Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Pick of the Litter

This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is Peanut, a quiet and affectionate 8 year old cat. He was brought to the Rhode Island SPCA because his owner was ill and has quickly become a staff favorite. Peanut needs to lose weight, so his new owner will have to keep him on a strict diet. If you are interested in adopting Peanut, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application.

See Peanut on ABC6!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Adoptions: 12/19 - 12/25

We are happy to announce we found forever homes for 9 of our adoptable animal friends last week. We wish Tinsel, Elizabeth, Arthur, Sally, Georgie, Lacey, Chester, Stripe, and their new owners many happy years together!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Pick of the Litter

This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is Lacey, a quiet, sweet 12 year old Cocker Spaniel who was brought to the RISPCA because her owner could not afford to take care of her anymore. This senior Cocker Spaniel is looking for a quiet, loving home to live out her golden years. If you are interested in adopting Lacey, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application.

See Lacey on ABC6!

Adoptions: 12/12 - 12/18

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 15 of our adoptable animal friends last week! We wish Green Bean, Kringle, Moonshadow, Rupert, Seth, Flora, Noel, Egg Nog, Joy, Chloe, Merri, Buddy, Rolando, Mittens, and their new owners many happy years together!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Pick of the Litter

This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is Coco, a 5 year old Lab/Greyhound mix. Coco has been at the RISPCA for a few months and is ready for her new home. She is a very sweet, playful dog who will probably do best as the only dog in the home.

See Coco on ABC6!

If you are interested in adopting Coco, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Adoptions: 12/5 - 12/11

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 20 of our adoptable animal friends last week! We wish Max, Munchkin, Mama, Max, Aristotle, Sam, Peoria, Cranberry, Rotini, Ravioli, Louie, Honey, Goldie, Rocky, Peanut, Will, Tiny, Rocky, Stormy, Midnight, and their new owners many happy years together!

December eNews


Check out the Rhode Island SPCA's December eNewsletter to meet Lacey, this month's featured pet!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Pick of the Litter

This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is Maggie, a 3 year old, spayed female. When she came to the RISPCA she was pregnant. All of her kittens have been adopted, now it is Maggie's turn for a new home! She is a volunteer favorite who is very tolerant and loves to be brushed. She will do well in most homes.

If you are interested in adopting Mama Maggie, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application.

See Maggie on ABC6!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Adoptions: 11/29 - 12/5

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 24 of our adoptable animal friends last week! We wish Cornbread, Ebony, Jake, Scout, Tila, Special-K, Weezy, Savannah, Charleston, Maddie, Munchkin, Johnny, Angelita, Weezey, Kurt, Quinn, Noah, Burt, Finn, Georgia, Rachel, Duke, Dante, Diego, and their new owners many happy years together!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Photos With Santa!


Photos With Santa PetSmart Johnston, RI
December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19 11am to 4pm


Pet owners are invited to have their pet pose for a photo with Santa at PetSmart in Johnston, RI on weekends throughout December. Pet parents will receive one 4x6 digital photograph in a holiday collector frame and all proceeds will benefit the RISPCA!

For more information on upcoming RISPCA events, please visit: www.rispca.com/news.htm.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Adoptions: 11/22 - 11/28

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 12 of our adoptable animal friends last week! We wish Cindy, Warren, Bobby, Ziti, Chica, Benji, Marcia, Yeti, Lucky, Aristotle, Calpernicus, Whitey, and their new owners many happy years together!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Adoptions: 11/15 - 11/21

We are happy to announce we found forever homes for 26 of our animal friends last week! We wish Juice, Bailey, Mika, Chloe, Greg, Dusty, Buster, Turner, Caveman, Faith, Milo, Georgie, Nisha, Bam Bam, Butterball, Sha-na-na, Brutus, Flam, Nik, Trower, Peter, Gracie, Rocky, Guiness, Special K, Maddie, and their new owners many happy years together!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Pick of the Litter


This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is a pair of rabbits seized in an animal cruelty case. Billy and Cass are 2 of 6 rabbits currently at the RISPCA that were seized in this investigation. The animals at the farm were very underweight and not being properly cared for. Luckily for Billy and Cass, they are now being well cared for at the RISPCA and eagerly awaiting their new homes!

