Words cannot begin to express the sadness we faced globally this week, we lost some amazingly special souls, animal lovers, and truly talented individuals. Lucky and I along with Animal Fair Media would like to express our deepest condolences to the friends and families of the late (and forever great) Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson and Billy Mays. Each one of these stars is iconic in their own right and internationally celebrated. The Hollywood heavens opened wide, greeting a true angel, Charlie’s Angel Farah Fawcett, Tonight Show’s Ed McMahon probably ran into Johnny Carson and the laughs and one-liners haven’t stopped, Thriller Michael Jackson is almost certainly entertaining with a new version of the “moon walk” titled “heaven walk”, and Billy Mays is the newest spokesperson, literally for the “stars”. Thank you for entertaining and sharing for all the years, the heavens shine that much brighter now.

Michael Jackson’s death was felt and weighed profoundly on our own beloved Animal Fair’s (animalfair.com) Pete Carter, who like millions of others was one of Jackson’s devoted fans from a very young age. Pete turned his inspired passion into a pet personal project and he now is one of world’s leading Jackson impersonators by night (and one of our beloved editors, hair stylist, and videographers by day). Pete adored and respected Jackson, and as fate would have it last April he bumped into Jackson in Los Angeles, where Jackson graciously signed his signature across Pete’s back. Pete ran and quickly turned it into tattoo, permanently marking his great muse’s name. Lucky also had the lucky chance to meet Michael Jackson years ago and she wants to report that the Neverland Ranch animals were well looked after. Many of the animals recently have been transplanted from Neverland to Lake Powell, Arizona where they will be cared for at a wildlife reserve. Our dear friend, legendary actress and animal activist, Tippi Hedren, stepped up to look after Jackson’s two tigers Thriller and Sabu, giving them a home at her Shambala Preserve, Roar Foundation (shambala.org). Hedren explained that Michael Jackson was a true animal lover that provided a comfortable and loving home for his pets.

This week Lucky and I attended the opening of Swarovski new Crystallized Concept Store, hosted by Blake Lively. Lucky and I have loved Swarovski since we were pups and are jazzed to have Swarovski join us as one of our sponsors for our 10^th Annual Paws for Style (July 27^th – tickets available at animalfair.com).

We celebrated the grand opening of Crystallized Concept Store with celebrities such as Chloe Sevigny, Lucy Liu, and Evan Rachel Wood. When our eyes weren’t tearing up from the glare of so much bling bling, Lucky and I were able to have a heart-to-heart with Blake about her Maltipoo, Penny. Blake told us that Penny was named after the character from the animated classic The Rescuers. And although Penny is not a rescue, both respect the rescue movement and cause.

Right now I’m getting some “spiritual” culture in Israel, (sometimes even Lucky and I need a break from each other once in awhile) and trying to get some direct sun rays as New York has now officially turned into Seattle (what’s with 21 days of rain in June?). We look forward to a memorable July with our 10^th Anniversary Paws For Style charity event. We will FOREVER remember the time and those we lost in June. Dog Bless!

Catch Lucky’s Canine Cameo On The Celebrity Apprentice!

Lucky and I attended the special screening of our Pug loving friend Lori Zelenko’s new film, VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR at the Film Forum, Lucky was the last and only dog present at the movie, as we heard iconic designer Valentino and his posh Pugs were soaking up the sun under a numbrella, of course, in Italy. We got the inside scoop from Frederick Cheung the co-producer, and Matt Tyrnauer director (a long time Vanity Fair contributor), and were also told that with 270 hours footage shot, there’s tons more usable footage (do I hear a sequel?) of Valentino’s pugs; Milton, Monty, Maude, Margot, Maggie and Molly. Since Lucky loves fashion and Pugs (they see eye-to-eye), you never know, Ms. Lucky Diamond might get a canine cameo appearance in the next flick. Take note all you Lucky fans, you can see her in a cameo on this week’s The Celebrity Apprentice on NBC.

