Uncruel

Rescuzilla on Cafe Press!

2010-07-25T15:39:00.002-04:00

Rescuzilla Animal Rescue of NYC is proud to now be on Cafe Press! You can purchase just about anything with our logo on it! We get 10% from all purchases so please check it out!

www.cafepress.com/Rescuzilla

Happy Beginnings...

2010-07-08T19:21:00.024-04:00

Three of Rescuzilla's pitties, Jitterbug, Sunshine & Francis all got adopted in one grand July 4th weekend. On a weekend when I thought nothing would happen, a whole lot did. We salute our 3 proud pit bulls, all rescued from the Manhattan Animal Care & Control shelter. And we thank their foster moms and dads (Alfonso, Christie, Jade, Amber) for giving these dogs a chance. So far so good for all of you - how proud you make us! xoxo Rescuzilla

Jitterbug was terrified at the shelter; she would not even leave her cage...

But Alfonso worked with her and built her confidence; before we knew it Jitterbug was the social butterfly of the Upper East Side!

And then Dimitri & Helen saw Jitterbug...Dimitri had said, "Never again," after losing his beloved pit bull two months ago. Never say never. Jitterbug fit in immediately and is now named Holly and lives just one block from her amazing foster dad Alfonso.

Baby Sunshine was quickly adopted by a lovely couple looking for a young pup. Here she is with her foster brother Luke who fondly still asks "Where is Dundine?" It's amazing fosters who make successful placements possible.

And Francis found a home in Maine...far away from the mean streets of the city where he was found...

Stunning Shots of Animals in Need...

2010-06-22T10:00:00.007-04:00

Animal rescuer Sabrina Paige shot some great images of the animals at the Manhattan Animal Care & Control on June 21st, 2010. These dogs all need homes pronto...please consider them. Above is Joven, 862160.

Lissette 862552; her time was up this morning...

Lest we forget it's kitten season and the ACC is crawling with them! www.nycacc.org for more info.

Adopt Jitterbug! Itty Bitty Pitty!

2010-06-16T09:28:00.009-04:00

Jitterbug is a great lil pooch. She was rescued from the ACC where she was surrendered by her owner for not getting along with the other dog - the scarring on her neck will attest that she certainly got the better of it.

JBug is 38lbs (great size for an apartment), spayed, vaccinated & totally healthy. She is very sweet and excels with proper exercise and a calm approach with her. Please email Rescuzilla@gmail.com if you are interested in adopting our little girl!

The less posts on here means more dogs are saved...

2010-06-13T21:31:00.003-04:00

There is a reason why I haven't been posting very much... my little rescue group that could is now officially a non-profit 501c organization. We are Rescuzilla, Inc...and it's a lot of work! From paper work to fundraising to dogs, dogs, dogs.

We never have a shortage of animals to save...but I couldn't be doing it with better people. I am excited for our foundation and what we will achieve. I remain committed to every animal out there but pit bulls are my calling thanks to my beloved Juno for opening up that world to me.

More to come...but for now, the bullies wait for no one.

Rescuzilla Fundraiser: May 13th

2010-05-10T21:05:00.005-04:00

This Thursday on May 13th MyBeautyBerry and Pawfection will be hosting a fundraiser for Rescuzilla Animal Rescue of NYC! There will be all types of top brand make-up for sale and benefits will go to helping more animals!

Please come by anytime between 6pm and 10pm at Pawfection Grooming Salon
51 Babbit Road
Bedford Hills, NY 10507
914-242-8422

Get Your Tee Shirt Right Here!

2010-03-31T09:24:00.016-04:00

The tee shirts have arrived and look spectacular! Please purchase one as the profits go directly to helping Rescuzilla dogs like Bunny who is at the vet right now getting spayed before going to her home on Friday. She was pulled off the euthanasia list on Monday night from the Brooklyn ACC. This dog deserved to live...and live she is!

To order tee shirts, please follow the Paypal account - tee shirts are $30 which includes shipping anywhere in the United States- please see sizes below and specify which shirt and which size. Please email at Rescuzilla@gmail.com if you are outside the U.S.

Judgement tee-shirt available in men's small, medium and large.

I Pit NY tee-shirt available in Women's medium and large sizes and Men's medium and large sizes. The women's style offers a more fitted style for ladies.

April 10th - Great event for the Pitties!

2010-03-29T15:39:00.012-04:00

Rescuzilla will be attending the Pinups for Pitbulls Rock-A-Bully event on April 10th in Black Rock, CT @ Lady Luck. It's a great night to celebrate our beloved pit bulls and raise funds for pit bulls in need.
We are very excited to be able to sell Rescuzilla's new tee shirts at this event - two designs featuring two of our alumni, Zeus and Dewey. Tee shirts will sell for $25 and will come in both men and women's styles and sizes. Profits will of course go directly to caring for and taking in more Rescuzilla dogs.

Speaking of new Rescuzilla dogs...meet Puma, our newest member of the family. He is getting vetting now and will soon be ready for his next chapter.

The Story of a Rescue...

