Wednesday, December 24, 2008

"Congratulations from The Animal Rescue Site"

December 24, 2008

Dear Shelter Winner,
We at the Animal Rescue Site want to add our congratulations to Petfinder.com for your recent win in The Animal Rescue Site's $100,000 Shelter Challenge brought to you by Petfinder.com.
As a state winner, you should be receiving a check shortly from Petfinder for $1,000.



Thanks!

Ella DiPippo and friend raise $120 for our animals

Monday, December 22, 2008

New Cage Sponsors & Online Sponsorships


We have new Cage Sponsors!
Lori Sullivan - Dog Kennel
In Memory of "Lady" - You will remain in our hearts forever - Dog Kennel
Blarney Stone Energy - Coventry, RI - 1 Dog Kennel & 1 Cat Cage

And our newest Online Sponsors:
In Honor of Buttons the cat, who was adopted 18 years ago and is still going strong! From Debra Torgan
In Honor of Frank and Virginia Williams
In Honor of Jameil James
In Memory of Evelyn ( Mrs. J.O.) Coats
In Honor of Gus Sweeney

In Honor of the two cutest yorkies, Ruby and Paris,and their big brother Diesel!
In Memory of Gloria
In Honor of Watson Lovejoy - Whistler
In Honor of Little Miss Wiggles AKA Ramona Humm
In Honor of Tucket Coogan
In Honor of Chris and Denise Baxter - Happy Holidays! from Kira
For Maddie and Jack
Bob Morgan and Chrissy Jourbet
From Warren Reynolds
From Nicholas Iannuccilli
From Michael J. McCarty



A holiday message from the RISPCA

Snow photos

The shelter closed early Friday due to the winter storm, but was open for business the next day. But just look at these icicles - a beautiful view looking out the window.


We will be closed Wed. Dec 24th and Thursday Dec. 25th.



Friday, December 19, 2008

Msgr. Clarke School Donates $380

We received a generous donation of $380 from Monsignor Clarke School from a dress down day that they held. Fourth grade Teachers, Mrs. Tammy Egan and Miss Amanda Mulligan have chosen the RISPCA as the recipient of this money.
Thank you for being so generous!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Gardner School Nets $706 for shelter



From Dec. 3 - 11, the kindergarden through 2nd grade collected coins from the schoolchildren at Gardner School. The kids had a competition between classes, and the winner had a pizza party.

Feedback on Final Results........

I was soooooooooooooooo excited to hear that we won ! How exciting ! I am absolutely thrilled and so proud of our SPCA. Thank you so much for letting me know ! Congratulations ! What a wonderful way to end the year ! We must celebrate this wonderful occasion. Thank you sooooooooo much for keeping me in the know. Every vote I made I so wished for us to win and we did ! How exciting is that ?

Best Wishes to you all,

Barbara


I am thrilled we came as far as we did! For the smallest state, we did an awful lot of "clicking" and spreading the word to have gotten as far as we did! Dr. F - Did I also read somewhere that the RISPCA also received a Champlin grant recently? Great job for putting RI and the RISPCA into the national spotlight! Nothing to sneeze at!

Yay! You won the grant! I know it's not the "big" prize that you all were hoping for, but I would say number 4 in the country isn't too shabby!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

RISPCA #1 in RI -Shelter Challenge Final Results












Final Results in Shelter Challenge


RISPCA #1 in Rhode Island


We are proud to announce that the RISPCA is the winner of the Regional Prize in the Petfinder Shelter Challenge. A $1,000 grant goes to the organization with the most votes in each U.S. state and the RISPCA was the top vote getter in Rhode Island.


In addition, we were the $1,000 Weekly Winner during Week 6 (Nov 3 - Nov 9) during the eleven week competition. Our ranking went as high as #4 in the country, out of over 10,000 shelters participating.


The Animal Rescue Site reports today that there were over 3 million votes in the competition and we would like to sincerely thank all of our clickers who supported us.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Friday aka/ Fenway - Adoption Update




















Fenway, formerly Friday, came in for his rabies vaccination. He needed a little support, so he brought his toy monkey along to cuddle with.

