SoHo Says…Give an adoptable pet a chance!

Many people are surprised when they find out my sisters and I were former shelter/rescue dogs. I honestly don’t know why – it appears many folks don’t understand that adoptable pets make fabulous pets and are not homeless because they did something wrong. Sure, when momma picked us up from our respective shelter and rescue, we needed a bit of grooming and weren’t as pretty as we are now. We are so grateful that momma saw beyond our appearance, took us home and gave us the love we needed – and in the end we blossomed into the fabulous fur-friends we are today.

Momma is not alone….Dan Stallings is an amazing man who founded and runs the Mid-Atlantic Weimaraner Rescue out of Virginia Beach. Dan had one particular dog that he rescued who blossomed beyond anyone’s imagination, his name is Maverick. Maverick is a 5 year old Weimaraner, acquired off Craigslist in 2010. Maverick was 25 pounds and as you can imagine, extremely underweight, he had a staff infection on his nose, a pressure sore on his chest, his nails were grotesquely long, and his paws and tail were raw from self mutilation. When Dan realized Maverick was so poorly treated, he quickly “bought” him off Craigslist and took him into his rescue. Dan worked very hard with Maverick to get his eating schedule on track, build trust in people and to socialize. Amazingly enough, Dan found that Maverick was a perfect show dog and after working with him for several months, Maverick began “showing” in his breed. Soon thereafter, he took the breed title and went on to earn his Grand Champion title. By February 2012, he was showing in the Super Bowl for pups….the Westminster Dog Show!!!

I share Maverick’s story with you because when you consider your next pet…please check out adoptable pets at your local shelter or rescue. If you are not finding the right pet for you, check out http://www.petfinder.com or http://www.petango.com and expand your search. Don’t judge a potential pet by its picture or appearance at the shelter or rescue, consider its potential to be a fabulous fur-friend thanks to the love and care you will give!

SoHo Says…No More Homeless Pets!!

So by now, I’m sure you know… I am a self proclaimed advocate for homeless pets. My sisters and I were adopted and I support many events for many shelters and rescues including but not limited to the SPCA of Luzerne County, Griffin Pond Shelter, Blue Chip Rescue, Animal Haven (in SoHo) and North Shore Animal League (of which my momma’s BFF Beth Stern is the spokes person for). Educating our younger generations about considering adopting a homeless pet is so important and these organizations do such a wonderful job at educating others.  In fact, every year the SPCA of Luzerne County conducts a “Poster Contest” for school aged students in grades K through 12, in conjunction with Be Kind To Animals Week which is always the first week of May. This year – the theme is “No More Homeless Pets” and the posters are to demonstrate pet adoption. What a wonderful forum to teach children about the importance of considering the option of adopting their next pet. Attached is the link to more information on the contest. Please pass this information along to anyone who has school aged children – the more children we have engaged in helping pets find their fur-ever home, the more lives we save!!

http://www.spcaluzernecounty.org/

SoHo Says…Best in Show!

Monday and Tuesday, February 13th and 14th marks my Super Bowl….the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show which will be broadcast on the USA channel. The show is in its’ 136th year and gets its name from the long gone Westminster Hotel in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has a very rich history. Such famous pooches have walked its’ runway – did you know J.P. Morgan’s collies used to walk the runway in the late 1800’s, early 1900’s?

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show not only provides a forum for showcasing a runway for some of the most beautiful pooches in their breed, but it also supports very important charities. The Westminster Kennel Foundation has awarded veterinary school scholarships to top students every year since 1990. Additionally the foundation provides support to the ASPCA, Angels on a Leash, Greyhound Friends and The Seeing Eye and Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind. Throughout the years, the dog show has donated proceeds to homeless and disabled dogs throughout the United States.

I’ve concluded that my sisters and I may never walk the runway of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – however we will continue to watch it every year from the comforts of our sofa, place bets on who we believe will be “best in show” and know that the show is more than a beauty pageant or Super Bowl – it supports dog related charities too:)

SoHo Says…put an end to the “winter blues”!

So often I hear people say I have the “winter blues”. Fortunately for me, in all my years, I’ve never experienced those “winter blues”. Why you ask….because momma keeps us (my two sisters – Coco Chanel and Prada and I) quite busy, there is no time for “winter blues”. In the interest of staying busy, I thought I would pass along some fun and fabulous events that are upcoming in 2012 and also benefit my fur-friends at the SPCA of Luzerne County (my sister’s orphanage).

• May 12 – 18: the Barnes and Noble Spring book fair will be held May 12th to the 18th
• June 3: the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Run (Momma and I will be following in her convertible)
• October 6: Walk for the Animals at Frances Slocum State Park
• October 25: A Halloween costume themed Skate Away Roller Skating Party

There are so many ways to get out of those “winter blues” – consider going to the shelter and volunteering to walk dogs, play with bunnies and kitties, clean cages, show off some pups at the monthly Petco Adoption Events or even consider representing the shelter at reading events with children. The opportunities are endless. Well for now, check out these upcoming fabulous events, mark your calendars and put an end to the “winter blues”!

SoHo Says…make only one resolution this new year!

Coco Chanel and I are thrilled that Santa brought us a sister on December 11th. Our new sister is about 2 years old and is a 6 pound maltese/shihtzu mix named Prada. She is an amazing little lady and I love her! Prada was neglected in her former home and ended up in a shelter covered in fleas, matted and emaciated – but amazingly enough – like all other dogs, she is living in the moment and enjoying life. She has an amazing little spirit and is not dwelling on her past and enjoying the present with us!

As the year is winding down and you are thinking through your new years’ resolutions, consider only ONE….live in the moment and enjoy life! Focus on what brings you happiness and spend time with the ones you love! Have a happy and healthy new year!