2010-03-21T22:51:00.020-04:00

I saw Zeus in a cage at a kill shelter - his name was Jo. I knew my fosters Jade and Wilson would fall for him like I did. But he had a CAUTION on his kennel card... it turns out that was because the fearless NYPD darted him while he was left abandoned tied to a pole (argh!), so he automatically got a CAUTION. But there was something about this dog...

Jade, Wilson and myself decided to take a chance anyway. We piled Jo into their car while little Beba, Jade's dog, looked on. We all wondered what this dog was really like...

Little did we know just what a mush (and ham) this special boy was who Jade named Zeus. He fit in perfectly - good with cats, good with dogs, good with kids but still no home due to his size and "scary" look...

And then one day we got an email from a man named Dave. He had large dog experience, a great personality and wanted Zeus. But he lived in Ohio...it was too good a home to pass up on so... road trip!

And voila - Zeus had a family with sweet Jen and Dave. In rescue it's the best feeling in the world when you just get that gut feeling and know a special dog found a special home. That's exactly how it was with this situation - every dog should be so lucky.

And that is what rescue is...giving a chance to a dog that has none. Jo on death row at a NYC pound became the mighty Zeus in Ohio. A story special enough to become my logo.

Jessica Leigh Photos

2010-03-13T17:24:00.011-05:00

Jessica has always been a friend to pit bulls and a friend to Rescuzilla. She recently shot some photos at our fundraiser on March 5th that came out fantastic. Please visit http://www.jessicaleighphotos.com/ for any of your photography needs!

Fancy Shmancy Notes Promo for Rescuzilla!

2010-03-11T09:53:00.006-05:00

For this month Fancy Shmancy Notes will be offering dog themed stationery with profits going to Rescuzilla Animal Rescue! Please check out their website and feel free to email for any personalized items you'd like! Shop away!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41510055

Rescuzilla Fundraiser: Friday March 5th

2010-03-04T09:08:00.002-05:00

Please join us Friday, March 5th from 7-10:30 at the Galway Hooker Lounge at 7 East 36th Street. We will be partying all in the hopes of raising money for our Rescuzilla dogs! There will be drink specials, great raffle prizes and the best kind of people around...dog people!

Please join us this Friday!

BAD RAP Blog: a sad good-bye to two dear friends

2010-02-22T11:16:00.000-05:00

Because Lady Effie and Princess Nelly are worth a reposting...

BAD RAP Blog: a sad good-bye to two dear friends

Two Great Shirts for Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T14:02:00.011-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Via Cafe Press here are some great shirts celebrating the love of your life - your pit bull of course!

Viva La Pittie!

Everything is Coming Up Petunias!!!

2010-02-02T15:31:00.008-05:00

My new friend Petunia is a ray of light in my day - her amazing mama Aimee is kind enough to send me pictures of the adopted Petunia being the spoiled little piglet she deserves to be! Petunia is also a therapy and performing pig - teaching kids about kindness and love towards animals. And in the process making them aware that pigs (and all animals) are smart, good little creatures that deserve respect.

As I am a huge pig fanatic and strong advocate against factory farms - Petunia is a beautiful beacon of hope as to how our intelligent, loving and smart pigs ought to be treated. Bravo to Aimee for her goodness with this special girl.

TugTug Needs a Home Too!

2010-01-29T10:31:00.010-05:00

Baby TugTug came to my rescue group, Rescuzilla, nearly a week ago. He was scheduled to be euthanized due to overcrowding but this is just a 6month old pup...he deserved a chance! A great foster in Norwalk, CT agreed to take Tug and away he went.

Now this 35lb boy needs a forever home - he is good with dogs/cats and kids. He'd make an ideal second dog. Please email Rescuzilla@gmail.com if interested.

This is TugTug in foster...his foster dad would keep him if his complex didn't have a 1 dog limit...this is lucky for you as now YOU can adopt TugTug! Email Rescuzilla@gmail.com if interested!

Trails to Tails Celebration on February 25th

2010-01-28T09:50:00.006-05:00

Join Rational Animal at the Trails to Tails launch party on February 25th from 7-9pm at DOGGY STYLE located at 73 Thompson Street between Spring and Broome Streets.

Eat, drink and be merry while celebrating the release of NYC's quintessential guide to animal adoption, low-cost spay and neuter, purebred rescue groups as well as a fold out map of all of NYC's dog friendly parks.

Come one, come all to support Rational Animal's tireless efforts to make NYC a better place for animals!

There's a Zeus on the Loose!

2010-01-27T10:48:00.004-05:00

Behold Zeus. He is a fun-loving pit bull in need of a home. My rescue group, Rescuzilla, pulled him off of death row at the pound - there he had been given the ambiguous "CAUTION" on his kennel card due the police being intimidated by him when they brought him in. He is an angel in his foster home - good with dogs, cats, kids, etc. He's just a big ol' moose at 75lbs and needs someone who will see past that...and see the big mush ball he really is!

I'm proud to say that Zeus served as the inspiration behind our new Rescuzilla logo, see below. He represents what we are all about - giving a chance to a dog that had none. If you are interested in adopting Zeus please email Rescuzilla@gmail.com for more information on our big mush ball!

Gorgeous Collars!

