The Luxury of Pets: A Tribute to the Dog

The Luxury Marketing Council - New York Chapter
Upcoming Event

THE LUXURY OF PETS: A TRIBUTE TO THE DOG

A PRE-HALLOWEEN PARTY - BRING YOUR DOG(S) - SERIOUSLY!

Council Members/Dog Lovers Unite! We Can All Howl at the Pre-Halloween Moon and Tilt a Glass and Break a Dog Biscuit Together!!!

Generously Hosted by Commerce Bank

Americans are now spending an astonishing $41 billion a year on their furry friends - more than the gross domestic product of all but 64 countries in the world; double a decade ago; expected to exceed $60 billion in the next two years.

"People are no longer satisfied to reward their pet in pet terms," says the president of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. "They want to reward their pet in human terms." This translates to hotels instead of kennels, braces to fix crooked teeth, catered birthday bashes complete with porcelain bowls, frilly ball gowns and tuxedos.

The rising status of pets has spawned an unprecedented wave of entrepreneurship in an industry once epitomized by felt mice and rubber bones. $430 potties, $30-an-ounce fragrances, $225 trench coats now abound as do new high-tech surgical techniques, drugs for depression or anxiety, cosmetic procedures and end-of-life care.

No surprise, the luxury niche has been one of the happy - woof! - beneficiaries of this trend.

This event was made possible thanks to the generosity of Commerce Bank, our kind host, and in honor of Canine Companions for Independence, honorary members of The Luxury Marketing Council, who enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality, life partnerships - person and dog together.

We'll have a 'doggie fashion show' compliments of Bitch New York and their retail providers, doggie treats, trainers and tidbits. Most IMPORTANTLY we'll also have Anne Roberts, National Board Member for Canine Companions for Independence, introduce to us Shea Megale, age 11, who will do a brief reading from her book "Marvelous Mercer" - inspired by her tender pal and companion - and Glenn McIntyre, a motivational and educational speaker and founder of McIntyre & Associates, who will be accompanied by his service dog Boylan.

It's a few paw prints 'outside-of-the-box' from our usual events. Woof!

A celebration of man and his "shaggy muses." We can howl at the moon, whatever phase it's in, together. So, do bring your dog or puppy!

On October 24 The Luxury Marketing Council will for the first time in Council history truly be going to the dogs!!!

Compliments of The Luxury Marketing Council, copies of Maureen Adam's just published and brilliant book, "Shaggy Muses", will be given to 20 lucky attendees.

With special thanks also to Stacy Braverman, President of Bitch New York®.

About Stacy Braverman and Bitch New York®

Stacy Braverman is the President of Bitch New York®, an online luxury pet boutique. Three years ago, after the arrival of her first chihuahua princess, Lola, she searched the internet for luxury dog products. To her dismay, these items were scattered here and there, if they could be found at all.

BitchNewYork.com was created as a way to harness (no pun intended) all of the most luxurious pet products that she could find, under one "virtual roof", thus making it easy for the luxury pet owner to shop for his/her pet. Personal customer service from Stacy is the highlight of this shopping experience. All of "the hottest trends in canine couture" are gathered each season and presented at this trendy online boutique created by her daughter, Ashley. Ashley intends to study graphic design in college. Since it's inception, 3 more chihuahuas, Winston, Beckham and Havana, have joined the staff and provide modeling, taste testing and security to say the least.

With exceptional service, an undeniably unique product line and a flair for dog fashion, she remains at the forefront of the Luxury Pet Product market.

About Glenn McIntyre and McIntyre & Associates and his service dog Boylan

Glenn McIntyre is co-founder of McIntyre & Associates. Accompanied by his service dog, Boylan, Glenn delivers immediately usable tools for leadership and life. His knowledge of management skills and diversity issues is ideal for working in today’s diverse workplace. “Motivating and Educating” is Glenn’s trademark because Glenn believes, “The value of knowledge is worthless if it is not implemented.”