SoHo Says…Home For The Holidays

A couple of years ago I watched a movie called “A Dog Named Christmas” which is based on Greg Kincaid’s novel. The movie is about a young man who hears that the local animal shelter is looking for families to foster a pet for the holidays, hoping that some will be permanently adopted. Long story short, the foster dog was a wonderful addition to their home and they eventually adopted the pup. The family quickly realized that their foster pup brought so much happiness and joy into their home that they had to adopt him. The pup quickly became part of their family.

So many shelters, including the SPCA of Luzerne County and the Griffin Pond Shelter, are asking that you welcome an adoptable pet into your home as a foster for the holiday season. Obviously it is a win/win for all! Fostering provides the opportunity to brighten a homeless pet’s holiday season by providing the much needed attention and warmth they need which will also help them socialize and improve their chances of being adopted. The love and affection you’ll receive in return will be like no other! Also…you will get answers to questions that most people have: How would my cat or dog feel about having another pet in our home? And for those without a pet, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn if you’re ready for one.

If you are considering adding a fur-friend to your home, please consider adopting or fostering a pet from a shelter or rescue group.  Who knows….you may receive the best holiday gift of all – a new forever family member and best friend!

SoHo Says…Macy’s helps homeless pets find their fur-ever homes!!

It is hard to believe it is November already. You know what that means…my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, will be here before you know it. Every Thanksgiving morning, I love to sit in my living room and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as I remember the many things I am thankful for…most importantly the loving home that I have lived in for the past 5 years since being adopted.
Macy’s in NYC is an amazing store. Not only do they sponsor the most amazing parade in the most amazing city, it is the backdrop of the movie Miracle on 34th Street! I recently heard about a wonderful holiday tradition that the San Francisco Macy’s has…beginning the week before Thanksgiving until New Years, Macy’s on Union Square offers their holiday window space to the San Francisco SPCA to showcase pets in need of homes. During the 25 years that they have had this tradition, over 2000 pets have found their fur-ever homes and several hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised in donations. This wonderful act of kindness and compassion defines the Magic of Macy’s.
This Thanksgiving, remember the true meaning of the holiday season – it is a time for compassion and goodwill toward others. And if you are looking for a companion this holiday season, consider adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue.

SoHo Says…that’s Amore!

I had a fabulous Saturday afternoon with Momma and Aunt Julie today….The three of us went to the grand opening of Amore Jewelry and Gifts in Shavertown, PA. My fabulous friend and amazing business woman, Mary Bartos, expanded her bridal boutique and now offers fun and funky jewelry, scarves, handbags and so much more. Her shop has something for everyone! I personally started my holiday shopping for my momma and sister. Mary has an eye for fun and funky fashion accessories – not to mention Mary is an absolute doll – and makes every person that walks in her shop feel that they are special!  If you are looking for a unique gift or if you are planning to get a start on your holiday shopping – consider stopping in Amore Jewelry and Gifts in Shavertown Pennsylvania….that’s Amore!

SoHo Says…Pawsitively Perfect Pet Salon is Pawsitively Fabulous!

This past weekend, my momma volunteered to walk Petie the Poodle from the SPCA of Luzerne County in the Pittston Tomato Festival Parade in the hopes that he may find his fur-ever home through being showcased in the parade. Petie was so lucky because the day before the parade, a wonderful woman, Diane Kosek, and her team of groomers at her salon, Pawsitively Perfect Pet Salon, picked up Petie and three other dogs residing at the SPCA of Luzerne County and gave them a day at the spa – an extreme makeover – in the hopes to increase their chance of adoption. Diane also invited the dogs (and SPCA volunteers) to walk in the Pittston Tomato Festival Parade hoping parade spectators would want to adopt the pups. The dogs strutted their stuff in the parade – in fact, Petie walked down Main Street Pittston like it was a run way in New York’s Fashion Week.  My momma said that when the parade was over and she was dropping Petie off at the shelter, there were many people there interested in learning more about adopting him and the other dogs in the parade. The time and commitment that Diane and her team gave these pups is invaluable –  as they have helped these pups get one step closer to their furr-ever homes.

Thank you, Diane and Team at Pawsitively Perfect Pet Salon!!!

http://pawsitivelyperfectpetsalon.com/

SoHo Says…I’m having a BALL this summer!

I’ve had such a busy summer – lots of fun! The beginning of July, momma and I took home a beautiful older little lady from the SPCA – her name is Gucci. Unfortunately after momma took her to the doctor – we found that Gucci has diabetes which is an unfortunate illness that requires a lot of care and time. Don’t get me wrong, momma loves Gucci dearly but was concerned with the time she needed to be properly cared for, given momma’s work schedule. Long story short, through momma’s wonderful friends at the SPCA (Cary and Karen) Gucci was re-homed with the most caring woman nearby – she is a retired teacher with two other diabetic dogs – she also has the time to properly care for Gucci. Gucci tells me she is very well and happy with her new home. When I tell that story…even I get tears in my eyes…my sister Coco Chanel and I truly love Gucci and enjoyed sharing our home with her.

The last Sunday in July, my Uncle Albert and some friends came over for some pool-time fun…..I’ve taken a particular liking to Uncle Albert who played ball with me extensively….I am hoping he comes over again soon – he’s a lot of fun! Uncle Albert, if you are reading my blog, please come over again soon…I miss you!!

This past week, my dear friend Snicker’s mom’s restaurant, the Cork, hosted a week-long fundraiser for the SPCA of Luzerne County, the Dog Days of Summer. And…of course, I was there. I had a fabulous burger and got to see my wonderful friend Ruth Corcoran (Snicker’s mom) and I was even on the WBRE news – I am such a SUPER STAR!

As the summer winds down, the fun continues….