Rounding Out 2011 with a Big Gift to NYC Shelters

By Nicole Mak, Rational Animal intern

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 here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you or a loved one would like to donate to this project please visit www.rational-animal.org/get-involved/donate. If you would like to get involved and sew some beds, pleasecheck back here for the next up coming date. Beds are usually sewn every month, at Flirt, Brooklyn, in Park Slope.

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:
• Provide transportation – 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)
• Donate fabric/batting (bed stuffing) – contact maggie@rational-animal.org to donate!
• Be a sponsor – 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.
• Become a project manager – help organize and recruit volunteers for sewing and delivery events. We need help getting funding, transportation and volunteers. Help us get the word out!

For more information and pictures please click on the following links:
• Video of our August 14th Sewing Session and BELOW
• Pictures of our delivery by Salem Kreiger, on Facebook

• Learn more about AC&C and adopt an animal today! www.nycacc.org

National Feral Cat Day - TODAY October 16th, EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

It is National Feral Cat Day!

Recognized nationally by Alley Cat Allies

Events going on in New York all weekend and beyond...

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Please remember the people that work tirelessly to PREVENT the births of unwanted litters of cats around the country.

Consider donating to a rescue group that does TNR services -- this is one of the best ways to bring the feral cat population down and prevent abuse and the needless killing of animals.

A message from Alley Cat Allies:
"National Feral Cat Day (NFCD) is your opportunity to help protect and improve the lives of cats around the county!
We know how much you care about cats and want to help protect them. Now you can celebrate NFCD by reaching out to others with the message that feral cats are healthy and happy outdoors and that Trap-Neuter-Return improves cats' lives. Get involved and show your support for stray and feral cats by distributing educational materials or hosting local events like workshops, fundraisers, or special neuter clinic days."

In New York City, the NYC Feral Cat Initiative is celebrating their work and the work of others dedicated to TNR and changing the harsh stereotypes of feral and homeless cats.

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

TONIGHT
Friday, October 16, 2009

Feral For Life in Brooklyn:
6:00–10:00 pm
Washington Commons, 748 Washington Ave. (between Park Place and Sterling Place).

More Info: Contact lulumomma@gmail.com, or visit the Feral for Life web site: http://www.feralforlife.com/2009/10/national-feral-cat-day.html.

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TOMORROW

Saturday October 17, 2009

Feral Cat Winter Shelter Building Workshop, Demonstration & Sale (CLOSED FOR RESERVATIONS)
Noon–12:30 pm
Shelter Building Workshop & Demonstration
1:00–2:30 pm – Pick-Up Pre-Built Shelters
South Ozone Park, Queens (address will be sent upon RSVP)
In honor of National Feral Cat Day and New York Week for the Animals, come and learn how to build a winter shelter for feral cats! You can observe a demonstration for free, or you can pay a discounted fee of $60 to participate in the workshop. The fee covers all necessary provided materials. We'll walk you through the construction process (and do all the drilling), and you can take your new shelter home that day. If you'd prefer, you can instead order a discounted pre-built shelter for $60 ($10 off regular price) and pick it up that day. If you are not able to transport your shelter home, we can arrange to have it delivered for free (for a limited number of people).
Sponsors: NYC Feral Cat Initiative, ASPCA
More Info: Contact the NYC Feral Cat Initiative at events@NYCFeralCat.org.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY
October 17 & 18, 2009

Adopt-a-Cat
10:00 am–5:00 pm

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 West 34th Street, Manhattan

This year's Adopt-A-Cat will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, in tandem with the AKC/CFA's Meet the Breeds event. Adopt-A-Cat is one of the major events in New York City during the first annual New York Week for the Animals. Don Loprieno, author of The Stony Point Whisker Club, will be signing copies of his book on both days and donating a portion of his book sales to the Mayor's Alliance.
More Info: Contact the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals at (212) 252-2350 or info@AnimalAllianceNYC.org, or visit http://www.animalalliancenyc.org.

Seminars and courses on TNR and managing feral cat colonies continue year-round. Check here for details.


And just out this week: Crazy Cat Ladies, an interesting and informative article by Kiri Blakely, a reporter for Forbes and ForbesWoman, and also long-time volunteer with KittyKind.

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If you are blessed enough to have a cat, dog, or other companion animal in your family, give them some extra love this weekend and please spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering. Animals are not property to be discarded or garbage to be kicked aside, but until there are no more homeless animals roaming our streets, the voiceless innocent animals are at risk of injury, abuse, and death. We are obligated to care and to do something, because we, humans, are the ones who have contributed most to creating and perpetuating this problem.

