Pet Lifestyles Magazine - Joe Gatto - Adoption Edition 2024

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

This time last year, we re-launched Pet Lifestyles Magazine with a new look and feel, as well as purpose. Part of my agreement to re-launch this magazine was my instistance that animal rescue and advocacy had to be an integral part of the publication. And we have been fortunate to have so many organizations, companies and individuals support our endeavor.

The Adoption Edition was designed to not only give readers a better understanding of the need for adoptions, fostering and more, but also to help educate pet parents about how they can continue to help make a difference beyond one adoption. The very idea of adopt, foster, volunteer and donate is literally built into the DNA of this magazine.

As soon as we started to plan this issue, my first call was to my friend Joe Gatto (formerly of Impractical Jokers) as I knew he and his wife Bessy had started a rescue of their own. Joe has spent years helping the rescue and advocacy communities, so clearly his experience drove his family to start Gatto Pups & Friends. And that is just one of the many reasons why we chose this PAWESOME family to be on our cover.

Inside this issue, you will not only find animal organizations to adopt from, or volunteer with, but you will also find new products to help you get off to the right paw with your new furrever friend; tips and tricks to help you get through the difficult times and more.

Special thanks to our packmates at Best Friends Animal Society for lovingly sponsoring this issue. As such I want to encourage each and every one of you to please adopt, foster, volunteer and/or donate today with Best Friends. Only together can we make a difference and “Save Them All.” To learn more, please visit www.bestfriends.org

Stay pawesome,

Sean-Patrick M. Hillman Editor-in-Chief & Co-Publisher

Vol. 7 #3 | Adoption Edition 2024

President / Publisher BILL MASON

Editor in Chief & Co -Publisher

Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Art Director Scott Cuollo

Editor Jonathan Kent

Chief Photographer Annie Watt

Contributors

Kate Perry • Ilyssa Panitz • Christine Mango

Stephen Quandt • Solid Gold

John Dake • Mary Beth

Sales

Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development

Internet Presence Michael McKenzie

Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group

New York Sales Office  (917) 440-4448

Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888

For subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call:  (646) 259-2651

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All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Printed in the USA. Pet Lifestyles Magazine is published 4 times annually. © 2024 Pet Lifestyles Magazine.

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JOE & BESSY GATTO SAVE SENIOR PUPS

GATTO PUPS & FRIENDS SPECIALIZE IN SENIOR RESCUE

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman | Britni Ann Photography

Any fan of comedy has undoubtedly watched an episode of Impractical Jokers. For over a decade, Staten Island native Joe Gatto, Brian “Q” Quinn, James “Murr” Murray, and Sal Vulcano kept the world laughing with their antics on the highly popular show. During that time, Joe was lending his orator skills and comedic antics to animal rescues and advocacies for their various fundraising efforts to save homeless pets. His wife, Bessy Gatto, often volunteered for the organizations Joe was supporting. And as both have been lifelong animal lovers and supporters of the community, they decided to put their money where their mouths are, so to speak, by opening Gatto Pups & Friends, a rescue dedicated to senior dogs. And if you have spent any time watching Joe’s various shows and performances, then you know how much he loves animals.

Now I need to be fully transparent with you. I speak from personal experience when I tell you that Joe and Bessy are incredible supporters of the rescue and advocacy communities. They both volunteered for Rock & Rawhide, the animal advocacy my wife, Kylie, and I ran for over a decade to help increase adoption levels of dogs and cats in shelters and rescues. Joe had co-hosted several of our fundraising events with me while Bessy was volunteering with our team to get more animals into loving and responsible homes. As we were managing, and I was emceeing, Adoptapalooza in Manhattan’s Union Square Park every May and September, Joe and Bessy joined us at our tent and me on stage a number of times over the years.

I hadn’t really spoken with them much in the last couple of years. So when I saw that they opened a rescue on New York’s Long Island, of course I sent our congratulations as I was so proud of them for taking the next step from their volunteer work; opening their own rescue. No, not everyone can open, manage and grow a rescue or animal welfare organization. But when it comes to people as dedicated as Joe and Bessy, who have the means to help when and where they can, it made perfect sense for them to start Gatto Pups & Friends. And, of course, when it came time to plan the adoption edition for our magazine, my first call was to Joe. He and Bessy graciously agreed (obviously)!

As we started talking during our interview, I asked the couple what inspired them to start Gatto Pups & Friends. Now let me preface this with the fact that I had no idea what the answer was prior to this interview. Frankly, I was shocked when I heard their response. It was either the Spring of 2018 or 2019 when Joe and Bessy came to Union Square Park for Adoptapalooza and met Mister Softee, a 15-year-old senior dog being adopted out by Animal Haven. In other words, it was kind of my fault! Not that I am complaining!

FINDING PURPOSE

As Bessy put it during our interview, “Mister Softee was just the cutest, well others may not think so, but I just thought he was the cutest thing. He had no teeth, he was 15 and had his tongue sticking out.” Joe added his thoughts, “Her idea of cute is two eyes that are discolored, no teeth and tongue hanging out. It’s a very loose term when she says ‘cute’.” I of course had to respond, “So what does that say about you and the kids?” Cue insane laughter. Yes, it was THAT kind of interview. Just like every other conversation I have had with them over the last near decade of our friendship.

There are only four words I can use to describe Joe and Bessy; warm, loving, responsible and funny. Whether it was in passing conversation at an entertainment event like Jingle Ball or at an adoption fair or over a drink, that is how I have always known them to be. So the fact that they opened their own rescue to help the community really wasn’t a surprise.

While Mister Softee only lived with the couple for seven months before his passing, his impact was significant. Bessy stated, “After that, this is just what we decided our passion is…the seniors. Even if Mister Softee only had a couple of months with us, he was just the best. He left such an impression.” I could see the passion in her eyes as she talked about Mister Softee. After all, I have made those same comments time and time again in interviews, so I know real dedication to the cause when I see it.

According to Joe, “He was just such a little powerhouse in such a little dog. We started collecting dogs ourselves and with so many older ones, we realized that we could probably do a little better and help more. So right after the pandemic, a year and a half ago, we started Gatto Pups & Friends with the intention of not only collecting older dogs for ourselves, but for others as well. And it took off like wildfire.”

WHY SENIORS?

As we said, senior canines are only adopted out at a 25% rate of the total available population, so why did Joe and Bessy focus on such a difficult end of the rescue community? We asked. Of course Joe immediately pointed to Bessy, who started to laugh. I just had to seize the opportunity to have some fun, “Are you trying to say she’s old, Joe?” Joe responded, “I’m trying to say she likes old. I am old. I got lucky. The more I fall apart, the better she thinks I am.” Again, cue the insane laughter.

Bessy furthered, “Yup! It’s true. The older, the more decrepit, the more sickly, the more I just love them. I don’t know, there’s just something about them that, just giving them love and affection at the end of their lives, it just means so much. You go to shelters and everyone just wants a cute little puppy. For me, adopting seniors was just the most rewarding thing ever.”

Anyone who knows Joe Gatto’s humor, and my approach to comedy will appreciate that I needed to push the couple just a little further. I started talking about when my parents, who were retired at the time, started adopting senior Pugs and the experience they had. The ensuing commentary just screamed laughter.

Joe stated, “We aren’t adopting your parents.” My response, “Forget them. Adopt me! I’m old. I’m falling apart!” Joe rebutted, “You have too many teeth.” I tried to go that extra mile, “I can pull them out! I have a torn rotator cuff, I can’t see. Come on!” I then guided the interview back to reality, “Given that my parents’ experience was so fulfilling, though heartbreaking as they had three seniors; one who lived three months, one a year and another three years.

© Joe & Bessy Gatto

When people say things like this to you about their experience with senior dogs, how does that make you feel?”

The couple took a moment, both with an obvious change to their body language, and a deeply emotional look in their eyes. Bessy said, “It makes us feel amazing. To be able to help these senior dogs who often are in the most need of medical care, love and support is just an amazing feeling overall. And hearing others have the same experience makes it all that much more worth it.”

RESCUE IS AN ADDICTION

I wasn’t really joking when I shot back about rescuing being an addiction. It is true. Once you start, you have a difficult time stopping. Having grown up with cats, dogs, goldfish, mice (yes, mice), gerbils and more, I have been surrounded by animals most of my life. And when I saved that first kitten from a cornfield some 42 years ago, I was hooked right away. Apparently so were Joe and Bessy.

Joe commented, “It really is amazing to be able to have the kind of impact we are having with so many senior dogs. Just doing this is a jolt of warmth and love. You’re right, it is addictive!”

Joe and Bessy Gatto now live on Long Island with their two children, Milana and Remington “Remo” as well as a revolving door of senior furrever ones.

Gatto Pups & Friends has an adoption center located at 723 Glen Cove Avenue in Glen Head, NY. To learn more about Gatto Pups & Friends, please visit GattoPupsAndFriends.com

Joe Gatto is embarking on a new tour, and has regular appearances across the country. To learn more about what Joe is up to, please visit JoeGattoOfficial.com

M*A*S*H STAR LORETTA SWIT IS DETERMINED

TO SAVE ANIMALS & FIND THEM A HAPPY HOME

By Ilyssa Panitz

Loretta Swit is showcasing her talents by spreading her wings as an actress, artist, designer and advocate to help thousands of animals, whom she refers to as companions, get the help they desperately need. It started in 2016, when the M*A*S*H star launched SwitHeart Animal Alliance, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent cruelty, end animal suffering, collaborate with other nonprofit organizations and programs that protect, rescue, train, and care for animals and preserve their habitat, while raising public awareness about issues that concern domestic, farm, exotic, wild, and native animals and their well-being.

Since its inception, the SwitHeart Animal Alliance currently supports, and collaborates with, over 20-different charities including; Bideawee, Paws for Purple Hearts, Kauai Humane Society, Dogs Playing for Life plus they fund emergencies to save lives and transport military dogs to soldiers.

