tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28010502836039194332024-03-14T06:08:10.654-07:00Rational AnimalMedia for CaringCourtney K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03712613979606033840noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-26247407183446662232012-02-18T18:08:00.000-08:002012-02-19T13:06:56.523-08:00Reflections From Our Awesome Intern<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-AS6b5HKvrgfze-noAGXB9HgeiTmZCZPOKXrBBR5znjGdutaXX8zNaHOT7AQdOk6vS3Txa7b1r89kqrhXsxu_Zf2kywqiGuM3ujXw3VTm_TF_ufrwll-pVQnkOAxgSxrPxFPauZt1R8K/s1600/IMG_0200.jpg" style="font-weight: normal; "><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-AS6b5HKvrgfze-noAGXB9HgeiTmZCZPOKXrBBR5znjGdutaXX8zNaHOT7AQdOk6vS3Txa7b1r89kqrhXsxu_Zf2kywqiGuM3ujXw3VTm_TF_ufrwll-pVQnkOAxgSxrPxFPauZt1R8K/s400/IMG_0200.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710667743909869426" /></a><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">My work with Rational Animal and A Tail at a Time all started with a phone call. I wasn't sure what to expect at first. This was my first time getting an internship and <span style="font-size: 100%; ">when the voice on the other side answered, I was surprised by the casualness of the conversation. The voice that answered the phone was Courtney Kistler’s, junior board member of Rational Animal and A Tail at a Time volunteer. She helped me get in touch with Susan, the founder of Rational Animal, and got me going with an itinerary for the time I would be able to work. For the first couple weeks I wasn’t sure of the internship, but volunteering with Courtney and A Tail at a Time’s cats up for adoption at the PetSmart on 117th and Pleasant really helped to keep things in perspective. The work I was doing with Susan for Rational Animal was indirectly assisting</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "> the organization to further helping adoptable animals like A Tail at a Time’s. Watching Susan and her board members discuss their future plans and possible campaigns made me realize that running a grass roots animal welfare organization is very similar </div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">An event that very abruptly brought to my attention how widespread animal suffering is in human society was going to a movie screening at Columbia University with Courtney. The films we saw were <i>From Farm to Fridge</i> and <i>Vegucated</i>. I was already a pescatarian before, but the films were so moving that I even bought one of them on DVD and have decided to become a vegan. The knowledge that making the right choices could affect an animal’s life felt empowering. In working with Rational Animal and A Tail at a Time I felt the same thing. By being knowledgeable and spreading awareness, much like what Rational Animal and A Tail at a Time already does, I could teach others to help fight against animal suffering.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><div>to an entrepreneurial business. It’s difficult, but worth it if it’s for something you love!</div></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">My time with Rational Animal and A Tail at a Time has truly helped me grow as a person. I’ve gained better understanding about how smaller organizations need to run and how Susan and her lovely members do it as well as learned how integrated meat is in American culture. </div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">Transitioning into veganism has been very difficult. Giving up certain foods aside, there are a lot of meat-derived products that are in non-meat foods. Looking up how beer is made for example. Apparently some breweries actually use a substance, called isinglass, which is derived from fish bladder to help clarify their product. Strange! My internship has definitely helped me to be more curious about what goes on my plate, or in my glass, before I eat it.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">My animal welfare internship has ended for now, but that doesn’t mean I’ll forget the cats in 117th’s PetSmart! Here I’ve got a quick bio for each of my furry friends over there and some tips if any of you reading this are wondering if you’ve got what it takes to volunteer with A Tail at a Time.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><b>Ozzy</b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">: A white a grey cat and roommate to Prince and Jordan. He is very playful, and though has been at the PetSmart adoption center for over 5 months, he seems the most adjusted. Unlike most of the other cats Ozzy plays on his own with toys, frequently chasing and batting them. He also loves wrestling with Prince, and is overall very sweet and outgoing.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjP8E1eJ3lMEUH52l2pWgvSu3G-ldDxXhi2MihyNNOeB-E-FHamJYb1_Pvx2jnKSHvl1jbfw3fRpHzFCbVqcI2yHotWg3fEctarCDJhvEh4uWDy2suOo0kjgxjjSipHFTwC3xNy0vdibO/s320/IMG_20111221_144435.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710668603687052898" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><b>Pagean (left)</b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">: An orange, grey and whit<span style="font-size: 100%; ">e cat. What’s immediately striking about Pagean is her wide set eyes. Positively adorable! While preferring not to be held too much, I guarantee she will melt your heart with her pudgy face and make you laugh</span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">with poorly coordinated attempts to jump up onto ledges.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><b>Patches</b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">: The last of the three teenage cats, Patches is the sweetheart. His Fu Manchu eyebrows and whiskers stand out on his s</span><span style="font-size: 100%; ">mall face. I can’t wait to see what he looks like as an adult! Patches is hands down the most affectionate cat, often going to the others and nuzzling them. He loves being pet too!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">Prince: An all black cat. A little guy, him and Ozzy are best friends. He doesn’t like being touched that much, but is quite graceful and gentle. He sort of reminds me of a jaguar! I think that if he were adopted with Ozzy into the same home he’d be able to get over his fear of humans.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUjhYzZUc-yfdzd1_Pn_70Zjgr4GwAq_MYItsFGEuRC2gPr2T4FW-FXwvEwZX7kCeaS68YpXUUJQ5ncTunCNeUtCN7aEiOBcw2QgLyk1fUXLaDhi72PQJ6zXgNbUPvuGgAk3ftdR9ULs3/s320/IMG_20111113_165047.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710670985855171202" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><b>Tabitha (right)</b>: Plump, like Pajean, Tabitha is our beloved crabby fat cat. Tabitha loves to eat, and for a while would somehow make it into the dry foods container to eat the food before we started hiding it. She doesn't always like to be held, but can be easily picked up and as long as there’s food around, is happy.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div><b>Jordan</b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">: A white cat with black splotches. He is super friendly and is very easy to pick up. He occasionally jumps from his high cage onto people’s backs. Him and his two roommates (Prince and Ozzy) are all friends!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div><b>Linda</b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">: Rocking the wild jungle cat look, Linda’s light green eyes and spotted grey and silver coat are quite a beauty to behold. She’s quite a climber though, and has been known to leave scratches (I would know).