Scraps & Treats

 

Alley Cat Allies holds advocacy seminar in nation’s capital

Activists passionate about improving the lives of outdoor and feral cats will meet at the Alley Cat Allies 2007 National Cat Advocacy Seminar in Washington, D.C., Oct. 12 and 13. The weekend will focus on understanding ordinances, effectively communicating messages to animal control agencies and elected officials, and developing TNR programs that serve both cats and people. ACA invites all feral cat advocates, shelter employees and volunteers, rescuers, and activists seeking to change the animal control system in the U.S. and improve the lives of domestic cats to attend. For details, visit AlleyCat.org.

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Almost half of all dogs living in animal shelters in the United States are euthanized because there is no one to adopt them. This October, shelters will work especially hard to encourage potential pet parents to choose a companion from the millions of adoptable animals across the country. Most shelters offer adoption programs and are staffed with trained counselors who are experienced in matching families or individuals with suitable animal companions. And, since many offer spay/neutering, vaccinations, and training materials at low or no cost, adopting a dog can be simple and inexpensive, while providing a lifetime of companionship. As part of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, the ASPCA will hold its second annual photo contest in which it invites people with pets to submit photos of their pooches. The top 10 winners will receive an ASPCA prize pack and have their pets’ photos posted on the ASPCA website. Visit ASPCA.org for details.

New documentary focuses on Jamaican dog sled team

Bobsledding isn’t the only surprising winter sport that Jamaica is making a name for itself in. The Jamaican dog sled team is the subject of a new documentary, Sun Dogs, which will be released on DVD on Oct. 2. The dogs on the team are no designer dogs; all are mutts that were rescued from area shelters. The team has been working closely with the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to help change the attitude toward animals on the island. The film follows the team’s ups and downs during the 2005-06 season, as it enters the competitive racing circuit while attempting to bring attention to its mission. To learn more about Sun Dogs and the Jamaican dog sled team, visit SunDogsMovie.com.