HELP BOW-WOW LIVE LONGER CUTTING-EDGE COSMETIC SURGERY FOR YOUR DOG
MOST-EXPENSIVE BREEDS
INCREDIBLE DOGGY SPAS
ON THE SET OF DOGTV WHERE THE ACTORS LITERALLY LIE DOWN ON THE JOB
"I SPENT A WEEK VISITING LUXURY DOG HOTELS WITH MY GOLDENDOODLE"
PRIVATE JETS THAT CATER TO YOUR PUP WAGYU-GRADE TREATS
TEN THINGS YOU MUST DO WITH A NEW DOG CANINE COUTURE
MODERN HOME DESIGN WITH FIDO IN MIND
FIVE-STAR HOTELS THAT LOVE POOCHES
WHAT THE BILLION-DOLLAR PET INDUSTRY IS GETTING TERRIBLY WRONG
Ambassador Claude-Alix Bertrand Publisher
Joshua Jakobitz Editor-in-Chief
William Smith
Copy Editor & Philanthropy Contributor
Claire Barrett Head of Photography
Dana Romita Luxury Real Estate Contributor
Amritlal Saini Ascension Contributor
Tom Landry Design Contributor
Polo Photographers
Katerina Morgan
Justine Jacquemot
Irina Kazaridi
Helen Cruden
Matias Callejo
Kathrin Gralla
Dr. Michael J. Snell Lifestyles & Luxury Automobile Contributor
Joey Velez
Wellness Contributor
Jamillah Scott
Polo Contributor
Raphael K. Dapaah Art Contributor
Brand Representatives
Dr. Michael J. Snell - NYC
Miriam P. Owens - NYC
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Contributing Photographers
Xavier Merchet-Thau
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Eric Carré
Eva Espresso
Rob Miskowitch
Margarita Crotto
Polo Lifestyles is a publication of HT Polo Publishing Co. 995 Detroit Avenue, Suite A Concord, CA 94518
Cover photo of Emily Blunt by Richard Phibbs
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NATIONAL POLO CENTER
2024 GAUNTLET OF POLO
U.S. Polo Open Championships
Women's U.S. Polo Open Championships
USPA Junior Open Final
Florida Circuit 16-Goal Series
GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB
USPA North American Cup
USPA National 20-Goal
Legends of Polo
Carlos Gracida Memorial
AL HABTOOR POLO CLUB
AHPC League
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MIAMI BEACH
Miami Beach World Championship
Ten things to do with a new dog, page 94
Incredible doggy day spas around the world, page 100
DogTV is for dogs and humans, too, page 106
PJs that cater to high-networth dogs, page 85
IWAS FACETIMING WITH MY NIECES EARLIER THIS WEEK WHEN THE SIX-YEAR-OLD GRABBED THEIR SLEEPING COCKAPOO IN A HEADLOCK AND DRAGGED IT OVER TO HER MOM (MY SISTER).
She flopped down on the bed very dramatically and the Cockapoo, Stella, promptly bit my sister once released from the iron grasp of my niece.
“Ow! Don’t do that to Stella, it scares her,” my sister reprimanded my niece. The six-year-old protested, claiming innocence despite multiple onlookers and an active FaceTime connection. “Things we don’t do with dogs,” my sister said as though she was presenting a category in a game of Jeopardy. “Wake her up from a deep sleep and fling her across the room. Next time, she might bite you.”
I might be a bad influence as an uncle, I thought, as I snickered from behind the safety of the screen of my iPhone, but my sister had a valid point (as usual), and I wondered how our three English Bulldogs might react to a six-year-old? There could very well be biting involved. They’re big into, well, napping, snacking, a walk here and there, a ride in the car tops the list of activities. If a trip to the drive-through of Starbucks is involved, they’ll drool the whole way home dreaming about their Pup Cups. All that to say, they’re not big into physical activity, moving quickly or waking up abruptly. They’re considered perfect apartment dogs because they’re so easy to manage and fairly low-maintenance once matured.
I thought about our three “les enfants,” as we affectionately call them at home a lot as we put together our inaugural Dog Issue. The oldest was already mature when I met her seven years ago, but the youngest two came into our lives as puppies. My previous experience with puppies was limited to handing them to a yard boy and saying, "Bring them back when they’re trained." Once, while traveling in the countryside of Haiti with government ministers, one randomly adopted a tiny puppy about halfway through our trip. Somehow, I was picked to safeguard this creature’s safety until arriving back in the capital. Bewilderedly, I gave him a can of milk and put the tiny guy in the bed next to me, where he peed multiple times without any indication or warning. Somehow, I kept the puppy alive and concurrently earned myself a favor at the Ministry.
Luckily, there are incredible and well-trained professionals who operate luxury doggy spas, psychotherapy practices and even private jets specifically for our furry family members. The Dog Issue is a comprehensive look into the world of the-best-yourmoney-can-buy luxury for Fido and Bow-Wow and Clifford. This issue was a pleasure to curate, and I hope you find it as pleasurable to read.
Best,
Josh Jakobitz Editor-in-Chief josh@pololifestyles.com
Winter polo that feels like springtime polo in West Palm Beach, just in time for the U.S.
Polo Open
Hey, do you have any extra snacks back there?
madeleine.db
The City of Lights... and ponies... Paris mon
Big dog chains for big dogs, accessorizing your pooch in gold, stainless steel and metallics
If you think you know superyacht interiors, think again, these ultra-cool designs are targeted toward younger buyers
The USPA Gold Cup and the Gauntlet of Polo advance toward the U.S. Polo Open that starts this month
thesupremepawsupply
Yes, it's Fendi and no you can't borrow it
It's gonna be a PAWTY on this yacht, says Gina from Monaco
Click and comment on our choices... Tag @pololifestyles . We will share noteworthy comments with you next month.
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jdkhaled
cocothemaltesedog
What will Coco the Maltese wear next and where will she go? Only time will tell
The Princess of Wales announced officially that she's battling cancer
CELEBRATING FIFTY YEARS OF COMPETITION IN THE USPA GOLD CUP, A REMATCH BETWEEN VALIENTE (BOB JORNAYVAZ, MARIANO “PEKE” GONZALEZ JR., PACO DE NARVAEZ JR., ADOLFO CAMBIASO) AND LA DOLFINA (JEFF HILDEBRAND, RUFINO MERLOS, POROTO CAMBIASO, TOMAS PANELO) FEATURED THE TWO GAUNTLET HEAVYWEIGHTS MEETING FOR A SECOND CONSECUTIVE BOUT AT THE NATIONAL POLO CENTERWELLINGTON ON U.S. POLO ASSN. FIELD ONE.
Defending USPA Gold Cup champions Poroto Cambiaso and Panelo led La Dolfina alongside team sponsor Hildebrand and 16-year-old Merlos. Confident and assertive from the first throw-in, La Dolfina established a lead and did not relinquish it. Their impressive display of determination clinched the renowned organization’s first title on American soil and $50,000 in prize money.
Each entering the semifinals carrying a 3-1 record, Valiente and La Dolfina swapped C.V. Whitney Cup semifinal opponents, with Valiente defeating CocaCola (Gillian Johnston, Kristos “Keko” Magrini*, Pablo “Polito” Pieres, Victorino “Torito” Ruiz Jorba) and La Dolfina earning the victory over Park Place (Andrey Borodin, Juan Britos, Hilario Ulloa, Marcos Bignoli).
Reflecting on the play of La Dolfina in the early stages of the tournament, Panelo shared, “We lost the first game of the Gold Cup against Tamera, and that made us wake up and put pressure on ourselves.” Poroto added, “I think we wanted to play our system, which is what we showed against Pilot and Park Place, both very hard games that led to the final.”
Aware of the deep rosters vying for a spot in the finale, Panelo noted, “The truth is, we had five finals before this one because we needed to win every game. I think that was a good thing for us, we knew we didn’t have another chance of winning.” Confident in his team’s ability to perform under pressure, Panelo shared the difference for La Dolfina against Valiente the second time around – “Attitude.” Following a stinging loss to Valiente in the C.V. Whitney Cup final, Panelo and his teammates were hungry for redemption, “Today we had much more pressure than the final before because they already beat us once. We couldn’t lose twice in a row—it would’ve been terrible.”
Setting the tone for a close match with plenty of end-to-end plays, both teams had ample opportunities in the early stages of the contest. Establishing Valiente on the scoreboard first, a Penalty 2 from de Narvaez was answered by Panelo from the field, followed by a Penalty 4 off the mallet of Poroto Cambiaso to give La Dolfina the 2-1 edge. Panelo drained the lone goal from either side in the second chukker.
Following Poroto Cambiaso’s first field goal of the day, Valiente responded and settled into an offensive rhythm. Finding the posts and working through traffic, Adolfo Cambiaso struck twice, with Valiente tying the match 4-all. Breaking the brief stalemate, Merlos took advantage of a broken play in the final moments of the half to lift La Dolfina back on top 5-4 at the horn.
Entering the second half under darkening overcast skies, rain began to shower the competitors as play resumed. Undeterred by the sudden change in weather, La Dolfina utilized the fourth chukker to separate from their opponents. Leading the charge, Panelo contributed three goals, including two conversions, as Poroto found success from the field. Holding Valiente to just two goals, La Dolfina catapulted to a 10-6 lead.
The rain subsiding, Valiente faced another collective challenge—a series of yellow cards sending Adolfo Cambiaso to the penalty box. Short-handed without their 10-goal leader for a crucial 4:00 minutes, Valiente dug their heels in defensively to successfully keep La Dolfina off the scoreboard. Cambiaso re-entered the match with a charge, as back-toback goals from Valiente kept them in contention, trailing by just two.
When asked how they were able to utilize their time without Adolfo on the field, Panelo chuckled, “We didn’t! We didn’t score one goal. We missed two, three goals and we couldn’t use that moment.” Utilizing the combination of skill and grit displayed by La Dolfina throughout the match, Panelo and Poroto dug in to combine for an imperative two-goal run. Trailing by four in the final moments of the game, Adolfo attempted to ignite a final Valiente comeback, but La Dolfina ultimately went the distance to earn the 12-9 triumph.
The undefeated Polo Lifestyles team swept through the inaugural USPA Delorean AI Women's Challenge to the final, winning 7-6 over Long Dog/Mint Eco Car Wash.
Polo Lifestyles
Hope Arellano
Meghan Gracida
Maggie Hill
Kitana St-Cyr
Field One MVP: Arellano
FarmVet BPP: Andy, Played by Malia Bryan
CELEBRATING
JAMILLAH SCOTT @equestrian_noire POLO CONTRIBUTOR
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (IWD) IS AN ANNUAL GLOBAL CELEBRATION
ON MARCH 8 THAT RECOGNIZES WOMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, CULTURAL, AND POLITICAL SPHERES.
It also serves as an important day to raise awareness about gender equality and
women’s rights.
In the realm of sports, particularly in polo, there are numerous stories of remarkable women who shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations. Thus, it’s fitting to celebrate these female polo trailblazers and their contributions to the sport.
Last month, on March 9, the Second Annual Pebble Hill Polo Classic was scheduled to take place at the Pebble Hill Plantation in Thomasville, Ga. However, due to a day of constant rain, the provisional polo field was flooded. As a result, the players abandoned their hopes of
JAMILLAH SCOTT / POLO LIFESTYLESplaying, and the disappointment was palpable. Each player’s competitive spirit was eager to be tested, but Mother Nature had other plans and washed away their expectations of a thrilling match. More significantly, canceling the Polo Classic meant conceding the missed opportunity to honor the town’s local legend, Elisabeth Ireland Poe.
Poe, who was also known as Pansy, was a polo trailblazer who defied expectations and rewrote history with every mallet swing. Pansy was ahead of her time, born into a society that considered polo a male-only sport. It wasn’t until 1972 when women were officially permitted into the
United States Polo Association (USPA). In 1925, she blended in with the male polo players and achieved a handicap of 1. This continued for years until authorities discovered it and removed her handicap from official records.
Throughout her life, Pansy was a symbol of leadership and philanthropy, using her platform to support various charitable causes and promote women’s empowerment in sports. Her legacy extended far
beyond the polo field, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and paving the way for future generations of female athletes to thrive.
The storm eventually passed, the skies cleared, and on Sunday, March 10, the all-female team and supporters paid tribute to Pansy by holding the Second Annual Pebble Hill Polo Classic. In the world of polo, as in life, setbacks are temporary obstacles to overcome. Although
the rain dampened the festivities, it could not extinguish the enduring legacy of Pansy Poe, whose influence continues to inspire generations of female polo players.
International Women’s Day reminds us that by recognizing female polo pioneers, we not only celebrate their achievements but also advocate for a more equitable and inclusive future for women in polo and other fields.
Amelia Concours d'Elegance showcased 275 historically significant vehicles spanning 35 car classes at the Golf Club of Amelia
EMICHAEL SNELL @agnello_1 SOCIETY & LUXURY AUTOMOBILE CONTRIBUTOR
STABLISHED IN 1996 BY THE VISIONARY BILL WARNER, THE AMELIA CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE STANDS AS THE PINNACLE OF CLASS ON THE EAST COAST’S AUTOMOTIVE EVENT CALENDAR.
For more than two decades, the prestigious event has graced the greens with automotive splendor, thanks to the efforts of the Revs Institute.
While the event came under the stewardship of Hagerty in 2021, its core essence remains unchanged. The opulent RitzCarlton continues to serve as the epicenter of the weekend’s festivities, with its lush golf course doubling as the esteemed show field.
Annually, the prestigious motoring extravaganza draws a crowd of over 20,000 automobile enthusiasts. Spanning four days, the event transforms Amelia Island
into a hub of automotive mania, offering a diverse array of exhibitions, auto auctions, and activities across various venues on this picturesque barrier island at the Florida-Georgia border.
This year, Hagerty has curated a showcase of 275 historically significant vehicles, spanning 35 car classes, to be featured at the centerpiece show Sunday, March 3, which was held at the Golf Club of Amelia, adjacent to the illustrious RitzCarlton. Among the classes that were presented at the Concours d’Elegance were Porsche: 911 The Original Owners Club, Bugatti Type 57, Cars of Pike’s Peak, as well as two classes dedicated
to Ferrari 250 Competition and Grand Touring Cars, and a special presentation of Japanese performance cars from the 1990s.