If you are interested in adopting Billy or Cass, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Adoptions: 11/7 - 11/14

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 10 of our animal friends last week! We wish Ellie, Tango, Sasquatch, Buster, Kiara, Kirbyette, Jo-Jo, Mrs. Potts, Sophie, Boots, and their new owners many happy years together!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Pick of the Litter


This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is Wendy, a Weimaraner that was confiscated in a cruelty case 49 days ago. She weighed just 48 pounds and now weighs 65 pounds after 7 weeks in a foster home. Wendy is a very friendly dog who is now ready for adoption.

See Wendy on ABC6!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Adoptions: 10/31 - 11/6

We are happy to announce that we found homes for 25 of our adoptable animal friends last week! We wish Cooper, Sully, Stewie, Friday, Dinkle, Dopey, Moe, Bullet, Honey, Ottis, Bristol, Dallas, Sam, Jacob, Pearl, Valentino, General, Simba, Mufasa, Doc, Rocky, Bashful, Sneezy, Cheyenne, Mary, and their new owners many happy years together!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

RISPCA November eNewsletter

November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet-Month, find out how you can help support the RISPCA by checking out November's eNewsletter. Bailey, (pictured right) is the star of this month's "happy tail."

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Pick of the Litter


This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is a pair of 4 and a half month old kittens. Ziti and Rigatoni were born in June and have grown up at the shelter. They are very playful and affectionate and would love to go home together!

If you are interested in adopting one of these friendly kittens, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application!

See Ziti and Rigatoni on ABC6!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Adoptions: 10/25 - 10/31

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 23 of our adoptable animal friends last week! We wish Grapenut, Old Peculiar, Bunsen, Beaker, Sophie, Shu Shu, Vanna, Jackson, Oliver, Duckstein, Cave Bird, Beez Nees, Caveman, Grumpy, Happy, Romeo, Marley, Sleepy, Sampson, Lucy, Faith, Murphy, Buddah, and their new owners many happy years together!

Friday, October 29, 2010

"Almost Free" Rabies Clinic and RISPCA Yard Sale

Join us tomorrow (Saturday, October 30th) for our "Almost Free" Rabies Clinic and RISPCA Yard Sale from 10:00am to 2:00pm!

For more information visit: www.rispca.com/news.htm

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Pick of the Litter

This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is Gracie, a sweet and lovable 10 year old beagle. She came to the RISPCA because her owner was ill and no longer able to care for her. She has lived with other dogs as well as children. This senior beagle is looking for a quiet, loving home to live out her golden years.

If you are interested in adopting Gracie, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application!

Monday, October 25, 2010

"Almost Free" Rabies Clinic and RISPCA Yard Sale

Saturday October 30, 2010 10:00am – 2:00pm RISPCA Auditorium

Pet owners throughout Rhode Island are invited to come to the RISPCA to receive a rabies vaccination for their dog, cat, or ferret. The cost for each vaccine is just 3 cans of non-perishable (human) food; expired food will not be accepted. For the safety of everyone involved, pets must be on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Owners are asked to bring previous vaccination records with them to the clinic, if possible. The food collected will be donated to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and the Saint Patrick’s Community Food Bank in Harrisville, RI. For more information contact the RISPCA at (401) 438-8150 or jmcgee@rispca.com.

A yard sale will also be held (weather permitting) featuring new and used pet supplies and more.

Adoptions: 10/17 - 10/23

We are happy to announce we found forever homes for 18 of our adoptable animal friends last week. We wish Ace, Sky, Molly, Hope, Saturday, Loki, Puck, Double, Bailey, Thumper, Boddington, Saphire, Oreo, Magpie, Shandy, Rocco, Baxter, Dot, and their new owners many happy years together!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

RISPCA In the News

"The Rhode Island SPCA Seeks Appropraite Home For Lizards" on NBC 10.

Pick of the Litter


This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is an energetic 7 month old Fox Terrier named Rocco. He was bought in a pet store in RI and given up because his family was moving to an apartment that did not allow dogs. Rocco has lived with other dogs, cats, and children. He would make a great addition to any home. If you are interested in adopting come to the RISPCA to fill out an application!

See Rocco on ABC 6!

Monday, October 18, 2010

RISPCA Breakfast

The RISPCA breakfast is less than a week away and we need your support! Visit www.rispca.com/news.htm for more information on purchasing tickets. We hope to see you this Saturday at Dave's Bar and Grille in Warwick for a great breakfast to help the animals.

Adoptions: 10/11 - 10/17

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 15 of our animal friends last week. We wish Catarina, Bella, Butterscotch, Tinkerbell, Kahlua, Riley, Sierra, Oliver, Tiny, Boo, Pumpkin, Hunter, Roy, Bella, Whitney and their new owners many happy years together!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Have you purchased your RISPCA Breakfast Tickets yet?


