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contents
COVER PHOTO: Jill Rappaport and her dog Rubie shot for “Dog Gone Smart” by photographer Michael Bagley
PET RETAILER - FIFI & ROMEO PAGE 22 PET SEEN PAGE 24 PET OF THE MONTH PAGE 26 PET PERSON W/ CHRISTY OLDHAM PAGE 30 HALO FEED IT FORWARD/ELLEN DeGENERES PAGE 38 UP CLOSE & PAW-SONAL W/ KATIE MALONEY PAGE 42 12
THE LUXURY RE TRAC TA BLE LEA SH FOR YOUR STA R H AND MADE WI TH SWA R O V SKI ELEMENTS
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contents
NY PET FASHION PHOTOS PAGE 48 UP CLOSE & PAWSONAL W/ JILL RAPPAPORT PAGE 64 PET PERSON DANIEL DiCRISCIO PAGE 72 STEVEN RAE’S “VINTAGE HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITY & PETS” PAGE 76 BEVERLY’S “AFRICAN ADVENTURES” PAGE 82 TRIBUTE TO A DOG PAGE 94 14
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editor’s letter
“MARIA” “The most beautiful sound I have ever heard.. Maria, Maria, Maria. All the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word” (the opening line of “Maria” sung by the ill fated lead character Tony in the Broadway musical “Westside story” 1956). “Maria” was and will always be the most beautiful word and the most beautiful friend and woman I have ever met. As we put the finishing touches on Lick Magazine’s 2015 Spring Lifestyle issue I am very proud and happy of all our accomplishments, beautiful visuals, pet stories and celebrity interviews. I am also reminded of my good friend Maria who passed away this season last year and whose birthday is celebrated this month. Lick Magazine was created with passion and love for animals-- A tribute to those who live life each day with love, passion and compassion for everyone they meet (human and animal alike). Pet people are like no other. Maria was one of those people-- beautiful inside and out. This photo of “Maria” and a friends dog reminds me of her just like it was yesterday. As we move into Spring let us stop and enjoy the blooms of the season. Stop and smell the roses. Take a walk with your dog. Play with your cat. Enjoy your significant other and if you don’t have one get one. Enjoy the present as it is “a present”. Remember to live each day with love, support and appreciation of everything and everyone (people and pets) that are good in your life. Enjoy the “simple” things and take nothing for granted. As “Spring is here”!! .. So Beautiful and Bright .. And then it’s .. “ gone”. The most beautiful word I have ever heard in a single word.. “Maria” Always remembering you with love. We dedicate our first issue to you, your passion for life and your love for people and animals.
Barbara
Barbara@lickmagazine.com
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Publisher/Editor in Chief Barbara Jayne
Barbara has 30 years experience in Publishing, Advertising and Media working with notable print entities from Andy Warhol’s “Interview Magazine” to Conde Nast’s “Self Magazine” and now her own “on line” pet publication “Lick Magazine”.
Editor Vicki Salemi
Vicki is a NYC-based journalist rocking out to interviewing notable names in entertainment. In this Lick edition, she chats with KATIE MALONEY of “Vanderpump Rules” and Vicki spends time with NBC’s JILL RAPPAPORT discussing Jill’s activism and passion for pets.
Production Beverly Houwing
Beverly Houwing is a photographer and graphic designer. See Contributors page for details.
Staff Photographer Clinton H. Wallace
Acclaimed celebrity photographer and indie filmmaker extraordinaire Clinton H. Wallace has over two decades experience working in the entertainment industry. In addition to being a staple at every A list red carpet event, Wallace has also produced or executive produced numerous award-winning independent feature films.
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contributors Rhiannon “Nikki” McFarling “I have always been creative. I grew up with a passion to do everything. I have always tried to live my life helping others and creating new things”. Nikki is a multi-talented and driven young woman who currently resides in Los Angeles, California. “Nikki” loves to write short stories and poetry but is also a master at social media helping many Hollywood VIPs keep their latest happenings current.
