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.
Washington, DC - With the National Weather Service predicting temperatures around 90 degrees for the next seven days, the Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League is asking all pet owners to take precautions with your pets during this period of extreme heat. Some tips for pet owners, courtesy of WHS-WARL Director of Behavior and Training Alexandra Dilley.
Keep your pets indoors when temperatures are extreme and in the shade when they are outdoors.
Walk your pets early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Give pets plenty of water to avoid dehydration. When you walk your pet or take your pet outside, carry water with you.
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Temperatures in cars can increase rapidly and become lethal.
Animals with short noses such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and Persian cats, struggle in the heat. Dogs and cats cool themselves by breathing through their mouths, but those with flat faces cannot cool as quickly and need extra attention.
If your pet is panting excessively, drooling, struggling to walk, is lethargic or has bloody diarrhea or vomiting, know that that these are potentially signs of overheating.
Windows in the home that are open should have screens. Pets can fall out of open, unsecured windows.
Be careful with dogs on asphalt in the heat. Not only are their paws sensitive but because their bodies are closer to the asphalt, they can overheat more easily.
As always, if you think your pet is in distress due to the heat, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
About Washington Animal Rescue League/Washington Humane Society (WARL-WHS): 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.
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life. Almost every moment of the day is captured on camera, either in photos or video. When you get married, you want the most important people in your life there. Or, the most important animals! One NFL player refused to get married without his pup! Jeremy Zuttah, a center for the Baltimore Ravens, was not going to get married unless his pit bull, Ace, could join him! I like your style, Jeremy. I’d definitely want my dog to be able to join me as a witness on my big day! Jeremy and his fiancée Heran planned on getting married at city hall, but when they found out Ace couldn’t join them, they immediately looked for a different venue! Ace has been with Jeremy Zuttah and his fiancée Heran for about eight years, ever since they adopted him when they were students at Rutgers University. The couple looked into different venues for their wedding, city hall being one of the first. But when they said they couldn’t bring Ace, they quickly changed their minds. To make sure he was a very well-behaved boy, Haren and Jeremy sent Ace for training classes to prep for the big day at Downtown Dog Resort! Jeremy and Heran are actually big advocates for adoption. They both take credit for Jeremy’s teammate Ronnie Stanley publicly adopting the most “unadoptable” dog at a shelter in Baltimore! Ace was definitely the center of attention at this wedding! He was the star of the show walking down the aisle with his dad.
A man in Canada was having trouble finding a job. His support dog, Blue, accompanies him at all times because of his special needs, and most employers weren’t ready to take on a pooch employee in addition to his human. But one Lowes home improvement store in Regina, Saskatchewan was willing to hire the man and his dog, and they took it a step further. The store created an employee vest and name tag for their new canine worker, and now Blue is waiting with his owner to greet you at the store. Take a look at the adorable doggy uniform! I’d be happy to visit stores that had cute dogs working alongside humans. Some Reddit users have questioned Blue’s ability to assist customers with their needs. One user said, “Betcha he doesn’t know jack s**t about plumbing either.” Another user replied, “Nonsense. I’m sure he knows that the American standard wall mounted toilets with wide bowls are MUCH easier to drink out of, as opposed to the non-mounted elongated ones.” Maybe Blue will have some of the answers, after all!
Experiencing the loss of a loved one is devastating. It is the most stressful, disorienting and agonizing event we can suffer through. For some, the process of planning and attending the memorial services for their deceased companion is more than they can bear. One White Plains, NY funeral home has found a way to ease that burden, if only for a short while. Ballard-Durand Funeral Home has an extra staff member who provides a special kind of comfort to grieving clients. Her name is LuLu and she is a therapy dog. The majority of the facility’s clients have heard about their one-of-a-kind employee and specifically request Lulu’s services when they come in. Matthew Fiorillo, the president of Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, told NBC Today that he came up with the idea of getting a therapy dog during a particularly stressful visit to the airport. Fiorillo’s flight had been canceled and he was battling the anger and anxiety of the situation when a Maltese trotted past with its owner. Just the presence of a dog was enough to soothe his rising tension. “A wave of calmness washed over me and after it happened I was like, wow, that was really powerful! Fiorillo began researching the logistics of incorporating a dog into the delicate practice of funeral services. Lulu the Goldendoodle officially came on board the team in May of 2015. Like many dogs, she instinctively senses where, when and how she’s needed most. Fiorillo told NBC Today: “She’ll park herself right next to an older person to let them pet her one minute and the next she’s prancing around with kids. It’s been really impressive to watch. Lulu is a calm, sturdy beacon of support for those whose lives have spun suddenly out of control. Her presence allows otherwise stoic men to weep, and gives brokenhearted children the chance to laugh again. Fiorillo also takes comfort in Lulu’s companionship. The funeral services profession is highly stressful and very emotional. Sometimes a replenishing hug from Lulu is just what he needs to help him release his own emotions and better serve his clients. “Humans need to touch. Even just petting her can be a subtle distraction from the tremendous amount of grief people are going through.
