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James Franco Cuddles with a Kitty, Plus More From Broadway Barks

dorriolds — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 07:19:15 +0000

Broadway Barks 16, held Saturday, July 12, featured adoptable — and adorable — dogs and cats from New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies including ASPCA, Animal Care and Control of NYC (AC&C), Animal Haven, BARC (Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition), Bideawee, Bobbi & the Strays, City Critters, Humane Society of New York (HSNY), KittyKind, Posh Pets Rescue, SaveKitty Foundation and Urban Cat League.
I asked Broadway Barks co-founder Bernadette Peters what is the biggest misconception about shelter dogs and she said, “People think they’re in the shelter because they’re not good dogs, and that’s just not the case. Unfortunately, during these times, people lose their jobs, have to move in with family members, can’t take their dogs and then you have a 5-year-old family member in the shelter — depressed, sad and you see the difference when that dog gets adopted. You see it on their face how happy they are. Because shelter dogs know they’ve been rescued, they will bond with you forever.”
Mary Tyler Moore, co-founder of Broadway Barks, could not attend this year, so James Franco stepped up as co-host. Here he is hugging an adoptable kitty named Totes Magotes. In case you don’t know, “totes magotes” comes from a scene in the movie, “I Love You, Man,” when Paul Rudd used it as slang for “totally.” Franco said he decided to help out at Broadway Barks because, “I’ve loved the Broadway community, so I’m just trying to help out wherever I can.” When asked if he had pets Franco said, “I have two cats. That’s why I’m holding a cat.”

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Prince Lorenzo Borghese and Other Animal Loving Celebrities Help Rescue Dogs From Kill Shelters

dorriolds — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:08:33 +0000

Prince Lorenzo Borghese, best known as the great catch on ABC’s ninth season of The Bachelor, is the founder of the Royal Pet Club, an animal loving company that sells organic pet wellness products. Lorenzo is also the founder of Animal Aid USA, a charity that celebrated its one-year anniversary this month in Manhattan. The audience was made up of a legion of well-known volunteers and animal supporters including Georgina Bloomberg, the daughter of NYC’s Mayor Bloomberg; Eric Trump, son of billionaire Donald; actors Bernadette Peters and Stephen Baldwin; Miss USA Nana Meriwether; Amanda Hearst; and animal activist Beth Ostrosky (Howard Stern’s wife).
As always with animal fundraisers, I was a tad nervous about attending for fear of seeing graphic photos of abused animals, which always make me want to sob or faint. Imagine my glee when the slideshow turned out to be a joyful celebration of now-healthy animals that have been saved by this non-profit.
Georgina Bloomberg told me, “Tonight is to raise awareness about Animal Aid and our mission to relocate abandoned animals from kill shelters into loving homes. Animal Aid USA has been instrumental in going to shelters in low income communities where there is a high population of homeless dogs, and rescuing these abandoned animals from being euthanized.”
Lorenzo Borghese said, “I want you to think about all those dogs dying each day in the United States. The stats are horrific and you feel like you can’t do anything about it. When you walk into a shelter where the dogs are all about to be euthanized and they’re looking at you, dying to get out, they’re barking, wagging their tails and they’re helpless. Looking into their eyes I want to take home every one of them but know I can’t. Then all of a sudden I met Karen Talbot and everything changed.”
Karen Talbot LaSasso wrote to Lorenzo about needing help with her cause. He thought it was just another person asking for money but as he read he became intrigued by how hard this woman works to save animals from kill shelters.
While talking about Karen, Lorenzo’s eyes lit up. He said, “She’s not a wealthy person and I think her husband, Dante, is in debt with five or six credit cards by now. Yet, these guys manage to rescue about 100 dogs a month on their own bank account.”
Instead of a wedding ring, Dante purchased Karen a transportation vehicle. For vacations they don’t fly to the Bahamas, instead they spend their time in cars driving down to Georgia to rescue animals.
Lorenzo teared up when he said, “I wanted to help Karen because I’ve never met anyone so devoted to rescuing animals.” He reminded the crowd that the celebratory event was also a fundraiser to help more animals. “I guarantee you,” said Lorenzo, “the money you donate to Animal Aid does not go to paychecks or pension plans. We are all volunteers and do it because we love to. That’s why we started Animal Aid. I’m very, very proud to be with you here tonight for our first anniversary. Within the past two weeks alone Animal Aid and its volunteers have saved the lives of 270 more dogs.”
Last month, the “New Year Caravan” went on its first road trip to rescue close to 200 dogs. Animal Aid USA volunteers make the trip every 30 days traveling 1,600 miles from New Jersey to Georgia to save shelter animals in poor neighborhoods. Animal Aid has also set up Miracle Ranch, a place to care for the pooches until they find forever homes.
Lorenzo, an Ambassador to the American Humane Association, has worked with North Shore Animal League, the ASPCA and Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C), a kill shelter. He said, “If you’re interested in what we’re doing over at the AC&C please email us. We’re going to try to take over the board so we can fix things.”
When I interviewed Lorenzo I learned that he donates $2 to Animal Aid USA every time a new customer buys from the Royal Pet Club. In addition, he donates five percent of the company’s annual profits. One big way to help is to switch over to buying your pet products through RPC. And, if you are interested in helping Lorenzo, Karen, Georgina and their team rescue adorable doggies please email Animal Aid. It will be an invaluable deposit into your lifelong karma bank.

