December 27th, 2012 
On December 18, 2012, I had the pleasure of attending the Humane Society’s To the Rescue After Party, presented by Moroccanoil. The annual gala, held at Cipriani’s on 42nd Street, was held in support of the life-saving work of their Animal Rescue Team. The after-party was held at Simyone Lounge (SL) and was hosted by Georgina Bloomberg, Amanda Hearst and Rose McGowan. The open bar was donated by Star Vodka, WhistlePig Whiskey, Tanteo Tequila and Les Compagnons Wines.
(Photo Credit: Patrick McMullan)
The Animal Rescue Team is ready to respond at a moment’s notice when animals are in danger with state-of-the-art vehicles and trained responders. More than 11,000 animals were rescued and cared for by the team in just 2011 and 2012. They also work with law enforcement to investigate animal cruelty such as puppy mills and animal fighting, as well as helping seize the animals who are being neglected or abused. They then coordinate the care, sheltering, handling and placement of the animals in order to find their forever homes.
Rose McGowan at the After Party (Photo Credit: Kristy Rao)
The event was co-presented with Friends of Finn, a committee founded by Amanda Hearst and dedicated to helping stop puppy mills. She named the committee after her dog, Finn, a pet store puppy who was from a puppy mill. Georgina Bloomberg, a founding member of Friends of Finn, attended as well as actresses Rose McGowan, Ali Wentworth and Tricia Helfer. Also in attendance were Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Human Society of the United States and animal activist Lorenzo Borghese who was on ABC’s The Bachelor. When I asked Lorenzo what his stance was on puppy mills he said, “Puppy mills are a cruel and insensitive way for those who solely care about money to make a living. It’s greed in its ugliest form. This kind of cruelty should be banned. With millions of dogs being euthanized per year, anyone supporting these mills should seriously reconsider.” Not only are there inhumane living conditions inside of these mills, they also prevent people from adopting dogs already in need of a home. Lorenzo stated, “most puppy stores will lie and never admit their dogs came from a puppy mill.” The answer to this predicament is loud and clear. Instead of getting your dog at a pet store, go out and adopt one instead!
