bacon.

Romo spends hours every day looking out of his window, so it is probably not going to go over too well when word gets out that he and his owners are moving to the suburbs in the fall.

Scourby promised to work like a dog to find just the right spot.

“We're going to try to find him a window,” he said. “I want to find closets. She wants to find a window Romo can hang out of.”

Bacon is just hoping they won't be in the doghouse with their neighbors.

“It's going to make me sad that we're going to take him from the neighborhood, but we'll bring him to Virginia and hopefully he'll earn a whole new following there,” she said.

If you are wondering about his name, Bacon is a former captain of the Washington Redskins cheerleaders and an ex-boyfriend of hers is a Dallas Cowboys fan who named him after the quarterback of the team. By the way, Scourby is a Giants fan.

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Rescue Dogs with Talent! - Double-Dutch Dog Breaks Guinness Jump Rope Record And 13 Dogs from 'Super Wan Wan Circus' in Japan Jumping Rope!

A 4-year-old rescue dog Geronimo held the Guinness World Record for most Dutch-style jump-rope skips in one minute with 113, and broke her record live on TODAY by jumping 128 times!

Four-year-old Geronimo has got some chops when it comes to hops!

The Border Collie and Kelpie mix showed off her jumping skills by breaking her own Guinness world record for the most double-Dutch-style jump-rope skips (128!) in 1 minute. She was on TODAY to take part of our week-long series, "Spring Breakers TODAY," where we'll try to break other Guinness Records.


"Look at that eye and paw coordination," Kathie Lee Gifford said in amazement on TODAY as Geronimo did her thing.

Geronimo first became famous when owner Samantha Valle posted a video on YouTube of her jump roping talents.

"I am mesmerized," said Hoda, who gave it a try before Geronimo had her big moment.
Hoda

Guinness World Records adjudicator Mike Janela confirmed the dynamic dog not only broke the record, but shattered it with 14 extra jumps than she needed.

"There's fried chicken upstairs!" an excited Kathie Lee yelled. "Let's get it for her!"

Dogs from Japan
Uchida Geinousha's 'Super Wan Wan Circus' based in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, offers a unique act for its audience; the incredible sight of 13 dogs skipping on a rope. All adopted from shelters.

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Happy Dogs in Australia - A Truckload of Dogs and a Cat Have the Time of their Lives at the Beach! - Music, Pharrell Williams' Happy

When you lookup “happiness” in the dictionary, there will now be a reference to THIS video! Posted 5 days ago on YouTube, this video is taking the internet by storm.

The story behind it is totally awesome! Apparently the Malibu Dog Training Company takes it’s students from their “off leash” program to the beach after graduation!

Afterwards they clean them up, trim their nails, and bring them back to their owners!

The sole cat that accompanied them is the well known Didga, aka the world’s best skateboarding cat. What an awesome group this is!

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You May Have Read an Article, in the Washington Post on July 17, 2014, Written By, Erin Auerbach, "Why I’d Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again." - This is My Response to Her Article

As the author of this blog, I want to give those who are interested in adopting from an animal shelter, my view of  adopting from a shelter.

As an animal lover, animal advocate and pet owner, the first thing I want to say is that when you adopt an animal from a shelter…you are saving a life!

You may have read an article, in the Washington Post on July 17, 2014, written by, Erin Auerbach, a writer living in Los Angeles, titled, "Why I’d Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again."


If you missed it, you can read it here: Sharing This Story from The Washington Post (PostEverything Section) - Why I’d Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again - What Are Your Thoughts?

These are my thoughts on her article:

1.  She says, "Rescue and shelter dogs are a crapshoot. Although it’s hard to track down reliable statistics, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that about 3.9 million dogs go to shelters each year and 1.2 million are euthanized. Generally, these groups know only how an animal came into their possession. Behavior issues, illnesses or a high maintenance cost usually only rear their heads after adoption."