Next we hightailed it out of the city and ventured off to Long Island, NY to the North Shore Animal League America, to celebrate their Pet Adoptathon Weekend 2009. the 36-hour global pet adoption extravaganza that started Saturday, May 2^nd  at 9:00 AM at Pet Adoptathon headquarters in Port Washington, NY, extending through Sunday, May 3^rd, 9:00 PM. While there, we had a little tete-a-tete with our old friend, Cesar Millan. Prior to his fame as dog-training star of National Geographic Channel’s Dog Whisperer, we gave him his first ever feature article in Animal Fair Magazine’s May 2001 issue www.animalfair.com. Cesar told us President Obama and family “has a handful with Bo!”  The entire Obama family might want to teach this new dog some new tricks.” Check out Cesar Millan’s innovative sessionswithcesar.com, his online dog-coaching course, to create a partnership to decrease pet relinquishments, increase adoptions and benefit the rescue and shelter community. Remember there are many philosophies of dog training so always be sure to do your research before you choose which training method is best for you and your pet!

Back in New York City, Lucky and I entered another dimension when joining an A-List crowd at The 2009 Matrix Awards presented by New York Women in Communications. New York Women in Communications Foundation awards scholarships and provides educational programs for women, whether just beginning their careers or embarking on a transition in their careers. It is the largest foundation for communications scholarships for women in the tri-state area.  Recipients are introduced at the luncheon. Distinguished honorees and presenters included Tom Hanks, Julianne Moore, Jessica Lane, Brian Williams, Campbell Brown, Donny Deutsch and many other! Ceremony Emcee The Today Show’s Meredith Vieira asked me funny enough, “Where’s Lucky?”.   Meredith and Lucky  were at lunch last Monday helping the Lupus foundation,www.lupusnyc.org. Lucky couldn’t make it to the Matrix Awards because New York City was awarded record-breaking 90 Degree weather in April by Mother Nature – I feared my little Lucky might melt.

At the Matrix Awards, Sigourney Weaver wasn’t feeling Alien about her dogs and quipped, “I still have my dog Peddles, her ears are like flower peddles, and my dog Baci is still a big Italian kisser, always trying to give me a wet one.” Jessica Lange wasn’t Hush and chatted about her two canines, “Jack is a rescue, and Pine is a Yellow Lab I got for my son on his 10^th birthday”. Perfect gift, animals teach children the meaning of unconditional love and responsibility – puppy love.

Introducing to the world stage, Bo Obama, the new Portuguese Water Dog and First Dog of the United States. As an advocate for breed rescue since 1999, not dating Lucky Diamond (a purebred Maltese that likes to keep her age an urban myth) or anything else for that matter.  But yes, (I have the same hypoallergenic issues that Malia Obama has and can relate when considering adopting a pet) simultaneously I realized a need to promote animal adoption and rescue, and thus led to creating the premiere pet lifestyle company in the country Animal Fair Media promoting fairness to animals (www.animalfair.com). Lucky’s story goes like this, I put the word out to celebrity dog trainer Bash Dibra (famous for training Mariah Carey, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, and Barbara Walters’ dogs) and he came to my rescue when he delivered a dog named Chloe (yes Lucky’s real name), a purebred hypoallergenic Maltese which would have cost me over $2000, if I bought her from a breeder or pet store. Never will I really know who gave her up for adoption (the best kept secret in the pet world), Bash just won’t tell me. And the rest as they say, is hound history. Lucky would have been worth every penny spent over the counter, but heck there are close to 5 million animals euthanized in shelters yearly, and saving an animal is priceless.

Certainly the rescue world was wishing the Obamas would walk into a shelter, look into innocent puppy eyes (it would have been a real canine coup d’état if the Obamas chose an older rescue dog), and adopt. This would have made a huge difference to those animals hoping to one day have their own loving doghouse (okay, not every dog can live in the White House – but a dog can dream). But I must give kudos to the Obama family. They researched the best breed that fit their family, they consulted dog lover for life and politically correct friend who has Portuguese Water Dogs, Senator Ted Kennedy, and “adopted” a dog that was returned by its original pet parent. So I guess the Obamas possibly intercepted and rescued a dog before it ended up in a shelter.

