News
By Erin Auerbach
With so many people losing their homes to foreclosure, pets are becoming the voiceless and innocent victims. It is difficult for people to find apartments that allow pets, especially dogs. As the Los Angeles Daily News and Los Angeles Times have reported, some Southern California shelters have seen increases in the number of surrendered pets. Landlords who do allow pets are often increasing—sometimes doubling—the required animal security deposit, further tightening the financial strain.
Voice for the Animals, a nonprofit animal-welfare organization offering several programs in Los Angeles, has compiled resources for people with pets struggling in the difficult housing market.
For more information, please visit VFTAFoundation.org or call
(310) 392-5153 x1.
When Jennifer Bartok lived in Los Angeles in 1998 and worked in television, she wanted to create a charitable event that would appeal to a wide group of people. So she tapped into her love of animals to create the Celebrity Catwalk.
“The cachet of a fashion show featuring celebrities and a charity benefiting animals seems to cross across all lines and have appeal to a lot of people,” she says.
Actor Jamie Fox hosted the first event in 1998. Other hosts have included Nicole Ritchie and Melissa Rivers. As of press time, the celebrity host has not been announced for the August 28 event. But confirmed honorees and catwalk models include animal activist and Girlfriends star Persia White and Hugh Hefner’s main squeeze, Holly Madison, star of The Girls Next Door.
“Playboy always gets very involved,” Bartok says. “We’ll have a lot of bunnies modeling the fashions.”
Several prominent designers have provided clothing for the show, including Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, Jovani, Fox Girls, Pelle Pelle, Lane Bryant, and Doll House. Now in its ninth year, the event will be at The Highlands Hollywood restaurant and nightclub. Ujena Swimwear donated 25 bathing suits and is the exclusive swimwear sponsor.
Other celebrities confirmed to model include Elise Neal (Hustle and Flow), Janice Dickinson, and Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth (The Apprentice). International models Lorena Lacey of Ireland and Gemma Massey from England are scheduled to appear as well.
This year Bartok is guaranteeing that the event will raise a minimum of $5,000 to benefit two rescue organizations: Almost Home Rescue (AlmostHomeRescue.org) and Not So Grande Dachshund and Small Dog Rescue (NotSoGrandeDogs.org).
Celebrity Catwalk is open to the public, ages 21 and up, and tickets are only $20. (An open bar will be donated by Alize for one hour; doors open at 8 p.m.).
To find out more or buy tickets, visit CelebrityCatwalk.com.
Celebrities and rescues help make the
Cesar Milan, the “Dog Whisperer,” was among the celebrities at the first Pet Care Fair, held recently (May 24) at Woodley Park in Van Nuys. The event offered free spay/neuter, microchips, and low-cost vaccinations, as well as booths and educational presentations for animal caretakers.
“Dogs need exercise, discipline, and affection—in that order,” Milan says.
“Just as you would with your children, it is up to humans to make their dogs balanced.”
Milan attended as a favor to his friend and the event’s organizer, L.A. City Councilman Tony Cardenas. Although Milan was clearly the reason so many people came out with their dogs, he wasn’t the only celebrity there.
Actress Linda Blair, founder of the World Heart Foundation, devotes much of her time to animal rescue. She didn’t just swing by to pick up a certificate of appreciation. She brought some of her rescued dogs and processed their adoptions to new homes. “When I realized in Los Angeles and the United States that shelters were overcrowded, I started rescuing as many dogs as I could,” says Blair, who has developed property in Acton devoted to providing homes for those she rescues continually from Los Angeles–area shelters. (She also personally rescued 51 dogs in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.)
Firefighters and police brought some of their trained animals to display the work they do. Wilshire, the 2-year-old firehouse Dalmatian, demonstrated the best way to crawl out of a room in a fire. Eight-year-old Will, a black Lab, showed everyone how he detects narcotics by scratching in areas where he finds their scents.
But the biggest message of the day was the importance of spay and neuter. As a representative from The Amanda Foundation says, “The only Pit we don’t want to see neutered is Brad Pitt.”
Milan talked about how spay/neuter is helpful in reducing aggression in powerful breeds, such as Rottweilers and German Shepherds, pointing out that he frequently rehabilitates dogs with his 14-year-old Pit Bull, Daddy, who personifies gentility.
“Dogs don’t want to hurt anyone. They act on instinct. And they often act out due to lack of exercise, training, rules, and boundaries.” And for those who can’t control their dogs, he offers, “Send us a tape. We’re working on season five of The Dog Whisperer, and we’re looking for stories to include.”