My response:
Both of my shih-tzus', Sugar and Domino were both rescued in puppy stages, they both crossed over at the age of 12-years-old. Neither had behavior issues. What some people classify as "behavior issues" are only the dog getting use to you, and in puppy mode. They are in a new environment, and are a little scared. It is up to you, the adopter, to reassure, and reinforce good behavior.

Neither of my dogs were sick after adoption, only going to the vet for regular checkups. It wasn't until the age of 12-years-old that Sugar, developed heart decease, and Domino, developed cancer on his spleen. Just as we age, and get illnesses, it is expected that some dogs will develop illnesses in their senior years.

High maintenance? When you adopt from an animal shelter, the fees are usually low with some offering discounted fees, and in some cases waived fees. The pet has usually been spayed/neutered, microchipped and had their first set of shots. I don't know about other shelters, but the Washington Humane Society, gave me a listing of local vets for a free check-up within 30 days after adoption.

Does she mean food? Well, it doesn't matter if a dog is from a breeder, pet store or animal shelter. It has to eat, so that is an expected expense. My dogs went to the groomers approximately every 3 months for a cost of $100 for both, and had their yearly shots at the vet's for $ 95 each.  My maintenance for them including dog food was about  $830 yearly, this averaged out to approximately $70 per month, for two dogs. I guess this is considered the high maintenance cost.


2. She says, "As a lifelong dog lover, I know how to care for sick and struggling animals better than most. I accepted my dogs as they were, enjoying their sweetness and suffering through their problems. But just because I was willing to do that doesn’t mean it’s my life’s work to heal every sick, helpless animal."

My response:
"I know how to care for sick and struggling animals better than most?" Who is she comparing herself too…the millions of pet owners in the world? This statement really struck a nerve with me: "But just because I was willing to do that doesn’t mean it’s my life’s work to heal every sick, helpless animal." No, it's not her "life's work" to heal every sick, helpless animal. And, yes, if you adopt an animal, it is your "life's work" to take care of it. Adopting an animal is a lifetime commitment. It's sort of like the marriage vows…through sickness and through health!

3. She says, "Breeders seemed safer — they’ve had the animal since birth and know his or her temperament and medical history. They also know an animal’s bloodlines and family history. There’s no such thing as a crystal ball, but reputable breeders can provide a lot more information."


My response:
Wow, " Breeders seemed safer — they’ve had the animal since birth and know his or her temperament and medical history." And where did she come to this conclusion? What kind of medical history can a breeder possibly have if you adopt a puppy, only months old? And how can you determine what the temperament will be when they get older? It's like looking at a newborn, and saying, "Oh, he's never going to get sick, he will be a good child, and when he becomes an adult, he will be kind to everyone he meets."

Has she not heard of the stories of breeders who fail and end up as…puppy mills?

I know of two people who purchased dogs. One from a breeder, and one from a pet store. The one that purchased from the breeder, paid $2,300 for the puppy.  The puppy got sick, and she tried to return it, couldn't…and never got her money back! She found out later that it wasn't a purebred.

The other one that purchased from a pet store, found out a few weeks later that it had contracted parvo.


4. She says, "As I walked her through my complex the other day, neighbors stopped to pet her.“Is she a rescue?” one asked. My cheeks reddened."

My response:
It seems like the further I get in reading her article, the more my blood starts to boil! Her cheeks reddened? What out of embarrassment, to say that the dog was a rescue? People need to get down off of their high horses, and stop trying to impress other people. Is she to high-class to have a rescue dog? It's the same thing with people who say, "I want a purebred dog." Do they not understand that all dogs, no matter where they come from want the same things, love, a warm bed, food, attention and a backyard!

People sometime classify dogs like they classify cars. They want the expensive cars  because they cost more, and look better than a hoopty. When you suggest that they buy a used car, it's, "oh no, I don't want a car that someone else had"…then cringe when they make that car payment every month.

