Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Whiskers In Wonderland: NYC's Largest Pet Adoption Event!












Rational Animal will have a table at "Whiskers In Wonderland" a collaborative shopping and adoption event by the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals and Best Friends Animal Society! Come volunteer or stop by and join the fun!!



VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Saturday 12/18
10:30am-12:15pm: (2 people) Loading and transportation from storage unit (West 23rd St.) to Metropolitan Pavilion (West 18th St.), then set-up table
12:00-3:30pm & 3:30-7:00pm: (4 people each shift) - man the table, keep tabs on sales, hand out Trails to Tails, and invite event-goers to come check out our table, take pictures
7:00-8:30pm: Breakdown table, transportation back to storage unit

Sunday 12/19
8:30-10:15am: (2 people) Loading and transportation from storage unit to Metropolitan Pavilion, then set-up table
10:00am-1:30pm & 1:30-4:00pm: (4 people each shift) - man the table, keep tabs on sales, hand out Trails to Tails, and invite event-goers to come check out our table, take pictures
4:00-5:30pm: (2 people) Breakdown table, transportation back to storage

For more information, CONTACT ckistler@rational-animal.org

Monday, December 6, 2010

Animal Care and Control Center of Staten Island Needs Immediate Help

PLEASE HELP: Staten Island Animal Care & Control needs blankets and beds for their animals asap. Please donate if at all possible and help spread the word TODAY by forwarding this blog post, or by sharing our Facebook message.

To make a donation (please make sure items are clean), go to the shelter at 3139 Veterans Road West, Staten Island, NY 10309; they offer directions here.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Forks Over Knives Official NYC Screening


Forks Over Knives, a documentary featuring T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. author of The China Study and Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., M.D., the two doctors behind Bill Clinton's switch to a plant-based diet, is being released in NYC on Monday, Dec 6th!

The film examines the claim that most degenerative diseases can be controlled or reversed from adopting a plant-based diet, and rejecting animal-based foods.

Screening proceeds will benefit Farm Sanctuary!
Vegan hors d'oeuvres from Candle 79.

For more information, click here

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Spread the News: Tell President Obama to sign the bill to BAN cruel animal "crush" videos

From the Humane Society of United States "H.R. 5566 will ban the creation and distribution in interstate and foreign commerce of obscene videos showing animals being impaled, crushed, drowned, burned, or suffocated -- often by women in stiletto heels -- for the sexual titillation of viewers."

These "crush" videos show high-heeled women crushing kittens to death or lighting rabbits on fire for sick entertainment and profit.

Now that this bill has passed both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, the next step is to urge President Obama to sign this bill into law.

It's easy to take action! Click here to help ban these horrific videos!


Friday, November 19, 2010

Give Thanks, in a Humane way!


If you're cooking for vegans/vegetarians this year, you're in luck! We now have a plethora of options to choose from, as grocery retailers nationwide are carrying many traditional Thanksgiving foods, sans dairy and meat!

Our friends over at Vegan Babe posted some great tips for meatless Thanksgiving options, check 'em out here!

As Vegan Babe reminds us, it's not too late to enter to win a free full-on vegan Thanksgiving meal, for those of us who are not as well equipped in our kitchens!
Click here to enter VegNews Thanksgiving giveaway!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Hey New Jersey!! C'mon and Join the Rally!


NJ Rally for Black Bears: "STAND UP FOR US, OUR LIVES ARE WORTH SHARING!"

On the evening of New Jersey's first bear hunt in 5 years, animal activists are standing out in opposition of this cruelty. Oppose this cruel "sport" of Bear Trophy Hunting, and come show your support!

Where: 95 East Main St.
Mendham, NJ 07945

When: Saturday, November 20th

Come for an hour or two! We appreciate your help!

