"Giving Thanks & Helping Others" party to benefit PDE Research!

Barking Mad Bingo at Animal Haven Soho

Junior Mints -- so REFRESHING!

Mommy and me at The New York City Pug Meetup Group's 3rd Annual ALL PUG Halloween Costume Contest Party & Potluck at (and to benefit) Animal Haven Soho.

Sunday, October 28, 2007
Photo taken by Josie Tripicchio

The first Pug Meetup Group party at Animal Haven Soho was a HIT!

Photo compliments of Shaina Fishman Pet Photography

Everyone had a fabulous time and is looking forward to playing there regularly. We estimate that over the course of 2 ½ hours, 65 pugs and upwards of 120 humans passed through the doors eating and partying. While no amount would ever be “enough” in my eyes, we were able to raise $515 for AH through per pug fees ($5.00 each) and our donation raffle (to be a regular happening at every one of our AH Soho events). We also collected a few product donations (case of paper towels, garbage bags, Windex, dishwasher detergent, etc.).

So, needless to say, I think this was the start to a beautiful relationship!

Vanessa Williams and Home Again celebrate Animal Haven's ribbon cutting!

Vanessa Williams attended Animal Haven's ribbon cutting this morning amidst a bevy of paparazzi. She first worked with Animal Haven five years ago and was pleased to be visiting again for this special event which was in conjunction with Home Again.

Two teams of veterinarians and vet techs were on hand to offer free microchipping of both cats and dogs. Home Again gave all participants free activation as well as a first year of free membership.

I wonder what costume I will wear...

Please help me win $1000 for ANIMAL HAVEN!

PetSource.org is running a Halloween photo contest in which the winner receives a $1000 donation to the animal shelter/protection agency of their choice as well as some other pet prizes (which I will also donate to Animal Haven if I win). I am a very late entry so please help me win this contest for Animal Haven by forwarding this email to everyone you know! You may vote once a day so make it part of your morning routine J

Please vote for Rabbi Leonard Rothstein: http://www.petsource.org/contest.aspx?contest_id=%7b1DEFDAB2-E911-4FB9-BF79-99EC494772B8%7d

Thank you!

My proudest moment!

Back in April when Jennifer Bristol, Associate Director of Animal Haven, told my mom that we were going to be honored at this year's Going Home Luncheon, my mom cried.

And then when Jennifer emailed mom the names of the other two honorees -- Lynn Redgrave and Anne Craig -- she cried again.

And THEN when Marcello Forte, Executive Director of Animal Haven, presented us with the Florence Brenner Award she cried AGAIN!

I truly believe she has "issues." But maybe all humans have these weird issues! I mean, why all the crying over such GOOD things?!

Nonetheless, mom made a lifetime commitment to Animal Haven so there is no turning back now!

Some psychologist said that there is no true altruistic act and that philanthropy is basically selfish. If these things are true, I have never been so proud to be selfish!

Pug Halloween Party for Animal Haven in Soho mentioned in "New York Post"

TREATS, TRICKS

HALLOWEEN DOG EVENTS PUT FUN IN FUND-RAISER

Read the article HERE!

Pug Halloween Party for Animal Haven in Soho!

,

Guess what? I'm getting an award...

Abigail is a Star -- and Meets Margaret Cho...

This morning Abigail made an early morning appearance on FOX 5's Good Day New York. Cheers to this NYC favorite morning show for dedicating October to helping homeless canines find homes during adopt a shelter dog month! While at the studio, Abigail was a hit with the on-air folks and staff! In addition, she made quite the impression with actress and comedienne, Margaret Cho.

You can check out the clip

Press Release: Animal Haven Honors Lynn Redgrave, FOX 5's Anne Craig and Lenny the Pug

Contact: Jennifer Bristol, Animal Haven

Jenniferb@ah-nyc.org, 917 613 4832

Animal Haven to Celebrate 40th Anniversary with Annual Going Home Luncheon

The Florence Brenner Award to be Presented to

Award-Winning Actress Lynn Redgrave and FOX 5’s Anne Craig

New York, NY, October 3, 2007– Animal Haven Shelter announced today that the Florence Brenner Award will be presented to award-winning actress Lynn Redgrave, FOX 5’s Anne Craig and New York City’s own canine socialite and fundraiser, Lenny the Pug.

