Author: Katya

In an art exhibit in Taoyuan, located in northern Taiwan, a Taiwanese photographer named Tou Chih-kang hangs his portraits on the walls.  But he is not like other artists because Chih-kang is also a hero for animals. Visiting Taiwanese animal shelters for over two years now, he has been taking more conventional and formal style pictures of shelter dogs as if he were snapping human portraits. Hoping to capture their distinct personalities and create a sense of dignity for these discarded beings, some think that Chih-kang’s pictures make the dogs themselves look almost like people.

His beautiful, soulful canine photographs celebrate their lives. Lives which unfortunately ended all too early. By using art to affect change, Chih-kang hopes to educate the public on proper pet care. He also wishes to shed light on the thousands of shelter dogs Taiwanese authorities put to sleep each year, which is estimated to be approximately 80,000 stray dogs. For more on Chih-kang’s story, and to leave a comment thanking him for helping encourage his country to take animals more seriously, click here.

We at Adopt-a-Pet.com wish to give thanks to all the heroes out there helping animals. Through Chih-kang’s dedication and artwork, he proves that no matter where you live or how you choose to make a difference, we can all be a part of saving lives. Did you like this article? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more!

In August of 2001, Sarah Sypniewski joined an AmeriCorps program called the National Rapid Response Corps. She was assigned to serve in a Los Angeles service center of the American Red Cross, expected to be teaching CPR and First Aid as well as assisting families recovering from any local or national disasters. What Sarah and the others could never have expected was that only one month later September 11th would happen. And it would change the world. Being a brave woman, Sarah stepped forward to join the many heroes of our country and accepted a new role as caseworker for the hundreds of people who had lost everything in 9/11. Her new responsibilities were to listen to their stories, assess their loss, and provide assistance. She kept it together, she provided aid, and she stayed strong for the individuals she was there to help. But when the many therapy dogs came to offer unconditional love, tender kisses, and sweet companionship, Sarah began to feel. Even though she will be the first to tell you she was not a victim of 9/11, even though she may still feel like she didn’t deserve to grieve, one thing is for certain: she was there to help others. And in doing so she opened her heart to the plight of this great tragedy. The therapy dogs of 9/11 made it possible for Sarah to support others because they healed her own broken heart, because they helped her deal with the weight of all those feelings and fears surrounding her.

Below is a poem that Sarah wrote about her experience. We’re so grateful she chose to share it with us, and that her generous spirit was able to give during a time of so much loss. On this day, we wish to honor the people and animals who helped heal our nation, who offered strength and kindness when it was needed most. We wish to remember the victims of 9/11 with tremendous respect and honor. We hope we can all continue to come together, humans and animals, to live a more compassionate existence.

Paws Amidst Pain 

by Sarah Sypniewski, November 2001

Dedicated to the therapy dogs at Pier 94 in NYC who worked so hard responding to the human mess of 9/11, particularly to my special friend, Wusel. Thank you, dogs and humans for your undying love.

The hours upon hours you pad through these paths of pain
are the hours you help us see the light through the pouring rain.
You never falter, never fail, and always call to mind
the joy and inspiration that’s sometimes hard to find.

As we muddle through the wreckage that’s half hope and half despair,
you stand by like an anchor, tail wagging in the air.
With every touch, you heal us–from fur to human heart.
Solace in each stroke, you prevent our falling apart.

You never complain and though you cry, you do not show your tears–
you swallow them back, hold your post, and calm so many fears.
Your spirit penetrates our beings right into our souls.
You let us touch and talk to you as we try to fill the holes.

There are times we want to just give up and head back to our homes
and there you are with pricked up ears and then we’re not alone.
You sigh, surrender, and knowingly roll onto your back:
“Here’s my tummy – you can have it…just give me a snack.”

You do so much for us that we just can’t do ourselves.
You specialize in soulspeak that never ceases to delve
straight into the place we do not talk about–
you let us cry and let us laugh and get all of it out.

So before I go, I want to say I hope you know the truth:
You saved me every single day, I survived because of you.

