The “dog days of summer” has been given new meaning over here at Furfluencers HQ. Not only was August 26th National Dog Day – it’s not too late to give some extra belly rubs if you missed it! – but our three recent episodes all celebrate dogs in a different way. We got a sneak preview of the Sandi & the Salty Dogs children’s book from shark conservationist Monique Fallows, learned how Hollywood producer Michael Levitt became a rescue advocate, and went full-on Dog Mom with writer Sophie Vershbow.
In fact, Sophie just teamed up with DAME Magazine to launch The Companion Chronicles newsletter, which features interviews with writers, actors, activists, politicians, and beloved internet personalities about their canine companions.
And NYC, if you’re looking for something fun to do this Wednesday August 31st, Must Love Dogs Comedy is hosting a show at The AKC Museum of the Dog. The show starts at 7p and tickets are on sale here!
We hope you have an amazing final run of the summer this holiday weekend. Definitely check out Episode 19 if you have sharks on the brain while you’re at the beach. And stay tuned for some Autumn animal madness when you’re back.
Cheers!
Julia & Anya
New Episodes
Ep. 20 - Sophie Vershbow
Meet journalist and social media strategist Sophie Vershbow! Sophie and her rescue pup Upper West Simon have delighted New Yorkers and beyond with their daily adventures and Simon’s adorable – and somewhat unusual – presence. In addition to running social strategy for some major companies, Sophie is a writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Esquire, Vogue, Newsweek and more. And while for years she wrote about mental health and other topics top of mind for Millennials, Sophie has turned her attention to something else near and dear to her: dog life. Just recently, Sophie teamed up with DAME Magazine to launch The Companion Chronicles newsletter, which features interviews with writers, actors, activists, politicians, and beloved internet personalities about their canine companions. Join us as we talk all things New York dog mom with Sophie and more!
Ep. 19 - Hollywood to the Rescue, with Michael Levitt
What a joy it was to sit down with Hollywood producer Michael Levitt to hear about how his life and career went to the dogs – literally! – after he adopted his first rescue pup. One rescue pittie later, Michael took his talent for producing live TV shows and created Cause For Paws: An All Star Dog Spectacular, a prime-time event that promoted awareness for dog-related issues and shelter rescue. He then produced the American Dog Rescue Show, a two-hour special in which rescued dogs from all across the country competed in categories including Best In Underbite, Best In Snoring, Best In Belly Rubs and more. Join us as Michael takes us on his journey through Hollywood and his insights into what it means to rescue a dog and some amazing tips for doing so. And to learn more about the rescues that have been a big part of Michael’s life, check out The Grey Muzzle (support for senior rescue dogs), Smiling Dog Rescue (for pit bull lovers), Big Love Rescue (LA), and Wagmor (LA), Wags and Walks (Southern CA).
Ep. 18 - Sandi and the Salty Dogs
We’re excited to welcome Great White conservationist and storyteller Monique Fallows to the show! Monique is the co-founder of Apex Predator Tours in South Africa, a children’s book author, and has been a longtime contributor to the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week series. In this episode, Monique takes us through her very personal encounters with Great White Sharks (especially with her three favorite Great Whites), why people are not on a shark’s menu, and the impact that storytelling can have for sharks and marine life around the world. We also hear about her upcoming book – Sandi and the Salty Dogs – inspired by her pets’ real life experiences with dolphins, sharks, seals, and more.
In Case You Missed It
If you’re like us, most of your vacation photos this week will not be of your friends and relatives but of your dog. And what better way to get ready for those beach and mountain shots than with tips and tricks from lifestyle photographer Samantha Brooke. In Episode 5, Samantha introduced us to her “Grumpy Goldens” and gave us the behind-the-scenes on she gets incredible pics of her pups, like the one that landed her on the cover of the Orvis Dog Catalog.
Catching Up With … TipToe!
A couple weeks ago, Anya and Ruthie had the pleasure of meeting TipToe in L.A., and what a fun visit it was. They learned a few more things about TipToe, including:
Tortoises have vibrant personalities and Tiptoe in particular was more cuddly than they anticipated.
Tortoise shells have nerve endings so when you scratch their shell, they can feel it, and Tiptoe loves having the butt of his shell scratched. He’ll even arch his back in delight when you find just the right spot.
Fur Your Reading Pleasure –
Clearly, Julia and Anya are doing their part to help make New York home to some of the most spoiled dogs in the U.S.
Ever wonder what the water dish sees when your pet goes to take a drink
There’s a new royal pup making headlines: meet, Momma Mia, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s rescue beagle
Do animals dream? Philosopher David M. Pena-Guzman of San Francisco State University argues the science shows that animals really do dream