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New York City Doggies and Tiaras Pageant for Fashion Week 2013

dorriolds — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:03:25 +0000

Award-winning pet fashion designer Roberto Negrin is the talented organizer behind this glamorous fundraising event held at The New Yorker Hotel. Roberto, the owner of Hec-lin Couture for Dogs, created this doggie pageant to raise funds for Inky Blue Sea Animal Rescue and to have a heck of a good time with old and new friends and pet loving partiers. Delightful dogs made of fresh flowers adorned the stage while sequined, jeweled doggie dresses dazzled everywhere! Click through to see cute photos from the event here!

Pet Fashion Designer Roberto Negrin, Owner of Hec-lin Couture for Dogs

Roberto Negrin is holding Hec-lin, the rescued Chihuahua who inspired Roberto to create his line of canine couture. Next to Roberto is the flawless MC for the night, Nikki Moustaki. Nikki is a dog trainer, bird expert and the author of about a gazillion books, most of which are about pet care and training. Nikki also runs The Pet Postcard Project, a nonprofit organization that raises money to feed homeless pets. At her feet is her pride and joy, Jasmine, an incredibly well behaved pooch who puts my can’t-sit-still-for-a-minute Cavalier, Buddy, to shame!

Bella Mia and Jasmine Nose to Nose

Nikki Moustaki is a dog trainer, bird expert and the author of 45 books about pet care and training. Nikki also runs a nonprofit to feed homeless pets called The Pet Postcard Project.
On the left is Bella Mia, a Maltese owned by Roseann Bolasny. Bella Mia is canoodling with Jasmine, owned by Nikki Moustaki. Jasmine is impressively Zen and mellow. She spent the entire evening onstage greeting each contestant with her nose.

Nemi in a Tutu

Nemi is this adorable and dainty ballerina owned by Catherine Mefford. Nemi is Catherine’s muse for her pet clothing company Neighmaway. Pooch and parent live in Montgomery, Alabama. They were both thrilled to make the trip to the Big Apple for the Doggies & Tiaras pageant.

Yorkshire Terriers and Front Page News

Front Page News is the name of this cutie-pie pooch who is owned by Debbie Nap, who breeds AKC champion Yorkshire Terrier Parquins.

A Dog Trainer and Her Docile Cavalier

Stacy McCosky is a dog trainer and a beauty. Her award-winning Black and Tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Sadie is also a beauty. Sadie the Cav is an excellent example of Stacy’s pet training talents. You couldn’t find a sweeter pooch. Um, except for mine. Granted, I’m partial to Cavaliers but in this case I’m being objective when I say Sadie is a doll.