Swit’s devotion and passion for animals date back to when she was only six-years-old, which is the same time Swit began sketching, drawing and discovering her artistic ability. While many fans may be surprised to learn Swit is a gifted painter, she laughs and tells PLM, “I have been drawing longer than I have been acting.”

In 2017, Swit introduced the first edition of her book, SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry and Animal Activism of Loretta Swit. This 128page hardcover book, which just released a second edition, sells for $49.95 and includes 65 full-color paintings, drawings plus 22 photographs Swit did herself. All the proceeds go to helping/saving animals.

Following the book’s success, Swit developed a fragrance called SwitHeart, which she describes as a blend of orange flower, jasmine, sandalwood, musk, patchouli and vanilla. Offered “exclusively” on Swit’s website for a $55 donation, Swit tells PLM “It is packaged in my trademark heart-shaped bottle, and like the book, all the proceeds go to SwitHeart Animal Alliance Donors.”

Finally, for her latest creation called the SwitHeart necklace, which Swit sells at jewelry shows, the Hollywood icon crafted a heart-shaped pendant using Topaz, Emeralds, Rubies, or Diamonds as the center stone and setting it on a 14k gold chain. As of December 2023, Swit has raised $28,280.00 from all her philanthropic efforts.

“The force behind my strong belief in animal activism continues to fuel my passion to aid, support and save animals,” Swit tells PLM. But the buck doesn’t stop there. In addition to her many partnerships and relationships Swit adds, “I go into shelters to hang my paintings so the animals will be in a comfortable and warmer environment. I donate items from around my home such as blankets and carriers to shelters in need. I help animals get live-saving surgical procedures. I am fully involved in e-blasts, which encourage people to foster and/or adopt an animal and I try to inspire people to drop off food at a nearby shelter to help feed the animals or if they can donate 20-minutes a day, sign-up to volunteer by helping walk the dogs so they can get outdoors.”

In Swit’s words, “there is always an opportunity to do something to make a difference in an animal’s life, which is why I am fully committed to the cause.” According to the ASPCA’s website, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year and roughly 3.1 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. The organization also goes on to say, up to two million dogs and 2.1 million cats are adopted every year.

Sadly, not every dog and/or cat is lucky enough to find a family. The ASPCA’s site reports 920,000 shelter animals, that breaks down to 390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats, are euthanized, which is another part of Swit’s mission. Swit is working tirelessly to educate people about what happens if an animal doesn’t find a suitable home or if they are considering adoption, the many benefits adding an animal to your life has. “The shelters I work with have highly qualified staff on hand to teach people how to properly care for a companion they want to bring into their home,” Swit tells PLM, “And many will go a step further by visiting the home to make sure the companion will be going to a safe and stable setting.”

Swit, who has two Yorkies, tells PLM, “I can say with a huge smile on my face, my little companions bring me unlimited joy and happiness.”

FALL TIPS & TRICKS FOR DOG PARENTS

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE IN AUTUMN

By Kate Perry

As a dog trainer in New York City, there are plenty of unique things I have to deal with when working with dogs. The loud city sounds of construction, the traffic, sirens, all sorts of people, the high-rise elevator buildings, along with the multiple door thresholds to pass through before stepping outside, not to mention the subway sounds rumbling below us. And to top it all off, we have seasonal changes which are now affected by global warming, making each season more extreme and unpredictable. Including this Fall which, according to National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Farmer’s Almanac, will be the warmest on record.

And as many authorities on weather have stated, the heat is no longer specific to the Summer, so here are some tips to help keep your pooch cool during your walks in the city, as well as some safety training tips for some off leash time if you are heading to the country. Especially as we see an “Indian Summer” in the offing during Harvest season! First, some reminders. A dog’s natural temperature is between 101-102, and because most have fur coats it’s very important to keep them as cool as possible. Aside from panting, the only other area of a dog’s body that helps them cool down is through their sweat glands in their paw pads.

Bear in mind, your dog’s lifestyle is very different from their wild ancestors. Before domestication, dogs were able to adjust to outside temperatures more easily. Compare that to our modern-day pooches that live alongside us in climate-controlled environments. It’s important to be aware of how high temperatures can affect your dog.

It is especially important to keep in mind that the brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs, French and English Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers and Boxers are prone to overheating and heat exhaustion more than other types of dogs. Be especially careful when playing and walking outside in the heat. Particularly if the humidity level is high which is expected as Summer turns to Fall.

Things to consider to help cool your pooch during those hot days:

• Cooling mats and cooling vests.

• Kiddie pools set up in your back yard to terraces for them to stand in cold water.

• Keep walks short on extra hot days and walk on the shady side of the streets.

• Time the walk to be extra early or later in the evenings to avoid the extra heat.

• One of my city tips is to stop in at dog friendly bank foyers to get a blast of their air conditioning whilst on your walk.

• Offer ice cubes or frozen watermelon or frozen blueberries as cooling treats after a walk.

If you must use a muzzle on your dog outside, avoid using a mesh muzzle as it constricts the dog’s mouth preventing them from being able to pant. Instead use a Basket Muzzle as it is air rated and allows them to be able to pant easily, which is crucial for them to cool themselves appropriately. Dogs can also drink water with a basket muzzle on. Always have a collar with an ID tag on in case your dog(s) run off, and make sure to microchip and register your pooch in case collar and ID come off.

During outdoor concerts that are close to your home, fireworks or other loud environmental issues, many dogs became very scared and anxious, so if your pooch is likely to be nervous, then be sure to give your dog a safe quiet place in your home. Here are a few options. A spacious partially covered crate, a play pen or a gated off area like your bedroom are good options.

I often suggest adding white noise sounds to help drown out outside sounds especially if the fireworks are nearby. Add high value occupiers. Some of my favorites are Busy Buddy twist and treat, hollow sterilized bones filled with some peanut butter or cream cheese. High IQ puzzle games, Deer antlers and knuckle bones. Adding some exercise and playtime before the festivities will also help to tire them out.

Ice helps to cool down dogs on a hot Fall day.

For the more anxious dogs, consider some natural calming aids like Thunder shirts, but be sure to keep your homes well-ventilated and extra cool with AC if you do add a thunder shirt since they can overheat very easily. I also suggest Dog Appeasing Pheromone collars (DAP) as well as DAP plug ins and sprays. These products emulate the mother dog’s hormones to their pups which can often help during these times. Or talk to your vet for a stronger prescribed calming medication. CBD for dogs can sometimes help as well but do your research and talk with your vets about this before proceeding.

If you are planning on letting your dog(s) off leash in country settings this Fall (such as during Apple picking season), the most important command I would recommend is COME/RECALL. This can also be practiced in building hallways, the backyard or the dog park. This can become a lifesaving command.

COME commands a dog to go to its owner when they hear their voice. COME should never be associated with punishment, which would defeat the whole purpose of them wanting to get to you. You want to use a happy elated jolly voice with a higher pitched tone and avoid using a stern voice.

• Here is some guidance on teaching this command:

• Place your dog in SIT/STAY if that’s a reliable behavior OR have someone hold your dog at the other end of the room.

• Call your dog’s name once with a happy high-pitched tone to get their attention.

• Then move your arm down with the open palm facing towards the dog while enthusiastically saying “COME”.

• Once the dog comes to you, gently take hold of his/her collar from under their muzzle/chin, then mark with the word “YES” and then give a treat from the other hand. The goal of this step is to create acceptance from your pooch in having their collar handled without them squirming or resisting being held. The added purpose of holding the collar before giving the treat is to teach impulse control and maintain safety so your dog doesn’t run off again.

• Repeat steps 1-4 for 5-10 repetitions in different parts of your home. The sequence is: first call your dog’s name, then say the command “COME”, then gently reach and hold collar while marking “YES” with treat. “YES” conveys to a dog that they have finished the job and serves as a release cue.

• Once you have a reliable “COME” in one location, practice the command in different locations with different distances. Then incorporate delayed rewards and jackpot rewards for faster responses. delayed rewards help with impulse control. Jackpot rewards mean two or three pieces of food at one time instead of one. This keeps the dog more engaged the next time.

• Once the come command is reliable indoors take it outdoors and repeat the above sequence.

NOTE: When outdoors train this command with him/her on an extra-long leash and use a variation of high value treats to keep them motivated. Dogs don’t generalize very well so be sure to master each location before moving to the next one. I usually suggest 10 different locations and 10 different distractions while changing up the treats.

If you are training a puppy, remember they love to follow their owners so be sure to take advantage of this when teaching “COME”. When a pup follows you, practice short-distanced commands and make sure to gently introduce reaching for the collar. Include praising and treating as you do this. The goal is to turn the “COME” command into a pleasurable, reflexive, behavior that is fun to do with you and your pup.

Another way to incorporate the command, is to play round robin “COME” with your dog and friends while at home. Start with everyone close together and gradually increase distances and then build up to them coming around corners.

We are building one success on top of another, so do not proceed unless the current level has become successful. Never be afraid to take a step backwards to a level the dog is already good at. This enhances their confidence. All good dog trainers understand that regression and confusion are part of the learning process. We want to keep those emotional states to a minimum though. Instead, happiness and creativity are the emotional states we want to elicit while working with our pooches.

Slow and steady wins the race! Have a safe and fun Fall or harvest season with your pooches! raining a puppy is never easy. Consider hiring a trainer.

Pugs are an example of a brachycephalic breed.

THE SCARY TRUTH ABOUT PET DEODORIZERS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

By Christine Mango

While many pet deodorizers may add a floral, citrus or warm note of sweetness to the air, what lurks under the ingredient label is incredibly alarming. They often contain dangerous, toxic, and harmful substances that are harmful to both pets and humans alike. Some ingredients may burn the paws of pups, cause rashes, respiratory problems, and even death.

The other problem with deodorizers is that you just don’t know where they are going to be used. As an example, many doggy daycare or boarding facilities and even dog parks, use deodorizers to mask urine and feces odors. You should always inquire before using these facilities and ask if they know what brand of deodorizer is being used.