The photo below is Friday before he got adopted.

Shelter Closed Dec. 24th & 25th

We will be closed:
Wednesday Dec. 24th Christmas Eve
Thursday Dec. 25th Christmas day

Hazel's Adoption Update

Here is Hazel with the children "Out of Hiding !"



Hazel was extremely timid at the shelter, and when she went to her new home, she hid for a couple of days. The kids didn't even get to meet her until she came out of hiding.
They could only see her with a flashlight. She has now come out of hiding on her own and really seems to love the children.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Misty's Update



"She's healthy and happy....what a snob when it comes to her food and she begs all the time. Very funny. We spoil her alot but not enough that she'll get fat. She gets her walk everyday and seems to be happy. "

Good for you Misty!

Support from HelpSaveOne.Org

The folks at HelpSaveOne.org are getting the word out about two of our senior dogs who need homes. They have their photos and descriptions on their website and their help is really appreciated.
In addition, they have even asked visitors to vote for us in the Shelter Challenge.
Thank you!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Heidi D'Ascolis Obedience Class Slideshow



Erika from EyeSpyCandids took photos in Heidi's Obedience Classes and these dogs are having a ball. You can see from their faces they are really having fun, but learning alot too.

Heidi D' Ascoli Puppy and Adult Classes and Schedule

Take a look at the slideshow we came up with from Erika's photos -

Monday, December 8, 2008

Arabelle's Adoption Update

I have been trully blessed by the dog I adopted from your shelter on May 15, 2007. Arabelle was given up for 'disrupting the neighborhood'. When I brought her home, it became apparent she lived the majority of her first year in a backyard. She was scared of many things and did not like being in my big backyard unless I was with her. Over time, I was able to house break her, train her in obedience and expose her to an active lifestyle, integrated into my family and home. She is now a very secure dog who loves the backyard, even when she's by herself! Arabelle also enjoys going to doggy day care and has her own personal trainer who takes her on 50 minute runs.

Thank you, Barbara

(wow....what a beautiful girl she is too!)

Volunteer Holiday Party Slideshow




See the slideshow of our Holiday Party held Friday night





Our Volunteer Plaque has 8 new names added for 2008. These volunteers have two years of service with the RISPCA:
  • Michael Carlino
  • Diane Carlson
  • Diane DiNobile
  • Maria Giannini
  • Cher Mcgovern
  • Stefanie Petrarca
  • Melanie and Paul Pucino
  • Livy Young

Amica Insurance makes $500 donation

Amica Insurance and its employees have made a generous donation of $500 to our shelter. We'd like to thank them for their generosity. It's much appreciated.

Fluffy Adopted - 150 days in shelter


One of our long time residents, and special pal of staff member Michelle, finally found a home. Fluffy was surrendered in July and was adopted over the weekend. He was featured on Pick of the Litter and another one of our senior cats.
We are so happy for you buddy!

Friday, December 5, 2008

New Cage Sponsor - East Prov. Fire Dept

Thank you to the firefighters of
East Providence Fire Dept. Station #1 "C Group"
For sponsoring a cage at the Best Friend Level

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Welcome Baby Anthony

Our receptionist Linda is proud to announce the birth of her first grandchild!
Anthony Troy Mendonca
He arrived December 3rd at 1:30 AM
6 LBS 10 Oz
Both mom and baby are doing just fine, and our congrats to Jamie and Tony.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Charlie's Adoption Update


Charlie, now named Buddy has turned out to be
"my BEST Buddy, " says his new owner Irma. "He is very affectionate and outgoing and a real joy to me. "
Thanks for being a great owner and giving him a wonderful home.






Christmas at Chepachet Farms - Visit Santa every Sunday

The staff at the RISPCA recently had a great time at Chepachet Farms on a wonderful hayride. The folks out there are always so good to us, and we even got to visit one of our cats who had been adopted.
If you are looking for something really fun and different to do over the holidays, they are having Visits with Santa each Sunday in December from 1-4 PM.
Children can decorate a cookie, sip hot cocoa by their wood stove, visit the Petting Zoo, and have their photo taken with Santa.