</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div><b>Lionel</b><span style="font-weight: normal; ">: Complete with his lookalike Mackenzie, he is one of the three teenage cats living on 117th. Quite a jumper, he is very curious, sometimes getting into trouble and loves mealtime—aren’t all teenage boys like that? The only way we could tell Mackenzie and Lionel apart were Lionel’s cute little white feet!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; "><b>Mackenzie</b>: Similar to the picture posted here, Mackenzie is quite the sneaky cat. She loves eating and often steals food</span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; "> </span><span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; ">from others during chow time. She can be a bit crabby sometimes, a future Tabitha?</span>Now that you’ve learned a little about A Tail at a Time’s 117th residents, here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of working there!</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">The number one thing is that taking care of cats is a lot of work. Often the shifts would take about two hours to clean and feed everybody. Doing a volunteer job like this requires some commitment and determination, but all your work will be rewarded in getting to hangout with the cats and see them make you laugh. Another thing that one definitely should know is to expect to get scratched. I’ve gotten a lot of scratches from the cats, but getting scratched a bit here and there can help you get over your fear of the pain. Getting scratched too much of course can pose a health risk because of bacteria potentially harbored under the cats’ nails. Be careful! If there’s one cat that seems to especially not like you and you keep getting scratched from them, keep your distance. Just like how some people can’t get along, you might not be able get along with every cat. I assure you though, that if you keep a positive attitude, taking care of the cats will seem less like a chore. As I continued to volunteer, I really saw each cat’s individual personality come together. By the time it was the end of my internship I had grown so attached to the cats that it was hard to say goodbye! Hopefully by the time I come back to New York City each cat will have found the loving home I know they deserve. </div>Courtney K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03712613979606033840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-80654302296228824622012-01-29T07:29:00.000-08:002012-01-29T08:11:49.975-08:00Artivist Film Festival's Animal Advocacy Showcase, NYC<span ><i>By Rational Animal intern, Nicole Mak</i></span><div><span ><i>Edited and with contributions by Courtney Kistler</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>On January 26, 2012, in its eighth annual film tour and visit to New York City, the Artivist Film Festival and Artivist Awards showcased three films focusing on animal advocacy at Columbia University’s Miller Theatre. Founded in 2003, the Artivist Film Festival uses film to raise awareness for international human rights, children’s advocacy, environmental preservation, and animal advocacy. Each film sought to convey to its audience issues of the animal industry and why vegetarianism and veganism were necessary responses to these atrocities.<br /><br />The first featured was <a href="http://www.dolphin-dance.org/dolphin-dance/Together.html"><i>Together: Dancing with Spinner Dolphins</i></a>, a short film showing spinner dolphins and their curiosity of the unknown. Only a few minutes long, the film sought to evoke a smile from the audience as they witnessed a dance between a snorkeler and three spinner dolphins. This film reminded us how beautiful we perceive animals in the wild to be, and in comparison to the next two films, eased us into the idea of living peacefully and sustainably with animals.<br /><br />The second film was called <i><a href="http://www.meatvideo.com/">Farm to Fridge</a></i> by <a href="http://www.mercyforanimals.org/">Mercy for Animals</a>. <img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMQGdMzzrQ8lZJ7EIqVStVDSC-rwOZpvxq8kUK95cJf_7LtIF63hgbYAlW5JNICbbSxlD6fmwv2L71Kpyhd0kr9Br9rPIoXXQkBDBm1T5wDSl7NuUr4not73C4kizS09Y-Z4KehaeubEH/s320/Farm+To+Fridge+DVD.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703082641453671122" />For me personally, it is the most graphic animal rights video I’ve ever seen. As a former omnivore converted pescatarian, I have seen my share of animal rights shock and awe videos. This one, however, didn’t hesitate to bombard the audience with clip after clip of animals on American farms (most of them were factory farms) being castrated, crushed, beaten and hacked in the most inhumane and nauseating ways imaginable. Narrated by<br />Oscar-nominee and TV actor, James Cromwell, this film takes you on an eye-opening exploration behind the closed doors of the nation’s industrial poultry, pig, dairy, and fish farms, hatcheries, and slaughter plants – revealing the often-unseen journey that animals make from the farm to the American fridge, and eventually to the serving plate.<div>View entire <a href="http://www.meatvideo.com/">film online</a>; order <a href="http://www.mercyforanimals.org/order-farm-to-fridge-dvd.aspx">free copy</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I looked at the viewers’ heads in my line of vision, I saw many were looking down. Gasps and whispered cries could be heard all around me as the film revealed that it was common to smash piglets to the ground—headfirst—as a way to euthanize them.<br /><br />Five minutes into this film I told myself I would become a vegan.<br /><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJbr2UJHdjkCbQr2jJO8cpjpUv2kajF50jxFMxDmkNUQSLVGPiqFlNYuIuYtAl89tuHMhqgvd7-yVOgd9d1NVSYSVQ97EnX9s3HyJcfLwDhgPpGKMAYPjAFaBfOWigpNpXx12rN5VPLXB/s320/Farm+to+Fridge+175x175+chickens.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703086655665917842" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 175px; " /></div><div><br /></div>Seeing so much gore when you don’t expect it can be very mind altering. I don't think anyone in the audience left that theater feeling unaffected by that film. It made you hypersensitive. Suddenly you couldn’t help but think about all the animal related items you’d seen that, prior to this experience, you wouldn’t have giv</div><div>en a second thought about. As the film played, my stomach felt cold and empty, and I wanted to look away. What convinced me to keep watching was that all of this is <i>real</i>. By looking away we are denying what we, as Americans, demand. The only way to change these horrific animal practices is to face the music. It was obvious what the film was asking us to do: become vegan.