Dan's Papers - July 3, 2009

Every morning, I open my e-mail for Murphdog® & Company, and among the 23 new messages was "The Toby Project is following you on Twitter." The Toby Project became my project of the day, ending with an amazing call from Dr. Andrew Kaplan, veterinarian. His devotion and compassion came through the phone with every word, and I knew I had to share it with you. I had a million questions. Here are the important ones.

What is The Toby Project?

Toby is Dr. Kaplan's dog, rescued from a shelter hours before he was scheduled to be euthanized. Realizing that so many other wonderful dogs and cats never make it out of the shelters, Dr. Kaplan began his mission to put an end to pet overpopulation by spaying and neutering pets owned by low-income residents and feral cats. By reducing the number of puppies and kittens born in the first place, fewer dogs and cats will end up dying in shelters for lack of homes. This is the only solution to the shelter overpopulation problem, which decades of experience has proven, cannot be controlled by adoption or euthanasia.

Advance notice of where the van will be parked is posted via Internet, fliers, local cable and newspaper ads, paid for by TTP. The van arrives by 7 a.m. A greeter meets the families by 7:15. The veterinarian arrives by 8. It's first come first serve.

What are the requirements?

Dogs and cats must be between three months and five-years-old, physically fit and not given food or water since the prior evening.

All dogs and cats are examined and the procedure is explained. Each surgery takes approximately 15 minutes and all are completed by 1 p.m. The van holds 18-22 patients who recover comfortably for 2 to 4 hours before pick up.

How about follow up?

If you remember taking your pet to be spayed or neutered, it went like this: early drop off, over-night hospitalization and re-check 10 days later. So, yes, I did ask and I can say with complete confidence that The Toby Project takes excellent care of its patients before, during and after all procedures. Suture removal is not required; all sutures are internal. Necessary medications are given to the families before releasing their pets. Dr. Kaplan's nursing staff is available 24/7 for concerns and emergencies.

If not for TTP these dogs and cats would NEVER see the inside of a vet's office.

Their ultimate goal is to make NYC a no-kill community where no healthy, adoptable dog or cat is put to death for lack of a home TTP is in partnership with Animal Care & Control. Bernadette Peters and Ally Sheedy sit on the Board of Advisors.

Over 17,000 dogs and cats will be killed this year in NYC municipal animal shelters. The Toby Project relies completely on donations. Please visit tobyproject.org and do what you can to help.

Murphdog® & Company has launched Murphdog® Magazine; a SPECIAL PLACE for SPECIAL PEOPLE who love and care for SPECIAL NEEDS DOGS. We need your help to share stories and photos. If you have a special needs dog, please visit Murphdog® Magazine at murphdogandcompany.net or our blog at murphdogmagazine.blogspot.com. E-mail us at Jenna@murphdogandcompany.net. Murphdog® & Company also recognizes the efforts of Jana Kohl and her mission to stop puppy mills. You can help Jana at ararebreedoflove.com.

Murphdog® & Company is presently arranging to donate a portion of book and associated product sales from to St. Jude's Puppy Mill Rescue and the University of Pennsylvania.

Enjoy your July 4 holiday and please keep your pets safe and comfortable away from overwhelming noise, crowds and heat.