Bring a canned good to benefit the local food bank or bring dry/canned pet food to benefit the shelter, and receive an extra copy of your photo with Santa.
$8.00 per person - includes, cocoa, cookie, photo with Santa and petting zoo.

Horse - drawn hayrides available (weather permitting)
Gift certificates available
PLUS - they have awesome maple syrup and Maple viniagrette!
Say hello to Jody, Mr. Briggs, and the rest of their great crew for us.

Miss Kelley's 4th grade class Thanksgiving donation

The children in Miss Kelley's 4th grade class at the Jewish Community Day School of RI collected gifts for our animals for Thanksgiving. We'd like to thank you for all of the wonderful items you donated.

$250 grant from Rhode Island Foundation

The RISPCA has been informed that a $250 grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island Community Health Fund will be given in recognition of their volunteers.
Thank you for your continued support of the RI SPCA.

Thanks to Winter Wonderland 11/30

Thanks to City Lights in Association with Doggie Styles Pet Spa and Park Ave Puppys for the Fashion Extravaganza November 30. The show was held at the North End Cafe in N. Providence to benefit AIDSCare Ocean State and the RISPCA.

Buddy and Cricket - Adoption Update


"...thought I would let you know how Buddy and Cricket are doing in their "new" home. We adopted this 8 year-old brother/sister pair of husky/shepherds in June of 2007. What a pair and challenge they have been, but we love them with all our hearts!"

More Orion Photos - Adoption Update

"I just can't say enough great stuff about this cat!!! We just celebrated our 1st Thanksgiving together & we are all truly thankful she has joined our family. She is great w/our young daughter, too. I know that they will be the best of friends! Her original owners can rest assured that she could never be more loved!!! Thank you...again!!!"




Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Online Sponsorship Now Available

Marvin with Alice
Two senior friends

Sponsor a Marvin's Friend this holiday season
Sponsoring a cage is available year round with a check, and now you can use your credit or debit card. Honor a friend, remember a pet,or give as a holiday gift.
We have many senior animals and those who have been with us for months who need financial support for their care.



We have several new cage sponsors
  • Tropical Fish Society of Rhode Island
  • In Honor of Katie Tewksbury's Birthday (and thanks to all of her supporters)
  • In Memory of Moto


  • In Memory of Laura Apshaga's Rose *renewal


  • In Memory of "Sasha" Panaccione


  • From the Animal Loving Members of CCRI's English Department, Warwick Campus *Renewal

More Upcoming Events/ Fundraisers by RISPCA Youth Group

2nd Annual Holiday School Shopping Night
Friday, Dec. 5-----6:00 - 9:00PM
Myron J. Francis Elementary School
64 Bourne Ave, Rumford , RI 401-435- 7829
AND
Arts & Crafts Fair
Saturday, Dec. 6th -----------9AM - 2 PM
Newman Congregational Church
Newman Ave, Rumford, RI

Visit the RISPCA Youth Group's Table! The group will be selling Dogs in Harmony treats, pet gift baskets, cookie Jars, pet toys, and more. All money raised by the group in the month of December is part of their participation in the Alan Shawn Feinstein$100,000 Giveaway Challenge.


Giving Trees
The Giving Tree donation drive:
Dec. 2nd - Dec. 23 at
  • Dogs in Harmony, 1417 Atwood Ave, Johnston 401-934-3647
  • Artistic Pet Salon, 1470 Park Ave, Cranston 401-944-7387
  • PetSmart of Johnston will also be a part of the Giving Tree drive but instead of a tree, you can find a wish list located at the Adoption Center in the back of the store. All items purchased for the animals can be given to any manager on duty and will be picked up by the shelter on a weekly basis.



Barnes and Noble Gift Wrapping Saturday by Youth Group

Barnes and Noble
Saturday, Nov. 29th -----------9AM - 3PM
The Crossroads at Smithfield Plaza
371 Putnam Pike
Smithfield
All purchases made at the Barnes & Noble in Smithfield can be wrapped by the RISPCA Youth Group for a donation of your choice. You can have beautifully wrapped gits in great winter themed paper.