Photo by: Kim Rodgers, Bark Pet Photography

Cocktail Reception with Live Auction on September 22 at AFA Soho in NYC

WHAT:

Adopt-a-Pet.com is pleased to be the beneficiary of “AWAKENED,” a unique art exhibit and fundraising event presented by AFA and Sloan Fine Art.  This special 10-day exhibition has challenged over 60 artists to create powerful works of art inspired by the powerful impact that pet companions have on human lives.

WHO:

Adopt-a-Pet.com is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption charity that helps shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to adopters for free.  Every month, Adopt-a-Pet.com displays photos and descriptions of adoptable pets to over 2 million people looking to adopt a pet.

Alix Sloan, Founder/Director of Sloan Fine Art Gallery in NYC, is a curator, gallerist and writer with over 20 years experience in the arts, and has just completed her first novel, “Pet Sitter: A Jenna Stack Mystery,” a labor of love co-authored with writer Amy Eyrie.  AFA owners Heidi Leigh and Nick Leone have generously loaned their 4,000 sq. foot gallery to this exhibition.

WHERE:

AFA is located at 54 Broome Street, NY 10002

WHEN:

Artists Reception: Saturday, September 22 from 5-8 PM

Exhibition runs September 20 – 29, 2012

ABOUT:

A portion of the proceeds from every sale will be donated to Adopt-a-Pet.com in support of their mission to help find loving homes for homeless pets.  The exhibition is highlighted by a cocktail reception and live auction of rare prints including an exclusive ADOPT print signed by Shepard Fairey. Participating artists include Tim Burton, Tom Everhart, Theodor Geisel, and Maurice Sendak, among many others.  Original artwork will be for sale during the exhibit and exclusive prints will be available at the live auction.  More information on the exhibit and a detailed list of artists can be found at the AWAKENED website.

Gallery space is limited so please RSVP to attend artist reception. 

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY:

The live auction will be led by Dr. Pia Salk, Adopt-a-Pet.com spokesperson, celebrity pet advocate and psychologist.  Interviews with Pia are available upon request.

CONTACT:

Sue Cornick, Coterie Media, 310-995-1074; sue@coteriemedia.com

Nikki Pesusich, Coterie Media, 818-788-7650; nikki@coteriemedia.com

Through our partnership with PeoplePets.com we’re working to raise more awareness for the thousands of animals up for adoption. Each month, they highlight an Adopt-a-Pet.com adoptable sweetheart who is looking for a home. This month, it’s Yancey, a loving and lovable Beagle boy!  Although Hokie’s Hounds rescue had no room at the time, when they saw this three-year old hound dog, full of playfulness and wiggly excitement, they knew they just had to save him. Yancey was spared hours before euthanasia, and he is one grateful pup for it! Having not been properly cared for before coming into the shelter system, his dew claws had grown so long from neglect that they had circled back into his paws. But now he is living the high-life in his foster home, playing with other pooches, up to date on shots, neutered, and happy!  He is up for adoption in Prairieville, Louisiana and waiting for his forever family to find him. He deserves to be cherished once and for all, and he’ll be your devoted companion in return! To learn more about adopting Yancey, click here.

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Have you been thinking of building your very own cat catio?  In case you aren’t familiar with the term “catio,” it refers to an enclosed outdoor area designed especially for cats!  Unfortunately, cats who roam free outside generally have more health issues and shorter lifespans than cats who remain indoors.  It’s important to keep your felines away from the many dangers they would face on the streets. A catio is a great solution as it gives kitties the semblance of being outdoors while providing them with a fully protected sunshine environment.  This way your feline can enjoy the comfort and safety of inside life yet still bask in the fresh air!

People from all over the world have constructed catios for their furry friends, including our very own Director of Shelter Outreach, Jennifer Warner Jacobsen!  Varying in size, shape, and layout, you can really get creative when it comes to building your own catio.  Just remember the most important part is to make certain that your kitties will remain safe and secure while frolicking in there!  Click here to watch a video tour of Jennifer’s catio which is sure to give you great ideas and inspiration when it comes to constructing your own.  You can also see a catio photo tour here. Hint hint, catios can be especially useful when it comes to fostering cats from a local shelter or rescue group!