For more information on the Rally meetup, click here

Can't make the rally on Nov 20th?
Call Gov. Christie at 609.292.6000 to oppose this bear hunt

For more information on this cruel "sport", click here
and also check out the recent NBC New York Story

Buy Jewelry, Help Animals


What: Holiday Jewelry Show and Sale to Benefit Rational Animal
When: Thursday, November 18, 7-10:30pm
Where: Jerry Sibal Studio, 164 West 25th 5th Floor (between 6th and 7th)

Artist Guenevere Rodriguez is once again generously hosting a benefit in honor of Rational Animal. Come on out, do some holiday shopping, and support a great jewelry artist and a great cause (...if we do say so ourselves)!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Gimme Shelter: Blues & Rescue 2010!

UPDATE November 12, 2010

Due to some exciting developments in our talent lineup, we're moving our annual Rock and Rescue benefit concert to late winter - exact date TBA. Stay tuned for additional information, including announcements of some very special guests!


Another thing to look forward to this Holiday season!

Gimme Shelter 2010: Blues & Rescue Featuring the Tangiers Blue Band

What's it all about?
A benefit for Rational Animal and the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals Picasso Veterinary Fund

What's in store?
Tangiers Blues Band rockin' the night away
Complimentary bar and non-alcoholic beverages
Gourmet vegan and vegetarian food
Silent Auction with items including artwork, spa treatments, dinners, luxury goods, and more

For ticket information and details, click here




Friday, October 15, 2010

"Missouri's Dirty Dozen"


As many of you know, Missouri is well-known among the animal community as being a state filled to the brim with horrible puppy mills. If a person buys a puppy from a pet store, chances are the puppy came from a Missouri mill. These mills are inhumane and need to be closed.

The Humane Society of United States released a "Dirty Dozen" report on Missouri's worst puppy mills.

"Violations included sick or dying puppies who had not been treated by a veterinarian; dogs found shivering in temperatures as low as 9 degrees; and dogs so emaciated that their bones were visible through their skin."

The Dirty Dozen
Brandi Cheney and Diana Stephenson, S & S Family Puppies, Milan
Beverly Fields, B & B Kennel, Galt
Shannon Plymell, Windsong Kennels, Pattonsburg
Diana and Floyd Miller, Bar M Ranch Kennel, Spickard
Paul and Pollie Gingerich - Gingerich Farms, Bogard
Mary Ann Smith, Smith’s Kennel, Salem
Cox, Marsha - Mar-Don Kennel, Chillicothe
Peggy Ryan, For Heaven’s Sake Kennel, Reeds Spring
Robert Dukes and Robin Dollins, Tiny Tails, Edgar Springs
Bill and Sandra Sackrey, S K’s Kennel, Brookfield
Brenda Walter, Hidden Valley Farms, Greencastle
Jesse and Sonja Miller – Walnut Creek Kennel, La Monte


Click here to read the full report

Remember, ADOPT!! Do not support puppy mills!
If you're considering adding a furry friend to the family, look at PetFinder for your next pet!

Friday, October 8, 2010

October 10 is Orange Ribbon Day


Did you know that animals have their own advocacy ribbon? It's orange and it's official!

Wear the orange ribbon on October 10 and throughout the year to show your support for animals. Need a ribbon? Contact maggie@rational-animal.org for individual ribbons, or ckistler@rational-animal.org to bring the orange ribbon campaign to your community.

You can also browse our online store for orange ribbon tshirts and more.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Fall Fiesta: FREE Spay & Neuter surgery

Fall Fiesta, Saturday October 2nd, from 9 am - 3 pm!
Central Park West at 110th Street and Lenox Avenue

If you don't have your pet spayed or neutered yet, come on by to the Mayors Alliance for NYC's Animals FREE spay and neuter Fall Fiesta, Saturday October 2nd!

  • FREE stay / neuter surgery on a first come / first served basis, encouraged to show up early!
  • FREE microchips for the first 100 pets!
  • Entertainment & Fun
  • Adoptable Pets!
  • Ask-Expert booths

For more information, contact

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Annual "Blessing of the Animals" Service is back!

What:
In honor of St. Francis Day, many Catholic churches nationwide offer an Animal Blessing Service, where animal lovers bring their pets to be blessed by a Priest, and to share in a magical blessing of animals from rescue shelters and farms!