2010-01-11T10:21:00.003-05:00

It is pretty rare I will stop someone on the street and ask what type of collar there dog is wearing (I mean really, how crazy can I be?) - but I did just that the other day. I have never seen such cute, unique sturdy collars which are from www.mymascot.com - price range is $30-40. I will always love Old Navy's dog line but sometimes they feature it, sometimes they don't. For now, check out My Mascot, so cute!

Outside the Box...and Onto the Beach!

2010-01-03T11:42:00.011-05:00

Before...

After...

Sometimes in rescue you gotta think outside the box. Our baby boy Nico was an emaciated boy at the Brooklyn ACC. Our Italian foster mamas fattened him up with a whole lot of "Mangia! Mangia!" and after 3 months of drrrammma we got the call from a friend in North Carolina. He wanted Nico!

Many rescuers don't adopt out of state with good reason - but when it's a friend whose home blows away any other potential homes - why not make it happen? Nico has been in North Carolina for 3 weeks and fits in wonderfully. His story wasn't easy...but is it ever?

An emaciated pit bull on death's door at the pound now has a life on the beach with one of the kindest families around...sometimes in rescue it seems impossible, aggravating and endless... and then you get a picture like this and it's all worth it.

Big Dogs Get Cold Too!

2010-01-02T10:18:00.006-05:00

I stumbled upon the awesome WarmWags shop for big dog sweaters (and little ones too) on Etsy. Reasonable prices and stellar designs. You'd be surprised how hard it is to find a sweater for a large dog!

And given that Pitbulls, Dobermans, Rotties and lots of Mutts have short hair, they need sweaters too!

Visit WarmWags for all kinds of pet pamperings...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/warmwags

The Best Christmas Gift of All...

2009-12-24T18:01:00.031-05:00

There comes a time in animal rescue - usually after an extra tough placement - that you question whether you should keep on doing it. With all the daily pressures of life, doing animal rescue on top of work, friends, family can take a toll. After the immense loss of my beloved old girl Juno and a very challenging but ultimately rewarding placement of Nico, I decided I would take a break...but she had a different plan.

I got an email from a fanastic woman named Elise who has been both financially helping and emotionally supporting my rescue efforts for the last 8 months. She was ready to adopt a small white dog (famous last words when dealing with a pitbull rescuer). Elise found a dog she liked on the Website of the shelter I rescue from (NYC's Animal Care & Control); I told her to go up and take a look.

Then came the call that rocked me. They were interested in Tim. Tim was a 10year old pit bull with a cold found as a stray - he had a 1% (if even) chance of getting out of the ACC into rescue, let alone an adoption.

Elise's fantastic husband Craig had walked by Tim and Tim walked right up to the front of his cage and gave a "Woof!" It was the woof that saved him. Elise, Craig and their beautiful children decided Tim was the one, and what a lucky one indeed.

I went up to the pound and pulled Tim - the staff were quite surprised and very happy - and Craig, Elise and myself decided to treat Tim as a foster rather than a straight up adoption and see how it went. However, when I brought Tim into Elise and Craig's home he walked right up to the couch laid down and seemed to say "Finally. I'm home." Elise and Craig welcomed us in and their beautiful children Kerem, Tes and Hakima saw this dog as a gorgeous champion, not the broken down fella he was - I was amazed.

Tim's name was generated randomly from a computer at the pound. However, I think there was something more to it. Obviously there is the reference to Tiny Tim from A Christmas Miracle - and believe me, this was a Christmas Miracle indeed! But also an untentional but sweet homage to Tim Racer of Bad Rap (http://www.badrap.org/), an organization that does so very much for pit bulls. He and his awesome wife Donna Reynolds have set the bar in the world of pit bull rescue - us rescuers can only hope to achieve an iota of what they have. They are daily inspiration for what can be done.

So his family is keeping the name Tim...more importantly they are keeping Tim himself. Tim fit in from the start; even Charlie and Twinkle Toes (the family cats) seem to have taken a liking to him, with Tim ignoring them all the together.

Alas, Tim is very sick - a combination of hardcore kennel cough and congenitive heart failure. However, his Vet is optimistic his health will turn a corner. With Elise, Craig, Tes, Kerem and Hakima caring for him, I have no doubt he will. Afterall, he has Elise making sure he takes his anitbiotics, Craig or Tes carrying him up and down the stairs to go out, Hakima helping with his walks, Kerem sitting by his side on the couch - who wouldn't get better with all that love?

I am quite certain this was Juno's Christmas gift to me...a wonderful placement that provides just the inspiriation I needed to keep working in this crazy business of animal rescue...let alone in NYC animal rescue! I miss my old girl every day but Tim looks an awful lot like her and the way this whole thing unfolded so quickly and randomly, well, it sure feels like Juno had a huge hand, I mean paw, in this.

I guess that old saying is true...you never know what's around the corner. Merry Christmas all... what a wonderful gift this was.

It's a wacky, wacky world...

2009-12-13T20:22:00.010-05:00

After a dramatically sad kick off to December who could blame me for craving chocolate? Well, the factory farmed cows and chickens I don't use milk or eggs from, that's who. My dear friend Helen came to the rescue with...drum roll...Wacky Chocolate Cake! It's a vegan recipie she found on Epicurious (love this Website!)

I can't say this was easiest cake to bake because it was made for me but I can say that it tasted delicious!

