Stay awhile: Gala honors those who give in the name of dog
June 15, 2011 • Travel • Rescue
Stay awhile. Isn’t that indeed what dogs do in our lives? They stay awhile but forever imbed their paw prints on our hearts. How appropriate it is, then, that FIDO Friendly recently had the honor of attending the Bideawee Ball in New York City.
Bideawee, which means “stay awhile” in Scottish, is one of the oldest humane organizations in the United States. Bideawee operates one facility in New York City and two on Long Island. FIDO Friendly was invited to attend the 2011 Bideawee Ball to share an evening of giving and caring for the animals.
Having grown up with the tv series, M.A.S.H., I was particularly tickled to learn Loretta Swit would be the featured keynote speaker. In addition to her 10 Emmy nominations, six Golden Globe noms, and a career that spans stage and screen, Ms. Swit is an accomplished artist and animal lover extraordinaire. What fun to have met this role model for all generations with my trusty canine companion, Dexter, by my side.
As we mingled and sniffed, this was the first black tie gala I’d attended where dogs were welcomed. With FIDO Friendly’s mantra being Leave No Dog Behind®, I was truly in my element. Dexter loved meeting Elvis the Jack Russell Terrier and countless other dogs who were there looking for their forever homes. Most notably, the three-legged love bug we encountered stole our hearts. I learned that Bideawee has their own iPhone free app, so we are sharing that with you here: Bideawee free app.
As we perused the silent auction and mingled with mutts and pedigrees galore, what a treasure to meet FIDO Friendly two-time cover girl, Beth Ostrosky Stern. Golden is what came to mind upon conversing with Ms. Stern. She is truly beautiful inside and out, as our editor-in-chief can attest. She and husband popular radio host, Howard Stern, are animal rescuers and lovers.
Aside from the dancing and dinner, good friends and associates present, the highlight of my evening was learning about Joe Garrison and his Bideawee rescue, Austin. Joe was honored at the gala for his stalwart leadership skills and role as an active board member of twenty years. Though Austin could not be present, as he has slowed a bit nearing 15 years young, Joe was seen cutting a rug, sharing his enthusiasm for animal rescue and exuding the spirit of adoption that is at the heart of Bidawee.
Special shout outs to fabulous pet bloggers I was fortunate enough to share a table and evening with. These fabulous writers are definitely bookmark worthy, so check them out as you travel the internet highway:
Pet Care Bev
Romeo the Cat
Pet News and Views
Petside
Here is a short video of some evening highlights. In the name of dog, thanks goes out to all who were a part of this gala event and who continue to celebrate and rescue for our canine best friends. Iams was saluted and awarded on this evening for all they have done and continue to do for shelter pets in need. FIDO Friendly is honored to have been a part of their Iams Home 4 the Holidays campaign. In 2011, more than 1.1 million pets were adopted and 5 million meals were donated to shelter and rescue pets in need. Leave No Dog Behind® indeed:
Bidawee Video on Youtube: FIDO Friendly