Now if you are resolved to purchase a pet deodorizer, bear in mind that there are some ingredients found in these products that can be harmful to pets including Formaldehyde (if inhaled or absorbed through the skin, formaldehyde vapors can be dangerous and cause cancer and other harmful health effects. It can also irritate your pet's eyes and nasal membranes, leading to respiratory issues); Ammonia (can also lead to nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress. It can irritate a pet's eyes and skin, and can cause burning in the nose, stomach, and throat if licked); Chlorine (a highly alkaline product that can produce poisonous fumes that are dangerous to pets. In high concentrations, chlorine can be deadly); Glycol ethers (acts as solvents that dissolve grease and grime but can be very poisonous to pets.

Dogs are especially attracted to the sweet taste of this and, even in small amounts, it can damage the liver and kidneys and potentially fatal); Fragrances (these can be allergens for dogs and cats, and can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, including essential oils); and Parabens (these can disrupt the endocrine system and may increase a dog's chances of developing cancerous growth later in life. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin). Other ingredients that can be harmful to pets include phthalates, styrene, toluene, and xylene.

So what is a pet parent supposed to do? Where can they turn to stem the stench of everyday pet life? After all, no one, including our furrever friends, wants the smell of urine and feces about the home or where they play.

Try ZeoFill Products, a line of natural, plantbased, and non-toxic pet odor control products designed to keep your outdoor spaces fresh and inviting. Zeofill’s flagship product, PE-51 Backyard Odor Eliminator Spray, tackles tough odors at their source, eliminating them rather than simply masking them.

PE-51 effectively neutralizes odors on a variety of surfaces, including artificial turf, natural grass, concrete, and more! It is PE-51 is perfect for backyards, dog parks, animal shelters, doggy daycares, veterinarians' offices and any place where dogs relieve themselves.

THINGS TO KNOW WHEN CHOOSING AN ARTIFICIAL GRASS INFILL

ZeoFill OdorZorb is crafted with premium zeolites – nature's most powerful organic infill deodorizer. Zeofill OdorZorb Odor Infill Comparison to Other Odor Eliminators:

• Masking vs. Elimination: Many odor eliminators simply mask unpleasant smells with fragrances, while Zeofill eliminates the odor source.

• Short-term vs. Long-term: Traditional odor eliminators often require frequent reapplication, whereas ZeoFill effects can last for extended periods.

• Chemical vs. Natural: Some odor eliminators contain harsh chemicals, while natural zeolite composition is safer for both people and pets.

In essence, OdorZorb's combination of high-quality zeolite, versatile applications, and long-lasting odor control sets it apart from other odor eliminators, providing a superior solution for various odor challenges. It is designed to absorb urine, preventing ammonia from turning into a gas. Other products claim to neutralize the urine but are not even close.

OdorZorb is designed for use on grass, gravel, rock, basements, indoor carpet, dog runs, and artificial turf. Just sprinkle the granules over the area that needs deodorizing.

ZeoFill OdorZorb is 100% Clinoptilolite Zeolite which contains no quartzcrystalline free silica which means they truly are Proposition 65 Safe; 100% Safe for Children and Pets.

Say goodbye to unpleasant odors. ZeoFill is easy to use and safe for pets, your children and the environment.

To learn more, please visit www.zeofill.com

SOLID GOLD CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

ICONIC BRAND CELEBRATES HEALTH & WELLNESS IN THEIR GOLDEN YEAR

BySean-Patrick M. Hillman

Have you ever walked down either the cat or dog food aisle at a pet store? Did you notice how many different brands, types, and flavors there are? Today, we want to talk about America’s first holistic pet food brand, Solid Gold. 2024 marks their 50th anniversary of innovating within the pet food category with dry foods, wet foods, treats, toppers and supplements that support your pet’s health and vitality.

Founded 50 years ago by Sissy McGill with the philosophy that every pet deserves to be happy and healthy, Solid Gold made an indelible mark on the pet food space. A mark that is still seen, and felt, on the shelves of pet stores across the country. From its early days as America’s first holistic pet food brand, Solid Gold has spent half a century innovating and evolving their products to adapt to the everchanging needs of our furrever friends.

So, what inspired the start of the brand that literally created a six-billion-dollar industry in natural and holistic pet food? “I never thought I was a trailblazer. It’s something that had to be done - about time someone did it!” said Sissy McGill. To understand this mindset, we need to first understand the founder, Sissy McGill, and her story.

A child of the Great Depression McGill learned at a young age that a good, strong work ethic was vital. Her mother, one of the only female teachers in the university system at the time, and her father, both preached the philosophy of “those that don’t work, don’t eat.” A hard lesson for a child to learn, but one that served McGill well throughout her life, even in the development of the Solid Gold brand.

TIME MARCHES ON

Years later, Sissy McGill began her professional career as a dancer and teacher in New York. Through her father, Sissy met a bartender from Bayonne, NJ. That bartender was Jackie Gleason. As time marched on, and Gleason’s meteoric rise to fame happened, Gleason asked McGill to join the cast of The Jackie Gleason Show as a “Solid Gold Dancer.” It was a time in McGill’s life that profoundly impacted her destiny. Hence her nod to Gleason, and her time at the show, literally naming her iconic brand after her former moniker.

Sissy eventually married, and divorced, and moved across the country, and began breeding and showing Great Danes at competitions, traveling to Germany with some frequency to learn more about the breed and how best to care for them. Unfortunately, two of her dogs, which were like her children, eventually passed away from bloat which drove Sissy to seek out a better option, and she was determined to come up with something to help keep her dogs healthy. Sissy went back to Germany to discover HundeFlocken (translates to dog food flakes). Knowing how much better the ingredients were in this product, Sissy began using this formula to feed her charges. Realizing how much better her dogs were responding to this formula, McGill began developing different formulations, using superfoods, out of her own garage. As she was still breeding, showing, and competing, McGill handed out free samples of the food she was making.

After a few years, word began to spread about McGill’s food product leading to, in 1974, the launch of Solid Gold pet food. The first product? Another homage to her past, “Hund-N-Flocken” which is still a best-seller 50 years later.

Ever since that fateful first product captivated the market, Sissy McGill had continued to innovate the brand through formulas, wholesome ingredients that are better for pets and more. McGill, considered by many to be the reason why natural and holistic pet food became such a popular pet food category, has won countless accreditation and accolades by the pet community and trade audiences for her tireless work in providing healthier fare to furrever friends across the globe.

MORE FORMULAS & RECIPES

Over the last few decades, the brand has developed even more innovative formulas and recipes, now powered by their nutrientboost™ proprietary blend, still paying homage to the way Sissy once incorporated superfoods and wholesome ingredients. Nutrientboost™ is powered by plasma and veterinarian recommended for gut health and nutrient absorption*. As America’s first holistic pet food brand, Solid Gold has always believed that the key to good health starts in the gut.

Through the combination of whole superfoods, probiotics and omega fatty acids, the Solid Gold diet has provided transformative nutrition for pets for 50 years. At Solid Gold, they nourish your pet, inside and out by providing all pets the ideal nutritional foundation they need to achieve gut health and overall wellness.

Using high quality ingredients and unmatched quality in their product line, as well as a best-in-class customer service team, there is a reason why this now iconic brand has made that indelible mark on the pet industry and has withstood the test of time; their very founder and the team that manages the brand today, all of whom have their own furrever ones who eat Solid Gold!

Solid Gold is available on Amazon.com, Chewy.com, PetSmart.com, Petco.com, PetFlow.com and HealthyPets.com -- as well as in store at many retail locations across the country at PetSmart, Petco, Walmart, Target, and local independent pet stores. Speaking as someone who has had over 20 pets in my life, and rescued over 100,000 animals, I can tell you that brands like Solid Gold are extremely rare. Looking at their history, understanding the science behind the brand, and knowing some of the players involved, I can tell you that Solid Gold is everything they have purported themselves to be over their storied 50-year history. And today, the brand continues to innovate and deliver on its promise of providing loving nourishment for our furrever friends. *Solid Gold Nutrientboost is veterinarian recommended based on online survey of 507 vets conducted by Applied Marketing Science/AMS in Dec 2023; Respondents were compensated for their time.

For more information on Solid God Nutrientboost, visit solidgoldpet.com

THE EXPERTS WEIGH IN

SHOULD YOU GET A DOG “IF” YOU ARE GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE?

By Ilyssa Panitz

When Stephanie and her husband Andrew decided to divorce in 2019, after 15-years of marriage, their kids, who were five and eight, were distraught their parents were splitting up, and rightfully so. The couple tried everything to comfort them, but nothing seemed to work. A few weeks later the children started begging for a puppy to make them feel better and without thinking through the responsibilities, cost, and regular maintenance getting a dog entails, the couple caved in and said, yes to adopting Muffin! “Six months later,” Stephanie says, “The honeymoon was over. A whole new set of challenges ensued and the fighting with my ex escalated.”

Grace Roessler, a Partner at the Massachusetts law firm of Mirick O’Connell tells Pet Lifestyles Magazine, “As a dog owner, I usually support adding a furry friend to the family, but as a divorce attorney, I advise my clients against getting a dog in the middle of divorce from a practical perspective, because some families cannot afford the additional time and money required for a dog when the family splits into two households.”

According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), owners should expect to spend about $2,896 (plus adoption fees) the first year of owning a dog and approximately $1,866 every year after that. These numbers do not consider additional expenses such as vet bills, medications, regular grooming, doggy day care/ boarding, professional training, toys, crates, and treats. Forbes.com reports adoption costs can range from under $100 for mixed breeds and soar to $13,000 for purebred or designer dogs.

When parents are going through a divorce and overwhelmed trying to settle custody, a visitation plan, the financials, status of the marital home, and other unresolved matters, it’s vital to make sure the family’s new furry addition is at the top of the list too. They will need a detailed list of everything that is involved with taking care of the pet.