Fitness Instructor Summer Strand and Her Cute Canine

Summer Strand got those rock solid abs from living her dream as a fitness instructor. Her little pup Gracie always follows Summer’s lead and goes along for the ride.

Luvapug Lisa and Her Pug Picasso

It’s Pugcassa! Lisa Kerner of Luvapug Petsitting dressed as the celebrated painter Picasso. Lisa’s black pug, Rose, went along with the masquerade and landed a big laugh from the crowd when they hit the stage together for the talent show.

Budding Dog Model Z Zee Zeins

Z Zee Zeins lives with her mom, Ilene Zeins, in Brooklyn, New York. They go to pawties, play dates and have lots of friends. Z Zee has a CGC (Canine Good Citizen Certification) and is a wannabe super model.

Karen Biehl and Eli the Celebrity Chihuahua

Karen Biehl is the proud owner of Eli the Celebrity Chihuahua. Eli’s mission in life is to offer inspiration, hope and healing on a mass level, by utilizing his innate cuteness and charm. You can catch Karen and Eli onDoggie Moms on NYC Life channel.

Gia Marie Jumps Through Hoops for the Crowd

Brooklynite Victoria Viscardi would dive through hoops for her Pomeranian, Gia Marie. The happy pooch returns the favor by gracefully hopping through the Hula hoop during the Doggies and Tiaras talent competition. Gia Marie wowed the crowd and won a big round of applause. Her mom Victoria was so proud! You can see more of them on Facebook at Victoria N Gia Marie.

Article written for NBC Petside

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Nadia Ilse, 14, received free plastic surgery from the Little Baby Face Foundation and Dr. Thomas Romo, III

dorriolds — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 11:34:10 +0000

Nadia Ilse before and after facial plastic surgery for her ears, nose and chin.

Nadia Ilse is the 14-year old recipient of free plastic and reconstructive surgery from the Little Baby Face Foundation (LBFF). Nadia was born with hemifacial microsomia, a condition that creates asymmetry in the face due to abnormal growth in bones, muscles and nerves. It is progressive and worsens with age. Nadia also had a deviated septum, and ears that stuck way out and were also missing the normal folds within the lobe. She was bullied so much in school she often cried herself to sleep and even considered suicide.

“Kids used to ask me what was wrong with my nose,” said Nadia. “That hurt my feelings a lot. They made fun of my ears and called me names like, ‘Dumbo.’ My chin was off and not symmetrical. When I smiled it looked weird. I always thought I had a horrible smile. Kids were so mean that there were lots of times I faked headaches so I didn’t have to go to school.”

She was afraid to burden her single mother, Lynda, who already had her hands full. She was laid off from work and unable to find a new job she was also tending to Nadia’s younger brother with special needs (Cerebral Palsy, developmental delays and pulmonary valve stenosis.) When the emotional pain became absolutely overwhelming, Nadia begged her mother for help. Sadly they did not have money for surgery. Lynda went online, found LBFF and filled out the application on the website. They were both thrilled when Nadia was chosen from thousands of applications.

Nadia Ilse was born with hemifacial microsomia, a condition that affects bone, muscle, fat and nerves of the face.

Dr. Thomas Romo, III, the founder and president of LBFF, provided all of the surgeries for free. Dr. Romo is the Director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at North Shore–LIJ Lenox Hill Hospital and The Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital in New York City.

The foundation paid for Nadia and her mother to travel to New York City and arranged for their free stay at Ronald McDonald House. LBFF also provided money for food and medically related expenses.

If Nadia had gone to a private plastic surgeon her surgeries would have cost $40,000. Because they were provided pro bono by Dr. Romo they cost nothing.

After her LBFF-provided surgery, Nadia was a guest on a handful of TV shows including ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, and Nightline. Videos went viral and viewers posted comments all across the web. Most were supportive and enthusiastic but a few criticized Nadia and her mother for not being “tough enough” to stand up to bullies.

I asked Nadia and her mother, Lynda, if Nadia would be willing to discuss her experiences. They both graciously agreed.