Andrew H. Walker A staff photographer at “Getty Images”, Andrew did our shots of Jill Rappaport. He shoots editorial, corporate and portrait assignments both domestic and international. His assignments include large scale global events such as the “Cannes Film Festival” and “TriBeCa Film Festival”. In Andrew’s own words “I love photography.. At the end of the day, even an exhausting one, I’d rather be doing this than anything else.” See more of Andrew’s work at: www.AndrewHWalker.com
Brooke Mason Brooke Mason an Australian-born photographer has been capturing stunning images for the fashion and entertainment worlds for over 15 years. Originally based in New York City, and now living on the West Coast, her work has been featured on the covers and editorial pages of fashion and lifestyle magazines worldwide. “People see what they want to see in my work, its up to interpretation, that’s essentially what art should do. Any reaction is a good one for me.” See more of Brooke’s work at: www.brookemasonphotography.com.
Steven Rea Steven Rea was born in London and raised in New York City. He has been a “Philadelphia Inquirer” (www.Philly.com) movie critic since 1992. His columns include “On Movies” appearing in the “ Inquirer’s” Sunday Arts and Entertainment Section as well as “On Movies Online” (his blog). He is a member of the National Society of Film Critics and is also the author of the book “Hollywood Rides a Bike”. He has a wonderful collection of vintage celebrity pictures portraying stars and their pets which we are delighted to feature in Lick Magazine.
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contributors Chirsty Oldham Chirsty Oldham acclaimed independent filmmaker, published author on canine health and pet entrepreneur, is of Brythonic Celtic ancestry. She is the founder of Demi Goddess Pictures and is CEO of Healthy Dogs! Pet Care service. She has written, produced, directed and starred in numerous, award winning feature films. Oldham’s latest feature film, ‘Barracuda’, a vigilante thriller gained her critical acclaim with 3 Best Picture awards. Look for her new book ‘Christy Oldham’s Manual to a Happy and Healthy Dog’ on Amazon. She is currently in development of a 3D animation movie with a dog as protaganist. She resides in Los Angeles.
Devin Johnson Devin is a 2011 graduate of NYU with a BA in Film & Television. In 2012 Devin co-founded a video production company (dog-army.com) that specializes in real estate. Since then, Devin has filmed over 300 apartments in NYC and surrounding areas, as well as filmed web series pilots, client testimonials and photographed various events. In his free time Devin likes to make short comedy videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KHZwKhI9c4) and record and perform original music (www.sunsetdiver.bandcamp.com).
Beverly Houwing Beverly Houwing has had a passion for photography and a love for animals as long as she can remember. She feels photos have a lot of influence on our lives in general. At age eleven, on her first trip to Africa, she was “hooked” and has been making regular trips there ever since. Her photography has been exhibited at the G2 Gallery, Calumet Photo, Photo LA, as well as featured in Smithsonian and other magazines. She organizes photo-safaris in Africa and is taking groups there in 2015 & 2016. Details are on her web site: www.squidgallery.com in the “Photo Trips” section.
Daniel Martinez Matallana Daniel Martinez Matallana is originally from Bogota, Columbia. Daniel Martinez Matallana now lives on New York’s lower east side. Daniel shoots for every hot trend, fashion and lifestyle publication. We think Daniel is so cute He could be a model in one of his own photo shoots! See more of Daniel’s work at: www.MatallanaStudios.com.
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lick pick
FIFI & ROMEO the First Lifestyle Brand Famous for Pet Apparel www.FifiandRomeo.com
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pet seen BOOK LAUNCH
Photos by Clinton H. Wallace/Photomundo International
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TOP DOG
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Photos by Clinton H. Wallace/Photomundo International
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T
he fabulous and famous, Beans, the Whippet. #dogactor #model #surfer #therapydog #spokesdog Catch more of her and her antics at www.beansthewhippet.com.
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pets of the month
U
nknown dog (at least we think he/she’s a dog) from the “Super Zoo Show” Las Vegas, NV. If this is your dog we want to know. “What Charisma and fashion style!! He/She wears it well!!