Attendees were not only treated to the sight of breathtaking vehicles, but also had the opportunity to engage in enlightening seminars, attend auctions by renowned houses such as Gooding & Company and Bonham’s, exclusive gatherings and soirées, experience the Porsche Driving Experience, and revel in the Werks Reunion celebrating all things Porsche. The highlight for automotive aficionados was undoubtedly Sunday’s an-
nual Amelia Concours D’Elegance, where hundreds of cars graced the fairways of the Golf Club of Amelia Island, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
This year’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance paid tribute to Honoree Rick Hendrick, the esteemed 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, and Chairman/ CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group. Hendrick’s recent triumph at the 2024 Daytona 500, where driver William Byron secured victory, marked a significant milestone for Hendrick Motorsports, tying Petty Enterprises for the most
Daytona 500 wins in NASCAR history, as reported by NBC Sports.
The Concours show field featured vehicles from Hendrick’s collection, commemorating 40 years of Hendrick Motorsports. Among the standout race cars on display was the Garage 56 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which was prepared for the previous year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. This particular Garage 56 car is also highlighted in Car and Driver magazine’s March/ April 2024 issue. Eventgoers also had the opportunity to view the 1990 Chevrolet Lumina, famously known as the NASCAR “Days of Thunder” movie car, owned by
Rick Hendrick. Hendrick Motorsports played a pivotal role in providing the stories and fleet of cars necessary for the filming of the stock car racing movie, which premiered in June 1990, featuring the No. 46 City Chevrolet Lumina driven by Tom Cruise, who portrayed driver “Cole Trickle” in the film.
The 29th edition of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance culminated in the crowning of the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO,
gracing the cover of Magneto issue 17, as the Best in Show, Concours de Sport. This exquisite Ferrari, presented by David MacNeil, boasts a storied competition history, including an overall victory at the 1964 Tour de France and a commendable fourth overall and second in class at the 1963 Le Mans 24 Hours. Following its acquisition for approximately $80 million, David thoroughly restored the car to its exact specifications as seen at Le Mans in 1963.
“We paid meticulous attention to detail with this car. Motion Products executed an exceptional restoration, evident in the remarkable results,” said MacNeil. “We intend to preserve this car for many generations to come and be its faithful custodians,” added his son, Roderick MacNeil.
Sharing the spotlight is the 1947 Delahaye 135MS Narval Cabriolet, earning the distinction of Best in Show. One of only
six ‘Narval’ cabriolets ever built, this car, with its nose reminiscent of the bump on a narwhal’s head, made its debut at the 1947 Paris Auto Salon. Originally owned by the renowned singer and songwriter Charles Trenet, this car embarked on a journey to the U.S. for a concert tour in 1948, subsequently changing hands only
three more times. Restored to its original Orange Brulée color, a favorite of coachbuilder Joseph Figoni, this car holds a special place in automotive history.
Adverse weather conditions posed a challenge for The Amelia this year, particularly on Friday and Sunday afternoons. However, the event showcased a remark-
able display of 250 vehicles at RADwood, 375 at Cars & Community, and 285 at the Concours d’Elegance. The overwhelming turnout of early-bird spectators on Sunday, eagerly exploring the exhibits before the official opening, underscored The Amelia’s enduring appeal and its ability to captivate enthusiasts from near and far.
DOG MATH: THE MOST-EXPENSIVE BREEDS LIVING LONGER COSMETIC SURGERY PROS AND CONS HOT TRAVELING TIPS
MUST-HAVE FASHION ACCESSORIES ACCLIMATING A NEW DOG TO YOUR HOME & MUCH MORE
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Some surprises included!
AMOYED – $14,000
LOWCHEN – $12,000
FRENCH BULLDOG – $13,000
CHOW CHOW – $11,000
HE FIRST K9 JETS FLIGHT TOOK PLACE LAST SEPTEMBER 2023, FROM AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN DUBAI TO FARNBOROUGH AIRPORT, NEAR LONDON. THE UNUSUAL FLIGHT HAD A TOTAL OF FIVE DOGS AND THREE OWNERS ONBOARD WHO HAD WON THEIR SEATS ON THE PRIVATE JET. THE TYPICAL SEAT COST FOR INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR PETS IS AROUND $9,925, DEPENDING ON THE ROUTE.
K9 JETS was established in 2022 by Kirsty and Adam Golder. They wanted to provide a service for pets so they could travel comfortably and stress-free
while staying with their owners instead of needing to travel in the cargo hold. So far, they have helped 220 pets and 200 passengers relocate, but this was their first official private flight.
They noticed a spike in demand for pet travel at their sister company, G6 Aviation, which brokers private jets for the ultra-wealthy. Their mission was to get people interested in sharing a chartered aircraft to transport their pets.
The company aims to transport pets with minimal fuss and maximum comfort. Dubai to London flights will take place in December 2023 and January, April, July, and September 2024. Return flights from Farnborough to Dubai are also available. K9 Jets hopes to add flights from Doha to London in the near future and expand into Asia and Australia in 2024.
The service can be booked online, and
the passenger sends their passport and pet documents to the company. Dogs do not have to be in a cage, as is usually the case, and may sit on the owner’s lap or on a seat. Cats, however, do have to be in a carrier. There are no queues for customs or security at the airport as they will use a private terminal. Two small pets under 50 lbs are allowed for each seat or one pet over 50 lbs. An extra seat must be purchased if an owner has two pets over 50 lbs.
These flights are operated by a licensed US carrier and typically utilize a Gulfstream G-IV. This type can hold up to 10 passengers with their pets. There is a full bar, and refreshments and snacks are complimentary. Flight crew and flight attendants are, of course, pet-friendly. There is WiFi onboard, a satellite phone, an air show map, and an entertainment system. The large leather seats have power outlets, and two lavatories are onboard.
LONGEVITY DRUGS FOR OUR CANINE COMPANIONS ARE MOVING CLOSER TO REALITY. THEY ALSO RAISE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT IT MIGHT MEAN TO SUCCEED.
The life of a pet dog follows a predictable trajectory. Over time, the floppy-eared puppy that keeps falling asleep in his food bowl will become a lanky-legged adolescent with an insatiable interest in squirrels — before eventually settling into adulthood as a canine creature of habit,
with a carefully chosen napping location and a well-rehearsed greeting ritual.
But as the years progress, his joints will stiffen and his muzzle will gray. And one day, which will inevitably arrive too soon, his wagging tail will finally still.
“When you adopt a dog, you’re adopting future heartbreak,” said Emilie Adams, a New Yorker who owns three Rhodesian Ridgebacks. “It’s worth it over time because you just have so much love between now and when they go. But their life spans are shorter than ours.”
In recent years, scientists have been
chasing after drugs that might stave off this heartbreak by extending the lives of our canine companions. On Tuesday, the biotech company Loyal announced that it had moved one step closer to bringing one such drug to market. “The data you provided are sufficient to show that there is a reasonable expectation of effectiveness,” an official at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration informed the company in a recent letter. (Loyal provided a copy of the letter to The Times.)
That means that the drug, which Loyal declined to identify for proprietary reasons, has met one of the requirements
for “expanded conditional approval,” a fast-tracked authorization for animal drugs that fulfill unmet health needs and require difficult clinical trials. The drug is not available to pet owners yet, and the F.D.A. must still review the company’s safety and manufacturing data. But conditional approval, which Loyal hopes to receive in 2026, would allow the company to begin marketing the drug for canine life extension, even before a large clinical trial is complete.
“We’re going to be going for claiming at least one year of healthy life span extension,” said Celine Halioua, the founder and chief executive of Loyal.
Whether the drug will actually deliver on that promise is unknown. Although a small study suggests LOY-001 might blunt metabolic changes associated with aging, Loyal has not yet demonstrated that it lengthens dogs’ lives.
But the letter, which came after years of discussion between Loyal and the F.D.A.,
suggests that the agency is open to canine longevity drugs, Halioua said.
More are in the pipeline. A team of academic researchers is currently conducting a canine clinical trial of rapamycin, which has been shown to extend the lives of lab mice. And Loyal is recruiting dogs for a clinical trial of another drug candidate, dubbed LOY-002.
These developments are a sign of the accelerating pace of the science and the seriousness with which researchers and regulators are taking a field that once seemed like science fiction. They also raise questions about what it might mean to succeed, said Daniel Promislow, a biogerontologist at the University of Washington and a co-director of the Dog Aging Project, which is conducting the rapamycin trial.
“What if it works?” he said. “What are the implications?”
Aging may be an inevitability, but it is not an unyielding one. Scientists have
created longer-lived worms, flies and mice by tweaking key aging-related genes.
These findings have raised the tantalizing possibility that scientists might be able to find drugs that had the same life-extending effects in people. That remains an active area of research, but canine longevity has recently started to attract more attention, in part because dogs are good models for human aging and in part because many pet owners would love more time with their furry family members.
“There’s not a lot you wouldn’t do if you could stack the deck in your favor to preserve the life of your hairy, fourlegged child,” said Adams, the Rhodesian Ridgeback owner.
The drugs currently under investigation act in different ways. Rapamycin, which has also attracted intense interest as a poten-
tial longevity drug for humans, inhibits a protein known as mTOR, which regulates cell growth and metabolism.
Earlier this year, a team of scientists including Dr. Promislow and some of his colleagues at the Dog Aging Project published an analysis of dogs that had been randomly assigned to receive either a low dose of rapamycin or a placebo for six months. Although the sample size was small, 27 percent of dog owners whose pets received the drug reported improvements in health or behavior, including increases in activity or playfulness, compared with 8 percent of owners whose dogs received a placebo.
LOY-001, an extended-release implant intended for large, adult dogs, is designed to modulate a different growth-related compound: insulin like growth factor-1, or IGF-1. The IGF-1 pathway has been associated with aging and longevity in several species; in dogs, it is known to play a key role in determining body size. Although the idea remains unproven, some scientists hypothesize that high IGF-1 levels drive both rapid growth and accelerated aging in large dogs, which generally have shorter life spans than small ones.
Loyal’s own research, which has not yet been published, suggests that LOY-001 does reduce IGF-1 levels in dogs and that it might curb aging-related increases in insulin; an observational study of nearly 500 dogs also suggested that lower insulin levels were correlated with reduced frailty and a higher quality of life.
“It’s quite an exciting approach,” said Colin Selman, a biogerontologist of aging at the University of Glasgow, who was not involved in the research and had not personally reviewed the company’s data.
But proving that a drug can extend canine lives will require time-consuming clinical trials. Regardless, researchers will need to demonstrate that it adds good, healthy years to a dog’s life, rather than just drawing out their decline, experts said.
“If it proves true that it extends life span, I’m only interested in that if the period of life that is extended is good quality life,” said Dr. Kate Creevy, a veterinarian at Texas A&M and the chief veterinary officer of the Dog Aging Project. “I don’t want to make my dog live an extra two years in poor health.”
It is too soon to say what longevity drugs will cost, but Halioua predicted that LOY001 would work out to “mid-double-digit dollars per month.”
For some owners, cost will not be a deterrent, said Karen Cornelius of Illinois, who has owned mastiffs and other “giant” breeds for decades. Many died when they were about 9 years old, said Cornelius, who runs several Facebook groups for owners of giant dogs.
“We were just having a discussion on one of my forums yesterday about how shortlived they were, and how people would give almost anything if they could extend that life,” she said.
Some ethicists worried that this enthusiasm could be exploited, especially if the drugs are advertised as fountains of canine youth while questions of long-term safety and efficacy remain unresolved. The dogs themselves cannot give consent, they noted.
“Is it in their best interest to live a little bit longer when there’s some risk to taking these drugs?” said Rebecca Walker, a philosopher and bioethicist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who said she would not give a longevity drug to her golden retriever. “Or is it really in the best interest of their owners, who are very attached to them?”
So far, the worst side effect of LOY-001 has been mild and temporary gastrointestinal distress, Halioua said, although she acknowledged that the bar for safety would be “extremely, extremely, extremely high.”
Longevity drugs are intended for healthy dogs, which changes the risk-benefit calculus. “It’s one thing if a dog is on death’s door and you’re giving them some late-breaking treatment,” said Bev Klingensmith, a Great Dane breeder in Iowa who also has a Great Dane and a golden retriever of her own. “Giving my young, healthy dog a brand-new drug would seem a little scary.”
Even drugs that deliver on all their promises will raise ethical questions. “If animals are living longer, do we have the resources and commitment to provide lives worth living?” Dr. Anne Quain, a veterinarian and an expert on veterinary ethics at the University of Sydney, said in an email. “What if we see more dogs outliving their owners?”
Reforming the breeding practices that have contributed to life-shortening health problems in many dogs and expanding access to basic veterinary care might be a better way to improve canine lives, she added. “We can save many ‘dog years’ by ensuring that as many dogs have access to that care as possible,” she said.
And while scientists gather more data on potential longevity drugs, there are steps that dog owners can now take to foster healthier aging, experts said, including keeping their dogs lean and providing ample exercise and mental stimulation.
Halioua admitted to having a soft spot for senior dogs. “They just want a nice bed to sleep on,” she said, as her elderly Rottweiler, Della, napped. Della, who has lymphoma and dementia, is not on LOY001 because enrolling her in the company’s studies would present a conflict of interest, Halioua said, but the dog seemed happy, she noted.
Ultimately, even if scientists can delay a pet owner’s heartbreak, they are unlikely to prevent it altogether. “These are definitely not immortality or radical life-span-extension drugs,” Halioua said in an email. She added, “Nothing we are developing could make a dog live forever.”
WHETHER YOUR DOG IS A POMERANIAN COMPACT ENOUGH TO CARRY IN A TOTE BAG ALL OVER TOWN OR A TOWERING GOLDEN RETRIEVER WHO COMMANDS A LARGER FOOTPRINT, THE POOCH DESERVES THEIR OWN SPACE AT YOUR HOME—AN INDOOR AREA WHERE THEY HAVE FREE DOMAIN.
There are numerous creative ways for dog owners to carve out a space that’s dedicated to their pets and still stylish, said Jason Nixon, an interior designer
who is the co-founder of the Thomasville, North Carolina-based home décor brand and design firm Madcap Cottage. What that means depends on what your home is like—apartment living, for example, means an approach that’s different from one in a single-family property.
“My partner, John, and I have four rescue pups, a Boston, two pugs and a puggle— George, Cecil, Weenie and Beau—and the dogs have the run of our 1930s-era North Carolina home, the ‘House of Bedlam,’” said Nixon. “Nothing is off limits, but we don’t want to constantly vacuum up dog hair and clean up dog spittle to keep our home looking great, so we’ve designated a room just for them.”