“The ideal set-up,” Attorney Daryl Weinman of Texas based firm Weinman & Associates tells PLM, “Is for both parties to agree to letting the dog go back and forth with children at all times because this arrangement creates stability and a sense of comfort when going from home to another. However,” she adds, “If you and your ex-spouse are moving to separate residences, make sure to find out if you can have a pet because if you can’t, finding another affordable place could pose a problem especially if your custody/ parenting agreement requires you to live within a certain radius from the children.”

Another biggie people don’t consider are the possible legalities that could result from co-ownership. “If the parties intend to share the dog post-divorce and co-own the dog by law,” Roessler says, “most want to add the dog into the divorce agreement to include a visitation schedule plus a division of financial responsibilities. However,” Roessler adds, “many states will not approve those provisions in a divorce agreement because a dog is still considered property so, if you want to try and get the money back you laid out for expenses, you will have to go to small claims court to plead your case.”

Currently only six states have pet custody laws (Alaska, California, Illinois, Maine, New Hampshire and New York), which means the court looks at the best interest of the pet, similar to how they look at the best interest of a child. The laws in other states view the pet as a belonging such as the material stuff inside the house, which is why depending on where you live in the country this could possibly get tricky.

Weinman says, “When it comes to pets in a divorce, I don’t usually advise nor am I in favor of too many provisions like these because the more rules there are, the more problems they can cause since each party can interpret the rules differently and find ways to give the other party a hard time.”

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your kids a dog. Rebecca Frino, a Partner at the New Jersey law firm of Mandelbaum Barrett tells PLM, “Divorce generally adds significant stress, and studies show that dogs not only reduce stress, anxiety, depression and ease loneliness but because children are particularly affected by divorce, a dog may be a source of joy during a really challenging time.”

Mardi Winder-Adams, a Transitional Divorce Coach and lifetime dog owner agrees. She tells, PLM, “Having a dog offers children companionship, a friendship of unconditional love, allows children to take on the responsibility of caring for another living thing, encourages kids to engage in daily exercise and socialize with others, which can be helpful when you are going through a shift in the family.”

KATE PERRY

RENOWNED DOG TRAINER OPENS A NEW OUTPOST

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

As with child rearing, there are a lot of philosophies on how to train and raise a dog. From positive reinforcement to alpha dog to scientific training methods, each has its own reason for being. And usually new pet parents, and even seasoned pet parents, hire a dog trainer or a dog behaviorist to help them get their new furrever one off to the right paw. However, not all dog trainers are created equally. Many rely on shock and prong collars, or in leveraging “alpha dog” tactics. These methodologies usually fail, or backfire resulting in a call to another trainer, who will have to not only undo the emotional damage caused by the initial trainer, but also start a new training regimen.

The best method for this is positive reinforcement training. As that is her specialty, that is just one reason why Kate Perry has become one of the most popular, and respected, dog trainers in New York. And now Kate has a new home for her training classes, as well as a new daycare offering!

SEPARATION ANXIETY SOLUTIONS

For the last 25 years, Kate has operated her training business on a mobile basis, whether hosting private sessions in clients’ homes, or often partnering with locally owned pet stores, dog spas and daycare facilities to host her various classes. Kate always wanted to open a daycare facility that wasn’t just about babysitting but a trainer-led daycare that linked into her classes. Kate also wanted to provide training programming to her charges while pet parents are at work, running errands and more. Like many small business owners, Kate recognized an opportunity in post-COVID Manhattan, from both a real estate and need-state point of view. Kate opened the Kate Perry Dog Training & Daycare Center at 320 West 23rd Street in Chelsea this past May.

“With COVID ending, there were several commercial real estate deals that opened, which we couldn’t say no to. At the same time, we have seen a lot more dogs and their owners in need of training support, especially with separation anxiety. As companies began to insist on workers returning to their offices, we started seeing so many dogs acting out because they were used to having someone at home all day. Our new Center will help these pups find some peace, structure and fun all at the same time!” said Perry.

In case Kate’s name sounds familiar to you, yes, you have seen her name and Kate Perry Dog Training mentioned in our pages before. Kate Perry is the Official Dog Training Partner of our sister magazine, Pet Lifestyles Magazine (petlifestylesmagazine.com), and provides content for both magazines. I have also worked with Kate for over 15 years as she helped to train the last three dogs we have had, and she was on the Board of the animal advocacy charity my wife and I ran for 12 years, Rock & Rawhide. Aside from looking at her website (kateperrydogtraining.com) to learn more about Kate, you should look at Training for Both Ends of the Leash (Penguin) which Kate published in 2012 with Penguin Group USA and released an updated version two years ago. The book is available on all platforms. Yes, I am a fan. But I am also a lifelong rescuer and animal advocate, so you should be assured knowing that I will only recommend the best for your furrever one!

PUPPY-SPECIFIC STRATEGIES

What makes the Kate Perry Dog Training & Daycare Center so attractive to pet parents is that at normal daycare facilities, your dog will often come home with some bad habits they may have developed while playing with other furrever ones throughout the day. At the Center, that doesn’t happen. Each dog is carefully monitored and guided throughout the day by Kate and her team of trainers, most of which graduated from Animal Behavior College who Kate works with to mentor students.

The Center sends a daily “pawgress report” folder to all whose pups are at daycare for the day, which contains video clips and pictures of the dogs working, napping, hanging out or even having zoomies. The Center has four separate but connected areas, so that they can allow the dogs different, compatible matchups for play or chilling. We also use the four areas to cater to Kate’s “Four Canine-ality Types” that are featured in her book: Sensitive Artist, Party Animal, Workaholic and Methodical Thinker. Kate and her team believe that when training and daycare join hands, pups get far more out of it. Kate calls this “Boarding School for Dogs.”

The Kate Perry Dog Training & Daycare Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 6:00pm.

HAPPY COMES HOME

A FELINE LOVE STORY

By Stephen Quandt

I

live for people to be happy with their cats, and most are very happy. But some people have cats with behavior challenges. My life goal, almost a romantic calling, is to create a happier world for cats and the humans who love them. I started working with cats and clients in 2002. In time, I began working for the ASPCA and now I work at one of the largest open admission shelters in the country, the Animal Care Centers of NYC, a wonderful and progressive organization that transforms the lives of thousands of people and animals every year. I also work privately with clients to help them and their cats be the happiest they can be. It is deeply personal for me to help with these connections, these people and their cats.

As I worked on professional development, getting a certification in feline training and behavior and creating a business outside of the shelter where I work, a friend of mine, James Gaynor, came to me with an idea. He said, “Why don’t you write a children’s book about cat behavior?” His idea was about reaching young people and their parents with easy lessons about cat behavior. To show them how to help their cat be the happiest cat ever, when sometimes that can be a challenge.

UNDERSTANDING THE FELINE

Cats are, in some ways, almost wild animals and even though they’re domesticated and socialized, they still have predatory instincts that need to be understood and often redirected. So, I got together with my husband Thom Heyer, an artist and illustrator, our friend James, and another good friend, Mary Trudel, and we basically workshopped “Happy.” The premise is we have a family: mom, dad and their child, Avery, who all want a cat (Avery most of all!). They go to a shelter and find a wonderful cat named Happy. They adopt Happy and bring this cute cat home, imagining all the wonderful things Happy would do, like stretch out on the sofa purring, sleep at the foot of Avery’s bed, and eat yummy food while the family ate dinner. But when they got Happy home, it was a “cat-tastrophy!” Happy scratched up the sofa, stole the family’s dinner and woke the parents up in the wee hours of the night. The parents wanted to return Happy, but Happy was Avery’s best friend, so something had to be done.

The family did some online research and found a certified “Catsultant” named Mr. Top Cat, who coincidentally resembles a feline version of myself. Mr. Top Cat appears at the door to help set things right. What follows are a series of easy-to-take-in teachable moments that help guide the family and Happy so that everyone can be the happiest versions of themselves. Mind you, Happy has always been a super happy cat, just a cat without manners.

Thus begins the adventures of a cat, a child, and a family trying to find the happiness so many of us seek with our feline friends. Would Happy be allowed to stay? Would Happy settle down? The answers lie in the bond between Happy and Avery and the common-sense behavior tools Mr. Top Cat brings to the family using his deep understanding of cats’ nature.

A LABOR OF LOVE

The process of creating this book was a deep collaboration with Thom. He would tell me when a phrase was awkward or unclear. I would offer feedback on Thom’s illustrations, sometimes in a strident voice, saying, “Where’s Mr. Top Cat’s Tail?” or “We really need a scratching post here.” This would always cause him more work, but what’s important is telling the story.

Thom and I were theater designers in the past—he was a costume designer, and I was a lighting designer, so we were both very concerned with narrative. With Happy Comes Home, we also consciously wrote a story without gendering Avery or Happy. We didn’t do this to make a statement; instead, we allowed children to make their own decisions. Is Avery a boy or a girl, or is Happy a male or female cat? That’s up to them to decide. Writing dialogue without using gender is very tricky. It’s easy to end up with word salad! Ultimately, every cat wants to be understood and wants a cozy spot to lay their head and purr. Happy was home.

Stephen Quandt is the founder of Stephen Quandt Feline Behavior Associates, LLC.

NEW PET PRODUCTS

THE LATEST & GREATEST FOR YOUR NEW FURREVER ONE

By John Dake

New products in the pet sector are a dime a dozen. Almost every week, we receive endless emails extolling new product after product and their “PAWsitive” attributes. As this is the Adoption Edition, we wanted to help you get off to the right paw with your new furrever friend. Remember, not all products are created equally and we want to be sure that Pet Lifestyles Magazine only suggests the very best for you and your furry one. We even have a couple of suggestions as to how you can help the overall rescue and advocacy communities.