For those who take comfort in spirituality or the belief in a higher power, Lulu’s ability to “pray” is astonishing. Chelsea Sules lost her 25-year-old brother on June 17. Her grief was stifling, but within minutes of meeting Lulu, she found herself laughing once again. She told NBC Today: “Lulu was with us for both of the wakes and out of nowhere we see her kneeling on a bench with her head down and praying in front of my brother’s casket. It blew us away.
Washington, DC - The Washington Humane Society–Washington Animal Rescue League today announced that it has teamed up with NBC4 to host NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations’ Clear the Shelters second annual nationwide pet adoption drive. WHS-WARL will offer the public fee-waived adoptions on Saturday, July 23, as part of the nationwide Clear the Shelters initiative that seeks to find new homes for homeless pets. All pets available for adoption at WHS-WARL have been spayed/neutered. “Clear the Shelters was a great success last year and it was a terrific partnership between NBC4 and shelters from across our region,” said Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO of WHS-WARL. “We sent 151 animals to new homes last year and we hope be even more successful this year.” This year’s Clear the Shelters event comes after last year’s highly successful inaugural effort, which resulted in nearly 20,000 pets finding new homes through an unprecedented partnership between the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations and hundreds of animal shelters located all across the country and in Puerto Rico. The nationwide day of action literally emptied dozens of animal shelters across the country and inspired local communities to take action and open their homes to animals in need. WHAT: Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League to participate as an official Clear the Shelters partner alongside NBC4. WHS-WARL will offer fee-waived adoptions. WHEN: Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM WHERE: Washington Humane Society-Washington Animal Rescue League’s two Adoption Centers: Washington Animal Rescue League 71 Oglethorpe St., NW Washington, DC 20011 Washington Humane Society 1201 New York Ave., NE Washington, DC 20002
INFO: Available animals can be seen at www.washhumane.org or www.warl.org. Viewers can visit www.NBCWashington.com to access more information about Clear the Shelters, including the full list of local participating animal shelters ADOPTION TRACKER: A real-time pet “Adoption Tracker” – posted on ClearTheShelters.com – will record the total number of pets that are adopted across all participating markets
SOCIAL: Use the hashtag #ClearTheShelters to follow the effort on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Clear the Shelters themed Snapchat filters will be activated on July 23. Spanish-language viewers can use the hashtag #DesocuparLosAlbergues
About Washington Animal Rescue League/Washington Humane Society (WARL/WHS) 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.
Montgomery County police charged a 47-year-old woman with 66 counts of animal cruelty Wednesday after 66 dogs were seized Jan. 1 from her home on Glen Mill Road in Rockville. Police said Katherine Ting Tiong, of the 1300 block of Glen Mill Road, was attempting to operate an animal rescue service named Forever Homes Animal Rescue out of her home. However, when investigators with the police department’s Animal Services Division entered the property, they found numerous signs of neglect. Police said most of the dogs were contained in soiled crates and were suffering from a variety of ailments such as eye and ear infections, urine-soaked fur and matted hair. “This is the largest number of dogs ever seized in one case I’ve ever seen in my career,” Officer Jack Breckenridge, a 13-year veteran of the Animal Services Division, said Thursday. Breckenridge said police were investigating a report about a dog bite when he first approached the house at the end of December. At first, he said he guessed there were 10 dogs in the house, but the next day when police returned with a search warrant, they discovered dozens of dogs. “We entered the house and it was overwhelming the volume of dogs that were in the space provided for them,” Breckenridge said. “It was substantially less than what would be normally required for 66 dogs.” He said loose dogs and dogs being kept in crates covered every space inside the house that wasn’t occupied by items being stored. “Name a breed and it was probably there,” Breckenridge said. He added that there’s no special license required to run a dog rescue service. Three of the dogs were in such poor condition that they had to be euthanized at the Montgomery County shelter, police said. Another dog died of unknown causes, which police are investigating. The dogs have been cared for at the county shelter in Derwood since being seized. Police said several have been adopted, but many still remain at the shelter. Those that remain are now up for adoption, but some suffer from medical problems or behavioral issues, police said. “In the past, we have seen Montgomery County residents step up and provide loving homes for our ‘special needs’ animals,” shelter manager Kate Walker said in a statement. Potential adopters are encouraged to visit the shelter at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, or call the shelter at 240-773-5900. Tiong was released on bond after being arrested Jan. 1. The Animal Services Division also released photos Thursday of some of the dogs before and after being treated at the shelter. You can read the initial story here:Montgomery County, Maryland Police Seized 66 Dogs from a Rockville Woman's Home on New Year’s Day
Clementine, one of the dogs seized from the home on Glen Mill Road in Rockville
Wendell, left, and Clark, right, before being treated