Below, Nixon and three other designers
share their advice on how other dog owners can do the same.
“When designing a client’s kitchen in a small apartment, maximizing the space was the most important objective. In doing so, we wanted to find a way to incorporate her dogs’ feeding and water bowls without constantly bumping into them and kicking them over because the footprint of the kitchen was small. We decided to remove one of the drawers on the end of her kitchen and instead, we built in a stationary dog bowl feeding station. This resolved all the issues of constantly kicking over water bowls and
From a dedicated spot to stare out the window to no-mess feeding solutions, spaces meant for Fido can blend right into a home’s decor
cleaning up water, and her dog felt extra loved having a place in the home that was only for him.”
“When we renovated our mudroom, [partner] John and I put down a limestone floor that is easy to sweep and wipe down when the pups track in mud and pine needles. The feeling is very English country house, so the flooring ticks off both the form and function box. The mudroom houses a console with a cut-out in the middle of it, and that’s where we placed one of the dog beds, so the pups think of this space as their go-to ‘cave.’
“We love the mix of antiques paired with the dog bed and the idea that nothing in your home should be sacred, but rather lived with. The dog beds are from Madcap Cottage and have frames that are upholstered in a hard-wearing performance fabric that cleans up easily. The cushion covers can be unzipped and thrown in the washer/dryer to keep them looking good.”
“Whenever we design a home with beautiful treetop views, we like to take pets into consideration. They always enjoy watching the outdoors and streetscape. For this gracious three-bedroom corner residence at the Solaire in Battery Park City [in Manhattan], we installed a feature lounge chair next to the floor-toceiling windows to make an ideal place for an owner and their pet to take in the scenery. In this building, it’s perfect for sunsets as well.
“When it comes to designing for homes outside of the city, a new world of indoor-outdoor living opens up for families and their pets. For a residence that we designed in the Hamptons, we took advantage of sliding doors that allowed the indoors and outdoors to seamlessly connect. We added rich textured fabrics, including fluffy rugs that pets love.”
“It’s always a good idea to give your dogs a dedicated bed or other comfortable perch that’s a spot only for them—it will make them feel so adored. There are so many fabulous ones on the market, and you can have fun with them by covering them in a fabric that matches the room or doing a pop of color that stands out.
“You can also place an upholstered ottoman at the foot of your bed which is a great way to keep your pup pampered without having to share your bed. Add in a throw to make it that much cozier and more comfortable. And if your dog has a chaise or chair they love in your home, give into it, and let that be theirs. Just cover it in a durable fabric or even slipcover it so that it’s easier to clean.”
WELCOMING A NEW PET INTO YOUR FAMILY IS BOTH EXCITING AND CHALLENGING. PRACTICING THESE BASIC GUIDELINES CAN HELP MAKE THE TRANSITION SMOOTHER AND SUPPORT A SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION.
Being in a new home and around new people can be overwhelming to anyone, including your dog. It is important to give your dog time to adjust and become familiar with all the new things she will encounter, including new visitors and other animals.
Exposure to these new situations should be positive, and not forced.
A consistent and reliable routine is essential for creating a calm and organized environment. This includes feeding and walking schedules, as well as deciding who is responsible for each caretaking task. Disorganization can create a stressful environment that may lead to anxiety and unwanted behaviors in your pet.
Introducing your new dog to your resident dog should be a deliberate, stepby-step process, not a one-time event. Be mindful of the dogs’ safety during the interactions, their histories with other animals, their personalities, and their body language. This information can help guide your approach and show whether adjustments are needed. In general, con-
sider the following dos and don’ts:
• DO: Use positive reinforcement
• DO: Stop interactions if either dog is showing signs of fear or aggression, and try again once they are calm
• DO: Have the first interaction on neutral territory, such as going on a walk together
• DO: Consider breaks between interactions
• DON’T: Force the interactions
• DON’T: Leave the resident dog’s toys around the house during the first interactions
• DON’T: Ignore signs of a poor encounter and continue with the interaction
Crate training can offer many benefits, such as keeping your dog safe when traveling or unattended, as well as making house-training easier. It is important to set up crate training early so that it becomes a part of their routine. The crate should be a safe and comfortable place. If your new dog is showing signs of distress or panic during crate training, seek help from your vet.
Environmental enrichment is an essential part of animal health and welfare. This includes appropriate bedding, toys, and interactions that increase your dog’s comfort in your home. It is important to watch your dog with new toys to ensure safety. There are many toys available, and the best options are durable toys that are unlikely to be swallowed, break teeth, or become stuck in the mouth.
Dog training is more than just teaching a dog to be obedient; it offers physical and mental stimulation, increases your dog’s confidence, develops the human-animal bond, and can improve overall behavior. Training methods should not be
painful or aggressive, as these methods can actually lead to more problematic behaviors and to poor animal welfare. Choose a trainer or training class wisely and consider interviewing the trainer or watching a class before selecting one.
Even dogs that have been housebroken may have accidents at first when introduced to a new environment. Generally, using positive reinforcement and consistent commands such as “go potty” can make house-training easier. Supervising your dog closely when not confined, making frequent trips outside, interrupting (not punishing) an accident, and rewarding your dog immediately after eliminating outside are all recommended techniques.
There are many different diets on the market available to dogs, and a complete and balanced diet is necessary for healthy growth. If your new dog is doing well on his current diet, it may be best to continue with that diet until you can discuss food options with your vet. If a new diet is needed or recommended, it is important to transition your pet slowly by gradually mixing in the new food over 1-2 weeks. A slow transition will
reduce the chances of an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Just like in humans, physical and mental exercise are key for a healthy and content dog. Walking your dog is good physical exercise, but it also provides mental stimulation. Some toys, such as puzzle toys, are also designed to offer mental exercise when your dog is indoors. How much exercise your dog needs may depend on the breed, age, and other factors, so talk to your vet about exercise recommendations.
A veterinarian is the best resource for your new dog’s health and well-being, so setting up the relationship early will be especially helpful during your dog’s transition to your home. Remember to bring any previous history, medical records, and vaccine records to your first appointment so your vet can perform the necessary tests and vaccines and schedule future visits.
Adopting a dog into your family can be a rewarding experience for both you and your new dog. Being patient and prepared for this event will promote a successful outcome and a fulfilling relationship.
As people age, our eyelids stretch, and the supportive muscles around our eyes tend to weaken. To fix this common yet pesky issue is a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty, which repairs droopy eyelids and may involve removing excess skin, muscle, and fat. In terms of popularity, blepharoplasty cosmetic procedures come in just second to a rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) with 325,112 performed annually in the U.S.. Ironically, this procedure has become equally popular among our furry companions, with many veterinary professionals now coining the procedure “plastic surgery for pets”.
In many pets, this procedure is medically necessary. Their eyelids can be too long (ectropion), too short, or roll inward (entropion), causing irritation to the eye and predisposing to corneal ulcers (a wound of the clear window of the eye). Although entropion is considered a hereditary disorder, medical professionals have not yet pinpointed the exact gene responsible for it. However, it is common in several dog breeds, including English Bulldogs, Chow
Just recently, Louie, an 80-pound English Bulldog, was brought into BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital for treatment of this specific condition (entropion). While his owner, Gina Trignani, realized he would need some form of corrective treatment when first picking him up from his foster, she could not help but fall in love with him at first sight.
“I adopted him [Louie] from a foster, and I knew when I got him that he was going to need the surgery,” explained Gina. “But I fell in love with him the minute I met him. Once you love your dog like that, you will do anything in your power to make them more comfortable.”
To give Louie a better quality of life, Gina decided to move ahead with entropion surgery – corrective surgery of the eyelids.
Common symptoms of entropion include squinting (either intermittently or by holding the eye completely shut) and excessive tearing (epiphora), with some dogs developing mucoid discharge from the eye.
However, in many flat-faced dogs (brachycephalic breeds) with medial
entropion – where the condition only affects the corner of the eyes near the nose – there may be no obvious signs of discomfort.
Surgery to resolve entropion usually involves removing a small strip of skin and muscle from below the eyelid margin. This area is then sutured together, pulling the eyelid into a more appropriate position. Following surgery, owners are advised to keep the area clean and free of discharge.
Sutures typically stay in place for 10-14 days until the incisions have completely healed. An e-collar (cone) is often required to keep the pet from rubbing the incisions, causing further irritation to the eyes. Oral pain medications are prescribed and a topical antibiotic medication may be prescribed.
In general, dogs can resume their normal activities once the sutures are removed, and the recheck is complete – confirming there are no additional complications.
After Louie got his cone off, he was a way different dog. He was running around for hours, going up and down the stairs; he moves faster now,” explained Gina. “Stairs used to take him awhile because he wasn’t that good at going up and down the stairs. He jumps, runs, and plays more.”
How exactly did dogs take over our world? This writer journeys into the bespoke pet care industry to find out.
BY THE TIME MY GOLDENDOODLE, STEVE, AND I PULLED UP TO OUR RESTING PLACE, I WAS TIRED FROM THE LONG DRIVE AND ALREADY SECOND-GUESSING MY PLAN. I FELT A LITTLE BETTER WHEN WE STEPPED INSIDE THE DOGWOOD ACRES PET RETREAT.
The lobby, with its elegant tiled entrance, might have passed for the lobby of any small countryside hotel, at least one that strongly favored dog-themed décor. But this illusion was broken when the receptionist reviewed our reservation — which, in addition to our luxury suite, included cuddle time, group play, a nature walk and a “belly rub tuck-in.”
Venues like this one, located on Kent Island in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, didn’t exist when I was growing up
in the 1980s. If you needed a place to board your dog back then, you went to a kennel, where your dog spent virtually the entire day in a small — and probably not very clean — cage. There were no tuck-ins, no bedtime stories, no dogbone-shaped swimming pools. There were certainly nothing like today’s most upscale canine resorts, where the dogs sleep on queen-size beds and the spa offerings include mud baths and blueberry facials; one pet-hotel franchise on the West Coast will even pick up your dog in
a Lamborghini. I knew Dogwood Acres wouldn’t be quite as luxurious as that, but the accommodations still sounded pretty nice. The website mentioned “distinctive décor,” “cable television” and “a large picture window overlooking an extra-large private outdoor patio.”
My plan was to stay with Steve at a string of dog hotels — yes, for dogs only — in the Mid-Atlantic region, not too far from where I live. Putting the plan into action had required making a series of deeply embarrassing phone calls. My requests were sometimes met with awkward silences, which would be followed by questions along the lines of: “You sure you want to do that?” I tried to explain that staying at dog hotels would take me to the heart of some questions that I’d been thinking about a lot in recent months. How did humans start catering to the whims of canines rather than the other way around? And what if, somewhere along the way, we all became a little too obsessed with our dogs?
After Steve was weighed and examined
for fleas and ticks, we were escorted to our room. Everyone at Dogwood Acres was exceptionally warm and welcoming, which did nothing to lessen my fear, as I walked by them clutching my sleeping bag and rolling suitcase, that they all thought I was a total schmuck. I wanted to take each employee aside and explain that it wasn’t what it seemed, that I was actually on a very serious quest to understand something important about the American condition in the 21st century. But there was nothing to be done, because of course the only thing schmuckier than staying at a facility for dogs is trying to justify it as a quest to understand something important about the American condition in the 21st century.
I tried to remain positive as Steve and I made our way into the recesses of Dogwood Acres. Never mind if the hallway of luxury suites had less the feel of the Ritz-Carlton than of, say, a Sovietera Bulgarian office building. So what if the room directly across from our suite was occupied by a large black dog named
Bella who was barking ferociously and lunging at the window facing our room? What difference did it make that someone had used a black marker to add some all-caps notes to the printed chart taped to Bella’s door? (“DO NOT REACH FOR HEAD”; “CAUTION W/ SUDDEN MOVEMENTS.”) Did it really matter that our room was significantly smaller than I anticipated — 6.5 feet by 6.5 feet — or that the “extra-large private outdoor patio” was surrounded by steel caging? It could have been worse. I had my sleeping bag. There was a TV and an elegant stainless-steel pail of water should Steve or I get thirsty.
It was all, of course, entirely my own fault. Audrey Reichardt, the owner, had graciously offered to set up a cot and air mattress for me, but I insisted I wanted only what the dogs get. “This is it,” Reichardt said, extending her hand to the room. “But you’re not a dog.”
A little while later, a young woman came by to give Steve his bedtime “belly rub tuck-in.” Watching by the open door,
I couldn’t help thinking that, if only humans were good and innocent like dogs — instead of being so weird and gross and sex-obsessed — we might have a wider range of wholesome services like this one available at our hotels. Then I remembered that Steve might not be so good and pure around his own kind, either, had I not had his testicles surgically removed.
At 8 p.m., it was lights-out. Steve got onto his dog cot with the stuffed mallard toy I’d packed. A few minutes later, I heard some deep breathing and saw that Steve was out cold, which made the whole experience lonelier, like when a friend would fall asleep first at a sleepover. At some point, I remembered that I hadn’t eaten all day. I took a few hard-boiled eggs out of my bag and looked through the window to the patio/steel cage and felt — it really should have been impossible — even schmuckier than before.
It’s not just the hotels. There are now dog bakeries and ice cream parlors and social clubs. One dog-only San Francisco cafe serves canines a $75 tasting menu; more and more restaurants (for people) also now offer dog menus. A lot of these things probably started as jokes, but such gestures have a way of outliving their origins. At some point, throwing birthday parties for our dogs and buying them Valentine’s Day gifts went from being something we did to be funny to something we just did. Total spending on pets in the United States — and dogs are by far the most popular pet — rose more than 50 percent between 2018 and 2022, when it reached $137 billion, according to a pet-products trade association. Americans now spend more than half a billion dollars each year on pet Halloween costumes alone, per the National Retail Federation.
This sharp spending increase overlaps
with Americans’ spending approximately twice as much time with pets today as they did two decades ago. A 2023 survey found that around half of American owners believe their pet knows them better than anyone else does, including significant others and best friends. These statistics sit uncomfortably alongside the fact that the U.S. surgeon general recently declared human loneliness an “epidemic.” It’s hard not to wonder whether our growing obsession with dogs is somehow related to our declining interest in one another. Maybe, even as we’re humanizing our dogs, the deeper appeal is not that they’re like people but that they’re not like people. Maybe, if you dig far enough beneath the surface of our dog love, you eventually arrive at a thin layer of misanthropy.
