LAUGHTER, MEDICINE FOR THE HOMELESS DOG!!!

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the 4th Annual Comedy Event and Silent Auction fundraiser for Much Love Animal Rescue (MLAR) at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, CA. And, if I was an owl, I’d declare the evening to be quite a hoot!

Founded by Executive Director Nicki Wior, MLAR is a 100% nonprofit, no-kill organization dedicated to reducing overpopulation, abuse and neglect of domestic animals. Since 2000, they have successfully placed over 1700 animals in loving homes and, in 2003 was proclaimed “Best L.A. Animal Shelter” by Animal Fair Magazine.

But, back to the event. There was fantastic food, freely-flowing fluids and funny friends all helping to make the evening a success for canines (and other animals) who don’t have as happy a life as some of us do. Hosted by Kevin Nealon and Rachael Harris, the laughs were plentifully generated by talents that included Jon Lovitz, Jeff Garlin, Elon Gold and Greg Fitzsimmons, who all donated their comedic talents. And, there were all sorts of great goodies offered as silent auction items, including one won by my buddy Curtis the Dog, where he and our human Dan will have their photograph taken to appear in Animal Fair Magazine. What fun!!!

Quite seriously though, the highlight of the evening belonged to our fellow canines that so badly want to be in a loving home. A few of them were paraded prior to the comedy and, judging from the audience reaction, stole the show. I for one hope that they and other pooches like them don’t have to wait much longer to get much love. Can someone pass me a hankie?

MLAR will be holding a number of other fundraising events this year including a “Summer Yard Sale” on Saturday, September 17th and their fourth annual “Bow Wow Ween” on Saturday, October 29th. For more details, please visit http://www.muchlove.org/events.htm.

Meanwhile, gotta strut. I hear there’s a wonderful canine comedy club that just opened called “Throw Me A Bone” that has the audience howling in the aisles!