Loving animals is good for the soul... Love an animal today and help educate others on how to help animals and combat overpopulation.

FAQs for Animal Adoption

FAQs of Pet Adoption...

This Fall there are an impressive amount of adoption events as we near New York Week for the Animals, Halloween, and more holidays. With that in mind, there are some things that we should remember as we look to save a life and adopt our new best friend:

What is required to complete adoption of my new furry family member?
Most shelters and rescues will require the following:
Proof of identification Reference(s) Payment - adoption fees vary and are essential in helping shelters cover care and medical costs. Proof of pet allowance in apartment buildings may be required as well.

I have allergies and can only tolerate specific types of dogs / cats. How do I still adopt?
The best solution to situations of allergies is to speak with a medical doctor as well as a veterinarian to find out exactly the types of animals you can and can’t be around. There are myriad pure breed rescue groups with the breed of dog that will not trigger your allergies, but you must be patient in searching for the right animal in your area rescue group that fits with your needs. If you are allergic to all cats and dogs, you may be able to take certain types of allergy medications that will allow you to live with a new pet without issue. Consult a doctor and a veterinarian to be sure.

How do I know what organization to adopt from?
Just like with any business, there are certain standards that experienced and successful rescue groups and shelters abide by. Be sure the organization you are adopting from charges an adoption fee which covers vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchip for dogs (sometimes for cats too). You should speak with an individual that can be candid about the animals you’re interested in and also about the organization. Feel free to ask questions too, so that you feel assured of your decision and the animal you match with.

Does the city shelter euthanize animals?
Yes. New York City Animal Care and Control shelters are required by the City of New York to take in every animal that is brought in or relinquished to them. This includes exotic and farm animals, as well as all shapes and sizes of cats, dogs, and rabbits. Occasionally Animal Control officers will pick up stray animals, but they will not respond to calls about feral cats or requests to pick up stray dogs or cats. The Animal Care and Control shelters have too many animals than kennels, foster or adoptive homes, therefore, they must put animals to sleep in order to accommodate the flooding of animals they experience every day. It is a sad reality – but you can do your part by adopting, fostering, and encouraging others to do the same. Remember – ADOPTION IS THE ONLY OPTION!

What is the process?
A reputable, reliable rescue or shelter organization will have an adoption application and adoption fee, which allows them to screen people and ensure their animals are going into loving, safe homes – and will not fall into the wrong hands. The adoption application and the adoption usually do not take place on the same day, as adoption reps must read the applications and check references first before letting an animal out of their hands for good.

Why so many questions? I’d make a great pet parent!
You will probably be asked a lot of questions, but that is a good thing! All involved need to make sure the new home is a sure thing, not a whimsical thought that will change the day after Fluffy or Scruffy come home. Remember, you may be a pillar of your community, but not everyone is. Think of it as a job interview. Are you the right fit for Max or Maxine?

Some questions may include (in random order): (1) where do you work? what are your work hours?, (2) do you have screens in your windows?, (3) can you afford a standard vet visit, which can add up to hundreds of dollars?, (4) will you get pet insurance? are you interested in more information about pet insurance?, (5) what will you feed the animal?, (6) how many times a day will you walk the dog?, (6) will you or a walker walk the dog?, (7) do you have pets?, (8) do you have a spouse or roommate?.

Some agreements may include:

-no declawing of cats

-return of animal ONLY to adoption/rescue group; do not give to other shelter or organization.

The transaction of adoption holds no guarantees, but the steps along the way greatly increase the chances of a positive and forever rewarding experience. The better you understand the care with which a good rescue group places their animals and the importance of it, the better equipped you will be to bring a new companion animal into your home and your life.

Why do they have to visit my home?
A good organization will care where their rescued animals are going to live, so some may ask to do a home check. Don’t be offended! It’s only for their liability standards and peace of mind and for the safety of all the animals and the people who want to adopt them. While your home may be a great place for a dog and/or cat to live, another’s may not be, and the only way for the rescue group to know the difference is to ask a lot of questions and, often, see the home themselves.

Why such a laborious process? I want to bring Fido home today!
All great things are worth the wait. Same-day adoptions are rare and even frowned upon in the rescue community. Adopter and adoptee want to avoid the pitfalls of the “impulse buy”, which can result in a bad experience and a return of the animal – this takes up time and energy on everyone’s part and ultimately leads to a sad outcome for the animal. If a person is truly committed, they will follow the adoption process and wait until their new best friend is ready to come home.


