Rise to glory

Hector had a nasty start to life – he was one of many pit bulls rescued during the Michael Vick animal cruelty case three years ago. Thanks to lots of loving care, rehabilitation and training, Hector is now a Certified Therapy Dog and AKC Canine Good Citizen. He was also recently the recipient of a Community Service in Humane Education Award from the Brooklyn Law School Animal Legal Defense Fund in Brooklyn, New York. The award recognizes Hector’s remarkable work in teaching children and communities the importance of preventing cruelty to animals, specifically pit bulls. Amazing what some TLC can do!

Hector obviously has a sense of humor! Here he bonds with a student friend.

Star -studded adoption event

May 22 was a special day for the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. It marked the organization’s first Adoptapalooza, which was a huge success. Dozens of adoptable dogs and cats took Washington Square Park by storm, winning the hearts of animal- loving New Yorkers. Approximately 50 animals found loving new homes.

A number of celebrities stopped by during the day, including actor Zach Braff (Scrubs); Tinsley Mortimer, (High Society); Maria Sansone, host of LX New York’s “Maria’s Pet Project”; and Prince Lorenzo Borghese (The Bachelor, Season 9). animalalliancenyc.org

Team players

Many people working together can get a lot accomplished. In response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita five years ago, five animal organizations including IFAW, HSUS and ASPCA collaborated to form the Gulf Coast Spay/Neuter Recovery Project. To date, the project has spayed and neutered more than 70,000 dogs and cats in affected areas of Louisiana and Mississippi, significantly reducing the problem of homeless animals in the region. “What this collaboration has accomplished is unprecedented, in that it’s the first time that five national organizations have come together on a project at this level,” said Susan Sampey of the Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society.

Stepping out

Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs over the age of two, according to the Morris Animal Foundation. To help raise awareness and money for canine cancer research, animal lifestyle coach and host of PBS’s Animal Attractions TV, Megan Blake, and her dog Smiley, joined Luke Robinson and his two great Pyrenees on the last leg of his 2,000-mile walking journey from Texas to Massachusetts. Luke’s “2 Dogs 2,000 Miles” trek was inspired after the death of one of his beloved dogs. He and “the boys” had been on the road for about two years when Megan joined them for the last leg of the journey in April. She rejoined the team again on June 18, when Luke and his dogs ended their walk in Boston. “Having lost two dogs to cancer, this cause is very near and dear to me,” says Megan. “I plan to continue doing
whatever I can to support Luke.” 2dogs2000miles.org

Luke, Megan and their canine friends get ready to set out on the last leg of the journey.

Parents plus

When Sally Benson of Grand Junction, Colorado, lapsed into a diabetic coma in 2006, her German pinscher Thor came to her rescue by dialing 911, a task Sally had taught him years earlier. In 2009, when Thor was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Sally knew she had to repay him.

Sally was just one animal guardian recognized by Veterinary Pet Insurance during their National Pet Parent’s Day on April 25. “I couldn’t put my dog down,” she says. “I decided to do everything I could do to help him. He saved my life, so I saved his life.” Today, Thor is cancer free. Three other animal parents were also honored by the company

Thanks to Sally’s devotion, Thor is now cancer free.

Sea dogs

The dog has been “man’s best friend” for centuries, not just on land, but at sea too. Until October 11, the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum in Nantucket, Massachusetts is home to a unique exhibition: “Sea Dogs! Great Tails of the Sea”. Through paintings, vintage photographs, artifacts, family activities and more, the exhibition celebrates lifesaving dogs, US Coast Guard dogs, fishing dogs, lighthouse dogs and favourite canine mascots through the ages. nantucketshipwreck.org

HOLLYWOOD GOES TO THE DOGS

On June 4 and 5, TV and film personalities attended Buddha Bark’s WonderPark Event in Hollywood to check out the latest in holistic health care solutions for canines. The event featured doggie fashion shows hosted by TV personalities Hal Sparks and Kate Linder, dog agility demonstrations, an interactive dog park, readings by animal communicators, teeth cleaning and grooming, massage for people and dogs, gourmet vegan cuisine, natural beverages and dog treats. Other attending stars included actor Eric Roberts, Kristin Bauer (True Blood), Linda Blair, feature film start Brandon Molale and Flipping Out’s Jeff Lewis and Jenni Pulos. buddhabark.com

From top left: Joey King (Ramona and Beezus) with Angel; Laura Nativo, Alana Curry and Nicholle Tom; Pomeranians Bella Luna and Bobby Gorgeous are dressed to the nines.