Latest news with #ASPCA
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Rescued Queens Malinois puppies ready for adoption
Six weeks after dozens of Belgian Malinois pups were rescued from a filthy Queens apartment coated in urine and feces, the young survivors are bouncing back — learning to play, trust and just be dogs. Among them is Lafayette, the youngest of the 48 dogs pulled from the hoarder's home. He was just 3 weeks old, toothless and so weak rescuers feared the worst. 'There was a question mark at one point about whether he would survive,' said Rachel Maso, director of animal behavior at NYC's ASPCA, who assisted in the two-day rescue. Advertisement 5 The puppies showed 'immense resilience and excitement,' a sharp contrast to the terrified adult dogs who struggled to adjust after living in the cramped Queens apartment, Maso said. Helayne Seidman Now, Lafayette and four of the other puppies named after NYC streets — Wooster, Broome, Grand and Rivington — are healthy, playful and finally ready for adoption. The Post was recently given a sneak peak at their progress. Animal welfare officials, alongside the NYPD's Emergency Services Unit, responded to Isaac Yadgarov's seventh-floor Forest Hills apartment on May 8 and found a disturbing scene — dozens of dogs, ranging from 3 weeks to 3 years old, crammed into a foul-smelling, urine- and feces-covered unit, prosecutors said. Advertisement Some were stuffed into closets and cupboards with no access to fresh air or sunlight. Three were in such poor condition they had to be euthanized. 5 Officials discovered nearly 50 Belgian Malinois packed into a small Queens apartment, where urine and feces covered the floor, and some dogs were confined to closets and cupboards. ACC NYC The Belgian Malinois is a smart, agile and loyal breed prized for its trainability. Widely used by police and military, they excel in detection, patrol and protection roles and can grow to be 80 pounds. Of the 48 dogs rescued, 14 of the youngest and most medically vulnerable were taken by the ASPCA. The remaining 31 were transferred to the Animal Care Center in Queens and other partner rescue groups for evaluation and care — and have all since been placed. Advertisement 'You could smell the apartment in the hallway,' Maso, 39, said. 'They had extensive fecal soiling, and . . . you could guess that they didn't have food, water, ventilation.' 5 Rivington, once wary and protective of his food, has learned to share and play thanks to weeks of care and socialization at the ASPCA's Manhattan center. Helayne Seidman While many of the older dogs came out terrified of humans and unable to walk on leashes, Maso said the puppies showed something else: joy. 'What we saw in the puppies was an immense amount of resilience and excitement and wanting to interact with people,' she said. Advertisement Rivington, slightly older and from a different litter, initially was hesitant and refused to let other puppies near his food bowl — a sign he may have had to compete for meals in the overcrowded apartment, Maso said. 5 Lafayette, the tiniest survivor of the Queens hoarding nightmare, was just weeks old and fighting for his life when rescued. Now, he's bouncing around like any happy, healthy pup. Helayne Seidman 'It's very obvious the conditions of the apartment and the way they were kept impacted their ability to function outside in the world,' she said. After weeks of socialization, medical care and puppy-safe training, however, Rivington and the other pups have grown, healed and learned to trust, Maso said. Five are now 'thriving' and officially up for adoption at the ASPCA's Manhattan facility, while the other nine have already been adopted. 5 Following weeks of medical treatment and socialization, five Belgian Malinois puppies rescued from the apartment are now healthy, thriving and waiting for new homes at the ASPCA in Manhattan. Helayne Seidman Yadgarov, 37, faces 96 charges — two for each dog — including animal torture and failure to provide proper care, and could face up to a year behind bars. He was released on his own recognizance on June 2, and the case remains under investigation.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Cindy Adams: Connie Stevens is in need of some healing tunes