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Wiener Dog Internationals
At The Grove theaters in Los Angeles, CA a star studded movie premiere attracted some of Hollywood’s finest. And of course, their dogs! Wiener Dog Internationals is the sequel to the sold out family film in 2013 Wiener Dog Nationals. The films star the eternally beautiful Morgan Fairchild along side the leading men Jason London and Bryan Batt. The younger actors in the film include Julian Feder, Caitlin Carmichael and Austin Anderson. This pooch friendly film is the brainchild of director Kevan Peterson. One of the key messages in the film is to adopt shelter dogs. Hence the star dog Mila Meinser’s stage name SHELLY. In fact, there are over 64 dogs in the film from different countries! And they each have a unique outfit. The designer doggie duds for both films were made by designer Cheryl Keninger. And boy, are you in for a big surprise this time! So, if you saw a couple hundred dogs all dressed up at The Grove on 3/26, you know why. Be sure and follow us on Face Book: Wiener Dog Nationals Movie twitter: @wdn_movie
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pet person
H
ere at Lick Magazine, we love a good read and came across a popular book by acclaimed Indie filmmaker Christy Oldham that has been on everyone’s bed side table ever since. But it’s not about film. She actually wrote a thorough and comprehensive manual about dogs from her years of experience as a pet sitter to some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Intrigued? So were we. It’s called ‘Christy Oldham’s Manual to a Happy & Healthy Dog’ and she covers everything from choosing the best diet to reading the signs of illness, controlling fleas, diagnosing different types of allergies and performing canine CPR. She even donates a portion of the proceeds to animal rights groups and pet charities in Los Angeles. We had the opportunity to sit down with Christy and speak our favorite language with her- Canine!
Photo by Clinton H. Wallace/Photomundo International
LM: Wow, Christy, so we know that you make feature films. Your last movie, ‘Barracuda’ did very well. When do you find the time to also care for dogs, make movies AND write books? CO: I love making movies and I love dogs. I’m so fortunate that I get to do both. My pet care business actually helps to fund my movies. Sorta like Francis Ford Coppola. He makes wine. I walk dogs. LM: How long have you been in business? CO: I opened my pet care business in 2006. And it’s been a fantastic experience. My staff is wonderful and they bring their own expertise to the table. Dogs are my specialty but we also care for bearded dragons, giant turtles, birds, chickens, mice and of course cats.
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LM: Do you have a favorite breed of dog? CO: German Shepherds and Chocolate Labs are my favorite breeds only because they mirror my adventurous spirit. I love to hike, swim, dive, chill at the beach and rustic camp. Anything to do with the outdoors and water, I’m there. One of my very favorite things to do is go to the Huntington Dog Beach in Southern California and watch all of the dogs romp and play in the surf. I’m around a lot of breeds of dogs though and enjoy and appreciate each of them. That is why I wrote the book. I’m around so many different breeds, each with their own personalities, specialties and issues that I’ve become somewhat of an expert on dog behavior. We humans get so caught up in our over stimulated world that we sometimes overlook subtle canine clues which could alleviate unnecessary suffering. I’m all about spreading knowledge. LM: That’s so true. And the book is really good. We liked seeing pictures of your Hollywood client’s actual dogs and were guessing who they could belong to. Can you indulge? CO: I always sign a non-disclosure agreement so unfortunately I can not reveal their identity. But, I will give you some hints. One guy was in a series of big blockbuster movies about pirates, another is an infamous British rocker, and a character actress whose face has graced the screen for over 40 decades. They are all very down to earth and their dogs are mostly rescues and mutts, not what you might think. LM: Ohhh, very cool. We love celebs who rescue and save lives. So many dogs need homes. Good to see Hollywood elite doing it too. So, what’s next in your busy schedule? CO: I have a few more book signings coming up in Hollywood. The book is doing really well; a lot of people are enjoying it via download (e-book) on their mobile devices. But I also have it up on Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback. The book will then lead to a 3D animation movie about dogs. We are in development now.
