Peninsula SPCA

Razz and Piston

2012-01-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

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!

2012-01-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-12-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

Check out Buddy and Anna on the Z104 blog and learn all about the upcoming Fur Ball!

http://blogs.z104.com/anna/

Buddy is a golden lab that would work well with an energetic family with older children that like to play. He would love to have a large yard to run around in and he's a very sweet dog who loves people. Buddy is neutered, has all of his shots, and comes with a collar and a leash. Why not come see Buddy today at the Peninsula SPCA?

The Fur Ball will be held Saturday, February 4th, at the Hampton Convention Center. Dress up for a night of fun with your favorite pet and participate in silent and live auctions to benefit the pets!

It's Cold Outside!

2011-11-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

It's getting cold outside! This weather makes me think of hot chocolate, curling up in front of a fireplace, and wrapping up in a big blanket since my skin just isn't thick enough for these colder temperatures!

This weather also makes me very jealous of these two dogs and their nice, thick winter coats!

First is Juno, a 5 year old female Siberian Husky. Her beautiful black and white coat keeps her warm all winter long, and she would love to snuggle up with you and share the warmth! She also loves to go on walks or lay in a warm house and keep you company.

Next is Gramps, a loveable 8 year old male Shiba Inu Mix with a face that just begs you to take him home! He's very smart and calm and loves to hang out with you wherever you go!

Please come visit our warm and furry friends today at the Peninsula SPCA!

A Handsome Storm Has Rolled In!

2011-10-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Meet Storm, a wonderful, handsome one-year-old yellow labrador retriever mix! Storm is a pleasure to have around and is a gentle, sweet, obediant animal who just wants to hang out with you all day. If you're looking for a happy-go-lucky young dog with expressive white eyebrows, this is your dog!

Storm loves to play fetch and once he's tired, he likes to nap and sometimes even sleep with a toy or tennis ball between his paws like a teddy bear! Very much like a teddy bear himself, Storm is just as content to lay at your feet while you work or watch TV. His only wish is that you let him follow you around and keep you company.

Storm is a really calm young dog,very gentle when accepting treats, and is friendly and happy when meeting strangers. He sits and lays down on command and is very treat motivated.. Storm is a dog used to being loved and adored by his humans, so please come visit Storm today and take this perfect pet home with you!

Happy First Day of Autumn!

2011-09-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Happy First Day of Autumn!

The leaves will start to turn soon, the weather will start to get a little crisper, and excitement for holidays will begin to build! Most humans will be thrilled to get away from the heat of summer, and most animals will be happy to get outside more as well! However, animals can be more sensitive to the weather, so please keep an eye on all of your pets to make sure they're adjusting well to the changing weather.

Along with the entrance of Autumn comes several seasonal dangers to look out for. The following tips are taken from the ASPCA's website at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/autumn-safety-tips.aspx.

"Autumn Safety Tips"

"The use of rodenticides increases in the fall as rodents seek shelter from the cooler temperatures by attempting to move indoors. Rodenticides are highly toxic to pets—if ingested, the results could be fatal. If you must use these products, do so with extreme caution and put them in places inaccessible to your pets.

It’s back-to-school time, and those of you with young children know that means stocking up on fun items like glue sticks, pencils and magic markers. These items are considered “low toxicity” to pets, which means they’re unlikely to cause serious problems unless large amounts are ingested. However, since gastrointestinal upset and blockages certainly are possible, be sure your children keep their school supplies out of paw’s reach.

Training tip: If you and your pooch haven’t been active outdoors in a while because of the summer heat, do some remedial recall training. Dogs, like people, get rusty on their skills if they aren't using them.

Fall and spring and are mushroom seasons. While 99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic (PDF) can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Unfortunately, most of the highly toxic mushrooms are difficult to distinguish from the nontoxic ones, so the best way to keep pets from ingesting poisonous mushrooms is to keep them away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately if you witness your pet eating a wild mushroom.

In order to generate body heat, pets who exercise heavily outdoors, or who live outdoors, should be given more food during colder seasons. Make sure horses and other outdoor animals have access to clean, fresh water that is not frozen.

Autumn is the season when snakes who are preparing for hibernation may be particularly “grumpy,” increasing the possibility of severe bites to those unlucky pups who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet owners should know what kinds of venomous snakes may be in their environment—and where these snakes are most likely to be found—so they can keep pets out of those areas.

Many people choose fall as the time to change their car’s engine coolant. Ethylene glycol-based coolants are highly toxic, so spills should be cleaned up immediately. Consider switching to propylene glycol-based coolants—though they aren’t completely nontoxic, they are much less toxic than other engine coolants."

We'd love for you to share your own Autumn tips to keeping pets healthy!

Tiggers Are Wonderful Things

2011-09-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

"Tiggers are cuddly fellows
Tiggers are awfully sweet
Everyone else is jealous
That's why I repeat
The wonderful thing about Tiggers
Is Tiggers are wonderful things!"

Our first adoptable Tigger is a six-year-old domestic shorthair mix. He's a smaller-sized cat that just overflows with friendliness. He's orange with splotches of white on his face and what a charming face he has!

Our second adoptable Tigger is an eight-month-old female domestic with medium hair length. She's brown and white striped and small for now, but she is still young! She would make a wonderful, loving addition to your home!

Venti Mocha

2011-09-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

Looking for something sweet in your life? Something that will warm you when you're cold? Need something to wake you up in the morning and put you in a good mood for the rest of your day?

The answer isn't Starbucks coffee or espresso. The answer is mocha!

Mocha is a "venti"-sized two-year old Labrador Retriever mix that is available at the Peninsula SPCA. Her honey brown eyes and beautiful coloring will give you that warm full feeling in your heart! She'll gently wake you up in the morning, love on you until you leave, and welcome you back exuberently when you return!

Please come visit our beautiful Mocha today!

Spooky Friend at the SPCA

2011-09-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

Still a month away but Halloween is coming early to the Peninsula this year! Grocery stores are already stocking candy for the big night, magazines emblazoned with Jack-O-Lantern carving ideas and costumes stock the shelves. Can anyone escape this pre-Halloween madness? Why would you want to!

Here at the Peninsula SPCA, we're excited for Halloween too and we have our very own Spook!

Spook is a one and a half year old hound mix that's waiting to be adopted. He's not very big, a medium sized dog with a big personality! He's all our favorite fall colors, black, brown, and gold. We promise he'll sneak into your heart just like a friendly ghost! Please come visit Spook today at the Peninsula SPCA!

Preparing For The Storm

2011-08-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend is supposed to be wild and windy with just a dash of hurricane rain thrown in. You've packed a bag, bought bottled water, and made sure you have enough food for several days in case the power goes out or you have to evacuate. But have you made sure that your pets will be safe?

Everyone should have a pet plan for disasters. We've all seen the heartbreaking pictures and videos of Katrina pets that were either left behind to weather the storm, or were wandering about lost because they no longer had a home to hide in. We don't want any of our beloved pets being left to fend for themselves.

Below is the Peninsula SPCA's Pet Checklist. Please read this plan and prepare for the worst-and make sure you keep your pets safe.

Pet Emergency Supply Kit Check List

-Food
Keep at least three days of food in an airtight waterproof container.

-Water
Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets.

-Medicines and medical records
Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.

-First aid kit
Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.

-Collar with ID Tag, harness, or leash
Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit. Also, include copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag.

-Crate or other pet carrier
Provide a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.

-Sanitation
Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and cleaner.

-A picture of you and your pet together
A picture of you and your pet together will help document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.

-Familiar Items
Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

www.peninsulaspca.org

What's in a Name?

2011-08-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to rescue and find the home of a very sweet, very old gray poodle. When I picked him up, he was walking (not running) down a very busy street, was slightly bowlegged, and once I was able to see his face, noticed that he had cataracts and probably couldn't see very well. He also was not wearing a collar and had no tags.

Thankfully, I was able to drive around the neighborhood and knock on doors until I found his home, with an equally old, very nice man who had accidentally left his gate open. Apparently, this little poodle is more than 15 years old and has arthritis. He likely would never have found his way back home (especially since he was headed in the wrong direction when I picked him up) and he likely would have been hit by a car that he wasn't able to see.

The most important aspect of this story is how much easier and less stressful for this old dog this whole process would have been if he had been wearing a collar with tags. Even just a tag with a phone number would have eliminated hours of effort spent knocking on doors and driving around showing this dog to different people. If I hadn't been able to find his home, it may have been very hard to find this loveable old dog a home if he had ended up at the shelter.

PLEASE put some kind of collar and identification tag on your pet! Pets are sneaky creatures who regularly learn to open doors, dig holes under the fence, and squeeze through impossible places to get loose. No matter how careful an owner you are, accidents do happen and pets do end up walking along busy roads trying to find home.

Tags are available at most major stores, including WALMART, pet stores, and online. They're available in a wide array of colors, styles, and scripts, but these tags are SO important for the safety of your pet.

Unfortunately, this reminder is coming too late for some dogs, like the ones below. They were found as strays or brought into the SPCA and brought to the Peninsula SPCA looking for their new homes with responsible pet owners who will keep collars and tags on these animals and will do their best to never allow them to get permanently lost again. Please come visit these animals and give them a better home!

Alfonso is a 3-year old Terrier/Pit Bull Mix who loves to give doggie kisses! He's a big red dog with a big heart just looking for someone to love!

Hops is a 2-year old Plott Hound who just loves to run and play! He would do well with an active person who loves having company on runs, walks, bike rides, or who just likes to play fetch!

Please come visit our wonderful animals today!

The SPCA's Shadow!

2011-08-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

Look behind you...can you see your shadow?

On wonderfully sunny days, when all is right in the world, your shadow will stand out the most-following your every move and mimicking your every step. And if your shadow is anything like the shadows that the Peninsula SPCA has, your shadow may also be a little shorter, a little darker, and a lot playful!

Shadow the cat is a 2 year old domestic shorthair mix. He's a small cat who likes to follow his people around as if he were their own personal shadow. He's would make a wonderful companion for someone who wants a quiet little cat interested in everything they do!

Shadow the dog is a 2 year old purebred Labrador Retriever with a big happy grin! She's a smaller retriever with an over-sized loving personality! Unfortunately, Shadow was picked up as a stray and brought to the Peninsula SPCA. She has a lot of energy and would love for her new family to have a big fenced in backyard where she can run and play. Please come down to the Peninsula SPCA today to meet this sweet girl!

Keep Your Pet Safe!

2011-08-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

So this past week, I was watching a friend's puppy while she was out of town. Watching the dog play in the backyard, I saw him pick up some kind of fruit and just carry it around. Although he didn't eat it or break the fruit's skin, it occurred to me that maybe I should look up what kinds of fruits are toxic to dogs. Lo and behold, the seeds of that fruit were! Thankfully, I got the fruit away from him before he could eat any of it, but this knowledge scared me enough to look up some other toxic foods and plants that can adversely affect your pet.

