Hi, I'm Pumpkin! I'm a 4-year-old female Domestic Shorthair mix. My previous family could no longer keep me due to allergies so I'm hoping to find a new loving family to adopt me. I'm good with children and other animals and I'm housebroken. My meet your match color is orange and I'm an executive. I would make a great new addition to your family! Please adopt me today!  Come meet my adoption team today at the Peninsula SPCA, 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News across from the Virginia Living Museum or call 757-595-1399 ext 106.  

Welcome Ellen Thacker, Executive Director

Newport News, VA- The Peninsula SPCA welcomes new Executive Director, Ellen Clark Thacker.  Ellen joined the Peninsula SPCA team in November and is very excited to direct the SPCA in a continued progressive direction in becoming an adoption-guarantee organization. 

“My first priority is to save animal lives by finding additional options and resources for the homeless pets of our community,” said Thacker. “By establishing ourselves as an adoption-guarantee organization, we will find new ways to partner with our local municipal animal control groups and expand options for rescuing adoptable animals on the Peninsula.”

With a successful work history consisting primarily of private sector business experience, Ellen decided it was time for a change. She followed her passion for animal welfare and became the Executive Director for the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society in 2008. There she helped to increase adoption rates, attain no-kill status for the shelter’s canine population, and implemented a 100% pre-adoption spay/neuter policy for all animals adopted from the Gloucester-Mathews-Middlesex Animal Shelter.

“I wanted to join the Peninsula SPCA to be a part of their transition to adoption-guarantee,” said Thacker. “This is a tremendously important step for our shelter and its animals, and will need the full support our community. We are thrilled with the opportunities that this transition will bring.”

Pictured with Ellen is Ginger.  She is a year old and available for adoption.  Ginger is a very sweet and a playful young pit bill mix.  Being a young canine, she would thrive as a part of an active family and would love to be someone’s personal trainer.  She is nervous around other dogs and cats, so she would flourish as the only pet in the house.  But don’t worry she has more than enough love to give every family member.  She even gives hugs!  Like all animals adopted from the Peninsula SPCA, Ginger has been spayed, microchipped and vaccinated.  Come take Ginger home in time for the holidays because all she wants for Christmas is you!    

The Peninsula SPCA—Unleashing the Red Carpet!

Peninsula SPCA plans sixth annual Fur Ball

Newport News, VA. – The Peninsula SPCA will be hosting their Sixth Annual Fur Ball Gala Fundraiser on February 2, 2013 from 6:00- 11:00 p.m., at the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

Spend a glamorous evening with friends and four-legged family members while supporting the orphaned pets at the Peninsula SPCA.  Dance the night away while participating in silent and live auctions, enjoying cocktails, fine dining and live entertainment from the Tidewater Drive Band.  Family pets will enjoy first-class doggy daycare and will then capture attention as they strut down the red carpet in the Parade of Pets.

To help raise donations, guests may participate in the Fur Ball’s live and silent auction.  Contributors may win prizes such as a Bahamas vacation, sailboat cruise, Wintergreen Resort escape, and a trip to historic Savannah, Georgia.  The Peninsula SPCA is collecting silent auction items for Fur Ball 2013, to donate an item to the event please contact Leslie Magner at 757-595-1399 ext: 104.   

Last year, approximately 300 guests and 50 pet guests attended Fur Ball 2012. Over $130,000 was raised to help provide care of the Peninsula SPCA’s homeless and orphaned animals until they were able to find loving homes.

Leading up to Fur Ball 2013, generous sponsors had donated over $50,000.  This year we are striving to exceed that amount to help orphaned and sick animals at our shelter.  Sponsorship packages range from $250 up to $15,000.  If you are interested in helping to save the lives of animals, visit our sponsorship opportunities at www.peninsulaspca.org/furball   The 2013 Fur Ball leading corporate sponsors include Smithfield Foods, Inc., Ferguson Enterprises, York River Electric, Inc.