The awards will be presented at Animal Haven’s 40th Going Home Luncheon, which will celebrate the shelter’s 40th anniversary.

The honorees were chosen for their dedication to their own pets and the lives of those without homes:

• Lynn Redgrave, Award-winning actress and Animal Haven adopter

• Anne Craig, FOX 5 reporter

This year’s special canine honoree is Lenny the Pug, who, along with help from his guardian, Lin Randolph, organizes an annual canine birthday celebration that benefits Animal Haven Soho, the new adoption center and pet boutique.

The luncheon will also include a performance by Catherine Hickland (One Life to Live) and appearances by Jennifer Bassey (All My Children), Marj Dusay (Guiding Light), Dick DeBartolo (ABC and Mad Magazine), Spencer Ross (MSG Sportscaster) and Louise Sorel (Days of our Lives). The day’s activities will also feature a silent and live auction.

The Going Home Luncheon will be held Sunday, October 21 at noon at Dante Caterers located at 75-07 31st Avenue in East Elmhurst, NY. Tickets begin at $75. Tickets can be purchased at www.animalhavenshelter.org

Animal Haven places cats and dogs in loving homes, as well as give lifetime care for those who cannot be placed.
The private, no-kill shelter fulfills its mission through adoption programs at the shelter in Queens, Soho Adoption Center and Boutique and the Pets to the People mobile adoption program. In addition, Animal Haven Acres, located in Delaware County, NY is where hard to place dogs and cats can live out their lives in a homelike setting.

# # #

Times Square Dog Day Masquerade

Book launch: Jane May's "Hooked"

Dog-friendly book signing on Saturday, September 29!

Carlie & Alison's photo shoot with photographer, Amanda Jones!

Our friend, author Alison Pace, and her rescued Westie, Carlie, will be signing copies of her latest novel, "Through Thick and Thin."

Zoomies
434 Hudson Street
12:00 - 2:00
All Dogs Welcome
212-462-4480

Photos from Animal Haven Soho's "Soft Opening" on 9/17/07

Missed but not missing from my heart...

Nellie Ellen Gardner
June 7, 1923 - September 11, 2007

My great-grandma passed away last week. While both mommy and I are sad and will miss "Namaw" greatly, she will continue to live in our hearts.

My great-grandparents passed their love for both people and animals to my grandmum who passed that love to my mommy. And well, that means I have been blessed by three generations of animal-lovin' folks who view my well-being as important as their own (even more important at times).

Her presence here on earth will be sorely missed by many, but her spirit will live on in all of us!

I love you, Namaw!

A public thank you from a pug parent...

Hi Lin and Lenny!

I was just wondering if you could post this to the members of our group.

I just want to publicly thank Dennis Buonagura for his help in rescuing our new little pug "Guinness" from a going to the pound. If you don’t know Dennis, you may know his fawn female pug Hazel from Meet Ups on the UWS.

As you may remember, he asked for all of our help in finding a fawn female pug a home before her owners moved away. After communicating with Dennis for a few weeks we arranged to meet last week. I had been thinking about getting a sister for my black female Pug, Bailey who is three years old for a while. Our meeting went well and we arranged to meet at the UWS meet up last week to take “Guinness” home. The first few days she was busy getting adjusted to life at our house, but a week later it’s as if she has been with us for years. Bailey is so happy to have a sister to play with and Guinness is so happy to have a family who loves her and gives her the attention that she needs. Scott and I are so proud of the newest addition to our family!

I wanted to just share some pictures of Guinness and Bailey and once again thank Dennis for connecting us with our new little baby GUINNESS! I hope to see you all soon at future meet ups!

Lauren Brennan

Peanut the Magnificent Pug!

Peanut initially appeared on Pet Star and traveled around the USA until his family decided they could no longer take care of him. Peanut came into rescue in February of 2007 and was adopted by his foster family, The Knapps.