My interest in America’s dog mania wasn’t only sociological. Several months before our trip, I found a small lump on Steve’s right hind leg. The tumor turned out to be benign, but the experience left me profoundly shaken. When the veterinary surgeon told me she thought it was cancer, I had to sit in the car for 10 minutes to regain my composure before driving home. Every time I looked over and saw Steve’s breathtakingly goofy face, encircled by his dumb plastic cone, I started to cry again. Before this cancer scare, I probably would have said that the expanding place of dogs in American life was a good thing, that a world that revolves around dogs is a better world. It was only after I realized how unready I was to lose Steve that I found myself wondering if the problem with our current dog mania might run deeper than I’d thought.
I don’t think of myself as particularly lonely. But I don’t get together with friends in person very often anymore; the phone calls I used to have with friends have been replaced by texts. I usually work from home, and on a typical workday, I interact with many more people on Zoom than in real life. If I need the comfort of another beating heart, the closest one around is inside Steve’s rib cage.
Unfortunately, if less human connection is driving us to form deeper bonds with our dogs, it’s hard to conclude that dogs are actually solving our problems.
The most surprising finding in the field of anthro-zoology, which studies human-animal relationships, might be that there’s no conclusive link between pets and well-being. In 2021, Megan Mueller at Tufts University discovered that pet owners were twice as likely to report being depressed as those without pets. The finding was only an association: We can’t really say whether pets are responsible for that depression or if depressed people are simply more likely to have pets. Still, “the mismatch between our personal experience with the animals that we love and what the research says is a complete mystery,” Hal Herzog, an anthrozoologist and emeritus professor at Western Carolina University, told me. “Most studies don’t show that pet owners are happier; that pet owners are less depressed; that pet owners go to the doctor less.”
The next morning at Dogwood Acres, the staff threw a birthday party for Steve in a gated yard — Steve’s birthday was less than two months away, so I told myself the request was legit. A dozen dogs ran around happily in a sea of toys. There was a bubble machine and a tub full of colorful plastic balls. Steve, decked out in a handsome birthday-boy bandanna, immediately picked up a stuffed bone, and because I know there’s nothing he loves more than making a complete mockery of me in a game of chase, I ran after him.
Our next stop was a presidential suite at Holiday Barn Pet Resorts just outside Richmond, Va. Each Holiday Barn suite had a different regional theme. Ours was “Annapolis,” and the suite’s orange-andwhite walls featured tasteful maritime décor, including a little blue shelf holding an antique beer stein and tiny pitchers. It was so nice — 7.5 feet by 8 feet! — that I didn’t care at all that Hartley, the golden retriever staying down the hall, had the considerably fancier Mount Vernon Suite, which featured a painting of George Washington and a tubular light fixture that called to mind Dan Flavin.
This business, which has been family-run since it opened in Glen Allen, Va., in 1972, was originally called Holiday Barn Pet Kennel, and the dogs stayed in cages attached to outdoor kennel runs. “You had vermin coming in,” the resort owner, Michael Hughes, recalled. “All of a sudden you look and there’s a raccoon in there, or a possum or snake.” Not long after it opened, Hughes’ parents began hiring teenage “petters.” At the time, tending to the emotional needs of a dog in a kennel was considered novel.
Today dog-boarding establishments have to focus most on the emotional needs of “pet parents,” as owners are known in the industry. Hughes mentioned a Holiday Barn guest that ate only Chick-fil-A sandwiches. At some dog hotels, suites
have cameras, and emails from concerned owners arrive throughout the night. San Francisco’s Pet Camp once received a frantic call from a woman who wanted to know why her dog had come home with an erection. (The hoteliers denied responsibility for the erection.) A dog hotel in Pennsylvania once had to make time for a pet parent who insisted on calling in each day to play the kazoo to her dog.
“Pet parents” is a term of modern creation, although “pet” has a longer history. The word first came into use in the early 1500s, and from the beginning, it could refer not only to animals but also to people — particularly spoiled children. James Serpell, an emeritus professor of animal welfare at the University of Pennsylvania, told me that the origin of humans’ keeping pets can probably be traced to the human tendency to respond to young animals in the same way we respond to small children: It’s “an extension of our parenting instincts.”
We have extended our parenting instincts so far, it seems, that the distinction between pets and children has evaporated altogether. And pet-industry experts say the relentless humanizing of our dogs has been accelerated by millennials and Gen Z, who now make up the largest share
of dog owners in the country, and who often have a first dog before a first child. Americans in their 20s and 30s nowadays have a lot of spare parental love in their hearts — and their dogs are lapping it up.
I slept well at Holiday Barn. The next morning, before leaving, I helped Steve into a dog life jacket so he could splash around in the bone-shaped pool. I put on some rubber boots and clomped around after him, while two chocolate Labs took turns swimming laps. The previous few days were overcast, but the sun was out now, and I was overcome with an “I could really get used to this” feeling, before I realized I was now fantasizing about extending my stay at a dog resort. I knew before I arrived that the Olde Towne Pet Resort in Dulles, Va., where Steve and I would be spending the last night of our trip, would be the fanciest of our destinations. But I was wowed just the same. The lobby had a sculpture of a pointer and a glass wall with a view of the heated indoor pool. It was nicer than the lobby of most human hotels I’d stayed in. When I later interviewed Ron Hallagan, president and chief executive of Olde Towne Pet Resorts, he told me his job came with some special challenges: “It’s like running an acute-care retirement
facility. They all have to be taken to the bathroom. We have a med cart. Half of them are on meds.”
After we checked in, a friendly young man named Jonathan Neal led Steve through an agility session, during which Steve jumped through hoops and walked along ramps and elevated planks. Neal then changed into a wet suit to oversee Steve’s swimming session, which involved leading a very unamused Steve back and forth across the 20-foot-long pool.
Though I’d arranged to stay at a luxury suite at Olde Towne, there was a concern that the dogs there might smell me and that this could be upsetting to them, so Steve and I were put up in an otherwise-unoccupied wing comprising, essentially, large roofless cages. It was probably for the best. I wasn’t particularly in the mood to watch “Happy Feet,” which was playing on the TVs in the suites that night.
A cot had been set up for me, and I was too tired to refuse it. It was hardly big enough for a person, but Steve, forgoing his own dog-size cot, climbed up with me. Then William Tyler, the executive director of the hotel at the time, stopped by our cage. Tyler, a middle-aged former Marine and a good-size man, got down
on the floor inches away from us and began to read Steve his bedtime story, a book about Clifford the Big Red Dog saving people from a fire. When Tyler finished reading, he said good night to us and turned out the lights. I curled around Steve as best I could on the cot, feeling grateful that he was there with me.
But I wondered about Steve’s feelings, too. Over the course of my time living in the lap of canine luxury, I became more convinced than ever that a world with more dog love is a better world — yet I also met quite a few human beings in the bespoke pet-care industry who, having observed all parties up close, expressed their anxieties about the extent of our devotion. When humans include animals in everything they do, the “dog doesn’t know how to be a dog,” Hughes had told me. Lying there on this last night, I wished Steve could tell me what he’d thought of the whole thing.
In the morning, Steve got a mud bath at Olde Towne’s spa, and a blueberry facial, and then, after Steve was blown out and brushed and sprayed with a dog cologne, it was time to drive home. It had been a good trip. As we drove back, I stroked Steve’s head at red lights and felt only a little bit like a schmuck.
DOGTV HOPES TO TAP INTO A HUGE NEW AUDIENCE OF POST-PANDEMIC PUPPIES, BUT ALSO MAKES SURE TO APPEAL TO VIEWERS WHO CAN ACTUALLY OPERATE A REMOTE.
The talent was beginning to lie down on the job. Temperatures had surpassed 90 degrees on a July afternoon in Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Northern New Jersey, and the actors were hot and literally panting. If they had to perform much longer, the director might face a mutiny.
The director, Ron Levi, threw up his hands. “Tell them union is eight-hour work,” he called out. “What do you mean they’re done?”
A horror story overheard at a recent SAGAFTRA rally? Not exactly. The director,
for starters, was joking. As for the actors… they didn’t get the joke anyway.
The stars — Beasley, Darby, Fuji and Whidbey — are among the four-legged leads on DogTV, a pay-television service designed especially for dogs who are stuck at home alone. In the coming weeks, the Ramapo footage would be recolored, edited and scored for its colorblind, easily distracted and narratively challenged viewers — optimized, the makers of DogTV say, to engage and soothe a growing audience of bored and anxious dogs around the world.
It wasn’t your typical set visit. But then that’s also why I was there: to see a network whose primary audience can’t operate a remote. One thing I was learning was that when you have a canine cast, they — not the crew, not the guild — ultimately call the shots. Everyone agreed to call it a wrap.
“These dogs are the best we ever worked with, and they can deliver you the goods,” Levi, who is also a founder of DogTV, said as the dogs were led by their trainer, Chrissy Joy, back to their air-conditioned van for fresh water — and, presumably, some well-earned belly scratches.
“But I get it,” Levi added. “It’s very hot today, and we’ve got to be mindful.”
These are boom times for DogTV. During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic some 23 million households adopted pets, according to a 2021 survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — a huge new potential audience to target.
Americans working from home were also watching a lot of TV — often, apparently, with their pets. In response, DogTV began offering a bunch of new human-targeted videos, notably featuring tips from
experts on how to train all of these new pets. Subscriptions to its streaming app have grown by about 388,000 since mid2020, the company said. (DogTV is also available through many cable and satellite providers.)
“People were at home and started to ask us about content for them as well,” Levi said. “It’s like, OK, you’ve got a new dog; what do you do with it?”
Now DogTV is hoping to fill a new role, as workers return to the office and their new dogs, many of whom have never known life without a human at home full-time, are dealing with intense separation anxiety. The network is producing content custom made for such anxiety — among dogs and, increasingly, their guilt-ridden humans.
Full disclosure: I am one of those guilt-ridden humans. I became a DogTV subscriber first around 2013, as the single dogfather of my beloved mutt Sailor. A few years later, after Sailor departed for that great dog park in the sky, I canceled my subscription.
When, in 2021, my partner and I got a new rescue puppy named Evie, I resubscribed, only to find that DogTV had grown by leaps and bounds. Sometimes I would come home tired from work only to realize that I had just been zoning out to DogTV on the couch for 20 minutes. The basic concept was the same — short, simple videos, mostly for dogs — but the creativity and production values had exploded. I wanted to know more about this world I unexpectedly found myself enjoying, even if I had to take it on faith that my blasé new shelter dog was enjoying it, too.
That’s when I reached out to Levi.
DogTV relies on teams of directors, camera operators, composers, editors and dogs. But if DogTV has a single wizard behind the curtain, it is Levi. Before DogTV, he worked in human TV in Israel, including as a writer for that country’s version of “The Amazing Race.” He doesn’t miss it. “This is totally better because the dog is the director,” he told me. “He teaches you to be modest.”
During an editing session at a Manhattan studio in August, Levi, who is also the chief content officer, acknowledged tailoring the content in recent years to appeal more to humans. That wasn’t true of just the new “Tips & Tricks” videos, or of reality shows like “Farm Girl,” starring Joy and her dogs. Just as a good children’s show must be semi-tolerable, if not enjoyable, to adults, TV for dogs must bow to a simple truth: The primary viewers aren’t the ones who shell out $9.99 a month.
Given this, Levi’s ideal balance is for videos that appeal 80 percent to dogs and 20 percent to humans. The squeaky toy sound effects are for dogs. The shoots in Sicily — that stuff is for humans.
“A hundred percent dog could mean showing a dog for 10 minutes — for five minutes because of the attention span — running from left to right with this white background,” he added. “They don’t care if it’s a beautiful location in California.”
But as the paying human, I indeed cared. I was drawn in by the visuals, which had become rather arty and sometimes downright weird, as when I watched a puppy in one video waddle through space. Several videos featured sinewy swirls of color, set to a synthy, space-age score. Another had a dog placed digitally on a train, grinning as alpine mountains and crystal waters scrolled by through the window.
The music was often great: electronic, atmospheric, like a mix of Tangerine Dream and Tim Hecker. Ryan Wasoba, a producer based near St. Louis who has scored music for DogTV for a decade, acknowledged that he and his dog, Olivia, had been listening to a lot of Brian Eno when he first began composing for the channel. (Other times, the channel’s music is more like the theme to “Romper Room.”)
Jay Guagliardo, a subscriber from Rochester, N.Y., said that he and his wife, Sylvia, had adopted two dogs, Benny and Penny, during shutdown. It wasn’t always clear who in the house liked DogTV the most.
“Sylvia will come home from work, and I’ll be sitting on the couch staring at freaking DogTV, and she’ll be like, ‘What are you doing?’” he said, laughing. “And I’m like, ‘Well, you got to see this — they’re going through the fields, and the ducks are following him.’
“And she’s like: ‘Oh my God, dude. Go back to work.’”
Kate Senkier of Nashville said her two dogs, Piper and Puddles, the latter of whom she got immediately after the pandemic, started off as devoted “Gilmore Girls” fans before they discovered DogTV. Now whenever she goes upstairs to work, she said, they “sit on the couch and look at me and wait for me to turn the TV on.”
I have watched Evie watch DogTV, and sometimes she seems to care. Usually, I can’t tell. In a study commissioned by DogTV, Nicholas Dodman, a professor emeritus of animal behavior at Tufts University, near Boston, found that dogs visibly watched DogTV around 14 percent of the time it was on. That was more than they watched Animal Planet and significantly more than they did CNN. (Luckily, dogs aren’t the ones who pay for journalism, either.)
But CNN provided perhaps the best analogy for the way Dodman thought dogs might experience DogTV. In general, dogs understand their world primarily by smell, then by sound, then by sight. It isn’t clear how much dogs merely listen to DogTV, Dodman said, but it stands to reason that they do, just as humans will listen to TV in the background.
“If we had CNN on while we were cooking breakfast — you know, you’re busy with the frying pan and stuff — and then someone says, ‘There’s going to be an earthquake,’” he said, you might suddenly look up and pay attention. Dogs, he reasoned, might be doing the same. Maybe they are always half listening.