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LM: It seems like you work a lot. Where do you get all of your energy? CO: I keep hydrated and eat healthy. Meditation and yoga is essential. Lots of protein power smoothies. Work? I never work. Any day spent in the company of dogs is a good day. I love what I do and can’t wait to get ideas manifested. LM: A dog loving filmmaker/entrepreneur who craves adventure. CO: That’s me! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Find out more info about Christy at: www.DemiGoddesPictures.com www.HealthyDogsPetSittingService.com
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pearl of wisdom from pearl
P
earl says “Did you ever notice that some cats like to take their daily cat naps in the sun? Apparently it is not just the fact that we cats look incredible in natural sunlight when posing for a picture, but we also like to keep our body up at 102 degrees. When we fall asleep, our temperatures tend to drop, so we seek out the sunlight to keep us warm while we are at rest. Also, some scientists believe this is how we cats (and dogs too) get our Vitamin D3, laying in the sun converts the oils in our fur to Vitamin D, and then ingest it by grooming ourselves! And...it doesn’t hurt that the lighting makes our shiny fur look extra fabulous - for me, it brings out the green in my eyes too! Meow. If you and your kitty are looking for a new place to live - where the sun is just right - try giving my mommy a call! She’s the Real Estate Lady in NYC. www.bondnewyork.com/nyc_real_estate_agent_444.htm
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Book available May 2015 37
feed it forward
Halo Ellen DeGeneres’ natural pet food company, Halo, Purely for Pets, in partnership with Freekibble.com, gifted 20 non-winning Oscar nominees a gift that gives back by donating 10,000 meals of natural pet food to the animal shelter or rescue of the celebrity’s choice. The gift was part of the coveted $160,000 “Everyone Wins at the Oscars®” gift bags from Distinctive Assets, the LA-based marketing firm that launched the craze of celebrity swag 16 years ago, and once again consoled non-winning Oscar nominees in the Best Actor/Actress, Supporting Actor/Actress and Director categories with an array of special products and services. The Halo and Freekibble.com donation of Halo Spot’s Stew and new line, “Vigor” stands out from the typical gift bag items, which usually focus on luxury and leisure and taps into the generous nature of many celebrities. Last year, top celebrities like Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Barkhad Abdi and June Squibb took advantage of the donation for their favorite shelters. Los Angeles-based shelters received donations on behalf of the nominees as well. In total, Halo and Freekibble.com donated 200,000 meals on behalf of Oscar nominees.
“We know so many celebrities are advocates for homeless animals like we are,” said David Yaskulka, Halo’s vice president of marketing communications. “We’re excited to feed it forward to shelters on behalf of the stars!” Well known for its year-round philanthropic efforts, Halo, Purely for Pets partners with Freekibble. com and GreaterGood.org to donate more than 1.5 million meals to shelter pets each year through the #HaloFeeditForward campaign. The company also donated 1 million meals to shelter pets for the U.S. Postal Service Adopt a Shelter Pet Stamp Program, and sponsors the acclaimed PBS series “Shelter Me.” Nominees received some Halo Spot’s Stew food and Liv-a-Littles treats for their own pets to enjoy. In addition to Halo and Freekibble.com’s donation, Oscar “losers” also received luxury items like MAAZ Luxury Hair Care products, LG Tone INFINIM wireless headsets, Haze Vaporizers, Slow Watches, Steamist Total Sense Home Spa System, personal training sessions, first class vacations and more. Halo, Purely for Pets www.halopets.com/oscars www.freekibble.com
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up close & paw-sonal
KATIE RULES by Vicki Salemi
Photo by Brook Mason Photography
On the paper it says he’s a miniature poodle Maltese. He’s definitely poodle and he has this little under bite.
Photo by Brook Mason Photography
S
ure, Katie Maloney’s a server at Sur restaurant and bar in West Hollywood and featured on Bravo’s reality hit show Vanderpump Rules, but you may not know she’s been smitten by the new love of her life: her puppy Gordo Von Friendenheimer. Lick Magazine: Let’s talk about your role on Vanderpump Rules. What can viewers expect from this new season? Katie Maloney: This season you’re going to actually get to know me a lot more and my relationship with [my boyfriend] Tom. LM: How do you deal with the magnifying glass/ spotlight with rumors swirling about Tom’s infidelity and tarnished friendships?
Photo by Brook Mason Photography
KM: You would think that it would be a lot more difficult, yeah it is but with that also comes support from a lot of people in this situation that a lot of people have found themselves in. I don’t think I handle it any differently than most people would. LM: Let’s hear about your new site, PuckerandPout. com? How’d this come about/what can our readers expect? Seems like you’re passionate about beauty and style. KM: I want to utilize the show and the following I have from it for something that’s productive. And something that I cared a lot about and I knew enough about to really kind of elaborate on. I went in with my friend Jen who does the site with me, she was encouraging me to do a blog.
