It’s been a slow and chilly news week. We got the real scoop from some real Irishmen, talked to a funny man about a little Chihuahua, asked more people about the Obama family dog, and responded to a bag of flour poured on Lindsay Lohan.

This week I had a very special dinner with Guggi aka Derek Rowan, the avant-garde Irish artist who is has also best friends with U2’s Paul Hewson aka Bono. Guggi told me about Bono so I thought I would report it in my little “pet” blog. The dynamic due have been best “lads” since they were four years old, can you imagine? In addition to being friends for over 200 dog years, Guggi and Bono have had their nicknames for almost as long as they have been friends. The seemingly silly names came from their childhood inspirations, you know, the ones that absolutely came true. Young Paul thought Guggi sounded like an artist name and young Derek thought Bono sounded like a rock star name. And that’s how Guggi and Bono were born! Hey, maybe I should give Lucky a silly name in hopes that one day she’ll be as big as Bono. I’ll ask my nine year niece for some recommendations. 

Once I stopped giggling about silly names, Guggi told me about his Shar-Pei named Shamus, whose name exemplifies artistic alliteration. Guggi is also a professional Bearded Dragon breeder – possibly the first and last Bearded Dragon breeder I’ll ever meet. In all my time blogging, I don’t think I’ve ever blogged about a Bearded Dragon. The closest I’ve ever been to writing about a lizard is Eddy Izzard. If you want to check out some of the amazing and creepy creatures Guggi breeds, visit his lizardly website, WhereDragonsDwell.com. At dinner we ran into megastar Keanu Reeves who told us that unfortunately he currently doesn’t have any dogs, but he loves dogs. Could he love dogs so much that his band, Dogstar, hail some dogspiration from its canine name?

This week we’ve still been on the hunt for the perfect dog for the Obama family and, yes, we’re still asking everybody. We got one of our favorite funny men,  E!’s The Soup’s Joel McHale, on the phone to discuss this pressing political issue and also talk about his adorable Soup Chihuahua sidekick, Lou. McHale thinks the President-elect should adopt, “A full sized bull Mastiff or a Airedale. Just the biggest dog he can find. I just think it would be funny to have a 160lb dog tearing through the oval office.” As for a name? McHale told us Obama should name it, “Hope. Hope the dog. But make sure the dog doesn’t look a moose, or Sarah Palin will shoot it.”    

If anyone has seen McHale on The Soup, they have seen the teeny Chihuahua named Lou he uses to accentuate the jokes on the show. Sadly, Lou doesn’t belong to McHale, but they do make a dynamic duo. Lucky just adores Lou and to be honest with you, she really admires Lou’s comedic skills. I’m the only one that laughs at Lucky’s jokes, but she’s been working on her humor. McHale gave us the full scoop on Lou, the funniest dog since Triumph. “We brought Lou on in the heyday of Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua ownership, which she quickly got rid of and got a Kinkachoo – that bitch – and so we brought Lou on and I thought he looked like some little rat dog, but in fact Lou is just a tremendous dog whose incredibly loving, well behaved and well disciplined- that dog could be 60 feet across a field and you could say ‘Lou sit’ and Lou will sit.” I’m shocked at Lou’s discipline considering I can’t get Lucky to sit if she’s further than six inches away from me. Maybe there’s a direct link with his obedience and comedy skills – or at least I’ll tell Lucky that. McHale told me that if Lou was to resemble any celebrity, it would be Steve Buscemi because “they have the same eyes.”

And what’s next for Lou? McHale tells us, “He just had a meeting with Baz Luhrmann. They’re going to do some sweeping epic. Some sort of huge musical, sweeping, tent-pole epic. He also wants to be on CSI: Miami and there are a couple dogs in the neighborhood he likes to hump.” As for any other dogs on set? McHale joked, “Well Ryan Seacrest is about the same height as a full grown Poodle.” Gotta love his McHale humor.