OME DAYS, WHEN DOOMSCROLLING BECOMES TOO MUCH, I SWITCH UP MY SOCIAL MEDIA CONSUMPTION TO SOMETHING I CALL PETSCROLLING. IT’S THE ACT OF SWIPING THROUGH AN ENDLESS FEED OF INSTAGRAM REELS FEATURING RESILIENT THREELEGGED RESCUE DOGS HIKING IN THE WOODS, FEISTY YET CHARMING SHOP CATS, AND THE OCCASIONAL POTBELLIED PET PIG SPLASHING AROUND IN A KIDDIE POOL.
The Internet is awash in this feel-good content starring some of the 250 million animals — nearly one for every person — who populate American households. It all reinforces the inherent goodness of the ancient human-animal bond, and lets us believe that where there are pets — whom most owners consider
to be family members — there is joy, love, play, and hope.
There’s plenty of all that in my household, thanks to my sweet and spunky rescued pit bull mix, Evvie, one of many animals I’ve lived with during my lifetime. In the middle of 2020, she was picked up as a stray puppy in Greenville, North Carolina, before being passed through several foster homes. My partner and I took her home the day we met her, but only after hours of deliberation over whether I felt I had the time and energy to give her the life she deserved. (Evvie was young and full of energy, and I had just started at Vox.)
Evvie instantly added so much to our lives, and for a while, I assumed our relationship was reciprocal and that she gets just as much from our bond as I do. But recently I’ve begun to wonder if she’s a lot more bored and frustrated than I previously thought. That led me to read the stirring 2016 book Run, Spot, Run: The Ethics of Keeping Pets by author and bio-ethicist Jessica Pierce.
Pierce wants to show people like me the shadows beneath the sunny narrative of pet ownership, things like physical abuse, animal hoarding, puppy mills, dog fighting, and bestiality.
But beyond such extremes, Pierce’s work aims to direct our gaze to where more subtle, but far more common, forms of everyday neglect and cruelty lie. To Pierce, even well-meaning pet owners may have a lot to answer for: punitive training, prolonged captivity and extreme confinement, mutilations (declawing, ear and tail docking), outdoor tethering, lack of autonomy, verbal abuse, monotonous and unhealthy diets, lack of grooming, and inadequate veterinary care. (In 2016, about one-fifth of dog owners and half of cat owners didn’t bring their animal in for routine or preventive care, which is highly recommended.)
Add to the bill lack of exercise and socialization, boredom, and even abandonment. (Almost one-fifth of pet owners surveyed late last year said they were considering giving up their pets
due to cost amid high inflation, which is generally not an option for other “family members.”)
All this is possible because, unlike children, pets aren’t really family members — they’re property without legal rights and few laws to protect them. And because abuse and neglect primarily occur in the privacy of the home, there’s little accountability for it. Even the most responsible pet owners, which I’d count myself among, are bound to fail to meet the needs of their animals due to other responsibilities and the inherent challenges of keeping a dog or cat in a world made for humans.
We may see ourselves as the best of animal lovers, but we very well could be inflicting suffering on our pets every day.
Pet-keeping “is like a sacred cow in a way,” Pierce told me. “Everybody assumes that pets are well off, and in fact, pampered … All they have to do is lay around in a bed and get fed treats every now and then and catch a Frisbee if they feel like it — like, who wouldn’t want that life?
“Underneath that is the reality that doing nothing but laying on a bed and having treats fed to you is profoundly frustrating and boring and is not a meaningful life for an animal.”
Since humans domesticated dogs (over 20,000 years ago) and cats (over 10,000 years ago), who some say are merely “semi-domesticated,” their roles have evolved largely from one type of work — hunting and guarding — to another: companionship. And counter-intuitively, says Pierce, being a constant companion is a tougher job.
“Dogs are still working dogs; they’re just doing a different kind of work,” she said. “I think it’s actually much more dangerous and difficult work than any other kind of work we’ve ever asked them to do.”
We demand companionship with as little friction as possible, expecting our pets (especially dogs) to be docile and agreeable, and to adapt quickly to the
human world, with its countless rules and norms that mean nothing to them. And then when they inevitably fail to do so at first, we deem their natural habits misbehavior in need of correction, or abandonment.
It’s telling that the world’s most popular dog trainer, Cesar Millan, partly relies on dominance and control to bring his subjects to heel. (Millan popularized the “dominance theory” approach to dog training, which has been debunked by scientists and criticized by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. A meta-analysis found that punitive training can increase dogs’ fear, anxiety, and stress.)
To serve the guard-to-companion evolution, a $136 billion pet industry has sprung up in recent decades to breed, transport, and sell tens of millions of animals a year — often in terrible conditions — and provide all the accoutrements of the modern pet, from food to toys to veterinary care to perfume for dogs. And just as Millan and his legion
of followers bend some dogs’ behavior to their will, breeders have done the same for dogs’ genetics to make some breeds particularly agile, small, or cute — in other words, more attractive to humans. America’s current most popular breed, the French bulldog — and other flat-faced dogs, like pugs, boxers, and Shih Tzus — suffer from a variety of health issues because of how they were bred, leading journalist and Vox contributor Tove Danovich to call the Frenchie “a breed that’s been broken to accommodate us.”
And while approximately 30 to 40 percent of cats and dogs are acquired from
shelters, not all of those adoptions work out — seven to 20 percent are eventually returned, often due to complaints over the animals’ behavior. (Incompatibility with other pets, allergies, and cost are other top reasons).
A number of animal welfare scholars, like Pierce, are challenging the rosy picture that the pet industry — and pet owners, myself included — have painted around the domestic human-animal bond, and sometimes pose a radical question: should we end pet ownership? I’m increasingly inclined to think the answer could be yes — or that at the very least, there should be far fewer pets, and those
owners should be prepared to put in the time and effort to provide them with far better lives.
“I love living with dogs, but even I think that owning dogs can easily be considered morally questionable and may change in the future,” said Horowitz, the dog cognition expert.
I relate to Horowitz’s doubts, and find Francione’s and Charlton’s arguments persuasive, though given the popularity of pets — and the ancient human-animal bond — abolishing pet ownership is a political and cultural nonstarter.
What might be more realistic is to rad-
ically rethink how we acquire and treat them, and just what we owe them.
When I asked Marc Bekoff, an ethologist at the University of Colorado Boulder who’s co-authored books with Pierce (and Jane Goodall), about whether we should phase out pet ownership, he said it’s perhaps a few thousand years too late to ask that question.
“In the best of all possible worlds, we wouldn’t have evolved to where we are now with dogs, because so many of the problems with dogs come down to selective breeding by humans deciding which
traits they find cute or appealing,” he said, pointing to flat-faced dogs like the French bulldog.
While a lot of people call their pets “fur babies,” we’d be wise to think of them more as actual dependents, because they are. For most of human history, childhood wasn’t really a thing — children existed, at least in part, in service of their parents as additional labor. That has, of course, changed drastically over the last few hundred years, and with it, attitudes and habits around how we treat children. As part of that shift, though, the expectations for parenting rose as well, so much
so that those expectations have become a major reason why people are having fewer or no children. Perhaps the same should happen for pets in the future. While the average pet probably has a much better life today than they did just 50 years ago, there’s still much room for improvement, but the demands would be such that fewer people would be in a position to become pet owners.
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GOT A PAMPERED PUP? IF YOUR DOG LOVES LIVING THE GOOD LIFE, A TRIP TO A DOG SPA IS A MUST! FROM SPECIALTY BATHS AND GROOMING SERVICES, TO MASSAGES AND SPA TREATMENTS THAT MOST HUMANS WOULD ENVY, A DAY AT A DOG SPA CAN MAKE ANY DOG FEEL LIKE A MOVIE STAR.
If you think the spa treatment is only for the most snobbish of pooches, guess again! A massage can help to relieve pup anxiety, as well as increase blood flow, remove toxins, and help arthritic dogs gain more mobility. Aromatherapy can be used to help behavioral issues, stress, and several medical conditions. And pet manicures aren’t just for looks, as they can heal paw damage caused by the weather, salt and asphalt.
Dog spas can be found all over the world, and though some are stand-alone businesses, many are found inside luxury pet resorts that offer the best in daily and overnight services. If your dog is ready to be treated like a star, check out these Top 10 Dog Spas around the world that your dog needs to visit!
In perfect Hollywood style, The Barkley Pet Hotel is the premiere destination for West Coast pooches. When your dog isn’t relaxing in front of a flat screen TV, enjoying personalized swimming lessons,
or munching on a steak from the nearby Four Seasons, they can experience the full star treatment with relaxing spa baths, conditioning treatments, drying cabanas, Hollywood-style grooming and dyes, or even a bejeweled pedicure. Best of all, there’s also a location in Cleveland for Midwest pups, and if you find yourself on the other side of the world, there are two locations in Mumbai, India!
Located in affluent Chelsea where style and grace are a necessity, this dog spa excels at both. They know beauty, and even offer animal models for film, TV, magazines and more. The Pet Spa is not your simple groomer, and services usually last for hours. Whether a full body groom
that includes dead-hair removal, paw trim, and a finishing cologne spritz, or a conditioning color treatment, a tear stain treatment, or a milk-thistle and vanilla paw soak, your fluffy, furry friend will be ready for the runway. Did we mention the exfoliating blueberry and vanilla facials, the massages and the shimmery sparkle treatments for royal events?
Located in sunny Florida, this cageless hotel is a great place for overnight care, but its spa is where it truly shines! Aromatherapy baths and pet facials at the Posh Pet Hotel will make your dog feel like a million bucks, but they don’t
stop there. Eye whitening treatments and pedicures are also on tap, but your dog will really get attention on walks after a Brazilian cut, a fur-dying treatment, or even a stencil or glitter add-on.
Grooming specialists at this premiere salon offer day services for trendy pooches of every kind. Whether your favorite pup is looking for a relaxing aromatic bubble bath and aromatherapy massage, or paw pad moisturizing and a pedicure, Dogs in the City is the place to be! Is your elderly dog getting a little gray? Keep them looking young with restoring hair dyes, or feeling young with thalassotherapy, or mud and clay baths. Then, when your dog is perfectly groomed and feeling great, grab a stylish leash, outfit or bag from the pet shop to truly compliment their look.
In the heart of Somerset, this country escape offers a pickup service by Land Rover, homey accommodations and a fabulous dog spa. The pampering at The Country Dog Hotel includes conditioning treatments with shea butter, rose oil and coconut, mud treatments containing oatmeal, aloe vera, omega oils and vitamins, ultrasonic teeth cleaning, blueberry facials to decrease tear stains, and sweet almond paw balm for cracked paws and noses. And if this wasn’t enough, this pet resort even has a hot tub warmed by a natural spring just for your pup’s relaxing pleasure.
Long a health and artist retreat for humans, gorgeous Scottsdale now opens its doors to dogs looking for the best in the Southwest. At D Pet Hotels, overnight guests can stay in suites with human beds, while day visitors can explore a huge 4,000 sq. foot dog park, get in some training, or hang out in the Dog Spa and Wellness Center. From cuts, blowouts and dyes, to rejuvenating massages, your pooch will never be more relaxed while listening to downtempo music.
Specialties include vitamin baths, teeth cleaning, pedicures that include a paw soak, nail trims and polishes, and a fantastic thermal wrap for the ultimate detox experience.
Velvet dog beds, padded floors and private balconies are only some of the luxuries your dog will enjoy at Critterati in the Kingdom of Dreams. Pups can enjoy delicacies from the kitchen, swimming sessions, a pet café, and the Care Castle, the on-site dog spa. Featuring baths with shampoos of jojoba, cacao, aloe vera and bamboo, silky coat serums, and pedicures, the spa also spoils pooches with blow-outs, hair streaking, paw butters and dog perfumes. Lucky pups can even get a massage to end the day in ultimate relaxation.
The posh Chateau Poochie is nothing short of fabulous! Dogs can snooze on huge sleigh beds, munch on gourmet chef-made meals, and even get a personal overnight attendant. The Salon & Spa features everything a pup could want, from aromatherapy, botanical and flea baths, and blueberry facials, to pedicures, warm wax treatments and nail polishes. Stylish canines can even get hair dyes and extreme makeovers. Then, at the Zen
Wellness center, dogs can enjoy agility and exercise equipment, or a blissful massage.
It’s tough lounging on a queen size human bed while listening to classical music or watching TV. When dogs need just a bit more to relax at this swanky Asian pet resort, they head to the in-house W Salon &Spa for a bath with high end finishing shampoos, crème rinses and botanical extracts. After a de-shed, a cut, nail trim or tooth brushing, pups can bask in a moisturizing Dead Sea Mud bath to detox and rejuvenate their skin. Then, it’s off to the bone-shaped pool for a swim and a towel dry, or a nap in a cabana.
Londoners again prove how much they love their pets with this fabulous daycare and overnight spot just a few minutes from the West End. Pups can come to play or train at Urban Mutts, or hit the spa for a basic grooming session, a teeth cleaning, a blueberry facial, or a paws and nose balm treatment. For even more health and relaxation benefits, they can try out a massage, acupuncture session or even some reiki.
TALKS "OPPENHEIMER," MOTHERHOOD & HER CHARACTER
In “Oppenheimer,” the writer and director Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster biopic, Emily Blunt's character of Kitty Oppenheimer is effaced twice over.
KITTY, PLAYED BY EMILY BLUNT, IS THE WOMAN BEHIND THE MAN: THOUGH A SCIENTIST HERSELF, SHE IS THE SIDELINED WIFE OF J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER (CILLIAN MURPHY), THE AMERICAN PHYSICIST WHO LED THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ATOMIC WEAPON DURING WORLD WAR II AT LOS ALAMOS, N.M.
“Oppenheimer” is emphatically his movie, so much so that a lot of the script was written in the first person (“I OPEN my eyesJUMP out of bed- SCRAMBLE to dress”).
And second, though Kitty was Robert’s wife (they had two children together), she was not his first love nor, the film suggests, his strongest. The psychiatrist Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh) was initially involved with Robert for three years, and the two continued to see each other, even after the Oppenheimers were married. Midway through the film, Kitty finds her husband manic over her death.
“How heartbreaking it must have been for her,” Blunt said, “to see him in that kind of state about another woman.”
It is all to say that Blunt, the London-born actress known for films such as “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Mary Poppins
Returns” and “A Quiet Place,” might have disappeared into the three-hour epic, which was based on the Pulitzer Prizewinning biography “American Prometheus.” But Blunt’s is among the most memorable performances in a film packed with movie stars and acclaimed character actors.
In a video interview, she talked about sympathetically portraying an unfortunate, but not exactly likable, character. These are edited excerpts from the conversation.