Dorri Olds: What was it like returning to school after you’d been on TV and talked about being bullied?

Nadia Ilse: Wow. That was like, um, nerve wracking.

Do you remember how you were feeling?

I was excited, but also nervous people would criticize me. One person did but overall it went a lot better than I thought it would. A lot of people made me feel better about myself. They said, “We’re glad you’re happy now and that you feel better about yourself.”

What about the kids that had bullied you?

Of the people that had been mean to me before, most ignored me or paid no attention at all. Some of the kids who had been bullies were a lot nicer. The yearbook committee said they wanted to interview me for the yearbook. That’s very exciting.

Were your teachers aware that you were being bullied at school?

No, I hadn’t told any of them. I was afraid to make it worse.

Did your Mom know how tough it had gotten for you in school?

I didn’t really tell her either because I didn’t want to worry her. Sometimes I would cry myself to sleep but I tried to be quiet or put my face in a pillow so she wouldn’t hear.

Are you close with your Mom?

Yes, my mom and I have always been so close. We couldn’t be any closer. I love her a lot. She is great.

Did she help you with the negative comments that a lot of people were posting online?

My mom told me not to look at the criticism so I stayed away from any negative comments. I didn’t want anything to get in the way of how good I was feeling.

What are some of the changes you’ve experienced now?

I’m opening up more. I went to my first dance and went with friends. I wasn’t too shy to dance. I’d never gone to a dance before. I would’ve stood in a corner.

Did your brother say anything about the surgery?

He says I look different and tells me I look pretty. I’m really happy that I got it done. I had a deviated septum. Now I can breathe so much better. Everything that Dr. Romo did was medically necessary.

He told you that you had a condition called hemifacial microsomia. Did you know what that was?

No. But I know now that is why my jaw and chin were crooked. He was really nice to tell me that after he fixed my ears it might draw attention to my chin and he explained to me about my deviated septum.

Did you feel well cared for during your stay in New York City?

I’m so glad he took good care of me. Dr. Romo, Diane Romo and Michele Orzo were all so amazing. They were really friendly and made my mom and I feel like we were honored guests, like we were part of their family.

What was it like when you saw your face the first time after the surgery?

It was swollen. They told me ahead of time that it would be swollen so I wasn’t scared at all.

Has it been fun to see articles written about you and see yourself on TV?

Yeah! A talent agency called us. Mom said yes about modeling! It’s so exciting.

Nadia Ilse enjoying her new life. “I can breathe so much better. Dr. Romo fixed my deviated septum!”

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Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars

dorriolds — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:56:17 +0000

William “Bill” Berloni’s book, “Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars (Lyons Press),” was re-released Tuesday, September 4, 2012 with a brand new chapter on Sunny, a dog Berloni rescued to play Sandy in the new version of the Broadway musical, “Annie.”
Berloni has built an award-winning career out of rescuing dogs and turning them into stars. He’s an expert animal trainer and behavior consultant to the Humane Society of New York.
An Expert on Animal Behavior
Berloni’s first dog training job came when he was 19. It was 1976 and Berloni was interning at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. They were putting on a production of “Annie,” an unknown musical. The mutt Berloni chose was an Airedale mix only two days away from being euthanized.
“I got the assignment to get the first Sandy as a fluke. I agreed to do a part in a show if I could find and train a dog. I went to an animal shelter because I heard they had cheap dogs. I was so moved to see the animals in this condition.”
He had no way of knowing then that he would become the premier animal trainer for Broadway shows—and film, and TV—over a 30-plus-year career.
It’s the Hard Knock Life
Berloni is convinced that abandoned dogs make the best canine actors. His view is that after their hard knock life landed them in a dog shelter, when finally rescued and treated well, these dogs are grateful, eager to please, and easy to train.
“If a dog can live with the stress of an animal shelter,” Berloni said, “being on stage is a luxury.”
He scouts for dogs that are calm in filthy, noisy, overrun shelters. These types of dogs have the ability to ignore what is going on around them and tend to be able to concentrate fully without becoming distracted by the audience, and actors onstage, in a packed theater performance.
Since its debut in 1977, all Broadway productions of “Annie” have starred real-life shelter dogs rescued and trained by Berloni.
See the Show, Help a Dog
To promote dog adoption, Pedigree© dog food teamed up with “Annie the Musical” to help raise $1 million to help dogs find loving homes. For each ticket sold—now through December 31, 2013—Pedigree will donate $2, up to $1 million to Pedigree Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping abandoned dogs find loving homes.
Upcoming Events
During the promotion of his newly re-released paperback, “Broadway Tails,” you can meet Bill Berloni in person at his book signing and author discussion events:
September 23, 2012, 3pm at Yale Barnes & Noble, New Haven, CT
October 14, 2012, 4pm at RJ Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT
This article was written for NBC Petside.

