‘Dog’s World’ author due at Humane Society benefit

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2010-07-15T00:00:00

Jewish author Wendy Diamond will be in Portland on July 27 for her book tour for her new book “It’s a Dog’s World,” and charity event, Yappy Hour, a fundraiser for the Oregon Humane Society.

Diaimond’s career started with two best-selling cookbooks helping homeless people that led to her lifetime career in helping homeless animals. Diamond, together with her rescued Maltese, Lucky, have successfully raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for pet rescue programs and shelters across the country.

Yappy Hours are cocktail parties for people and their dogs or people looking for rescue dogs. They are held around the country, hosted by Diamond and Lucky, to raise funds for local animal shelters and rescue groups. Yappy Hour, held from 6 to 8 p.m., July 27, at Portland’s Hotel Monaco, 506 SW Washington St., is a “caninelicious party where everyone can bring their favorite furry friends along for a howling good time.”

The chief pet officer and editorial director of Animal Fair, Diamond and her Maltese, Lucky, live in New York City and they are both tireless advocates for homeless and shelter animals.

“Growing up Jewish in Ohio can definitely make you feel like the underdog sometimes, but I was so fortunate to have a warm, loving, fabulous family who definitely knew how to have fun,” said Diamond. “My parents were incredibly generous people. They truly loved to help everyone, especially those in need, and they inspired me to make a difference in life. Now, I’m always doing guard duty for the underdog, whether they be animal or human, and I have my parents to thank for that.”

She said she recently visited Israel for the first time “to understand the importance of our culture.”

“I’ve seen the number of animals euthanized annually plummet from 12 million in 1999 when creating my business Animal Fair to 5 million this past year,” she said. “The hope that I can make a difference has kept me focused these past 10 years.”

Asked how much of an influence she felt her organization had had in the reduction of euthanized animals, Diamond replied: “We have brought the issue of rescue out in 1999 by bringing celebrity power with Renee Zellweger , Charlize Theron etc. In 1999, few were promoting rescue until we started. So, who knows? We certainly helped!”

Diamond has starred in television shows on CBS, NBC, Animal Planet, and, with Lucky Diamond, was one of three judges on CBS’ summer primetime hit show—Greatest American Dog. She is a regular pet lifestyle contributor on NBC Today’s Show and ABC Good Morning America.

After writing two best-selling books titled “How To Understand Men Through Their Dogs” and “How To Understand Women Through Their Cats,” she and Lucky have teamed up to write “It’s a Dog’s World: The Savvy Guide to Four-Legged Living,” (Ballantine Hardcover) a playful and practical guide for dogs and the people who love them.

In “It’s A Dog’s World,” Diamond and her four-legged friend show “pet parents” how to get their dogs from shaggy to chic—from diet and exercise to fashion and must-have accessories—so everyone can have a happy, healthy and fulfilling life together.

Diamond learned early how to throw a party.

“My family was in the restaurant/catering business, and I spent time working at Landerhaven country club as a child,” she said. “This was the place where Cleveland Jewish families would have their weddings and bar and bat mitzvahs, and at times I would be forced (Jewish guilt) to lead the Hora. Let’s just say at a young age I knew how to entertain as well make sure everyone was happy.”

“My dog is named Lucky, but I’m lucky too, and if I have my way, everyone will be feeling Lucky (or getting lucky!) at Yappy Hour,” she said. “It’s a fun event for all species, and we’re willing to accommodate any kosher dogs!”

Tickets for Portland’s Yappy Hour are $50, with 50 percent of proceeds benefiting the Oregon Humane Society. For tickets, log on to www.animalfair.com or call 212-629-0392, ext. 204.