Finally this week, Lucky and I checked out the Fourth Annual Cool vs. Cruel ceremony honoring fur friendly designers and retailers who exude compassion in fashion. This event marks the same week that Mean Girls starlet Lindsay Lohan was attacked with a bag of flour in Paris by an anti-fur activist. The activist called Lohan a “fur hag.” Lucky and I are proud to say that we have been called a lot of things, but “fur hag” has never been one of those things. Lohan’s girlfriend, Sam Ronson, responded by writing on her blog “PETA should focus their efforts on educating people on what they believe are injustices instead of seeking press via harassing those in the limelight,” adding by way of a p.p.s., “I think there are plenty of families that could have used that flour for a meal. nice job, lady.” Ironically enough Ronson’s mother Ann Dexter-Jones and her twin sister, Charlotte, were both on the committee for Cool vs. Cruel. Sounds like a family conflict of interest. We’re just glad Lindsay wasn’t walking one of those five Lohan dogs when she got sacked. I don’t think pure flour is good for dogs.

At the event we caught up with America’s Next Top Model judge and noted fashion photographer and gorgeous hunk, Nigel Barker. Without cracking any jokes about his last name (this being THE pet blog and all) , we asked him his opinion about the first-dog in the White House. Barker responded with the grace of a proper English gentleman, saying Obama should adopt “Whatever dog he wants, whatever one his children wants. You know, you see an animal and you bond with it. I’ve had many many dogs in my life and they all look different.” Barker did crack a smile when we asked him what the name should be, blurting out, “McCain.” 

Barker is the spokesperson for the Humane Society Protect Seals campaign and also works with the Protect the Sharks campaign. Barker told us, “The planet seems to be in peril, animal conditions are dreadful, even in America. We treat them with disrespect. We must treat animals and each other with respect. I think there have been some great changes recently. We just had a unanimous vote in the House of Representatives calling Canada to ban seal exports all together and that’s from years of us basically going up to Capital Hill, speaking to Congressmen and finally letting it go through. There is absolutely no more seal hunting in Canada.”  Hmm, Lucky has never met a seal certainly sure she would love them.

Also at the event was our favorite 90s club-kid turned designer, Heatherette’s Richie Rich. On the Obama family dog, Richie Rich said he should get a Cavillier King Charles Spaniel, admitting “I have one and they’re the sweetest dogs in the world. They’re very royal and very regal. They’re easy to potty train, they love kids, they don’t bite they don’t bark… they’re lickers.” As for a name, Richie Rich said the family should call it “Change,” giving us a “ching ching” gesture to go with it. DOG knows that animal won’t have any money problems in this financial crisis.

Hope everyone has a great week! We hear weather reports calling for snow tomorrow! It’s too soon for Lucky to be wearing bulky sweaters, or maybe it’s just time for a vacation.

Cat Shows, Parades, Football

Ever year my darling feline son, Pasha, looks forward to one of the biggest cat shows in the country, the CFA Iams Cat Championship at Madison Square Garden. Constantly upset by the endless dog competitions, this is really Pasha’s weekend to support his species and what a weekend it was. Of course, every year Pasha chickens-out (he’s something of a scaredy cat) and I end up taking Lucky where no dog should ever go: an arena filled with hundreds of cats!

Lucky and I saw every type of cat you could see (except for the big ones, you know, lions and tigers). I wasn’t sure, but I think I did spot a cougar or two, but I’m not sure if the cougars in question were with their songs, or young lovers. We also saw plenty of ailurophiles. The name sounds like something you’d see on To Catch a Predator, but it simply means “lover of cats.” It was a shame Pasha couldn’t come after all because the winner was Runner, who we ran into, a 1-1/2 year-old Russian Blue – Pasha’s own breed – from Greensboro, NC. Too bad Runner’s a boy and Pasha’s fixed, if not the two could have made future CFA champs! Runner won 400 pounds of cat food and an even higher honor, an appearance of Live with Regis and Kelly!

The next stop on Lucky and my pet show tour was Central Park for the 7th annual My Dog Loves Central Park Country Fair presented by Rachael Ray’s Nutrish dog food, her new premium gourmet dog food line which donates proceeds of its sales to North Shore Animal League, Bad Rap, and the ASPCA via Rachael’s charity, Rachael’s Rescues (for more information check out RachaelRay.com/Pets, or google respective charities). Although her food sponsored the event,  Rachael herself was nowhere in sight and neither was her elegant Pit Bull Isaboo. Lucky and I looked at the Boat House, checked out the Carousel, the zoo, the fountains and even Tavern on the Green, but the pair was nowhere to be found.