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Summer 2012 Fundraisers for Dog Rescues

dorriolds — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:29:20 +0000

Find fundraisers in your area to help make a difference in the world of dog rescues!

Wherever you live, it’s more than likely there are fun, summer doggie fundraisers going on right nearby. This is a great time of year to jump in the car or take a train for a day trip. I have compiled a list of 10 doggie fundraising events happening in August and September:
8/11/12 Detroit, Michigan Detroit Dog Rescue – Saturday, August 11, 10am–4pm, “Dog Days of Summer” Downtown Mount Clemens (map). This pet-centric day offers games, pet massages, groomers, obedience demonstrations, pet ID services, and I know you’ll love watching the Pet Parade! Admission is FREE.
8/11/12 Bedford Heights, Ohio Camp Bow Wow / Southeast Harley-Davidson – Saturday, August 11, 10am–2pm, “Hogs and Dogs (& Cats Too!)” Southeast Harley-Davidson, 23105 Aurora Road. Here’s another event offering pet massage—lucky dogs! Instruction will be given by a licensed pet massage therapist. There’s free face painting, raffles, refreshments, music by the Pop Tarts and a delightful parade of adoptable dogs. Aside from being a fundraiser, this event is also a pet supplies donation drive. Items to donate: dog and puppy shampoo and conditioner, leashes and collars, new toys, food and treats, towels and blankets, dog and cat beds, carriers, and whatever else a dog (or cat) would love. Admission is FREE.
8/11/12 La Crosse, Wisconsin Coulee Region Humane Society – Saturday, August 11, 9am–1pm (rain or shine), “Bark in the Park” Copeland Park, 1130 Copeland Park Drive. This is the 11th annual celebration, complete with canine costumes, a crowning of a canine king and queen, doggie games, a critter cash raffle drawing and the annual big bark. I live in New York City but I tell you, this sounds so fun I feel like hopping a plane to Wisconsin. Cost $25; early bird tickets $20.
8/12/12 Trappe, Pennsylvania All 4 Paws Rescue – Sunday, August 12, 11am–3pm, “Meet and Greet” Perk Valley Pet Eatery, 325 West Main Street. Dogs onsite will be eagerly waiting for you and your kids to come along and adopt them. Everybody needs a home and a family. Admission is FREE.
8/18/12 Valley Forge, Pennsylvania All 4 Paws Rescue – Saturday, August 18, 2012, 10am–2pm “Dog Days of Summer” Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, 1601 Valley Forge Road. Free hot dogs, live music, fun and games including a scavenger hunt, face painting, contests and the patriotic pooch parade. FREE.
8/23/12 New York City Rescuzilla and Stewie to the Rescue – Thursday, August 23, 6pm, “Raise a Pint for Stewie & Rescuzilla!” Woodrow’s, 43 Murray Street. Admission is $10 and includes a raffle ticket and a pint of beer. Also available on tap: a fundraising bake sale to benefit rescues. There will be drink specials available too.
8/25/12 Jupiter, Florida Bring Fido / Big Dog Ranch Rescue) – Saturday, August 25, 2012, 11am–2pm, “Mutts and Mimosas” Woof Gang Bakery, Abacoa, 5500 Military Trail, Suite 12. Get ready for mimosas plus dog and human snacks. Dog adoptions include a free bag of dog food. Store-wide savings will be available. FREE. Note: If you’re traveling there, discounted rates at participating pet friendly hotels are available in Jupiter.
9/6/12 Alexandria, VA Lucky Dog Animal Rescue / Doggie Walker – Thursday, September 6, 2012, 7pm and 8pm, “Canine Cruise on the Potomac” Alexandria City Marina at Cameron and Union Streets. Hit the deck at 7pm or 8pm for your 40-minute dog-friendly public cruise. Adults $15, Kids $9, Dogs ride FREE.
9/13/12 New York City Celebrity Catwalk – Thursday, September 13, 2012, 5:30–8:30pm, “Paws & PJs for NYC’s Homeless Animals” to be held at Calument Photo, 20 West 22nd Street, 2nd floor, between 5th & 6th Avenues. Slip into your jammies and celebrate New York Fashion Week. What you can expect: pampering stations for pups, a silent auction spectacular, refreshments and doggie bags, pup-parazzi photos, cutest dog contest (male and female), cutest owner contest. Oooh, and you get to meet one of ABC’s Bachelors: Prince Lorenzo Borghese! Avoid waiting at the door by buying early bird tickets $30.
9/22/12 Nashville, TN Nashville Humane Association – Saturday, September 22, 2012, “Dog Day Festival” at Centennial Park, West End and 25th Avenue North. You’re in for a treat with The Music City Mutt Strut, doggie arts & crafts, a kids zone, pet portraits, microchip clinics, training and agility clinics and Teddy’s wagon with adorable, adoptable, scrumptious pets! Admission $5, Children under 10: FREE.
If my list didn’t include an event near you, please go to Google and search for “dog rescue events summer 2012.” Do you know of any events not listed? If so, please add them in your comments.