You don’t have to be young. You don’t have to thin. And you don’t have to be a purebred. In an effort to bring people and their pooches into Southern California pet-product stores, the World Wide Pet Industry Association (WWPIA) has organized the first “Canine Runway: The search for America’s most paw-pular pooch.” This is not a traditional dog show. Preliminary rounds in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County stores will be June 24 and June 28, with two winners chosen at each of the locations. Southern California finals will be July 19, and from there, four lucky dogs will be selected to compete at SuperZoo at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in September.
Those interested in entering their dogs should visit PetSource.org/News/Canine%20Runway.aspx to register.
Locations, dates, and times for the contest are as follows:
Tailwaggers: 129 N. Bronson, Hollywood; June 24 at 6:30 p.m.
South Bark: 2037 30th Street, San Diego; June 28 at 11 a.m.
Urban Tails: 7515 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; June 28 at 11 a.m.
My Pet Naturally: 12001 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles; June 28 at 2 p.m.
Muttropolis: 865 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach; June 28 at 5 p.m.
Paws & Claws Boutique & Spa: 8665 19th St., Alta Loma; June 28, time TBA
Proposed legislation to mandate spay/neutering of dogs and cats in California got a boost when voters hit the polls on June 3. Santa Clara County voted “yes” to a resolution to support the bill. The Northern California area is the first to officially take a position on AB1634. The same day, an Orange County grand jury recommended that all cities within its Southern California region institute mandatory spay and neuter initiatives.
Although these actions are symbolic, California Taxpayers for Safe and Healthy Pets, the organization supporting Assemblyman Lloyd Levine’s bill, has pointed out that several initiatives in opposition to AB1634 that would have restricted the state’s ability to regulate animal ownership fell short on necessary signatures and did not make the ballot for the recent election. Groups opposing the bill say it will harm responsible breeders and does not appropriately address the health considerations associated with spaying and neutering animals at an early age. AB1634 passed through the Assembly on a 41–38 vote last June and is on its way to the Local Government Committee.
For information supporting AB1634, visit CAHealthyPets.com. For information on opposing the bill, visit AB1634.com.
Housing market decline crushing for domestic animals
With so many people losing their homes to foreclosure, pets are becoming the voiceless and innocent victims. It is difficult for people to find apartments that allow pets, especially dogs. As the Los Angeles Daily News and Los Angeles Times have reported, some Southern California shelters have seen increases in the number of surrendered pets. Landlords who do allow pets are often increasing—sometimes doubling—the required animal security deposit, further tightening the financial strain.
Voice for the Animals, a nonprofit animal-welfare organization offering several programs in Los Angeles, has compiled resources for people with pets struggling in the difficult housing market.
For more information, please visit VFTAFoundation.org or call
(310) 392-5153 x1.
Celebs strut their stuff to help rescue mutts
When Jennifer Bartok lived in Los Angeles in 1998 and worked in television, she wanted to create a charitable event that would appeal to a wide group of people. So she tapped into her love of animals to create the Celebrity Catwalk.
“The cachet of a fashion show featuring celebrities and a charity benefiting animals seems to cross across all lines and have appeal to a lot of people,” she says.
Actor Jamie Fox hosted the first event in 1998. Other hosts have included Nicole Ritchie and Melissa Rivers. As of press time, the celebrity host has not been announced for the August 28 event. But confirmed honorees and catwalk models include animal activist and Girlfriends star Persia White and Hugh Hefner’s main squeeze, Holly Madison, star of The Girls Next Door.
“Playboy always gets very involved,” Bartok says. “We’ll have a lot of bunnies modeling the fashions.”
Several prominent designers have provided clothing for the show, including Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons, Jovani, Fox Girls, Pelle Pelle, Lane Bryant, and Doll House. Now in its ninth year, the event will be at The Highlands Hollywood restaurant and nightclub. Ujena Swimwear donated 25 bathing suits and is the exclusive swimwear sponsor.
Other celebrities confirmed to model include Elise Neal (Hustle and Flow), Janice Dickinson, and Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth (The Apprentice). International models Lorena Lacey of Ireland and Gemma Massey from England are scheduled to appear as well.
This year Bartok is guaranteeing that the event will raise a minimum of $5,000 to benefit two rescue organizations: Almost Home Rescue (AlmostHomeRescue.org) and Not So Grande Dachshund and Small Dog Rescue (NotSoGrandeDogs.org).