Lucky and I were chosen with honor to be judges for the Best In Park Dog Show Agility Course alongside some of my  CBS’ Greatest American Dog alums David and Elvis and runner-up Laurie with her mighty Maltese, Andrew. My little girl Lucky was so happy to see her old comrade Andrew that she wagged her tail so much it was about to fall off! We watched some pretty tough dogs compete in an intense agility course (but nothing quite as over the top as the elephant in Greatest American Dog course). The Best in Park Winner of the day was Jonathan Polan and his lab mix Posey.

We saw a special holiday, Columbus Day, this week and if you know anything about Columbus Day, it means a major parade in New York City. Well sure enough I found myself on a float smack in the middle of the New York Columbus Day Parade. Lucky and I were bearing the cold and waving to the crowd. You have no idea how funny it feels to wave at massive groups of people and have no one wave back. Lucky and I were part of the Green Chimney’s float, a charity we just adore that does great work for both animals, humans as well as the environment.  If you’re in New York City this week, check out the dazzling sculpted dog I helped design for Green Chimney’s “Celebrity Dogs Unleashed” fundraiser. The dog, along with many other celebrity-designed-dogs you’re sure to recognize, is on display at the Essex House on Central Park South (a far cry from Main Street in  my hometown of  Chagrin Falls, Ohio). For more information on Green Chimneys, check out GreenChimneys.org.

Finally this week, Lucky and I stopped by the Four Seasons for the live auction of “The Best Seats in Sports” for Jets Coaches Club in the new Jets Stadium. I was there to show my support for the cause, but since I’m not the biggest sports aficionado, while football enthusiasts placed their bids, we ran into none other than legendary quarterback “Broadway Joe” Namath. Namath is a huge animal lover and told us, “My daughter loves rescuing animals - we all do in my family. I have four dogs (including a Weimaraner and Chihuahua), two cats, two daughters and a wonderful wife, we are animal crazy, especially rescuing!” I suppose he has a few “pig-skins” that he throw around sometimes when he finds the time.

Also at the event was Nobu famed restaurateur and founder of the Myriad Restaurant Group (which includes his Robert DeNiro partnered eatery, Tribeca Grill) Drew Nieperont. Nieperont is already excited to bring his two cocker spaniels, Chloe and Jackson (named after Jackson Brown) to our Halloween Pet Costume Party on October 27th at Mansion in New York City, with all proceeds going to the Humane Society of New York (for more info visit: animalfair.com). Nieperont eventually confessed the truth – he’s more excited for his wife, because she finally has an excuse to dress up the dogs and take them out.

The Jet’s football seats group auction event hosted by Robert Wood (Woody) Johnson IV raised $400,000, which is $200,000 a seat! Lucky and I couldn’t help but wondering how far that money would go for animal causes, but trust that good animal-loving-former-mega-sport-stars like Broadway Joe are doing their part to rescue animals.

EMMYS and DOGGIES! Lucky Found Anna Nicole Smith’s Dogs!

Now that Greatest American Dog has sadly ended, Lucky is finally willing to travel. Before, each Wednesday night, she would be glued to the TV to make sure she was caught at all the right angles. I on the other hand stayed far away from the TV because I feared they caught me at all the wrong angles. Lucky wouldn’t tell me. So thankfully, Lucky agreed to travel to LA with me this weekend for an Emmy-party-packed weekend. Although something tells me Lucky was very excited to go to LA because her little tail was spinning so fast I thought she was going to turn into a helicopter and fly to LA on her own.

Before Lucky could air-left herself out of NYC she had a play date with Ginger, the rowdy and adorable Chihuahua of my dear friend, Jill Zarin of Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York. While Lucky and Ginger did some sniffing, Jill and I did some harmless gossiping (definitely no sniffing) and we let dogs be dogs. After the play date, Jill took me to the Celine Dion concert at Madison Square Garden. I had to leave Lucky behind because I didn’t want Jill’s Ginger to get upset, (after all, you never want to upset a Zarin). At the pre-party we ran into Oprah’s “BFF4L,” Gayle King,  who was happy and chatty about her own little dog, Spencer.

Celine’s concert was an absolute thrill ride. Going to see her is certainly a dream come true for any woman (and a select few men). That woman has some pipes and I just go nuts anytime I hear My Heart Will Go On. After the show we got to speak to Celine and she told me that while she currently has no animals, she would love to rescue some after the tour is over.  Before we could really take all those power ballads, Lucky and I were off to LA to bask in some 60^th Annual Emmy Award excitement!