Written for Petside

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Husband & Wife Grammy Nominated Country Music Singing Duo Team Up With Purina Dog Chow To Rescue Dogs and Iraq War Veterans

dorriolds — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:08:23 +0000

photo by Dorri Olds Shawna and Keifer Thompson are country music’s Grammy-nominated wife and husband team known as Thompson Square.

Shawna and Keifer Thompson are country music’s Grammy-nominated wife and husband team known as Thompson Square. This month they have teamed up with Nestlé Purina PetCare Company for a Purina Dog Chow Facebook fundraiser called “Dog Families Know.” The money raised will be donated to Patriot Rovers, an amazing organization committed to rescuing and training psychiatric service dogs to provide love 24-hours a day to U.S. veterans who lost limbs and/or suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Inside story behind Thompson Square teaming up with Purina Dog Chow
Keifer Thompson told NBC’s Petside, “We recently got a new dog. Her name is Etta and she’s a 17-weeks old [Etta is a Snorkie, a Miniature Schnauzer and Yorkie mix]. We got excited and started tweeting pictures of Etta,” said Keifer. “Next thing we know she had her own Facebook page and she was just everywhere. Radio stations across the country picked up on her story and ran pictures on their websites and Facebook pages. Then we were approached by Purina Dog Chow to partner up with them for this program.”
What exactly is this Purina program?
From now until July 31st if you go to Facebook/DogChow and post a story or photo of your pet, Purina Dog Chow will donate $1 up to $25,000 to Patriot Rovers to help rescue both America’s dogs and veterans.
Thompson Square talks about using country music fame to help others
Shawna Thompson said, “Keifer and I really don’t feel like celebrities but with the little bit of celebrity we do have we like to help—especially with animals. We’re huge dog lovers and it’s so important to give back.”
Keifer seconded that, “It’s really cool to use any sort of celebrity that people have to help pets,” and it really means a lot to us because we’re huge, huge animal lovers and advocates. We’ve always been dog people. If you have the public’s eyes and attention, you’ve got a responsibility as a role model so even though we don’t feel like celebrities—not by a long shot—a lot of people think we are and they look up to us. We get their stories, emails, tweets and Facebook messages all the time about how our music has affected their life. We’re just doing what we do for a living because we’ve been blessed to be able to do but it’s weird how many people you can affect with a song.”
Learn more about this Purina Dog Chow program
View Thompson Square and their dog Etta
See even more of Etta the Snorkie