 There are a limited number of tickets available for purchase now.  Tickets are $125 per person and $75 per pet.  For ticket purchase or silent auction donation, please contact Leslie Magner at leslie@peninsulaspca.org or call (757) 595-1399 ext. 104.  For sponsorship information, please contact Vicki Rowland at vicki@peninsulaspca.org or call (757) 595-1399 ext. 109. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.peninsulaspca.org/furball.       

For more event details and pictures from Fur Ball 2013, please visit www.peninsulaspca.org/furball 

Tickets are available for purchase.  Limited tickets are available. Tickets are $125 per person and $75 per pet. To purchase Fur Ball tickets or for sponsorship information, please contact Vicki Rowland at vicki@peninsulaspca.org or (757) 595-1399. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.peninsulaspca.com/furball

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The Mission of the Peninsula SPCA is to advocate and provide for the humane care and welfare of animals. Our municipal contracts will end soon and funding for the Peninsula SPCA’s homeless animals will be decreased by half.  With your continued support, we can continue our life saving mission as an Adoption Guarantee Organization in July 2013.  For more information, visit peninsulaspca.org or call 757-595-1399.

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A spooky yet helpful Halloween article published in the Daily Press last week.

October 22, 2012

Leslie Magner

Community Outreach Coordinator, Peninsula SPCA

757-595-1399 ext 104

leslie@peninsulaspca.org

Newport News, VA- Keep your pets safe this Halloween season.  Halloween can be fun and festive for children however, it can be stressful and frightening for pets.  Scaredy cats have a right to be nervous around strange sounds, scents and people, especially in costumes.  Follow these Halloween pet safety tips and protect your pet. 

• Keep your pets indoors on Halloween night, especially black cats.  Animals are at risk of animal cruelty by Halloween pranksters.
• Spooky decorations and electrical lights are popular during the Halloween season. Exposed decorative wires are a serious hazard to pets.  If chewed, your pet could suffer cuts or burns, or possibly a life-threatening electrical shock.  Keep all wires undercover and out of reach.   
• Carving pumpkins and Jack-O’- Lanterns are festive, but use caution if used with a lit candle.  Wagging tails or frightened cats could easily knock over pumpkins and start a fire, or risk suffering from a burn injury.
• For many people “Halloween” translates into “candy.”  Candy is for trick-or-treaters, not four-legged pets.  Chocolate is very toxic & could be fatal.  Candies, gums, mints, baked goods and chocolate containing the "sugar free" sweetener xylitol are especially poisonous and fatal.  Fido and Sassy love their pet treats anyway.  The Peninsula Emergency Veterinary Clinic offers 24 hours/7 days a week emergency and critical care for pets.  Call 757-874-8115 immediately for emergency assistance. 
• Cute pet costumes seem to be everywhere during Halloween, but be careful when choosing a costume for your pet.  Some pets are very uncomfortable wearing pet clothing causing discomfort and stress.  If he/she seems comfortable, make sure the costume does not limit the pet’s ability to breathe, hear, move or hinder his/her ability to bark or meow.   
• Be aware of detachable objects hanging from costumes that he/she could possibly choke on.  Pets can chew and swallow an object causing an upset stomach and intestinal obstruction.  Also make sure the costume fits correctly and will not become twisted or caught by another object causing injury. 
• Continuous doorbell ringing may cause anxiety.  Make sure to keep your pet in a safe room and this also prevents the pet from becoming lost by bolting out the door.
• Can I see your ID?  Be sure to securely attach ID tags to your pets’ collar and microchip your pet to increase the chance to reunite with your furry family member.

Play it safe and Halloween can be a fun time for kids and pets.  If any acts of animal cruelty are seen or suspected, please call your local animal control, (757) 595-PETS (7387). 

Celebrate Howl-O-Ween with families, pets and The Peninsula SPCA at Poochapalooza this Saturday, October 27, 2012 from 1-4 p.m. at the Ridgeway Bark Park.

Have a safe and Happy Howl-O-ween!