Christopher Nolan asked actors to learn about their real-life characters. What about Kitty Oppenheimer informed your performance?
We all read “American Prometheus.” On the flight out to Albuquerque, I could see other people trying to cram it. The wives in Los Alamos described her as being one of the most evil people they’ve ever met. Men were intrigued by her, but a bit intimidated. Kitty didn’t do small talk. She only did big talk.
Robert and Kitty Oppenheimer temporarily offloaded their baby son to their friends, the Chevaliers, because they were so overwhelmed. Was that scene difficult to perform?
I have 9- and 7-year-old girls, and I adore being a mom. I’ve always really loved kids. So it’s quite hard to be so cold-shouldered with these little ones on
set. Kitty’s clearly got trauma there — trauma that wasn’t named at the time. She has descended into drinking too much. I tried to empathize with the woman who was in possession of a phenomenal brain herself, who is having to contort herself into the good housewife-y. It must have been agony for someone like her, who was so wild, so brilliant, should never have been a mother, and clearly had huge depression after the kid was born.
How do you balance empathy with being true to the character, potentially at the expense of likability?
For me, it’s never important if someone is likable. I just have to understand them. I could play that quiet desperation of
the character, the restlessness and that unashamed flair that she had, which was so fiery and exciting. And yet she was this very stabilizing force for him. She was his most vigorous protector. I think she had rather extraordinary qualities, as well as ones that really let her down as a person. She is abrasive and flawed, but I really sympathized with that idea of someone deteriorating at the ironing board, when she should have been made for intellectual endeavors that would have thrilled her.
Were there any other scenes that unlocked Kitty for you?
Do you remember the scene under the rock with Cillian? He’s gibbering with incoherence about his lover. When I read
the scene, I was like, “Wow, that’s so interesting, it’s almost like he can’t see that he’s speaking to his wife.” And I slapped him — Chris was like, “Slap him.” It’s not in the movie, but I hit that famous cheekbone way too many times. Maybe what I played more is her attempt to save face. Like: “Pull yourself together, people here depend on you.” It’s more like, “I depend on you.”
How did the unconventional, first-person nature of the screenplay influence how you approached the role?
It was made clear to all of us that this is a single perspective. Oppenheimer’s character is going to reach through the screen and pull you inside of his head,
and you’ve got these rather more wild, colorful characters around him. We were there to emotionally elicit different sides of this character.
I interviewed Nolan shortly before “Oppenheimer” was released about the IMAX 70-millimeter format.
It must have been like Dork Central for him. The passion about film is infectious. What was it like shooting with the IMAX
cameras?
It would be brought in like a massive fridge. And it’s loud: It sounds like Chewbacca coming in. There’s something freeing, because you know that it’s going to capture every little flicker and nuance on anyone’s face. But it is loud, and at first you’re like, “How am I going to function?” It’s the understated nature of Chris’ sets, the focus and lack of chaos, that it was never this declamatory moment when the IMAX would come in.
How would you contrast Nolan’s “calm” sets with others you’ve been on?
On some sets you’re flying by the seat of your pants. It can work both ways: With a comedy or something that’s more free-spirited, sometimes it’s great for it to be a bit more chaotic. But with Chris, it’s his preparation, so that when you show up, you don’t feel rushed as an actor. I’m sure the crew was horizontal every night by 7 p.m.
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In the whirlwind of fashion month this February, the unveiling of the fall 2024 collections brought with it an exciting array of handbag trends that are as diverse as they are innovative. Designers reached into a deep well of creativity, presenting pieces that not only complement the wardrobe of the modern woman but also stand out as objects of desire in their own right. From the tactile intrigue of studded and fluffy textures to the visual delight of beads and the rich depths of oxblood, the trends of the season speak to a wide range of tastes and styles. Additionally, the practical yet stylish belted bags demonstrate how functionality and fashion can coalesce into must-have accessories. Let’s explore the top handbag trends that captured the imagination and marked their territory in the fall 2024 fashion landscape.
This season, studded bags have declared their presence with undeniable force, showcasing a perfect blend of edge and sophistication. Chloe and Stella McCartney led the vanguard, integrating studs in ways that both captivate and charm. Chloe’s approach, characterized by its signature blend of bohemian and punk influences, offered a fresh perspective on studded designs, while Stella
McCartney’s commitment to sustainable luxury brought an eco-conscious edge to the trend, proving that style can go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility.
Beaded bags have emerged as a canvas for creativity and craftsmanship, with Fendi, Balmain, and Valentino at the forefront of this trend. These brands have breathed new life into beaded accessories, introducing new motifs and reimagining classics with a contemporary twist.
Fendi’s meticulous attention to detail, Balmain’s flair for the dramatic, and Valentino’s masterful blend of tradition and innovation have collectively elevated beaded bags to must-have status, offering pieces that are both works of art and functional accessories.
The allure of texture was unmistakable in the fluffy handbags presented by Jil Sander, Dries Van Noten, and Diesel. These brands have embraced softness and comfort, turning everyday accessories into covetable pieces that beg to be touched.
Jil Sander’s minimalist elegance embraced a maximalist twist with its fluffy handbags, Dries Van Noten’s eclectic mix of textures wove a beautiful narrative, and Diesel’s streetwear-inspired edge added a bold dimension. Together, these contributions shaped a trend that provides a playful juxtaposition to the traditional textures of fall.
Oxblood made a triumphant return this season, reinforcing its status as a perennial favorite in the fashion world. While
many brands wisely incorporated this deep, rich color into their collections, Gucci especially made it a cornerstone of its palette, skillfully using it to cast new light against the rest of its collection. This choice not only paid off but also underscored the timeless appeal of oxblood as a color that adds depth and sophistication to any accessory.
Belted bags stood out for their clever blend of style and practicality, with Tory Burch, Jil Sander, and Prada showcasing some of the most noteworthy designs. Tory Burch’s smart iteration, Jil Sander’s thematic exploration across its handbag line, and Prada’s quintessentially elegant yet unmistakable take on the trend have highlighted how these accessories can add a touch of thoughtfulness and
intention to the silhouette, merging the utility of belt features with the aesthetic appeal of contemporary design.
As the fall 2024 collections make their mark, these handbag trends encapsulate the spirit of innovation and reverence for craftsmanship that defines the season, offering a diverse palette of choices for the discerning fashion enthusiast.
WHETHER YOU’RE VISITING NYC (HOME TO THE MOST PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN THE WORLD), PARIS OR HONG KONG, THERE’S NO NEED TO PAY A SMALL FORTUNE TO HAVE SOMEONE WATCH YOUR FURRIEST FRIEND. BRING THEM ALONG, THEY MAKE THE BEST TRAVEL COMPANION!
Top hotels across all price points are putting the “friendly” in pet-friendly. The best pet-friendly hotels not only allow dogs, but often pamper them as much as (if not even more than) their humans.
Some of these hotels have a resident
pooch who oversees the lobby (tip them with snacks), while others greet doggie guests with curated local treats and other extras such as comfy dog beds. What else would you expect from a city that’s obsessed with pets? Tried and true dog parents don’t like to leave their canine companions at home—and thanks to these pet-friendly accommodations, out-of-towners don’t have to either.
Located on the city’s posh Park Avenue, Loews Regency Hotel is a luxury option for man and his best friends alike. No need to pack pooch-friendly toys, cat scratching posts, beds, or even travel-size litter boxes (if that’s a thing?), the Loews Loves Pets has it all covered and then some. And when it comes to food, humans won’t be the only one’s fancy
feasting. An in-room pet menu features gourmet meals prepared to order by chefs and licensed vets. There’s a minibar for humans too. In the morning (well, any time of the day), you’re a couple of blocks from Central Park so you and the pup can do your walkies like it’s the movies.
Ultra-luxury with jaw-dropping views of the harbor, Rosewood Hong Kong soars over the iconic Victoria Harbour and combines exceptional comfort with unique hospitality. Besides being a fivestar luxury hotel and having an amazing location at the Kowloon waterfront, Rosewood Hong Kong is pet-friendly. The hotel offers a selection of special amenities to ensure your best friend, be it cat or dog, enjoys a memorable stay. Dogs receive a sumptuous bed,
delicious welcome treats, water/food bowls with recommendations from local dog-friendly restaurants, bars and parks. Cats receive a comfortable bed, litter box, fun toys, welcome treats and drink/food bowls as well.
Animal guests at Eventi are treated as VIP (that would be Very Important Pets). Complimentary amenities for furry companions include a bed, leash, serving bowls, and doggy bags for strolls around Chelsea; pet sitting, grooming, and walking services are all readily available. For you, there’s a great on-site restaurant, and pet-friendly wine reception in the evening. You’re also super close to the Empire State Building so you might as well pop up there, and Madison Square Garden is pretty close by too. Easy.
The uber-cool Freehand Hotel in NYC is pet-friendly and the ideal place to rest for the creatives amongst you. It used to be the former George Washington Hotel - the home to many storied writers, musicians, and creatives. And you’ll defo feel those artistic vibes on your stay. A variety of rooms are available, all
designed to be a little quirky and with a more homely feel to help your furry pals feel more at home. Plus, the staff at the hotel will give you tips on the best parks for walkies and pet-friendly restaurant recommendations.
Nestled in the heart of The Rocks district of metropolitan Sydney, The Langham, Sydney is a retreat for those looking for seclusion and tranquility. You can enjoy the dramatic Harbour views and historic brick buildings that surround, plus you get to take your beloved pet with you.
With their Pampered Pets program, your four-legged friend can join in all the pampering this hotel has to offer. The Langham Sydney takes pride in being the only pet-friendly accommodation amongst Sydney’s luxury hotels. Expect this hotel’s renowned five-star service not only for yourself, but for your pet as well.
Who said pet-friendly hotels couldn’t be fancy? The Wall Street Hotel in NYC is super luxe but warm and inviting for
both humans and pets. They have inroom amenities for your pooches, such as a doggy bed, toys, and a water bowl, plus there are grassy areas around the property for pet relief and nearby parks for walking. There are 180 rooms at the hotel, including comfortable kings and spacious suites. All rooms feature heated bathroom flooring for extra coziness (for you and your dog) and each room is also equipped with free Wi-Fi, an entertainment system with casting capabilities, and Bluetooth speakers.
Upon the first paw step in the SoHo Grand’s glamorous lobby, four-legged guests will be treated like bonafide rock stars throughout the entire—and completely free—stay. The rooms on their very own pet-dedicated floors are loaded with organic snacks from
Bocce’s Bakery as well as bedding, food and water essentials. But the real gem is the hotel’s private dog park—accessible to Roxy guests too!—outfitted by creative urban landscape designer Rebecca Cole. The lush garden and bespoke benches are so serene, it’s possible you forget this isn’t a human park.
While your pooch is making pals in THEIR park, take the edge off at the 24-hour gym, or head out. Little Italy is a ten-minute walk, for instance.
With an elegant address on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and a luxurious label as a top “palace hotel” in Paris, Le Bristol Paris puts in an exceptional level of effort into making each guest’s experience the best it can be – furry guests included. It has always been Le Bristol Paris’ delight to welcome pets and give them the very special accommodation they deserve. The five-star treatment for your furry friends comprises of a welcome pack for all four-legged guests, which includes two bowls, a bottle of Evian, bone-shaped treats, and a small rug embroidered with your pet's name.
You and your pup (or whatever your pet might be... iguana?) can sleep in style at this swanky, warehouse-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of Soho. The brick 11-story building garners your attention upon first glance and maintains its allure via curated art displays, a drawing room, and a serene terrace bar.
Arguably one of the trendiest blocks in Downtown, Crosby Street is conveniently nestled between the East and West sides, making morning strolls with furry companions to either Thompkins or Washington Square Park a breeze. At the hotel, you have a private theatre, 24-hour gym, and more, meaning really, you needn’t even leave the hotel to have a great time.
Belmond Reid’s Palace is a clifftop haven that will transport you into a world of timeless elegance. Perched above the breathtaking Funchal Harbour and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Reid’s Palace boasts beautiful panoramic views with superior service that has been tried and tested for more than a century now.
Not to mention, your pet can partake in all of this indulgence as well. For a reasonable fee, this pooch-friendly resort can provide your pet with a bed, clean water bowl, and three exclusive meals each day, prepared especially by the Executive Chef. This is a tropical pet lover’s paradise both you and your furry friend may never want to leave.
The Ludlow is a Lower East Side hotel that feels like a Lower East Side hotel. By which we mean, this place is cool af. Forget the ostentation glitz and glam of the city’s headline hotels (you know the ones we mean) and instead book a stay in somewhere with a louche luxe aesthetic to truly envy. Here are a few ‘things to note’: the handmade silk rugs, artisan Moroccan lamps and other artsy additions to each room; the white-tiled bathrooms with Hollywood Golden Era mirrors and the hotel’s decadent restaurant Dirty French, which serves up European classics with a devil-maycare twist. Is it any surprise this place is fine with you bringing your dachshund? Pet-friendly is totally in keeping with the laid-back vibes here.
Discover a whole new standard of luxury and service at the Las Ventanas al Paraiso. This desert beach hideaway nestles into the natural slope and contours of the land. Inspired by the landscape and heritage of Baja Sur, Las Ventanas is acknowledged as one of the world’s finest resorts and has received numerous awards since opening in 1997. Besides being a premier destination, it’s a pet-friendly resort that accommodates pets under 40 pounds, with a minimal fee. With their “Canine Delights” menu, special massages, and portable Pet Cabana for dogs to enjoy the outdoors in shady comfort, your furry friend will surely be feeling like the most pampered pet there is.
This luxury hotel welcomes pets of all kind no matter the weight, size or quantity with—wait for it!—no extra charge or deposit needed. How do you like that, huh? And that’s not even the best part. For those days you’re too busy painting the town red to take your pooch on a stroll through Bryant Park (located just four blocks away), an on-call concierge will arrange for a personal dog walker or pet sitter in
your absence. Cue happy music. You could also use this perk to make the most of being near the theatre district, maybe. Though if you fancy staying in, there’s a newspaper and wine hour every day. There’s the dream right there. Lovely stuff.
Located in historic Downtown Vancouver, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver offers elegant accommodations with modern amenities. What makes things even better? This luxury hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes guests to bring their furry friends. With a reasonable price charged per day, your furry friend will be able to enjoy a welcome mat in the room, welcome treat, pet dish, cozy bed, information sheet on pet activities, and a special Canine In-Room Dining Menu. Luxurious amenities and exceptional service await you and your pampered pooch at this premier historic hotel.
