24 Jan 2018 Livestream
Is it true you’re moving to St. Louis?
Ahh the moving hype is back. I wasn’t planning on it, but I think that I may be when our lease is over. It’s either there or NYC. Or like another part of Connecticut closer to the City. I guess only time will tell! I will keep you guys in the loop.
My dog pulls on leash and jumps when I take him out, what do I do? We can’t afford a trainer.
First, buy a no-pull gentle leader/harness! It will help tremendously in the training process. There are lots of techniques to this behavioral correction that a professional trainer could guide you through. The most common would be to not move forward when your dog jumps or pulls, just stay in place. A proper walk should be the owner leading the way and the dog following on the side or behind with a loose leash.. message me and I will be happy to help you guys as best I can!
Are you actually Jewish?
In theory, I am, but I'm not religious. I think that God and other abstract terms are a way for people to find comfort in a world full of unknowns. That being said, there are things I can't explain, so I'm just pretty agnostic. I still associate most closely with Hindu and Jewish culture and participate in numerous festivities because I love the holiday vibes and close knit communities! They are both such loving, vibrant cultures to be a part of and have introduced me to wonderful people. You may find me stop by a temple from time to time, simply to enjoy the peace and company it has to offer. To answer your question though, yes, I am Jewish, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I have a one year old Rottweiler mix who we got from a friend and he just shreds his crate bedding and makes a mess in our house! We have tried but we don't know what else to do and we can't keep him anymore. Do you guys have room?
Thanks for reaching out! As with all potential surrenders, we first try to help resolve the problem. The most common reason behind destructive behaviors is lack of stimulation. Rottweilers need lots of exercise - at least a few long walks a day, some runs in the park, maybe some weekend hiking trips. Dogs need love and care, but that isn't everything. They also need stability, routine, and structure. Message me some details and we will be happy to explore options with you before resorting to surrender!
What question do you hate to answer or wouldn’t answer?
Honestly.. as long as you’re not asking for my SSN, I will answer any question. I guess the only thing I hate is when my inbox is spammed with “can you save _____” requests every time a shelter somewhere in the country releases their updated Euth list. I hate saying “no”, but we simply cannot help in every situation.
What was the worst day and best day of your life?
May 16, 2007
I can’t WAIT to move out after school!! Must be awesome. You’re so lucky, I would totally be you if I could!!
Whoaa, hold up. I haven’t really “moved out”. It’s just a different situation. But why do you want to move out so bad? I’m sure your parents are doing their best, you should appreciate them. And you have your entire life to be an independent adult, so just love your family and be a kid!!! Please! Lucky is not the right word, you shouldn’t aspire to BE me. But like, if you want to create change in similar ways, then you could! And you should!
What’s your biggest regret?
Haha, everything and nothing at the same time.
Are you going to be a vet or a musician?
Neither. Well, I already am a musician so I suppose I always will be… I think I said I was going into business in that last Q/A but I don’t even know. All I can say is that I’m going to NYC. Who knows what college or what major. Shit happens quick like I can barely plan something two days in advance let alone a year and a half… who the fuck knows.
Who is someone (not in your family) that you can’t live without?
If I can’t live without them, that makes them family. Kani, Cole, Mrs. Levin, Michelle, Marlena, and Jes are just some of the many."I hope you get this. You are an angel to these animals and I've been low key stalking your rescues..! I have to ask tho what motivates you to keep rescuing after seeing so many animals get put down and so many abusers get away with these horrific acts? I want to get involved but I don't think I could handle it!!"
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That's a good question! The rewarding feeling of being there through the transition of dog that would otherwise be euthanized is an indescribable feeling, unlike any other. It's difficult to explain to those who have never had the privilege of experiencing it... but any time I need motivation, I just pull up our "adopted" list for before/after pictures and take a "scroll" down memory lane. "People" would be my second motivator. There are of course certain individuals who have personally pushed me to go forward, but I also enjoy sharing what I do with as many people as possible because if even ONE person learns something new, gets involved, or is encouraged to take action.. that makes it all worthwhile. If you want to get involved, there are a myriad of ways! Volunteering to transport, getting trained to be an actual responder, fostering, helping manage events, screening apps, the list is endless. I would love to work with you! The key to tackling "Rescue" is to find a balance. Focus on the positive and look back at all the fur-kids you've helped, but hold onto the reason you got involved in the first place. Just like, don't scroll through the Euth list all day. We can't save them all. It's not easy, but what is?
Tell us your deepest, darkest secret
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I'm a wizard.
What is the last song you listened to on your phone?
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I think it was "Where Is the Love" by The Black Eyed Peas. I don't listen to them often, but this was just on my "driving” playlist.
What is your favorite.. color / drink / food / sport / band / quote / holiday / TV show / make-up brand / season / teacher / ice cream / candy / relative / restaurant / clothing item / class / year / obsession / clothing store / country / trait / accomplishment / movie / time of day? Just really curious!!!
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Wow... ok.