For more information, contact Leslie Magner, Community Outreach Coordinator at 595-1399 ext 104 or leslie@peninsulaspca.org.      

Keep your pet safe during Hurricane Sandy!

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Hurricane Sandy will be here Sunday!  Be ready by using the tips below:

IDs, please!

·    Make sure your pet is wearing an up-to-date and visible ID tag on a secure collar or harness.

Stock up.

·    Stock a 5-day supply of food and water for your pet.

·    Remember bowls and manual can openers for your dog or cat.

·    Buy an extra gallon of water just in case.

·    Keep all pet medications in a waterproof container, records and pet first aid kits together. 

·    Stock up on cat litter and cleaning supplies for your cat’s litter box.

·    Keep poop bags handy for clean up.

·    Help keep your pet calm with a comfortable and familiar blanket, toys or treats.

Get a Rescue Alert Sticker for your home.

·    Rescue workers will be alerted that there are pets in your home.

·    You should include the number and types of pets present, as well as your veterinarian’s contact information.

Choose a safe haven.

·    First, decide which room in your home will be the safest spot to ride out the storm.

Evacuation plans.

·    Make sure you have a copy of your pet's shot records and pictures with you for shelter admission.

·    Contact animal control in Newport News and Poquoson at 595-7387; Hampton at 727-6111 and York County at 890-3601 for evacuation plans and pet-friendly shelters. 

·    Call hotels and motels outside the immediate area for pet-friendly policies so you and your pet have reservations in case of evacuation.

·    Contact friends and family for pet evacuation arrangements.

Stay indoors.  

·    At the first sign of danger, bring your pets indoors and keep them with you.

Remember: If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet!

·    Keep your pet with you at all times.

Finish Hurricane Sandy prep disaster shopping by Saturday and keep your pets safe. 

5K & 10K Run- Register Online Today!

Celebrity Status

All the cool kids are doing it—SPCA style.

It’s not just the average Americans that are adopting pets from the SPCA. Some celebrities save lives as well when they get their dogs and cats from the SPCA and other animal shelters.

The Canadian teenage heartthrob Justin Bieber adopted a Papillion mix named Sam, and his girlfriend Selena Gomez followed suite shortly after by rescuing a husky mix pup named Baylor from an animal rescue center in Canada.

Justin Bieber with his Papillion Mix Sammi

Other celebrities who have chosen to adopt four-legged pals from shelters include Jane Lynch, who adopted a Dalmatian mix named Francis in December of 2011. George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Mischa Barton, and Adam Brody are among a surprisingly large list of actors and actresses that have chosen to save a life and adopt from an animal shelter or SPCA.

Although your dog might not have the same celebrity status as Norman, the corgi terrier mix, you can still follow in Jennifer Aniston’s footsteps by stopping by the Peninsula SPCA today and finding the perfect pet to pamper! 

CNU Students Give Back to SPCA

As part of Christopher Newport University’s 5^th annual 2012 Day of Service, over 475 CNU students, faculty and staff spent part of the day in over 50 Newport News organizations, donating their time and giving back to the community. Seven of those students took a trip to the Peninsula SPCA.

They arrived at eight AM sharp and were prepped for their task by volunteer coordinator Darcy Morel. Large carts filled with newspapers appeared before them. Their job: to unfold them properly and create a reserve of newspapers. The newspapers are used to line each animal’s cage in the SPCA and have to be changed several times a day, so getting them ready for use is of the utmost importance.

The reserve pile was created because the Daily Press has stopped printing in Newport News and has moved to Richmond, so the SPCA’s supply of newspapers is running low. Help was needed to ensure the pile was stocked to its fullest, and the CNU volunteers worked hard all morning and did an amazing job! Afterwards, they were given a tour of the facility and got a feel for being around wagging tails and happy cats!

The Peninsula SPCA is always in need of more volunteers. Here’s what you need to know :

•        SPCA stands for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
•          The Peninsula SPCA is the sole provider for homeless animals in the Peninsula
•          Their mission: to advocate and provide for the humane care and welfare of all animals and find a loving home for every orphaned pet in the community. 
•       The Peninsula SPCA also has an Petting Zoo.