Below I've provided a list of some foods that many pet owners probably don't realize are poisonous for their pets. Please keep a careful lookout for your pet's health! So many things that people can eat and be around are very dangerous for your pets!

Apples
Apricots
Cherries
Peaches
Plums
Yeast Dough
Alcohol
Baking Poweder and Baking Soda
Chocolate
Cocoa Powder, Coffee Grounds and Beans, and Nutmeg
Onions and garlic
Mushrooms
Raisins
Grapes
Macadamia Buts
Baby Food
Fish Bones
Cat Food
Fat trimmings
Milk and Dairy products
Raw eggs
Raw fish

Tulips
Hyacinth
Daffodil
Peach Lily
Easter Cactus
Easter Daisy
Easter Orchid
Azalea
Rhododendron

Please make sure you keep your backyard and your home safe for your pets! Do the research and remember to only give your pets labeled pet food and treats. Making this a routine will help your pet live longer so you can enjoy them!

Information taken from http://www.dog-first-aid-101.com/toxic-foods.html and http://www.entirelypets.com/toxicplants.html

Clever Dogs

2011-08-05T07:31:00.000-07:00

“If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them.”- Phil Pastoret

Dogs are so smart and they show us everyday just how clever they are! Young and old, big and small, dogs know what they want and they will figure out just how to get it!

The dogs at the Peninsula SPCA know what they want and what they want is a forever home!

They're putting on their best behavior and most clever plans to charm and woo you into bringing them home and loving them forever!

Please come visit our clever smart dogs, like Amil and Corgster, today!

Amil

Corgster

Life's Real Riches

2011-08-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to be rich? Have you ever despaired over the possessions that you own and wished you could find what you really needed to make you happy?

Louis Sabin once said "“No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich," and here at the Peninsula SPCA, we know that he's right!

If you've been looking for true happiness and wealth that can never be lost, no matter how bad the economy gets, please come visit our wonderful dogs, like Anna and Red Bone, today at the Peninsula SPCA.

Anna

Red Bone

Peninnsula SPCA Photo Contest!

2011-08-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Events

2011-07-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

There are so many awesome events coming up soon that benefit the Peninsula SPCA! Please come by and support the Peninsula SPCA at our upcoming and ongoing events:

Monday, July 25th-July 31st at Green Gates Gifts, Furniture & Accessories
Green Gates Gifts, Furniture & Accessories is holding a pet food drive benefitting the Peninsula SPCA and the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society. Please come drop off your donations before July 31st then come on July 31st from 12-3pm to visit with the adoptable animals!

Saturday, August 6 from 6:00pm - 11:00pm at the Hampton Roads Block Party
The Hampton Roads Block Party with have a beer truck with all purchases going to benefit the Peninsula SPCA! Come out to enjoy good food, good music, and of course, have a drink to help the animals!

Saturday, August 13 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm at The Dog Laundry
The Dog Laundry will be holding an adoption event benefiting the Peninsula SPCA! Please come out and visit the animals and show your support! The Dog Laundry is located at 10190C Warwick Blvd Newport News, Virginia.

Hope to see you all soon at these events!

Benji Needs A Home!

2011-07-19T07:50:00.001-07:00

Like the legendary dog hero beloved by a town who was looking for his permanent home, the Peninsula SPCA has their own Benji looking for his permanent home!

Sharing thier fluffy, brown coats, the original Benji was a mutt, but our available Benji is a 2 year 5 month old purebred Lhasa Apso male.

Unlike the original Benji, the Peninsula SPCA's Benji would do best in a permannent home without very small children who would pull on his tail and try to rough house. Since he is a small dog, Benji would get along best with a mature family who knows how to treat him with respect.

Please come visit Benji today!

You Ain't Nothin But A Hound Dog!

2011-07-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Here at the Peninsula SPCA, we've got some wonderful hound dogs! Sadly, they've been unable to follow their noses home, but we're hoping the Peninsula SPCA can do what their noses can't!

Skean is a beautiful purebread beagle. He's only 4 years old and is such a charmer!

Harley is a 5 year old brown and white beagle mix and she has the sweetest, most soulful eyes! Just look at that please-take-me-home-with-you face! How can you resist?

Flicka is a 7 year old purebred hound that is just baying for her forever home! She's so laid back and easy going, she would fit in to any home and make someone a wonderful pet!

Please come visit our hounds today! They've waited long enough for their forever homes, and you have the ability to take them home forever.

Peninsula SPCA’s 2011 Pet Photo Contest

2011-07-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

Do you have the cutest pet ever? Of course you do! Submit your pet's cutest picture online now and have your friends and family vote for your amazing pet. Your pet can win a "centerfold" in our 2012 Peninsula SPCA Calendar. And the best part....all the money raised will help the Peninsula SPCA care for the thousands of homeless animals received each year.

All pictures submitted will have an opportunity to be in the 2012 Peninsula SPCA's calendar! The top 5 cat pictures and the top 5 dog pictures (as determined by the amount of votes received) will be featured in the 2012 calendar. The top 3 winning pictures will win special prizes, including tickets to our 2012 Furball event and Peninsula SPCA Think.Adopt.Love product line clothing. To upload pictures and vote will require a minimum tax-deductible donation.

(See rules for additional prizes and contest details)

To submit your pet's photo:

Go to http://www.360photocontest.com/101.
1. Create an account.
2. Upload your picture ($10 per pet photo, 100% donation to the Peninsula SPCA).
3. Share the picture with your friends and ask them to vote.

To vote for a pet photo:

1. Create an account.

2. Click on the entry you would like to vote for. The search function allows you to search by owner name or pet name ($1 per vote, minimum 5 votes).
3. Vote for the pet photo. Be sure to share with friends and family!

Thank you for participating in the Peninsula SPCA's online pet photo contest. We wish all the pets good luck and may the best pet win! Don't forget to share your pet's photo on SPCA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PeninsulaSPCA.

The Peninsula SPCA's Blue Dogs

2011-07-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

All of the dogs and cats at the Peninsula SPCA are listed according to their breed, age, and color. These colors are normally very typical, like red or black or brown. But have you ever seen our blue dogs?

Ok, so we didn't dye our dog's fur blue, but they're both named Blue!

Blue (top) is an extra large red hound mix with a really fun attitude! He's three years old and such a happy guy that would love to go home with you today.

Blue (bottom) is a one year old labrador retriever who is in need of some love. He's a little on the skinny side with a shiny black coat but he'll be a beautiful animal once he's gained a little weight. He just needs someone to feed him regularly, bring him on walks, and give him treats!

Please come visit Blue and Blue today!

The Furriest of Them All!

2011-07-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all you need at the end of the day is a warm furry pet to hold on to! Sleek and short hair can be nice to the touch, but that thick fur you can just sink your hand into for a good belly rub is sometimes just what you need!

Here are some of our furriest canines at the Peninsula SPCA!

Quincy

Quincy is a 4 year old purebred Australian Shepherd. He's got a beautiful thick white and black coat that he loves to have brushed!

Jeezy

Jeezy is a 3 year old male rottweiler that is a big lazy boy! He's perfectly happy laying beside you while you watch TV.

Barney

Barney is a 5.5 year old German Shepherd mix. His favorite activity is to be taken out on a walk, but he's so laid back, he'll be up to anything!

Please come and visit all of our furry friends today at the Peninsula SPCA.

Cuddly Kittens!

2011-06-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

So yesterday's blog talked about why its wonderful to own a Senior aged pet. Today we want to talk about kittens!

Everyone knows how sweet and cuddly kittens are, and the Peninsula SPCA kittens are no exception!

Come meet our wonderful kittens today and start a lifetime of love!

Booster

Booster is a 4 month old domestic shorthair. He's already housetrained and is very curious!

Weezy

Weezy is an 11 month old domestic shorthair whose owner was not able to keep him. He's black and white and sweet all over!

Zig Zag

Zig Zag is another sweet black and white domestic shorthair kitten whose 11 months old. He loves to play and will follow you with toys all around the house!

Please come visit our available kittens and all of our other cats in the cat room at the Peninsula SPCA!

Cats for the Golden Years

2011-06-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever considered adopting a senior pet? June is Adopt-A-Cat-Month, but many still forget about the older pets that have given a lifetime of loyalty and love to their owners and, sadly, have still ended up stranded at the Peninsula SPCA for reasons like their owners moving, falling on hard times, or the arrival of new pets or children. These pets don't deserve to spend the rest of their years at a shelter but many of these animals never get adopted just because of their age.

An older cat is a ready-made pet that just needs a home. There is normally no behavioral training or litterbox training, just a perfectly well-mannered cat ready to blend in with your lifestyle. Dottie Pepper is one of these older cats.

Dottie Pepper is an 11 year old Domestic Shorthair with beautiful green eyes. Her owners had to move and were not able to bring her along, so Dottie Pepper ended up at the Peninsula SPCA. She's a beautiful cat with many more years left in her if only the right family would come take her home. She's very calm and loves to have her owner pet her. She'll happily wait all day for you to come home and then will plant herself at your feet or next to your chair just to be near you. She would also make a wonderful companion for an older family looking to share their lives with a cat in need.

Ipso is another older cat available at the Peninsula SPCA for adoption. He's a 10 year old Domestic Shorthair with a glossy black coat. As laid back as you could ask for, Ipso is the perfect ready-made pet for any family.

Please consider giving a senior cat a home this month and any month. They've shown their loyalty and their love for their owners in the past-please give them a chance to give you their best in their golden years!

Not Your Everyday Dog or Cat

2011-06-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Interested in a dog or cat that not just anyone has? Want to give a home to a dog or cat that's not seen every day on the street? We've got just the pet for you!

Minky is our Siamese cat, currently for adoption in the cat room at the Peninsula SPCA. She's 6 years old and very calm and collected-she's patiently waiting for her forever family to come along!

Roxy is our resident 1 and a half year old Belgian Malinois/Mix who's eager to find her forever home. She's very laid back but would do best in a home with no small children. How can you turn down that sweet smile?

Mercedes is our 4 year old Cane Corso/Mix, and once she gains some weight, she's going to be a big girl! But don't be alarmed, she's as sweet as can be and just loves being loved on. She's our gentle giant, so she does need some room, but the bigger the dog, the bigger the heart!

Come visit our cats and dogs today at the Peninsula SPCA!

It's Still Adopt-A-Cat Month!

2011-06-24T09:32:00.001-07:00

Are you artistic, unique, and looking for a cat that's a little more artsy than most? A cat that likes to wear stripes, spots, and the occasional splotch of color? Here are the Peninsula SPCA, we've got some very stylish, very fabulous colored cats! They aren't afraid to strut their spots, stripes, and splotches for all the world to see! Below are some of our featured style cats, all available for adoption today! Won't you come adopt a fabulously stylish cat to keep you company?

Meet Scion:

Precious:

And Zoey:

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month!

2011-06-20T06:10:00.000-07:00

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month!