Here are our helpful tips on how to adopt a certain breed that is desired for whatever the reason:

1) A lot of people think they need to go to a breeder and spend lots of money if they want a certain breed, but that’s not at all true! There are many wonderful rescue groups that cater to specific breeds, where you can adopt the purebred your heart is set on. Breed-specific rescue groups have the advantage of extensive knowledge and experience with their particular breed.  They are a great source of information, especially if you’re still searching, about their breed and of course about dogs in general.

2) You can start your search in the phone book or online - just look for “rescue + “name of breed.” You can also call the Humane Society – they’re always willing to help! Whatever breed you’re looking for, someone, somewhere has likely formed a rescue society. If you don’t immediately find what you’re looking for, a rescue for a similar breed can almost always point you in the right direction. Even if they don’t have that particular breed, chances are they know who does. Start asking around!

3) When you do find a breed rescue group, get as much info as you can.  How do they care for animals? How do they decide who to put up for adoption? How do they decide who can adopt? What is the process for the actual adoption? What services are available post-adoption?

4) Once you actually go meet an animal, find out as much as you can about its history.  Where was it rescued from? Has it ever been mistreated? Are there behavioral or medical problems to consider? Has it been spayed or neutered? How is it with other animals? Kids and crowds? Talk to the people at the shelter about the breed and the specific dog, and make absolutely sure that this is the dog for you.

5) Be prepared with the necessary food and accessories, and medical history for your first vet visit.  If you have small children, prepare them for interacting with the animal.  Be ready to establish rules and schedules for your new family member as you all adjust. Take time to play and bond, and most of all have fun!

Now to the name the Obamas’ picked for their new dog – BO!!!  As in Bo Diddley, curious - when did Malia and Sasha Obama start listening to Bo Diddley – in a previous lifetime experience at a Blues and Jazz fest? I prefer the name Charlie – Bo the First Dog’s original name. As in Charlie Brown, an all-American animated character and icon.  I would have thought the girls might name Bo, Miley or Cyrus (although the famed singer is female they could have just used her last name), Jonas (after the hot boy band), something a bit more kid-friendly and generational! But hey - whatever name, whatever breed, congratulations to the Obama family!  Please take the time to train Bo Obama yourselves and show America that there is a real binding policy and commitment when having a dog.  Hopefully all will see you as respected role models nationwide and a new trend will emerge – real change - when dogs and cats (animals in general) won’t be abandoned or left in shelters, all living in loving and caring homes! The dream and hope lives on when one day this country will be No Kill!

The ruff economy seems to be getting to everyone, even Lucky!  So this week, I took her out and about so she could be the Lucky dog she used to be, still is and always will be!

We started off the week at the very pet-friendly chic London hotel in New York City chatting with Patti LaBelle sans her two Rottweilers, Rain and Bolo.  Not sure Lucky would be okay in the company of two Rottweilers, but she drooled while lapping it up with Patti.  She probably was imagining one of her favorite’s Best Buddy Bits™ Peanut Butter Dog Treats exclusively at www.petsmart.com to go with Ms. Lady Marmalade.  Hopes are we will do a fundraiser with Patti, Rain and Bolo in her hometown of Philadelphia.  Our question of the last few months to many celebs, Ms. LaBelle included, is what does she think President Obama should name his dog? With no hesitation, LaBelle blurts out Pookie! Lucky and I didn’t ask why and who are we to question one of the most legendary musical Diva’s of our time (no - not Lucky the Diva - she can’t bark a note), we’re talking Ms. Labelle.