From the first sip of champagne (handed over upon check-in—yup!) to the indie screening you can casually pop into at the end of the night, it’s hard not to fall in love with this Tribeca hotel. That goes for pets, too. The Roxy will hook little guys up with organic treats from as well as plush bedding, gourmet food, water bowls... and doggy bags (obviously!). Plus, the property’s sister hotel, Soho Grand, is just a five-minute walk away and welcomes Roxy guests and their four-legged pals to play in its private dog park equipped with fire hydrant water stations, benches, and a slew of playtime-ready pups. You’re also right in the middle of Lower Manhattan, so you and your companion won’t be short on things to do.
Once known as the Hotel Beverly, this architectural gem has been putting up New York City visitors since 1927—and it’s gone to the dogs ever since. No, not like that. The hotel offers furry guests a stellar welcome package. Think treats, toys, a collapsible water bowl, paw wipes, and plastic bags for walks around town. If that’s not enough, furballs curl up in a cozy bed when rest calls. A stay here is proof all dogs really do go to heaven. If the dog fancies a night on the town, you’re right in the heart of New York.
FRENCH WEST INDIES
EMBRACING THE LIFESTYLE OF ST-JEAN BEACH
SET HIGH ABOVE THE ICONIC ST. JEAN BEACH, VILLA NEO IS AN AWARD-WINNING SIX-BEDROOM ESTATE OFFERING PANORAMIC VISTAS AND UNPARALLELED LUXURY. IDEAL FOR EXTENDED FAMILIES OR GATHERINGS OF FRIENDS, THIS TWO-LEVEL MASTERPIECE SHOWCASES AN EXPANSIVE MAIN-LEVEL DECK BOASTING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES, A MOVIE SCREEN, AND ONE OF THE
ISLAND'S LARGEST POOLS—A SPRAWLING 108-FOOT OASIS, COMPLETE WITH AN OVERFLOWING JACUZZI.
Villa Neo is fully air-conditioned and thoughtfully designed. The first floor hosts two kitchens, one of which is a chef's dream, a spacious living room, a media room, and a dazzling entertainment room. Two bedrooms, including one of the premiere suites, open onto the deck, while a third enjoys a tranquil garden view. An elegant glass staircase leads to the upper level, home to an office, an additional premier suite and two connecting guest bedrooms with ocean views and private
terraces. Each of the six bedrooms boasts a beautifully appointed en-suite bath, with soaking tubs and generous dressing rooms in the premier suites.
Additional features include a fitness room, hammam, ample parking, and an elevator servicing both floors. Enjoy state-of-theart technology, including Home Assistant control via iPad.
This incredible villa is conveniently located just minutes from the beach, shopping and restaurants and can only truly be appreciated in person. Villa Neo is your gateway to a lifestyle of sophistication and serenity, offering the epitome of luxury living in the heart of St. Barthélemy's paradise.
PRICE 47,000,000 € BEDROOMS 6 / BATHROOMS 6 FULL / 2 HALF EXTERIOR 0.63 ACRES
Redefining luxury on a grand scale, this iconic architectural marvel delivers. Occupying a vast 3850sqm oceanfront landholding designed to capture the unimpeded 270-degree ocean panorama from Whangaparaoa all the way to the beautiful silhouette of Rangitoto Island, this is the epitome of artful living.
Private and secure, the expansive 550 square-meter Spanish limestone clad concrete and masonry residence has been designed by esteemed architects Fearon Hay to maximise the Hauraki Gulf views through extensive glazing while providing shelter and seclusion.
Natural light bathes the super-sized entertainer’s open plan living space anchored by the exquisite kitchen with new Nero
Marquina island bench, Poggenpohl cabinetry, premium Gaggenau and Sub Zero appliances. The scale and form of the living areas are simply breath-taking with double height ceiling which creates a true sense of space and grandeur.
Double height glazing with sliding glass panels ensures an uninterrupted connection to the panorama and the exterior hosting terraces where you can follow the sun and appreciate the exceptional private position. A heated 25m lap pool cast to the edge of the elevated stone terrace impresses with its extensive water horizon.
Sleeping accommodations are thoughtfully arranged for privacy and tranquility and include a guest suite with kitchenette. Each bathroom is stunning and unique
in design, sporting Boffi and Ritmonio tapware.
As you would expect of a property of this caliber, only the most exceptional amenities have been selected. A Rotex system provides endless hot water for the home, basalt floors and pool. The home also comes equipped with a temperature-controlled 1400+ bottle wine cellar and triple internal garaging.
There is no need to fight traffic to head to a beach when this resort-style estate is circa 20 minutes from Westhaven Marina and has beaches on its doorstep - Ladder Bay is a two-minute walk, while Long Bay and Waiake Beach are also a stroll away. This is an unsurpassed lifestyle masterpiece.
AUCKLAND, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
PRICE $14,750,000 NZD
BEDROOMS 4 | BATHROOMS 3 FULL AND 1 PARTIAL | INTERIOR 5,920 SQ FT. | EXTERIOR 0.95 ACRES
Located in Agni, Ayline is situated just a brief stroll from the picturesque bay and its famous beachfront restaurants. The villa showcases a unique blend of Corfiot and Venetian architectural influences fused with modern aesthetics. Two distinctive features are the windows that amplify the panoramic views and the stone used on the façade and exterior walls, which was sourced directly from the property’s grounds. Each stone was meticulously hand-shaped by a skilled craftsman and fitted together like pieces of an intricate puzzle.
Ayline is on two levels and the living spaces are enhanced by exquisite interior design featuring contemporary French and Italian furnishings.
Initially planned for nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the property has been modified and currently consists of six exceptionally comfortable and impeccably designed bedrooms. The remaining three rooms have been repurposed to meet various needs. One of the rooms now serves as a spacious office with its own private entrance, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Another room has been transformed into a gym, with stunning sea vistas and lastly, the third room serves as an additional office or library area.
On the lower ground floor, you’ll be captivated by the artistic atmosphere of the dual-purpose space—a dynamic art gallery meticulously designed to replicate a museum ambiance, allowing for the effortless rotation and change of exhibited art. At the push of a button, the room turns into a cutting-edge home cinema featuring state-of-the-art
audio-visual systems for a cinematic experience rivaling that of a professional theater.
The spacious living/dining area and kitchen, with large, sleek-framed windows and soaring beamed ceilings, is filled with abundant natural light, openness, and airiness. All these spaces provide access to the outdoor areas and the pool.
This beautiful property has direct access to the sea via a private jetty. Imagine being able to step out of your home and have the coastal waters just a few steps away.
Ayline is surrounded by an expansive Mediterranean garden unveiling a wide variety of flora, including over 50 olive trees and more than 100 diverse species of flowers, shrubs, and trees such as fig, pistachio, pine, pomegranate, jacaranda, lemon, orange, robinia, and kumquat. The abundant stone terracing across the property provides delightful outdoor living spaces. The pool area features 285sqm of terraces, some of which is covered by automatic bioclimatic pergolas. These areas provide an ideal relaxation and open-air dining setting while immersing in the picturesque views.
The infinity pool, strategically situated, gives the illusion of merging as one with the sea offering a sense of infinite space. Steps from the pool area lead first to a yoga and meditation spot with a panoramic sea view, followed by a waterside deck designed for sunbeds and access to the boat jetty.
Ideally situated along 435 linear feet of pristine white sand beach and immersed in unforgettable ocean views, The St Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, represent the height of exquisite living where skyline-defining architecture, visionary style, flawless craftsmanship, and signature St Regis service and rituals create a singular experience of effortless luxury in a glamorous setting.
Pricing Starts at $4.5 Million - Delivery 2026
HAVE FOUND MYSELF IN AN ITALIAN STATE OF MIND IN EARLY 2024, NO DOUBT SPARKED BY MY COLUMN IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE OF POLO LIFESTYLES, A LAMBRUSCO RENAISSANCE. WHILE RESEARCHING THAT PIECE, I DELVED INTO POSSIBLE FOOD PAIRINGS FOR LAMBRUSCO AND I CONFESS THAT EVER SINCE, MY NOSE HAS BEEN BURIED IN RECIPES AND COOKBOOKS AND MY KITCHEN HAS EVER-SINCE BEEN PUT INTO VERY PURPOSEFUL USE.
Of course, for me, no meal feels quite complete without careful attention paid to paired wines. When I am preparing a meal rooted in an ethnicity or nationality, I tend to also seek out wines that keep the geography in focus. And so, this month, I am profiling a few fabulous Italian wine finds that I hope you will seek out and enjoy.
TENUTA DELLE TERRE NERE ETNA ROSSO SANTO SPIRITO 2018Wines from Sicily have been all the buzz as of late. Last September, a headline in Wine Enthusiast proclaimed, “Sicilian wines are better than ever.” Then I recently had some friends who know their wines return from a trip there forever enamored, especially with the
wines from the Etna Denominazioni di Origine Controllata (DOC).
A dear friend of mine (and James Beard Award winning cookbook author), Cheryl Jamison, came for dinner recently and also shared her love for Mount Etna wines by bringing along her favorite, Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Santo Spirito 2018.
Wine making in Sicily has been happening for at least 6,000 years and now ranges across some 24 designated growing regions. Over much of the past several centuries, wine production in Sicily focused on quantity over quality with production focused on large amounts of inexpen sive bulk wine. That changed in the late 20th century, with a greater attention to viniculture and Sicily’s unique contri butions. Tenuta delle Terre Nere was part of that evolution. With a careful stewardship of some 45 hectares (about 111 acres) in an extreme climate, Etna wine pioneer Marco de Grazia is skillfully crafting exceptional wines from the region’s signature varietals with a particular focus on Nerello
Mascalese. “Just as Burgundy can proudly display its tantalizing variations of Pinot Noir, so the Etna will now be able to offer subtle nuances of its Nerello Mascalese,” according to the producer.
The 2018 Santo Spirito is 100 percent Nerello Mascalese hand-harvested from lower-elevation, terraced vineyards consisting of tell-tale soil of volcanic lava and ash. Gorgeous deep ruby in the glass, the wine possesses floral notes –think violets – on the nose with some hints of fresh herbs. On the palate, this elegant wine presents rich and ripe red berries and cherries, a subtle earthy quality, balanced tannins, and a velvety mouthfeel. It’s a complex wine rooted in the Etna terroir. It did benefit from some time to open up, so I’d recommend decanting for at least 30 minutes.
This wine sells out rather quickly as soon as the newest vintage is released so when it becomes available, consider buying enough to cellar. We enjoyed ours over a hearty and cheesy lasagna with hot Italian sausage, roasted garlic, caramelized onions and marinara. It was a perfect wine pairing for such a rich dish.
Bisci is one of Italy’s premier winemakers that you may have never heard of. It’s a quandary, given I’ve had their wines at New York’s (now-shuttered) Del Posto, part of the Bastianich empire and the pinnacle of elevated Italian fare for over 15 years in a city with a lot of competition. It was well-situated there as Bisci produces some incredible wines at great price points, including the Verdicchio di Matelica from the Marche DOC.
The Marche DOC lies along the Adriatic coast, however Matelica is situated at a higher elevation where the Appennine mountains block nautical breezes and allow the fruit to ripen without significant temperature swings. The result is an expression of the varietal Verdicchio that is wonderfully unique, even in a region most known for growing this particular grape.
Certified organic beginning with the 2019 vintage, the 2022 vintage ushers in the
40th anniversary of this particular bottling. A muted yellow in the glass with a hint of neon-green on the edges, on the nose one experiences soft floral aromas mixed with green apple. On the palate, it immediately greets with a crisp and refreshing salinity with notes of unripe melon and well-balanced but energetic acidity. This is silky and lush with a long finish.
I couldn’t resist pairing this with a Caprese salad of heirloom tomatoes and burrata
(in place of mozzarella) with the acidity of the wine perfectly cutting through the richness of the cheese’s creamy center and the slight citrus notes of the wine elevating simple, garden-fresh basil leaves.
Piedmont, located in northern Italy, framed by the Alps, and sharing borders with both France and Switzerland, is one of Italy’s top wine-producing regions, especially for the red wines from Barolo and Barbaresco. Recently, I was introduced to The Piedmont Guy (thepiedmontguy.com), “A hyper-focused importer based in the United States [that] proudly represents family-owned wineries dedicated to producing singular wines from the Italian region of Piedmont.” I loved their vibe and their dedication in bringing a unique portfolio of family-owned Piedmont producers to the American market.
Among the producers in their portfolio is Luigi Giordano, a small winery of only seven hectares (just over 17 acres) covering some of the most prestigious crus in Barbaresco. Operated by four successive generations of the family, their first bottling was in 1958. Along with growing the region’s famed Nebbiolo, other varietals include Dolcetto,
Barbera, Freisa and Arneis.
Their 2022 Vino Rosso is a blend of 80 percent Nebbiolo and 20 percent Arneis. The lesser-known white grape varietal Arneis had virtually vanished from Piedmont, with only a few hectares of it planted by the 1960s. Its recovery is a great story in itself, but suffice to say that here, it shows up with great resilience in a beautifully tempered Nebbiolo-forward wine. Lustrous light ruby in the glass, this medium-bodied and rustic red bursts with rose aromas and lots of fruit on the palate - such as ripe cherry and raspberries with hints of leather and spice. It’s a delicious and unpretentious wine made in the “old way” before Nebbiolo had been tamed.
Given it was the Lenten season, I savored every bit of this wine over a Friday evening dinner of stewed cod with tomatoes, a modern version of Baccalà al pomodoro alla Romana, substituting the salt cod with fresh cod. The light and refreshing Vino Rosso complemented the flaky, seared fish without overpowering it, yet had just enough heft to challenge the brothy San Marzano tomatoes.
As always, Salud!...and this month, mangia!
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” - Revelation 22:1-2
AMRITLAL अमृत SPIRITUALITY CONTRIBUTOR @monarch_visionary
TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED YEARS BEFORE QUANTUM SCIENCE WAS DEVELOPED, BUDDHA BECAME A MASTER OF SPACE AND TIME, AS A REALIZED COSMIC BEING.
“With the intensification of conflicts, climate change-related disasters, forced displacement reaching record levels and crises lasting longer than ever, humanitarian needs keep outpacing the response despite the generosity of aid donors. Partnerships are crucial to transform the aid system, end silos and ensure that aid is more efficient and cost-effective. Whole-of-child education programs offer a proven pathway for stakeholders to collaborate in enabling vulnerable children and youth to access quality education in safe learning envi-
ronments so they can achieve their full potential.” - Antonio Guterrez, Secretary General of the United Nations.