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KM: That’s the name that he had when we adopted him. We have a weird sense of humor where we joke – we call him “friend” because he’s a friend of a lifetime. It’s hard to explain to someone who doesn’t know us personally, they may think we’re totally weird but it makes sense to us. LM: When you’re on the road, how do you stay in touch? KM: We try not to leave too often but we’ve had this couple from Rover.com, one of those pet sitting sites, you can go on and read their profiles and they do a really good job. ‑Tom was in Miami for a week and they showed pictures of him, giving us little updates. It’s really hard, they’re like your child, you worry about them and think, “Are they okay?” LM: Lisa Vanderpump is known for her dog, Giggy. Does your puppy ever interact with Giggy and if so, how does that go down? KM: They haven’t met yet. LM: What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about getting a pet for the first time?
LM: Time to dish about Gordo Von Friendenheimer! When did you get him? He’s a rescue dog, right? What breed? KM: You’ll see Tom surprises me with him on the show. Tom adopted him sometime in May. He just came home with this little puppy and we fell in love with him! On the paper it says he’s a miniature poodle Maltese. He’s definitely poodle and he has this little under bite, he has the funniest personality you’ve ever seen. He’s in love with Arianna’s dog Charlotte -- they’re boyfriend-girlfriend. When we got him, they thought he was around a year and a half, probably close to two years now. He’s still in the puppy stage, he’s definitely still a puppy. LM: Where did the name come from?
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KM: I say one hundred percent go rescue and even go older. Puppies are cute but they’re a lot of work and often they’ll put you off. There’s so much work, definitely go the rescue route. Go for it! You want to make sure that you’ll be there home forever but if you’re ready, you will not regret it at all. Gordo’s the best thing that’s happened to us. LM: How has being a pet owner made you a better person? KM: You can’t be selfish. I don’t have kids but to a certain degree that’s how I feel – I need to make sure my little guy is protected, set and happy. It’s so rewarding. LM: What have you learned about yourself as a result of your pet? What has Friend taught you? KM: He taught me to share my pizza, just kidding. I don’t think of myself as a selfish person but he taught me…calling attention to animals who’ve been abused, this little heart in this little dog. It makes my heart melt.
Photo by Brook Mason Photography
It makes me into a mush puddle in terms of animals in general. I’m very much more aware of the lives that are out there. LM: In turn, what do you think you have taught your puppy? KM: That he can not jump up on the table and that he shouldn’t try to bully the big dogs. LM: What do you think people should know about rescue dogs?
KM: It breaks my heart when I’m playing with him and I’m looking at him like, how did someone not want you? And on top of that, how did someone abuse you? This dog is perfect. When we rescued him, he had a few little injuries like from choking or something horrible like that, heartbreaking. And to think there are more puppies out there, my heart just gets heavy. LM: Do you see more pets in your future? KM: Definitely. I want many more dogs. If we had a bigger place [than our one bedroom in West Hollywood], we’d have a puppy palace here.
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shelter person Emmy’s Hope www.emmyshope.com
At first glance Emmy is your typical 10 year old girl. She loves dolls, arts and crafts, school, swimming and of course shopping. But what you will soon discover is that Emmy is an exceptional young lady with a deep love for the health and welfare of all animals. If she could save each and every animal she would. Even if that meant bringing them into her own home. One year for Christmas when asked what she wanted from Santa she replied “I want to create a charity to help homeless animals”. And this is how Emmy’s Hope came to be. For years now Emmy and her family have been visiting local animal shelters and providing them with their wish list of supplies to help the local animals. Hand delivering them, often staying for hours on end to help distribute them. Truly a selfless act of kindness. Emmy has 3 dogs at home. Angel, Lola and Rufus.
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ny pet fashion week highlights Photos by Devin Johnson
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ny pet fashion week highlights Photos by Devin Johnson
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up close & paw-sonal
JILL RAPPAPORT
L
by Vicki Salemi
ick Magazine was originally introduced to award winning animal advocate, NBC News correspondent, best selling author, glamour girl and four time Genesis award winner “Jill Rappaport” at the “Re-Tails and Sales” Natural pet product Expo in New York City last year.