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If you live in the path of or near Hurricane Isaac, there are many animal shelters and rescue groups who desperately need your help with the animals in their care.  Below is a list of five ways that you can help animals being affected by the hurricane right now!  We appreciate that you care about homeless pets.  Together we can ensure that the two-legged and four-legged members of your community are all safe.

1) FOSTER. By taking in one of the hundreds of pets being evacuated from shelters along the Gulf Coast, you can be a hero!  Opening your heart and home to a pet in need is a great way to give back.  For more on the benefits of fostering, click here.

2) ADOPT.  Please consider adopting a homeless pet in a shelter near Hurricane Isaac in order to help these shelters make room for the extra pets coming in at this time.  By choosing to adopt you will be saving many lives as all pet adoption has a domino effect of rescue.  You can even adopt an evacuated pet!

3) DONATE.  Please give generously to shelters directly affected by the hurricane, as well as to shelters nationwide that are taking in pets to help shelters in the area have the room to take in stray storm pets.  Donating directly to an animal shelter will help them offset their extra staffing costs and the increased money they’ll be spending on supplies.

4) NO ANIMAL LEFT BEHIND.  Unfortunately during times of natural disaster, sometimes animals can be separated from their owners.  Please commit to taking your pets with you and do not leave them behind. Furthermore, if you see abandoned animals in need, consider taking action by bringing them with you or call local animal control and law enforcement agencies to help get these pets out of harm’s way.

5) SPREAD THE WORD.  By taking photos, blogging, Tweeting, and posting on Facebook, you can help bring exposure to the animals in the hurricane area who need help at this time.  The more people who see the faces of pets in need, or who hear about all the incredible efforts being done to help our furry friends, the more we can all come together to be a part of life-saving work.

As we all know, it takes a village to save animals.  We thank you for being a part of ours.

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Hamsters are adorable little friends that make great pets!  Did you know you could find a hamster to adopt near you by clicking here?  Hamsters can also make easy pets because they don’t require a lot of living space, they don’t usually make huge messes that you will have to clean up after, and they can be very friendly. But there are suggested tips to keep in mind when it comes to gently holding hamsters in order to best ensure that both you and your furry rodent are getting along. Hamsters have many unique characteristics, such as cheek pouches for storing and transporting food! They’re a fascinating animal and can be quite silly and fun to have around! For a comprehensive guide on all things hamster, click here and learn more.

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I was a new volunteer at the South LA Animal Shelter years ago when Cindy came up to me. She was looking for a black dog because she had heard that black pets had it especially hard at animal shelters. “It’s true,” I told her. “Black pets are more commonly overlooked or feared, so they are sadly adopted out much less.” Hearing her fears confirmed, she was set on adopting a dark canine from the shelter. I was a novice volunteer back then and I remember being so excited to help her find her match. We walked among the kennels as I showed her all the lovely animals we had up for adoption. Amidst the barking and the pleading eyes, I asked her what her lifestyle was like so that I could better help match her up with a furry friend. That’s when Cindy told me about her son Sean and how he was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old. Now seven years old, Cindy wanted to adopt a dog not only for herself but also to bring Sean some extra comfort and companionship.

Many studies show that autistic children with pets often improve in their communication skills. Often the social impairments that kids with autism experience can be reduced by the presence of a pet, and animal-assisted therapies are used widely to help enhance behaviors. Although much research still needs to be carried out and further assessed, it is now commonly accepted that there is a positive impact when families with an individual with autism adopt a pet. And I was determined to help Cindy find her rescued pooch so that she could help her son.

So we met a few pups, all of them joyous to be out of their kennels, licking Cindy, playful and happy. It’s amazing how much a dog can come out of his shell once he is released from his lonely kennel. Once he meets a kind touch. Once he sees the promise of friendship. Sascha came out first. She was a black Shepherd mix who had way too much energy for Sean, Cindy felt. I made a note to reach out to the local Shepherd Rescues and we put Sascha back in her kennel after many belly rubs and treats. Zucko was a little black Chihuahua mix and Cindy worried he’d be too small for Sean. I made yet another note to reach out to my friend Analee who loves to foster Chihuahuas. One of the hardest things about being a shelter volunteer is that once you meet the animals, once you interact and it hits you how incredibly loving and amazing each personality is, it’s tough not to feel compelled to help get them out of the shelter. Conversely, it’s also one of the best parts about being a shelter volunteer. You get to fall in love over and over again, you get to help save lives and watch them walk out the door, into safety, wiggling as they go as if they’re blowing kisses to thank you.