With the rapid deceleration of human consciousness threatening the very fabric of our collective existence, the impetus to learn from our ancient ones reborn imparts upon us powerful lessons in spiritual embodiment and enlightened partnerships. To restructure global systems capable of addressing the cessation of suffering, we must restore our highest sense of self, nursing the emergence of a Golden Age.
This month, we investigate Buddhist teachings of wisdom and compassion to restore the power of the cosmic heart, as, awakened ones, we are called to embody our ability to alter our spacetime reality to re-imagine and uplift the collective trajectory for our species.
Born in present-day Nepal, Siddhartha Gautama, a Hindu prince, renounced his position of wealth to seek liberation
from suffering as a spiritual ascetic, eventually attaining enlightenment, and, in preaching his path to others, founded Buddhism in India in the sixth to fifth centuries B.C.
Gautama was raised in a time of profound spiritual transition and reform. Upon his first departure from the illusory protection of his castle walls, he became distraught over the concept of endless suffering afflicting humanity, which he realized would fall upon him, as well, to propel him upon his own path.
He, therefore, abandoned his kingdom, wife and son to follow the example of the religious ascetic and learned from different teachers the spiritual emancipation disciplines of his era. After many years of seeking enlightenment through extreme deprivation and self-mortification, with his quest for salvation unfulfilled, he committed himself to a bed of grass beneath a Bodhi tree where he vowed to remain until he could comprehend the means of living without suffering. Upon deep meditative
contemplation for 49 days, his illumination was complete, and Gautama was now the Buddha, the Enlightened or Awakened One.
Upon awakening, Buddha called his teachings Dharma, meaning “cosmic law”, and set forth the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, as a guide to living one’s life without suffering.
1. Life is suffering, “dukka”
2. Suffering is driven by craving
3. Cessation of craving cures suffering
4. The path to liberation is the Eightfold Path
THE EIGHTFOLD PATH:
Right View
Right Intention
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Twenty-five hundred years before Quantum Science was developed, Buddha became a master of space and time, as a realized cosmic being. Through embodiment of the Eightfold Path, the Buddha developed an energetic soul capacity for comprehending all his past incarnations, as well as the ability to conceive of the infinite dimensions of the Universe, and time and space as
non-linear. Through his transcended state of existence, he was able to impart upon humanity a pathway out of the suffering of his time, and continues to lead countless souls through the illumination of the self-manifested Universe.
Legendary Indian Buddhist master Padmasambhava, also known as “The Lotus-born,” “Precious Guru” (Guru Rinpoche), or “The Second Buddha,” is widely credited with bringing Buddhism to the Tibetan lands.
The ancient legends of Padmasambhava have transcended vastly different periods and cultures, carrying as they do universal messages about the power of human emotions, human achievement and triumph over adversity, self-transformation, impermanence, and the non-linear nature of time.
Legend holds that Padmasambhava
incarnated as a fully enlightened being, unlike Gautama who pursued liberation, and was capable of seeing through time to predict the trouble of the future. To aid future generations, he hid his teachings, known as hidden treasure teachings (terma), throughout the Tibetan lands for his future disciples to discover. Many of these hidden treasures, designed to guide humanity into the Age of Enlightenment, were stored psychically within inaccessible locations, such as inside rock mountains and under the water of lakes and rivers, by enlightened masters such as Yeshe Tsogyal. Hence, the terma can be retrieved only through the meditative power of the tertons. There are 108 great tertons and 1,000 lesser tertons in the Nyingma lineage. The tertons are very special and powerful people, who often have special dreams, even as children, in which they receive blessings and teachings directly from Guru Padmasambhava and Yeshe Tsogyal.
To perceive that which is hidden, the heart’s mind must be opened through devotional living.
In Buddhism, bodhicitta is the “awakening mind,” which is achieved by cultivating excellence in awakening the spiritual heart.
Bodhicitta can only be born of pure compassion, the desire to free all beings from suffering, even those who wish us harm or consider us their enemies. The concept of bodhicitta is woven into many spiritual teachings, beyond Buddhism.
The two levels of bodhicitta are relative and absolute bodhicitta. Relative bodhicitta refers to the compassion that makes one want to embark on the bodhisattva path and treat all beings with kindness.
Absolute Bodhicitta is the realization that the ultimate nature of all phenomena is emptiness. To realize this, two types of relative bodhicitta called aspiration bodhicitta and application bodhicitta must be attained. Aspiration bodhicitta is the wishing intention for all people to be free from the causes of suffering and to experience a sense of fulfillment.
Applicational bodhicitta, on the other hand, is performing actions that bring benefit to others. Through applicational bodhicitta, past timelines and downward trajectories are dissolved as higher pathways emerge. As we channel our spiritual energies into practicing our compassionate intentions we channel manifest our aspirations into higher realities. As our spiritual heart’s will is liberated, the transformation of consciousness follows.
Science confirms that the heart, as an organ, has access to zero-point energy,
which has profoundly transformative potential, both within the subject as well as the corresponding environment through the heart and body’s toroidal field.
Commonly referred to as heart-based intelligence, this is a state of consciousness that arises when we align our thoughts, intentions, and actions with the wisdom of the heart. When we attune ourselves to this intelligence and embrace the Universal Laws that govern all existence, we open the door to the abundant flow of zero-point energy into our lives. By cultivating qualities such as love, compassion, and gratitude, we become resonant vessels for this transformative energy to flow through.
Channeling the will of the Universal Dream for Cosmic Harmony, is also healing and enlightening to the vessel, or Cosmic Avatar.
Accessing zero-point energy through heart-based intelligence enables us to manifest our highest intentions for the collective harmony with tremendous ease and support. Accessing this infinite source of potential, we transcend the constraints of limited thinking and scarcity mentality. We can visualize, intend, and create with a sense of boundless possibility, co-creating a reality that is in harmony with our true essence.
The journey toward accessing zero-point energy and aligning with heart-based intelligence requires a conscious commitment to deep self-reflection, inner healing, and expansion of consciousness. It calls for the cultivation of qualities such as self-love, forgiveness, and compassion. Embracing our power within, we become conscious co-creators, weaving the fabric of our reality with the threads of love, harmony, and abundance.
The greatest gift is to serve others in realizing their life’s purpose.
The Kingdom of Bhutan, a Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom on the Himalaya’s eastern edge, landlocked between China and India, is known for its monasteries, fortresses and dramatic landscapes that range from sub-tropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.
There are over eight major monasteries and approximately 200 smaller monasteries and nunneries, where over 12,000 monks and 5,000 nuns monks in Bhutan, split between monasteries and hermitages, serve across the country’s diverse landscape.
Prior to the introduction of secular education in the 1960s, monastic schools were a powerful force as many sought to have the highest path of service for their progeny. Since then, the popular appeal for a monastic life has dissipated. Buddhist devotion further began to wane since 1999, when Bhutan initially allowed television into its borders - the last country to succumb to pitfalls of technology’s detrimental impact on spiritual awareness.
It is now more common for monks in Bhutan to come from poor backgrounds or from rural regions where there is little hope of finding work or education. Parents place boys from as young as five-, six- or seven-years-old within a monastery, often because they cannot afford to feed them or to pay for the uniforms or textbooks required at one of the government-run schools.
The monks will be ordained while still young, whereupon they’ll join a monas-
tic order and consequently graduate to higher studies of Buddhism. In general, a monk’s life revolves around daily chores, Buddhist teachings and practicing meditation alongside other subjects built into the monastic curriculum such as chhokey, which is well-known as the sacred language of Tibetan Buddhism, Dzongkha, Sanskrit, English Sanskrit and mathematics… and of course, music and dance.
Monasteries play a vital social role, providing homes to thousands of children whose parents may have died or felt unable to support them. These young souls receive training in an ancient power that has been lost to the Western world, as much of civilized society is now scrambling for peace within their hearts and struggling to achieve serenity within their minds.
These children are destined to become great teachers, as the awakening resonant force of Mother Earth calls upon us all to remember the true power of our divinity and our dormant spiritual abilities, which can only be realized as we truly embody compassionate unity.
When we take action to answer the prayers of the children, particularly those who are committing to a life of attaining Nirvana, praying for and serving the liberation of all beings, we are
consequently benefited by the spiritual river of compassion that fills the ether, illuminating our inner channels and meridians. Sensed as bliss, this electrical lifeforce, that is the Universal gift of selfless service, moves through our central pillar, expanding the chakra pedals of our inner Tree of Life to illuminate our veins and activate higher states of existence and recollection of spiritual memories.
Opening our hearts, as we step forward in serving the transition to a new Earth, embodying the teachings of the great masters, through the wisdom holders who have passed these lessons down through embodiment, is key to the survival of our species. Only by wielding the inner sword of enlightenment, can we conquer the demons that ensnare mankind in self-destructive constructs.
The photographs shared within this article are of the monks of Phemsong village near Tashi Gang in Bhutan. Currently, they are renovating and expanding their monastery, and providing prayers for all those who share donations.
This project supports 18 students and 7 teachers, more information can be found at https://aelitaleto.com/ little-monks/.
Stay tuned for next month’s announcement regarding a “Year of the Wood Dragon” webinar on the achieving the Rainbow Body and the Kundalini Shakti Energy led by Amritlal and Aelita Leto to support the little monks of Bhutan.
COACH JOEY VELEZ MENTAL WELLNESS CONTRIBUTOR @velezmentalperformance
WHEN YOU
HEAR THE TERM “ACCEPTANCE,” WHAT COMES TO MIND? MAYBE YOU THINK THAT ACCEPTANCE MEANS IT IS TIME TO GIVE UP ON THIS EXPERIENCE. OR MAYBE YOU THINK THAT ACCEPTANCE MEANS, HOW CAN I CHANGE THIS EXPERIENCE FROM HAPPENING?
Acceptance is another term that society either gets wrong or does not completely understand because true acceptance is not about either of those things. Rather, acceptance is about empowerment, helping someone tolerate the truth of what is occurring rather than letting your emotional reaction take over.
Acceptance is about acknowledging what is happening and that nothing needs to be done to fix it. True acceptance allows you to increase your mental and emotional resources to help you make more helpful, intentional choices, moving forward.
I was one of those people. I felt that acceptance was giving up and moving on because there was nothing more to do. While I felt like this was the right thing to do, I often felt emotions in the family of sadness and disappointment. I was left with a feeling of hopelessness because there was nothing I could do to change the situation. Living like this was extremely uncomfortable, and I felt like something was always holding me back, but I did not realize that it was me who was causing that.
Practicing mindfulness - and truly understanding the meaning of acceptance - allowed me to become my true self. The same situations can occur, but the feeling surrounding them has definitely changed. Instead of focusing on trying to fix what had happened, I shift my mindset to focus on what I could do moving forward. Instead of trying to forget what had happened, I shift my mindset to focus on learning from that experience.
Did I go from those feelings of sadness and disappointment to being super happy and positive? No, but that was not the point. The point of acceptance is to help me keep going and not get bogged down by something that I cannot change. Acceptance can be a hard concept to grasp, because sometimes it can feel like
you are giving up, but that is why it is something you must practice.
This month’s practice to build mindfulness comes in the form of a walking meditation. I previously discussed a sitting meditation, which helped to build mental muscles by increasing awareness of the body, not just the breath.
Walking meditation is the next phase, but with a focus on walking or standing as opposed to sitting. This practice entails intentional focus on the sensations that you experience as you walk, which often we take for granted, but also adds to the experience of developing awareness on what is taking place moment-to-moment.
After reading this column, take several minutes for yourself and go outside where you can walk freely. Once you arrive, notice your breath and your posture as you stand. Observe the placement of your feet, the bend in your legs, the curve of your spine, and the angle of your neck.
With intention, look at your feet and slowly arrange them so they are parallel, slightly less than shoulder width a part. As you feel your weight become distributed evenly, bring your attention to your knees and take a moment to bend and straighten your legs slightly, without
moving your feet, but noticing the flexing and relaxing of the muscles.
Next, settle into a comfortable standing position and roll your shoulders up and back as you take a deep breath and place your head squarely on top of your shoulders, allowing your shoulders to relax. Notice the peaceful nature that comes with a tall, dignified posture. Allow your arms to find a comfortable and relaxed position, and notice your posture as you stand there. Allow your gaze to settle on a spot several feet in front of you.
Once you feel comfortable, direct your attention to the soles of your feet. Notice any sensations at the point of contact with the ground, feel the pressure on the balls and heels of your feet. Notice how there is slightly more pressure along the outside of each foot than on the inside. Without lifting your feet, begin to shift your weight from your left foot to right foot, back-and-forth. Notice the changing sensations in your feet as the pressure of contact moves from one foot and to the other.
As you continue to shift your weight, expand your field of awareness to other muscles in the body to simply notice
what each muscle group is doing: your calves, your quadriceps, your hips, your shoulders.
Now, begin to take slow steps forward. Allow the muscles in your foot and calf to relax as you lift each foot. Notice how your toes hang down as you lift your leg. Give yourself the opportunity to feel every sensation. Notice the wave of pressure as your foot comes in contact with the ground, starting at the toes and flowing through the ball the foot, the instep, and finally the heel.
Feel the tension created in the upper thigh as you lift each leg off the ground and pay careful attention to the bottom of each foot as it makes contact with the ground. Notice how the pressure increases on your heel as your weight begins to shift, and notice how pressure flows through the outside of your foot, to the ball of your foot, to your toes as you take another step forward.
Notice the interconnectedness of every motion with each step. As you walk in this intentional way, allow your awareness to expand beyond your feet and legs. Feel the muscles in your lower back tensing as you step forward, feel the air
against your face as you move through it.
Every movement you make establishes connection after connection. Now, begin to slow your pace back down and come to a stop. Do a quick scan of your body from head to toe, and take in all the sensations generated by this practice.
Finally, take one last deep breath, and bring your attention back to the world around you.
Acceptance of what is taking place can be challenging in the moment, but ultimately allows you to refocus your attention to the present moment and remain control of your emotions and what you need to do in order to be the best version of yourself.
Practicing mindfulness can help you be more accepting of the world around you, the bodily sensations you experience, and also your thinking. Continue to take time for yourself in building your mindfulness practice and see how the world around you changes.