Come enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast at Dave's Bar and Grille in Warwick, RI on Saturday October, 23rd to help the animals at the RISPCA! Tickets are only $10 per person and the food will be excellent. You may purchase tickets online via PayPal, by check, or in person at the RISPCA. We will mail you your tickets before the breakfast.

For more information on upcoming RISPCA events, please visit: www.rispca.com/news.htm.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Pick of the Litter




This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is a pair of 9 week old kittens named ebony and ivory. The RISPCA still has many kittens available as "kitten season" comes to an end. If you are interested in adopting Ebony, Ivory, or any of the other cats and kittens available for adoption, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application!

See Ebony and Ivory on ABC 6!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

RISPCA October eNewsletter


October is Adopt-a-Dog Month, find out how you can help support the RISPCA by checking out October's eNewsletter. Taz, (pictured right) is the star of this month's "happy tail."

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Pick of the Litter


This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is a pair of 4 year old un-neutered male sugar gliders named Loki and Puck. These two guys came to us when their family's situation changed and they no longer had time to care for them. Sugar gliders are small marsupials native to Australia. They take a highly specialized diet (including fresh produce and live insects) and expert handling. If you are interested in adopting Loki and Puck, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application!


Adoptions: 9/26 - 10/2

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 12 of our adoptable animal friends last week. We wish Claire, Stella, Tucker, Bono, Taffy, Dip, Sip, Georgia, Pumpkin, Sheba, Ping, Diva, and their new owners many happy years together.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Tucker Adopted


We are happy to announce that Tucker, star of many RISPCA events over the last few months and ABC6's "Pick of the Litter" twice, has been adopted! We wish him well in his new home!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Pick of the Litter

This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is a pair of 6 and a half week old miniature Dachshund puppies. Their pregnant mother was confiscated from a hoarding situation involving 70 dogs a few months ago. Sophie and Harley are the last two still waiting to find homes from the litter of four. They will weigh 8 or 9 pounds as adults. If you are interested in adopting one of the puppies, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Adoptions: 9/19 - 9/25

We are happy to announce that we found homes for 16 of our animal friends last week. We wish Ramsey, Rugby, Avalon, Mona, Huckleberry, Cookie, Muffin, Steve, Princess, Trot, Jackson, Missy, Buddy, Chuckles, Kiwi, Bailey, and their new owners many happy years together!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Pick of the Litter


This week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter" is a group of 12 week old baby bunnies and a litter of 8 week old kittens. We currently have 4 baby bunnies available and several litters of kittens.


If you are interested in adopting one of these cute little guys or girls, come to the RISPCA to see them in persona and fill out an application!


Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Adoptions: 9/6 - 9/11

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 19 of our adoptable animal friends last week. We wish B.G., Baby Girl, Mona, Sassy, Friendship, Frederick, Tumbles, Henry, Bethesda, Macaroni, Alexandria, Pudding, Sheba, Jordan, Bella, Nash, Otis, Sasha, Dutch, and their new owners many happy years together!

September's Featured Pet Adopted!


BG, September's featured pet, has been adopted! We wish her well in her new home.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Pick of the Litter


Meet Tucker, this week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter."


Tucker is a 12 week old Pitbull who has been well socialized to people of all ages as well as dogs and cats. Tucker is crate trained. He has attended many RISPCA events and is very playful! He will need an experienced owner and lots of socialization.


If you thin Tucker is the dog for you, come to the RISPCA to see him in person and fill out an application!

RISPCA September eNewsletter

Make sure you are up to date on RISPCA news and upcoming events - check out September's eNewsletter to read more about BG, (pictured right) this month's featured adoptable pet!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Adoptions: 8/30 - 9/4

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 22 of our adoptable animal friends last week! We wish Henry, Kite, Buddy, Muffin, Peanut, Dutch, Munchie, Riley, Laila, Yogi Bear, Sophie, Stills, Hailey, Michael, Buddah, Big Boy, Peyton, Brownie, Henry, Dash, Felix, Lucky, and their new owners many happy years together!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Pick of the Litter


Meet Champ, this weeks ABC6 "Pick of the Litter."

Champ is a 2 month old male kitten. He is very playful and curious. Champ is one of many black cats and kittens currently at the RISPCA. Unfortunately, these cats tend to stay at the shelter longer before they are adopted. If you are interested in adopting Champ or any of the other cats at the RISPCA, please come in for a visit!