Winter Wonderland Extravaganza 11/ 30

Sunday, November 30th -----5:00PM
The North End Cafe
1058 Charles St
North Providence
Pet Fashion Show with a silent auction hosted by City Lights, Doggie Styles Pet Spa, Park Ave Puppy, and the North End Cafe.
$20 ticket price includes a buffet, cash bar and music featuring popular local DJs. The ticket sales will benefit AIDS Care Ocean State and the RISPCA.
100% of event proceeds benefit these charities.
Tickets available for purchase at the door.

Petfinder $1,000 check arrives!



Click here to read the letter and see the big check!

Lilly and Buttons - Adoption Update Photos



As you can see, Buttons the cat and Lilly the dachsund are quite comfy in their new home. Buttons has her own special bed - fit for a princess. But our pup thinks this bed is more her size ( all for me!)




Monday, November 24, 2008

Friendly, Lovable Orion - Adoption Update




Her new owners are calling Orion the friendliest, most lovable cat they have ever met! They want her original owners to know that she's happy and they love her.
Yeah!

ProJo Story about the Shelter Challenge

Read the ProJo.com story by Jan Gregory about the RISPCA and the Shelter Challenge "Animal Rescue Site is offering a grand prize of $25,000."
It was in the Sunday edition and you can see it online here:
http://www.projo.com/sports/content/sp_dogcol23_11-23-08_N8CCG99_v19.36743d5.html

Friday, November 21, 2008

Deering Middle School Students Voting for RISPCA

The students (and teachers!) at Deering are really on the ball!

Mrs.Zambuco's 7th Grade Team and Mrs. Smiths 6th Grade Library Class, and Mr. Lancelotta are great examples of kids and teachers who know how to get the job done.

Mrs. Zambuco's students" are very involved in voting. Students bring a copy of the "thank you for voting" sheet (that is dated on the bottom) to class the day after they have voted. I am giving students reward tickets in one class or a "stamp" towards a pass for a night of no homework."


Mrs. Smith's 6th grade library classes "have voted just about every day since Marvin's visit. The kids are very excited about trying to help the SPCA win the money. By the way, Angel Dogs just arrived from Amazon.com. We will get it ready to go next week. Both the Marvin books are checked out and kids are waiting for them."

Mr. Lancelotta sent out voting instructions and the link to all of his contacts, and this is a huge help to get the word out.


Thanks from all of us at the RISPCA

"Velvet" - Pick of Litter Adopted








Beautiful Velvet was one of our November Adopt A Senior Pet Month features on Pick of the Litter. This nice lady and her son fell in love with Velvet and adopted her.
Or maybe Velvet adopted them....?

Cranston City Employee Make Donation

Thanks to the Cranston City employees for their donation of $116 who participated in dress-down days on Fridays. The employees make a donation in exchange for this privilege and when they accumulate, they give it to charity.
We received a nice letter from Mayor Michael Napolitano on behalf of the Cranston City employees and appreciate that they did not forget our animal friends.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Pet Photos with Santa

Digital Photo with Santa
Saturday and Sunday
Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21
11AM - 4PM at PetSmart in Johnston

$9.95 with your Pet Perks card ( reg. $10.95)
Photo Package Includes:
A digital photo of you and your pet with Santa
An exclusive holiday frame




$5.00 of every photo package donated to RISPCA

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

# 4 in the country


























There are 26 days left to get to number one!
See some of those who have been voting for and supporting us.

New Floor Ready in Kennel Area


Our kennel area was closed to visitors last week while we were getting the new floor installed. It looks beautiful and they did a great job with it - we are proud.
Thanks to John Holmes and the Pawtucket Animal Shelter for allowing our dogs to stay there while construction was going on.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Ciao ai nostri amici e la famiglia a Roma

Aurora and Gino in Rome
Aurora is a cousin of our Director, Dr. Finocchio
and you can see she is an animal lover too.
Grazie dei tuoi amici a RISPCA

Friday, November 14, 2008

Update info about Law Enforcement Calendar

The 2009 law Enforcement Calendar
is available now at the Cranston Police Department and Garden City Borders.
And soon to be at the RISPCA....