Lesure Puppy Blankets for Small Dogs:

Add a splash of fruity fun to your pet’s space with their unique fruit-patterned blanket. Shaped like a juicy fruit slice, it brings vibrant, playful vibes that both you and your pet will love. Perfect for stylish pet owners who want to brighten up their pet’s world with a touch of whimsy. Crafted for durability, the Lesure blanket is designed to maintain its vibrant look and feel over time. The thick-seamed edges provide a textured finish, ensuring the colors stay bright and the fabric remains intact, even after many cuddles and washes! www.lesurepet.com

Trot Pets Bowls:

Trot Pets is a company committed to promoting pet wellness and safety. Their Elevated Complete Set revolutionizes pet dining with its specially designed, premium-quality slow feeder bowls. Engineered to tackle the significant health risks associated with rapid eating in dogs, these bowls promote healthier digestion and mitigate the threat of bloat—a condition that tragically claims the lives of tens of thousands of dogs annually. Additionally, the set features an elevated stand to improve posture and digestion, magnetized bowls for mess-free dining, and a sleek, contemporary design available in multiple colors to seamlessly complement any home decor. Dishwasher safe for effortless cleaning and rust-proof for enhanced hygiene, this set also includes air-tight lids, making it perfect for travel. No matter the size of your furry friends, this comprehensive solution allows pet owners to provide a safe, comfortable, and stylish dining experience for their beloved companions. In addition, a percentage of every sale goes to Hearts and Bones, a rescue and foster organization dedicated to finding loving and forever homes for pets in need! www.trotpets.com

Dr. Fossum’s Pet Care Rejuvenator –Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract For Dogs:

Bring back the bounce in your dog’s step with Dr. Fossum’s Rejuvenator, the ultimate broad-spectrum hemp extract designed to enhance your furry friend’s well-being. Whether your dog is entering their golden years or just needs a bit of extra calm, Rejuvenator is here to help your pet thrive. Crafted by Dr. Terry Fossum, a board-certified veterinary surgeon with decades of experience, you can access a top vet for further questions. www.drfossums.com

Senior Dogs: The Essential Guide To Maximize Quality Time With Your Best Friend by Dr. Theresa Fossum:

This book aims to illuminate the path towards understanding, nurturing, and cherishing your senior dog as they age with dignity. In the upcoming pages we will embark on a journey of knowledge, compassion, and guidance to help you provide the best possible practical care for your aging four-legged friend. www.amazon.com

The Pupsicle:

The Pupsicle is an enrichment toy that offers a safer, longer-lasting alternative to traditional dog distractions like rawhide chews and bones, which can sometimes be dangerous. The Pupsicle provides 30+ minutes of play without the risk of choking or splintering. The refill treats are also functionally boosted to support common dog ailments like joint pain, allergy relief, everyday nutrition, and calming. www.mywoof.com

Leo’s Loo Too:

For cat owners, convenience and cleanliness are top priorities, and Leo’s Loo Too delivers on both fronts. It’s the perfect blend of technology, design, and functionality, offering an unparalleled experience for both pets and their owners. Whether they’re tech enthusiasts, busy professionals, or simply cat lovers who want the best for their furry friends, Leo’s Loo Too is a must-have addition to their pet care routine. www.casaleopet.com

Blazer Programmable Dog Feeder: Simplify Mealtime™ with the Blazer Automatic Dog Feeder designed for dogs with big appetites. About the size of an undercounter refrigerator, the Blazer dog feeder features a large 40 lb. capacity that doubles as a food storage container and was engineered for indoor or outdoor use. The feeder runs off a rechargeable battery so it can be placed anywhere, no power outlet required. Designed to feed all sizes of dog food, customize meal portions up to 9 times per day, backed by a 5-year warranty. The patent-pending feeding system was perfected during 20,000 tests conducted on motors and proprietary feeding mechanisms, ensuring optimal feed flow and no jams. Features a removeable 8-cup stainless-steel bowl that’s dishwasher save for easy cleaning. Designed and built in AmericaShips anywhere via UPS Ground. www.SimplePets.com

FurZapper Pet Grooming Glove:

Gently and effectively remove excess pet hair with The FurZapper Pet Grooming glove. Designed to be gentle, durable, and efficient, the FurZapper Pet grooming glove makes hair removal a simple and enjoyable process for your pets. Simply put the glove on either hand, and pet, rub, and massage the hair off. Once you are finished, just peel off the excess layer of hair or rinse off in your sink. The Pet Grooming glove is made out of safe, allergy-free, hypo-allergenic silicone and can be used thousands of times. Bring the glove into your pets bath for an extra-special, super-sudsy bathing experience! www.furzapper.com

All Dawgs Go To Heaven:

Columbus, Ohio based fan favorite sports apparel company HOMAGE is honoring the late Swagger, Jr., better known as SJ, with an “All Dawgs Go To Heaven” collection. The beloved Cleveland Browns bullmastiff mascot passed away from cancer in early July at the age of 5. A portion of proceeds from the sales of the All Dawgs Go To Heaven collection will benefit Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter. www.homage.com

Woof’s Bite n’ Brush: Bite n’ Brush is a new enrichment toy that transforms dog dental care into a fun and engaging experience. Designed as a “toothbrush for dogs,” the Bite n’ Brush utilizes a unique V-shaped design and specially formulated dental treats to encourage dogs to brush their own teeth while enjoying a delicious reward. www.mywoof.com

BEST FRIENDS NETWORK

WHY THEY ARE SO IMPORTANT

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

In 2016 Best Friends Animal Society’s CEO, Julie Castle, set a goal for our country to achieve “No-Kill” status by 2025. It was a watershed moment in the rescue and advocacy communities. Best Friends literally drew the line in the sand to achieve the dream of every animal advocate and rescuer; a world free of municipal animal shelter euthanizations for space capacity issues. And the country appeared to be on-track to actually achieve this utopian goal. Then the pandemic hit and everything changed.

The term “no-kill” can mean different things to different people, even as straightforward as it may be. In the rescue and advocacy community, “no-kill” has a slightly different definition of 90% of a shelter population being saved. According to Best Friends Animal Society’s website: “No-kill, as a philosophical principle, means saving every dog or cat in a shelter who can be saved. But it’s helpful to have a way to clearly measure lifesaving progress as we move forward together, and that’s where the 90% benchmark comes in. Typically, the number of pets who are suffering from irreparable medical or behavioral issues that compromise their quality of life and prevent them from being rehomed is not more than 10% of all dogs and cats entering shelters. Therefore, we designate shelters that meet the 90% save-rate benchmark as no-kill.” In other words, if 90% or more of animals available for adoption at a shelter are adopted out, that means that facility is classified as a “No-Kill Shelter.”

Before the world shuttered due to COVID-19 mandated lockdowns, the animal rescue and shelter populations were significantly down compared to even just a few years prior. Record adoption rates were being recorded. Most municipal shelters were not euthanizing for space. And rescues across the country were celebrating more adoptions than ever.

Once the pandemic took hold, all of those celebrations became even more riotous. Shelters were virtually empty. Rescues couldn’t find enough animals to adopt out. Why? People did not want to be alone during the COVID lockdowns. It appeared that Best Friends’ goal was within reach. Then the pandemic ended. And the unthinkable happened; many people surrendered, or “returned”, those pets to the facility they came from.

The return rate at municipal shelters skyrocketed compared to the year prior. But make no mistake about it; this surge in returns was a one-time anomaly that has had a lasting effect. And the return rate surge was not as large as the mainstream media would have us believe. Return rates average around seven percent for a typical shelter. At the end of the pandemic, the return rate shot to an average of 17 – 24% dependent on the municipality and how severe their specific lockdowns were.

There are numerous reasons why someone will surrender an animal to a shelter or rescue, but many of those who returned animals to the shelter or rescue they adopted from cited that they didn’t fully understand what they were getting into before adopting. And while that is not so uncommon, the volume of animals returned to shelters was.

During this time, Best Friends Animal Society knew that the pendulum would eventually swing back again given the complexities of the pandemic and getting back society back to normal. Julie Castle and her team had already worked tirelessly for years to build what is called the Best Friends Network. The pandemic only seemed to accelerate the growth of that network. On top of their six Lifesaving Center locations, including their beloved Sanctuary in Utah, the Best Friends Network is made up of thousands of public and private shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter organizations and other animal welfare groups, all working to save the lives of dogs and cats in communities across the country.

So why does a network like this matter so much? Shelter and rescue networks can help lower euthanization rates and increase adoption rates in ways you could never imagine. Let’s use Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) as an example as to the importance of a group of rescues and shelters banding together to affect positive change. As cited in Mary Beth’s Adoption Crisis story in this edition, ACC had one of the lowest live-release-rates in the country in the late 00’s and early 2010’s. It took dozens of New York tri-state area rescues to truly affect change. They were all part of what is called the New Hope network. New Hope allows rescues and private shelters to “pull” viable animals from ACC’s projected at-risk list (the shelter puts the at-risk list together to alert the network as to what animals are going to be euthanized to make space for more homeless animals).

The term “pull” means that the rescue or organization takes legal responsibility for that animal, removing it from ACC’s custody. ACC is contracted by the New York City Department of Health and Human Services to care for NYC’s animals. Essentially, by contract, ACC must take in any animal that is brought to their doorstep. And if they are at capacity, they are required to euthanize to make space for that new animal. This is where New Hope became the beacon of light ACC so desperately needed at that time. As a new administration began managing ACC, New Hope was pulling dogs and cats for rescues in record numbers. This combined with a new adoption counselor program, as well as the new marketing campaigns and community outreach programs ACC was executing, led them to a 93% live-release-rate.

That very logic is why the Best Friends Network is so integral to the future of animal welfare in this country. Best Friends Network gives access to rescues and shelter partners to resources they would not have on their own, as well as the ability to adopt to a much larger population base. It is no surprise to any of us that Best Friends Animal Society is leading the charge with this all-important endeavor given their brand DNA of lifesaving, let alone their CEO’s very clear passion for saving lives and affecting positive change on a large scale.