Marvelous Marvin Memorial Walk


Our annual dog walk is just 4 days away! Join us on Saturday, August 28th at Goddard Park for a fun day to help raise money for the animals!


Visit http://www.rispca.com/ for more information.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Adoptions: 8/15 - 8/21

We are happy to announce that we had 15 adoptions last week! We wish Clarence, Coco, Cinnamon, Ollie, Hontas, Alta, Pizza, Romeo, Ophelia, Polonius, Tuna, Tim, Snickers, Lexi, Laia, and their new owners many happy years together!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Pick of the Litter


Meet Snickers, this weeks ABC6 "Pick of the Litter."

Snickers is an 8 year old chocolate lab. He is an energetic senior lab who hasn't had much interaction with other animals - because of this he would probably do best being the only pet in the home. He will need regular walks and loves to chase tennis balls.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Adoptions: 8/9 - 8/15

We are happy to announce that we found homes for 10 of our animal friends last week. We wish Moose, Henry, Blue, Dalilah, Cody Marie, Dino, Snowball, Chuckles, Toast, Lady Bug, and their new owners many happy years together!

Check out the animals still looking for a home!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Pick of the Litter


Meet Givenchy, this week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter."


Givenchy is a very sweet 10 year old cat who was having a hard time dealing with all of the big changes in his life. Givenchy's owners had a new baby and moved into a new home. Because of the stress, he started to develop some behavior issues and his owners decided that a quieter household would be the best thing for him.


Adoptions: 8/1 - 8/7

Even a day late, we are still happy to announce that we had 9 adoptions last week! We wish Angus, Freddy, Max, Edgar, Lionel, Isabelle, Ema, Sadie, Gucci, and their new owner's many happy years together!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

August eNewsletter


Check out our August eNewsletter to get more information about the Dog Walk, other upcoming events, and happy tails! Pictured is Bandit, star of this month's "happy tail."

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Pick of the Litter


Meet Henry, this week's ABC6 "Pick of the Litter!"


Henry is a friendly, 10 year old Mastiff/Greyhound mix. He came to the RISPCA because his elderly owner could no longer care for him. He loves to go for walks and is great on his leash. He is a calm, peaceful dog who still has a lot of energy for his age. Due to his age and size, he'd do best in a home without small children.




Monday, August 2, 2010

Adoptions: 7/26 - 8/1

We are happy to announce that we found homes for 17 of our adoptable animal friends last week! We wish Fluffy, Doo-Hickey, Maria, Day-Day, Edmund, Minnie, Rusty, Tucker, Funny Bunny, Rusty, Tinker, Dwight, Cassanova, Henry, Flounder, Angel, Boyd, and their new owners many happy years together!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Pick of the Litter

Meet Tucker, this weeks "Pick of the Litter."
Tucker is a 6 week old pitbull puppy who has already had 3 homes. He will need an experienced owner and lots of socialization. All puppies adopted from the RISPCA are required to attend puppy class which is held in the evenings right at the RISPCA.


If you think Tucker is the dog for you, come to the RISPCA to fill out an application!


Monday, July 26, 2010

Adoptions: 7/19 - 7/25

We had a very busy week here at the RISPCA. 20 of our animal friends found new homes! We wish Feebee, Marty, Sweet Pea, Dudley, Bandit, Sunny, Sadie, Amelie, Georgia, Cupcake, Percy, Dream, Tia-Tea, Cookie, Phoebe, Mahi-Mahi, Thumper, Hopper, Mollie, and their new owners many happy years together!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Pick of the Litter


Bandit is a 4 year old mix breed. When he came to the RISPCA he had a severely injured leg from an old injury that had not properly healed. Unfortunately, his leg had to be amputated. He has recovered will from his surgery and is doing great. He is a very sweet, gentle dog who would make an excellent companion. If you think Bandit is the dog for you, come to the RISPCA for a visit.


Monday, July 19, 2010

Dinner Plans?


Stop by the Broadway Bistro (205 Broadway, Providence) tonight (Monday) from 5:30 - 7:30 to meet an adoptable RISPCA dog as part of our Cafe Dogs program. While you are there, be sure to order dinner, it will be excellent (Mollie recommends the salmon).