Friday, we featured some of our black cats available for adoption during June, which is Adopt-a-cat month, so today we thought we'd show you some of our other fabulous felines!

We have yellow cats like Henry (top) and Zoi (bottom) who are sure to bring sunshine and laughter into your life.

And we also have mysterious and playful gray cats like Misty (top) and Cyrus (bottom)who will keep you guessing at what they'll do next!

Regardless of their color and breed, these cats and our many other felines are just waiting for to you to come pick them up, bring them home, and love them forever! Please come visit the cat room at the Peninsula SPCA now to see these and all of our other fabulous felines today!

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month!

2011-06-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

June is adopt-a-cat month, and here at the Peninsula SPCA, we have some fabulous cats just waiting to be wisked away in loving arms!

For the next few days, we'll feature different cats. These are only a small showing of the cats that are currently available at the SPCA! Please come by to see all of our wonderful cats that are up for adoption now.

Here are some of our black cats available for adoption. Meet our three playful kittens Pepper (Top), Coaly (Middle), and Anderson (Bottom)

To see these cats and more, come visit us today at the Peninsula SPCA!

Volunteers!

2011-06-16T11:39:00.001-07:00

We Need More Volunteers!

Our volunteers help hundreds of animals find loving homes! They’re involved in our foster care program, off-site adoption events, and they assisting potential adopters find the perfect pet companion at the Peninsula SPCA.

There are only 2 steps to follow to become a volunteer, so please sign up today!

Step 1:

Please read our volunteer requirements:

All volunteers must be 16 years of age or older to work at the SPCA. In order for our Dog Squad & Photographer volunteers to handle our dogs they must by at least 20 years old and complete our animal handling class. We have opportunities for parent and child volunteer teams, the child must be a minimum 13 years of age and accompanied by a legal guardian.

New Volunteer Fees:
1. $25 fee for individuals
2. $20 fee for students & military
3. $35 fee for parent & child teams

Volunteers’ fee is non-refundable fee (cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) to help us offset the cost of volunteer shirts, nametags, and training. Volunteers must be able to commit at least 4 hours per month. We encourage volunteers to have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination, although it is not required.

Step 2:

If you meet our volunteer requirements, then download and return our volunteer application to Ellen Leckar. Once your volunteer application has been approved, Ellen will schedule you for a volunteer orientation and tour of the Peninsula SPCA. At the volunteer orientation, Ellen will get to know you and help you to match your interests and abilities to one of our volunteer teams. Click here to check out the next volunteer orientation date.

All of the information here can also be found by going to http://www.peninsulaspca.org/newvolunteer.htm. Are you interested in volunteering at the SPCA? The next General Interest Meeting is Saturday, 25^th, 2011 @ 10:30am at the Peninsula Health District 416 J Clyde Morris Blvd Newport News, VA. To sign up for our General Interest Meetings, contact Ellen Leckar ellen@peninsulaspca.com or call 595-1399 Ext 210.

Please come volunteer with us soon!

Can You See Picses in Your Future?

2011-06-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

From Horoscope.com, the reading for the Pisces today is:

"Try not to be impatient today, Pisces. This could be one day in which you feel restless, and everything seems to take much longer than you'd like. Try your best to go with the flow. Don't get so wrapped up in making sure things happen by a certain time. Quality is more important than speed, and a peaceful mind is more efficient and productive than a stressed one."

Poor little Pisces, located right now at the Penninsula SPCA, fits this bill perfectly! She is such a sweetheart and loves attention, but she is quite impatient about finding her new forever home!

She's been waiting anxiously for her new owner to come find her and take her home, but she knows from experience that it has to be the right owner, not just anyone!

If you think you might be the right owner for Picses, please come visit her today! This little cat will fill your home with love and will follow you around just hoping that you will love her back! She's available for adoption right now in the cat room and is impatient to meet you!

Everyone loves jewelry!

2011-06-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

Looking for some bling?

Try walking around with our jewels, Diamond and Sapphire!

These flashy ladies have shiny black coats and winning smiles! Diamond is a purebred pit bull and Sapphire is a terrier pit bull mix.

Sapphire is only 8 months old and is a regular puppy. Diamond is a little older at 1 year 1 month. Her family could no longer afford to take care of her so she was surrendered. She's incredibly sweet and deserves a wonderful new home.

If you're looking for some bling that will love you unconditionally, come see our jewels! They are stunning!

We're Nuts About Pecan!

2011-06-02T11:49:00.000-07:00

We are nuts about Pecan!

She is such a fun dog and loves to run EVERYWHERE! There's just so many things to look at and smell! Her foster parents are helping her to calm down a little bit, but how can you keep a straight face and say "no" when you see that cheeky grin?

Pecan is housebroken and her favorite toys are chew toys! She is currently in foster care because of a skin condition, but she is ready to meet her adoptive family now so they can get ready to take her home!

Please come visit Pecan today and give her the chance to be nuts about you too!

The Hidden Talents of Dogs

2011-05-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, this was a hot weather Memorial Day Weekend! A big thank you to all of our troops for their service!

Maybe you went to the pool this weekend, or went out on the water to enjoy the long weekend. I went to a bar-b-que, but wow, the flies were out in full force!

I noticed them later too when I came home and wondered how I was ever going to get them all out of the house. After a few tries, I finally gave up.

About a half hour later, I noticed the dog looking at something very intently and sitting perfectly still. All of a sudden SNAP! GULP!

Who knew the dog had such secret talents like fly catching! She's hired! Although I won't be accepting any doggy kisses from her now.

If you want a dog that amuses you constantly with his or her hidden talents, come check out Precious at the Peninsula SPCA!

Precious is a 1 year old German Shepherd mix and she is a beauty! She's also very smart and will sit when you ask her to. She loves to go on walks and is very well-behaved on a leash. Come visit her today!

Tornado Injured Dog Finds His Family

2011-05-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Looking forward to a nice long Memorial Day Weekend, please don't forget about those who have lost so much in the recent storms and tornado's.

While so many people are suffering and homeless, we often forget about the animals that were left behind to fend for themselves.

Below is the heartwarming story of one such dog who went on a harrowing journey to find the family he loved.

Thu May 26, 12:31 pm ET
Article by Liz Goodwin
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110526/us_yblog_thelookout/dog-with-two-broken-legs-finds-owner-after-storm

Dog with two broken legs finds owner after storm

A scruffy Alabama terrier mix named Mason was whisked away by fierce twisters last month, prompting his owners, who lost their home in the storm, to fear the worst. But the redoubtable mutt apparently crawled back to his home days later with two broken legs in a remarkable tale of survival.

Local news outlet WBRC reports that Mason was blown away by the storm from the garage in Birmingham where he was hiding on April 27. His owners looked for him everywhere but couldn't find him. Two and a half weeks later, though, they found Mason waiting for them on their front porch when they returned to the house to look through the debris.

Workers at the Birmingham Jefferson County Animal Control shelter are now caring for Mason, since his owners say they can't take care of him while they piece their lives back together after the storm. "This is probably the most dramatic we've seen as far as an injury in an animal that's survived this long. It's kind of tapering off, the amount of animals we're seeing because of the storm. For an animal just to show up on someone's porch after this time was pretty remarkable, especially with the condition he's in," shelter worker Phil Doster told the news station.

Mason is "doing fantasic" after his May 20 surgery where metal plates were attached to his bones so they could heal, Doster told The Lookout in an email. "We are excited that he will be going back to his family and to the home where he finally returned after 3 weeks," he wrote. Mason is expected to be able to walk completely normally after he recovers in about six weeks, though his front legs will be a bit shorter than his back legs. Mason's family has requested to not be named in the media, Doster added, but they are "very excited" for Mason to come home when their house is again habitable in about five weeks.

Pets are often forgotten victims of natural disasters such as the fierce storms and tornadoes that have battered the Midwest the past few months. The Human Society of the United States has sent rescue teams to find pets in Joplin, Missouri, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and other hard-hit areas.

You can watch a video report on Mason below:

http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/25359781

(Shelter vet Dr. Barbara Benhart with Mason: WBRC)

Paws For A Cause Pictures!

2011-05-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday everyone! Are you anxiously awaiting the photos from Paws For A Cause? Well they're up! Go to our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PeninsulaSPCA to look at all our willing and reluctant models! Below are several teaser photos to whet your appetite!

Get busy looking for you and your favorite buddy, or your favorite memory from the day! There are almost 700 pictures, so you and your best friend are bound to be in a couple of them!

And why not start thinking about fundraising next year? Send these fabulous pictures to family and friends and start prepping them for donations now! It's never too early to start planning ahead for an even bigger and better (hard to believe, right?) Paws For A Cause 2012!

Espanol or English?

2011-05-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

Sit! Sientate!

Can you read what both of those say? The Peninsula SPCA's amazing dog Cheenah can! She understands and obeys both English commands and Spanish commands! How cool is that?

If you're a bilingual family or even just a Spanish or English speaking family who is looking for a unique and wonderful new pet, Cheenah is the dog for you!

Cheenah is a four year old American Pit Bull looking for a new home. Her family couldn't keep her anymore, but she knows that with her special talents she's sure to find a family soon! Come visit her today at the Peninsula SPCA!

Kaiser at Paws For A Cause

2011-05-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all of the runners/walkers/ and participants that came out to Paws For A Cause this weekend! We loved seeing you and your pets and we hope you had a fantastic time!

With your help, we were able to raise more than $50,000! You did a great job fundraising and we appreciate all your hard work!

Now those of you who came out to the event probably saw this sweetheart of a hound walking around with an "Adopt Me" vest on. This is Kaiser!

Kaiser is such a well behaved dog who loved visiting with all the other dogs yesterday. He was happy to see both dogs and people and is really hoping someone will adopt him soon!

Unfortunately, this is Kaiser's second time at the SPCA. He was adopted once, but after a while, his owner wasn't able to continue caring for him, so he was brought back. This is such a shame because Kaiser is the perfect dog! He's very quiet, he's great with other dogs, people, kids, and he's even already housetrained! Please come see Kaiser today-he definitely deserves another chance at happiness!

Time to Gurgle and Splash!

2011-05-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all of the fundraisers who helped raise money for Paws for a Cause! You've raised more than $40,000! Great job!

Everyone please remember to wear sunblock tomorrow at Paws for a Cause, it's going to be beautiful and warm outside!

We're going to have a ton of amazing vendors for you to see at Paws for a Cause, and one of the star attractions, Dock Dogs will be there as well! These high flying dogs are sure to get your attention!

And speaking of dogs getting all wet in the pool, check out our friend Gurgle!

Yes, Gurgle is a funny name, but that's what makes this happy-go-lucky pooch so unique! He's an active dog that loves to go on walks, runs, and be played with. If you're a family looking for a dog that's always ready to have fun (in a fenced in yard) then Gurgle is perfect for you! Come visit him at the Peninsula SPCA soon!

You can Bank on Nelly!