Our first stop was the Emmy Performer’s Nominee Reception where Lucky and I spoke Recount nominee Bob Balaban who is one of the stars of our favorite film… Best in Show!  I wasn’t sure if I should joke with him about dogs or politics, but I realized there were enough political jokes going on that weekend and as we were chatting he told me he’d love to play a celebrity Santa at our Toys For Dogs event this winter! I nearly fell over as soon as I saw Mad Men star Jon Hamm. Hamm was nominated for his performance in AMC’s hit show, which earned 16 nominations overall and won for Best Drama! Hamm was with his girlfriend Jennifer Westfeldt, star of Kissing Jessica Stein. He told me about his own rescue Cora, a mutt that he would “die for” that he got from Much Love in LA (MuchLove.org). Lucky and I also spotted a dog-full of other nominees including Sandra Oh, Jon Cryer, and the Michael Emerson.

Next stop was Entertainment Weekly Pre-Emmy Celebration where Lucky and I saw more stars than we know what to do with. Lucky said it was like a dog park full of celebrities. Lucky and I bumped into a well rested and healthy Kelsey Grammer and High School Musical star Corbin Bleu, who told us he wants to rescue a German Sheppard – preferably a female one because they are a lot cleaner. Isn’t that the truth! Lucky has better hygiene than your average Male Maltese out there. Lucky yapped when she saw Sarah Silverman who just snagged her own two Emmys earlier this week. She said her doggy Doug is doing well and hopes to sniff Lucky sometimes soon. With all the dog lovers around it was nice to run into Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane who is the owner of a “crazy” cat named Chester. We also spotted two former Animal Fair cover stars of the past and present, Lauren Conrad and Erik McCormack!

Emmy fever was so bad I practically needed medication! Lucky and I bolted over to the TV Guide Emmy After Party where we got the exclusive info and Anna Nicole Smith’s dogs. After over a year of speculation and heresay, Lucky and I chatted with Larry Birkhead who says that all Anna’s dogs: Sugar Pie, Marilyn, Frankie Stein and Puppy are alive and well and will be returning to his home with Anna’s and his adorable 2 year old, Dannielynn, couldn’t be more excited. The dogs had been staying with relatives and contrary to rumors that Sugar Pie had died, she is indeed alive. Lucky and I will bring you the exclusive once the pets have moved in!

It honestly felt like everyone in Hollywood was at this party. At least everyone on TV. Who needs your favorite programs when you could have just scanned the room and seen all your favorite characters! Lucky and I spoke to former N*Syncer Joey Fatone who is proud to announce that his dogs are currently expecting and there will be some new puppies in the family! Lucky and I also chatted with the DJ of the party, Sam Ronsen who was with her beau, Lindsey Lohan and while they are currently dogless (Dina has all of Lindsey’s dogs), they look quite happy! We also saw P!nk, Kristin Chenoweth, Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick, Ty Pennington, Missy Elliot, Paula Abdul and just about everyone else in Hollywood. Lucky had to laugh, because, as always, she thought “where are the dogs?”

While in LA we did find time for Lucky to truly feel at home. We hit up the premiere of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, giving Lucky a change to schmooze with all the celebridogs in Hollywood. We saw Andy Garcia who told us about his two tiny Daschunds and his poodle. Garcia giggled at little Lucky excited to be among the stars and told me she reminds him of his funniest Daschund, Gracie. We also spoke to funnyman George Lopez about his own three Chihuahuas Monty, Chico and Trixie. Lucky and I also spotted actresses Jamie Lee Curtis, Alyssa Milano and Piper Perabo. Lucky’s favorite sighting were the two leads of the film, Angel and Rusco – two Chihuahuas who Lucky just fell in love with. She chatted with the pups and they all discussed how hard it is to work like and dog and be a dog. Go figure!

Fashion week continues here in the fashion capital of the world, but Lucky seems unfazed by the glamour, as she is still showing off her birthday suit in these still hot September days.