Howling Hounds Dog Walk Raises $20,000

We would like to thank all of the volunteers, vendors, walkers, their dogs, and those who sponsored them for raising $20,000 at the
October Howling Hounds Dog Walk. You made it happen!

Special thanks to voters.......

A special thank you to all of our students who have been voting for us in the Shelter Challenge - and Danny Waterman from the Rocky Hill School and Emily Homonoff from East Greenwich High are big supporters.




Thanks to our animal friends at
Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue

Sandra Young and her crew at the Sly Fox Quarter Horse Ranch

and Debra Barlow at Hopeful Haven Equine Rescue in Louisiana


See the list of some of these special friends here
Add your class or group by emailing us at webmaster@rispca.com

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Tropical Fish Society of RI - Meeting Nov. 19th



The Tropical Fish Society will have its monthly meeting Wednesday the 19th, starting at 7:30 PM in the auditorium. They will be having a pizza party for their guests as well as the round table discussion. In addition, Rich Pierce is putting together an uncommon fish slide show. So bring your questions, observations and fish issues, and have some fun!
And don't forget this month's bowl show, so bring your best fish!
As always, the meetings are free and open to the public.


RISPCA wins $1,000 as weekly winner in Shelter Challenge

The staff and supporters of the RISPCA were delighted to announce yesterday that we will be getting a check for $1,000 from Petfinder.com.
Here is the official announcement:

Dear Rhode Island SPCA,
Congratulations! Your group has won the weekly 'Shelter Challenge' from Petfinder and the Animal Rescue site for the week of Nov 3 - Nov 9! We are so thrilled with your efforts to involve your community and spread the word about pet adoption. Your organization will receive a check for $1,000 from the Petfinder Foundation shortly. Keep voting toward the $25,000 grand prize!

So please keep it up until midnight December 14 when the voting ends. We are still ranked at #6!

RI Law Enforcement 2009 Calendar for Charity














100% of the profits from the sale of this calendar go to the local chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) and the RISPCA. Yes, these hunky, beefcake fellas are actual police officers from around Rhode Island and this would be an excellent addition to any lady's office.
All kidding aside....
The COPS website tells us that every year between 140- 160 officers are killed in the line of duty. The calendar is just one way they are fundraising to help families.
And we appreciate that our animals will also benefit.
Thank you!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Jewel Thriving - Adoption Update













This update is just awesome. Read about Jewel- the little cat who was depressed and refused to eat until she got adopted!

Hi Folks,
We just wanted to keep you updated that Jewel (adopted by us in April
2008) continues to thrive. She has become feisty, but she is also playful and loving. She flips for sturdy ribbon and I hear Santa may bring her a cool chase toy this Christmas. She's got about 6 favorite spots in our house now, including the one pictured below (the landing of our stairs). You would never know she wasn't eating when we met her!
As always, we are so grateful to have her as part of our family - my older son, Sevrin, even moved his miniature football figures collection from their intricate display in his window so Jewel could have another favorite spot without knocking them all down! If that's not love, I don't know what is...

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Black cats have a tough time finding homes

Shadow watching the birds from the Cat Room's play area.


A study by the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that black cats were about half as likely to be adopted as tabby cats and two-thirds less likely than white cats. Whether due to superstitions or just preference, this situation is seen in shelters across the country.

And the RISPCA can be included, as we currently have 18 black cats in our shelter. It's so unfortunate that they are overlooked many times, as our senior cats are too.

Read the article in the Seattle Times "Black cats unlucky at shelters"

Monday, November 10, 2008

Alice featured in Cat Channel.com article

*PLEASE NOTE* Closing early today

We will be closing the shelter at 1:00 PM today due to construction in our dog area. All of our dogs are at the Pawtucket Animal Shelter in Slater Park this week only. They are available for adoption at their shelter.

Senior cat KiKi aka/ Rosie's new life

She's looking very content and cuddly, isn't she?







Friday, November 7, 2008

Alice playing for the first time video


Here is a little video snippet of Alice batting around a catnip toy. It may not seem like a big thing to some folks, but she could not physically do this before.