I just got home and things aren’t going well. What do I do?
Just like with humans, animals require space and time to adjust to major life changes. Some shelter experiences are very harsh for animals, and they may express their confusion and apprehension in odd ways. It’s no one’s fault – and it’s completely normal. Give your new pet at least 48 hours to adjust fully before making a real assessment of how things are going.
The adoption rep should give you advice on animal care and provide a contact name, phone number/email address that you can use for questions or concerns.

What is fostering? How do I do it?
Fostering is one of the best ways you can help animals and those who work tirelessly for them. By giving a homeless animal a temporary place to live, you are committing to the care of the animal but understanding that the animal is still up for adoption and will be placed in their forever home at some point. The length of fostering varies depending on the needs of the animal and the rescue group, so be sure you know what will work for you and what you can commit to. While fostering, you can take pictures and give updates to the rescue group so they can post it on an animal adoption portal such as petfinder.com or adopt-a-pet.com. You may also be required to bring the animal to adoption events, so be sure to discuss that and all other details before you commit to fostering.

I just adopted my new pet, and I love her! But I want to continue to help. What can I do?
Congratulations. You’ve just made a huge difference in the lives of, not just your new furry family member, but of the people who rescue and care for homeless animals. Plus, by being another example of the rewards and virtues of pet adoption, you have helped the animals still awaiting homes by showing those around you how awesome adoption truly is.

Here’s what else you can do:
Send in your story. The organization you adopted from can post online or in a newsletter their happy endings which encourage more people to adopt and also keep everyone motivated in the mission to save animals’ lives.
Volunteer. If you like manual labor, get on over to a shelter, because they want YOU! Cat cages need cleaning, dogs need walking, and all the animals need fresh food and water multiple times a day. You can also write accounts and anecdotes about your favorite animals. The shelter can post them so potential adopters can learn a little more about the individual animals needing homes.
If you have special skills such as writing, marketing, fundraising, design, photography, event planning, etc., inquire about joining a committee that can utilize such skills.

Check out http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/ for lists of rescue groups, including pure bred dog and cat rescue groups, rabbit and reptile rescue groups, and bird rescue groups in the area.

See http://www.newyorktails.com/ for a COMPLETE list of Halloween pet events in New York City.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Emma (A816658). Blind pittie that is a lovely joyful gal!

At Manhattan AC&C is a very special lady...

Emma (A815558), 4 yr old female pit – one of the sweetest and fearless pits I’ve ever met. She just wants to meet everyone. She’s constantly wagging her tail and making friends. She is quiet in her crate and when she comes out she is actually fairly good at getting around...this leads us to believe her vision is limited to shadows…or she has been blind all her life and has developed a strong enough sense of surrounding to be able to feel her way through things. I can’t say enough great things about her personality, cheerfulness and beautiful temperament. She is always eager to please and is a true joy to be around. It’s impossible to be around this dog and not feel happy!

AC&C VOLUNTEER WROTE: Sweet as sugar, confident in her blindness. Emma, who is blind, was found wandering the streets on 6/23/09. This volunteer has had two blind dogs of her own, but neither was as confident and trusting as Emma. She's willing to find her own way around, but is grateful if you lead her, too. She loves people and wants to kiss you -- all the time -- to show you her love. We figure she's around 4 years old. We don't know what caused her blindness, but nothing has dimmed the lightness of her soul. She's a joy.

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Contact me (Courtney) if you're interested in Emma or any animal for adoption.
We REALLY need more foster homes.
Find ALL adoptable dogs and cats here: http://www.nycacc.org/adoptionsearch.htm
A-number is for AC&C to better help you meet the dog you are interested in. Please use it if you contact AC&C directly or visit the shelters.

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ATTENTION ANIMAL LOVERS! BROOKLYN NEEDS YOU!
AC&C in Brooklyn really needs more volunteers!! Contact ckistler@rational-animal.org if you can help. Every little description, personal testimonial for an animal drastically increases their chance for adoption.
AC&C Brooklyn
2336 Linden Blvd (East New York)
3 train to New Lots; walk up New Lots four blocks to Essex, make a right, walk two avenue blocks to Linden Blvd, and see shelter between Essex and Shepherd Ave.

Short...reminder about the reality of euthanisia.

It's 2009...and when it comes to companion animals, there are three rules:

ADOPT! SPAY/NEUTER! LIFE-LONG GUARDIANSHIP!

Please help PREVENT the overload of homeless animals in shelters. How?

(1) Save
ADOPT
-That's right, no breeders, no shops -- a cool guy or gal adopts!!