She needs some healing tunes Although the world turns, not all of us can. Celebrity seer John Cohan who knows Connie Stevens since Brooklyn childhood says, 'Prayers are needed,' for Connie, 86, in an LA nursing home. 'She'll not sing onstage again.' Connie grabbed stardom from her role on the show 'Hawaiian Eye' (1959 to 1963). Kids would dress with false eyelashes, ponytails and balloon skirts to copy her. Forget her nudie movie 'The Sex Symbol' (1974). Even she's probably forgotten it. It's a wild, wild world The world has changed — even for animal-kind. The Post had a recent story about coyotes. Just now, in Weston, a manicured lawn near Boston, a teeny white fluffy Maltese played in a private secured area with grass, lawn, trees, flowers, gated road, while its owner — inside her adjacent kitchen — watched. From woods sprang a coyote. Despite its screaming owner racing out and the dog's terrifying barking — her precious adored pet was taken. Gone. Never to be seen again. Recently, in another country home — with alarms, locks, sirens, guards, private roadways — a Shih Tzu played in the grass. Inches away stood its owner. Overhead swooped an eagle. Huge. Wings outstretched, it lowered itself. Shrieking in terror, she quickly collected her dog. A neighbor had lost her own pet at the talons of an eagle. I was recently in Jackson Hole. The owner asleep, but being 8 a.m. NY time, I was up. Standing inside her house's glass walls. Nose to nose, staring at me, taller than I, there was a gigantic black bear directly in front of me, trying the door's lock. Terrified, I screamed. The bear lumbered away. Me, I got the hell out — back to New York. Shelter for all America's growing old — trains, bridges, tunnels, machines, houses, people, rules, infrastructure's crumbling. Patience, respect, learning, family affection is waning. Established ways are wobbling. It's come to world safety. Being only a visitor on the planet I'm not smart enough to have an answer. At this tense time, my thoughts also run to the animals and the elderly. And I'm an animal lover. On the ASPCA's international board for years, I organized the longtime Blessing of the Animals at Park Avenue's Christ Church, until we got hit with the pandemic. My Yorkshire terrier Jellybean I love desperately. I'm even willing to overlook my dog's poor bathroom habits — which are worse than my husband's were — because I love my 6-pound Yorkie, so much. Impeach this DESPITE terrorist Iran's plan to kill all Americans plus Israelis, bartender Ocasio-Cortez, whose background is a sloe gin fizz, snarls at the White House. She should have done the same to Biden since that seemed the only way to protect him. TWO redneck wives: One asks, 'How do you get your husband out of bed and to work in the morning?' Second one: 'Easy. I just open the door and let the cat in.' First one: 'That get him up?' Second one: 'Absolutely. See, he sleeps with the dog.' Only in America, kids, only in America.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"LEAVE THEM ALONE! The Best Way To Gain Trust Is To Let A Dog Go At Their Own Speed" And Other Tips For Fostering Dogs That Will Make You Want To Foster Every Single Pup You Meet
Isabel Klee, based in Brooklyn, NY, has been fostering dogs for years. She's fostered 23 dogs full-time and creates content that chronicles their progress and candidly shares their challenges and fears. And recently, her 23rd foster, a sweet, struggling dog named Tiki, caught the attention of millions of viewers online. For those of you who weren't following along, when Tiki first found himself in Isabel's care, he was disaffected and fearful of so much, from accepting belly rubs to being held, and nearly everything in between. As Isabel had done with her other fosters before, she vlogged about her and Tiki's experience with daily updates on their journey. And, in doing so, Isabel allowed people to follow along and root for Tiki as he braved the outdoors, discovered the joy of zoomies, and blossomed into the silly and goofy pup his fans have come to know and love. If you want to read more about Tiki's journey, BuzzFeed reported on Isabel and Tiki here! Tiki's story was and continues to be inspiring, but it's not unique. According to the ASPCA, in 2024, approximately 5.8 million dogs and cats are estimated to have entered shelters. There are so many other little Tikis out there in need of supportive foster care and loving forever homes. So I spoke with Isabel to hear her thoughts and advice for anyone who is thinking of volunteering as a foster parent to a dog. So, without further ado, here are nine of Isabel's tips, tricks, insights, and pieces of advice on fostering dogs: 1."The best way to gain [a dog's] trust is to let them go at their own speed." I asked Isabel if she had any specific advice for fostering dogs that are disaffected or shut down, and she shared, "LEAVE THEM ALONE! The best way to gain trust is to let a dog go at their own speed. Don't push them, pressure them, or cross their boundaries. They need to feel like they're calling the shots, and most dogs will let you know when they're ready to progress. Tiki approached me for his first pets, and it took 13 days for me to touch him for the first time." you're worried about the potential money stresses of taking care of a pet, even temporarily, just know that fostering a dog is probably not