Here’s what YOU can do to help:

•          Join the Animal Care Team if you are interested in working with cats, dogs, and barnyard animals and providing care.  You must be 20 years old to handle dogs.
•          Join the Adoption Team to assist potential adopters in choosing a match, welcoming guests to the SPCA, and taking pictures of the pets to put online
•          Become a Foster Care Provider and take home a pet for a few weeks who is not quite ready to be adopted and give them the care that they need
•          Join the Shelter Spirit and Auxiliary Team and work at special off-site events, fundraising events, and assist in teaching animal care and service to the community.

Your help is needed every day. If volunteering at the SPCA is something you’re interested in, visit http://www.peninsulaspca.org/newvolunteer.htm today. Every volunteer makes a difference in an animal’s life. Everyday matters.

Go for a run!

Thinking of trying to race a 5 or 10K and don’t think you can do it alone? The Peninsula SPCA is here to provide you with the perfect running buddy, and this one has a tail and positive attitude.

So why run with a four-legged partner instead of a two-legged human? For one, dogs won’t judge. You can run at your own pace, breath as obnoxiously as you want, sweat as profusely as possible, and your dog will remain content. Also, no need to worry about holding a conversation while you’re trying to seem like you’re not gasping for air.

Dogs aren’t worried about how many calories you’ve burned, how fast you ran that last mile, or what your form looks like. Running with a dog allows you to have the freedom to take your mind off of the stress and focus on putting one paw, or one foot, in front of the other for as long as you like.

You’ll also grow closer to your dog. Spending an hour on the trail, side by side, and conking out on the couch together post-workout will strengthen the bond you have so that he or she will never leave your side and will always be begging for another trip outside, which in turn keeps you more active.

               

It’s not a good idea to take very young or old dogs with you on any kind of run. Runners World magazine recommends that puppies be between nine and sixteen months old before they venture out for a jog. Also, before you strap on your sneakers and take your dog out, make sure she or he is healthy and capable of being active for a long period of time in extreme hot or cold weather. Start off slow, building up miles or minutes gradually over a few weeks. Use a leash and keep your dog within three feet of you during the run. When encountering people on a trail, Christie Aschwanden, contributing writer for Runners World magazine, suggests that you pull off to the side to let them pass without interacting with your dog. Lastly, make sure your dog stays hydrated and cool during the summer.

The following breeds of dogs are perfect for all different types of runs:

1.       Long, steady runs (over  10 miles): dogs with a medium build, such as Weimaraners, Goldendoodles, and German shorthaired pointers

2.       Runs shorter than a 10K: Sprinting dogs with a muscular, lean build such as Greyhounds, beagles and pitbulls

3.       Long, slow runs: dogs with bigger bodies, such as dalmatians and labrador retrievers

4.       Running on trails: calm, obedient, people-friendly dogs like labradoodles, golden retrievers and border collies.

For the complete list of different running dog breeds, visit http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-527--13611-0,00.html

To find your perfect running buddy, visit http://www.peninsulaspca.org/petango/ or stop by the Peninsula SPCA today to see all of our adoptable pets. You may find a dog that fits your running lifestyle completely..

Bindy- Available for Adoption

Hi, I'm Bindy! I'm a 3 1/2 year old female. I am a secret admirer and my color is purple; part of ASPCA Meet Your Match Feline-ality. I came to the Peninsula SPCA as a stray and I'm hoping to find a new loving family. I will be your secret admirer! Take your Meet Your Match Feline-ality survey online today!

97.3 The Eagle radio personality, Stephanie Taylor soothes her cats on their way to the vet with a specialized musical CD.  Her car no longer sounds like a Meow Mix commercial!  