Link to recipe:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Wacky-Chocolate-Cake-106041

And for those interested in how your eggs and milk are produced - here is some insight into the dairy industry...enjoy that wacky stomach lining with your milk!
http://www.goveg.com/whatsWrong.asp

Nico, Is That You?

2009-12-07T10:12:00.015-05:00

I wanted something special as Juno's memorial and found a great Website that does personalized mosaic plaques: http://www.dogsteppingstones.com/
I am also ordering one for Amy, my parent's Bichon, who passed not that long ago.

As I adjust to the 180 lifestyle change since my old girl passed, life does go on. And Nico still needs a home. He is back with his original foster after some false starts and really needs a permanent home.
Nico, 65lbs, neutered and healthy is great with cats and dogs and requires exercise typical of a young, active dog. He should go to someone with bully breed experience as he has great, unpredictable strength. Funny enough, Nico sure looks a lot like the dog in this plaque from Dog Stepping Stones.

If you'd like to help by donating to Nico's care, please go here:

http://rescuzilla.chipin.com/nico

Tribute to a Friend: Juno

2009-12-03T19:27:00.005-05:00

Long before there was the movie Juno, there was a dog named Juno. And she was mine. She was a typical New Yorker: a mutt who went from rags to riches. And in true New York fashion, she overcame the massive hurdles thrown at her. Riddled with three consecutive disc ruptures (and 3 consecutive massive back surgeries) at the age of six I was told by every vet I visited she would not walk again and to put her down.

For close to a year Juno did not walk with her back legs being paralyzed. And then we found www.dogparalysis.com - run by Dr. Khouri - and magically after 7 days on his potion, she walked. Never will we forget walking on 2nd Avenue when Mayor Guiliani said "Great dog you have there" - since this was right after 9/11 it was quite meaningful. Juno represented NYC and she represented it well - overcome your odds and keep on moving.

I am grateful to this pooch for introducing me to the heart-powered dog community of NYC and the rescue community. It was back in 1996 that I wandered into Animal Care and Control on 110th and 1st Avenue. Scotlund Haisley, The Humane Society's prominent leader in animal cruelty raids, ran the ACC at this time. He saw me considering a small dog. He said "Come on, that dog will get a home no problem, take one of my big dogs and really save a life." I had never had a clue about homeless animals - I learned in a heartbeat when I saw cage after cage of large dogs with very little hope of adoption in this high-kill shelter.

Juno (orignally named Princess if you can imagine!) was being walked by a volunteer who spoke very little English. She saw me considering Juno and her face lit up - she handed me Juno's leash and smiled. My dog found me. I found her and never ever forgot every dog I did not take (the white pit bull who couldn't turn in his cage, the brindle pit mix, the white shepherd, etc) and it is why I spend so much time trying to find homes for homeless animals... they don't deserve to have someone pass them by, they deserve a home.

I will take a small break after this most emotional time of saying goodbye to my old girl. But I will be back...there certainly isn't another Juno out there for me, but there is someone else.

Please enjoy a look at Juno's life...a life well-lived.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Co1Et1SZ6vUEMr0RrAFdBA?feat=directlink

Shine on Juno...

Never enough...

2009-11-27T00:43:00.005-05:00

It is just never, ever, ever enough time here on earth.

Bet You Didn't Know Bisquick is Vegan?!

2009-10-08T10:07:00.004-04:00

Bisquick when made by just adding water is vegan - who knew? PETA has a fantastic list of all the foods that are surprisngly vegan (Van's waffles anyone?) The world of uncruel eating just got a little easier - check it out!

http://www.peta.org/accidentallyVegan/default.asp

When Pit Bulls Were Nannies...

2009-10-05T20:45:00.004-04:00

How great is this pic? A vintage pit bull pic from Tania Castro's collection. Gosh, it's hard to believe pit bulls were commonly referred to as "nanny dogs" in the 1950's given the undeserved stigma they have nowadays.

Every pit bull I know has been wonderful with kids - when did everything go so wrong?

Visit www.nycacc.org for a list of available pit bulls in need of homes.

What Moral Progress?

2009-09-18T10:17:00.003-04:00

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." - Gandhi

Really? Because we are in deep trouble if that's the case. Some useless idiots in Texas did this to a Labrador Retriever puppy and his 2 siblings. Yes, that's string through his ears along with a hardcore case of mange.

Donations are needed - as well as a possible foster. Contacts: Anne Flournoy petloverescue@aol.com and Deb Hoffman debbzweb@yahoo.com

Gorgeous Gavin Goes Home!

2009-09-13T18:30:00.009-04:00

Gorgeous Gavin went to a home today. This living gargoyle caught my eye at Brooklyn Animal Care & Control - where Paula Rossi found this silent big boy in his cage patiently biding his time in this high-kill shelter.

Me, Paula and Sabrina pulled him, fostered him and neutered him...today Gavin went on a trial adoption and we have our paws crossed that he is a good boy and it is permanent.

Foster isn't easy and if you do it you will say to yourself "Why did I do this?" But when it's over you will say what I said when Gavin drove off with his dad, "Why did I even think twice about doing this?" Go to http://www.nycacc.org/ to learn more about the animals there and how you can foster them!