Lick met up again with Jill in Orlando Florida at the recent “Global Pet Expo 2015” where she was promoting her new “Dog Gone Smart Rubie Roadie Cuddler Bed” named after her beloved wiener dog “Rubie”. Jill and her adorable little dog with a big personality appeared to be “everywhere”. “Jill, were you stalking us” Lol. This gal gets around!! Perhaps most known for her work on Today, Rappaport is the brainchild behind “Pies for Paws,” a new fundraising effort to raise money and adoption for rescue animals. And if that weren’t enough.. Jill has also teamed up with other celebs and well known personalities like Betty White, Bryant Gumbel, Lindsey Vonn, Emmy Lou Harris and more on her New Special “Best In Shelter” which was created to raise awareness and adoption levels for homeless animals everywhere. Over 8 million animals are in shelters across the country and the odds are that 4 million do not find homes. Sad, but true statistics. Jill is trying to change that. “Best In Shelter” focuses on the most difficult special needs animals “underdogs of the shelter world” and makes every effort to make them adoptable and help find their “forever home”. The proud pet parent of six rescue dogs says, “They’re scared, they smell the fear all around them. That personality has not come out and the one hiding in the back could be the most exuberant, lively animal. You have to give them a chance, to hold them, to spend time with them. They’re so wonderful, I just wish people could give them a chance.” Lick Magazine: Describe your pets in three words. Jill Rappaport: Love, oxygen, euphoria. LM: Let’s talk about your fur angels -- their names, how long you’ve had them and what they mean to you. JR: I have six rescue dogs. I have Sweet Pea who is now going on 15; I rescued her when she was two years-old. I just lost my beloved Buck this
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“BEST IN SHELTER” Photo by Andrew Walker/Getty Images
summer, my beautiful lab, he was 13. Rubie, my little red dachshund. She’s about 8 or 9 now; I rescued her when we think she was six years-old. I have CJ, a havanese -- she’s about 9 years-old. They’re all rescues so we’re approximate ages here. And then Stanley, my standard poodle, he is about a year and a half years-old. Petey, my pit bull American bulldog. He’s nine, I rescued him, sweetest animal in the world. I just rescued Pie, a pitbull American bulldog. I have seven beautiful horses; I’ve had them for many, many years. People call it “Jill’s Ark” when they come to my house. I have Madison, Happy, Oreo, Sundance, Bling, Ranger and Bella. And to me, they complete me. I always say that I’m the one who’s been rescued by my rescues. I feel rescued, they saved my life and every day just being with them is a gift. LM: Do you have a favorite pet? JR: There’s no such thing as a favorite, it’s like saying, “Who’s your favorite child?” If any parent can say that, that would be pretty bad. When I lost my lab, I had five other dogs at home and the house was so lonely. That dog had such a unique personality. Each one possesses such a personality and aura that fills the house in a certain way and when you lose one, a piece of your heart goes with them. LM: Let’s talk about “Pies for Paws”. People donate $25. before getting clocked in the face by a whipped cream pie! Apparently you did a great job of creaming “Dog Gone Smart Pet Products” CEO Chris Onthank with one of your pies but he seems to have enjoyed it! All for a good cause. Giving it up with a smile for charity! JR: With this whole thing with the ice bucket challenge, of course I was inspired to do it with pies-- who wouldn’t be? I thought to myself, wow $107 million for ALS, isn’t that amazing? Wouldn’t that be incredible if we can raise a fraction of that money for animals? Nothing was being done for animals. Yes, it’s a little messy but I tell people take a pie in the face or eat it, just do it. The message behind the sweet challenge: please donate to any animal charity of your choice and also rescue and adopt, that’s the most important thing. I’m asking people to donate and adopt and the latter one is more important. I’m very proud of it and I don’t think it should have a time limit. I was going to take it through the holidays but shelter animals, it’s a constant sad situation so why not have it go on forever? There shouldn’t be an expiration date on rescue. There are 15 national organizations now “pie-ticipating” – London Jewelers, Pet Plans, the Humane Society of Utah, Pet Haven Rescue in Florida, the Humanitarian League in Kentucky.