(2) Care
SPAY/NEUTER and get regular vet check-ups
-A healthy pet is easy on the wallett! and on shelters taking in unwanted litters caused by escaped, unfixed pets and irresponsible backyard breeders.
-Cats and dogs that go unfixed are also at much greater risk for certain types of cancers and other infections --preventable via spay/neuter surgery.

(3) Love
COMMIT to caring and protecting your animals for their entire lifetime.
-Do your research, consult a shelter/rescue group adoption rep, ask questions, be honest in the adoption process, and know what you're getting into.
-Dogs and cats can live up to or over 20 years! and they'll need your love and protection for each one of them.

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It is 2009, and we are in a crisis situation. There is no excuse for buying from breeders, if one knows about adoption, if one knows where their shelter is, if one watches the news...
There is also no excuse for turning a blind eye. Talk about the issues, encourage your peers and friends to "stray" from buying and look into adoption.

You do not have to look very hard to find evidence in your community of the reality of overwhelmed shelters, rescue groups, and deaths of healthy, adoptable animals in all of America.

One of the things that will never cease to bring tears to my eyes is thoughts of the reality of euthanasia in the U.S. Today our citizens continue to put money into breeders and mills, usually because they believe they must have a certain look in a dog or cat, a certain breed, a popular breed, or just a puppy or kitten for the day. Such motivations and intentions are wrong when dealing with live animals -- thoughts like the above apply to inanimate objects and products, not to cats, dogs, rabbits, horses and other animals that families typically keep as so-called pets... who can't speak up and say "Look, I know you may not want me anymore, but I need you. Please don't neglect me because you've changed your mind. Please don't take my home away. Please don't let me die".

It is still way too easy to buy an animal and it is too easy to also get rid of an animal. While that probably won't change any time soon, we must advocate for adopting as well as being responsible and showing love for household animals for their entire lifetime.

To those who feel they must have the dog their friend has, the dog they saw in a movie, the one their friend has or a celebrity shows off on TV... it is not always about what YOU want, but what animals need.

Saving a life, caring for an animal that needs you far outshines buying an animal that looks like the product you want or what everyone else has.

YOU are the only one that makes these decisions. Think about YOUR decisions only, do not feel that you need to change the minds of others. You cannot single-handedly stop the gassing of cats and dogs who have outlived their stay at shelters and die in metal boxes like this one pictured here. You can contribute to saving lives by making the right decision for yourself. Individuals buying from shops and breeders or having their animals give birth, and others who give up their animals to shelters have slowly contributed and helped build up the problem we are facing right now. In the same fashion, we can all do our part to reverse this and reduce, eventually eliminate, the market for buying and selling animals.

Again, the best way to do your part is to make the right decision for yourself -- adopt, spay/neuter and vaccinate, and commit to lifelong guardianship of your animals' lives. Be proud of doing something good for our communities. Others will take after you and reap the same rewards. If you have children, your children will learn something you cannot teach them with books or words.

Don't forget -- Euthanasia is NOT a solution to overpopulation. PREVENTION is the SOLUTION. Millions of cats, dogs, rabbits, and other companion animals are sentenced and put to death every year.

AND if you think death is quick and painless for unwanted animals... watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0KucYppXO0.

We do not need to deal with this sadness, these feelings of helplessness, if we take steps to prevent it and educate others to do the same.

Pet-so-heartless...Petsmart profits off animal cruelty

Pet-so-Heartless:
Petsmart profits off animal cruelty

OK here's another one to put on your DNS list (do not support :-). http://www.petsmartcruelty.com/

Don't support Petsmart!! They make money off animal cruelty every day and also propagate the small animal and bird trade, which is more or less on same plane as the puppy mill industry, as far as the factory-like conditions and inadequate care and transportation systems. Not many people realize this!

Check this photo gallery to find out what happened to this poor rat and read stories and see documentation of individual cruelty cases PETA uncovered.
These animals are absolutely helpless and the public that purchases Petsmart products is clueless!!
While Petsmart may not be involved in the terribly, utterly cruel puppy and kitten mill industry, like chain stores such as Petland and Brooklyn's Pets Unlimited are, they too contribute to a mill-like industry -- one involving birds and small animals such as rabbits, gerbils, rats, and hamsters.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO: Shop at small, honest neighborhood pet supplies stores that do not sell animals or any living beings at all!

Did you know that you can adopt a rabbit, a gerbil, a hamster, a bird, even a snake?

