Furocious
What might have been a typical Tuesday evening (but wasn’t) January 10, had Baltimore’s Café Hon, teeming with people. Whether one squeezed into the front door and stayed put or carved out a home at the back end of the bar, clearly, this was the place to be on this night. I was invited to this soiree by STYLE editor, cat dad and dog lover, Brian Lawrence, who also serves on the board of BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter). The party was a culmination of sorts for the campaign “Show Your Soft Side” launched by the Mayor’s Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission in September of last year. The campaign was developed to influence and reduce the incidence of animal abuse in Baltimore, and features acknowledged “hard” men of Baltimore with their pets. Tuesday evening’s event was not only a party to bring animal lovers together to celebrate a great campaign, it raised funds for BARCS as well.
John Rallo, Owner, Shogun Fights
On this night, some cute pups (who brought along their peeps), were showcased as campaign finalists. I was enamored of all of them, so I’m glad I didn’t have to choose! (From L-R) Shy little Bacci, the poodle, Munster, Mozzarella, Ryder and Lester..
While FUROCIOUS roamed the crowd and sniffed out the pets and their parents, I also caught glimpses of some of Baltimore’s most influential ‘anipals’ including Gregg Berstein, Baltimore City State’s Attorney; Caroline Griffin, Chair, Mayor’s Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission; City Councilman, Carl Stokes; MMA’s John Rallo; Raven’s Super Fan, Captain Dee-Fense; Michael Cohen and Nancy Cohen, Eddie’s Supermarkets; Mark Miller, former WBAL Radio News Director; Michelle Ingrodi, Founder, Charm City Animal Rescue and Jennifer Brouse, Executive Director, BARCS. Rescue Ink from Philadelphia even came to Baltimore for an appearance (http://www.rescueink-redemption.com/) and 98 Rock’s Sarah Fleischer served as emcee.
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Cafe Hon, fresh from the Chef Gordon Ramsey visit, did not disappoint. Generous servings of their Thanksgiving Sandwich, quintessentially smooth crab dip, Meatloaf sandwich with homemade ketchup, and oysters - light as a feather in cornmeal—were amazing. Doggie snacks were also provided for the furry set while the 98 Rock’s young contingent sold T-shirts and raffle tickets to raise even more money for BARCS. Want to be part of the campaign? T-shirts, provided by SwagDog, are available online at http://www.swagdog.com/c-69-98-rock.aspx
Congrats to body-builder P.J. and his Bull Terrier, Bolt, (who, clearly, also works out!), for taking first place in the campaign contest!
A fun evening, indeed, but it’s important to recall the genesis of this campaign, and why the Animal Anti-Abuse Advisory Commission, came into existence. A little dog named Phoenix, was doused with, and forced to drink, gasoline, set on fire and eventually died from the torture; an abused, nursing cat named Mittens, tortured in much the same way, but who lived through the horror - these, and stories just like them, are the reasons the commission exists. If you’d like to know more about the Commission, and the work they are doing, please go to http://www.baltimorecity.gov/Government/BoardsandCommissions/MayorsAntiAnimalAbuseAdvisoryCommission.aspx.
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