Four years ago on November 16, 2007, I drove from NYC to PA to a foster home, where an adoptable Pennsylvania Amish-country, puppy-mill rescue, toy, white poodle, who I named Madison, was eagerly awaiting my arrival to pick her up and take her to her fur-ever home. And on November 19, 2011, Madison and I celebrated her birthday, along with Jennifer-Jo Moyer’s FifiGigi (adopted 11/11/08) and Beth Kraimer’s terrier Petey, with about 20 of our human and canine friends at the NY Dog Spa and Hotel (www.dogspa.com) on East 91st St. We had food, drinks, doggie goodie bags, and a silent auction, where the proceeds went to benefit Animal Haven (www.animalhavenshelter.org).
As the parent of an adopted pet, I can say it was and has been the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. Madison fills my life with love and laughter (and cuddles) every single day – and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I highly recommend adoption, especially since there are so many pets that need homes and are also pure-breeds. And for those of you wondering exactly what a "Gotcha Day" is, it's not an actual birthday, but rather the day you adopted your furkid (human adoptions use the same term). To be able to celebrate the life of your furkid is to want to share your joy with others who feel exactly like you do. (I know that Jennifer-Jo and Beth, among other friends, feel the same way about their furkids, too.)
Thanks to dog-trainer extraordinaire Andrea Arden (www.andreaarden.com) for her help in introducing me to Dale Van Pamelan, co-owner, at Dog Spa for helping us put together such a wonderful afternoon.
