A Cool & Sexy Calendar Idea Bringing Attention to Animal Rescue

Mr. March, Danny Pino & Prado (photo courtesy of @CathrineWhite)

I couldn’t decide because all of the guys were so hot! That was my dilemma in choosing the photos to accompany this story on the brand, new 2016 Tails of NYC RescueMen calendar. There was the adorable dentist, Adam Shoukry with Sophie, and the sexy veterinary student/model, Anthony Ruffin with Naomi; the handsome actor, Danny Piro with Prado, and the macho, Gregg Avedon with bunnies Emily & Emilia. What all of them have in common (beside being so very good-looking, animals included) is they are all animal rescuers. And, each has a wonderful story about how their rescues came into their lives. Casting director, Jen Halpern and actor, Felicia Greenfield are behind this eye candy meets eye-opening sexy calendar idea to encourage the world to Adopt, Never Shop!

Mr. June, Anthony Ruffin & Naomi (photo courtesy of @PetraRomanoPhoto)

“We consider the 12 men featured in the following pages to be true superheroes—they’ve come to the rescue by saving the lives of their companion animals and welcoming them into loving homes,” enthused Greenfield and Halpern. “It is our hope that their stories will show how extraordinary rescue animals are and will inspire people to visit their local animal shelter to rescue future furry family members.”

Felicia Greenfield & Jennifer Halpern (photo courtesy of @PetraRomanoPhoto)

While many of us already know this, pass the important message around, because in NYC alone, the municipal shelter receives approximately 35,000 surrendered animals per year that are in need of forever homes. Across the U. S., it’s about 8,000,000! Every year. Why would we need to pay someone for a best friend, when so many are waiting for us at our local shelters?

The rescue stories these men recount are wonderful. It makes them even sexier, right? Here are a few:

DANNY PINO AND PRADO

As they grieved the sudden loss of their beloved rescue dog Mambo, actor Danny Pino (star of NBC’s Law & Order: SVU), his wife Lilly and two young boys were not sure if they were ready to adopt again. But inspired by the laughter, security and companionship Mambo had provided their family, and knowing how many dogs were in need, Danny and his wife ultimately decided to look for another rescue. Their search led them to a puppy whose mother and siblings had been saved from euthanasia by Rescue Dogs Rock NYC. Soon—and just in time for his son’s birthday—Danny and his family welcomed Prado (named for Cuban musician Perez Prado, King of the Mambo) as the newest beloved member of the Pino family.

ANTHONY RUFFIN AND NAOMI

A few days before Thanksgiving 2014, veterinary student and model Anthony Ruffin took his trash out and thought he heard a cat by the garbage cans. Looking closer, he saw it was actually an adorable black pit bull puppy trying her best to hide from the elements on that cold November day. When Anthony reached out his hand to the little one, it was clear they were meant for each other—and they’ve been inseparable best friends ever since. Anthony claims rescuing Naomi was the easiest decision he has ever made: “At first I thought I was the rescuer, but I ended up being so thankful for everything Naomi has done for me and the many ways she’s enriched my life.”

Mr. April, Vince Oddo with Laila & Lucy (photo courtesy of @PetraRomanoPhoto)

 

GREGG AVEDON, EMILY AND EMILIA

Fitness expert, author and model Gregg Avedon has appeared on the cover
of Men’s Health more than anyone in the history of the magazine. He is as passionate about helping others achieve wellness as he is about rescuing animals in need. Over the years, Gregg has taken in injured and abandoned dogs, bunnies and one lucky duck named Camille, who always came waddling when called. His current rescue is Sammy, a black-and-white bunny who loves to cuddle. When Gregg was in the city for work, we hopped at the chance to photograph him with Emily and Emilia, two lovable rabbits rescued from Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC). “It’s incredible how attached we become to our animal companions and how much they are part of our family,” says Gregg.

JOHN DESMOND, DARLA AND SPANKY

One day, two abandoned dogs were found tied to a tree in Tennessee and then sent to NYC in the hopes of a quick adoption. A year and a half later, they were still in a cage at a no-kill facility in Queens when John came to the rescue. As soon as the NYC firefighter and shelter volunteer met the little dogs, he knew it was his duty to give them a better life. Today Darla (a jack russell/rat terrier mix) and Spanky (a chihuahua/dachshund mix) are in perfect health, and the family of three is thankful every day for their happy home. John hopes that “all of the stories in this calendar inspire people to find the happiness that comes from rescuing animals in need.”

 

Mr. November, John Desmond with Darla & Spanky (photo courtesy of @PetraRomanoPhoto)

Net proceeds from the sale of this calendar benefit Pillows for Paws®, the umbrella charity for the Tails of NYC RescueMen calendar. The organization brings comfort and love to NYC shelter animals through handmade beds and toys, crafted by volunteers, as well as manufactured toys, treats, grooming and medical supplies. The funds will provide materials for these.  The bulk of the items are donated to Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), the highest intake facility in NYC, and the shelter from which we adopted our Jasper. It’s not a pretty or happy place for the animals it houses, so the work Jen and Felicia do brings some joy to these poor babies waiting for their forever homes. Donations also do benefit other local rescue groups.

Mr. February, John Di Leonardo with Pepper (photo courtesy of @PetraRomanoPhoto)

With this being the season of giving, how many girlfriends do you know who would love to turn the page each month to one of these handsome hunks? This is a great holiday gift! And, you’re doing good with each purchase you make. It won’t break the bank at $20.00, so buy two, three, a whole bunch and give them out. Here’s a sweet deal Felicia and Jen are offering that could also make for an affordable, great gift. As if their sexy superheroes weren’t enough to get us excited, what self-respecting girl doesn’t love a good chocolate bar? For $30.00, they’ve packaged the RescueMen calendar with two Rescue Chocolate Peanut Butter Pit Bull bars. I love that!

Pick your poison of the best kind, order now and feel good about the joy you’ve helped these animals feel when they receive a needed gift from Pillows for Paws® because of you.

So tell me, which will be your favorite month next year? I know you’ll have one! LOL

If you like what you’ve read here, join the Bark & Swagger Family and get the fresh stories first!