You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase, “It takes a village…” Well, I can tell you that the Best Friends Network is the proverbial “village” that we all know will help stem the tide of surrenders and increase adoptions so we can achieve that utopian goal of a No-Kill Nation that Julie Castle so rightly set eight years ago

NON-PROFIT LET’S BE S.M.A.R.T. FIGHTS TO EDUCATE

ANIMAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT IS ON THE RISE

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Animal welfare has been an issue that municipalities have struggled with since the founding of our great nation. From the burgeoning homeless animal population to the horrific abuse cases and dog fight rings we see played out on the front pages of tabloids across the country, it is clear that animal abuse and neglect are up. As an example, according to the various NY SPCAs, animal abuse cases in the state have increased 156% year over year as of 2023. And research shows that education about animal welfare, which has been severely neglected by the state since the pandemic, can have a positive impact on abuse statistics. So, who do we turn to for the education that is so clearly lacking in the general public? New York design/build executive Julie Kelley, Founder of Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T. (Successfully Managing Animal Rights Today). Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T.’s entire focus is centered on animal welfare and rights education.

First, let’s be clear what the phrase “animal abuse” entails, as different people view this topic differently, believe it or not. As we used New York as the initial example, according to New York State law, “Animal abuse is a situation where a person causes unjustified harm, pain, or suffering to an animal or neglects an animal’s care by not providing it with proper food, water, medical care, or suitable shelter.” While that definition is specific, it is not specific enough. As an example, how do you define “suitable shelter”? In the 1950’s, that could mean a wooden “doghouse” in the backyard that has no insulation, or real cover to prevent feral animals or nature’s elements inside. In some jurisdictions in the state, that still holds true. In New York City, it does not. But how does one learn this information without peeling through the endless hyperlinks, sub-sites and blogs littered across a Google search? In this context,

Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T. focuses on bringing communities together to promote responsible care of animals through the organization of events for both children and adults.

Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T. hopes to foster the practice of understanding and compassion with animals by raising the awareness level for their rights, well-being, and care.

Let’s take a step outside of the Empire State and look toward the international community. Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T. believes in thinking globally while acting locally, and strives to support special projects throughout the world as they arise. Julie and her team are dedicated to working toward global animal welfare.

We asked Julie why she started Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T., “Firstly, I have always been an animal lover since a young girl. I remember rescuing a kitten that was in the middle of the road and being driven over several times. Thankfully the kitten was able to be saved with just a leg amputated and a girl from my office adopted him. At that time, I was about 18 years old and said, ‘one day if I win the lottery I want to help all the animals.”

As Kelley began traveling to Greece in the late 1990’s, she noticed a large volume of stray cats. As she returned to the cradle of Democracy each year, and became more comfortable with the Greek culture, Julie thought she would eventually move to there. She wanted to help provide education as a hopeful solution to this problem. So in 2007, Julie created Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T.

Promoting adoption and fostering programs that aim to improve the livelihood of animals and support sanctuaries and other projects, are integral part of the organization’s mission. They run a shelter in Greece which works to rescue cats in need and find adoptive, loving forever homes. In Julie’s view, their facility is what animal shelters across the globe should look like.

According to their website, “Our shelter in Greece allows us to provide concrete modeling of how to care for the animals around us and support the growth of volunteer engagement. Our sanctuary has been saving animals in Greece since 2011 and it is situated in the Attika region. We have given our cats a large spacious house just for themselves with outdoor netted space, cat trees, toys, lots of room upstairs and downstairs, a kitty litter room and lots and lots of love. Our special and adorable kitties will live well in the sanctuary until they can find their permanent home with someone loving. Each one of our babies are very friendly and well behaved. They have been medically cared for and brought to health, and they are seen regularly by our local vets depending on their ailment and at times a vet will visit on site. Each cat has his/her own medical record book and is microchipped. The cats are clean, sterilized and well socialized and are ready to integrate easily into a private home. They are used to living only indoors.”

With animal tourism on the rise, Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T. has successfully launched a volunteer program where people come from around the world to the shelter to further their education mission. And they bring that education back with them to their local communities.

“I have been working with the local municipalities, schools (we have a video series featuring the SMART family!) and the communities as well to create programs that educate and provide better care for our strays, whether rescued in our shelter or remaining in the community safely and to be sterilized and fed at SMART feeding stations. We are now currently installing SMART feeding stations also at a large refugee camp in Athens as there are many strays living on the grounds and it gives the community a sense of caring for these innocent animals as well. Our global volunteer program and vet internship program are also quite successful. All in all, I hope to make some impact, along with many others doing a great job and that we can all become “SMART”er about our loving and innocent animals and for a better future for both the people and the animals to cohabitate peacefully.”

Let’s be S.M.A.R.T. centers largely around the goals of increasing animal awareness and reducing the abuse and neglect of animals. For context, animal awareness includes the knowledge of how to practically care for animals on the personal, community, and global scales.

The organization hosts a variety of events designed to bring communities together with the common goal of facilitating and encouraging the responsible care of animals. All events pair handson activities for all ages with education about animal benefits. As an example, a recent charity event in NYC brought children and artists together to create in the name of animal care.

So what does success look like for such an incredibly PAWESOME organization? According to Julie, “Rescuing a stray that would not have lived and then seeing it thriving in a new home somewhere in the world is so rewarding.  Working with the local governments that understand you are offering professional programs that can help toward solutions to the stray management is also rewarding.  Even in my own neighborhood I now have neighbors commenting on how few kittens there are and how all the stray cats look so healthy.  This provides a positive view and less people complain and more offer their help. Also our global volunteer program is quite rewarding as it brings people from all over the world to stay at our rescue shelter and experience our project as well as the local culture for the pros and cons of the stray issues.  Many of our volunteers end up adopting our kitties which is great as then it opens space for yet another rescue (which is in constant demand). The volunteers also share our program with their friends, and we have a growing community! When I am talking to people about many of the things we are doing, they say “oh that is smart” and I say “Let’s be SMART!!”

Needless to say, the shelter community in our country could become a lot “SMARTer” by learning from Julie’s incredible example.

To learn more, please visit www.letsbesmart.org for the US arm of the organization or www.letsbesmart-greece.org for the charity arm in Greece.

WHY ANIMAL RESCUE IS VITAL

THE RESCUE COMMUNITY SAVES LIVES

By John Dake

In the 1950’s, according to pop culture, the idea of the All-American family included a golden retriever of some kind that peacefully and happily lived in a small wooden house in the backyard. That was true if you watched television or movies anyway. We all know the reality was different. Dogs were, and largely still are, considered property under the law. They were not considered to be a member of the family the way they are now. The same is true of cats. And while the first animal shelter in our country was opened in 1869 by the Women’s SPCA of Pennsylvania, the modern concept of animal rescue didn’t really take hold until the late 1990’s.

We have to remember that those animals that were considered a household pet (a dog or cat) were being used for testing products like makeup, cleaning agents and the like. And even though animal rescuers have been saving lives for almost 150 years, it wasn’t until President Lyndon Johnson signed the (Laboratory) Animal Welfare Act of 1966 into law that animals were finally being provided certain protections. The stated intention of this law was, “…to protect the owners of dogs and cats from theft of such pets, to prevent the sale or use of dogs and cats which have been stolen, and to insure that certain animals intended for use in research facilities are provided humane care and treatment…”. The new law established licensing for dog and cat dealers and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to regulate the transport, sale, and handling of animals pre-research or “for other purposes”. The Act covered six species: dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits. This law has since been expanded to include all warm-blooded animals, as well as provide other protections.

Fast forward to today and the term “Animal Rescue” is defined, according to Dictionary.com, as “the act of rescuing animals from danger, abuse, or neglect, as the adoption of stray and abandoned animals from an animal shelter, or the protection of wild animals in an animal sanctuary.” Currently in the US, there are over 50,000 “animal welfare organizations,” the majority of which are shelters and rescues.

It is important to note that it is the small local animal rescues in communities across the country that are saving more and more pets. These organizations tend to be nimbler and more mobile than their municipal shelter counterparts because they don’t have a gauntlet of bureaucracy to contend with, nor do they require approvals from a government body to adopt out a pet. That is also why so many small rescues work with their local shelter. The founders of these organizations tend to be people in the local community who just want to help change the paradigm of animal welfare. And with the assistance of large, national non-profit organizations like Best Friends Animal Society, these community rescues are making significant strides in getting more pets into loving homes.

If you have not volunteered for or worked with a rescue, or shelter, we encourage you to do some research about the needs of your local community, and what organizations are on the ground that you can work with. The needs of each community differs slightly dependent on the size of the human population as well as what local laws are in place.

Finally, we encourage anyone who is able to either adopt from or foster for a local shelter or rescue. Fostering an animal, even for a short period of time, is an essential tool in the fight to “Save Them All” as our friends at Best Friends Animal Society says. To learn more, please visit www.bestfriends.org

EORGANIZATIONS ON THE GROUND

SUPPORT THOSE WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By John Dake

very year, we get asked about what rescues and shelters our readers should adopt from, or support. Adoption and fostering are the best ways you can help our rescues and shelters overcome the current crisis of overcrowding due to inflation and an uncertain economy and help to stem the amount of animals being euthanized in facilities across the country to make room for more homeless furrever friends.

As 2025 is almost upon us, please take a moment to look through the populations that these amazing facilities have for adoption or foster. Every single one of these beautiful animals deserves a loving and responsible home.

SHELTERS:

Shelters are a vital part of the rescue and advocacy communities. There are, essentially, three types of shelters: municipal, no-kill and network shelters.

Municipal Shelters:

Municipal shelters are usually contractually obligated by the local jurisdiction to euthanize to make room for more homeless pets. However, they are not the enemy of adoption or advocacy. They are responsible for taking in every animal that is presented to their door. Unfortunately, in this inflation-bloated economy, that means less adoptions and more animals in these shelters. Often rescues and no-kill shelter facilities will work with municipal shelters to help get as many animals into loving and responsible homes. But make no mistake about it, these facilities are vital to saving our furrever friends, despite the naysayers that want these places closed. They don’t have a choice as to whether they can or cannot euthanize to make space as it is the law.