2011-05-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today is bank day! If you registered for Peninsula SPCA's Paws for a Cause, come by today and tomorrow between 11am-5pm to pick up your goody bag and t-shirt!

And while you're there, take a look at this beauty! Nelly's a sweet three year old black retriever who's just a little bit shy. But don't be fooled-she's a lovebug! Just look at that face and know that you'll never find a more faithful and loving companion. Come visit Nelly today!

Time for a Tasty Treat!

2011-05-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

Do you like cookies? Really, who doesn't like cookies? All that sugary, sweet goodness in one little perfect package!

It's Wednesday, and sometimes to get over hump day, we need a little extra sweet in our lives. Just a tiny extra little bit of sugary goodness that lightens our mood and gives us the strength to keep going!

Cookie is a sweetheart, and doesn't she just look like she's covered in cookie dough? Most cookies are enjoyed and gone within minutes, but this little Cookie will be around for many years to come, filling your life with sweetness!

She is a 4 year old Domestic Longhair mix available for adoption right now at the Peninsula SPCA. If you want a little extra sweetness to cuddle up with after a long day at the office, come visit Cookie today!

Older and Wiser

2011-05-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

You know the old saying "It only gets better with age?" Well, this old dog knows he doesn't need to learn any new tricks. He's perfect just the way he is!

Hunter is a 10 year old Basset Hound/Beagle mix, but he's no old man! His owner was unable to keep Hunter because of money troubles, but Hunter is a ready made best friend!

Sweet and loving, he's ready to become a much beloved pet in your home for many years to come! He had his good life ripped away from him, but he knows a good thing when he sees it, so please come visit him today to see what a good dog he is!

What A Handsome Fellow!

2011-05-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Now this young man is a show stopper! Plugsy is a handsome purebred pitbull that will elicit stares and appreciation everywhere he goes! His brilliant white/gray coat and eyes (one blue, one green) are sure to make all the other dogs in your neighborhood jealous!

Not only is he handsome, but Plugsy is one smart puppy! He's a very active young dog who loves to run around in a fenced-in backyard, go on walks and to the park, and loves to learn! If you want a dog that you can teach to do tricks that will amaze your friends, Plugsy is the dog for you!

Please come visit this sweetheart today at the Peninsula SPCA!

Bruno and the Beast

2011-05-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your best friend? All the fun you had together running around in your back yard, going on walks, spending time together?

Bruno and Beast (who is not Beastly at all!) were just two best friends having a good time running around in their backyard and being taken on walks by their family. They lived this way for about six years, in perfect bliss. Sadly, their family had to move, so they gave Beast and Bruno to the Peninsula SPCA in hopes that someone else would take these two best friends home.

Bruno is 7.5 years old and Beast is 6 years old and are both Purebred Pitbulls, but there's no guessing game as to the personality of these two dogs-they're very laid back, love to run around in a fenced backyard, and love to go on long walks. These two dogs appreciate a loving forever home, like the one that they left, so please consider visiting them today? They have a lot of love left to give their next lucky owner.

Bingo! Win a Prize!

2011-05-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't like prizes? For all the teams raising money and entering the competitions at our Paws For A Cause event May 21st and May 22nd, there are FANTASTIC prizes being offered! So get going on that fundraising!

And if you haven't yet registered for Paws For A Cause but want to get in on all these fabulous competitions and prizes being offered, you can sign up by going to http://www.peninsulaspca.com/dogwalk/index.html.

And speaking of prizes, the Peninsula SPCA has a wonderful prize that they are offering to all adopters! His name is BINGO and you can have the pleasure of owning and loving him for the rest of his life!

Bingo is a three year old Purebred Pitbull and is very playful and handsome. He may need some training, but owning him and getting the opportunity to shower him with love will make you the biggest winner of all!

A Burst of Energy

2011-05-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

I know it's only Tuesday, but it already feels like its a Friday and I'm just waiting for the weekend to get here so I can recover and get my energy back! Do you feel the same way, like your Tuesday is really a Friday?

Sometimes when I feel this way, I grab a Pepsi, just for that little extra kick of caffeine to get me through (at least to my Wednesday!) Pepsi, and really any soda, just has that extra "umph" that keeps me going.

The Peninsula SPCA has their own extra "umph" of energy and and enthusiasm-and his name is also Pepsi!

Pepsi is a 3 year old domestic short-hair that would love to go exploring in your home. He loves being rubbed and has enough energy and playfulness to keep you laughing through many years of Tuesdays and Fridays! Pepsi is available for adoption right now at the Peninsula SPCA, so please come visit him soon!

John Lennon Is Back in a Sneak Preview!

2011-05-09T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's rumored that the Beatles wrote the song "Martha My Dear" about a sheepdog named Martha. It's also rumored that at the end of the song, there is a dog whistle so high that only dogs can hear it.

Do you love fun facts like this about the Beatles? Do you wish you could talk to some of the band members in person and ask them about their songs and what they really were about?

What if John Lennon could actually come live with you?

The Peninsula SPCA's own John Lennon is available for adoption right now, and you can be the lucky fan that takes him home!

He's a Chow Chow/Labrador Retriever mix and is 1 year and 7 months old. He's very laid back and loves walking or lounging around. He's also incredibly smart and is very treat motivated. Maybe you could even teach him how to sing(or at least howl on command)!

Thank Goggie It's Friday!

2011-05-06T13:08:00.001-07:00

Thank Goggie It's Fundraising-Time!

Paws For A Cause is only two weeks away, so its time to get fundraising!

Here are some fun fundraising ideas for you this Friday:

1. Have a car wash

2. Have a dog wash

3. Set up a lemonade stand at a park-also sell dog treats for the four-legged walking buddies

4. Offer to walk your neighboors dogs with all proceeds going towards your Paws For A Cause goal

5. Have a dog/cat fashion show

Do you have any other fun fundraising ideas? We would love for you to share them with us!

So go out there, enjoy the weekend, and good luck fundraising!

Fundrasing Ideas!

2011-05-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

The weather has been beautiful, so you've been taking your dog for more walks (right?) and maybe taking them swimming and running around outside! But now he or she kind of smells like outside...

This is the Purrrfect opportunity to do some fundraising for your Paws for a Cause team! We've raised over $30,000 so far, but we still need your help! So why not set up a dog wash fundraiser and help raise money for your team!

For those who don't have dogs, why not have a car wash?

And don't forget to register for Paws for a Cause if you're not registered yet! You can register by going to http://www.peninsulaspca.com/dogwalk/index.html.

The event will be May 21st and May 22nd and is one of the biggest celebrations of the year of animals and their supporters! It's definitely a fun time that you won't want to miss.

A Song Just For You

2011-05-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. ~Maya Angelou

Summer and March are cockatiels that are currently living at the Peninsula SPCA. They don't have the answer to "Why was I given up?" but they haven't stopped singing yet! They know they'll find a home soon that needs to be filled with the beautiful sounds of their singing.

Spring is nothing without the sounds of singing birds, so why not fill your home with that same sweet sound? Please come visit Summer and March today and consider bringing them home with you!

Register Soon!

2011-05-03T13:04:00.001-07:00

Paws For A Cause is coming up soon! Have you registered yet?

Paws For A Cause is a HUGE 2-day event at the Mariners' Museum Park on Saturday May 21st and Sunday May 22nd. There will be costume contests, agility, police and bomb dog demonstrations, food, and many local animal rescue organizations.

If you haven't registered yet, please go to http://www.peninsulaspca.org/dogwalk/ now and register you and your furry friend!

Want to go to Paws For A Cause but don't yet have a furry friend? Consider visiting the Peninsula SPCA and adopting a friend today! Many animals are just waiting for someone like you to take them home; animals just like Spencer below!

Spencer is an 8 month old Labrador Retriever mix who loves to go on walks and would love our Paws For A Cause celebration. Come visit Spencer today!

Chyna's Mine!

2011-05-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Chyna the Australian Shepherd Mix is

Medium sized body, extra-large heart
Immeasurable ability to love
Never too tired to play or keep you company
Excited and waiting to be adopted!

If you'd like to be able to call Chyna "mine" and have her call you "mine" back, come visit her today at the Peninsula SPCA!

Upcoming Events!

2011-04-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

Can't see clearly through your windshield because of the pollen? See your way to helping the animals by driving (carefully!) over to Salty Paws for their carwash this Saturday, April 30th!

The carwash will be held at the Salty Paws clinic from 12-4pm and all donations will go to the Peninsula SPCA!

And don't forget to put your paws up to register for the Peninsula SPCA's Paws for a Cause! Sign up today by going to http://www.peninsulaspca.com/dogwalk/index.html!

Paws For A Cause Is In Four Weeks!

2011-04-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Paws For A Cause Is In Four Weeks!

Have you signed up?

Peninsula SPCA's Paws for a Cause is asking you to support our cause and help raise money for our animals by having fun with your animals!

(And did we mention that you can "walk" with your cats in our virtual walk?)

The earlier you register, the earlier you can begin collecting pledges. Set an aggressive goal for yourself or your team and encourage your friends and family to match that goal! You'll be surprised at how many of them will take you up on that challenge!

Want to get your company involved as well? Form a team with others at your company and get your boss involved as well-maybe they'll even match your team's pledges!

There are so many prizes you can win by registering and starting to gather pledges, why wouldn't you join Paws for a Cause?

You could win these amazing prizes!

$50 - $99 1 Raffle Ticket & Event t-shirt
(Pre-register before Saturday, April 30th and you will receive a FREE event t-shirt )

$100 - $249 Event t-shirt & 2 raffle ticket & Peninsula SPCA's 2011 Pet Calendar

$250 - $499 Event t-shirt & 3 raffle tickets, SPCA item, Peninsula SPCA's 2011 Pet Calendar

$500 - $999 Event t-shirt, 4 raffle tickets, SPCA item, Peninsula SPCA's 2011 Pet Calendar, & $25 SPCA Pet Adoption Gift Card*.

$1,000 & above Event t-shirt, 5 raffle tickets, SPCA item, Peninsula SPCA's 2011 Pet Calendar, $50 SPCA Pet Adoption Gift Card, and entry into the drawing for the 2012 Paws for a Cause SpokesDog!

* (Adoption gift cards can be redeemed for SPCA merchandise and/or can go towards the cat or dog adoption fee.)

The Paws For a Cause event schedule can be seen below and also found at http://www.peninsulaspca.com/dogwalk/index.html.

Happy Birthday!

2011-04-27T09:00:00.001-07:00

Happy early birthday to all you SPCA lovers and supporters who haven't yet had your birthday in 2011! Want an awesome birthday party idea? Have your birthday party at the Peninsula SPCA's Petting Zoo! Some kids (and adults) have mini ponies and donkeys at their parties, but you could have a whole zoo!

The Peninsula SPCA has everything you could possibly need for a rockin' party, from a covered shelter, grill, freezer, ten picnic tables and so much more, not to mention all the animals!

