Holiday Volunteers

Picture this. You work hard at school all season long and it's finally vacation time. You're friends all talk about going to this warm location and that cool ski resort. But you have other plans. Of all the things you could do with your precious time off, you want to volunteer at the Humane Society of New York. Over here, we are so fortunate to have many people who think like this and we could not be more grateful!

This past week we had some of the very cheerful and jolly friends come and visit us. We had

Toys For Dogs to go to later that night. Toys For Dogs is an annual event that Wendy Diamond and Animal Fair Magazine throws for us. It generates so many great gifts for the animals and we always have a good time. More about the actual event later!

The girls helped to create this stunning gift drop box for the event. They made it so pretty, don't you think? We LOVE them!

Me helping them hang the stocking and show off our artistic talent!

“Winning isn’t everything, but the will to win is everything.”

I saw a fabulous show on Broadway last night and wanted to tell you all about it!

Lombardi is about Hall of Fame Football Coach Vince Lombardi. I don't know if you know this but back in the day, I was quite the football player myself so this topic in a play...well I just couldn't wait to see it! So many people are familiar with his name but don't really know the man. Lombardi takes you into the life and times that shaped the man we all saw. It touches on his life off the field, from his family to key players and friends that were molded by his inimitable leadership.

Anyone who likes a good family drama will enjoy this play. I give it two paws up!

For more info, please see http://www.lombardibroadway.com/index.php

Therapy Dog Reunited with Owner Thanks to Judge

Recently I read an article of a heartwarming rescue story that I wanted to share with my readers. It is not every day that a dog can be rescued and reunited with its owner and this story is one of those occasions.

I am proud to report that The Honorable County Court Judge and Surrogate Frank J. LaBuda was travelling on Route 17 and spotted Lelia, a Border Collie. Upon picking up the dog, he brought her back to his chambers, seeing that she was non-threatening, trained animal. The dog spent the day in chambers with New York State Court Officers Scott Hamel and Richard McKay by her side until the Judge was able to contact authorities.

That is where the newspaper’s story ends, but not Lelia’s story. It turned out that Leila was a therapy dog and belonged to Ms. Panthere Portugay-Delany in Montecello, New York. They were brought back together after the story ran! Doesn’t this just warm your heart?

Winter Tips

With many of my friends in the north east and beyond, I wanted to share some tips for the winter season.

1) Watch where you walk! The salt that is put down to melt the snow and ice can sting your dog's paws. It is also very corrosive to metal and can cause electrical wires to become exposed and combine that with snow and your pet and you can get an electrical shock.

2) Never leave your pet in a car unattended. Just like in the summer when the car heats up, it can act like a refrigerator and your pet could freeze.

3) When you walk in the snow or ice, make sure you dry your dogs paws carefully with a washcloth.

4) Don't tie up a dog and leave them outside. It's not only unsafe for them but dog's are prone to cold, just like people.

More tips to come...

Santacon 2010

Can you spot me in this sea of Santas?

This past weekend was a citywide event called Santacon. Literally thousands of participants dressed up as Santa and gathered at various selected spots in Manhattan to celebrate the festive holiday season. Do you like my hat? Does it make my ears look big? I was happy I didn't have to wear an itchy mask since I have been growing my hair out and had the real thing.

(What should the caption for this photo be? Submit your ideas in our comments section. Best suggestion will win a prize!)

Lessons Learned

Today was a fun day of learning with my friends from a local school. They learned all about how to treat pets and what happens when people want to adopt pets. Everyone was so nice! I was surprised that we could all fit in the same room. Before they left they gave us some very pretty home made cards and a gift that we will cherish forever. We also took this amazing picture of all of our beautiful new friends. What a day, now it's nap time!

At The Tree

I am so glad the rain held out! It was wonderful seeing all the performances and holiday spirit. Here is me with that amazingly large tree behind me. It is truly a sight! Happy Holidays everyone!