I have a rescue, Jonas, an 18-month-old shih-tzu/yorkie mix, that we adopted from the Washington Humane Society, Washington, DC, at 9-months-old, on September 24, 2013. We are coming up on our one year anniversary with him in September. He has no health problems, and is so adorable! He is the love of my life, and I am proud to say that I rescued him…and saved his life!

5, She says, " I know now that I don’t have to defend this choice to her, or anyone else. Adopting a shelter dog is a lot of work, and it’s a gamble, especially for those who aren’t responsible enough or don’t have the time and resources (emotional and financial) to devote to the animal. Rather than take that risk, I took on a dog I know I can give a good home to. And for me (and Pony), that’s good deed enough."

My response:
No, she doesn't have to defend her choice to me, however, I do want to know what makes her think that adopting a dog from an animal shelter is more work than one from a breeder? You need time and resources to devote to both. She said that she took on a dog that she knows she can give a good home too. Well, so did I. If only Jonas could talk, he would tell her what a loving home he has, a mom and dad that love him, and how grateful that he is that he was adopted!

Ms. Auerbach's article received two other responses. You can read them below:

Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO, Washington Humane Society
You May Have Read Erin Auerbach's Recently-Published Column ("Why I'd Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again") - Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO, Washington Humane Society, Responds - ("Why I Would Always Adopt a Shelter Animal")

Nina Stively, Nationally Certified Animal Control Officer
You May Have Seen an Editorial in the Washington Post titled "Why I'd Never Adopt a Shelter Dog Again" - An Advocate Responds to that Editorial - What She Had to Say

I would like to summarize by saying, Ms. Auerbach's opinions are hers, and she has a right to voice them. However, please do not let this sway you from adopting from an animal shelter. Please adopt and never shop for a pet.

If you are considering adopting, please visit your local animal shelters, you may just find your next best friend there!

I will always have an animal from a shelter in my life, as long as I am able to care for it. When you adopt an animal, they never forget what you did for them.



Please share, and remember, "Adoption is an Option!" and "A person is the best thing to happen to a shelter pet!"

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Dayton, Ohio - More Than 200 Pet Rats Were Removed from an Ohio Apartment After Their Owner was Evicted.

More than 200 pet rats were removed from an Ohio apartment after their owner was evicted.

Animal control officers who rescued the rodents on Thursday said some were in cages while others roamed free and were living in holes in the walls and inside a mattress. They said the smell was 'awful'.

The rodents' owner, John, contacted the Humane Society of Greater Dayton after he was evicted from his Kettering studio and could no longer care for them.

"They make great pets for children. They are very durable and they are very sweet and very nice; however, you don’t want to have 200 of them," animal officer Sheila Marquis told Dayton Daily News.

"What becomes a problem is, you have one or two and with small pocket pets like that, if you don’t spay and neuter, they breed quite rapidly."

Marquis said the rats begin breeding at three-months-old and have litters of 13 or more several times a year.

She said no charges are expected because the owner reached out for help and the rodents were well cared for.

The owner's neighbor Darryl Tucker said the man loved his pets.
"And you know, he just chose to raise rats. He’s real close to his rats, he can tell you anything about them," he said.

Feral: More than 200 pet rats were rescued from a Kettering apartment in suburban Dayton, Ohio on Thursday.

Rescuer: Sheila Marquis, an animal officer from Humane Society of Greater Dayton, worked with a team to remove more than 200 pet rats from an awful-smelling Ohio apartment.

      Breed rapidly: Humane Society of Greater Dayton said there might even be as many as 300 of the rats.

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Animal Legal Defense Fund Introduced a Windshield Sunshade People Can Use to Spread the Message Wherever They Park - Do Not Leave Dogs in Hot Cars

Just a few minutes in a hot vehicle can harm or kill your pet. On hot days, the temperature inside a vehicle heats up to over 160 degrees in minutes. Parked cars quickly trap the sun's heat, and "cracking the windows" doesn't do much. Pets can't cool themselves the way humans can, and this makes them especially vulnerable to heatstroke. Too often, a neglectful dog owner goes into a store "just for a minute" only to find his dog dead in the car upon his return -- and such neglect carries serious legal consequences.