Karma's a Bitch...or a Bite

2009-07-08T09:51:00.005-04:00

So a politician sets out to have Pit Bulls banned in his town - BSL as we call it, Breed Specific Legislation. And meanwhile his Labrador Retriever attacks and bites a neighbor and now this politican's family dog is being held for possible euthanasia. Sure, its karma. But it's also idiocy - when will people learn it's the owner, not the dog...and that all dogs belong on a leash in public places...regardless of the breed.

Read more here:

http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2009/07/01/news/local/6de948343571bbfb862575e60003701d.txt

Incidentally that's Maya right above. She was just rescued from a no-kill where she was languishing and set to stay for her life. But now she's getting proper training to help out her youthful exuberance. Maya doesn't understand why someone wouldn't like her based on her breed...afterall, look at that face!

Cool Necklace, Cooler Message!

2009-07-07T10:19:00.005-04:00

Make a statement while wearing this adorable silver dog silhouette necklace. Featured on Etsy it's a fantastic way to get the message across without having to verbally announce it. After all, spay and neutering is the only way to truly stop the homeless pet overpopulation.

Browse and purchase here:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=24523060

Rain Rain Rain...

2009-06-15T17:31:00.006-04:00

The rain in NYC has seemingly been nonstop. The average monthly rainfall is 3.84 inches. This month (and it's only halfway!) we've had 4.96 inches. We have also only had one day over 80 degrees along with 3 full days of sunshine. I've never cared much for weather but as a dog owner and walker - this rain has go to stop! It has been gray since last October and I am officially boycotting Mother Nature starting now!

Chicago + Good Vegan Food = Wow!

2009-06-15T09:27:00.004-04:00

While visiting a friend in Chicago I got to enjoy the amazing Mana Food Bar. Mana is vegetarian with vegan options; it is extremely affordable with the smart choice of small or large portions for entrees. We opted for a sampler of appetizers including spinach/pear/walnut salad (surprisingly it was a favorite for both of us!), red quinoa salad and chick pea salad as well. All healthy portions of each and all delicious.

For dinner I got the vegan curry which was done with sweet potatoes, cauliflower and a sweet tomato curry. My friend got the artichoke ravioli (non-vegan) and said it was to die for. The restaurant/bar has great atmosphere - a cool crowd, dark wood and fantastic food. Can't recommend it enough - and that spinach/pear/walnut salad that we never thought we'd like...I'm still missing the taste! Bon appetite! Visit their Website for info: http://www.manafoodbar.com/

Renewing Your Faith

2009-06-10T15:55:00.006-04:00

Why is it that a dog (or any animal) can always renew our faith in mankind? Check out the wonderful Vick Blog written by Michael Vick's former dogs (not only are they awesome but they can apparently type!) - all of which are thriving in their new lives.

I see these two beautiful goofballs above getting to just be dogs after all the cruelty and unhappiness they had to endure and it gives me hope.

So many bad things go on in the world - this one good thing brings me endless smiles. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! http://vickdogsblog.blogspot.com/

Forgive But Never Forget...

2009-05-21T08:47:00.008-04:00

This is what Michael Vick had to say for himself before prison lest we forget...hoping it would be more heartfelt if he had to speak now.

I still find the dogs far more interesting, check out the Vick Dog Blog if you haven't already! And don't get me wrong, if Michael Vick has truly changed and wants to teach the world the ills of dog fighting I support it. Time will tell if it's heartfelt. http://vickdogsblog.blogspot.com/

Photo is of Johnny Justice, former Vick dog, proving a fine example of what a dog should be! The smile on that boy says it all!

Sprig Fling: NY's AC&C Fundraiser!

2009-05-06T15:26:00.007-04:00

New York's Animal Care & Control is holding a Spring Fling fundraiser for much-needed funds on Tuesday May 12th at Ciao Bella on 2nd Avenue and 85th Street.

The ACC is the only public shelter that takes in every animal brought to them as they are the city's only public shelter with locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island. The ACC is overwhelmed and underfunded and the Spring Fling is a great opportunity to donate money.

Visit www.nycacc.org for more information. Tickets are $50 in advance and $55 at the door. The more money raised, the more animals saved.

One of my favorites: Vegan turkey

2009-05-04T15:50:00.006-04:00

One of my favorites - vegan turkey slices. Why kill a turkey and gobble up their carcass when you can have something far more healthy like Smart Deli roast turkey slices?

Four slices at 80 calories and 0 grams of food - nice and healthy! Bon appetite!

http://www.lightlife.com/product_detail.jsp?p=smartdeliturkey

Violet needs a home...

2009-05-04T10:05:00.007-04:00

Meet the adorable little Violet. She is about 5 weeks old and in my foster care after I pulled her out of NY's Animal Care & Control. She is totally healthy, happy and fun! If interested then please email me at Susan@nylovesdogs.com --- this kitty is wonderful!

Gobo Restaurant: Heaven on the Upper East

2009-04-27T15:07:00.006-04:00

Gobo Restaurant on 81st and Third Avenue is an oasis for veggies. The food is so filling and fresh it's perfect for anyone who likes good food - meat or not.

