Adoption Diaries: What a Way to Start the Year!

Elyse’s Adoption Diary:

Haaaaappy New Year! I hope your holidays were relaxing and filled with family, both human and furry. And scaly, and feathery, etc. My brother, mother and I all exchanged Christmas gifts for our respective cats, which was completely unplanned! My two orange kids made out pretty well—they got a Chia Cat Grass Planter. Grass they can eat! We can’t have any flowers in the house because they will be attacked by my little monsters, so the cats probably don’t deserve a plant of their own—but hey, I’m a sucker. They have me wrapped around their pretty paws, for sure. By the way, if anyone has any experience with this cat grass stuff, shoot me a comment and share your tips!

Speaking of family, my niece joined me at the adoption center last week. Gianna is 10 years old, and already an animal advocate! She knows all about the plight of pit bulls and watches our show, Animal Precinct, religiously. A horse lover and rider, she wants to be an equine surgeon one day! I sure didn’t know about any of this stuff at that age; I think it’s so cool. It was a blast giving a tour to such an enthusiastic guest! She got to watch Victoria Wells, ASPCA Manager of Shelter Behavior and Training, in a behavior session with two dogs. Victoria granted Gianna’s request to see “the arm” used on TV in Animal Precinct. (It’s a fake arm used to gauge a dog’s level of aggression, if any.) Gianna also got a tour of the hospital, and was really excited to see an actual animal cop! Big thanks from me to the ASPCA staff for helping me to give my niece such a positive experience! She’s a special kid.

After Gianna left, it was time to get to work playing with the pooches and kitties. I had the privilege of watching Doug work with Spud, last week’s Pet of the Week. Doug is a regular volunteer at the ASPCA, and one of our dog captains. See how Doug shows off Spud’s skillz!


























Here’s Doug working with Precious, our big ‘ole charming St. Bernard











This is Morris. He’s five years old and has a hyperactive thyroid gland—but what a mush!







Shy Peter likes to keep one eye open, always on the alert and ready to pounce. But the more human attention he gets, the more he warms up to the idea! We’re slowly breaking him down. Hopefully soon, he’ll be putty in our hands!






Thanks for reading. It’s good to be back and blogging in 2009. Here’s to a great year ahead. Cheers!

Love,
Elyse

** Be sure to check out my Flickr page to see all the photos from my visits to the adoption center.

** View available animals at our adoption center.