By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

The 35th Annual Hampton Classic

The tents are up, the horses are competing and people from all over the world are coming to watch or compete in the 35th Annual Hampton Classic.  This week long jumping competition is a spectacular way to see horses and their riders up close compete in all levels of jumping competitions.  If you are a native Long Islander and have yet to attend this Hamptons classic, you don’t know what you are missing.  This event is very kid and dog friendly, as long as your dog is leashed, well behaved, friendly, and won’t freak out seeing a horse. 

Also if your kids like animals, they will love this.  Especially the exotic animals that are on display and on Saturday, September 4th is the annual Cablevision Kids Day with all kinds of activities geared for your 2-legged kids.

   
Some of the animals your kids can see pretty close.

The classic started on Sunday, August 29th and runs through Sunday, September 6, 2010 with many events during the week.  Try to go during one of the weekdays when it is less crowded and you will be able to see more.  There is also the ‘Boutique Garden’ there with a ton of vendors for your shopping pleasure.  Its $20 bucks for a car load of people or $10 a person.  If you were lucky to go today, admission was free!   For more information on the classic go to: www.hamptonclassic.com

By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Celebrities & Their Dogs Unconditional Love

Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) has some very unique events to raise funds to continue to help homeless animals…and last night was no exception. At Guild Hall in East Hampton, NY, ARF hosted a movie premiere of ‘My Dog, An Unconditional Love Story,’ by Daryl Roth (http://www.darylrothproductions.com/) and Mark St. Germain, which is a movie about stars celebrating their best four-legged friends.

Featuring celebrities like Edie Falco, who was also there to give an introduction to the packed audience, the film also featured Richard Gere, Glenn Close, Lynn Redgrave, Cindy Adams and many others who spoke unconditionally of their dogs, past and present.

(L to R): On Stage: Sara Davison Executive Director of ARF,
Edie Falco, Actress; Daryl Roth, Film’s Producer

An endearing, humorous and touching film, anyone who has owned or owns a dog, will absolutely love this movie. There was a lot of laughter and the audience stayed until the very end credit, with tons of applause. Whether you are a famous actor, musician, poet or author, the fact is that dogs bring all people the same joy, love, companionship and laughter – this movie shines a light on that.

Proceeds from the evening screening went to ARF and many audience members also moved on to the cocktail reception at the Maidstone after the screening, also benefiting the non-for-profit animal rescue. Local pet celebrities Jill Rappaport of the Today Show and Beth Stern were also in attendance.

Jill Rappaport Pet Contributor Today Show,
Beth Stern; and me! Nancy Hassel, Founder Long Island Pet Professionals

For more information on upcoming ARF events and how you can participate go to: www.arfhamptons.org