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Celebrity Magician Matt Wayne: Entertainer and Animal Advocate

dorriolds — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:45:53 +0000

Written for Petside.com

Matt Wayne, aka Celebrity Magician, is not only a magic man but also an actor (2012’s movie, When the Devil Comes), producer (Off-Broadway’s,The Complete Performer), TV personality (CSI: NY, The Real Housewivesof New York City) and advocate for animal charities. His favorite causes include Bidawee, North Shore Animal League, Last Chance for Animals and BARC shelter.
Does this man ever sleep? When asked where he gets his energy, Wayne said, “My life is targeted at helping animals. That’s what motivates my career. I’m like the Betty White of magic.” Oh, and he’s only 25.
This holiday season he performed magic for the Paws NY Annual Fundraiser and Cocktails that Care’s barktastic night at the elegant Pranna Lounge on Madison Avenue. He strutted at “Pups on the Runway Costume Ball” where dogs competed in categories like Glamour, Hilarious and Matching Pawrent. Winners received free entry into the 2012 Barking Beauty Pageant and a free copy of the book Chasing Bocker’s Tale.
Wayne arrived in New York City five years ago with only six hundred dollars in his pocket and big dreams of making magic. His first big break was the overnight success of his DVD Gotta Light, a modern version of the 3-shell game. Another career boost came when he appeared on the reality dating show Wing Man. His pitch: “I’m a magician who toured the world but can’t get a date.” Through that show he met his soulmate, Karen Biehl.
“On our first date I made her a white rose out of a napkin,” Wayne said. “Lucky for me she’d always dreamed of a man who’d give her white roses.”
Wayne’s excited about his upcoming February 10, 2012 project, the Pre-Westminster Fashion Show. Their tagline is “Get Ready to Pawty!” It’s an annual benefit for the Animal Care and Control of NYC. One of the Best in Show sponsors will give away a one-year supply of oral care and other natural products to the pet owner that sends the winning photo in the Petzlife Products “Best” Smile Photo Contest.
This past May, Wayne was so moved by the tragic Tuscaloosa tornado he created a relief effort, Operation Toto. “I contacted many friends including Loretta Swit, Bonnie Jill-Laflin, the NBA’s first female scout, actor Doug Jones from Hellboy movies and Richard Pryor, Jr. They all gladly participated. Loretta even agreed to host. I called the Alabama State Department to say I wanted to help and asked to be put in touch with animal shelters and the Humane Society down there. I turned my campaign into the only relief effort that came from the northeast. The New York Daily News did a write-up about it. It went so well I plan to organize another ToTo Relief Op. This time it will be ‘Feed the Homeless’ for hungry stray dogs and cats.”
“My biggest complaint,” Matt said, “is when celebrities don’t use their fame to help others. Being a celebrity magician means I have a voice. I use it to help speak for animals.”

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Karen Biehl & Eli the Celebrity Chihuahua

dorriolds — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:09:01 +0000

Written for Petside.com

“Before Eli,” Doggie Moms actress Karen Biehl said, “I wasn’t sure what to do with my life.”