Adoptions: 7/12 - 7/18

The RISPCA found homes for 15 of our animal friends last week! We wish Bella, Wezzy, Lia, Bina, Layla, August, Sandy, Lucy, Whatch-a-ma-call-it, Thing-a-ma-bob, Nikki, Paddy, Nick, Buddy, Shipley, and their new owners many happy years together!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

July eNewsletter

Check out our July eNewsletter to stay up to date on RISPCA summer happenings! Pictured are Zoey (left) and Finnegan (right), stars of this month's "happy tail!"


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Adoptions: 6/28 - 7/5

We hope everyone enjoyed a nice long weekend. We know our 13 animal friends who found new homes last week sure did. We wish Turtle, Gus, Stanley, Teddy, Mitsy, Lola, Freddie, Scruffy, Theodore, Coyote, Otis, Dwight, Peter and their new owners many happy years together!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Adoptions 6/21 - 6/27

We are happy to announce that we found forever homes for 17 of our animal friends last week. We wish Beesly, Spice, Pugsley, Bailey, Bea Arthur, Oscar, Halpert, Cooper, Whizzer, Peaches, Precious, Rexie, Freddie, Grissam, Haliburt, Cleo, Cabo, and their new owners many happy years together!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Adoptions: 6/14 - 6/20

We are happy to have found forever homes for 10 of our friends last week. We wish Spooky, Dewey, Negrita, Jack, Robbie, Bobo, Mittens, Zoey, Finnegan, Fenway, and their new owners many excellent years together!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

August the Fifth


It's been a busy week for our boy Auggie. He hit a speed bump health-wise mid week and had us worried, but he's back on the road to recovery! With his bloodwork results in hand, we're moving ahead with treatment and carefully constructed diet, and he's responding wonderfully. August's breathing has quieted a good deal, and his strength improves every day! We have received generous donations of fresh food from friends and local businesses, and he's thriving on his healthy diet. Some of his staples are: chard, kale, red leaf lettuce, collard greens, blueberries, melon and strawberries (his favorite).

This weekend, we moved into a new home, and August moved with us! This new house has a big porch, and we took the opportunity to construct him a safe, healthy outdoor play area where he can spend supervised time on sunny days. The natural sunlight and exercise on uneven terrain are both doctor recommended and very important for his recovery. We hope, once he is healthy, he will find a home where he can have a great outdoor escape like this for the summer time (you can even plant live, edible plants in there!).

August is very personable with us and with visitors, and is loving is new life ... a life he couldn't have had alone! We would like to thank again Dr. Daly and Dr. Brown for their excellent continued care of August, and all the people who have been following his story and contributing to his recovery. It can be harder for people to relate to exotics such as August than it is to relate to animals like dogs and cats. However, Auggie's current success is a tribute to the kind, animal loving community that we are proud to live in.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Close-ups? Ready for 'em

Just a quick thank you to Maria Giannini, who volunteers her time and considerable skills to make our many awesome adoptables look fantastic. A good picture is invaluable in the animal adoption biz and Maria takes the best! Thanks as always Maria!



Wednesday, June 16, 2010

August in June: Fourth Edition


This week started with August feeling well enough to begin short trips outside to get some all-important natural sunlight. He seemed to really enjoy his short romp in the (chemical free!) back yard of some friends. He explored the lawn, poked around the paving stones, and basked a bit in the sun. He still tires out quickly, so we took it easy this first time ... but we are hoping for more great weather so that we can continue with our outings as his health improves!

Auggie is now relaxing at home, enjoying some fresh greens generously donated by Whole Foods Market on Waterman Ave. in Providence. He is not a huge fan of his meds, but he's a good sport, and will do just about anything for a piece of strawberry. Thanks for following August's story, and please, continue to check back to see how he's doing!

Quick Tour of the Cat Room

Cats. Wonderous, mercurial beasts. We sure do have a bunch of 'em. Let's meet them!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Cafe Dogs 6-15-10

It's Tuesday again, and that means it's time for our twice weekly trip to The Edge in Providence with our Cafe Dogs program! This week, staff members Shawna and Lisa W. caused quite a stir with Cooper, a gregarious, lovable wiggle of a dog. Cooper is a young neutered male bully mix, and you couldn't find a better dog. He was on best behavior at The Edge, and reportedly made it his mission to personally greet everyone who ventured near his corner of sidewalk. He managed to con some tasty homemade dog biscuits out of a passing admirer as well! It was a great day for an outing, and we can only hope to have more wonderful, sunny days to enjoy with our friends on Wayland Avenue. We're starting to hear a bunch of buzz about our Cafe Dogs program, so come see what it's all about! Stop by any (dry) Tuesday or Thursday from 11:30 - 1:30 this summer for a chance to hang out with RISPCA staff and meet one of our great adoptable dogs, all over one of the best cups of coffee in the city.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Adoptions 6/7 - 6/14

We are happy to announce that we had 17 adoptions last week! We wish Brooke, Jill, Winston, Pinky, Blacky, Chesney, Humphrey, Gabbie, Mitten, Layla, King, Dartagnan, Hamlet, Bipity, Pokey, Willow, Horatio, and their new owners many happy years together!