<br /><br />While the first film closed off amidst smatterings of chitchat, the second film left the audience dead silent. The last film tried to comfort and then engage the audience. <i><a href="http://www.getvegucated.com/">Vegucated</a> </i>sought to</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fcBiabT2E_SAUHtyb6dUvnVa55Mq2kkDq_4Ex10mTTEEJMwZH8nQI2iReLCSqt_OAXPZOPEuRegyD_TTvoDWJEZ1UBgPvfIkU3BOC5di-RulcN7Pg1E4eRB-SkutzAEhRPBXp7LS5u19/s320/Vegucated+202x300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703086852641849522" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 300px; " /></div><div> bring back humor and warmth to the theatre. Filmed in 2005 New York City and at various spots in New England, this 80-minute film is about three omnivores who volunteer (for no compensation, other than several delicious meals, field trips, and life-changing learning experiences) to undergo a complete vegan transformation over the course of 6 weeks. The writer and executive producer, Marisa Miller Wolfson, starred in the film as the provider of this “vegucation” and as intermittent narrator. Similar in tactic to <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1227378/">Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead</a></i>, Wolfson educated Brian, Ellen, and Tesla and the viewing audience on how to start from the ground up to become vegan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Marisa definitely made the education fun by taking them to places like <a href="http://www.mooshoes.com/">Moo Shoes</a> in downtown NYC and Ooh Mah Nee farm animal sanctuary. At one point, the crew spontaneously decided to stop off at a factory farm property and walk right up to one of the buildings. Surprisingly, not one person came out of that building or surrounding area to ask questions. Just outside the building, they discovered an open truck wagon containing the carcasses of two pigs. On the rest of the drive home, the dialogue between Tesla and Brian was heated and passionate. They were truly embracing the facts and sad reality about farm animals in America.</div><div><br /></div><div>I liked that the film showed each volunteer’s drop in blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight after the mere 6 week period without overemphasizing these metrics. The main focus, really, was to de-alienate veganism. In choosing volunteers who fit the majority of meat and dairy eating Americans and mentioning popular American foods that were already vegan (chocolate frosting??), the film allowed the audience to reconsider their mainstream perception of the vegan next door. Marisa interviewed people on the streets of New York in the beginning of the film, asking them if they could go vegan, and getting pretty much the same response from each one: "No.", "Nah." or "I don't think so." This film took a clever, creative approach and truly broke down that resistance, as exemplified by the three different people who took on the vegan challenge.<br /><br />After watching <i>From Farm to Fridge</i>, I wanted to be vegan. Watching <i>Vegucated </i>brought encouragement. By seeing the small steps that the volunteers were taking, I realized that I was already taking those steps. The film left me feeling good. Happy for the newly converted vegan and vegetarian volunteers in the film, it gave me a sense that I could do it too. That’s why I’m starting on my road to veganism!<br /></div></div>Courtney K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03712613979606033840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-61050305744391075412012-01-24T13:34:00.000-08:002012-01-24T13:50:43.816-08:00"Artists with Animals" Mini-print Notecards for Every Occasion<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJxnkYXc-eTraM28-PSX6gFDLQrNsU4wbWbcjs_4eLtG-AU4Y3EH0mjksyYQ8QkiRs4QpINd0rIXvmGk4AudqLI0HK5sRdjITgHWvk9iF4gApxxQysFyvhiRekGdSMwutdgHQlirhRpNR/s320/Notecards+image+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701315463050367266" /><i><span>Article by Nicole Mak, Rational Animal intern</span></i><div><br /></div><div>Last month, Rational Animal issued a unique set of 10 mini-print notecards featuring black and white photography of music legends with animals. Through a partnership with the Morrison Hotel Gallery, the premier rock photography distributing company and studio, legendary photographers and their estates have donated their high quality images to this special set. Photographers include Terry O’Neill, Henry Diltz, Robert Whitaker, Curt Gunther, Timothy White, Neal Preston, Herman Leonard, Frank Stefanko and Ken Regan. Musicians in the photos include John Lennon, Brigitte Bardot, Billie Holiday, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, The Beatles, Patti Smith, Neil Young, and Nelly.<div><br />Each box contains 10 notecards and 10 envelopes and costs just $20 per box. Our goal is to sell all 2,000 sets of notecards, and we need your help! We have sold 300 so far, so please consider buying a set for you, for a loved one, for a co-worker, or anyone who loves animals and appreciates these rock legends and the brilliant photography that captures the special</div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N85iwQPN1M047-mB12aBK5E6i10m4iOv4JW4YlJQIeIKlYksvhPiQT3pTGFxo0f0HIX6aAPT7g3qkwH0vnHqWuV-a7S_FOWuPdXXZmwYHQLXek9nthEWdhN_Xz2zdGO79vuvugmW3sCS/s320/Notecards+image+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701315741643557458" />moments with all different kinds of animals. They are useful all year round – gifted as a complete set or mailed individually, you use these cards to bring a smile and a chuckle to someone’s face. Write a brightly colored message on the front, fill the inside with confetti and a witty caption; say a thank you or sorry with animal welfare swag! Need to send thank you cards to everyone that gave you holiday presents? These notecards are the perfect solution, especially for those who love rock legends and animals.<div>The note card set is completely exclusive to Rational Animal, and 100% of all sales will go directly to supporting our media campaigns and programs that educate the public, inspiring positive action for the benefit of at-risk animals.<br />Buy at the Morrison Hotel Gallery’s SoHo Store, located at 124 Prince St. (between Greene and Wooster St.) in Manhattan or <a href="http://www.rational-animal.org/campaigns-projects/music-legends-and-animals">buy online here</a>.</div><div><br />2012 is going to be a big year for Rational Animal – we have lots of programs up and running and some special events and campaigns in the works! Please consider supporting our work for animals through the purchase of these notecards. With your donation you too are helping to promote awareness for our best furry friends!</div><div><br />Again, to buy these cards you can come either to the Morrison Hotel Gallery’s SoHo Store, located at 124 Prince St. (between Greene and Wooster St.) in Manhattan or <a href="http://www.rational-animal.org/campaigns-projects/music-legends-and-animals">buy online</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/12/14/t-magazine/14mosshart_givingspree/14mosshart_givingspree-tmagArticle.jpg" /> </div></div>Courtney K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03712613979606033840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-73004541213682464062012-01-16T07:07:00.000-08:002012-01-16T08:08:03.248-08:00Rounding Out 2011 with a Big Gift to NYC Shelters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBQRQfVCVgIaRFGn2Sy-CAx1dAK0cIug2UUXQ0iuFHVOVqydq5k7kju0doRsj3mXeFGzYL2TGQEkaB1xkeT_zAmuzO-0hI4jxMhCOsI0opC5i6QNd6NmpkbCzMYAXlB0gVbO-UulmItJo/s1600/Susan+and+pittie+at+Brooklyn+AC%2526C.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBQRQfVCVgIaRFGn2Sy-CAx1dAK0cIug2UUXQ0iuFHVOVqydq5k7kju0doRsj3mXeFGzYL2TGQEkaB1xkeT_zAmuzO-0hI4jxMhCOsI0opC5i6QNd6NmpkbCzMYAXlB0gVbO-UulmItJo/s320/Susan+and+pittie+at+Brooklyn+AC%2526C.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698262010559453314" /></a><i>By Nicole Mak, Rational Animal intern</i><div><br /></div><div>On December 4th, 2011 Rational Animal Founder Susan Brandt and members Salem Krieger, Christine Hahn, Maggie Hurley, David Glicksman, Thira Goldfinger, and Courtney Kistler delivered handmade beds and cat toys to the Brooklyn Animal Care and Control (AC&C), a municipal kill shelter housing 200 orphaned cats and dogs. All of the professionally shot pictures from this day can be seen <a href="http://galleries.salemkrieger.com/121011_RA_ACC_BKYN">here</a>.