The Knapps did not condone any unsafe or harsh training practices and were very reluctant to let Peanut do his tricks but he took a liking to Craig and wanted to do tricks for him everyday. Craig decided to expand Peanut's routine, but would only do whatever Peanut was comfortable with learning.

Today, Peanut's training regimen consists of taking long walks to get focused and his rewards are usually baby carrots. Peanut is never yelled at or treated badly and gets to choose whether he wants to do a trick or move on to the next one, but Peanut has showbiz in his blood and loves to perform!

Peanut is 5 years old and is currently living out the rest of his life at The Pug Hotel with The Knapps and his six pug brothers and sisters who love him very much! Peanut's profits go to PDE Research because Peanut cares about finding a cure for PDE!

Peanut's next public appearance will be at The New York City Pug Meetup Group's Annual "Giving Thanks & Helping Others" party to benefit PDE Research. The party is scheduled on Sunday, November 11, noon-2:00 p.m. at Animal Haven Soho in New York City.

Peanut can be reached via email at PeanutDaPug@aol.com.

Howl-and-Woof Pawty

Mommy went upstate to help raise money for PDE Research!

So, yesterday my mommy went "upstate" all by herself! I am so proud of her...for a few reasons:

1. She tried something new.
2. She helped a friend.
3. She helped raise money for PDE Research

Mommy's friend, Eev, started a fund for PDE Research. All the monies raised go directly to Dr. Kimberly Greer (Texas A&M) who is currently the only person devoting their entire research to PDE. The fund is not yet a 501(c)3, but Eev is working on that!

So, what is PDE? PDE stands for Pug Dog Encephalitis. This is a horrible disease that affects only the Pug breed which means very little funding exists to support those who wish to do research. And this means there are very few answers to the thousands of questions pug lovers have. Researchers "believe" it is passed genetically, but until more money is raised and more folks are willing to allow an autopsy/necropsy of their dearly departed PDE affected pug we will be left with very few answers.

There are currently no tests for PDE and very few veterinarians know anything about this deadly disease that haunts the Pug breed. Symptoms are similar to epilepsy and inner-ear imbalances, but currently no amount of medication and/or treatment can save a pug's life if s/he has PDE.

Many folks think, "My pug is happy and healthy and I do all the right things so s/he definitely doesn't have PDE." Sadly, nothing in this world is 100% guaranteed. As there are no tests for PDE, pugs are regularly bred and sold by backyard breeders and puppymills to uneducated families and pet shops without a second thought to the potential of their being a PDE "carrier" (in addition to the multitude of potential health issues)

So, how can you help?

1. Do NOT ever purchase pug puppies from pet shops
2. Do NOT purchase pug puppies from a breeder without doing extensive research into both theirs and their adult pug's histories
3. Spay/neuter your pug!
4. Help raise awareness of this horrible disease by educating yourself, friends and family
5. Help raise funds for more research by donating directly, purchasing items that donate to PDE research and attend events that benefit PDE Research

What if my pug passes away from PDE?

Please consider all the lives you could save by allowing Dr. Greer and her team to autopsy/necropsy your pug. Dr. Greer's dedicated team takes great care to guarantee that all pugs are handled with the utmost care and love. Comprehensive reports are included when your pug's cremated remains are returned to you.

Your pug does not have to die in vain! S/he can leave a legacy of knowing that s/he potentially helped to save the lives of thousands of other pugs.

Shop for a Cause: PDE Research!

While all our online shop proceeds are used to fund Lenny's Annual Benefit for Animal Haven, Lenny has made the execu-pug decision to donate the profits from two special items to PDE Research...

Haute Diggity Dog's Limited Edition Puparazzi Pups are available for pre-purchase through September 15 only! They cost you only $12.99 each and Lenny will donate $5.00* from each toy sold. As a bonus, Haute Diggity Dog will be donating 50-cents from each toy sold to various dog rescues (NYC Humane Society included).

"The Ugly Pugling" is the latest in author Nancy Levine's series of Wilson the Pug books. As a huge supporter of the efforts we make to better the pug breed and our canine community, Nancy and Wilson will be providing us with "paw-tographed" bookplates which we will be attaching to every copy of "The Ugly Pugling" sold! This very special book is available for pre-purchase through October 31 only! It costs you only $19.95 and Lenny will donate $5.00* from each book sold.