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I’m just so happy that this cause is not limited to one organization. Everybody’s opening their hearts and homes. LM: How has being a pet owner made you a better person? JR: I’ve had dogs my whole life and horses since I was seven. I’ve always been surrounded by animals and I can’t even imagine my life without animals. I would not be complete without them. I drive all over and I do not fly because I take her [Rubie] with me; we drove to Utah and to California to give speeches. I always take a rescue with me because they’re the face of what we do. On road trips I have one, if not two dogs with me. I don’t really know life without an animal. I’m constantly covered in dog hair. My life is like a lint brush. LM: When you’re on the road, how do you stay in touch with your pets? JR: I have two full-time people who live with me, they’re like my sons and take care of my dogs and horses. I call every night and every morning, after breakfast and after dinner, I do a doggie check and a horse check. I’m pretty much home a lot, I live on my farm. I came in for this event so I check in all the time but I do go on road trips -- it’s like two weeks a year and it’s sporadic. I’m pretty much there 24/7. LM: How did Jack’s illness alter the course of your career from red carpets to “Bow to Wow” series? How did your series and work on Today help you heal?
Photo by Andrew Walker/Getty Images
JR: It changed my whole life because up until that point I worked on the red carpet. I say, “I went from the red carpet to the wee wee pad.”
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This isn’t work for me. It’s just like inhaling and exhaling. And every minute I’m thinking of different ways to help them. LM: What have you learned about yourself as a result of your dogs and horses? What have they taught you? JR: I was on the red carpet as the entertainment reporter for first WCBS and then the Today show for 21 years doing entertainment for the first 16 and then when my beloved Jack got bone cancer, I chronicled his story and I was literally receiving emails from all over the world. That story touched a nerve and people were so moved by my beautiful Jack story I literally went to my boss that day and said, “Stars don’t need my help, animals do.” That German shepherd, there he was on three legs, he had to go through chemotherapy and never let the loss of a limb get in the way of living the best life. He taught me about resilience, acceptance, compassion and when he came home after his operation all the other dogs that loved him so much they weren’t like, “Ooh, Jack’s missing a leg.” They were just so happy to see him. If we could learn that message from animals not to judge someone by physical appearance. All animals want is to be loved, pain-free and happy. Isn’t that the message we should be teaching everybody, especially our children? We should all be exuberant so Jack taught me the message of life and he never ever let the loss of that leg – he felt good having that painful leg taken off, it was an amazing lesson for me. LM: What would you say to someone who’s on the fence about getting a pet for the first time? JR: I tell my friends who have kids who are afraid of animals that’s a big mistake. You really should try to get your children surrounded with animals, they will learn about compassion and I’m not a parent of humans, I’m a pet parent, but I see children that are surrounded by pets and I see how loving and giving and compassionate they are. I definitely believe when they’re surrounded by pets at a young age, they learn to take care of because that animal becomes almost their child and it becomes a wonderful lesson just to sensitivity. LM: Let’s talk about Hannah’s Heart (products based on her late horse). How did that come about and what does that mean to you? JR: That’s a line of jewelry I developed for London Jewelers and it was in honor of my beautiful late mare, Hannah. Beautiful charms, horse bits, tassels…
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LM: What’s next for you? JR: I also have the Jill Rappaport “Rescued Me” Collection, my line of leashes and collars Born and Made in the USA and Tails of Hope for Animal Cancer. On every tag is my picture with Jack. He was the ambassador for Hope with Animal Cancer. It’s very special. I just launched the fabulous “Rubie Roadie Cuddler Bed” from “Dog Gone Smart” to raise animal awareness, rescue and pet adoption. “Dog Gone Smart” designs premium products for the benefit of animals with a portion of proceeds going to charity. (www.dgspetproducts.com) Plus I have a toy called “Shelter Shake” which launched exclusively on QVC . We are giving them out to shelters across the country so animals can feel they are one step closer to a loving home. When they’re in cages if they can have a toy, something to engage them, people can see their personality more. Right now they need a bed, they need a toy, something to make them feel a sense of home, a sense of comfort. Plus... I want to launch a website, “America’s Most Unwanted” – for the seniors, the injured the maimed, it’s really hard. They’re challenged enough in a shelter. A dog’s so depressed, she can’t lift her head. An ad can change their life. If we shine a light, we can save them. I want to dedicate a whole website, the real tragic situations out there that will never get out alive if we don’t shine a light. My new Special “Best In Shelter” is the best.. It’s the Westminster for Rescue. We have the “National Dog Show” it’s time we did something for Shelter animals. The only difference between the Blue Ribbon winner and the Shelter animal is their circumstance. “Best In Shelter”. A forever home is the best prize of all!! Isn’t it about time?! Xoxo Jill
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pet person
PRETTYBOY P by NIKKI
rettyboy was a mange covered cat who found a place to make his home in Daniel DiCriscio’s yard. Daniel, celebrity hairstylist & tv personality, is an avid animal lover & animal advocate. When he finally saw the cats face in the light he noticed it was covered in mange. Prettyboy’s head was covered in it and he was unable to open his eyes. Prettyboy’s teeth were broken but he still had a “meow” that sounded like a baby. His left eye was injured along with a huge open wound on his head. Daniel immediately took Prettyboy into his home and placed him in a bathroom overnight until he could take him to a good vet.