Help us find homes for even more of our friends this week, come to the RISPCA and look for your new best friend!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

August In June: Third Installment

We are (very!) glad to report that things are starting to look hopeful for August...and that he is gathering quite a fan base! His declining health prompted us to seek further specialist care. Funded by generous donations for that purpose, August traveled to Ocean State Veterinary Specialists on Friday to see exotics specialist Dr. Cyndi Brown and her team. After an extensive exam, a new drug regimen was prescribed and blood was drawn for further tests. Initial findings were that August is severely anemic and deficient in a number of areas. With his new drugs and an specialized feeding plan in place, things are looking up for our ailing chelonian. He is now eating very well (his new favorite treat is strawberries), and is thriving under the watchful eye of his buddy Bula.


Sadly, exotic species like tortoises are readily available in specialty pet shops, but the correct information required for their care is much harder to come by. Many well-meaning keepers end up with malnourished, ill and sometimes disfigured pets -if they survive at all -due to the abundance of poor information out there. One thing that has become clear is that the majority of August's problems stem not just from being abandoned in an unfamiliar environment, but also from a life-long lack of adequate care. In caring for August, we have utilized such resources as The Tortoise Trust forum and online library, consultations with Red Foot Tortoise keepers from Ross University and discussions with multiple veterinary experts in the area... and we suggest that any aspiring reptile keeper do the same. We hope that August and his story will encourage people to think twice before acquiring an exotic pet!

August sure has a long road ahead, but his future is looking pretty good thanks to a generous and caring team of people. We have some short back yard outings planned to catch some rays once the weather improves (besides being fun, sunlight is very important for reptile development). Please check back regularly to hear more about August and his adventures!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Full House in the Kennel

We generally try to avoid going to maximum capacity in the dogs kennels here at the Rhode Island SPCA. It's always a good idea to leave one or two kennels open in case of an emergency, but sometimes it happens that every kennel is occupied. That happened this past Thursday, June 10. Here's a quick tour of the kennels from that day. (Please note, some of these animals may have been adopted by the time you watch this video. That'll happen with cute critters.)

Winston Goes Home

Just a quick note to say that Winston, the senior beagle with a lot to say, has headed off to his new forever home. Here's to many long, loud, quality conversations with his human friends and two new beagle roommates!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

August in June: Second installment

August is hanging in there, and got a chance yesterday to stretch his legs and explore his foster-home a bit. He is very curious, but tires out very easily, and started to go downhill last night. His appetite has slacked off, and this morning he could not keep his food down. This prompted us to take him back in to see Dr. Daly. The good news is that he has put on a little weight, and started eating a bit more this afternoon. The bad news is that, after taking x-rays, Dr. Daly discovered that Auggie has fluid in his lungs: pneumonia.

As a tropical species, August (like other Red Footed tortoises) is designed to handle hot, wet temperatures: 90* or even higher, with plenty of humidity. In the wild he would never encounter conditions like our chilly springs here in RI. By dumping an animal like August outside, an irresponsible owner is guaranteeing them illness...or worse. Lucky for Auggie, a concerned citizen took the time to get him the help he needs. Now it is our job to do what we can for him, and that's just what we plan to do. August will have a long, hard road ahead of him, but he is now in good hands. Please, consider sponsoring August; any amount that you give will go a long way to paying for the expensive treatments he will need to get healthy. It is unfortunate that it is so much more costly to treat a tortoise than it is to treat a dog or cat with a similar illness. However, if August can receive the care he needs, he will be able to settle in for a long, long healthy life - tortoises can live up to a hundred years, or even more!

August received more fluids tonight, as well as a dewormer treatment (we strongly suspect that parasites are the reason for his upset stomach), and is now basking comfortably under his spotlight. He does not enjoy his medications, but he does very much enjoy his bribes: fresh mango! For now, his new friend Bula is keeping careful watch over him and seems quite concerned with is progress:

Please check back to follow August's progress and to read other stories from around the RISPCA!