<br /><br />Through its Mother’s Comfort Project, Rational Animal once again recruited volunteers to make handmade beds for these lonely animals, in an effort to make them feel more at home. Often the shelter only provides towels for the animals to sleep on, nothing compared to a comfy bed sewn by loving hands! This delivery is just one of many that Rational Animal has been responsible for. Since the project's start in 2008, over 3,500 beds and 2,000 toys have been made and delivered to the AC&C shelters. <div><br /></div><div>One of three throughout the city, the Brooklyn AC&C is home to animals who, if not adopted or placed in a foster home by one of the city's small animal rescue groups, will be euthanized. Because of the short adoption window, the shelter only provides its animal residents with very basic amenities. Housed in small metal cages, without toys or a human touch, it can be easy for AC&C’s orphaned animals to become overly stressed and sick.<br /><br />The Mother’s Comfort Project was created as a tribute to the late Fannie Shapiro, an animal lover and grandmother of Rational Animal founder Susan Brandt. Having grown up seeing her take in strays, Susan keeps her grandmother’s love for animals alive through Rational Animal’s mission and this project. A picture of Fannie Shapiro with a Baltimore Oriole serves as the Mother’s Comfort Project’s logo, which Rational Animal made into a patch which is sewn onto every shelter bed.<br /><br />The Mother’s Comfort Project seeks to bring attention to the AC&C shelters as well as educate those on the plight of animal homelessness in New York City. Student clubs are welcome to volunteer. It’s never too early or too late to help an animal in need! Sewing beds allow first time volunteers and veterans to help fight animal homelessness without the emotionally draining effect a shelter visit can bring about.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you or a loved one would like to donate to this project please visit <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.rational-animal.org/get-involved/donate">www.rational-animal.org/get-involved/donate</a>. If you would like to get involved and sew some beds, please<a href="http://www.rational-animal.org/campaigns-projects/mother-s-comfort-project">check back here</a> for the next up coming date. Beds are usually sewn every month, at <a href="http://flirt-brooklyn.com/">Flirt, Brooklyn</a>, in Park Slope.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't feel you can commit to sewing beds, here are other ways how you can help make 2012 a little warmer for New York’s orphaned animals:<br />• <b>Provide transportation</b> – we need a van for each sewing event: from Chelsea to Park Slope and back, for bed delivery to an AC&C shelter, and from Chelsea to one of the three shelters (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island)<br />• <b>Donate fabric/batting (bed stuffing)</b> – contact maggie@rational-animal.org to donate!<br />• <b>Be a sponsor</b> – your company or brand can sponsor this project, giving you added exposure through our press releases and both web and social media pages. Plus you'll be helping immensely to make unlucky animals in our shelters feel warm and loved.<br />• <b>Become a project manager</b> – help organize and recruit volunteers for sewing and delivery events. We need help getting funding, transportation and volunteers. Help us get the word out!<br /><br />For more information and pictures please click on the following links:<br />• Video of our <a href="http://vimeo.com/33616067">August 14th Sewing Session</a> and <b>BELOW</b><br />• Pictures of our delivery by <a href="http://galleries.salemkrieger.com/121011_RA_ACC_BKYN">Salem Kreiger</a>, on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.260051510720510.62388.112612942131035&type=1">Facebook<br /></a><div>• Learn more about AC&C and adopt an animal today! <a href="http://www.nycacc.org/">www.nycacc.org</a><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxDxAb8dYdV7CcH-vC4IO5w0ltvr2Rv9SbaBMoXIyuUyZqsAaHH2nfBOtSZxglZ0X4NvhmfVeXmZ5CNnhVdbA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Courtney K.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03712613979606033840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-38586881058026289282010-12-15T07:26:00.000-08:002010-12-15T07:33:00.590-08:00Whiskers In Wonderland: NYC's Largest Pet Adoption Event!<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TQjfHibBV1I/AAAAAAAAApA/Y2dLpR23DQ4/s320/Whiskers%2Bin%2BWonderland.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550931861326354258" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >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!! </span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></p><div align="center"><b><span class="Apple-style-span">VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES</span></b></div><div><strong>Saturday 12/18</strong><br /><strong>10:30am-12:15pm</strong>: (2 people) Loading and transportation from storage unit (West 23rd St.) to Metropolitan Pavilion (West 18th St.), then set-up table<br /><strong>12:00-3:30pm & 3:30-7:00pm</strong>: (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</div><div> <strong>7:00-8:30pm</strong>: Breakdown table, transportation back to storage unit<br /><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>Sunday 12/19</strong></div><div> <strong>8:30-10:15am</strong>: (2 people) Loading and transportation from storage unit to Metropolitan Pavilion, then set-up table<br /><strong>10:00am-1:30pm & 1:30-4:00pm</strong>: (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<div> <strong>4:00-5:30pm</strong>: (2 people) Breakdown table, transportation back to storage<br /><strong><br /></strong></div><div><strong>For more information, CONTACT </strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><strong><a shape="rect" href="mailto:ckistler@rational-animal.org" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 204); "><span class="Apple-style-span">ckistler@rational-animal.org</span></a></strong></span></div></div></span></span>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-65856651051077491932010-12-06T13:15:00.000-08:002010-12-06T15:49:28.736-08:00Animal Care and Control Center of Staten Island Needs Immediate Help<span style="font-weight: bold;">PLEASE HELP:</span> 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 <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/pages/Rational-Animal/112612942131035">our Facebook message</a>.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.nycacc.org/location.htm">here</a>.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07945528933927250893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-91004718142867089342010-12-02T12:43:00.000-08:002010-12-02T13:32:51.860-08:00Forks Over Knives Official NYC Screening<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TPgQVb8BtYI/AAAAAAAAAow/QqmnthiDHDk/s1600/ForksOverKnives.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TPgQVb8BtYI/AAAAAAAAAow/QqmnthiDHDk/s320/ForksOverKnives.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546200901569590658" /></a><br /><a href="http://forksoverknives.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Forks Over Knives</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >, a documentary <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; ">featuring <strong>T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D. a</strong>uthor of <em>The China Study </em>and <strong>Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., M.D., </strong>the two doctors behind Bill Clinton's switch to a plant-based diet, is being released in NYC on Monday, Dec 6th! </span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >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.