Hello Bargain Shoppers,

Join us for a couponing class with “Frugal” Jena, Wednesday, June 27, 6:00 p.m. here at The Peninsula SPCA.  Jena will provide a 30 page couponing tutorial booklet to help you maximize your savings!  Admission is $10 for registered couponers and $20 for non-registrants (just in case friends ask/want to attend with you).  Please bring your payment in cash, check or credit card to the class that evening.
Click here to register for Frugal Jena's couponing class.
Click here to enter "Couponing For Paws SPCA Challenge"

For more information, contact Leslie Magner, Community Outreach Coordinator, 757-595-1399 ext 104 or leslie@peninsulaspca.org.  

New Couponing for Paws SPCA Challenge 

Newport News, VA- The Peninsula SPCA is seeking couponers of every skill level to enter the new “Couponing for Paws SPCA Challenge” for the animals. This challenge welcomes participants to clip those coupons for the animals. “Couponing for Paws SPCA Challenge” will open early registration online at www.peninsulaspca.org  on Thursday, June 7^th, 2012 at 9 a.m. and registration is free.

The early registration will allow our participants to prepare their couponing strategy before the official launch of “Couponing for Paws SPCA Challenge” on Monday, July 9, 2012 and end on Friday, August 3, 2012 at 5 p.m.  The registrants that enter the challenge will start their shopping for the animals.

Couponers will bring donations into the Peninsula SPCA and earnings will be recorded every Friday until Friday, August 3, 2012.  Two winners will be decided in two categories.  First, by calculating the total retail value of product donated.  Secondly, the greatest overall savings of product donated.  One winner for each category will win TWO free human tickets to Fur Ball 2013 ($500 value) at the Hampton Roads Convention Center February 2, 2013.  Valid store receipts must be submitted with donations and all donations are tax deductible for participants.  

The Peninsula SPCA is always in need of everyday supplies for daily operations including paper towels, cleaning products, trash bags, laundry detergent, and office supplies.  Most importantly, the Peninsula SPCA is always in need of dog and cat food, kitten and puppy chow, canned food, cat litter, and delicious treats for our animals.  A donation wish list will be posted weekly with up-to-date needed supplies online at www.peninsulaspca.org. 

“The Peninsula Community is very supportive in donating many items for our animals. However, we have hundreds of cats and dogs in our care daily. We may go through 1,000 lbs. of dog food in any given week and approximately 250 lbs. of cat litter in a day.  This challenge was created to encourage a fun way to donate items for animals!” says Vicki Rowland, Director of Marketing and Programs.

For more information, contact Leslie Magner, Community Outreach Coordinator at 595-1399 ext 104 or leslie@peninsulaspca.org.

Busch Gardens' Happy Tails

Happy Tails is a new program that provides two complimentary single-day tickets to Busch Gardens for every successful dog or cat adoption from the Peninsula SPCA.  The Peninsula SPCA wants to take that extra step to say we appreciate the community’s choice to adopt from our shelter.           

Busch Gardens incorporates a variety of shelter animals in its wildly popular "More Pet Shenanigans" show. Through daily performances, the park’s animal trainers show what is possible when working with these ambassadors of their breed.

”We are pleased to work with an organization like the Peninsula SPCA that is so dedicated to the well-being of animals in the Hampton Roads community. Our goal with the Happy Tails program is to encourage adoption of these great animals that need a loving home,” said Jay Tacey, Busch Gardens’ zoological manager.

Tickets will be issued at The Peninsula SPCA the day of adopting their new family member.  Admission vouchers are good for one year from issue date and Christmas Town admission is excluded.  

Click Here For More Happy Tails

Have Fun Helping the Animals

Looking for fun things to do in Hampton Roads this month? How about fun things to do that also benefit animals? The Peninsula SPCA is still selling tickets to the 2012 Paws For A Cause Dog Walk & Festival on May 20th 2012. The festival and walk will be held from 12-4pm at the Mariner's Museum Park, located at 100 Museum Drive in Newport News, Virginia. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.peninsulaspca.org/dogwalk/.