This week Lucky and I checked out the Maya Swimwear show where there were obviously no dogs in sight, unless you count the construction workers outside barking cat-calls to the pretty ladies walking in. This is not the barking Lucky is accustom to, it’s the kind every lady in New York has had to suffer through whether they like it or not. And don’t get me wrong – some women like it, but not Lucky. Inside Lucky and I hung out with former MTV VJ turned actress and Nick Lachey’s beau, Vanessa Minnillo. Minnillo is the proud canine mommy of a Yorkshire Terrier mix named Wookie, who she left at home alongside her three Miniature Pinchers Bubba, Rudy and Little Nicky. I wondered if things got confusing at home when she calls for Little Nicky and Big Nicky Lachey shows up, but she assured me that has never happened.

This week Lucky and I also attended US Weekly’s “25 Most Stylish New Yorkers” party all thanks to Lucky because she had nearly just made the list (white goes with everything). In attendance were some very stylish New Yorkers including Elizabeth Hasselbeck, Tiki Barber, Tommy Hilfiger, Gayle King and Kelly Ripa. Ripa was gushing about her new Shih-Tzu Chewy, who she rescued . Ripa told us that her fuzzy friend reminds her the iconic Chewbacca of Star Wars fame. I had to laugh because that creature makes some pretty funny noises, but I later found out that the sounds Chewbacca makes in the movie is comprised of several animal sounds mixed together. Interesting. Hopefully Ripa’s Chewy doesn’t sound like that. I know I’d be scared!

With the election approaching all too quickly, it was important that Lucky and I got political this week. We headed over to Beacon Restaurant for a special party for Kathleen Kennedy Townsend’s book, Failing America’s Faithful. Lucky and I got to mingle with our favorite types of New Yorkers – Democrats – including Rory Kennedy, Frank McCourt, Democratic Party treasurer Andrew Tobias (told him Lucky could offer treats but has no money) and New York Governor David Paterson. Governor Paterson was quite a joker and cracked me up with his comedic introduction for the author, but he kept me going when he was talking to me about his Maltese, Cheerio. Paterson let Lucky and I into a little secret, nothing political, he told us that Cheerio will only lay on his lap and sleep only with him. I looked at Lucky and we both thought that sounded a bit familiar.

This week Lucky and I popped back into the Today Show to discuss pet obesity. Pet obesity is a problem that has bugged me since I got into the animal business and I urge any pudgy pet to get out and hit the dog park this Fall! Over 40% of US pets are overweight or obese and it’s time we put an end to it. After all, a healthy pet will live longer and continue to bring happiness while staying healthy.

I hope everyone caught the finally of Greatest American Dog this week! Lucky and I just wanted to wish another congratulations to our winner, Presley the Boxer (and puppy!), and his owner, Travis. It was a tough choice between the final two – Presley and Andrew – and I must admit, as a Maltese owner myself, Andrew did some things no small dog could ever accomplish. Do you think Lucky Diamond would go near an elephant? I hope everyone also saw Lucky get social with Andrew, finally getting off my lap. She does a lot of work on the show you don’t see, but this time you saw her in action. She makes a great stuffed animal, but she had been dying to do some “socializing” with Andrew all season! Congrats Travis and Presley and Laurie and Andrew. Anytime you’re in New York let’s organize a dog park play date!

Next week it’s off to LA to catch up in the Emmy fever. Then if you’re in Greenwich, Connecticut Lucky will be there hosting/judging this Sunday for their Adopt-A-Thon… so stop by and rescue a loving pooch!

Fashion Rocks, but Not For Lucky

As the temperatures lower, the tents go up for Fashion Week, reminding of my two favorite things in New York City: fall and fashion. Lucky’s two favorite things in New York are the smells and the dogs and she certainly got a whiff of both this week. She also got what she thought was a discriminating reality-check when she found out that she wasn’t invited to the 5^th Annual Conde Nast Fashion Rocks kick-off to fashion week at Radio City Music Hall. The reason was that Radio City has a very strict no-dogs allowed policy, which I had to respect due to all the celebrity attendees. In the end I think it was a good thing because if Lucky saw hunks like Chace Crawford and Chris Brown there I just knew she would have pounced. 