PRE-PURCHASE NOW!

* Dependant upon shipping choice.

Limited Edition Puparazzi Pups from Haute Diggity Dog!

Available beginning October 22, 2007!

$12.99 each

Proceeds (approximately $5.00) from the sale of each "Pugnelope Cruz" plush toy from Lenny the Pug's Luxuries will be donated to The Pugweiser Fund for PDE Research!

And as an added BONUS Haute Diggity Dog will be donating 50-cents from each toy sold to various dog rescues (NYC Humane Society included!)! Starting October 1, HDD's newest website will be launched: www.helpadogplayanotherday.com. This website will list all of the rescue organizations an no-kill shelters with web links who will receive proceeds as well as how much and where each and every dollar goes! They are hoping to raise $25,000 from this Limited Edition Collection and have plans for another in the Spring -- Barking with the Band Collection!

Pugs for Adoption in NYC area!

From our friend Carrie on Monday, August 20...

A good looking 6 year old light beige, pure bred Pug - very sweet tempered - is looking for a new family. He is a perfect apartment dog. Currently he is owned by an elderly lady who has to move to a nursing home. Would you know of anyone who might be interested? My firend Uma Banerjee will be the contact at (914) 713-0332.

From our friend Josie on August 15...

This is the only photo they have so far(she was too busy trying to give everyone kisses during the photo) but TONS more will be coming for this little princess. So stay tuned.

Check out Adopt-a-Buddy's new foster. She is so adorable. She is very sweet, she loves car rides and walks, she gets along GREAT with other dogs and CATS and children. She loves to play and snuggle up to you in your bed at night. She loves to give you tons of kisses and loves to stay by your side when you are watching TV. She loves to play and is totally potty trained. She is in great shape for a 5 year old girl and acts like a puppy. She is up to date on all her shots and Frontline and spayed as well.

The absolute best dog ever. What more can I say. THE PERFECT PET TO ADOPT AND WELCOME INTO YOUR FOREVER HOME. The person who adopts this little love bug will be the happiest pet owner in the world. She truly is one of the sweetest pugs out there.

And if you are interested in meeting or adopting this little love pug...just go to Adopt a Buddy rescue site and drop Karen an email.

I am fostering this little love bug and I will be bringing her around to the Meetups. See will be making her Debut appearance at the September Happy Paws PUGGIE meetup, so be sure to check her out there. Once you meet her, You will absolutely fall in love with her!!!

Look at that BLING!

Diamonds are definitely a girl's best friend...and apparently a dog's too!

From absolutely stunning 14kt gold and pave diamond breed specific charms on bangles, chains and French wire earrings to the "poor man's" version of the same charms in sterling silver and cubic zirconia, you can deck yourself out in some of the most exquisite BLING created by our friend, Andrea Levine!

And remember your pooch! Andrea's silver and CZ charms can be clipped onto any collar or for the ultimate in luxury buy your classy canine Andrea's American alligator collar bejeweled with 14kt and pave diamond charms!

Meow Mix A-CAT-emy

The Pug Hotel

Are you going on vacation? Are you looking for affordable daycare?

Look no further! The Pug Hotel is owned and run out of the loving home of Eev and Craig Rodriguez-Knapp in Beacon, NY. The couple have extensive knowledge and experience with pugs -- they have 7 of their own!

Be sure to make your reservations EARLY because they fill up quickly!

Also, an extra bonus is that the Eev and Craig use the profits from The Pug Hotel to fund their rescue efforts as well as to donate to The Pugweiser Fund for PDE Research! They are true altruistic people.

My friend, Alison, has a new book out!

So, my mommy finally got around to starting my friend Alison's newest book, "Through Thick and Thin." She has only read the first chapter and is completely hooked. She does wonder, however, if her friends and family in the Midwest would find it as amusing as she can't imagine them understanding the social requirements of Froggyboo (Bugaboo) strollers and velcro closure yoga shoes (vs. real running sneakers). Nonetheless, she is looking forward to more quiet time this weekend so she can continue to read. That is definitely a good sign!