We flew out to Los Angeles for meetings, restaurant openings, and the Genesis Awards. Hollywood’s much-anticipated opening of the Food Network’s “Too Hot Tamale” chef Susan Feniger’s new restaurant, The Street.  We were celebrating with Susan as we will be featuring her two Goldendoodles, Augie and Chewie, for our Bone Appetit section on www.animalfair.com.  Her dogs weren’t invited, not all dogs have manners like Lucky; takes after her mother.   In between vegetable dumplings, we ran into Desperate Housewife, herself Dana Delany, she loved Lucky and sadly had no pets to discuss at the time, her too hot male friend has two cats, as I said to Dana, and will announce now, men with cats are more nurturing and in touch with their feminine side.  Listen, Dana is used to cat fights, as she is on the hit show with Hollywood’s claw-bearing Teri Hatcher and Nicolette Sheridan. Meeeooow - Hissssss! Our favorite spotting was Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous host himself Robin Leach. Robin, although not a pet person, was still sure to tell us about his son’s Maltese, Manna.  Certainly even Lucky dreams of “Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams”, well maybe more treat dreams. So yes Robin was asked the most important dog question of our time – and not sure if Robin was confused being in Hollywood, not the rich and famous Beverly Hills, but he replied that President Obama should name his dog “lost” as we gazed at him in bewilderment he added - like the television show!  Woof?  Maybe at that point he had way to much champagne?

Off to celebrate all the do-gooders in the animal community, it was time for Lucky and I to dress up to attend the 23^rd Genesis Awards dinner at the Beverly Hilton. Presented by the Humane Society of the United States, the event was dedicated to ending the Canadian seal hunt; even Lucky signed (well pawed) the petition and so should all of you.  The seals are so innocent and why man takes joy in beating them is beyond inhumane,  https://community.hsus.org/campaign/protectseals_cat_cora/nah787xni3?qp_source=gabda8 .   The awards pay tribute to the major news and entertainment media outlets for producing work in TV, film, print and the arts that helps to raise public awareness for animal issues and related causes, so obviously there was nowhere else on earth we’d rather be than in the company of all these amazing and giving people.

During the vegan dinner Lucky and I schmoozed with Byron Howard, one of the directors of the animated Disney hit film Bolt.  Lucky spent the whole time flirting with him, as certainly Lucky is as animated a character herself, it doesn’t seem so far fetched. Did I also mention that Marley the actual dog from “Marley & Me” was in attendance! Lucky and Me, that has a ring to it, okay enough, the stars of the evening were the people helping bring awareness to the inhumane issues we face in our soicety!  Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, received our beloved Gretchen Wyler’s award in her honor, The Wyler Award, the most prestigious award of the night, for helping so many animal causes. We cracked up remembering the Animal Fair (animalfair.com) crazy photo shoot with Portia and Bean – another Maltese!  Lucky is a fan of any woman with a Maltese (including me)!

We ended the week at the 52nd Annual New York Emmy® Awards Gala at the Marriott Marquis hotel honoring Katie Couric, anchor of the CBS Evening News, 60 Minutes correspondent and dog addict. Our favorite Dr. Ruth, was on hand with a bone to pick with us. And it wasn’t about the birds and bees, but Elvis the contestant on CBS’ Greatest American Dog!

Dr. Ruth is upset because we kicked Dr. David Best and his dog Elvis off of CBS’s Greatest American Dog. Dr. Best promised Dr. Ruth money for her documentary (drruth.com) if Elvis won. She feels, thanks to us, that David did not bring home the bacon, that’s $250,000 worth of bacon bits.  On top of that she complained Dr. Best was in the doghouse on the show and missed out on her 80^th birthday party—and that’s a whopping 560 dog years. We all made up at the end and still we can now count on Dr. Ruth to answer any questions we have on puppy love! 

Dr. Ruth shared her wisdom over President Obama’s issue with naming his dog, “Let the two girls come to an agreement on a name, Mr. President. You have too many other bones to pick!” 