I brought out Angel and almost immediately I knew this would be Cindy and Sean’s dog. A Labrador mix, she was the perfect sized. Five years old, she had that great blend of energy and mellowness. Cindy looked up at me with tears in her eyes and said, “Angel is the one we’ve been waiting for.” She adopted Angel that day, and because she was already spayed, she was able to bring her home.

I’ve kept in touch with Cindy. She sends emails with updates and pictures so that I can share in Angel’s new life, and in Sean’s new progress. Cindy even reported to me recently that since Sean’s diagnosis, she has not been able to sleep without him, not even for a single night. He has always been so afraid of the dark. But now, she was thrilled to let me know that, thanks to Angel who climbs into bed with Sean every evening, she has not only been able to stay up later on her own so that she can read or watch television, she’s even been able to go on a few dates! All because of Angel’s presence, Sean has been calmed, he feels safer, he has opened up, he has found his best friend. And Angel has found the forever family she always deserved.

Stories like this happen every day. Volunteers at shelters and rescue groups across the county making matches, witnessing miracles, sighing in relief that another pet they love found a happy home. You, too, can be a part of these wonderful events by volunteering at your local shelter and by choosing to adopt when it’s time to get your next pet. Because there are so many Angels out there who are ready to love and heal you if you let them.

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From September 20th through the 29th in New York City the love of animals will be celebrated through art thanks to the creative vision of curator/writer Alix Sloan and the generosity of AFA Gallery.  “Awakened,” an exhibition and fundraising event inspired by pet companions that brighten all of our lives, will take place at AFA in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. A portion of the proceeds from every sale will be donated to Adopt-a-Pet.com, which will help us to help the many thousands of homeless pets we serve. For this special ten-day exhibition, curator Alix Sloan has challenged over sixty artists to create works inspired by the powerful impact of animals in our lives and homes. This exhibition holds a special place in Sloan’s heart as it also serves as a celebration of the completion of Alix’s novel “Pet Sitter: A Jenna Stack Mystery,” a labor of love co-authored with writer Amy Eyrie.

In addition to the exhibition of original artwork, the cocktail reception – held September 22nd, 2012 from 5pm-8pm – will also feature hard to find prints (including the now-famous ADOPT image created by Shepard Fairey for Adopt-a-Pet.com!) in a live auction led by our very own Pia Salk.

For an invitation to the reception or for more information about the exhibition and to find how you can purchase or bid on featured art from afar, please visit afanyc.com or contact AFA at info@afanyc.com or 212-226-7374 or Alix Sloan at alix@sloanfineart.com.

Let’s admit it. YouTube is really for watching cute pet videos. And boy do we have one for you! If you want to watch a bunch of sweet kittens playing together and enjoying their foster home catio, just click here! These white kitten siblings were taken in by our very own Director of Shelter Outreach, Jennifer Warner Jacobsen. She is an amazing foster, giving them a lot of love and getting them ready for happy forever homes. And if you think Jennifer’s catio is as awesome as we do, please make sure you check out our blog next Tuesday where you will see a whole tour of just how wonderful her catio really is!

You too can become a foster parent and experience the thrill that comes with opening your heart and home to pets in need. Fostering is an incredibly valuable way to help homeless pets as often rescue groups cannot pull animals from the shelter without foster homes. If you’d like to learn more about fostering pets, please click here! You can also fill out a volunteer profile on our homepage by clicking on the “Get Involved – Lend a Helping Paw!” tab where we will connect you with rescue groups in your area looking for volunteers. There are so many lovable kitties just like these at your local shelter who would love to spend some time with you, or better yet get adopted!

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