Celebrity Catwalk is open to the public, ages 21 and up, and tickets are only $20. (An open bar will be donated by Alize for one hour; doors open at 8 p.m.).
To find out more or buy tickets, visit CelebrityCatwalk.com.
Celebrities and rescues help make the
Los Angeles Pet Care Fair a success
Cesar Milan, the “Dog Whisperer,” was among the celebrities at the first Pet Care Fair, held recently (May 24) at Woodley Park in Van Nuys. The event offered free spay/neuter, microchips, and low-cost vaccinations, as well as booths and educational presentations for animal caretakers.
“Dogs need exercise, discipline, and affection—in that order,” Milan says.
“Just as you would with your children, it is up to humans to make their dogs balanced.”
Milan attended as a favor to his friend and the event’s organizer, L.A. City Councilman Tony Cardenas. Although Milan was clearly the reason so many people came out with their dogs, he wasn’t the only celebrity there.
Actress Linda Blair, founder of the World Heart Foundation, devotes much of her time to animal rescue. She didn’t just swing by to pick up a certificate of appreciation. She brought some of her rescued dogs and processed their adoptions to new homes. “When I realized in Los Angeles and the United States that shelters were overcrowded, I started rescuing as many dogs as I could,” says Blair, who has developed property in Acton devoted to providing homes for those she rescues continually from Los Angeles–area shelters. (She also personally rescued 51 dogs in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.)
Firefighters and police brought some of their trained animals to display the work they do. Wilshire, the 2-year-old firehouse Dalmatian, demonstrated the best way to crawl out of a room in a fire. Eight-year-old Will, a black Lab, showed everyone how he detects narcotics by scratching in areas where he finds their scents.
But the biggest message of the day was the importance of spay and neuter. As a representative from The Amanda Foundation says, “The only Pit we don’t want to see neutered is Brad Pitt.”
Milan talked about how spay/neuter is helpful in reducing aggression in powerful breeds, such as Rottweilers and German Shepherds, pointing out that he frequently rehabilitates dogs with his 14-year-old Pit Bull, Daddy, who personifies gentility.
“Dogs don’t want to hurt anyone. They act on instinct. And they often act out due to lack of exercise, training, rules, and boundaries.” And for those who can’t control their dogs, he offers, “Send us a tape. We’re working on season five of The Dog Whisperer, and we’re looking for stories to include.”
Popularity contest goes to the dogs
You don’t have to be young. You don’t have to thin. And you don’t have to be a purebred. In an effort to bring people and their pooches into Southern California pet-product stores, the World Wide Pet Industry Association (WWPIA) has organized the first “Canine Runway: The search for America’s most paw-pular pooch.” This is not a traditional dog show. Preliminary rounds in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County stores will be June 24 and June 28, with two winners chosen at each of the locations. Southern California finals will be July 19, and from there, four lucky dogs will be selected to compete at SuperZoo at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in September.
Those interested in entering their dogs should visit PetSource.org/News/Canine%20Runway.aspx to register.
Locations, dates, and times for the contest are as follows:
Tailwaggers: 129 N. Bronson, Hollywood; June 24 at 6:30 p.m.
South Bark: 2037 30th Street, San Diego; June 28 at 11 a.m.
Urban Tails: 7515 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; June 28 at 11 a.m.
My Pet Naturally: 12001 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles; June 28 at 2 p.m.
Muttropolis: 865 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach; June 28 at 5 p.m.
Paws & Claws Boutique & Spa: 8665 19th St., Alta Loma; June 28, time TBA
Legislative alert
Proposed legislation to mandate spay/neutering of dogs and cats in California got a boost when voters hit the polls on June 3. Santa Clara County voted “yes” to a resolution to support the bill. The Northern California area is the first to officially take a position on AB1634. The same day, an Orange County grand jury recommended that all cities within its Southern California region institute mandatory spay and neuter initiatives.
Although these actions are symbolic, California Taxpayers for Safe and Healthy Pets, the organization supporting Assemblyman Lloyd Levine’s bill, has pointed out that several initiatives in opposition to AB1634 that would have restricted the state’s ability to regulate animal ownership fell short on necessary signatures and did not make the ballot for the recent election. Groups opposing the bill say it will harm responsible breeders and does not appropriately address the health considerations associated with spaying and neutering animals at an early age. AB1634 passed through the Assembly on a 41–38 vote last June and is on its way to the Local Government Committee.
For information supporting AB1634, visit CAHealthyPets.com. For information on opposing the bill, visit AB1634.com.