Lucky and I celebrated an intimate gathering at philanthropist Valerie Diker’s apartment on 5th Avenue to discuss the plans for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary 25th anniversary. Best Friends is the largest no-kill sanctuary in the world and one of their main goals is to close down puppy mills and to create nation legislation that will stop pet stores from selling mill animals. Little did Lucky and I realize that we would be introduced to 2009’s Best of Breed Westminster winner who happens to be Valerie’s Champion Dachshund, Jessie.  Champion “Dikerdachs” (as in dachshunds) Jessie was a newbie in 2008 when he first appeared at Westminster along with his canine competitor “Dikerdachs” Champion Richard who won the breed the year before and got first award of merit last year. Quite a pair of winners! Lucky who never wins any awards (maybe because she can’t sit still) likes to run with the champions.  Sure if Wheaties had a dog food they would be on the cover! 

In 2009, Ch. Richard retired to stud (at least Lucky thinks he’s a stud), with 10 little champions already “on the ground”; now it is Ch. Jessie who is the “Top Dog” of New York Top Dogs in the city that never sleeps (doesn’t let sleeping dogs lie) and hosts the Westminster Dog Show. Jessie’s owner/ breeder, Valerie Diker is a true New Yorker, a well-respected breeder, published author, philanthropist and mother of three human pups.  She began breeding 18 years ago and has bred 22 champions to date, that’s truly a doggie dynasty lineup! Valerie shared (since Lucky was not allowed at Westminster (no regular dogs just the show dogs are permitted) and gave us the inside scoop, “There was a great deal of energy and excitement from the crowd at Ring 6 when Westminster Judge Dr. Donald Sturtz Jr, pointed to this adorable little dog and picked him as the big champion! Rarely do miniature dachshunds win; the standard dachshunds almost invariably win at Westminster.”

As a true New York City winner (the big apple – loves winners – grooms them) Jessie appeared on Fox News and The View with his owner-breeder, also a “born and bred” native New Yorker, Valerie Diker.  These two are a true love match.  Jessie never stopped kissing Valerie smack on the lips this prompted The View’s Whoopie Goldberg to ask, “tell me, do you have peanut butter on your lips?” The audience was in hysterics and Jessie kept kissing until Mrs. Diker got up, at Barbara Walters’ request, to walk Jessie “show style” and strut his stuff. And he did – proudly! Lucky and I salute both Valerie and Jesse for their work with Best Friends as animal advocates for fairness to animals (as we do at Animal Fair: www.animalfair.com)!

We ended this week with a fabulous event hosted by our dear friend Sue Costello on the Penthouse of Barneys New York. The event was entitled Hope Trumps Fear Storytelling by actor funny lady comedian Sue Costello.  It was an intimate night of original storytelling at this New York landmark. Elaine Stritch kicked off the night with a story about missing her call time at the opening night of her trademark performance of “The Ladies Who Lunch” in Company. Elaine Stritch is also on Lucky and my favorite NBC show 30 Rock, where she pays Jack Donaghy’s mother Colleen. Elaine was laughing when we asked her what Obama should call his future first dog – “Liberty” as we all need Liberty (at least financial liberty with the current economic acrobatics going on)!

Comedy Central Presents’ Marc Maron, comedian extraordinaire (and I’m not saying that that because he has four cats: Monkey, Boomer, Moxie and La Fonda) from Late Night with David Letterman, Conan, Air America, who’s currently work shopping his one man show Scorching the Earth Sundays cracked a funny and said “leave it to Sue Costello to do underground theatre on the 8th floor of Barneys” Marc Maron was funny enough to come up with the idea that President Obama should name his dog “Bush” (I’m leaving that one alone). Hmmm … Louis Ramey from NBC’s Last Comic Standing told a revealing story about how he was homeless and auditioned for the Aspen Comedy Festival and got it. And Jackie the “Joke Man” Martling closed the night with an officially painful and hilariously funny story about one bad day in his life, first bombing on stage and Rodney Dangerdfield and then Dangerfeld catching him peeing by a dumpster. Sue Costello started off the night with gratitude for all the support she got while writing her one woman show Minus 32 Million Words, and some very funny and heartwarming stories of how Hollywood can be a nice place to visit. Kevin Dyson, General Manager of Barneys NY, is a close friend of Sue’s and one of the most touching moments of the night was when Sue brought him on stage and thanked him while he blushed uncontrollably. Lucky and I had a night to remember, full of laughs and heartfelt stories to bark about, as we already know that Hope Trumps Fear, we see it everyday with animal rescue, and it was good to see it take place in human rescue as well. 