<br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Screening proceeds will benefit Farm Sanctuary! </span></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Vegan hors d'oeuvres from Candle 79.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >For more information, click <span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://action.farmsanctuary.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=19082.0&printer_friendly=1">here</a></span></span></span></span></div>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-50650309257363010392010-11-24T10:02:00.000-08:002010-11-24T10:25:33.162-08:00Spread the News: Tell President Obama to sign the bill to BAN cruel animal "crush" videos<div style="margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >From the <a href="https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=4768&autologin=true&JServSessionIdr004=dhwx7y91s1.app305a">Humane Society of United States</a> "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." </span></span></span></div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.25em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >These "crush" videos show high-heeled women crushing kittens to death or lighting rabbits on fire for sick entertainment and profit. </span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 15px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >N</span></span></b><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >ow 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.</span></span></strong></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 1.25em; "><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >It's easy to take action! Click <a href="https://secure.humanesociety.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=4768&autologin=true&JServSessionIdr004=dhwx7y91s1.app305a">here </a>to help ban these horrific videos! </span></span><br /></strong><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></p>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-37493491141172178502010-11-19T07:13:00.001-08:002010-11-19T08:21:32.274-08:00Give Thanks, in a Humane way!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TOakBgO-j3I/AAAAAAAAAoo/38nG83Gw8qo/s1600/Happy%2BVeganThanksgiving.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TOakBgO-j3I/AAAAAAAAAoo/38nG83Gw8qo/s320/Happy%2BVeganThanksgiving.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541296737265553266" /></a><br />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! <div><br /></div><div>Our friends over at <a href="http://www.veganbabe.com/">Vegan Babe</a> posted some great tips for meatless Thanksgiving options, check 'em out <a href="http://www.veganbabe.com/">here</a>! </div><div><br /></div><div>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!</div><div>Click <a href="http://vegnews.com/web/articles/page.do?pageId=2710&catId=8">here </a>to enter VegNews Thanksgiving giveaway! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!</div><div><br /></div>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-17385249188324493152010-11-12T15:01:00.000-08:002010-11-12T15:12:52.902-08:00Hey New Jersey!! C'mon and Join the Rally!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TN3J7AvR5tI/AAAAAAAAAog/oXmAIXIddpY/s1600/cub.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TN3J7AvR5tI/AAAAAAAAAog/oXmAIXIddpY/s320/cub.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538805132383348434" /></a><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">NJ Rally for Black Bears: "STAND UP FOR US, OUR LIVES ARE WORTH SHARING!"</span></b><br /><br /><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On the evening of New Jersey's first bear hunt in 5 years, animal activists are standing out in opposition of this cruelty. </span></b>Oppose this cruel "sport" of Bear Trophy Hunting, and come show your support!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Where:</span></b> 95 East Main St.</div><div>Mendham, NJ 07945</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When:</span></b> Saturday, November 20th</div><div><br /></div><div>Come for an hour or two! We appreciate your help! </div><div><br /></div><div>For more information on the Rally meetup, click<a href="http://www.meetup.com/HeartforAnimals/calendar/15401348/"> here </a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Can't make the rally on Nov 20th?<br />Call Gov. Christie at 609.292.6000 to oppose this bear hunt </i></div><div><br /></div><div>For more information on this cruel "sport", click <a href="http://savenjbears.com/home.html">here</a></div><div>and also check out the recent <a href="http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/NJ-DEP--104747439.html">NBC New York Story</a></div><div><br /></div></div>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-48997798493843438472010-11-12T10:18:00.000-08:002010-11-12T10:34:12.345-08:00Buy Jewelry, Help Animals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo9LNjtYj4KalTmjeRaacsqwV_dvK_XG6CAFALxNURkFCRompSvmOG0X3uOleLL-QkL3jHzFs30Izn71J2pWhuQfIpRAFIZY9BJ_ox9gXP5L_L4VIm2P5w8wlWbsC_YScBUNqy6LogiU/s1600/guenevererodriguezjewelry.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWo9LNjtYj4KalTmjeRaacsqwV_dvK_XG6CAFALxNURkFCRompSvmOG0X3uOleLL-QkL3jHzFs30Izn71J2pWhuQfIpRAFIZY9BJ_ox9gXP5L_L4VIm2P5w8wlWbsC_YScBUNqy6LogiU/s320/guenevererodriguezjewelry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538732409836864434" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Holiday Jewelry Show and Sale to Benefit Rational Animal</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When: </span>Thursday, November 18, 7-10:30pm<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> Jerry Sibal Studio, 164 West 25th 5th Floor (between 6th and 7th)<br /><br />Artist <a href="http://www.guenevererodriguez.com/">Guenevere Rodriguez</a> 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)!Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07945528933927250893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-27566163084875256472010-10-20T14:55:00.000-07:002010-11-12T13:11:46.023-08:00Gimme Shelter: Blues & Rescue 2010!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TL9pm6rWFLI/AAAAAAAAAoE/MksyEjinw34/s1600/GimmeShelterBluesRescuesRationalAnimal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 141px; height: 199px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TL9pm6rWFLI/AAAAAAAAAoE/MksyEjinw34/s320/GimmeShelterBluesRescuesRationalAnimal.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530254984741262514" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; "><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">UPDATE November 12, 2010</span></b></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); "><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); "><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); "><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Due to some exciting developments in our talent lineup, we're moving our annual </span></b></span><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Rock and Rescue </span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">benefit concert to </span></b></span><b style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">late winter - exact date TBA</span></b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. Stay tuned for additional information,</span></b></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> including announcements of some very special guests! </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); "><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); "><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0); "><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Another thing to look forward to this Holiday season! