This collage of cuties comes from the Putnam Humane Society, which recently held a “Pictures with Santa” event to help support the shelter. Another will be held Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Feed Barn on Route 6 in Mahopac.

Click to see the santa-poster

The cost is a $10 donation, fully tax-deductible to the shelter. Children, families, all pets are welcome.  For more info, call 845-225-7777 or visit www.puthumane.org.

Hope everybody is having a great holiday and avoiding traffic. In the spirit on the day, I thought I’d offer up the aptly named Lovey, who sure would like to spend next Thanksgiving in a loving home. But why wait, she’s up for adoption now.

Lovey is a 1-year-old rat terrier mix. She has big personality in a small body. She is spayed, micro-chipped and up-to-date on her vaccines. Her adoption fee is $125. If you are interested in adopting Lovey, visit the SPCA of Westchester, 590 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor. The shelter is open Mon. through Sat. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sun. from 1 to 4 p.m. Call 914-941-2896, Ext. 11.

OK, OK, they’re coming more slowly than I promised, but aren’t these two worth the wait! This is Raggedy Ann (oh the irony), a Sphynx, getting judged at the show. Not too joyous looking, eh?

I couldn’t do it, ever. But the lousy economy means some people are having to give up their pets, and it’s shelters that are feeling the burden (along with the poor pets). You can read more about it here or in today’s Journal News.

Here’s a photo of Kyla Wedenko’s kitten, Ms. Muffet, receiving a booster shot at the SPCA of Westchester’s Simpson Clinic in Briarcliff Manor. Wedenko, 20, of South Salem, found six kittens abandoned near her home and had them neutered and spade at the clinic because they gave her the best discount. The number of cats at the shelter’s cattery has increased and activity at their low-cost clinic has picked up in recent weeks as a result of difficult economic times.

The cutest guy in this picture here is Vinnie, but he’s with some good folks.

Vinnie is the guide dog for the gentleman in the middle, Jeffrey Pledger, a senior financial analyst for Verizon and vice president of Disabilities Issues Awareness Leaders at the company.

The Verizon Foundation recently gave a $12,500 to Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Yorktown Heights. Pictured here with Vinnie and Pledger are John Butler, Verizon’s director of community affairs, and William Badger, president of Guiding Eyes. Read more of this entry »

A while back I introduced you to Megan, who was waiting for her hearing service dog Prince out in California.
Well, no thanks to her mother, but thanks to Meg, who sent me this today. Who knew they were going to be stars!

P.S. Sorry, I know I promised more cat show pictures earlier, but the day got away from me. Tune in tomorrow.

Don’t know if any of my readers are from Massachusetts, or if you plan on visiting anytime soon. But just in case, this just in from the Companion Animal Protection Society. Read more of this entry »

Lots and lots of photos to post from the weekend’s cat show at the Westchester County Center, but I am in the soup right now! But here’s a quick tease before the complete report. In the meantime, you can also read about it here.

Thanks to Joanne Colangelo from the Putnam Humane Society for sharing this tidbit.

After reading the book “Shiloh,” about an abused dog, students in Stefanie Capone’s sixth-grade class at North Salem Middle/High School wanted to know more about dogs. Colangelo visited the class to discuss homeless animals and what the shelter does to help them. They viewed the shelter’s Web site and students made dog treats for the shelter animals.

Pictured here with their treats are, from left in rear, Capone, Anthony Danza, Mark Petronuto, Jack Gibb and teacher assistant Linley Pullem; and front, Lea Monaghan and Caitlin Robson.

Yes, times are very tight, but if you’re looking to give something this year, pet people might consider turning to those who help abandoned animals who still lack loving homes.

I always suggest helping out local shelters here in LoHud-land, but here’s something from the North Shore Animal League, another very worthy cause. Read more of this entry »