Animal Lover’s were in full force this past week at the  Guild Hall’s Academy of the Arts 24th Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street, honoring actress extraordinaire and dog lover that cares, Boston Legal’s Candice Bergen, she plays loving guardian in real life to Lois - part Wire Haired Terrier/part Basset-Hound & Larry – a King Charles mix.

At the event, Lucky & I ran into Long Island native and 30 Rock star Alec Baldwin who truly hopes President Obama names his future rescued Portuguese Water Dog, ”Surplus”. Certainly with this ruff economy, the entire country and every dog I am sure could use a little more “Surplus” and treats in their lives.

Speaking of breed rescue, Oprah Winfrey has adopted an 8-week-old blonde-colored Cocker Spaniel on Sunday. The pup — one of a litter of six — was named Amanda by the shelter staff, but the rep for PAWS Chicago shelter, Lisa Nowak, wasn’t sure if Winfrey renamed her.

Winfrey’s two Cocker Spaniels, Sophie and Solomon, died last year. Her Golden Retriever, Gracie, unfortunately choked on a plastic ball in 2007. She still has two other Golden Retrievers, Luke and Layla. The host vowed to adopt her next pooch after dedicating a show to the horrors of puppy mills sprouting up all over the country. Ms. Winfrey also donated money in Sophie’s name to maintain the upkeep of PAWS Chicago.

PAWS Chicago (Pets Are Worth Saving - pawschicago.org) is Chicago’s largest No Kill organization, focused on alleviating Chicago’s tragic pet homelessness problem. Since PAWS Chicago’s founding, the number of homeless pets killed in the city has been reduced by more than half. Perhaps President Obama will rescue his new dog from PAWS as Oprah did, since they seem to run in the same circles. 

This past weekend Lucky and I could not refuse the invitation to jet off to Palm Springs, California to judge a dog look-a-like contest (I must admit I don’t come close to the cuteness of Lucky). The Dog Look-a-Like winners were dog trainer Andrea Smith and her 2-year-old Rhodesian/Pit Mix Rescue dog named Miley, who never would have survived the shelter life unless rescued! Miley can’t howl like Miley Cyrus can but certainly is as handsome with an overabundance of animal magnetism – www.visitpalmsprings.com. We stayed at the very pet friendly www.andreashotel.com where Lucky certainly relaxed.

Of course, though you know Palm Springs is where the Hollywood elite goes to relax and getaway (from all the bright lights, fanatic fans and puparazzi). It was so funny we ran into Kathy Griffin getting her Palm Springs’ “Star of Fame” (Lucky did not want to get her paws dirty so declined the D list star from getting into the cement (although Lucky really knows she is the D star - Dog TV star that is).  Probably second to Lucky as a famous Maltese was crazy Bubba from Cesar Milan’s first season of The Dog Whisperer. Bubba’s mom Heidi was trying very hard to buddy up to Lucky.  Sorry to all those Maltese but Lucky has been spayed.  (www.animalfair.com). To find the best Palm Springs pet travel bag go to www.petsmart.com.