Where:
The Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Soho offers a beautiful service to honor St. Francis of Assisi. This year, Rational Animal will be there to hand out Trails to Tails maps & Orange Ribbons! Come stop by our table & say hi!

When:
Sunday, October 3rd. Service starts at 1 pm.

For more information, contact:
154 Sullivan St
New York, NY 10012
212-777-2755

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Buy Art to Help NY Animals in Need


What: Gala and silent art auction whose proceeds go to five wonderful New York City nonprofits working on behalf of animals

When*: Thursday, October 21, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Where*: 3rd Floor, 548 Broadway, New York, NY 10012

*Or bid in advance
The event will benefit the following organizations: A Tail at a Time, Bideawee, Ready for Rescue, Stray from the Heart, and Waggin' Train Rescue, all of which are participating organizations of the Mayors Alliance for Animals, which also generously supports Rational Animal.

The art on auction is all dog- or cat-themed, and was donated by New York City artists. To view the art in person before the gala and auction, go to PetHealthStore, located at 440 Amsterdam Avenue (at 81st Street) in Manhattan.

For more details on the event, read the press release.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

You're 2 clicks away from voting to build New York City's 1st Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Can you believe that New York City is the only metropolitan city in the US that doesn't have a wildlife rehabilitation center? You can vote to change that!

The Pepsi Refresh Project has $1.3 million in funding to distribute across good causes with the most votes!

The Wild Bird Fund treats over 1,000 wild birds & animals in New York City each year, and they're running out of space. With your votes, The Wild Bird Fund could receive $250,000 to build New York City's first Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center in Manhattan!


Click here to vote daily until Sep 30th!


Tuesday, September 7, 2010

How you can help NYC Horses

For over 100 years, horses have endured unnatural circumstances in Manhattan to keep the carriage-ride industry profitable. Year after year, NYC horses work year-round long hours, live in uncomfortable and inadequate urban housing quarters, and are forced to tolerate the crowded, chaotic streets of Manhattan.....all because people are still paying for a ride around Central Park. This is another example of how humans exploit animals for their own entertainment. Horses belong in pastures, not on an island full of 8+ million people. Fortunately, there are animal-rights groups that work tirelessly to help raise awareness about this cruel industry and to provide help to the horses.

In early 2010, Intro 35 was passed,which grants horses 5 weeks vacation per year. Stables are becoming more regulated, however the ultimate goal is to ban this industry forever. Intro 86 is a new legislation that plans to phase out New York City's horse carriage industry and replace it with an ecofriendly horseless carriage. This will ultimately not only be best for the horses, but also for the streets of New York. This means less crashes, more money for NYC through these tourist vintage car rides, and much happier lives for horses. Two strong supporters of Intro. 86 are the ASPCA (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and NYCLASS (New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets).

How you can help
  • If you live in New York City, contact your Councilmember and ask him or her to support Intro. 86.
  • Click here to submit an email to NYC Council members to support Intro 86
  • "Like" NYCLASS on Facebook and spread the news to your friends
  • Watch this documentary "Blinders: The Movie" to educate yourself about the cruel horse-carriage industry
  • Report horse abuse. If you're a witness to abuse, call 212-876-7700 to report it!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

My Dog Tulip at Film Forum

J.R. Ackerley never considered himself a dog lover. Then, in middle-age, he adopted a beautiful, yet difficult 18-month-old German Shepherd. To his surprise, she became the love of his life.

Ackerley recorded his man-and-beast love story in a 1956 memoir, which filmmakers Paul and Sandra Fierlinger have brought to life in "My Dog Tulip," an animated interpretation of Ackerley’s story. "My Dog Tulip" will have its world theatrical premiere at the Film Forum from September 1-14 before going into wide release. Click here for tickets and showtimes.

Join Us
Rational Animal will be on hand during weekend screenings to inform and educate filmgoers about shelter animals in need, and will have pets available for adoption from Animal Haven. Volunteers will also be handing out copies of our popular Trails to Tails map, a guide to dog parks, shelters and low cost animal care and services in all 5 boroughs.