No-Kill Shelters:

These facilities are often privately funded by foundations, grants and the local community’s donations. They will not accept new animals until they have made room in their current population through adoption or fostering.

Network Shelters:

These facilities are often part of a larger network or affiliated with a larger shelter system. Most of them are no-kill facilities because they can afford to house animals for longer periods with less adoptions on their books. These shelters are typically part of an SPCA or Humane Society or Best Friends Animal Society. More often than not, these shelters will work with municipal shelters to try and save as many animals as possible.

Rescues

Rescues do the majority of the leg work in the animal rescue and advocacy space when it comes to bringing furrever ones into loving and responsible homes. While shelters are usually tied to their specific facility (or facilities), rescues tend to be much more nimble and mobile. Both shelters and rescues use adoption trucks to bring animals to adoption events and high traffic areas to get as many animals adopted as they can. But rescues are on the ground all day, every day, making a significant dent in the never-ending battle to, as Best Friends Animal Society says, “Save them all.” They are often the ones who will show up at a small event with two, three or four animals to adopt out. Shelters require much larger scale events with ten or more animals being shown. When you add up all of the smaller events and efforts by rescues, the number is astounding.

Rescues also “pull” the largest volume of animals from municipal shelters (meaning they take legal responsibility for the animal, freeing up space at the shelter for more, while working within their community to either adopt or foster out the animals they pull). The larger rescues usually have larger donor bases, enabling them to do more public events and fund more foster families than shelters or smaller rescues.

Mid Atlantic Region

American Bulldog Rescue, Jodi@americanbulldogrescue.org, www.americanbulldogrescue.org

Delaware Pet Rescue, DelawarePetRescue@gmail.com, www.delawarepetrescue.org

Homeward Trails, info@homewardtrails.org, www.homewardtrails.org

Renee’s Rescues, info@reneesrescues.org, www.reneesrescues.org

Saving Grace Animal Rescue, adopt@savinggraceanimalrescuemd.com, www.savinggraceanimalrescuemd.com

Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue, info@smallmiraclesrescue.org, www.smallmiraclesrescue.org

Northeast Region

Anjellicle Cats Rescue, info@anjelliclecats.com, www.anjelliclecats.org

Bobbi & The Strays, adopt@bobbicares.org, www.bobbiandthestrays.org

The Boxer Rescue, info@theboxerrescue.org, www.theboxerrescue.org

Brick City Rescue, info@brickcityrescue.com, www.brickcityrescue.com

City Critters, adoptions@citycritters.org, www.citycritters.org

For Our Friends Dog Rescue, fofdogrescue@yahoo.com, www.forourfriends.org

Adopt A Boxer Rescue, info@adoptaboxerrescue.com, www.adoptaboxerrescue.com

All About Spay Neuter Inc., AASNAdoptions@gmail.com, www.allaboutspayneuter.com

Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption, Inc., support@almosthomeli.org, www.almosthomeli.org

Gatto Pups & Friends, info@gattopupsandfriends.com, www.gattopupsandfriends.com

Anchor Paws Rescue, Info@AnchorPawsRescue.org, www.anchorpawsrescue.org

Animal Lighthouse Rescue, info@alrcares.com, www.alcares.org

Happy Life Animal Rescue, Happylifeanimalrescue@gmail.com, www.happylifeanimalrescue.org

Husky House, huskyhouseinc@gmail.com, www.huskyhouse.org

“Jersey Pits Rescue,Inc.”, jerseypitsrescue@gmail.com, www.jerseypitsrescue.com

Korean K9 Rescue, info@koreank9rescue.org, www.koreank9rescue.org

Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, info@littleshelter.com, www.littleshelter.org

Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue, ligrr@yahoo.com, www.ligrr.org

Louie’s Legacy, info@louieslegacy.org, www.louieslegacy.org

Main Line Animal Rescue, info@mlar.org, www.mlar.org

Muddy Paws Rescue, info@muddypawsrescue.org, www.muddypawsrescue.org

North Shore Animal League, info@animalleague.org, www.animalleague.org

Posh Pets Rescue, marketing@poshpetsrescueny.org, www.poshpetsrescueny.org

Queen City Cats VT, queencitycatsvt@gmail.com, www.queencitycatsvt.org

Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions, rescuedtreasuresadoptions@gmail.com, www.rescued-treasures.com

Sammy’s Hope, info@sammyshope.org, www.sammyshope.org

Sean Casey Animal Rescue, theresa.labianca@nyanimalrescue.org, www.nyanimalrescue.org

Social Tees Animal Rescue, contact@socialteesnyc.org, www.socialteesnyc.org

Staten Island Hope Animal Rescue, info@statenislandhoperescue.org, www.statenislandhopeanimalrescue.org

A Stone’s Throw Dog Rescue, astonesthrowrescue@gmail.com, www.astdogrescue.com

Stray From The Heart, info@strayfromtheheart.org, www.strayfromtheheart.org

Waggytail Rescue, adopt@waggytailrescue.org, www.waggytailrescue.org

Yorkie 911 Rescue, yorkie911rescue@gmail.com, www.yorkie911rescue.com

Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, info@angelsrescue.org, www.angelsrescue.org

Animal A.I.D. of Mississippi, info@animalaidms.org, www.animalaidms.org

Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Saveadog@bdrr.org, www.bdrr.org

Southeast Region

Shelters

Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Saveadog@bdrr.org, www.bdrr.org

Animal Care Centers of NYC, Khansen@nycacc.org, www.nycacc.org

The Animal Haven, ilovepets@theanimalhavenct.org, www.theanimalhavenct.org

Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Inc. info@arfhamptons.org, www.arfhamptons.org

ASPCA, info@aspca.org, www.aspca.org

Bideawee, ManhattanAdoptions@bideawee.org, www.bideawee.org

Camp Papillion Animal Shelter, info@camppapillon.org, www.camppapillon.org

Connecticut Humane Society, info@cthumane.org, www.cthumane.org

Humane Society of New York, info@humanesocietyny.org, www.humanesocietyny.org

Humane Society of Westchester, Info@HumaneSocietyofWestchester.org, www.humanesocietyofwestchester.org

Liberty Humane Society, lhs@libertyhumane.org, www.libertyhumane.org

Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, info@njshelter.org, www.njshelter.org

PAWS Adoption Center, info@phillypaws.org, www.phillypaws.org

Best Friends Animal Society, contactnyc@bestfriends.org bestfriends.org/new-york-city

Humane Society of Greater Miami, marketing@humanesocietymiami.org, www.humanesocietymiami.org

ADOPTION CRISIS

WHY ARE SHELTERS FULL?

By Mary Beth

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the rescue and advocacy communities were finally in a good place. Adoption rates were at their highest in history. Municipal shelters that must euthanize when at capacity to make space for more homeless pets became the exception rather than the norm. Sadly, euthanizations for space were still happening, but they were few and far between compared to just a few years prior.

Then the pandemic hit and the most amazing thing happened; adoption rates skyrocketed. People realized they were going to be in lockdowns for an undetermined period of time, and they didn’t want to be alone. Many headed to their local municipal shelter to find a furry friend. Adoption rates shattered every record on the books as everyone was being sequestered to their homes. Virtually every shelter and rescue across the country were reporting almost no populations in holding.There has never been a time in recordable history that this has happened.

Before we get into what happened next, there are a couple of definitions you need to understand:

• Live Release Rate: Live Release Rate is calculated based off the total number of live outcomes divided by the total number of outcomes from the shelter. In other words, the Live Release Rate is the percentage of animals that come out of a shelter or shelter system alive (be it through adoption, rescue transfer, etc.

• Return Rate: The return rate is calculated based off the total number of animals returned to a shelter or shelter system divided by the total number of adoptions. A typical return rate averages around 7%.

THE WORLD RE-OPENS

After more than two years of lockdowns, social distancing and masking up, our world was finally re-opening. And then the unthinkable happened; the return rate for shelters soared to new heights.

Once employers began insisting that their employees return to the office, a large portion of those dogs and cats were returned to the shelter or rescue they were adopted from. Many citing that they struggled to care for the animal during the pandemic because they had never had a pet before and didn’t realize what it really required. Others citing that they no longer had time to care for their charge.

But those return numbers are not as high as many media outlets initially stated. The average return rate for a shelter pre-pandemic hovered at between 5 and 7%. Post-pandemic, that number soared to between 14 and 28% depending on the municipality and the conditions during the lockdowns. As an example, return rates in New York City were far higher than they were in Miami. Some market analysts suggest it was because there were far less restrictions in Florida than in New York State, allowing the population to return animals during the pandemic, spreading the return rate more evenly across a fairer amount of time.

The real tragedy here is that you cannot explain to a dog or a cat why they are being returned to a life behind bars. They only feel a sense of abandonment. It is the worst thing you can do to an animal which is why the rescue and advocacy communities worked tirelessly for years to drive down the return rates in shelters.

Our own Editor-in-Chief and Co-Publisher, Sean-Patrick M. Hillman, worked with Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) in the early 2010’s to install adoption counselors at their facilities in New York City when the shelter system was being updated and new policies put in place. As he explains it, “When my wife and I started our animal advocacy, ACC’s live-release-rate was one of the lowest in the country. This was when ACC was being poorly managed, and the city had little to no interest in change. While Mayor Bloomberg put on a good face, the truth is that the community is who changed the paradigm, not the policies his administration claimed.

The return rate for adoptions was also abnormally high and we knew why; people didn’t understand the responsibility they were taking on and ultimately returned those adoptees to the shelter. There were also unusually high instances of animals being returned due to unknown allergy-victims like children who had never played with a pet before.