The Peninsula SPCA has goats, llamas, chickens, otters, and more! To schedule your birthday party, go to http://www.peninsulaspca.com/zoo.html for more information.

Make your birthday party the envy of all your friends and let the Peninsula SPCA wish you the happiest birthday of all!

Kitten Season

2011-04-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Kittens are born completely helpless. During their first few weeks of life they depend on their mother's care, but sometimes, mothers and kittens don't have a home and many kittens from the Peninsula SPCA don't have a home to live in or a mother to take care of them.

There is a great need for foster parents for our incoming kittens this kitten season. These little kittens cannot take care of themselves and need willing and nurturing fosters to show them the love and care that they so desperately need.

There are two Foster Care Interest Meetings coming up so please come join us even if you're not sure about fostering!

Saturday, April 30th 1:30pm
Peninsula Health District Auditorium
416 J Clyde Morris Blvd Newport News
(located by Riverside Hosiptal)

Saturday, June 25th 10:30 am
Peninsula Health District Auditorium
416 J Clyde Morris Blvd Newport News

Please open your home and hearts to our helpless kittens. They're so longing to love you back and learn that their lives can be full and happy. Thank you for fostering!

Get a Gucci from the SPCA!

2011-04-25T09:00:00.001-07:00

Love the designer name brands? You could walk away today with your very own Gucci from the Peninsula SPCA! Strut your stuff with a Gucci at your side and you'll have heads turning with every step!

The best part about this Gucci is that, not only will she carry things around for you (balls, play toys, newspapers) she'll also love you forever!

Come into the Peninsula SPCA today and adopt your very own Gucci!

Hit The Home Gym With Your Dog!

2011-04-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Everyone wants to get in shape for summer, but you don't need to go to the gym! Below are fun exercises you can do with your dog to stay in shape!

Exercising With Your Dog
(taken from http://www.petsplace.co.za/humour.htm)

"You've seen those ads on TV promising amazing results from all sorts of contraptions. Well, there's no need to invest in fancy equipment. If you have (or can borrow) a dog, you have everything you need to get in shape now!!! The following exercises can be done anywhere, anytime.

Inner Thighs: Place the dog's favorite toy between thighs. Press tighter than the dog can pull. Do not attempt bare legged - dogs who favor shortcuts to success will just dig the toy out. You could be damaged.

Upper Body Strength: Lift the dog - off the couch, off the bed, out of the flower bed. Repeat, repeat, repeat. As the dog ages, this exercise is reversed - onto the couch, onto the bed, into the car and so on.

Balance and Coordination, Exercise 1: Remove your puppy from unsuitable tight places. If they're too small for him, they're certainly too small for you. Do it anyway!

Balance and Coordination, Exercise 2: Practice not falling when your dog bounds across the full length of the room, sails through the air, and slams both front paws into the back of your knees.

Balance and Coordination, Exercise 3: (for use with multiple dogs) Remove all dogs from lap and answer the phone before it stops ringing.

Balance and Coordination, Exercise 4: (alternate) For older dogs, attempt to cross a room without tripping over the dog. Get off your couch without crushing any part of a sleeping elderly dog.

Upper Arms: Throw the ball. Throw the squeaky toy. Throw the Frisbee. Repeat until nauseous.

Upper Arms: (alternate) Tug the rope. Tug the pull toy. Tug the sock. Repeat until your shoulder is dislocated or the dog gives up (we all know which comes first).

Hand Coordination: Remove foreign object from dog's locked jaw. This exercise is especially popular with puppy owners. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Remember, this is a timed exercise. Movements must be quick and precise (think concert pianist) to prevent trips to the vet, which only offer the minimal exercise benefit of jaw firming clenches.

Calves: After the dog has worn out the rest of your body, hang a circular toy on your ankle and let the dog tug while you tug back. WARNING: This is feasible only for those with strong bones and small dogs. Have you taken your calcium supplement today?

Calves: (alternate) Run after dog - pick any reason, there are plenty. Dogs of any size can be used for this exercise. Greyhounds are inadvisable.

Neck Muscles: Attempt to outmaneuver the canine tongue headed for your ear, mouth, or eyeball. This is a lifelong fitness program. A dog is never too old or too feeble to "French Kiss" you when you least expect it."

And if you don't have a dog to do these exercises with, consider adopting one of the wonderful animals from the Peninsula SPCA, like Shadow!

Foster Homes Needed!

2011-04-21T07:49:00.001-07:00

The Peninsula SPCA needs your help getting animals ready to find forever homes!

Many of the animals that have come to the SPCA are too young or too small (under 2 lbs or 8 weeks of age) to be adopted out immediately.

They need some extra care and nurturing before leaving the caring arms of the SPCA, but because there are so many, the SPCA needs extra hands and homes to help prepare these special animals for their new homes!

Some of the animals at the Peninsula SPCA have come from bad situations and have health issues, are too shy, or are too scared to be adopted right away. These animals need to be flooded with love and learn that there really are wonderful people that will care for them before they can be adopted out.

All foster homes will be provided with all necessary supplies and medications. Fill out an application by going to http://www.peninsulaspca.org/newfoster.html. Once the application has been received, a Foster Coordinator may visit your home to verify that it's suitable for animals.

Won't you please help us prepare these animals for their forever homes?

"We live compassionately, and while we can't right all of the wrongs in the world, we'd like to make the world a better place for animals one pup at a time. We want to show them that there is love and kindness in the world, and that they deserve to be treated well. Once we settled into our home and realized that we had the right set up to be involved in this program, we applied right away. The joy of nursing ananimal back to health and bringing the light back to their eyes, is absolutely incredible and we're thrilled with our decision to foster."
~ The Swingles

UNO's Fundraiser

2011-04-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs to eat, right? Why not eat at UNO's and raise money for the animals! This Saturday, April 23rd, 2011, UNO Chicago Grill in Newport News will donate 20% of your check to the Peninsula SPCA!

Simply pick up a flyer from the Peninsula SPCA at 523 J Clyde Blvd Newport News VA and bring your lady, gentleman, kids, and friends to UNO's!

And while you're picking up your flyer from the SPCA, come visit our lady, Lady Baby! You can't bring her to UNO's for dinner, but you can take her home!

A Menu That Is Sure To Please!

2011-04-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hungry for love and affection? We've got the Menu that will keep you coming back for more and more!

Add 1 cup of attention
1 heapting spoonful of love per day
A pinch of warm snuggles

And what have you made?

A new friend!

That's right, Menu, the cat, is waiting for you right now at the Peninsula SPCA!

He's a small one-year-old domestic shorthair mix looking for a new family! Come see him today!

Cool Down with a Frostie!

2011-04-18T09:15:00.001-07:00

It's hot outside! Come home and chill with a cool frostie, but don't go to Wendy's! Go to the Peninsula SPCA at 523 J Clyde Morris Boulevard Newport News VA and pick up your very own Frostie!

Frostie is a 2 year old Siamese cat just waiting for someone to adopt her and bring her home. She's very sweet, fully litter trained, and loves to have her ears rubbed. Come by and visit Frostie today!

Last Day To Vote!

2011-04-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day to vote for the Peninsula SPCA!

We have just one more change to be entered into the ASPCA's $100K Challenge, where we could have the chance to win up to $100K! The goal of the ASPCA Challenge is not to just win the money, but to save more lives. Please help us enter the ASPCA's $100K Challenge by going to www.votetosavelives.org and vote by

1. Selecting VA, Peninsula SPCA from the drop down list
2.Enter your email address
3.Enter the security code (to make sure you aren't a computer)
4.Press vote!

If you want to help the Peninsula SPCA save even more lives, please consider adopting your next forever friend from the Peninsula SPCA. You can view all the available pets by going to their website at http://www.peninsulaspca.com.

Pets like Popeye here (below) need you to vote to save lives just like his.

Get Off the Couch and Vote!

2011-04-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

Get off the couch and vote!

Or if you have a laptop, you can vote while on the couch :-)

There are only two more days left in the qualifying heat for the Peninsula SPCA to be entered into the ASPCA’s $100K Challenege! If voted into the challenge by their community, they could win $100K to help animals!

So how can you help? Just vote!

1. Go to www.votetosavelives.org Select VA, Peninsula SPCA

2. If this is your first time voting, you will receive a confirmation email. Please confirm your email.

3. Share this event with your Facebook friends and ask them to vote for the Peninsula SPCA, Virginia.

Want to connect with other voters? Go to https://www.facebook.com/PeninsulaSPCA to view and comment on other posts from voters!

Thank you for your votes!

Don't Just Lie Down and Give Up!

2011-04-13T10:42:00.001-07:00

The Peninsula SPCA is currently in 55th place and we only have until Friday to get to 50th place! But we can get there. If every single person votes again today, and gets at least 2 friends to vote today and tomorrow, we can get to 50th place and be entered in the ASPCA $100K Challenge!

It’s so easy, why wouldn’t you vote? Just go to www.votetosavelives.org, choose Peninsula SPCA, VA, enter your email address and that’s it!

Say Cheese!

2011-04-12T09:18:00.001-07:00

Have you seen our dogs and cats? No? Well, you can see them now on our live webcams! Simply go to the links below and you can watch the adorable dogs and cats of the Peninsula SPCA all day and maybe even find your new forever friend!

http://www.gadzoo.com/dailypress/Pets.aspx

Can’t adopt a dog or cat? You can still help support the Peninsula SPCA by voting for the Peninsula SPCA in the $100K Challenge

1. Go to www.votetosavelives.org Select VA, Peninsula SPCA

2. If this is your first time voting, you will receive a confirmation email. Please confirm your email.

3. Share this event to your Facebook friends and ask them to vote for the Peninsula SPCA, Virginia.

Vote for the Peninsula SPCA Project

2011-04-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Peninsula SPCA in the Daily Press!

2011-04-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to the Daily Press for writing a fantastic article on the ASPCA's $100K Challenge promoting the Peninsula SPCA! The article is copied below and the original can be found at http://www.dailypress.com/news/newport-news/dp-nws-making-a-difference-0410-20110409,0,6701716.story.

The Peninsula SPCA is competing for thousands of dollars in grants for their shelter

By Shannon Humphrey, shumphrey@dailypress.com|247-4795

9:16 p.m. EDT, April 9, 2011

NEWPORT NEWS— The Peninsula Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has entered a challenge to help save the lives of more animals in their facility.

The first phase of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) 100K Challenge kicked off April 4, and will run through April 15. It's the qualifying heat, where shelters that get the most votes from the community move on to compete for thousands of dollars in grants.

During this phase, people in the community can go online to http://www.votetosavelives.org and vote for their favorite shelter. The top 50 shelters with the most votes out of the 93 that are competing will move on to the next phase of the competition.

"The second phase of the competition is where the real work begins," said Vicki Rowland, marketing director at the Peninsula SPCA. "During this phase, we have to save at least 300 more animals during the months of August, September and October than we did in the previous year.

The prizes the Peninsula SPCA is competing for will help the shelter with its day-to-day duties.