More About the Film
Christopher Plummer gives voice to the unflappable, wry Ackerley and the late, great Lynn Redgrave is the sister who comes to share his flat and vie with him for the dog's loyalty. Isabella Rossellini is Tulip's sensitive and sensible veterinarian. The Fierlingers' animated designs combine naturalism and visual wit; their profound feelings for both dog and man are unmatched by conventional doggie cartooning. "My Dog Tulip" is the first animated feature to be entirely hand drawn and painted, utilizing paperless computer technology. It was an official selection of the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival.

Related Link:
Still Life With Animated Dogs, a previous film by Paul Fierlinger

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Support Gulf Animals and Wildlife

PATH (People Protecting Animals and Their Habitats) is partnering with the wonderful vegan restaurant Candle 79 to raise money for animals and wildlife affected by the Gulf oil spill.

5% of your bill will directly support PATH's response and rehab efforts throughout the Gulf area.

What: PATH's Save the Gulf Night
When:
Wednesday, August 25, 5:30-10:30pm
Where: Candle 79, 154 East 79th Street (at Lexington Avenue)


Reservations are recommended. Call 212.537.7179 or reserve via OpenTable.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Thinking about getting a furry friend? Consider adopting.

Did you know there are between 3-4 million dogs and cats that are euthanized annually in the United States alone? Statistics do the talking here. Between 6-9 million dogs and cats are brought into shelters across the Unites States each year. Many people purchase dogs and cats on impulse without considering the responsibility of being a pet-owner, and unfortunately many of these pets end up in shelters. Adopting your next pet is not only the smart choice, but you are also saving a life!

Here are the top 10 reasons to consider adopting, and not shopping for your pet:
1.) Dogs and cats from pet-stores often come from puppy mills, where they are treated inhumanely, and are often ill.

2.) Dogs and cats that come from shelters are almost always de-wormed, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered....On the contrary, dogs and cats from pet-stores or breeders are often not spayed/neutered or vaccinated, which means you will have to carry this expense.

3.) It's cheaper to adopt! Most shelters charge an adoption fee of anywhere from $50-300. However, buying a pet from a pet store or through a breeder can cost several hundreds of dollars, and sometimes thousands! (Not to mention having to tack on additional expense of vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and de-worming, often included in the cost of adoption!)

4.) 3-4 million dogs and cats die each year in the U.S. because of pet overpopulation. Instead of contributing to this problem, instead contribute to the solution and adopt a shelter pet who is spayed/neutered and cannot reproduce (thus saving more pets from ending up in shelters!)

5.) You'll have a beautiful story to tell your family and friends! Out of the shelter, and into your home!

6.) You are supporting a shelter. Shelters are often non-profit groups who work tirelessly to care for animals and ensure adoptable animals are placed in loving, "forever" homes. (Not just dogs and cats, but all sorts of animals, from hamsters to horses and even rabbits & pigs!)

7.) Pets are not products. Sadly, the pet-industry treats animals like any other inventory. Often, puppy mills are under-regulated and pets live in horrific, dirty, cramped spaces with lack of proper nutrition, exercise, and care. Do your research, you'll be amazed. Instead of contributing to an industry that treats pets like product-inventory, consider adopting to support a great cause!

8.) Statistics are going in the right direction. Help to support this direction! 20 years ago, there were an estimated 17 million dogs and cats that died annually in the shelters. We're moving in the right direction, let's keep going with your help!

9.) Pets that are in shelters have what many people call "sad eyes." Some were strays that were trying to survive on the street, others were abandoned by former owners, and some were left behind after an owners death. They need homes and love. Once they're adopted, chances are they will be loyal to you like you've never experienced loyalty before! You'll be able to see them come out of their shell and blossom beautifully! Shelter pets make the best pets, in our opinion!

10.) You are saving a life! If you adopt, you are sparing this pet from potentially being euthanized.