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gimme Shelter 2010: Blues & Rescue Featuring the Tangiers Blue Band </span></b><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What's it all about? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A benefit for Rational Animal and the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals Picasso Veterinary Fund</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What's in store?<br />Tangiers Blues Band rockin' the night away</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Complimentary bar and non-alcoholic beverages</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gourmet vegan and vegetarian food</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Silent Auction with items including artwork, spa treatments, dinners, luxury goods, and more</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For ticket information and details, click <a href="http://www.rational-animal.org/campaigns-projects/gimme-shelter-rock-n-rescue">here</a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-50181923465247766202010-10-15T13:41:00.000-07:002010-10-15T13:51:00.759-07:00"Missouri's Dirty Dozen"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TLi-sAZHixI/AAAAAAAAAn8/C6bPSTEVNbs/s1600/cheney-dog-270x224.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 224px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TLi-sAZHixI/AAAAAAAAAn8/C6bPSTEVNbs/s320/cheney-dog-270x224.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528378205826157330" /></a><br />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.<div><br /></div><div>The Humane Society of United States released a "Dirty Dozen" report on Missouri's worst puppy mills. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>"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." </i></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>The Dirty Dozen</b></div><div>Brandi Cheney and Diana Stephenson, S & S Family Puppies, Milan</div><div>Beverly Fields, B & B Kennel, Galt</div><div>Shannon Plymell, Windsong Kennels, Pattonsburg</div><div>Diana and Floyd Miller, Bar M Ranch Kennel, Spickard</div><div>Paul and Pollie Gingerich - Gingerich Farms, Bogard</div><div>Mary Ann Smith, Smith’s Kennel, Salem</div><div>Cox, Marsha - Mar-Don Kennel, Chillicothe</div><div>Peggy Ryan, For Heaven’s Sake Kennel, Reeds Spring</div><div>Robert Dukes and Robin Dollins, Tiny Tails, Edgar Springs</div><div>Bill and Sandra Sackrey, S K’s Kennel, Brookfield</div><div>Brenda Walter, Hidden Valley Farms, Greencastle</div><div>Jesse and Sonja Miller – Walnut Creek Kennel, La Monte</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Click <a href="http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/puppy_mills/report_on_mos_dirty_dozen.pdf">her</a>e to read the full report </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, ADOPT!! Do not support puppy mills!</div><div>If you're considering adding a furry friend to the family, look at <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/index.html">PetFinder</a> for your next pet! </div><div><br /></div>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-24655435928172702272010-10-08T08:01:00.001-07:002010-10-08T08:04:28.704-07:00October 10 is Orange Ribbon Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuJS54PLt9Q-EIN8g9B92xbji6sdLwxq2AKdougDzUDla-n9EMOE0zUInv-156A-ymSNKDeQlEGq7XlHgsOpSChL5zGQLBAM5wUSL9aV1VVra3EZonjKuQeQWF0OyffZwGRKKAP2JThg/s1600/orangeribbon2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 95px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuJS54PLt9Q-EIN8g9B92xbji6sdLwxq2AKdougDzUDla-n9EMOE0zUInv-156A-ymSNKDeQlEGq7XlHgsOpSChL5zGQLBAM5wUSL9aV1VVra3EZonjKuQeQWF0OyffZwGRKKAP2JThg/s320/orangeribbon2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525691258617557458" border="0" /></a><br />Did you know that animals have their own advocacy ribbon? It's orange and it's official!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wear the orange ribbon on October 10</span> and throughout the year to show your support for animals. Need a ribbon? Contact <a href="mailto:Maggie@rational-animal.org">maggie@rational-animal.org</a> for individual ribbons, or <a href="mailto:ckistler@rational-animal.org">ckistler@rational-animal.org</a> to bring the orange ribbon campaign to your community.<br /><br />You can also browse our <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/rationalanimal/gifts">online store</a> for orange ribbon tshirts and more.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07945528933927250893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-70261459716251160892010-10-01T12:07:00.000-07:002010-10-01T12:15:54.923-07:00Fall Fiesta: FREE Spay & Neuter surgery<div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fall Fiesta, Saturday October 2nd, from 9 am - 3 pm! </span></b></div></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Central Park West at 110th Street and Lenox Avenue </span></b></div></div><div><br /></div>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! <div><br /></div><div><ul><li>FREE stay / neuter surgery on a first come / first served basis, encouraged to show up early!</li><li>FREE microchips for the first 100 pets!</li><li>Entertainment & Fun</li><li>Adoptable Pets!</li><li>Ask-Expert booths</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>For more information, contact </div></div><div><a href="http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/events/other.htm#fallfiesta">Mayors Alliance for NYC's Animals </a></div><div><br /></div>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-52847144998616135862010-09-29T09:01:00.001-07:002010-09-30T15:47:50.735-07:00Annual "Blessing of the Animals" Service is back!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What:</span></b><div><b></b><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">In honor of St. Francis Day, many Catholic churches nationwide offer an Animal Blessing Service, where </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">animal lovers bring their </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">pets to be blessed </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">by a Priest, and to share in a </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">magical blessing of animals from rescue shelters and farms! </span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Where:</span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.stanthonynyc.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Church of St. Anthony of Padua </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">in Soho offers a beautiful service to honor St. Francis of Assisi. This year, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Rational Animal will be there to hand out </span><a href="http://www.rational-animal.org/campaigns-projects/trails-to-tails"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Trails to Tails</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "> maps & </span><a href="http://www.rational-animal.org/campaigns-projects/orange-ribbon-for-animals"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Orange Ribbons</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">! Come stop by our table & say hi! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When:</span></b></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sunday, October 3rd. Service starts at 1 pm. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For more information, contact:</span></div><div><a href="http://www.stanthonynyc.