Something new on the horizon...

I love personalized items! So, you can imagine my excitement when just today I was presented with the possibility of selling personalized biscuits on my website! I'm still working out the details, but hopefully you will soon be able to order these biscuits in two sizes (3"-0.5 oz. or 4"-1 oz.), three shapes (bones, hearts or stars) and three flavors (beef & potato, wild Alaskan salmon or peanut butter).

The personalized biscuits will be sold in packages of 3, 6 or baker's dozens (13). And as an added bonus, the manufacturer will donate $10 from every baker's dozen sold to Animal Haven! So, by ordering a baker's dozen, you will be able to double your donation! Woo hoo!

A sport I'd like to see

Compliments of my friend, Susan ...

The Pugweiser Fund for PDE Research

Donations for the Pugweiser Fund should be mailed as follows:

Make check out TO: Texas A&M VTPB
In the Memo section write: Fund For PDE Research -Pugweiser

Address to mail check:

Texas A&M University
ATTN: Dr. K Greer
College of Veterinary Medicine
VMA Building RM. 119 MS 4467
College Station, TX 77843-4467

Another way you can make a difference is to buy the T-shirt that is being sold to raise money for this cause. The T-Shirt is currently available in a biege/natural color in the following sizes: Small 34-36, Medium 38-40, Large 42-44, XL 46-48 and XXL 48-50. They are Jersey Heavyweight shirts (but they are very stretchy and actually very lightweight. T-Shirts are 18.00 each. Shipping is $3.00 for each one. If you are buying multiples, each additional shirt is only $1.00.

All profits from the sale of this shirt will go to The Pugweiser Fund For PDE, but the shirts are being sold through Eev Rodriguez-Knapp not through Texas A&M. Please email Eev at ThePugHotel@aol.com to order t-shirts.

Dr. Greer is going strong on research. She is very friendly and is also a pug mommy of 4, has served on Pug Rescue committees and also lost one of her pugs at a very young age, so she understands how devastating it is to lose a beloved pug. I encourage you to contact her should you lose your dog to PDE or suspect that your pug may have PDE. Dr. Greer also suggests that everyone look at The Pug Dog Club of America's website for information that is updated more frequently on PDE

Compliments of The Pug Hotel

Pug Dog Encephalitis: Facts Not Fiction

from PugVillage.com...

Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is probably a Pug owners greatest concern and worst fear. Unfortunately, very little is known about this disease, however what is known, for certain, is presented here for the benefit of Pug owners and those considering Pugs as their breed of choice. Please note that this article serves only as an introduction to, and general description of PDE. For information on PDE in greater detail, consult veterinary sources found in your local library or on reputable internet sites.

What we do know about PDE is that it is an inflammation of the brain that strikes adolescent Pugs usually between the ages of 2 and 3. What causes this inflammation, in Pugs, and at this age range in particular is all unknown to this date.

Symptoms:

Seizures are the primary symptom of PDE, however it is vitally important to understand and remember that seizure activity in Pugs does not necessarily indicate PDE is the cause. Pugs may also suffer seizures from Epilepsy, exposure to toxic chemicals or gasses and for unknown and unexplained reasons.

Lethargy and loss of muscle coordination are two symptoms that do, but don’t always precede seizure activity caused by PDE. Similar to the presence of seizure activity, neither of these two symptoms together or apart definitively indicates PDE is the cause. Lethargy is a symptom to nearly all illnesses that can strike a dog ranging from a common infection to something more serious. A loss of muscle coordination likewise can indicate other problems such as neurological issues and a side effective to convulsive activity brought out by inner ear disturbances such as Vestibular Disease or ruptured ear drums.

Pacing in circles before or between seizures is a fairly common symptom of PDE. The Pug will pace in a circular motion over and over again for a prolonged period. Head pressing against objects such as walls or furniture is another symptom seen with PDE. This pressing activity normally occurs frequently and for a prolonged period of time. Pugs suffering from PDE may also exhibit signs of agitation and/or aggression whereby the Pug appears disturbed for no apparent reason or aggression that is uncharacteristic of our Pugs and comes on suddenly also for no apparent reason.