as financially demanding as it might seem. Isabel told me that she has been fostering since she was 25, "because [she] loved dogs but didn't have enough money to get [one] of her own." She said that even though each organization is different, "Fostering is great because, with most rescues, you don't have to pay for anything. They will cover food, vet care, toys, basically any supplies you might need. I quickly fell in love with the process and have continued fostering even after adopting my dog Simon!" three most important traits for being a successful foster parent to a dog are patience, a sense of humor, and empathy. In Isabel's words, "It's so important to go into [fostering] knowing your rugs will probably get pooped on, your foster will probably break something, etc. but having patience and empathy for what the dog is going through is key." don't need to do a ton to prepare, but Isabel recommends designating an area for a crate. "Honestly, I didn't do any preparation, even though I probably should have. I jumped in with zero experience and just figured it out as I went," Isabel told me. She went on, "If I were to start now, I would have a designated area for a crate where the dog can be home and feel safe, and I would make sure to stick to a strict routine." 5."Fostering fits into most lifestyles." It's a common misconception that volunteering to foster a dog means that the foster parent needs to work from home or that they can't travel while they're in their care. But that's not true. Isabel said, "I always tell people, being home alone in a quiet apartment is so much better for a dog than being in a loud, stressful shelter where they're only getting maybe 2-3 short walks a day. Even if you go into the office, the dog will be totally fine snoozing the day away! Also, travel is super easy to accommodate for - you can just request a temporary foster who will watch your foster dog while you're out of town. Fostering fits into most lifestyles!" there is no one set length of time you need to allocate in order to foster a dog. I asked Isabel how long a dog usually stays in her care, and she said, "It really depends. I've had some dogs for four days and some dogs for two months. Most dogs that I have [had] for longer have medical or behavioral issues that need to be sorted before being adopted, but if a dog is all ready to go, they can be adopted very quickly!" Many people believe that you are on the hook to foster a dog until they get adopted, but most organizations are flexible and have fostering opportunities that can be as short as a weekend or just two weeks. shouldn't feel any pressure to adopt your foster dog. When I asked Isabel about the unexpected challenges she's faced since getting into fostering dogs, she shared that strangers have pressured her to adopt her foster dogs. But that she knows "the power of fostering and how important the work [she does] is." She also shared that people often say to her that "they could never foster because they 'love dogs too much' and would get too attached." In both instances, she's gotten good at tuning out these types of comments. dogs is such a beautiful way to give back, but it's also just so much fun. Isabel told me, "People always look at fostering as this incredible, selfless thing, and it can be! But it's also just so joyful and fun. I can't tell you how many nights I've spent laughing as my foster dog learns to play fetch for the first time or does something silly." might want to start fostering ASAP. When I asked if she could go back and tell herself one piece of advice before her first foster, Isabel shared, "I wish I had started fostering sooner! It's such a huge part of my life and so rewarding, and I can't wait to meet all the dogs I have yet to save." There you have it, nine insights from Isabel for those of you considering fostering a dog! And if you want to learn more, Isabel has a book coming out this fall titled, Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About. You can also follow her on Instagram and TikTok, where you can learn more about her journey fostering dogs. And if you are interested in getting into volunteering, check out your local animal rescue or shelter. If you're based in New York, Muddy Paws Rescue is where Tiki was located before being fostered and ultimately adopted.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rescued XL Bully Gets First Bath and Zoomies and It's Pure Joy