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Church of St. Anthony of Padua </span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.stanthonynyc.org/"></a>154 Sullivan St </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">New York, NY 10012</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">212-777-2755<br /></span><br /></span></span></div></div>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-25476355028114025332010-09-22T13:54:00.000-07:002010-09-22T14:10:59.446-07:00Buy Art to Help NY Animals in Need<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://artdogsandcatsofny.com/the-auction/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 416px; height: 104px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJCpw5wnxXlYWRRU5U147mB1-Y3E6jOBvZY1u-7zbjasWhzn_yBih5QSk2pBcgFY2pkrSU3cFHlOyeSphmrT3ZZm2eGmgHoDtYaUdptOW3GyFEHPEzGpUs297yohSYYdHCNQZNQseZjU/s320/artdogscatsauction.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519844579799430466" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">What: </span>Gala and silent art auction whose proceeds go to five wonderful New York City nonprofits working on behalf of animals<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When*:</span> Thursday, October 21, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where*:</span> <strong style="font-weight: normal;">3rd Floor, 548 Broadway, New York, NY 10012</strong><br /><br />*Or <a href="http://artdogsandcatsofny.com/the-auction/">bid in advance</a></blockquote>The event will benefit the following organizations: <a href="http://www.atailatatime.org/" target="_blank">A Tail at a Time</a>, <a href="http://www.bideawee.org/" target="_blank">Bideawee</a>, <a href="http://www.ready4rescue.org/" target="_blank">Ready for Rescue</a>, <a href="http://www.strayfromtheheart.org/" target="_blank">Stray from the Heart</a>, and <a href="http://www.waggintrainrescue.org/" target="_blank">Waggin' Train Rescue</a>, all of which are participating organizations of the <a href="http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/new/index.php">Mayors Alliance for Animals</a>, which also generously supports Rational Animal.<br /><br />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 <a href="http://pethealthstore.com/NYC_Retail_Location.html" target="_blank">PetHealthStore</a>, located at 440 Amsterdam Avenue (at 81st Street) in Manhattan.<br /><br />For more details on the event, <a href="http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/new/media/pr2010-09-08.php">read the press release</a>.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07945528933927250893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-64151875868542438712010-09-14T17:12:00.000-07:002010-09-14T19:28:29.968-07:00You're 2 clicks away from voting to build New York City's 1st Wildlife Rehabilitation Center<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">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!<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The Pepsi Refresh Project has $1.3 million in funding to distribute across good causes with the most votes! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 14px; "><h3 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; white-space: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The <a href="http://www.wildbirdfund.com/">Wild Bird Fund</a> 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! </span></span></span></b></span></span></h3><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px; white-space: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></b></span></span></div><h3 style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Click </span><a href="http://www.refresheverything.com/wildbirdfund">here</a><span class="Apple-style-span"> to vote daily until Sep 30th! </span></span></span></h3></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-32144493548922080252010-09-07T15:39:00.000-07:002010-09-07T16:27:01.377-07:00How you can help NYC Horses<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >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. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >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 </span></span><a href="http://gothamist.com/2010/05/13/carriage_horse_crash.php"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >crashes</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >, more money for NYC through these tourist vintage car rides, and much happier lives for horses. Two strong supporters of Intro. 86 are the </span></span><a href="http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/animal-precinct/nyc-carriage-horse-industry.html"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >ASPCA</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" > (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and </span></span><a href="http://www.ny-class.org/solution.html"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >NYCLASS</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" > (New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets). </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >How you can help</span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >If you live in New York City, contact your Councilmember and ask him or her to support Intro. 86. </span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Click </span></span><a href="http://www.ny-class.org/act.html"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" > to submit an email to NYC Council members to support Intro 86</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >"</span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/NYCLASS/387857440272?ref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Like</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >" NYCLASS on Facebook and spread the news to your friends</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Watch this documentary "</span></span><a href="http://www.blindersthemovie.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Blinders: The Movie</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >" to educate yourself about the cruel horse-carriage industry</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Report horse abuse. If you're a witness to abuse, call 212-876-7700 to report it! </span></span></li></ul></div><div><div></div></div></span>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-52682471340034665402010-08-25T06:19:00.000-07:002010-08-25T06:43:29.574-07:00My Dog Tulip at Film Forum<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpJCSHQbJTksoJkorSFByBjtiTSmeqNP2Nj9Y8RfR2yS1KyVg0Z-U0xrRQ401-yNbsz7dcSjvw5hE0cN3FPk5-pq2emmbvhc3i_8evmulezYWI679AU2ZLIlCOl4WLl9LEJKJZHl38Sc/s1600/mydogtulip.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpJCSHQbJTksoJkorSFByBjtiTSmeqNP2Nj9Y8RfR2yS1KyVg0Z-U0xrRQ401-yNbsz7dcSjvw5hE0cN3FPk5-pq2emmbvhc3i_8evmulezYWI679AU2ZLIlCOl4WLl9LEJKJZHl38Sc/s320/mydogtulip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509340645727343010" border="0" /></a>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.