Two Classifications of PDE:

Slow Progressive: This classification of PDE features seizure activity and sometimes the additional symptoms preceding the seizure activity. The seizures will strike, last anywhere from just a few seconds to a few minutes and then recur in a matter of days or weeks. In between these seizures, the Pug will return to normal and demonstrate no symptomatic characteristics associated with PDE.

Rapid Progression: This classification of PDE features seizure activity that is often more frequent, but not always. In between the seizure activity however, the Pug does not return to normal but instead does demonstrate symptomatic characteristics associated with PDE. These characteristics between seizures are commonly depression, bewilderment, disorientation and signs of lacking muscular coordination such as having difficulty walking.

The end result of either classification of PDE unfortunately is the same. Whether it strikes in the slow progressive or the rapid progressive form, PDE will eventually kill the Pug. Those Pugs that have been diagnosed with PDE and said to have survived are widely believed to have been misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed conclusively.

Difficulty of Learning More About PDE:

Broad Symptoms: Understanding the way seizure activity, lethargy and a lack of muscular coordination can indicate any number of health issues explains the difficulty veterinarians often have diagnosing PDE. While a favoring of one leg while running is a tell tale sign of Luxating Patella, or a crater in the cornea a sure sign of a corneal ulcer, the symptoms of PDE can span a wide range of possible causes making this disease difficult to diagnose.

Sudden Death: PDE normally strikes quickly, and frequently either kills the Pug or results in the owner agreeing to put his/her dog to sleep. This leaves little or no time to run tests such as CAT scans or MRI’s that might possibly help veterinary research learn more about this disease. Autopsies and tissue donation to veterinary research helps to provide some means of examination into PDE, however the speed at which PDE strikes and results in death surely makes researching the disease all the more difficult.

Pug Specific: Were this a disease to strike dogs of all or many breeds, more urgency would exist to research PDE so that a cause and cure could be found. But this is, after all, Pug Dog Encephalitis, not Pug/Poodle/Pomeranian/Pit Bull Dog Encephalitis and thus the urgency simply does not exist.

For better or worse however, with the increasing popularity of Pugs has come an increase in the veterinary research activity into PDE. This is though a bittersweet situation as this increase in the Pugs’ popularity has also resulted in an increase in the frequency of PDE, something that has led to support the already present belief that there is a genetic component to the disease.

Please help protect our home from Global Warming!

So, I work really hard at making my mommy work really hard to improve my canine community not only here in my hometown of New York City, but everywhere in the world! However, this is not going to do us animals any good if you humans continue to poison the planet!

Yes, yes, I am on my soapbox again today, but I am not going to apologize! I pledge to give up one treat for every step you take towards making your life more green. From small things like recycling to medium things like taking public transportation (or walking/bicycling) to large things like powering your home with the sun or wind, we can all do something within our means. I've even given you a link below to a website with great ideas!

Manhattan, New York City: With high concentrations of population living just above sea level, New York and Los Angeles were listed in a recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as being at risk of potentially catastrophic "megafloods" resulting from rising oceans and stronger storms in the next century.

Tips for going green!

from www.liveearth.msn.com

Best in Show Bowl

Dinner service for one in a style sure to set tails wagging and judges purring. From the durable handcrafted resin frame holding your choice of seeded clear or frosted glass bowls, to the detailed pedigreed medallions available in a variety of breeds, you and your pet will find yourselves in the winners circle with a piece both of you can use.

Both durable and strong, it has at the same time an elegant beauty that will attract even the most persnickety pet. Select the Sunburst Medallion if you don't see your special friend. The finely detailed, pedigreed accents shown below, allow you to match your Jo Sherwood Best in Show Bowl with your pet's breed. These medallions personalize your bowl, and proudly display your pet preference.

Small Bowl Dimensions:
7" Diameter
4" High
Holds: 2 1/2 Cups

Large Bowl Dimensions:
9 3/4" Diameter
5 1/4" High
Holds: 8 Cups

Scumbag of the Year!

Ask NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Michael Vick from the NFL immediately. Anything less would be an outrage.

and...

Please sign this petition to stop NIKE from keeping this scum Vick as their spokesperson.