I ordered the large romaine salad with tofu and almonds, the light yam fries and the succulent seitan skewers. Despite this meal being so delicious, I couldn't finish it, the portions are deceivingly filling.

If you are looking to stay fit but enjoy your food - give Gobo a try - they have 2 locations - visit:

http://www.goboresaurant.com/ for more info!

Regarding Obama...

2009-04-15T21:33:00.001-04:00

I couldn't say it better myself:
http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/04/13/author-who-featured-obama-in-dog-book-feels-betrayed-by-president/#comment-115018

2009-04-08T19:44:00.004-04:00

No-Kill Animal Shelters: The Great Hope or The Great Failure?
By Susan Cava

Animal lovers, rescue workers, devoted owners, potential adopters and tax-paying citizens - I implore you to help me make sense of the ever-complicated conundrum of kill shelter versus no-kill shelter.

Kill shelters – which make up the vast majority of our animal shelters - use euthanasia to control the abandoned animal overpopulation. If a healthy, happy homeless dog doesn't find a home and space runs out, it will be killed.

It’s not pretty. Earlier this year one of the thirty remaining U.S. animal shelters using gas euthanasia, in Statesville, North Carolina, had its extermination chamber explode – and ten not-yet-dead dogs were inside at the time. Meanwhile, a mass grave of 100 dogs was discovered at Ohio’s Morgan County animal shelter: the animal control warden had taken it upon himself to shoot unclaimed dogs.

But most people don't want to see an animal destroyed because a shelter is overcrowded and the right home hasn't been found - and it’s some of these people who are now leading the no-kill shelter revolution. The term means no animal will be euthanized unless a dog is deemed too sick or too aggressive (that’s controversial in itself – who makes that decision?) Following in the progressive steps of countries like India and Italy, which have outlawed kill practices, compassionate states including California, Utah and Arizona are striding to become no-kill as well.

Unfortunately no-kill shelters have their problems too. Take for example the heartbreaker known as Bea. I first met her in 2002 when photographing animals at the Westchester SPCA in Briarcliff Manor so they could be shown on Petfinder.com, the popular virtual animal shelter portal. Bea, who I photographed through the wire gates of a very small kennel, was a beautiful, lush gray with the body of a tank. With cropped ears and a Texas-sized jaw she epitomized an American Staffordshire Terrier. It goes without saying that Staffies, often known as Pitbulls, are clearly not the breed of choice but I was convinced a dog that gorgeous and regal would be adopted.

In early 2008 I went onto the Briarcliff SPCA Website and was stunned to see Bea was still listed on the adoptable pages. She was far more robust, graying and now had the unattractive "No kids, no cats, no dogs" epitaph in her adoption information.

I started a mission to get Bea a home. I emailed everyone I knew and contacted the best shelters in our country including Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Out of the Pits Animal Rescue, even Mark R. Levin who wrote Rescuing Sprite about an aged dog his family adopted. Sometimes I didn't get a response but when I did it was to explain the sad story wasn't uncommon and most shelters/sanctuaries already had a number of older Pit's well past placement and living their remaining years in peace and quiet – exactly the dream I had for Bea. Despite being the owner of a 13 year old territorial mixed breed on her last legs in a tiny New York apartment, I began to imagine different scenarios in which I could bring Bea home.

But it wasn't reality. Instead reality is that Bea still sits in a SPCA kennel. Without judgment on the Westchester SPCA staff the fact remains Bea has now been there for at least six years. And herein lies the question: what is more humane: kind euthanasia or life in a cage?

I personally know many shelter workers who’d like nothing more than to proclaim their shelter was no-kill and not have to euthanize a single animal. Yet becoming no-kill is, or at least should be, a hard earned stance. Having a dog living day in and day out in a cage for six years as she becomes less social, trained and adoptable is not the goal of no-kill. It’s the antithesis.

I have done lots of foster and rescue over the years with some situations as depressing and hopeless as Bea's. There was the challenge of finding a lion of a mastiff-pit bull mix named Murphy a home. Murphy greeted every potential adopter with a growl, grunt and idiotic display of fighting with his leash (of course he never did this around me, just potential adopters).

It took a year to find this dog a home but I kept putting ads out, knowing the right one was going to come. Finally, a strong Italian man arrived, observed Murphy’s stupid "Don't adopt me!" routine and laughed, remarking "Wow, he's strong." Murphy and I knew we had found the one. Four years later, I still get cards from Murphy's new family thanking me for giving them such a great dog.

Another example was Gatsby - crudely named "Cassidy Hop-Along". The resident of a major NYC no-kill shelter, she had lived on a cement floor for five years. Gatsby wasn't just a dark pit bull (the hardest to adopt out) but she was old at six and, the real strike, only had 3 legs: the trifecta of an unadoptable dog.

Nonetheless, I naively promised I would find Cassidy a home. Amazingly, the dog gods came through. She was adopted by a former colleague who just happened to own a multimillion dollar home in Franklin Lakes, NJ, along with a summer home on the Virginia coast, two rescued Dobermans and more love than any dog could want.

She immediately went from "Cassidy Hop-Along" on a cement floor to "The Great Gatsby" in a life of splendor. I still don't know exactly how the whole thing happened, but I’m pretty sure all the lifers at no-kill shelters sent some good karma to give this three-legged pit-bull a one in a million chance.