<br /><br />Ackerley recorded his man-and-beast love story in a 1956 memoir, which filmmakers Paul and Sandra Fierlinger have brought to life in <a href="http://www.tulipthedog.com/">"My Dog Tulip,"</a> an animated interpretation of Ackerley’s story. "My Dog Tulip" will have its world theatrical premiere at the Film Forum from <span style="font-weight: bold;">September 1-14 </span>before going into wide release. <a href="http://filmforum.org/films/tulip.html">Click here</a> for tickets and showtimes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Join Us</span><br />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 <a href="http://www.animalhavenshelter.org/">Animal Haven</a>. Volunteers will also be handing out copies of our popular <a href="http://www.rational-animal.org/campaigns-projects/trails-to-tails">Trails to Tails</a> map, a guide to dog parks, shelters and low cost animal care and services in all 5 boroughs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >More About the Film</span><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Related Link:</span><br /><a href="http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/animateddogs/">Still Life With Animated Dogs</a>, a previous film by Paul FierlingerAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07945528933927250893noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-18388062794020404882010-08-24T08:10:00.000-07:002010-08-24T08:22:37.621-07:00Support Gulf Animals and Wildlife<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><a href="http://www.ppath.org/">PATH</a> (People Protecting Animals and Their Habitats) is partnering with the wonderful vegan restaurant <a href="http://www.candle79.com/">Candle 79</a> to raise money for animals and wildlife affected by the Gulf oil spill.<br /><br />5% of your bill will directly support PATH's response and rehab efforts throughout the Gulf area. <br /><blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What: <a href="http://www.ppath.org/">PATH's</a> Save the Gulf Night<br />When:</span> Wednesday, August 25, 5:30-10:30pm<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where:</span> <a href="http://www.candle79.com/">Candle 79</a>, 154 East 79th Street (at Lexington Avenue)</blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reservations are recommended</span>. Call 212.537.7179 or <a href="http://www.opentable.com/opentables.aspx?iid=&t=rest&r=14272&f=&q=&m=8&p=2&d=7%2f31%2f2009+7%3a00%3a00+PM">reserve via OpenTable</a>.Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07945528933927250893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-56996197000242484212010-08-14T11:12:00.000-07:002010-09-03T10:18:19.519-07:00Thinking 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<b> saving a life</b>! <div><br /></div><div>Here are the top 10 reasons to consider adopting, and not shopping for your pet:</div><div>1.) Dogs and cats from pet-stores often come from puppy mills, where they are treated inhumanely, and are often ill. </div><div><br /></div><div>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.</div><div><br /></div><div>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!) </div><div><br /></div><div>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!)</div><div><br /></div><div>5.) You'll have a beautiful story to tell your family and friends! Out of the shelter, and into your home! </div><div><br /></div><div>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!)</div><div><br /></div><div>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! </div><div><br /></div><div>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!</div><div><br /></div><div>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! </div><div><br /></div><div>10.) You are saving a life! If you adopt, you are sparing this pet from potentially being euthanized.<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>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!</div><div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>To learn more about adoption, check out: </div><div>√ The Shelter Pet Project: http://www.theshelterpetproject.org/</div><div>√ www.PetFinder.com </div></div><div>√ 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)</div><div>√ Do a Google search for local adoption events in your area, often held on weekends</div><div>√ If you're in New York, pick up a Trails to Tails map, where you can find shelters across all 5 boroughs! Trailstotails.org</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Please consider adopting a pet, and help contribute to the solution, not the problem! </b></div></div>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-52652716067968456752010-06-29T14:05:00.000-07:002010-06-29T14:11:54.110-07:00Delivering a Mother’s Comfort – Part 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TCpg61q-A0I/AAAAAAAAARU/u7_rJ63OrFg/s1600/Helen+delivering+beds.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5LLhh0C1q1A/TCpg61q-A0I/AAAAAAAAARU/u7_rJ63OrFg/s320/Helen+delivering+beds.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488305659860353858" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">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.</div> <p class="NoSpacing">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.</p> <p class="NoSpacing">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. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="NoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>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.”</p><p class="NoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="NoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p>She continued:</p> <p class="NoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in">“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.”<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="NoSpacing" style="margin-left:.5in"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="NoSpacing">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.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="NoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="NoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-4582264780668902132010-06-22T09:39:00.000-07:002010-06-22T09:42:18.807-07:00Get your Tickets Now for the 2nd Annual Friends of Animal Rescue Boat Cruise!<p class="NoSpacing">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 <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Hudson</st1:place></st1:city> on a private yacht, we’ll know that our pure enjoyment will also help animals in need, making a fun evening out even better! </p> <p class="NoSpacing">This year’s silent auction on the cruise is packed with incredible lots. Dinner at Rao’s, a weekend in <st1:place st="on">North Fork</st1:place>, 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.</p> <p class="NoSpacing">Ticket cost only $100 (where can you have fun for that little in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Manhattan</st1:city></st1:place>, 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 <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">E. 30<sup>th</sup> Street</st1:address></st1:street> and the <st1:place st="on">East River</st1:place>, at which point it will get under way.</p> <p class="NoSpacing">For tickets, visit www.foar.org (Events tab)</p> <p class="NoSpacing">See you on board!</p>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2801050283603919433.post-85278344255380897252010-06-21T09:28:00.001-07:002010-06-21T09:28:58.214-07:00Celebrating National Pigeon Day<p class="NoSpacing">The pigeon certainly isn’t the most popular of natural creatures, especially here in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state>. Woody Allen referred to them as “flying rats,” and these living beings suffer regular abuse, including trapping, poisoning and simply being chased and kicked.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>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.</p> <p class="NoSpacing">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. </p>Alexis Brillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01379166811656439228noreply@blogger.com0