In the end I couldn’t feel that bad for Lucky because she wasn’t the only dog in stuck with doghouse. Mariah “MiMi” Carey’s Russell Terrier, Jack; Ciara’s Maltipoo, Tyson; and Miley Cyrus’ Yorkie, Shih Tzu and Dolmation, Roadie, Loco and Juicy all had to stay at home too to catch it on TV at a later date. The women, in addition to other megastars like Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Leona Lewis, Beyonce, Mary J. Blidge  are part of a new song called “Just Stand Up” to help raise money for Stand Up to Cancer (Standup2Cancer.og). There were so many divas onstage there’s no way that Lucky could even fit in Radio City’s theatre. However, when I told her about it she said she wants to organize all the dogs of the divas for her own tribute, Sit Up for Cancer for the Animal Care Foundation (ACFoundation.org). I think it’s a great idea, only Lucky will have to work on her vocal skills if she’s going to get anyone to buy her music. Who knows, maybe Mariah’s dog can carry a tune!

Next stop on our fashion docket was the faboo Interview Magazine party at the construction zone of the highly-anticipated, trendy, riverfront Standard Hotel in the meatpacking district. Lucky and I can’t wait to welcome another pet-friendly hotel to New York! It will be hard to get Lucky to go there with me, however, because when we’re in the meatpacking district Lucky is always able to find meat smells and aromas from 50 years ago.

At the party we caught up with two of our favorite designers, Diane Von Furstenberg and Tory Burch, both dog lovers and Paws for Style supporters. Lucky loves her wrap sweater for the winter and Tory’s chic leash and collar set. We also spotted Lydia Hearst, Lauren Hutton and Tommy Hilfiger. Lucky had such a blast that she wanted to get a room and just stay all night – but the hotel isn’t even open yet!

Our week ended with Justin Timberlake’s William Rast show at the Roseland Ballroom where we hung out with Justin’s mom, stepfather and friends from Memphis. That night Lucky vowed to “Bring Sexy Bark..” or back, I didn’t quite understand. She did bring something because Lucky and I were especially excited to hear that Justin’s mom Lynn is not only a HUGE animal rescuer but also a fan of me and Lucky on Greatest American Dog!  Lynn is the godparent of Justin’s Boxers, Buckley and Brennen. Lucky told Lynn she gets along with Boxers swimmingly and can’t wait to set a play date. I was just wondering how she thought she was going to make it to Memphis without me. That’s Lucky for you!

Who knew fashion could be so tiring? It was well worth it though and I look forward to the leaves changing colors and the crisp autumn air. Lucky is excited to show off some new doggy sweaters once the temperature drops to a sweating-wearing lows.

Wendy and Lucky Diamond Get A Big Treat In New Orleans!  DEARLUCKY.COM BLOG

Dear Lucky Blog with Wendy and Lucky Diamond

This week, Lucky and I had a ball meeting a couple of tennis greats! Although a tennis ball can’t fit into Lucky’s mouth, she kept her mouth full of lobbing scraps and backhand gossip while I was on the social court, as usual.

We ran into Maria Sharapova at the unveiling of her new line of cameras ­ the limited edition Canon Powershot Diamond Collection, completely iced out with 88 white diamonds totaling 2.2 carats! They’re only making 5 of those gems, so whoever gets their paws on one of those better be taking some darn good photos! Lucky had the nerve to ask for one for Xmas/Chanukah (we celebrate both) but I told her it would be a faux-pas to have one considering her last name.

Maria didn’t have her adorable Pomeranian, Dolce, with her, but she said that if her pup were a tennis player, she’d be of the hyper variety, “really excited, crazy and fast!” Sounds like Lucky when you tell her the crafts services just filled up with Kobe Beef.

Speaking of Diamonds (not Lucky or Kobe Beef), one of my all-time favorite charities, Green Chimneys (GreenChimneys.org), asked me to design a dog statuette for their online art auction, Celebrity Dogs Unleashed. It’s happening in October and all proceeds will benefit the children and animals at their special-education school and residential treatment center. My theme will be “Diamonds are a Dog’s Best Friend”, so I’m completely covering the statuette with CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements, some really gorgeous crystals. A big thanks to Swarovski, who was kind enough to work with me on this one-of-a-kind dog art! Pretty blinged out, right? If I teamed up with Sharapova (doubles anyone?) it would be like winning the Wimbleton of jewels!! Some celebs joining the humanatarian pack and creating dogs for Green Chimneys are Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, Bobbie Kennedy, Clive Davis and the list goes on …

I also want to give a HUGE congrats to the wonderful Michael Phelps! Michael and his bulldog Herman were featured in our last issue of Animal Fair. I noticed that Herman happens to have a lot in common with the mega athlete. Phelps eats, swims and sleeps while Herman eats and sleeps. Congrats on making history Michael, you made us very proud to be Americans!