In 1985 Glenn began his 16-year career as a police officer, 13 of those years as an officer in uniform with a visible disability. For the past 17 years, Glenn has presented multiple events to clients in federal government including NASA, U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army, Treasury, Customs, Homeland Security, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and more, over 30 agencies in all. In addition, Glenn has presented to the enforcers of civil rights at DOJ, EEOC and DOL. Glenn is proud of his repeated invitations to speak at the national conferences for the following associations: SHRM, AILG, FDR, PIHRA and SGMP. Additionally, companies such as Merck Inc., Hewlett Packard, McGraw Hill and Hilton have benefited from Glenn’s training as well as many learning institutions.

Glenn has consulted on numerous employment issues addressing employees with disabilities and has provided over 100 facility access evaluation reports. He is often requested for his expertise on teambuilding and diversity issues. Glenn has received numerous awards and has been nominated for the California Governor’s Award. Recently, Glenn received a personal invitation to provide training to the Governor’s Committee, the CA Director of Rehabilitation and other state diversity leaders.

Locally, Glenn produces and emcees the Festival of Human Abilities where every year approximately 11,000 people celebrate the “Abilities of people with disabilities” at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Glenn is featured in seven “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book products, has been on the cover of “Success Magazine”, in “Human Resources Executive” and has appeared on every major TV network. Most recently, he was featured in Diversity Inc. Magazine. By overcoming challenges and through his commitment to motivating and educating others, Glenn and his service-dog Boylan are living proof that… Always there is a way!

Boylan A. Kaynyne Boylan D. Dog dedicates his life to partnering with Glenn in his personal and professional life. A purebred black Labrador Retriever, Boylan completed months of training as a Canine Companion before joining forces with Glenn. Together they make a formidable team that has thrilled audiences nationally with their story of triumph. Humble at heart, Boylan prefers to let Glenn take center stage but enjoys joining his best friend to demonstrate his own special skills and a few tricks to boot! When not on the road, Boylan loves relaxing at home with his family.

About Shea Megale and "Marvelous Mercer"

Shea Megale has just written her first book - all about what her Companion Dog, Mercer, does when she is asleep! This is the first of an upcoming six book series being released called “Marvelous Mercer.” The book series beautifully illustrates the author’s life from the point of view of Shea’s lovable five year old black lab named Mercer.

In the spring of 2004, Shea received her "Canine Companion”. Shea's dog, Mercer, helps her with her day-to-day activities -- like turning on the lights, picking items off the floor, getting her food card at lunch and giving her more independence.

As a companion dog, Mercer has been trained to guide Shea through her life and has become a true part of the family, if not best friend to Shea. Mercer amazingly tucks Shea into bed every night and even turns off her light.

“Marvelous Mercer” details a life through Mercer who is able to experience things that Shea can only accomplish through her writings. Shea will challenge your morality, your sense of responsibility, and your priorities – all at age twelve.

Shea was eighteen months old when it was disclosed that she had Spinal Muscular Atrophy 2, a genetic neuromuscular disease that will cause her muscles to atrophy as she ages rather than develop. Though Spinal Muscular Atrophy may have her confined to a wheelchair, it’s amazing to note that Shea never expresses any self pity or regret either in her book or in her life. She focuses on what she has, and makes the best of every day instead of focusing on a life full of limitations. As if that were not refreshing enough, Shea's motivating factor for the book was to honor two charitable causes, including research for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Canine Companions, the non-profit organization who provided Mercer.

About Anne Roberts, Canine Companions for Independence

Following a successful career in New York City as a commercial actress and cabaret performer, Anne became involved with Canine Companions for Independence and was invited to join the Northeast Region board in 1998. Relocating to Colorado in 2000, she has continued to actively support CCI by serving on the CCI national board and developing an extraordinary volunteer force in the Vail Valley with her friend and National Board colleague Bob Solon. CCI remains the main focus of Anne's volunteer efforts and she derives great satisfaction from helping to make a difference through this exceptional organization.