Posted by Mario Bosquez
Recently, I had the honor of attending Westchester SPCA's "Top Hat and Tails" event. It's a fund-raiser to which Martha Stewart gives tremendous support. The Westchester SPCA works year-round to make certain that homeless dogs and cats have the opportunity to enjoy a permanent home.
As you will see in these photos, our furry friends were the stars of the evening!
VIEW MARIO'S PET PICS
Here are Francesca and Sharkey, Martha Stewart's wonderful French bulldogs.
I had the pleasure of attending the event with Jocelyn Santos, managing editor of Martha Stewart Living Radio. She spent quality time with Sharkey.
At the fund-raiser I met a very special lady: her name is Chelsea and she's a recent rescue from a puppy mill. Chelsea is in the arms of SPCA auctioneer Max Tucci -- this gentle, sweet girl is now easing into a normal life with the help of her friends at the Westchester SPCA.
Also in attendance, from left to right: Maria Kleva; her husband Greg Kleva, host of "It's a Dog's Life"; Dr. Marty Goldstein, host of "Ask Martha's Vet"; and Jocelyn Santos.
Greg Kleva with Sharkey and Francesca on one hand and a beer in the other!
Francesca eyes a delicious dessert.
Sharkey strikes a pose for the camera.
Do you have an adopted pet? We would love to hear your story!
From: Max Tucci | 11/24/08 at 10:03 am
Ciao Mario,
Update on the event!
A blast was had as you know. The dogs ruled over the event, some even getting their own seats at the tables; while others sat on the laps of theirs owners (a dog's dream!) Well, we did it! We raised much needed funds for SPCA of Westchester. During the auction, my Villa in Florence, Italy did so well that I gave it twice. The Rao's table pulled in over $5000. I took the Live Auction... 2theMAX! A very Successful evening! On Top of things, that evening also proved "what a difference a day makes, 24 little hours;" Chelsea, the dog in the photo you took of me, found a wonderful home, as did a few other dogs. However, there are so many other dogs that need to be adopted. I hope your blog inspires your readers to consider adopting over pet shops or breeders. http://www.SPCA914.com is busting at the seems with pets that are READY for adoption. A big THANK YOU! are in order, to you and Ms. Stewart for all of your support to the SPCA of Westchester.
Cheers to you both,
Max
From: Gerry B | 1/21/09 at 5:41 pm
Hi Mario- I have just discovered this blog- I love to listen to you on Sirius. I am the happy mother of a very special french bulldog- her name is Holly- that we adopted from the French Bulldog Rescue network- she is a puppy mill survivor. She is probably 7-8 yrs old but has more energy than my 4 yr.old pug! Before she was rescued she lived her life in a 2x3 ft cage with 2-3 other "breeders". She never got to walk or play outside of her cage. She was terribly underweight and malnourished, afraid of all humans, and had had 1 litter after another. She is now a robust and GRATEFULLY full of life frog girl who loves to eat and go for walks. She is the best addition to our family. Please encourage people to NEVER buy a puppy from a pet store- they are all mill dogs that only propagate more suffering and inhumane conditions that the poor "breeders" must endure. I would encourage every one who is in the market for a wonderful companion to adopt from a reputable breed rescue group. These people are so tireless in their efforts to find wonderful "forever" homes and often provide expensive medical care out of their own pockets for their fosters. Thank you and Martha and everyone else who supports the SPCA.
Do you really wear kilts?
Gerry
From: Mario Bosquez | 1/22/09 at 11:34 am
Dear Gerry,
Thanks very much for sharing your story...Thanks so much for listening to Martha Stewart Living Radio!!! Thanks, also, for sharing Holly's story and how she is a wonderful addition to your family. I agree completely with your thoughts and encouragement regarding pet adoption; in particular puppy mill rescues. Please give Holly a great big Martha Stewart Hug from all of us... and hopefully there will be more wonderful stories such as yours!!! Please send me a picture of Holly so that I can share her story with even more listeners!!!
Thanks again and all the best,
Mario Bosquez
Host/Living Today
Martha Stewart Living Radio
From: Mario Bosquez | 1/22/09 at 1:18 pm
Dear Max,
Thanks very much for the update on this wonderful event!!! I am so glad that Chelsea has a great home; she so deserves it. Also congratulations on the funds raised and many thanks to all the contributors who are working so hard to make forever homes happen to all the pets in need.
Martha recently adopted two cats who needed a home so this cause is one that is very much a part of Martha Stewart Living.
Max, kudos to you for all your wonderful work and again thanks very much for the update!!!
Sincerely,
Mario
From: Mario Bosquez | 1/22/09 at 10:31 pm
And yes, Gerry I do wear a kilt.
Mario