You also had issues where people didn’t realize they had lease restrictions wherein they could only have one pet or a pet that maxed out at 25 pounds. As great as adopting is, if you have to return that pet because you didn’t check the terms of your apartment lease that is just wrong on every level. The counselors were there to ask questions about their lives and lifestyles to better prepare them, and guide them, to adopt the right kind of dog or cat for them. That was just one aspect of how we worked with the community to help ACC achieve a much higher live-release-rate of 93%. A rate which Best Friends Animal Society classifies as ‘No-Kill.’ ACC today has far better management and protocols to help save as many furrever ones as possible. Granted we live in a very different situation in postpandemic New York.”

Sean-Patrick is right in that the reality in this post-pandemic world is far different. Like many other municipalities, ACC is suffering from overcrowding and has been forced to euthanize once again to make space for more homeless pets brought to their door. These municipal shelters have not recovered from the pandemic, with more and more animals being brought to their door every day. It is known as a quicksand effect wherein these facilities are trying to dig themselves out in all of the right ways. The problem is that there are too many animals being surrendered, and not enough people are adopting due to perceived costs thanks to inflation. At least that is what most analysts believe is the root cause for lower adoption numbers.

CELEBRITY ANIMAL ADVOCATES

THAT SUPPORT ANIMAL RESCUE & ADOPTION

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

When it comes to charitable endeavors or the advocacy of social justice in any way, celebrities are usually front and center to help spread the love, so to speak. The majority of these famous faces will usually only support non-profits and advocate for issues they strongly believe in. Many of them are lifelong animal advocates and support not only local rescue organizations, but also multi-national animal advocacies that help shape animal rights laws.

We have selected only five for this story, but you can look forward to more being featured in every issue of Pet Lifestyles Magazine.

Ricky Gervais

Comedian, Actor, Writer, Director & Animal Advocate

The award-winning comedian, long known for his love of animals, has spent most of his career helping to raise awareness of the need for animal adoptions; promoting animal advocacy and rights; as well as supporting animal welfare organizations across the planet. Most recently, Ricky Gervais donated $2.4 million raised from premium tickets sold during his blockbuster 2023 Armageddon world comedy tour that is helping out furrever friends all over the world.

The ticket sales have benefited All Dogs Matter, Animal SOS Sri Lanka, Catastrophes Cat Rescue, Chaldon Animal Sanctuary, Dogs On The Streets, Helping Rhinos, Millions of Friends, Mira USA, Paws2Rescue, PDSA (The UK’s People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) and Wild Futures.

Not to be one that stays too serious for too long, Gervais has been quoted as saying, “I hope the dogs, cats, rhinos and monkeys invest this money wisely, because when my career goes t*** up I’ll need it back.”

Elvis Duran

Radio Personality, Actor, Author & Animal

Rescuer

Elvis Duran is the host of the nationally syndicated Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and the voice millions wake up to!

Throughout his 40+ year career in radio he has amassed a wide variety of accolades all in part to his trademark heart, honesty and humor that has connected him with audiences around the world for 25 years. He has been inducted into the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017), the Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago (2015), and the National Association of Broadcasters’ Broadcasting Hall of Fame (2018). More recently, he added New York Times Bestselling Author with the release of his 2019 book, Where Do I Begin? Stories I Sort of Remember from a Life Lived Out Loud

When he is not on the air, Elvis enjoys cocktails at his favorite bars in New York City, spending time with his husband Alex, and cuddling up with his two miniSchnauzers, Max and Ollie. Elvis has supported many animal welfare organizations throughout his career including ASPCA, North Shore Animal League, Rock & Rawhide, and many, many more.

Selena Gomez

Singer, Actress & Animal Advocate

Selena Gomez has been rescuing dogs most of her life. And every dog she has ever been a furmom of has been adopted from a rescue or shelter. As a matter of fact, by the time the now billionaire star was dating Justin Bieber, she had already adopted five dogs from local shelters and rescues. When the two pop stars were together, they adopted a 10-week old husky mix from Winnipeg animal rescue D’Arcy’s A.R.C.

During the pandemic, the singer and actress publicly announced that she had fostered curly-haired pup, Daisy. This was in addition to her trusted sidekick Winnie. Of course, like many of us, Gomez became a foster failure almost immediately with her famously being quoted as saying, “I couldn’t help it…I have to keep her.”

Selena Gomez is the ambassador of DoSomething.org after being involved with the charity Island Dog, which help dogs in Puerto Rico. She got involved while filming Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie in Puerto Rico.

Beth Stern Actress, Author & Animal Advocate

Beth Stern literally sleeps and breathes kittens. Her love for animals began at a young age and has grown into a mission to personally foster and rehabilitate abandoned felines to be adopted and welcomed into new and safe forever homes. Over the past six years, Beth has provided spay or neuter, foster care and facilitated adoptions for over 2,000 unwanted cats and kittens.

Beth has been instrumental in the creation of Bianca’s Furry Friends Feline Adoption Center which recently opened at North Shore Animal League America, the world’s largest no-kill shelter and rescue organization. This state-of-the-art adoption center offers a cage-free environment while the cats and kittens receive high quality medical care, rehabilitation and lots of love.

Beth is the national spokesperson and also a Board member for North Shore Animal League America, the author of The New York Times Best Selling books Oh My Dog! And Yoda: the Story of a Cat and His Kittens. Her most recent children’s book is Yoda Gets a Buddy. She has hosted shows for National Geographic, HGTV, Spike TV, and continues to host Hallmark Channel’s annual “Kitten Bowl” and “Cat Bowl” as well as the Hero Dog Awards.

Kelli Giddish Actor, Animal Welfare Advocate

Kelli Giddish is best known for her portrayal of NYPD Detective Amanda Rollins in the NBC crime-drama television series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Giddish found her dog, Frannie Mae, on the street while filming Chase (2010). She calls her breed ‘a side of the roader’. Frannie Mae has starred alongside Kelli as Amanda’s dog on Law & Order SVU.

Long known as an animal welfare advocate, Giddish often helps to advocate for rescue organizations and animal rights issues. The actress is also a passionate supporter of those who help in animal rescue and welfare, including her castmates. In 2020, co-star Ice-T’s renowned bulldog, Spartacus, died following complications from knee surgery. The rap icon has been helping with animal charities for decades, especially bulldog rescues. After Sparatus passed away, Giddish and SVU lead Mariska Hargitay gave the Ice-T an elaborate painting of Spartacus to hang in his dressing room.

THE FINAL WORD: PET EDITION

EVEN NAMING A PET HAS BECOME CONTROVERSIAL

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Every year, the media releases a list of popular baby and pet names. But it’s gotten to the point where pets are literally being named after consumer brands, cars, and basically anything out of the kitchen sink. As an example, my wife and I named our first two dogs Snickers and Rolo. So what does that tell you? I am just as insane as the rest of you!

So let’s talk names. The Bard once wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” It was a quote from Romeo & Juliet. The net net is that Juliet was trying to convey that the naming of things is irrelevant, in an obvious argument that she should be able to marry a Montague even though she was a Capulet, a major no-no in the play. The only problem with this argument is that in 2024, names are even more important!

Names like Bailey(s), Snickers, Oreo, Dumpling, Ford, and even Schnitzel have overtaken Fido, Spike, Snoopy and the like. I even remember when the name “Killer” was a popular name for small dogs.

So how do you name your pet in one of the single most censored, politically correct and anti-conservative time periods in the world’s history? My advice? Buck the norm and name your pet what you want to name it. However, you have to remember in places like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Austin, you run the risk of being cancelled by your friends if you choose the wrong name. Yes, our culture has become this insane, ridiculous and petty.

For naming conventions, and to further this discussion, let me use our dog, Brioreo, who is the Spokesdog for Pet Lifestyles Magazine. Brioreo, or Bri for short, was named Briana before we adopted her. As I stated before, my wife and I like to use food-oriented names for our pets, hence Snickers and Rolo. And we wanted to call her Oreo. The problem with that is both obvious and not. Firstly, it does have a negative racial context to it. And given Bri’s coloring, we were concerned people might be offended. Plus, the name Oreo has become so common for black and white colored dogs in the last couple of years, that it may very well cancel out the offensive concern; but then we would be stuck with a name that many use. Lastly, the challenge in renaming a dog at adoption is that, if they are a little older, you have to train them into a new name.

Armed with this knowledge, Kylie and I sat down and talked through it. We didn’t want to put her through name re-training as she was about eight months old at the time. So, our choices became somewhat limited fairly quickly. It was either we come up with a name that starts with “Bri” since that is what she is used to being called, or we change it altogether. So, we compromised with what we wanted and what we knew would be best for her comfortability (keeping her nickname). And so, Brioreo was born!

Now, every single day, often multiple times a day, I get asked, “Brie? You mean like the cheese?” Needless to say, explaining her name to people would take too much time. And become annoying very quickly. So, I normally just answer yes and go about my day with our furrever one.

In the 1990’s, during another height of politically correct ridiculousness, my Pugs were named Yin and Yang. Certain people thought that was offensive then. Yet they had no clue what the words meant. And therein lies my point; a pet’s name needs to be about what the pet parent wants. It is literally no different than naming a child. Did I think it was offensive that Nicholas Cage named his boy Kal-El? Being a lifelong fan of Superman, I likely should have been. But, no, I wasn’t, knowing how big a fan the actor is of the Son of Krypton. I did think it was weird though. I felt the same way when Elon Musk announced that he was naming his kid X Æ A-Xii. But it’s their children. Just like Brioero is our fur-child.

So, at the end of the day, who cares what anyone else thinks about your dog or cat’s name? What matters is that you choose a name you love and one that you feel your pet is comfortable with. Hell, the next Pug I adopt I am naming Chopstick, cancel culture be damned. Why? Because I have loved Chinese food ever since I was a little boy and want to reflect that as such. And, guess what…there is NOTHING wrong with that.

The Final Word: Don’t let other people dictate the name of your pet and do not give into cancel culture. Your pet deserves so much more!