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New PSA by Rational Animal Helps Us Protect Our Dogs Premieres August 26 on National Dog Day
with Celebrations at Soho Grand Dog Park and Morrison Hotel Gallery
It happened in seconds. As described in an article in the New York Post on July 6th, a history teacher tied his beloved Cocker Spaniel, Bo, to bike rack in front of a bodega on a busy street in Crown Heights while he grabbed his lunch. He was in the store no more than five minutes, and even looked out to check on Bo at one point. When he left the bodega, Bo was nowhere to be seen. Surveillance video shows a woman walk up, assess the situation, unleash Bo, and simply walk off with him. Now Bo’s owner is in a world of pain. And he’s not alone—he is a victim of a very serious crime that is sweeping the country. According to the American Kennel Club, national dog theft has increased over 650% from 2008 to 2016. In New York City, dogs left tethered but unattended are particularly vulnerable. Animal Advocacy group, Rational Animal and director Joe Whelski have teamed up to create a Public Service Announcement to raise public awareness about this serious issue. “Tying up your dog unattended outside a store or restaurant is an open invitation for someone to steal him,” says Jane Hoffman, President of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. “It can happen in a minute, and your dog can be lost to you forever. And theft isn’t the only risk. Your dog might slip out of his collar and run into traffic, or be attacked by another dog and unable to get away or defend himself. Don’t make your dog vulnerable to these tragic fates. Never leave your dog on the street unattended. To give you and your dog the best chance to be re-‐united if you should become separated for any reason, microchip and license your dog.”
“We’ve had so many people in NYC ask us to address this issue as they see so many vulnerable dogs tied up outside of stores while their owners are shopping,” says Susan Brandt, founder of Rational Animal. “Smaller, purebred dogs like Yorkies and Chihuahuas, and bigger breeds like German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are the most common dogs stolen, either to re-‐sell for money, to hold for reward money, or even worse to use as bait in dog fighting rings. This is a very serious and real issue and people need to do whatever they can to keep their four-‐legged loved ones safe.” Whelski wanted to work with Rational Animal because of its long history of creating engaging media to advocate for at-‐risk animals. The PSA, shot in Brooklyn, features actors Sarah Burkhalter, Mila Milosevic, and Bella, a dachshund. The video has a whimsical touch to help get the point across. “If you’re creating projects to move the needle for the greater good, a comical thread can tie it all together and reach people,” Whelski says.
National Dog Day Celebration & PSA Screening– August 26 The PSA will air on local NYC media starting on National Dog Day, August 26. Rational Animal and the SoHo Grand Hotel will host a celebration where dog guardians and their pups will be treated to a fun day of activities and refreshments at The Soho Grand Dog Park, a beautiful outdoor garden designed with bespoke benches and special amenities for the pooches. The event will be on August 26 from 2 to 4 PM, with a suggested donation entry of $5.00. A luxury boutique hotel in New York City, The SoHo Grand, was awarded the Orange Animal Guardian Ribbon Award by Rational Animal for their outstanding support of companion animals. On the evening of August 26, 7-‐9pm, the celebration continues at the legendary fine art music photography gallery, Morrison Hotel Gallery in Soho where guests will see a screening of the PSA, meet the Rational Animal team and enjoy a music photography exhibit from 7 to 9 PM. Morrison Hotel Gallery, a longtime supporter of Rational Animal, will offer a raffle fundraiser at these events.
About Rational Animal: Rational Animal is a 501c3 non profit organization established in New York City in 2002. Since it’s inception and through all volunteer teams has produced advocacy campaigns and community events to increase awareness and encourage support for animals in need. Rational Animal has worked with celebrities and rockstars to create benefit concerts for at-‐risk animals and has produced NYC’s first and only shelter map, the ongoing Mother’s Comfort Project sewing project that has delivered over 8,000 beds and dog and cat toys to city shelters and has produced several media campaigns to encourage animal adoption and spay and neuter. www.rational-‐animal.org www.facebook.com/rationalanimalorg
Rational Animal media inquiries: Kiva Kamerling The Press House [email protected] 347.804.4675 About The Soho Grand Hotel: The Soho Grand Hotel is famous for establishing itself as Manhattan’s first luxury downtown boutique hotel. Opened on August 4, 1996, The Soho Grand is located in the heart of SoHo, alongside world renowned art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. The Soho Grand’s unfailing ability to balance service and style has been the key to its success and continuously sets the highest standard amongst hotels of its kind. The hotel continues to receive accolades from both national and international publications; from Conde Nast Traveler’s coveted ‘Gold List’ as one of the world’s best places to stay and being voted one of the top 100 places to stay worldwide. The Soho Grand Dog Park, connected to the hotel on the north side, is a beautifully designed luxury garden and respite from the city sidewalks for dogs and their guardians. www.sohogrand.com
Soho Grand media inquiries: Paige Bradford Soho Grand | The Roxy Hotel [email protected] 212.965.3115 About Morrison Hotel® Gallery: Morrison Hotel® Gallery is the world's leading brand in fine art music photography representing over 100 of the world’s finest music photographers and their archives. Morrison Hotel® Gallery was founded in 2001 and has galleries in Soho, West Hollywood and Maui, as well as a strong online presence with over 100,000 images searchable through the gallery website. Morrison Hotel® Gallery has always supported efforts to help at-‐risk animals with their ongoing support of Rational Animal and the sale of Artists with Animals Notecards and other fundraising activities and exhibitions. www.morrisonhotelgallery.com Morrison Hotel Gallery media inquiries: Kiva Kamerling The Press House [email protected] 347.804.4675