Our first photo together in the parking lot of the shelter. Taken by my mom.
Today would have been Phinny’s 15th Gotcha Day and 16th birthday.
Do you remember what it was like the very first time you saw your BFF (best furry friend)?
I remember taking the train to Harrison, NY that day to spring him from the shelter like it was yesterday. I remember walking into that dark and dank lobby that smelled like mildew. I remember the very first time I saw him wiggle his little self out into the lobby.
I remember the first time I picked him up and held him. I remember the first time he looked at me with his beautiful marble eyes. It was the only instance in my life of love at first sight. I knew he was for me and I was for him. I found my boy and he found his mom.
Phineas was adventurous and fun-loving, always up for anything. He was my constant companion, through thick and thin. Loyal to a fault. Curious, funny, and playful. As long as he was with me, he was happy. It didn’t matter where we were or what he was doing. He just wanted to be along for the ride.
He taught me how to be brave and how to trust myself and others. After all the difficulties he faced during the first year of his life, he still left his heart wide open for the possibility of a new chapter. When I find myself facing difficulties, I embrace my inner Phinny. I try to be as brave as he always was.
Happy birthday and happy Gotcha Day over the rainbow bridge, Phinny. Though you’re no longer here physically, I feel your spirit with me everywhere I go and in everything I do. Together forever, buddy.
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.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
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