"We're participating in the competition because we want to increase adoptions in our shelter, increase the quality of care for our animals and return more lost animals back to their owners," Rowland said.

Currently, the shelter houses more than 150 animals, and has the capacity to hold 243.

"We're always creatively thinking of ways of how we can move forward and do better for our animals," Rowland said.

The Peninsula SPCA is hoping, with enough votes and participation from the community, to win the $25,000 Community Engagement Award. The award will be given to the shelter that gets the most community members involved in adopting animals.

In total, the shelter could win between $3,000 and $130,000 in prizes.

"We win regardless in this competition, whether we receive the money or not, because we'll be working with the community to save more lives," said Rowland. "It's not about the money for us, it's about saving more animals, and this challenge acts as a good motivator for us to do that, and helps garner more attention for the shelter."

As of Friday, the Peninsula SPCA had 1,165 votes, ranking them 56th out of 93 shelters.

The Peninsula SPCA is one of only two Virginia shelters registered for the 100K Challenge. The other is the Roanoke Valley SPCA.

"We definitely need the community's help. We need them in order for us to rise to the challenge," Rowland said. "We're really encouraging everyone in the community to participate in some way, whether it's voting online or coming to the shelter and adopting an animal."

The shelter has seen an increase in owner surrenders recently, which makes doing well in the competition even more important to them.

"There's a high cost that's associated with caring for the animals we have on a day-to-day basis," said Rowland. "The last thing we want is to have to euthanize an animal because we don't have the space for them."

One of the ways the Peninsula SPCA is combating this problem is with their Live Pet Webcams. The webcams allow people to see the animals at the shelter, without ever having to step foot in the SPCA.

"Our doggy webcams are helping us raise awareness of all the special animals we have for the public to see, and hopefully adopt into their homes," Rowland said.

Another area the prize money could help with is in the shelter's journey to become an Adoption Guarantee Organization. As an Adoption Guarantee Organization, the Peninsula SPCA would commit to save all of the healthy and treatable animals, reserving euthanasia only for unhealthy or untreatable animals.

The shelter is already making changes to become an Adoption Guarantee Organization, with the board of directors recently adopting a plan that eliminates the use of SPCA facilities and services for animal control purposes by July 2013, according to their website. The change will allow SPCA officials to focus more on their mission of finding permanent adoptive homes for all of their animals.

The shelter will know if they've made it to the next phase of the competition April 18.

"We've saved 30,524 pets since July 2004, so together we are making a difference," Rowland said. "If we can get the community involved with this challenge, we can do even more for the animals we have now, and those that will be coming into the shelter."

How you can help

•Visit http://www.votetosavelives.org to cast your vote for the Peninsula SPCA. Voting is open from 9 a.m. to midnight every day, and multiple e-mail addresses are accepted on the site, allowing people to vote more than once per day.

•Anyone without access to a computer can come to the Peninsula SPCA to cast their vote. The SPCA is located on 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd. in Newport News.

•Visit http://challenge.aspcapro.org for more information on the challenge. Visit http://www.peninsulaspca.org or call 595-1399 to find out how you can help the SPCA.

2011-04-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

There’s a little card making its way around the Peninsula right now-Have you seen it? It’s the Peninsula SPCA’s voting card! Volunteers, staff, and animal lovers alike are passing this little card around to encourage the community to vote! If you want to help encourage the community, pick some cards up at the Peninsula SPCA and pass them out to friends, family, and new friends! And if you haven’t yet voted today, get your votes in! We’re counting on you to help us win one of the top 50 spots in the ASPCA $100K Challenge!

2011-04-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

Love to be in the limelight? Take a picture of yourself voting for the Peninsula SPCA and you could be featured on our blog!

Step 1: Vote by going to www.votetosavelives.org

Step 2: Take a picture of yourself voting

Step 3: Send your picture to our facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PeninsulaSPCA

You could be featured on our next blog! Here are some of our featured voters below!

Our Wonderful Voters!

2011-04-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

So many voters have sent us pictures and videos-but we still want more! Check out some of our voters below!

Want to send your own picture in? Snap a quick photo of yourself voting for the Peninsula SPCA in the ASPCA $100K Challenge and send it to us on our facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PeninsulaSPCA) and you could be featured on our blog! Remember to vote each day at www.VotetoSaveLives.org until April 15th! Happy voting!

We Want To See You!

2011-04-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

The Peninsula SPCA needs your help right away! The Peninsula SPCA is competing for one of the top 50 spots in the qualifying heat for the ASPCA $100K Challenge and the only way we can win one of those 50 spots is if you vote for us! Voting is “just effortless” as one Peninsula SPCA voter said on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PeninsulaSPCA). Every minute counts because we only have from April 4th through April 15th to be voted into the challenge, so please vote now! Voters can go to www.votetosavelives.org to vote once each day for the Peninsula SPCA or vote in the Peninsula SPCA lobby and help us enter the ASPCA $100K Challenge! Tables will be set up at other locations soon for easier voting. Voters can also go to the following websites to vote:

https://www.facebook.com/PeninsulaSPCA
http://www.peninsulaspca.com

If you’re already a voter and want to help encourage new voters, cards are available in the Peninsula SPCA lobby and can be handed out to all your friends, family, or future friends! The cards give details on the dates of the challenge and how others can vote. The Peninsula SPCA is also emailing donors and volunteers, so forward those emails on to all of your friends and family and encourage them to forward it as well! With your help, we will make it into the top 50!

Along with voting for the Peninsula SPCA, we want to see who our voters are as well! We’re asking everyone in the community to take either a picture or video and send it to us on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PeninsulaSPCA) letting us know that you voted! Simply take a picture of yourself “voting” for the Peninsula SPCA and tell us who you are! Here is one of our voters!

Dexter Quirks-Strange things my little dog does.

2010-09-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

-He hides food throughout the house. Just in case I decide to stop feeding him- he's got a stash.
-He won't let me forget to feed him. He will push his bowl around the room until I get up and fill it.
-He scrunches up the bathroom rug to make a comfy bed for himself downstairs.
-He hates pillows. He pushes them all off the couch, even on the other end where he's not laying.
-He bursts in on me when I am in the bathroom and, realizing I'm trapped, he bugs me until I pet him.
-Periodically, he runs throughout the house, chasing nothing but imaginary cats.
-He sniffs fiercely under closed doors.
-He can't make it through the night without getting a drink. So if I forget to put his bowl out upstairs he will sniff so hard under the door that I wake up and let him go downstairs. If the loud sniffing doesn't work, he will begin to make tiny groaning noises, as if his life is completely unbearable and I'm a horrible person for making him suffer this way.
-He stands on three legs when in the tub, or on wet grass. For some reason his right front leg dislikes water more than the rest of them.
-He barks at butterflies and leaves in the yard, just to let me know they're there.
-He'll poop on the patio or in my flower beds if I let my grass get too high, or sometimes just because.
-He's just as happy to see me when I've gone to take out the trash or been away for a week.

2010-05-18T05:09:00.001-07:00

Via: Online Schools

Meet Tinley...

2010-04-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

Tinley is our spokespet for the Paws for A Cause Dog Walk, which raises funds for the thousands of homeless animals that we help each year at the Peninsula SPCA. I spoke with Tinley's owner, Susan, to get to know the dog behind the fur.

Tinley is a very unique name, how did you come up with it?
I heard the name in a movie “Summer Catch” and said if I had a child I would name them that name, so when I got my four legged child, she was Tinley.

That's great! I love unique dog names, and we just had a discussion about that here on FB. So how old is Tinley and what kind of dog is she?
Tinley is a long coated German Sheppard. She will be 6 Sept. 28

Ah, I hear those dogs are pretty rare. I read that less than 10 percent of all German Sheppards are long haired, which explains why I didn't recognize her breed right away. She is beautiful and smart, I'm sure.
I think so, too! She is very protective of her home and family. When I let her out in the morning she will run perimeter of the yard to check it out before her sister, a chocolate lab named Mousse who is 15, comes out.

She looks out for her sister, what a good dog! So, what does Tinley do for fun?
Squeaky tennis balls are her favorite toy, and she loves her stuffed GSD animals. She always looks like she is hugging her stuffed animals on the bed. There is always one between her paws. She loves to go anywhere in the car with her mom and dad.

You can meet Tinley (and Susan), Sunday, May 16th, at Paws for A Cause at Riverview Farm Park in Newport News!

Doggy Bloggy Love

2010-02-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

Here's a link to a great blog post. The writer is a foster for the Peninsula SPCA and has some great insight on her senior foster pet (Liz, pictured), which you know is a "pet" project of ours. What a fabulous blog! Thank you for letting us link to you and for being such an animal lover. We look forward to hearing more about your foster adventures. Click here for the link! (picture from Insightful Randomosity, our linked blogger).

Vote for Us on Facebook!

2009-12-01T11:59:00.001-08:00

Volunteer Calendar

2009-11-13T11:37:00.001-08:00

View my Online Calendar

Free Calendars by Bravenet.com

Out & About in the Community.

2009-09-21T07:55:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Birdie and I visited some folks at the Bayside Golden Living Center, and were lucky enough to receive & give lots of affection! Birdie is a 12 year old Japanese Spitz, who was quite excited to get out of the shelter for a change of scenery. She is just the perfect size for an apartment or small home! And what a great dog! We visited about 25 people, most in wheelchairs or with walkers. Birdie waited patiently for all of the folks at Bayside to give her a good scratching and didn't jump up on anyone. Even though she is not the youngest dog on the block, everyone told her how cute she was! She was so excited that some of the people called her a "puppy" (much like we are if someone cards us!), and wagged her tail the entire time.

If you would like to visit Bayside, we go every third Friday of the month at 11am. It is a very rewarding experience for people and dogs!

Pet Photo Contest Update!!! Latest standings!!!

2009-09-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

How is your pet doing in our 2010 pet photo calendar contest? Have you entered? Have you voted? You need to get BUSY! This guy is leading the pack right now:

Click HERE to see the other standings! Please vote today! It's five dollars for five votes, or ten dollars to enter and all money goes toward the animals in our shelter!!

Cheerios!

2009-09-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

Cheerios is a lovely white long haired cat. She's a bit older than some of the other animals that are at the shelter, but she still thinks she's a kitten- just like me! :) She needs a new home, so come by and meet her today!

This week's leaders in our pet contest! Click the link!

2009-09-09T14:06:00.001-07:00

'Click the Share button to create links to this email on popular social networking and bookmarking size like Facebook, Twitter, and Digg.'

Shared via AddThis

Break it down!

2009-08-31T11:14:00.001-07:00

We get weekly emails from the Customer Care Manager, Allison, that let us know how many cats and dogs were adopted over the week. I have to say, this week was a great one--53 adoptions--, but even more impressive to me than the number of pets, is that a poor cat that has been here since June has found his forever home! That's almost three months of waiting. But he was patient!!
I am so glad that we had room for him and could take care of him someone fell in love and took him home. Aren't you?