Once a year the pace of the city changes. There is an animal energy that’s easy to sniff out and flows through the city streets the smell of hot dogs . Now I’m not talking about those pesky and sometimes terrifying city rats, or even the dumpster-diving coons, of course I’m talking about the one and only Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a New York City staple (and the second longest running sporting event in the country, next to the Kentucky Derby), now in it’s 133^rd year. That’s right people the Super Bowl is over and it’s dog show season, so grab your fan flags for the breed you support and let’s all get into the canine spirit!

To kick off the festivities of Lucky’s favorite two-day dog event, (which starts today) we attended the Westminster Dog Show Pedigree Awards Dinner at the Museum of Natural History. Just a warning to pet owners out there: never bring your dog to a room filled with terrifying stuffed animals. When Lucky caught glimpse of some of those dinosaurs and bears, I swear she dug a basement into her dog bag. In attendance for the exciting pre-show awards was the iconic, raspy-voiced beauty, Bernadette Peters who came without her rescued mutt Kramer.Peters, along with one of my favorite funny ladies, Mary Tyler Moore, host “Broadway Barks” every year to benefit various, reputable animal charities. Check out BroadwayBarks.com for more information. And for all of you with sensitive ears, Broadway Barks isn’t what you think it is, so you don’t need ear plugs! Lucky and I also ran into the fabulous Archaelogist Iris Love who is the Grande dame of Dachsunds.  We also heard word that there will be a new Brooklyn Animal Resource Center or BARC (BarcShelter.org). With Animal Haven closing in Queens at least we know one borough will have a home for all the homeless animals. We love all the work of local shelters, especially this local, non-profit, no-kill shelter. Lots of barks this week I guess!

This week Lucky and I also hopped on over to a very savvy cat event, the “Hello Kitty Commotion” party hosted by V Magazine and MAC Cosmetics. I have to say I love Hello Kitty – she’s always happy, always strong, and an icon in her own right. She sounds like Lucky! Truly considered bringing Pasha, but Pasha is not interested in saying Hello to any other Kitties. At the event I ran into the lovely Mr. James Gager, creative director of MAC sans his adorable poodle, both of whom I have been fond of for quite some time.

Lucky and I also saw designer Adam Lippe, who told me about his two Labradoodles, Bidu after a Brazilian cartoon character and Lola , because “gay guys name their dog Lola.” We also ran into Mtv’s The City sweety and Whitney Port’s sometimes beau, Australian rocker Jay Lyon who told us about his Argentinean Mastiff named Gunner. I guess that’s what an Australian names an Argentinean. R&B star Ciara hit us up with details about her favorite boxer, Tyson, not Mike Tyson, and not a Boxer, but her Maltipoo of the same name. She can’t help but name her dogs after professional boxers. Little Miss MisShapes darling Leigh Lezark was taking a break from spinning to talk about her Mini Dachshund named Edie, an homage to the Factory and Andy Warhol. Edie was originally going to be called Lydia (after Winona Ryder’s creepy Beetle Juice character), but perhaps Lezark was afraid she was going to end up saying “Beetle Juice” too many times and Edie would be gone.

Lucky and I also attended a dinner hosted by world renowned antique furniture dealer and author Todd Merrill and his wife Lauren to celebrate the one year rescue of their 8 year old Blossom from the ASPCA. The couple adopted their dog and it was given one year to live because she was 3 times overweight.  I’m happy to report that their dog is now in great health and it looks like she’s kind of cat-like when it comes to lives. At the dinner I sat next to, cavorted, laughed and chatted with Anthony Haden-Guest, popular author and columnist. I realized at the time that I shouldn’t have brought Lucky, but Wanda, because Anthony is the brother-in-law of the original Wanda in A Fish Called Wanda, Jamie Lee Curtis. That also means that Anthony is brother to my ALL TIME FAVORITE actor, comedian and all around genius Christopher Guest, the mastermind behind the brilliant film and my obvious personal favorite, Best in Show (how timely).

Thank dog for Piggy Banks! If Bernie Madoff had one it probably would be the biggest Pig . Checkout www.AnimalFair.com for more pet tips to keep you going no matter the economic climate.

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.