She had pursued singing opera but stopped when it wasn’t fun any longer. At that time she didn’t go out much. She’d never attended a charity event. “I wasn’t really planning to get a dog, but when I saw Eli’s photo on Craigslist next to a message that he needed a home, I knew we had to meet. My small studio apartment seemed too tiny for a dog but I realized it wasn’t too small for a Chihuahua.
Eli completely changed my life. Together we started going to events, getting involved in dog walks and raising money for causes. Before Eli I’d never even been to a charity event.”
Now Biehl and Eli the Celebrity Chihuahua are looking forward to spending 2012 helping animals in need. They’ve raised funds for charities since 2006. Together they’ve earned $12,000 for the American Cancer Society through participating in annual dog walks, been celebrity guests at the National Eating Disorder Association Walk, and participated in the AIDS Walk and Scleroderma Walk. In addition, Eli and Biehl are on many committees for animal fundraising events including Bideawee, Animal Care & Control of NYC and Last Chance for Animals.
Eli has modeled at Pet Fashion Week, strutted down runways, and appeared in magazine ads including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Biehl and Eli regularly hobnob with celebrities and write up reviews in their column, New York Celebrity Dog Examiner. Eli has his own IMDb page listing his stints in Doggie Moms and The Real Housewives of New York City.
“When I met Eli he was shy,” said Biehl. “He’d already had two owners and come from a puppy mill. My first six months with Eli were spent tending to his health issues. He had a tapeworm and needed knee surgery. He’s had all kinds of health issues—just one of them cost me $4000 in vet bills.”
Most recently, Eli had a bad reaction to a rabies shot which inspired Biehl’s new mission—to raise awareness about the rabies vaccine. According to research, the vaccines last up to 7 years, but by law dogs are required to get one every two or three years depending on the state. Eli developed a very rare condition called panniculitis with vasculitis—an autoimmune reaction to the rabies shot. He also suffered with pneumonia, and seizures.
“No dog should have to go through what Eli has,” Biehl said. “He’s come a long way and shows what is possible regardless of your past.”
Eli won his first contest, the Barking Beauty Pageant. His prize was a full spread in New York Dog magazine. Next he won New York Tails magazine’s “Best New York Tails Contest.” Then Eli shot to fame when he won the Milk-Bone “Make Your Dog Famous” contest which landed him on the Milk-BoneSmall Dog Biscuit box.
Eli won Grand Prize at a Macy’s Petacular, he was the Times Square Masquerade winner, “Most Smoochable Pooch” in the Kibbles ‘n Bits cover dog search, “Best in Show” at Animal Fair Magazine’s Canine Comedy, “New York Celebrity Dog” at the Pre-Westminster Fashion Show, and earned a “Red Carpet Performance” Award at the NSAL DogCatemy Awards. Their next event will be the Pre-Westminster Fashion Show on February 10th, 2012.
“On my own,” Biehl said, “I probably couldn’t even raise one hundred dollars but when people see Eli they want to donate. It’s amazing. He has opened up so many worlds for me. He taught me to go for my dreams.”

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Steven Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn

dorriolds — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:18:11 +0000

Since we last “spoke” I went to the New York City premiere of Steven Spielberg’s new 3D motion capture flick, The Adventures of Tintin. I was able to talk to the many folks on the red carpet. Got photos of most of ’em. Nabbed a nice long interview with Mr. Spielberg himself.
Others in attendance at the Ziegfeld Theatre red carpet were George Lucas, Jamie Bell (Tintin), Enn Reitel (Nestor / Mr. Crabtree), Joe Starr (Barnaby) and Nick Frost (Thomson). Also there: Producer Kathleen Kennedy, SNL actor Bill Hader, Breaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito.
My write-ups, interviews and movie review will be posted in a couple of publications. Will post links as soon as they’re up! Until then, my lips are sealed!!
Purina® Dog Chow® partnered with Paramount Pictures — Through January 3, 2012, for every “like” on Purina Dog Chow’s Facebook page the pet food company will donate $1 (up to a total of $150,000), which will be split equally among the following three deserving service and therapy dog organizations:

Patriot Rovers Inc. – committed to rescuing, training and deploying psychiatric service dogs that will provide support 24/7 for veterans to enhance their lives. www.patriotrovers.org
Reading Education Assistance Dogs® (R.E.A.D.) – the groundbreaking literacy support program that helps children discover the joys and rewards of books and reading, through the experience of reading to a best friend and great listener…a therapy dog!www.therapyanimals.org/R.E.A.D.html
Delta Society – an international nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching people’s lives through positive connections with companion, therapy and service animals www.deltasociety.org

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