“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ~ Anatole France
I’m a new dog owner. I adopted Phin almost 4 months ago and he is the first pup I’ve had whom I’m solely responsible for. By some great good fortune, I have a team of dog whisperers. My brother-in-law, Kyle, my friends Trish, Janet, Amanda, Col, Courtney, Kerry, Blair, and Ashley (who thankfully have talked me down off the ledge several times as I puzzle my way through how to best care for my favorite furry friend.) And my newest animal-loving friend – Gregg.
I met Gregg and his lovely wife, Linda, at the semi-annual dachshund festival held each Fall and Spring at Washington Square Park. Gregg was easy to pick out because he proudly wore a Godfather themed t-shirt that very simply said, “The Dogfather”, and that he is. He and Linda are the owners of two amazing full-sized dachshunds, both therapy dogs. Gregg is a professional dog trainer and has provided me with an enormous amount of advice and counsel, and has cheered Phin and I on as we helped transition Phin from a rescue to part of the pack. I highly, highly recommend Gregg if you need a trainer.
Right around Christmas Gregg sent me an incredible slide show with a simple note that said “This is why I thank God that I’m able to do what I do…” It’s a collection of fantastic dog photos that show just how much humor and love is wrapped up in these remarkable beings. And it makes me burst with happiness to know that one of those lovely souls found his way to my home.
Click here to view the slide show.
I snapped the photo of Phin above over the Christmas holiday. Deep in thought perched high on the couch.
This blog is part of the 2011 WordPress Post Every Day Challenge.
Published by Christa Avampato
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
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It’s great that you have rescued a puppy. We will, again come spring.
Phin is serious looking.
Good Luck and Alpha Up.
Regards,
Doug
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Thanks so much, Doug. Looking forward to see your new pup that you adopt in the Spring. Phin can indeed be a serious dude, especially while in deep-thinking mode.
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Excellent slide show – I would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite, but the one where the German Shepard is racing with the white stallion is absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing!
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