Lucky sometimes has an ongoing rivalry back at home, with her brother Pasha. By choice, Pasha never likes to leave the house, but this time I decided to set up him up on a blind date. It didn’t take me long to find the purrfect set-up, tennis hottie Dmitry Tursonov’s own Russian Blue, Anna. Lucky and I bumped into Dmitry at the launch of the ATP World Tour Official 2009 Calendar at the very pet-friendly W Hotel in Times Square. Dmitry just raved about his feline friend and how he felt when he first saw her: “I fell in love! It was love at first sight!” Hopefully Anna will feel the same way when she takes one look at my gorgeous Pasha?

As you may or may not know, next week is the 3rd anniversary of the Katrina Disaster. Lucky and I happen to be the Chairwoman and Chairdog of the Katrina Pet Memorial, and will be hosting a Yappy Hour® Benefit at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans to support the Humane Society of Louisiana (HumanLA.org)! We’re going to celebrate with the New Orleans Saints, Blue Dog artist George Rodriguez who will be helping us out to raise money to build them a new shelter. Perhaps we’ll run into Brad and Angelina (and their international litter) - maybe they’ll start adopting pets to go with their children! If that’s the case, I’ll have no problem helping them adopt animals in need from different shelters (even from around the globe)!

Dog Beaches, But No Bitches

This week, just as I was getting sick and tired of it raining cats and dogs in New York (to think, me, tired of cats and dogs… never), Lucky and I jetted over to weather-purrfect LA to catch up with Maui and Blondie. I know what you’re thinking – how was I going to find a Hawaiian Island and a 70s rock band in LA? Well I didn’t just find Maui and Blondie, I found them with their owner, High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale.

Tisdale sat down with Lucky and I to give us the exclusive interview on her two Maltipoos. Blondie (not named after the band) is very close with Tisdale’s father and is more of an introvert while Maui (named after Tisdale’s favorite destination) goes everywhere with the young starlet. Maui is in the spotlight so much that she even got a cameo in the upcoming High School Musical 3. As soon as Lucky heard the news she immediately wanted to know whose behind she has to sniff to get a part in the next HSM flick.

As for Maui and her HSM co-star, Zac Efron? Tisdale tells us, “She loves Zac. Zac’s her boyfriend!” But don’t think fellow HSMer and Efron’s beaux, Vanessa Hudgen gets jealous. Tisdale told us, “She’s okay with it. She’s in love.” I guess there are no complaints when it comes to Efron, Tisdale told us herself that if Efron was a dog he would be a “very good looking dog.” Sounds like a hunky retriever if you ask me.

After meeting Maui and Blondie, Lucky and I got to meet Sweeny, the adorable Wheaton Terrier who belongs to warbler Josh Groban. Sweeny is named after the main character in the Stephan Sondheim musical, Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (most recently portrayed by Johnny Depp in the major motion picture). Groban admits he’s still a musical theatre dork and that’s how Wheaton got his name, but reluctantly tells us that Sweeny’s, “Not quite as demonic as the character in the musical, but sometimes he can come pretty close.”

While the weather was a vacation, the trip was not, but we did stay in one of the greatest, dog-friendliest hotels we have been to to-date. Huntington Beach, California is known as Surf City, USA but with the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort’s pet program it could quickly become Dog City, USA. The Hilton’s recent $10 million renovation ($70 million in dog dollars) was wisely spent updating the hotel and creating a delicious doggy program that is so lux, your pet will never want to leave. I often has the problem with Lucky and this time around it was so serious I had to actually drag her out of her cozy doggy bed which matched my own.

Fortunately, when Lucky heard “beach” she was willing to leave, but when she heard “off-leash beach” I couldn’t even catch up with her. Huntington Beach is home to the Huntington Dog Beach where for almost a mile dogs can run free in the sand and sun. The running had to stop sometime, because it was back to NYC for Lucky and I to start prepping for our next trip: Yappy Hour at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans to help finally build the Humane Society in Louisiana in New Orleans  a new shelter! Lucky is the Chair dog of the Katrina Pet Memorial!