Rescued XL Bully Gets First Bath and Zoomies and It's Pure Joy originally appeared on Parade Pets. Rescue Dogs are truly special. No matter the hardships they've endured, once they find a loving home, they embrace the future with hope and wonder. That's certainly true for Goliath, an extra-large, extra-fabulous RescuedBully. Found wandering the streets, emaciated and ill, he spent weeks in a compassionate shelter getting nursed back to health before joining an experienced foster family. And it hasn't taken him long to revel in life's joys. Watch his delightful post-bath zoomie session in this Instagram video from June 14. Though Goliath's past was tough, his future shines brightly. This XL Bully's enthusiastic tail wags radiate joy and gratitude. Taken in by Laurel and Rob, seasoned foster parents with six dogs of their own, he's now slow, wet hops around the kitchen and leaping into his foster dad's arms are every dog parent's dream, especially knowing the rough road he's traveled. Goliath shows even more of his vibrant personality each day in their care. Even a trip to the vet is no challenge for this sweetheart! It's just another chance to shower everyone with his big kisses. Check out his impeccable behavior in this heartwarming video from June 17. Rescue Dogs like Goliath often show remarkable resilience and adaptability. According to the ASPCA, approximately 2 million dogs are adopted from U.S. shelters annually, with many, like Bully breeds, overcoming neglect or abuse to become loyal companions. Their ability to trust again highlights their forgiving nature and why they are such cherished family members. 🐶SIGN UP to get 'pawsitivity' delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾 This good boy quickly stole people's hearts. Viewer @_i_am_not_jackblack gushed, 'OMG, he must be an excellent snuggler. What a chunk of love!' He's the best! Viewer @treasuringtia responded, 'Even his zoomies are in slow motion. Such a gentle giant!' He's a well-mannered treasure. And @charubadub added, 'I can feel the air move when his tail wags.' That's for sure! Goliath's journey proves that love can heal even the deepest wounds. With every zoomie and kiss, he's showing that second chances lead to endless possibilities for Rescue Dogs and boundless joy for those lucky enough to make them part of the family. Rescued XL Bully Gets First Bath and Zoomies and It's Pure Joy first appeared on Parade Pets on Jun 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
DoubleDown Interactive to Donate $10,000 to the ASPCA®
SEOUL, South Korea, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DoubleDown Interactive Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: DDI) ('DoubleDown' or the 'Company'), a leading developer and publisher of digital games on mobile and web-based platforms, announced today a $10,000 donation to the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) in support of its mission to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. DoubleDown Casino, played daily by millions of fans worldwide on both desktop and mobile devices, will invite players to engage with and show support for the charitable donation by taking part in a play-to-enter giveaway on June 18, 2025. This exciting Giving Meow event offers players the chance to show their support for the ASPCA and learn more about the organization's work to help vulnerable animals in the United States, particularly during 'kitten season,' a time of year when there are many litters of cats in need of care. 'DoubleDown Interactive has long been committed to supporting the ASPCA and we are proud to do so again this year,' said In Keuk Kim, CEO of DoubleDown. 'We are all animal lovers here, as are our players, and kitten season is a perfect time of year to focus on the ASPCA's great work.' "We are grateful to DoubleDown Interactive for their generous support and continued commitment to animals in need," said Matthew Carroll, Director, ASPCA Cause Partnerships. "This donation comes at a critical time during kitten season, when shelters across the country are caring for an influx of vulnerable animals. Partnerships like this help us provide lifesaving resources to ensure the safety and welfare of animals across the country." Visit the ASPCA website: Follow the latest activity on our social media pages:Facebook: About DoubleDown DoubleDown Interactive Co., Ltd. is a leading developer and publisher of digital games on mobile and web-based platforms. We are the creators of multi-format interactive entertainment experiences for casual players, bringing authentic Vegas entertainment to players around the world through an online social casino experience. The Company's flagship title, DoubleDown Casino, has been a fan-favorite game on leading social and mobile platforms for years, entertaining millions of players worldwide with a lineup of classic and modern games. The Company's subsidiary, SuprNation, also operates three real-money iGaming sites in Western Europe. Company Contact:Joe Sigristir@ +1 (206) 773-2266Chief Financial Officerhttps:// Investor Relations Contact:Joseph Jaffoni or Richard LandJCIR+1 (212) 835-8500DDI@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