So, have we convinced you yet? Small dog, large cat, young, old, gerbil, hamster, rabbit, snake, you name it, you can adopt it!! Even if you're looking for a certain breed, chances are you can find the breed you're looking for through adoption!

If you're not quite ready to make the commitment of being a pet-owner, consider fostering! Fostering is a great way to help out shelters in your area by temporarily providing a home for a pet, until they are adopted! It's a great way to see if you're ready to adopt & learn more about caring for pets. Many shelters in your area have "Fostering & Volunteering" sections on their websites, where you can download a foster application. Many times, the shelters will cover expenses for food and supplies while you foster.

To learn more about adoption, check out:
√ The Shelter Pet Project: http://www.theshelterpetproject.org/
√ www.PetFinder.com
√ Do a Google search for your local shelters. Many of them have adoptable pets on their website, where you can see their photos and read their bios (if available)
√ Do a Google search for local adoption events in your area, often held on weekends
√ If you're in New York, pick up a Trails to Tails map, where you can find shelters across all 5 boroughs! Trailstotails.org

Please consider adopting a pet, and help contribute to the solution, not the problem!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Delivering a Mother’s Comfort – Part 2


It can be tough to provide comfort and help to the animals that may need it most. While there are many that need our love and care, those with behavior problems or ailments pose a particular challenge. They may not be readily adoptable, but they shouldn’t be ignored.

Helen Shen learned this recently with us. “I was one of the volunteers for Rational Animal's Mother's Comfort Program Part 2,” she wrote to us recently, “delivering beds and toys to dogs and cats at the Animal Care & Control of Manhattan.” This wasn’t Helen’s first visit, but on previous occasions, she stayed with the dogs that had higher hopes for adoption.

The Mother’s Comfort Program consists of two parts. Before the phase in which Helen participated came Part 1, in which volunteers donated time and effort sewing beds and toys. They were distributed to the animals in the second phase of this effort.

Noting the chaotic environment, not to mention her personal concerns about dogs with particularly stressful histories, Helen explained that she was reluctant to reach out to these animals. Later in the day, however, she realized that, even though these dogs were a bit more challenging, they still needed “the same kind of comfort that other more docile dogs were given.”

She continued:

“I can only imagine that they have never received that type of comfort and wondered if they were like humans deprived of a mother's love. In another ward, there was a dog that was so hyper and stressed from being in a cage that he bit his tail. I stood there helpless without knowing how to calm him. I could only alert the shelter's staff to his injury. It is really heartbreaking to see these animals in such an anxious and frightened state. From my understanding, animals learn the behavior they exhibit and can only get better through steady training which they will never receive due to the shortage of resources. Ultimately, I knew that these dogs would be euthanized.”

Helen stepped forward into an extremely emotional environment, and she quickly made a difference. Every animal that is abandoned presents a new tragedy for us. It’s easier to help some, but they all need our attention.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Get your Tickets Now for the 2nd Annual Friends of Animal Rescue Boat Cruise!

The second annual boat cruise to benefit the Friends of Animal Rescue is coming up … so get ready for a great night for a good cause. As we sail along the Hudson on a private yacht, we’ll know that our pure enjoyment will also help animals in need, making a fun evening out even better!

This year’s silent auction on the cruise is packed with incredible lots. Dinner at Rao’s, a weekend in North Fork, artisan jewelry and wines by the case will all go under the silent gavel. Rational Animal is contributing artwork: a jumbo 3D “New York Is” piece by Charles Fazzino.

Ticket cost only $100 (where can you have fun for that little in Manhattan, right?) and include all food and beverage for the three-hour event. The boat will remain docked until 9 PM at The Water Club, on E. 30th Street and the East River, at which point it will get under way.

For tickets, visit www.foar.org (Events tab)

See you on board!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Celebrating National Pigeon Day

The pigeon certainly isn’t the most popular of natural creatures, especially here in New York. Woody Allen referred to them as “flying rats,” and these living beings suffer regular abuse, including trapping, poisoning and simply being chased and kicked. Take a second to remember that these are animals; they live and feel pain … and they endure all the city throws at them with a certain amount of grace.