In New York City, check out Sean Casey Animal Rescue in Brooklyn, who have an adoption facility and pet supplies shop:
THE HAMILTON DOG HOUSE
155 E. 3rd St., Brooklyn, New York
Between Caton and Ft. Hamilton
718-436-PETS

... and Social Tees in Manhattan's East Village (owner Robert, pictured here), who have also have an adoption facility and pet supplies shop:
SOCIAL TEES ANIMAL RESCUE
124 East 4th St.
New York, NY 10003
1-800-200-7338

Elsewhere, check petfinder.com and also explore your local rescue groups to help connect you to the wonderful people in your community or close by that help rescue these animals -- which often go unnoticed in the campaign to end homelessness and euthanization of animals across america.






Check out these to learn more about small animal adoption:
Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue
http://www.mgpr.org/
House Rabbit Society
http://www.rabbitsinthehouse.org/

And before you decide to bring a small animal into your home, do your homework!! It's very important that you commit to protecting and caring for any animal in your home for their entire lifetime.

Kitten Mills...what you may not know!

Most of us know about puppy mills...but...cats and kittens suffer from these cruel practices as well. Please don't forget about the millions of cats that suffer at the hands of cruel people every day.If you care about the puppies and their breeder moms, you should be inclined to care about and help spread awareness of the kittens and cats that are abused in the same way puppies and dogs at puppy mills are.
The best way to show you care is to adopt -- never buy from ANY breeder -- and encourage others to do the same.
Please PLEASE always adopt. I have rescued cats, and my life is forever enriched because of them.
http://www.petfinder.com/
If you use facebook, please join this Group page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2231723482#/group.php?gid=59671486684&ref=mf
Here you will find more hard facts and information about the feline side of breeding mills. The bottom line is that the best way to stop this cruelty is to not support it. Over the years, we have seen increasing numbers of mill busts by groups like the Humane Society of the United States, Rescue Ink, and Companion Animal Protection Society. But there are tens of thousands of these mills across the country and in other countries as well, including suburban areas in Canada, where mills churn out puppies and kittens (and rabbits, for some) to be sold not only in Canada but in the United States as well. Because there is still demand, stores that sell animals, particularly puppies and kittens, are making significant profit off animal cruelty. The aforementioned groups are making significant inroads on combatting this problem, but it's a huge industry and we need more people to be educated and take actions on their confictions that animal cruelty is wrong and should NOT be tolerated anywhere.
If you want to take your stance against animal cruelty one step further, don't buy ANY products from stores that sell these animals. I recommend buying your pet food and supplies at smaller boutique and neighborhood stores that tend to carry the higher quality food, such as Wellness, Weruva, Blue Buffalo, and Halo, to name a few. I personally would prefer people make the choice to buy their pet good from these smaller stores that do not sell any living beings of any type -- not bird, gerbels, or even fish.
Remember -- you can empower yourself and reaffirm your stance against animal cruelty by making informed choices and not giving money to any business that exploits animals. It's up to you!
For more information about the kitten/cat mill industry and how you can help, see below:

What can you do to help?
1) NEVER BUY A CAT OR KITTEN FROM A BREEDER. Always adopt from your local shelter or rescue organization. Find the perfect cat or kitten in your area here: http://www.petfinder.com/.
2) BECOME INVOLVED WITH A CAT RESCUE ORGANIZATION. These organizations save lives every day by rescuing unwanted cats and kittens from local shelters and helping to find them homes. Many also provide low or no-cost spay and neuter services that help curb feral cat populations without killing. This is some of the most important work that can be done.
Join Stray Cat Alliance.
WEB http://www.straycatalliance.org/
FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59671486684#/group.php?gid=38783974284&ref=ts
Join Alley Cat Allies
WEB http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191
FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alley-Cat-Allies/37899252087?sid=66d31e438b18fb0697fa04d1d967c75c&ref=s
Join Kitten Rescue
WEB http://www.kittenrescue.org/home.php
FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kitten-Rescue/115219435429?sid=b9e79643375723ef5ce0161bde38a1e5&ref=s
PLEASE DONATE YOUR TIME OR MONEY TO AN CAT (OR DOG) RESCUE / AWARENESS GROUP.
Your help is desperately needed, and every little bit helps.
In New York City, please go to http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/ to find a group in your neighborhood or that you're interested in volunteering for or donating to.

Contact ckistler@rational-animal.org to find out how to get involved with our awareness campaigns aimed at shutting down breeding mills and fighting other cruelty issues, including educating the public and engaging people to be active in supporting kindness to animals and efforts to lower homeless animal populations.