In June, an eight-year-old German shepherd named Elisha died in Belmont, California after being left in a truck in a motel parking lot for seven hours. Dogs who are trapped in cars pant heavily, pawing at the glass of rolled up windows, trying desperately to avoid the heat of the sun. They may experience excessive thirst, vomiting, seizures, increased heartbeat, and elevated body temperatures of 104 degrees and higher. According to media reports, officers on the scene tried to revive the shepherd with ice and water, to no avail. Elisha's owner -- who was sleeping in the motel while the dog was in the truck with no water -- is being charged with felony animal cruelty.

When an animal dies an excruciating death from negligence, writing off the tragedy as a simple accident is insufficient -- and criminal prosecution is just. Fifteen states have specific laws against leaving animals confined in vehicles: Arizona, California, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia. Rhode Island's brand new law was signed by Governor Lincoln Chafee this summer and is one of the most comprehensive of these laws, with the strongest penalties -- up to a year in jail and up to $1000 in fines. Vermont also allows sentences of up to a year in jail, while Vermont and West Virginia allow up to $2000 in fines.

That is why this summer the Animal Legal Defense Fund introduced a windshield sunshade people can use to spread the message wherever they park. The design reminds passersby that cars can be lethal to dogs, even on mild days. The sunshades are available for purchase.

If you see a dog in a parked car on a hot day, try to locate the owner and let her know that the situation is urgent; otherwise, call 911. Even in states without specific legislation on this issue, law enforcement officers should do whatever they can to free an animal suffering in those conditions. Your action on behalf of an animal can be the difference between life and death.

Take Action
By popular demand, ALDF has created this Dogs in Hot Cars Sunshade so that you can make a strong statement about protecting animals from the dangers of hot cars where they need it most—in parking lots across America.

Order your Dogs in Hot Cars Sunshade to protect animals wherever you park. All proceeds benefit the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Help us spread the word by using the social media links below.

Download & Print

Download and print our flyer, and hang in grocery stores, cafes, laundromats, and other locations where people may leave dogs in hot cars. Many businesses will be happy to hang a flyer in their front window if you ask politely.

Learn More
Discover which state laws and city/county ordinances in your jurisdiction address leaving animals unattended in vehicles. This issue may be addressed specifically or by way of general abuse/neglect statutes (for example, from Oregon: ORS 167.325).

Help your county and your local humane agencies to make the public aware of these laws by distributing flyers, asking your local newspapers to do a story on the problem, and encouraging your Department of Motor Vehicles to educate drivers on the issue of children and animals left unattended in vehicles.

Please Share!

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Camp Springs, Maryland - Coolridge Animal Hospital - We Now Offer “Tiny Tails” Puppy and Kitten Wellness Plans that Combine All Veterinary Services

Puppies and kittens don’t stay little for long, so enjoy every minute and let us take care of their health needs. We now offer “Tiny Tails” puppy and kitten wellness plans that combine all veterinary services recommended during that important first year into one affordable package.

A discounted spay and neuter option is also available. It’s part of our PAL (Pet Ages and Lifestages) Plans. Call us for more information!


About
Serving PG County and the District of Columbia, providing medical care for small animals and exotic pet care.

Description
Coolridge Animal Hospital has been serving Camp Springs and the surrounding community since 1953. Our motto is, “We love pets, and it shows.”

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of quality health care. It is our utmost desire to provide friendly professional service and compassion to our patients and those who love them. Through communication and client education, we strive to strengthen the human-animal bond.

6801 Old Branch Ave
Camp Springs, Maryland 20748
Phone: (301) 449-1610
Email: coolridgeah@gmail.com
Website: http://www.coolridgeah.com

"Like" us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coolridge-Animal-Hospital/193497277370216?fref=photo

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Police Spotted a 150 Pound Giant Tortoise Strolling Down a Street in Suburban Los Angeles

Alhambra, Calif. –  At least officers didn't have to issue a speeding ticket when they spotted a giant tortoise ambling down a street suburban Los Angeles.