Heaven knows I’m helping with the smallest percentage of the homeless dog (and cat) population, and it doesn't even compare to the good work that shelters like the Westchester SPCA do. But if you are going to commit to something as important as a dog's life, do it right or don't do it at all.

The great hope is that what happened for Murphy and Gatsby can happen for Bea. And the next Bea. And all the other Beas living in a no-kill shelter. While I recognize every shelter can't be the majestic Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah, every no-kill shelter can step up to the plate and remind themselves of how profound the no-kill commitment is. While Bea is not physically dead I don't know if we can really say she is alive. She has, after all, been alone in a cage for six years.

This is not an attack on the Westchester SPCA, a beautiful outdoor shelter run by dedicated staff and volunteers. For sure it's depressing Bea has been caged for so long, and disheartening that emails/calls about her remain unanswered, but that shouldn’t be a judgment on the entire shelter. I applaud these people for having the heart to work in this often sad, sometimes devastating, field. God knows it's not something I could handle on a daily basis.

At this moment my belief in no-kill shelters is not high. If Briarcliff Manor, a wealthy, beautiful town on the outskirts of NYC, can't do it right I don't know who can. Maybe someone out there can give Bea the happy ending she so desperately deserves and restore my faith. Far more importantly, maybe someone can restore Bea's.

Visit her at the Westchester SPCA in Briarcliff Manor – learn about her and the shelter by entering "Westchester SPCA" on Petfinder.org and searching for “BEA” in adoptable dogs.

Susan Cava founded and manages NY Loves Dogs Dog Care. She works with New York's Animal Care and Control as a fosterer.

Vicars & Tarts Party to Benefit Earth Angels Canine Rescue

2009-04-06T09:42:00.002-04:00

It's coming...the Vicars and Tarts party to benefit Earth Angels Canine Rescue...come one, come all! Lend your support to Emelinda's Earth Angels which could really use the aid!

Need an escape?!?

2009-03-24T19:03:00.008-04:00

Need an escape? No need to do anything drastic, just wait for April 24th when the Vicars and Tarts Benefit for Earth Angels Canine Rescue will take place. Wine, food, drinks at White Rabbit on Houston Street - the perfect escape for all you saints and all you sinners! Details coming soon... stay tuned!

Great Friends, Great Food

2009-03-20T15:29:00.031-04:00

Sometimes you need a really good sweet... as a vegan it can be a challenge to find this on the Upper East Side but Candle Cafe has a divine vegan bundt cake with soy ice cream. Super delicious

A belated birthday dinner with my dear friend Khara led us to this delectable dessert... hard to top Candle Cafe with their mouth-watering desserts...vegan or not. Candle Cafe is located on 2nd Avenue and 76th Street.

For dirty vegan food - Kate's Joint ranks at the top of my list. Located on the Lower East Side, Kate's specializes in Veggie Big Mac's, Disco Fries,
Barbecued Ribs, Nachos Grande - all without any animals harmed in the process - what could be better? The true meaning of guilt-free food.

With very reasonable prices, Kate's is located at Avenue B and 4th Street. Here's Melissa with my order of Disco Fries and her Onion Rings!

FINITO!

Support the fight!

2009-03-14T13:19:00.006-04:00

Because my family is battling this wreckless disease, please donate to my dear cousin, Robin Ross's, race: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/rnr09/rross5rcqq

She is running to find a cure for blood cancer. Please donate!

Photo credit: Mookiy on Flickr

Vegan Cooking 101 With Maria

2009-03-14T12:06:00.026-04:00

Chef Maria once again cooked a masterpiece for me. A soup with zucchini, kale, muschrooms, brown rice, coconut milk, fried tofu - everything but a vegan's kitchen sink.

It took about 40 minutes from start to finish and I even pitched in and helped by adding excessive amounts of peanut butter which thickened things a bit and added a Thai punch!

This recipie has no dairy or meat and therefore is ideal for all different types of diets. People following vegan diets have been proven to be TEN TIMES more fit, healthy and energetic than meat-eaters.

And no animals in slaughterhouses or dairy farms were harmed for this recipie which makes it taste even better!The finished product...bon appetite! You can find this recipe at: http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=22511.0;wap2... good luck!

Les Compagnons: Chin-Chin to Helping NYC's Animals!

2009-03-13T12:09:00.009-04:00

One day a French man adopts a dog from NY's ACC and the next he starts a wine entitled "Les Compagnons" to benefit the ACC. Sounds a bit farfetched but it is true! Gabriella Wines has successfully launched a wine that benefits four different NYC animal rescue groups - ultimately lightening the load for NY's overwhelmed and underfunded Animal Care and Control.

The guys at Gabriella wines are sincere in their hopes to help with New York's homeless pet population. It's unique to see a bunch of distinguished men care so deeply for the forgotten animals of New York - but the care is real . Support them by purchasing a bottle (or 2 or 3!) from your local wine stores - go to http://www.lescompagnonswines.com/ to find a store near you.

Below is a picture of the sweet Oy...the dog who started this wonderful story.

Elderflower Cordial...Divine.