Online Photo Contest!

2009-08-25T16:24:00.000-07:00

Ready for my Close-Up!

2009-08-17T14:39:00.001-07:00

Your pet can be a "Pin-Up" Star in the Peninsula SPCA's 2010 Calendar!

The Peninsula SPCA's first online pet photo contest is one week away! You will be able to submit your pet's best picture online and have your friends and family vote for your pet.

Start taking those fun summer pet pictures now, because the contest will go live on Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

The top five cat pictures and the top five dog pictures (as determined by the amount of votes received) will be featured in the 2010 calendar. The spokespets for Paws for a Cause and Furball will be featured in the months of February and May. The top three pictures will win special prizes, including tickets to Furball 2010.

To submit your pet's photo, a minimum $10 donation is required for a single photo to enter the contest. To vote for your favorite pet will require a minimum $5 donation (one vote for every $1 donated). All tax-deductable donations will benefit the homeless animals of the Peninsula SPCA!

Please share with your friends and family!

"Bad" dog gone good!

2009-08-12T10:56:00.001-07:00

Some dog breeds have a bad reputation. Forbidden by apartment communities and villainized in movies, the big three outlawed as aggressive breeds are Pit bulls, Rotweilers, and German Shepherds. While breeds certainly have characteristics-herders herd, fetchers fetch, there are no "mean" or "bad" dog breeds. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states in its Dog Bite: Fact Sheet, "there is currently no accurate way to identify the number of dogs of a particular breed, and consequently no measure to determine which breeds are more likely to bite..," it goes on to say that OWNERS should be responsible for their dog's actions. Dog lovers know that aggressive behavior is taught or can also be a result of abuse, and need to educate the public that these breeds are not "bad". One way one dog and one dog lover are helping to restore a breed's "bad rep" is by working as a therapy dog.

Tess is a seven year old Rotweiler who has been a therapy dog for six years. "Rotweilers are not mean," her owner, Denise says, and Tess is determined to prove it. As a therapy dog, she visits hospitals to comfort those who are sick, and libraries to help teach kids to read. She has undergone training from the time she was a pup, so that she knows how to act and interact. She had to pass several tests including: completely ignoring other dogs, leaving food (or pills!) dropped on the floor alone, approaching wheelchair bound people gently and from the side, without putting her paw up on broken or brittle arms and legs, and more. Folks at the hospitals are scared and lonely and a visit from Tess may be just what the doctor ordered. Petting a dog lowers your blood pressure and can help alleviate stress. This seventy-five pound dog will lay still through pretty much any kind of petting imaginable, and that is why she is great with kids, and loves to visit CHKD.

Another thing that Tess enjoys is helping children learn how to read. How does a dog help a kid read? Well, it is just a matter of listening. When an adult listens to a child read, it is automatic for him to correct mispronunciations, or try to help with big words, but Tess just listens. Sometimes she gets excited during the dramatic parts, but she doesn't judge if the child mispronounces every single word. This helps the new reader develop confidence and independence, which makes her want to read more! Tess loves to visit the library. She also visits the Summer Reading Program at the Newport News Public Libraries (fun and free!). She and her friend Daisy, a yellow lab interacted and educated about forty children, showing them how a therapy dog works, and how pleasant a trained dog can be. Some of the children were afraid of dogs, but after watching Tess and Daisy remain calm and docile, every single child petted the dogs after the program.

A lot of Rots and Pit bulls come through our shelter doors. These are not bad dogs! Most of them have the potential to be just like Tess, calm, well-trained, helpful dogs. While all of them might not be appropriate for therapy work, you can certainly take them to training to learn proper dog manners. There are many places in Hampton Roads that offer training, either for dog "good citizenship" or therapy or just basic obedience. We recommend all dogs adopted at our shelter take obedience classes. A little time and love from his owner will make a dog of any breed a responsible good member of society.

Me and my Shadow

2009-07-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

Cats are seasonal breeders, and this is their delivery season! The Peninsula SPCA has many kittens & cats available for adoption, and there are many advantages to adopting a cat.

Our last post explained the advantages of having a pet in general, as they are good for your health, both mental and physical. But cats in particular are spectacular pets for many reasons. They are easy animals: self-cleaning, self- exercising and can even be trained to use a toilet (though most of use litter boxes). This is an independent animal, so don't feel guilty about putting in some over time at work, your cat will amuse himself (or sleep) while you are gone. Don't think that they don't need you though! Cats like to be petted and need to be admired, and will reward your hard work with a soothing purr. They also enjoy playing with balls and other cat toys, especially if you are in the mix as well.

Cats are also a convenient size. Most are smaller than dogs and so if you live in an apartment or small house, they can fit in better to the scale of your environment. They don't need a yard to play in or to be taken on walks in the middle of the world's worst rain storm, although you can train a cat on a leash if you wanted to. (People might look at you strangely, but your cats will enjoy it! We do not recommend letting your cat out unsupervised--that's how they end up here at the PSPCA!) They are quiet animals, so you don't have to worry about the barking waking the neighbors at 6 am, as you might with a dog.

Now, I am a dog person, but I have to admit there is a certain appeal to cats. Back when I was working at an

apartment community, I would cat sit these two cats quite frequently, as their "parents" traveled often. Barney was the friendly cat. When I would open the door he would run down to greet me and just make me pay lots of attention to him. He was very sweet and

loving. Shadow, however, was aptly named. I didn't see him the first time that I came in, and the owners had told me not to worry- he doesn't come out for anyone. Of course that playing hard to get suckered me in. I was determined to find and win over that cat. It started with me realizing he was under the bed all the time. They had a little feather on a string, so I started waiving that in front of him to entice him to come out. I tried cat nip and a jingle ball and just talked to him under there. Then one day he came out! We enjoyed a good pet and purr and even though he was still under the bed when I would come in the house, eventually he would have to come out and say hi. I have to tell you, I was like a proud mama when the owners came back. I was bragging all over that I finally got Shadow to come out. That cat just won me over, and you can find one to win you over today at the Peninsula SPCA!

2009-06-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

We all know what we do for our pets. We feed them, we water them, we SPAY or NEUTER them, and we walk them. We clean up their messes and deal with their idiosyncrasies (not sure why my big dog is a big chicken, but she is and we live with her chicken ways.) Pets are one of the first areas of responsibility for someone other than yourself that you may learn as a child. What young pet owner does not get the, "YOU have to take care of this fish, dog, gerbil, elephant" speech? Who hasn't had to scoop the poop cause you begged your mom for a dog or cat? Pets are awesome responsibility teachers, but what the young and old pet owner may not realize is the what that pets give back.

It is sort of obvious to anyone who enjoys the unconditional love of a pet that they have emotional benefits. This is especially apparent in children. A pet can provide emotional support to a child in a time of need. An animal listens, doesn't judge and provides a snuggle anytime of the day. In fact in one study in which children were shown a picture of an unhappy child 40% spontaneously suggested that sad kid should get a pet. Children understand and benefit from the emotional acceptance of a pet. For us adults, a pet dependent also offers a good cuddle, and doesn't talk back or argue. BONUS!

Pets can also provide measurable physical benefits to your life. Studies show they reduce your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglycerides. They help you relax and de-stress at the end of a chaotic work day, and help reduce that hormone that makes you fat. And on that subject, if you have a dog and you have to walk it, you are guaranteed a bit of exercise every day. This also provides a unique opportunity for meeting folks in the neighborhood. I know almost every dog owner on my street, because we stop and say hi, oh, what a cute dog.., and it goes from there. Even cats or other animals give you an opportunity to chat about something besides yourself or your kids. I once worked at an apartment community, and on my desk I had picture of my dog, and I think the picture of that cute face started more conversations and rented more apartments than me!

So the point of this whole essay-animals are good for us! They help us socialize, they make us healthier, and they add happiness to our lives. Where can you find one of these great animals?? Just stop by the Peninsula SPCA today and take home your furry friend today!

Why adopt a senior pet?

2009-05-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes here at the shelter, I often over hear people say they are just looking for puppies, or that a dog or cat is too old. Often, I see an older dog or cat that has been here a while and keeps getting passed over, even though he is a good animal. Folks tend to prefer the "new" animals - just like cars and everything else, but I'm telling you, there are great advantages to adopting a senior dog or cat!

People tend to think that older dogs and cats are at the SPCA because they are "bad". They think SOMETHING must be wrong with that animal. That is simply not true! Though it is hard for us pet lovers to conceive giving up our furry friends, there are lots of other reasons that good animals find themselves out of a home. People's lives change, and that is when an animal would find his way to the shelter. Dogs especially, being larger and more dependent on their people for care, can fall victim to a new work schedule, new babies, size restrictions in apartment communities, etc.

Now that we've established that it might not be the animal's fault that he is at the shelter, let me tell you the great thing about teaching an old dog new tricks - you don't have to! Many dogs I see here can sit, a few can shake hands and roll over, and one of them even played dead. Believe me, if they are performing these tricks under the pressure of living in a crate here at the SPCA, they can do even greater things when when they get home to you! Mature dogs are house broken, usually have "manners" and are generally more calm, cool, and collected than their puppy counterparts. Older cats are grateful to have a home and to be fed and warm. Older dogs are usually leash trained, ready to hang out with you instead of eating your shoes, and know what you want from them already. Senior cats can be great company for a lonely cat that couldn't keep up with a kitten, and are great options for those of us that aren't spring chickens ourselves and move at a little slower pace. These animals have been running with a human pack, and so they know the ropes.

Of course, make sure you consider the cost of a Senior and the adjustment that you and the animal must make. Many cats and dogs have habits, just like us, that are going to come with them to your house. Dogs can be trained at any age, and cats, well can they ever be trained? Patience and understanding are the key to making this transition easier. Make sure you take the time to get to know your new pet and make him feel welcome. Vet bills can be another consideration when adopting an older animal. We do check out the animals here at the SPCA, but make sure you visit your vet as well.

A final thought: YOU will be saving that dog or cat's life. Senior dogs and cats are often passed over for the cuter kits and pups, and are more likely to be put down. YOU might be the only hope that he has and YOU can give him the BEST years of his life, and he will do the same for you. The greatest reason of all is these animals will know that you saved them and will love you forever for it.

A Newbie Learns the Ropes...

2009-05-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

Part one, Orientation

It is a busy Saturday at the SPCA when I arrive for my volunteer orientation class. The place is packed! A black lab greets me at the door and, after sniffing me down, he lets me in the building. I guess I passed the volunteer clearance test!

Once inside, the hunky Australian Mick and the zesty red-head Ellen explain what we are in for as a SPCA volunteer. Scooping poop, washing dishes and laundry (it does sound better in an accent). The truth is volunteering isn't all about cuddling puppies and carrying around kittens, it is hard work sometimes. Ellen asks us to explain why we chose to offer our time to the SPCA, without saying we love animals. But the truth is that is exactly why I am there (even though I am not that fond of cats). I believe that every animal deserves to have a loving home and a loving person to...well, love. Two of my dogs have been strays, and those dogs would have been here at the shelter - or worse, hit by a car, but instead, I have two sweet friends that follow me around the house. Well, one does. The other expects me to come to him. Guess which one is which?