Photo by Daniel DiCriscio
The vet subscribed four mange baths over a period of time, treated Prettyboy’s eye, gave him his shots and fixed him. Prettyboy was only two years old according to the vet. Prettyboy was also severely underweight and through Daniel’s care he slowly gained weight back to a healthy weight. Prettyboy healed in the bathroom over a time of four months. Daniel’s two other cats, which he also rescued as kittens, never did bother Prettyboy or get territorial. Both Alister and Jesse welcomed Prettyboy into the family and they all got along. Daniel’s philosophy is that pets behavior reflects their owners. He explains this as if someone has a crazy uncontrollable pet usually the owner is the same way.
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Photo by Daniel DiCriscio
Prettyboy healed and became the pretty boy he was named for. Without the fast acting love and dedication of Daniel, the doctor said Prettyboy would have died due to his injuries and dehydration. Prettyboy has flourished in a loving home and constantly shows his appreciation and love back.
Photo by Daniel DiCriscio
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The Industry Accelerator for Sustainability
www.petsustainability.org
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“from the steven rae collection” vintage hollywood
William Powell & Cairn Terrier
“Love Crazy 1941”
77 Photo by Steven Rea
Jayne Mansfield & Standard Poodle Los Angeles 1958
79 Photo by Steven Rea
David Carradine & Barbara Hershey Photo: Gene Dixon 1972
81 Photo by Steven Rea
BEVERLY’S
AFRICAN
ADVENTURES by Beverly Houwing
H
aving visited Africa more than 20 times, I never cease to be amazed at how it’s a place that feels fresh and exciting on each visit. The thing about going on a safari is that you’ll never have the same experience twice and everything is so random, in the sense that being someplace a minute or two earlier or later will sometimes make the difference between missing something exciting or having an incredible experience.
When I photograph I try to achieve certain things with my images. I like to give a sense of place, especially from the perspective of the animals that live there. Since elephants are such massive animals that have strong family bonds, I photographed a group of them towering above me at the edge of a small island. I was in a boat to get this perspective that conveys such an impression of elephants.
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As much as I go to Africa for the animal photography opportunities, the landscapes there are equally compelling.
Photo by Beverly Houwing
The giraffe walking across the open savanna in Masai Mara in front of the setting sun and thick clouds and the silhouetted caracal on a dead tree convey the idea of the wide open spaces these animals call home. And of course sunsets are lovely subjects to photograph — even with vultures in them.
In the photograph of the little meerkat looking out into the endless grassland of the Kalahari, I want the image to show how vast the world is to a creature that small. I tried to get a similar result with the cheetah in the dry river bed, since these attentive animals are hunters that rely on large open plains to spot and chase their prey.
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In addition to getting animals in these landscapes, what a friend of mine refers to as “animal-scapes�, I also take photos of intimate moments where you can get a sense of the behavior and also appreciate the beauty of these animals.
I zoomed in tight to capture the intense stare of a leopard in the Serengeti gazing down from the branch of a tree he was resting in. Before the sun set I photographed the caracal with beautiful golden light on her as she walked along the tree branch. Another couple of sweet moments were of a mother meerkat “hugging� her cub in the early morning when the air is still very cold in the Kalahari Desert. A baboon looking very patient as another baboon’s baby decides to climb up on her head and grab at her face and also a relaxed mother lion and her cub in Tanzania. In South Africa I took the photo of a protective mother giraffe standing over her young as they fed from the same acacia tree. Also a funny moment of an egret hitching a ride across the Chobe river on the head of an elephant.
I try to capture some “action”, like a Namaqua chameleon grabbing some “lunch” in the Namib Desert.
Portrait of Samantha, known as “Sam� to her friends.
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