The Alhambra Police Department joked on its Facebook page that the 150-pound reptile was captured Saturday afternoon after a brief pursuit.

"The tortoise did try to make a run for it; but, our officers are pretty fast," the post said.

It took two officers to heft the hard-shelled creature into a patrol car. They then took the reptile to the local police station before turning it over to animal control authorities.

Giant tortoises are not indigenous to the Los Angeles area.

Police are asking anyone with a big tortoise that went missing this weekend to contact them. They aren't sure if this one escaped or was abandoned by its owner.

Police say this particular reptile has some distinctive markings. They aren't revealing them for the time being, however, to ensure that whoever claims the tortoise is its rightful owner.

Update: From Alhambra Police Department's Facebook Page:

The tortoise is actually named "Dirk." He has been reunited with his human family who actually live in Alhambra. According to 21310 of the Penal Code, it is illegal to possess a "dirk."

We enjoy keeping families together, so an exception was made in this case.

We stand corrected and have edited this post at 4:30 p.m. The tortoises' confirmed name is CLARK. Thank you Alhambra partners and FB friends! Until next time.

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Meet Buck-O, the First Dog to Have Cardiac Ablation on the Ventricle On His Heart - "Like" Him on Facebook, and Follow His Journey

Bakersfield, CA - After Scott Clare's wife passed away he taught himself how to love again, but this time with a four-legged companion.

"He makes me laugh and smile every day," said Scott about his dog Buck-O. "He's just a crack-up, he's lots of fun."

He adopted the now 14-month-old dog who is named after baseball player Buck O'Neil, a direct reflection of his love for baseball.

When Scott took Buck-O to get neutered the doctors noticed something was different with the puppy. He was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called tricuspid (heart) valve dysplasia and frequent ventricular arrhythmias. The irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) result in high heart rates that put Buck-O at risk for developing heart enlargement, decreased ability of the heart to contract, and possible sudden death.

"My choices were to spend a lot of money or hang on to him until he has a horrible death and I wasn't gonna do that," said Scott.

The only option was to take Buck-O to Cincinnati, Ohio where he could undergo ventricular ablation, a surgery that has never been done before at MedVet.

Scott and Buck-O made the 2,300-mile trek and made many friends along the way.

"I think they liked the story, the story of him being the first ever," said Scott, "and look at his face, he has a beautiful face."

Eight hours and more than $10,000 later, Buck-O made it through the surgery.

Buck-O is doing well so far and goes for weekly checkups to the vet to make sure his heart beat stays regular.

To read more on Buck-O's story click here: Dogs cross the U.S. for local vet

To follow Buck-O's progress you can 'Like' his Facebook page .

You can follow Buck-O's progress on his Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Heart-Buck-O/657745927628685?fref=nf, or at: Follow Buck-O

Buck-O checked into MedVet this morning at 8:00 AM. Here, he sports the latest in heart monitor fashions. This time the IV ports are in the right, hind leg.

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20 Pit Bulls Allegedly Used for Dog Fighting Were Removed from a Home in Jamaica, Queens by NYPD, and the ASPCA

Jamaica, Queens - Twenty emaciated and scarred pit bulls have been rescued from a Queens home that was allegedly the site of dog fighting.

Officers of the 113th Precinct, along with the newly formed NYPD Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad and the ASPCA Investigative team, executed a warrant at a residence on 196th Street in Jamaica on Thursday.  The dogs were found inside crates and cages at the back of the home.

Methamphetamine was also found at the scene.

The dogs were taken to the ASPCA’s main office for medical care. The organization will be providing ongoing care and enrichment for the dogs.

Addison Holder, 44, and Keisha Hall, 33, were arrested at the scene and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty, animal fighting and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

“Organized dog fighting is a brutal form of animal abuse where dogs are exploited and forced to fight as their owners profit from their torture,” said Matthew Bershaker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “Through our partnership, the ASPCA and the NYPD are determined to protect New York City’s animals from this form of cruelty and bring their abusers to justice.”