2009-03-13T10:36:00.001-04:00

When I've visited England I have often enjoyed Elderflower cordial. It's a non-carbonated soft drink made from the flowers of an elderflower. You can mix it with seltzer for a great, healthy, unique drink.

Imagine my utter delight when at Ara Wine Bar in the Meat-Packing District of NYC at seeing a cocktail made with Elderflower cordial!

The St Germain Cocktail is made of Elderflower cordial, dry white wine and a splash of soda garnish with a lemon twist! These are to die for - add on a vegan Mediterranean plate with hummus, olives, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and bread and you are all set. Visit ARA at 24 Ninth Avenue to try for yourself.

This Boy Deserves a Chance...

2009-03-11T22:10:00.002-04:00

New York's primary public shelter, Animal Care & Control in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, is overwhelmed as usual. If you can foster or adopt - please get there immediately. This gorgeous big boy, King, is desperate for a home - he's 10months old, 63lbs and at the Brooklyn shelter. Help him...he only has 24 hours from Thursday morning (3/12).

http://www.nycacc.org/

Update: King made it out into foster care. =)

Winter needs to leave...

2009-03-11T10:45:00.000-04:00

This is a relentless winter...and in the world's craziest city, sometimes it encompasses you. I love you New York, but my gosh, do I need a vacation from you...can't wait till I can say goodbye to the Hudson River and hello to the Adriatic Sea (Opatija, Croatia).

Stella McCartney for LeSportsac

2009-03-10T16:17:00.000-04:00

The new Spring 2009 Stella McCartney line for Le Sportsac is out!! Stella produces majorly chic vegan goods and the best part is that no animals were killed to produce these bags!

It seems like only uneducated, lazy and usually old women are still wearing leather handbags. Just think of all the unnecessary cruelty you are saving these beautiful animals? Given that 1 out of 6 cows are ALIVE will being dismembered at slaughterhouses, why wear leather if you can wear Stella McCartney? http://www.lesportsac.com/stella/

Date Cake

2009-03-10T10:06:00.001-04:00

My dear friend Maria is quite the cook and often tries to find recipies to suit my vegan lifestyle. My favorite one has been an insanely good fruit cake that she made. It is so delicious and so healthy it's a dream - ideal for lactose or gluten allergies. To make it extra healthy she eschewed the icing on top and added nuts and some confectionary sugar.

http://www.veganfamily.co.uk/yule.html

Tender Mercies

2009-03-09T23:20:00.000-04:00

My dear and talented friend, screenwriter and producer, Terrence Ross always reminds me to spend more time each day being grateful for tender mercies instead of bitter graces. As a typical New Yorker, this isn't a natural process in my mind.

But I decided to take a moment and find my tender mercy of the day: having the kind of friends that trek uptown just because they know you need them too. Thanks TW.

These are my favorite things...

2009-03-09T10:25:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things on earth is Amy's Veggie Tofu Scramble. It really doesn't take much to make me happy and this does - vegan, non-cholestrol, kosher, dairy-free, lactose-free - it's made of nothing but goodness and yet tastes so darn good! This is a perfect meal not just for a vegan but someone trying to lose weight, battle heart disease, diabetes or allergies.

While this pocket totally filling it only has 180 calories, 6 grams of fat, no trans fat, 23mg carbohydrates and 520mg of sodium. Compare that to McDonalds sausage egg mcmuffin which has 450 calories, 27 grams of fat, 30mg carbohydrates and 920mg of sodium and boy, are you ahead of the game! Bon appetite!

Farm Sanctuary - The Inspiration of It All

2009-03-08T11:11:00.001-04:00

A long time ago when I adopted my dog, Juno, it opened my eyes to the plot of homeless dogs. This led me to the logical path of learning more about all animals, especially farm animals.

I discovered Farm Sanctuary and took the first step of becoming vegetarian. Meeting different Farm Santuary members over the years inspired me to go vegan. Gene Baur is one of the co-founders of Farm Sanctuary and his book Farm Sanctuary illustrates how it all came to be. You can go right to Amazon.com and purchase Farm Sanctuary - it's a necessity in getting educated about both animals and our civilization.

I have had the good fortune to meet Gene at various Farm Santuary events and he has been a kind, generous, knowledgeable person each time. Below is a picture of myself and dear friend Melissa (a vegan who also inspired my choice) with Gene.

Susan Cava, Gene Baur, Melissa Moraes-Edwards

Great Cupcakes: What a Perfect First Post

2009-03-08T10:53:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of getting to the delectable bakery BABYCAKES NYC down on Broome Street between Orchard St and Ludlow St in Manhattan. While having been vegetarian for 13 years, I went vegan a couple of months ago. Physically and mentally I feel SO much better but I was craving a cupcake. Enter Babycakes.

I first learned about Babycakes when they catered the desserts for the Farm Sanctuary Winter Wonderland Gala in 2008. Vegan or not, these are some of thes most delish desserts around. The cupcakes are gluten, dairy, egg and soy free. These are ideal for people with wheat or dairy allergies, diabetes, heart disease and of course, those trying to lose weight.

Visit www.babycakesnyc.com to see their menu and for more options.

An uncruel heart in a cruel, cruel world...

2009-01-22T22:21:00.004-05:00