So, let’s look back on National Pigeon Day and remember that we share the streets and the skies with these birds – and that they deserve respect.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

June 18th Fundraiser for NYC AC&C / Rational Animal donating advocacy merch for event

Rational Animal will provide Trails to Tails maps and Orange Ribbon for Animals merchandise at AC&C Fundraiser, June 18th
Contact sbrandt@rational-animal.org if you want to help us give out our Trails to Tails and Orange Ribbon for Animals merchandise.
Full details at TastingNYC - click here.

Date: Friday, June 18, 2010
Time: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: BLVD, 199 Bowery (btwn Spring St. and Rivington)

Drink Special: $5 Bud/Bud Lights and $5 wine!
Admission: FREE!
BLVD is dog-friendly!

The event is co-hosted by one of the top names in New York radio, Maria Milito of Q104.3. C
heck out Maria's blog.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

PEARL JAM FUNDRAISER FOR RATIONAL ANIMAL MAY 20-21 DURING THEIR 2 NIGHT STINT AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN!

Since Eddie Vedder helped Rational Animal raise funds by selling concert t-shirts at a Pearl Jam and Buzzcocks concert at Madison Square Garden in 2003, the Wishlist Foundation (a Pearl Jam fan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) continues to support Rational Animal's work by hosting pre-concert fundraisers to celebrate Pearl Jam's two night stint at Madison Square Garden.

Please join us May 20 AND May 21 from 2-6PM

at Irish Times Pub

31st Street between 7th & 8th Avenues NYC

Attendees will be able to make donations of clean linens, unopened pet food and gently used, non-destructible dog toys. For financial donations, fans will receive items like Pearl Jam inspired t-shirts, posters, wristbands, mouse pads and ticket albums and can enter a raffle to win fan-donated Pearl Jam memorabilia. There will also be a silent auction that features autographed items donated by band members!

Photo of Eddie Vedder and rescued dog Celo featured on his tshirt by Rick Edwards


Contact sbrandt@rational-animal.org with questions.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Please join us to deliver and sew beds for shelter animals

Saturday March 27th - we need your help delivering beds to the Staten Island AC&C. We will leave from West Chelsea late morning and return late afternoon.
Contact sbrandt@rational-animal.org to get involved!

Then NEXT weekend we are making more beds!
Saturday, April 3rd from 12-4pm
...at Flirt, Brooklyn (www.flirt-brooklyn.com) Home Ec Studio in Park Slope
303 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11215
Contact sbrandt@rational-animal.org or call (917) 239-9229


Thursday, January 28, 2010

LAUNCH EVENT on MARCH 4th for Trails to Tails 2010

Celebrate the unveiling of Trails to Tails 2010 on Thursday March 4th in SoHo


Eat, drink and be merry while celebrating the release of NYC's quintessential guide to animal adoption, low-cost spay and neuter, purebred rescue groups as well as a fold out map of all of NYC's dog friendly parks.

WHERE: Doggy Style
73 Thompson St. (between Spring and Broome St.)
WHEN: 6:30-9:00pm
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
** FREE adult beverages, courtesy of Tito's Vodka and Heineken USA.
** Meet some canine cuties from area rescue groups who are looking for their furrever home.
** Buy an extra toy or collar for your dog from Doggy Style -- a % of sales will go straight to Rational Animal!
CONTACT: Courtney Kistler, ckistler@rational-animal.org or call (212) 933-1688.
Please forward this link to your friends, family, and fellow animal lovers: www.rational-animal.org/events/upcomingevents.


Thank you to the sponsors and partners of Trails to Tails 2010:











Special thanks to our event drink sponsors:

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Still plenty of time to enjoy 2010 with vintage rock photography right at your desk

Rational Animal's new website makes it easier to learn more, support our projects, and get the coolest calendar of the decade!

Check out http://www.rational-animal.org/calendar where you can still order our vintage photography calendar, In Perfect Harmony: Music Legends and their Animals RIGHT NOW!