The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the leading not-for-profit dedicated to protecting the lives of homeless, neglected and abused animals across the country through animal health services and community outreach.
Spotlighted this week is the ASPCA® Bergh Ball with designer and ASPCA® spokesperson, Isaac Mizrahi – a long time advocate and supporter, and this year’s co-emcee. The Bergh Ball is the principal fundraiser for the ASPCA®, and helps to fund the organization’s state of the art animal center; mobile adoption units; and spay, neutering and microchipping services.
Mr. Mizrahi discussed the many joys and benefits of pet adoption and shared some of his personal experiences of life with Harry, his beloved collie/golden retriever mix, whom he rescued 15 years ago, and Dean the beagle/terrier mix, Mizrahi and his husband adopted years later. “I think that they really teach you how to love.” said Mizrahi regarding pets.
Dogged about the importance of adopting or rescuing pets from a shelter, Mr. Mizrahi discussed the downside of purchasing pets from stores, where the risk of the getting a dog in less than optimum health is high, and where many pets are bred from inhumane puppy mills.
“Genetically – I have to go on record saying that those puppies are not the healthiest puppies…. If you saw the way they were bred, you have to take steps at some point to make a statement about something, you know.” Mizrahi said. “Sometimes when they get inbred and inbred and inbred…they have different kinds of diseases and crazy things that crop up that you don’t expect,” said Mizrahi.
Even though Mr. Mizrahi prefers “muts” he informed listeners that there are plenty of pure breeds available for adoption and in need of loving homes. “I love mixed breeds – I’m a mixed breed person,” Mizrahi said. “But if you’re not, they do have adoption centers that are actual breed-oriented. If you want a corgi, you can probably go online and find a shelter that specializes in corgis.”
The 18th Annual ASPCA® Bergh Ball will be held at The Plaza Hotel on Thursday, April 9th. Mr. Mizrahi’s co-emcee is Lake Bell, and Edie Falco and Hilary Swank are being honored for their tireless efforts to save and protect vulnerable and victimized animals.
This unique event will feature a live and silent auction and guests are encouraged to bring their canine companions. In addition, pets will be available for adoption onsite.
Mr. Mizrahi also spotlighted April 8th as the 2nd Annual National Dog Fighting Awareness Day, and encouraged the community to support the abolishment of an activity which he states “…is absolutely offensive on every single level.”
For more information about the ASPCA®, to adopt, or to make a contribution, visit www.aspca.org. You can also follow the ASPCA® on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Listen to Deb’s chat with Isaac below:
Isaac Mizrahi - ASPCA Bergh Ball Emcee
FM Magazine
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In addition to his philanthropic passions and weekly show on QVC, Mr. Mizrahi recently launched a new line of accessories for tech products currently sold at Best Buy, and is in the process of writing another book. Also on the horizon, is a Mizrahi fashion retrospective at the Jewish Museum.
Learn more at www.isaacmizrahi.com.
–Deb Gordon/Fresh 102.7