If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs or the many other animals in need of homes, contact the ASPCA at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4120 or visit their website. http://www.aspca.org/

                                               The dogs were emaciated and scarred, according to the NYPD.

                                                   The dogs were taken to the ASPCA's main office for medical care.

                                 Holder and Hall were charged with multiple counts on animal cruelty and animal fighting.

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Huff Post Pit Bulls - These Pretty Ladies Would Like To Talk To You About Pit Bulls

By Arin Greenwood, The Huffington Post

To read the article, click here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/01/pinups-for-pitbulls_n_5633761.html

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Rags to Riches! Ma Kettle, a Senior Black Lab that Walked 30 Miles Home and Was Turned Away - Has Been Adopted by Wrigley Gum heiress Helen Rich Rosburg

Wichita, KS - Lady aka (Ma Kettle) has had a tough life in recent months, but a Florida heiress who loves animals is vowing to make the lab's golden years truly happy.

The grizzled black lab made national headlines when she walked 30 miles to return home to owners who had given her up and refused to take her back.

As word spread on social media, heartbroken dog fans swamped the Chautauqua County Animal Shelter telephone line as they sought to adopt the older dog.

After learning of her plight, Wrigley Gum heiress Helen Rich Rosburg flew a private jet to Kansas on Thursday to whisk the dog to her Florida sanctuary for neglected animals.

The dog tale goes back to 2012. Lady, who has also been called Ma Kettle, saw her owner die in 2012. No one wanted the dog so she wound up at the shelter in Sedan, KS.

Shelter worker Kelsey Loyd told KWCH-TV on Thursday that a family adopted Lady. She was living a good life, but was rough with the family's puppy and didn't get along well with little dogs.

So the family returned the dog to the shelter. Earlier this summer, a woman in Independence, KS, adopted Lady.

But Lady's desire to return to her previous owner was overwhelming. She escaped from her Independence home and the aged arthritic dog walked 30 miles to Sedan.

The family with the little dogs wouldn't take her back. And the Independence woman also decided she didn't want Lady back.

So back to the shelter she went with an uncertain future.

Cindy Barclay Powell posted about the dog she called Ma on Facebook, begging for someone to adopt the animal.

"The senior lab walked nearly 30 miles to come home," Powell wrote on Facebook. "Is there anyone out there who can give this girl a home? She may not have many years left. She is spayed, house broken, leash trained, mellow, having problems walking (so her travels back to Sedan amazed me)."

Powell's post was shared nearly 7,000 times across Facebook. It went viral after Examiner.com picked up the story on Wednesday.

Rosburg, the great-granddaughter of the founder of the famous gum, is a self-described animal lover. She has used a portion of her inheritance to help neglected and abandoned animals. She has built a 120-acre farm in Odessa, FL, that houses 300 animals including rabbits, pigs and goats. She even built an on-site home for a trainer to work with dogs dealing with behavioral issues. She reportedly has a staff of 15 to care for the animals, and eventually adopts out some of the animals or they are trained to be service dogs.

When Rosburg learned about Lady's plight, she stepped in. The plane was sent to Independence and a car ride was made Thursday afternoon to Sedan to pick up the tail-wagging Lady.

Rosburg has vowed to give Lady a pampered life, and she will join the cats and dogs already inside Rosburg's home.

The heiress has made headlines before for helping out dogs in need.

When a Marine was facing losing his two dogs because he couldn't fly them on commercial flights to his new base, Rosburg chartered a plane to take the dogs to him.

Lady's misfortune has also garnered a new home for a dog at the Sedan shelter. A woman who heard about Lady went to the shelter to see about adopting her. Once she got there and learned that Lady had already gotten a new forever home, the lady adopted a similar-looking lab.

              Lady (Ma Kettle) got a plane ride across the country Thursday to her new home in Odessa.





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