You can also still purchase your Paws For A Cause Raffle tickets and be entered to win an amazing trip to the Grand Bahamas! This trip, worth $2,600, includes a week long stay at Island Seas Resort in the Grand Bahamas. You could also win a Toni Henkel Designer handbag, worth $445, a Holman's Photography Package worth $400, a Mrs. Bones Collar and Leash set worth $100, a gift basket of toys and treats worth $50, and a Nautical Dog Treat with Gift Certificates worth $32.50. Any of these prizes could be yours for only a $5 raffle ticket! Buy your ticket today at https://peninsulaspca.wufoo.com/forms/2012-paws-for-a-cause-dog-walk-and-festival-raffle/.

Still looking for something fun to do while helping the animals? Consider Yappy Hour at the Red Star Tavern in City Center of Newport News. This event will take place on May 17th beginning at 7pm. All proceeds will benefit the Peninsula SPCA Paws For A Cause fundraiser.

 Have fun while you help the animals!

Win Tickets to Cesar Millan

Do you need help or inspiration on how to better connect and communicate with your dog?

Do you love to watch the TV show "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan?

You can now win two pairs of tickets to see Cesar Millan, the world-renowned dog behavior specialist and co-creator and star of the popular television show, "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan"!

See Cesar Millan in person on April 7 at 8pm and learn how to be the pack leader and other useful tips!

Even better, you can win two pairs of tickets from the Peninsula SPCA!



Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Tickets may be puchased by phone, online or feel free to stop by the Peninsula SPCA at J. Clyde Morris Blvd in Newport News.

Tickets will be available for pickup at the Peninsula SPCA Friday, April 6, until 6:00 p.m. or Saturday, April 7 from 10 - 6:00 p.m.

For more information regarding Cesar Millan tickets, call Leslie Magner at 595-1399 ext 104.

Stuck in Limbo

Limbo is a second timer here at the Peninsula SPCA, but through no fault of his own! We wish we could say that after coming to the shelter for the first time, Limbo was adopted by a wonderful family and is happily adored in his new home. We thought, and Limbo thought, after being adopted the first time, that he was on his way to his forever home.

However, Limbo was dealt yet another blow in his short life when he was brought in to the Peninsula SPCA as a stray after he was adopted. We waited for his adopter to come claim him, but they never showed. Now poor Limbo is stuck back in limbo again, hoping that his next adoper is the one that will keep him safe and loved forever!

Please give this puppy a chance! Limbo is such a fun, playful young dog. He will be the perfect companion for the owner who likes to take lots of walks and make new human and dog friends at the dog park!

Limbo is just over a year old and is a medium sized black and white American Pit Bull Terrier, so he is very open to training and he is young enough to forget his dissapointing start in life. Please come take Limbo out of limbo and give him the chance he deserves!

Razz and Piston

Looking for a little love? I may be small but I've got a lot of puppy love to give to my forever owner! My name is Piston and I am a 5 year old male Dachshund looking for someone to take me home today!



I know I'm on the short side, so if you decide you're looking for a bigger dog, you should check out my friend, Razz!



Razz is a 3 year old black Labrador Retriever with a HUGE heart! He's a big boy so you'll need to have lots of room for him and somewhere for him to play. If you think you can give Razz or me, Piston, a loving home, please come visit us today!

Fur Ball 2012!

Fur Ball is back!

On Saturday, February 4th, 2012, from 6-11pm, grab your sweetheart and your pet for a romantic evening of dining and cocktails at the Hampton Roads Convention Center to raise money for the orphaned animals on the Peninsula.

Your pets will strut their stuff during the Parade of Pets, enjoy treats at the "Muttini" bar, and be pampered at the Pet Plaza. Pet Escort volunteers will provide one-on-one care and entertainment for your pet throughout the event and you and your pet will receive a special gift bag to remember the evening.

Pet lovers will also enjoy complimentary cocktails, dancing, live music by Slapwater and Norfolk Public Schools Strolling Silver Strings, and a silent and live auction.

Don't miss out on this evening of fun! Visit http://www.peninsulaspca.org/furball/details.html for more details and to buy tickets!