My group of five tours the facilities, which are clean and well organized. Mick shows us the front (where the adoptable dogs are)the back (where the dogs are treated and held to make sure they are okay for adoption, the further back (where the sick dogs are housed). The dog side is loud. All of the dogs "talk" at us as we go by, and there are lots of folks looking at the adoptable ones. We see were the adoption takes place and learn how to collect the information needed for that process.

We retreat to the quiet oasis that is the cat room. Mick shows us how to clean out a cage, and how to properly pick up a cat. I inquire why anyone would want to pick up a cat? But it is part of orientation and so I grab a tabby. He purrs -awww he's really sweet and doesn't even claw me. Cats are not all bad! We see the laundry room, the newspaper unfolding room, and the sinks. Out behind the SPCA is a petting zoo, and it is only $4! I thought the otters were very entertaining. If you watch them they seem to do tricks just for you. Look that one is flipping! Back to orientation.... We talk about the importance of hand sanitizer. If you touch one animal and then another and another YOU can spread disease. You should sanitize your hands between cages to keep the animals safe (not to mention yourself).

After we are finished with the tour, Ellen makes sure we are still on board and explains the commitment that we are making to this facility. We need to work eight hours each month for the

next six months. Everyone agrees to this and we get our blue volunteer shirts. Ellen asks us to email her our schedules and shuffles us back into the real world. I can't wait to start!!

Fur Ball 2009

2009-01-27T19:09:00.000-08:00

It's Fur Ball time! The SPCA is rolling out the red carpet for sweethearts and their pet companions for a romantic evening of fine dining and cocktails on Saturday, February 14, 6:00 - 11:00 pm at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. This black-tie fundraising event will feature silent and live auctions and special entertainment. Pets will also enjoy being pampered at the "doggy daycare."

Tickets are $125 per person, and $75 per pet. For tickets or to volunteer, contact Vicki at 595-1392.

Getting to Know Peninsula SPCA People: Allison Hendricks

2008-10-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Allison Hendricks is perhaps, one of the most popular personalities at the Peninsula SPCA. With her hair always on a ponytail, Allison is very visible around the shelter, which seems like a second home to her. Who wouldn't, if you've been there for approximately 32 years! Yes, Allison started as a volunteer when she was still in 9th grade, back when she wanted to become a veterinarian. So to make sure she would work with animals, the best way was to volunteer at the SPCA.

Allison may not have become a vet, but as the SPCA's Customer Care Manager, she gets to work on adoptions and finding a family for the homeless animals, a job that gets fulfilling every time she sees a family bring home an animal. She also does temperament evaluations of animals together with Kennel Manager Don Branch. To Allison, the reward of the job comes in seeing an animal that came in scared and would try to bite, and thinking that no one will ever adopt it. Then, helping the animal calm down and finding it a loving, hopefully, forever home.

With her long years with the SPCA, Allison has had a lot of memorable experiences and cites three recent ones: First is about King and Queen, two dogs that have stayed in the shelter for about six months. She contacted a rescue group called ART, which took the two canines and was able to place them in a loving home within a few weeks. The shelter received photos and notes of King and Queen on how well they are doing now. Second is Shadow, a mix shepherd dog that reminded Allison of a dog she once had. Shadow came to the shelter very scared and would try to bite the kennel staff. Allison placed Shadow with a rescue group that doesn't have a "shelter environment" since it didn't do well in a cage. And the dog responded positively!

She also recalls the two very think Pit Bulls which were brought to the shelter due to cruelty cases. "We did an evaluation on them - SWEET dogs, but no one was interested because they looked so bad. A lady, who has been a supporter of the shelter for years, came in and I jokingly told her she needed to take at least one of these dogs home. She looked at them and the next day, came back and adopted one, and found a home for the other. As the saying goes, 'Saving one animal will not change the world, but it changes the world for that one animal," said Allison.

When not at the shelter (which is likely not that often), Allison likes to spend her free time reading fictional books about lawyers or about the medical field. She also plays in her iris garden during summer, and of course, she enjoys spending time with her pets Spot, a Calico; Sadie, a Bull Dog-Sharpei mix; and Kimber, a mixed breed that came into the shelter as a starving almost dead pup.

Allison has this to say to the volunteers: "Stick with it, even when sometimes, the staff is not at all that friendly. When I first started as a volunteer, the lady in the front office was not very nice - I don't think she liked many people at all at the time - I kept being nice to her and she came around and we still see each other 32 years later. It's not the people you're here for - it's the animals and they make it all worthwhile!"

Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month

2008-10-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

October is Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month! Spread the word...

Schools in Session

2008-09-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

September is here again and it's time for school. Have you adopted a new dog or has the long summer slackened your training regimen? Why not go to a doggie training class? Even if your dog is well trained you can take him/her to the next level in their training. Your dog will love the challenge! There are several places in the Hampton Roads to get your training regimen back on track. Why not check out the Merrimac Dog Training Club or PetSmart? They can determine your dog's level of training and where best to start again or for the first time. Classes are probably the best way to get your into a routine. Take your family along to the classes so everyone uses the same technique and plays a part in your dogs success.

Do the classes not match up with your schedule? How about checking out Petfinder training videos. They even have training videos for cats! Petfinder has organized tons of videos with great techniques to helping you achieve the level of training you would like. It takes consistancy to achieve the results you want. So be prepared to work! Going back to school will strengthen your bond with your dog. So do something good for your friend and sign up for classes today!

Become a Blogger!

2008-08-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

This is a shoutout to volunteers. Are you having a hard time making it into the shelter to fulfill your monthly hours? Well I may have a solution for you! We are looking for more volunteers to contribute to the blog. We want to hear about things from your point of view. We are especially interested in dog/kitty squad members, foster families or people who do petfinder pictures for the dogs to write about their favorite shelter pups/kitties. All the blogging you do will count toward your monthly volunteering hours. So please consider volunteering your time and experiences with everyone. If you are interested email the blog or Sarah to get started. We look forward to hearing from everyone!

I heart Frank

2008-08-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

Frank is a sweet cat who captured my heart while taking petfinder pictures. I took him out of his cage and the first thing he did was wrap his paws around my neck and nuzzle my face.

Clearly this cat was born to love. He started purring and was clearly enjoying being loved on. He just wanted to be held and rubbed all day and I was more than happy to oblige.

Frank is a 1yr old, black domestic shorthair mix. He has beautiful eyes and very soft fur, which he would love for you to pet forever. He weighs about 8lbs, so tiny, and has been neutered. He has also been microchipped and tested FeLV/FIV negative, yay!

Unfortunately, like so many of our other cats, Frank was brought to the shelter by his owner because they were moving. He hasn't let it get him down though. He enjoys hugs and nuzzling. He just wants someone to love and to love him back. He loves to play with balls and string. He has a lot of energy and needs a loving, playful home. Frank has been waiting for a home since 8/11/2008.

Frank is an amazing cat and I think he would make someone very, very happy. So give Frank and cats like him a chance and adopt from the shelter. You will forever be changed by the love and joy they bring into your life.

For more information on Frank and other cats available at the Peninsula SPCA check out Petfinder.com or for a more interactive experience check out our shelter at 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA.

P.A.W.S.

2008-08-18T04:35:00.001-07:00

Do you miss the company of a pet, but are unable to own one because you are in the military?
Well I have a solution for you.

P.A.W.S., Pairing Animals With Soldiers, is a program developed by the Peninsula SPCA to allow soldiers to take dogs from the shelter for the day. This is not an over night trip but this gives soldiers a chance to reconnect with the animals they love while giving the dogs a chance to get out for the day. The dogs can wear their adoptable dog vest so they can get more exposure and hopefully more potential adopters will see them. This program benefits both the dogs and the soldiers. The soldiers can even become volunteers if they are interested in helping the animals more. If you are interested in participating in the program check out the Peninsula SPCA for more information.

Mark Your Calendars for the Summer Bash!!!!

2008-08-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

The festivities start Saturday August 23, 2008 from 12pm-4pm. There will be live music from local bands such as the Corsair Romantic, Under the Bridge, Wild Guns and View from the Top. We are hosting our very own SPCA pet parade featuring adoptable dogs from the shelter. There will also be a volunteer fashion show, showcasing our fabulous product line. If you enjoy music you can check out our battle of the bands contest. With raffle prizes, food and refreshments, what more could you ask for? So bring the family and maybe even the family dog and join us for a day full of fun. All proceeds benefit the SPCA animals so have fun and help the animals!

If you are interested in volunteering please contact our volunteer coordinator, Sarah at sarah@peninsulaspca.com or 757.595.1399. We look forward to seeing you all there!

A Shoutout to all Volunteers!

2008-08-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

We really need help in the shelter this week. Many staff members are on vacation, leaving us short staffed. This is the case especially in the kitty room. If you have any free time, especially in the morning, please stop in and help out. We will greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

Fun times with dogs

2008-08-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for fun things to do with your dog? Take them to the dog park. It's a cheap and fun way for your dog to socialize and play with other dogs.
One of the local dog parks is located at Sandy Bottom Nature Preserve. The Bark Park is open to members only. The park does this for the safety of your dog and the other dogs who frequent the park. All this means is that you have to sign up with them and pay a $10 fee for the year. I have the inside scoop on how to get in.

First you need to get your dog registered with the county. In York County the fee is $5 every year and they will send you new tags in the mail with a bill each year before it expires. After you have registered your dog with the county take your shot records and the tag number from your county tags to the Nature Center (pictured above). The staff will give you a paper to fill out which asks for your local address, when the shots expire and your dogs county license number. The staff will review your records to make sure your shots are up to date and then they will give you a tag. This tag allows you year long access to the park. All for the low price of $10. Take a quick look at the rules on the gate before you go into the park. This will save you trouble later when the park rangers come by.

There are some fun agility games to play with your dog. Such as the stairs and the crawl hut. There are always balls and other toys for the dogs to fetch and play with. The space is open and there are benches if your dog is more inclined to play alone or with other dogs while you relax. The trees keep the park cooler and the shade is nice especially with all the sun.

If your dog would like to stop in for a drink after hitting the trails there is a fountain in the park. There are a lot of trails to hike if your dog makes it to the park before others show up so have fun and explore! If you don't have a dog you can talk with Sarah about signing a dog out to explore the trails. The dogs love the time you spend with them and they love to get out. They may find their new owner while out on the town. So get out there and have fun!

The 10 Commandments for Pets

2008-07-30T09:48:00.001-07:00

This was forwarded by a volunteer. I thought it was sweet and it does make you stop and think about your relationship with your pet. I hope you enjoy reading it too.

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment.You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understandyour voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurtyou, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!