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The Gabby Guy visits a party so grand, it takes two columns to cover it, then hoists a few Muttinis for forgotten pets.
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A MUTTS-DO HAPPY HOUR
Holistic health practitioner, clay sculptor and pet owner Alexandra Malone invited us to a recent Faithful Friends’ bouncing happy hour. This Martinis for Mutts (and cats) happened at the Big Fish Grill on the Wilmington Riverfront. The group, a no-kill animal shelter, netted about 40 friends—each faithfully donating $10—at the bar by baiting them with cheesy bites and fresh-fish finger foods. Guests schooled under the eatery’s decor of “swimming” blue fish, marlins, and yummy yellow fins. “My three cats, Kung Pao, Jet, and Zeebo, would have loved it,” said Faithful Friend volunteer and City Theater Company board member Connie Stenger.
Connie impressed upon us, as many of the Friends did, the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Friend and CPA Stephanie DeLucia reiterated by telling us about the organization’s Pit Stop program, which offers free spaying and neutering to counter the negative image of the pit bull breed. “They are strong-willed but not aggressive,” Stephanie assured us. “All they want to do is please people.”
Sharing in our canine convo was Friends treasurer Bob Wasserbach. “It’s a great group,” he told us. “It improves the life of so many animals and people.” Bob made special mention of the Pet Therapy program, which takes pets into hospitals for some mutual sharing and caring time with patients.
We asked director of volunteers Shannon O’Neill for her thoughts on Michael Vick. “I am glad the Eagles are making very public anti-cruelty efforts,” she said. “Pit bulls—or any dog—can’t speak up for themselves. Faithful Friends is their voice, and with sensitivity and love they can be rehabilitated.” Dog department manager Jamie Lay, chair of the Martinis for Mutts nights, raised her Muttini in full agreement, as did development director Arlene Boles. Arlene, a nonprofit warrior for 30 years, joined Faithful Friends in May. “They are without a doubt the most mission-focused association I’ve been involved with,” she said. That must have been purring praise to the ears of executive director Jane Pierantozzi. “It is unacceptable to kill 13,000 to 15,000 animals a year in Delaware,” Jane said. She reminded us that a 2006 state law requires all Delaware shelters to spay and neuter all animals before adoption. She would love to see a statewide no-kill law.
Let’s hope more than the dogs (and cats) heard her. Ciao for now.