Color. Blue, green, everything in between
Drink. Coffee… medium roast black, triple americano, or peppermint mocha depending on my mood and... physical necessities
Food. I’ll try anything vegetarian, I'm not very picky
Sport. Ice hockey... [what about martial arts?] Yes, I was going to say Krav Maga, but that's not a sport. It's an Israeli martial art used by their military and designed to kill.... next.
Band. Never. Never will I choose a favorite
Quote. "All men have limits. They learn what they are and they learn not to exceed them. I ignore mine"..... it was, I think, yea it was said by Batman
Holiday. Passover, Diwali, and Christmas
TV show. Criminal Minds. I'm not caught up with anything though
Make-up brand. Vaseline? I'm not really familiar with any.
Season. Fall and early winter.
Teacher. Seriously? You can be more creative... Z.
Ice cream. Mint chocolate chip.
Candy. Any sort of mint or caramel chocolate.
Relative. Good one.
Restaurant. I don't know, maybe like olive garden for the unlimited minestrone and salad. Ah, it's amazing.
Clothing item. I've gotta pick my bluetooth beanie... but I love my flannels.. and fuzzy socks
Class. Orchestra
Year. I'm not sure what this is asking. Like, favorite year of my life? I’d probably go with 2008 or - the first half of 2016 was pretty cool
Obsession. Dogs... and music... hence "that music dog kid"
Clothing store. L train vintage, it's a thrift shop in east village and I swear by it
Country. Ooh favorite country. Israel and (North) India for culture. America for NYC. And Switzerland for like everything else.
Trait. Like favorite traits in a person? Integrity, passion, and respect
Accomplishment. Surviving.
Movie. Every Star Wars, Marvel, and DC movie to ever exist
Time of day. Between 4 and 6 in the morning. If you're asleep between 4 and 6, you are missing out on life.
You have soo many talents!! I was curious as to what you plan to pursue as a career when you're older and I'm in high school so any advice? You're like acing classes and I bet you got a perfect SAT score lol you've got your life together and I don't even know yet what I’m doing. Do you go with head or heart? I'm so conflicted!
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Haha duude. I’m taking one AP in my junior year, I dropped my science and language this year, and I’m still failing two classes. I got a 1350 on the SAT which I guess is good, but trust me when I say I do not have my shit together. I don’t think anyone does! But you’ll be fine! And, hey, I mean, if you do fail - it’s ok! You've got time, we’re all gonna die anyway.
But yea my situation is a bit different so I don't think I'm one to advise… but I can tell you what I plan to do. My office and almost everything is in the City, so I'll probably get an apartment there after high school and make all of this full time. But I still want to get a degree for the heck of it so I might just go to CUNY Baruch's Zicklin School of Business. It doesn't rob you like a private school and the business department is just as good.. As for head versus heart... when it's about career, I'm combining the two. I have a love for rescue and music, but my skills lie in business. The theory behind "go with your passion and you'll be successful" is true only if either you love it so much you're excellent enough to pursue it and stand out, or you love it enough to compromise big time before getting anywhere. Like rescue is all volunteer work and music is not something I'm confident I could excel in by itself, at least not yet, so I guess I'm doing something nontraditional... I save dogs, do music ed workshops, design and sell stuff. Plus I currently have a paid internship for a major record label in the City and I get paid to manage social media for a few companies and artists, so I've got the bank I need and I'm also doing things that make me want to get up every morning. I think the problem lies where you think you don't have any "natural" technical skill. And I don't believe that anything comes naturally... you have to learn it. It's fine to not know what you want to learn.. and to go with something and change your mind. But.. the only reason I happen to be ok with business stuff is because I started when I was like 12 and did this day in and day out. I screwed up a shit ton of times but kept at it and that taught me more than any institution. Anyway, yea, this is.. getting to be a rant. Don't let anyone tell you what to do and don't stress it. Then again, of all things, life advice is probably the last thing I am qualified to offer... so I advise you not to take my advice. But.. anyway. Next.
"We love all that you guys do!!! Any chance the teams will be hitting up Cali!? :))"
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Thank you! We love you, too! I don't have anything set in stone at the moment, but ya never know... stay tuned this summer!
"Financially, I'm unable to adopt another dog, but I can't stand doing nothing. Is there any way I can help?!"
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YES YES YESSS. Always! Whether you have 50 hours or 5 minutes to spare each week, you can help. If you can't adopt, then foster. We NEED FOSTERS. Fosters provide a safe, loving home for a rescue animal until adoption and we accommodate all needs like apartment restrictions, other pets, young children, etc. If you can't foster, volunteer! Whether that is volunteering a skill like photography, grooming, training, transport, or physically getting involved with rescuing, we could use the help. Even with administrative tasks or events. Pretty much anything you can offer. If you can't volunteer, donate! Monetary donations as well as supplies for the shelter are always much needed. If you can't donate, join us on our socials to cross post and network. Don't support stores that sell puppies or backyard breeders. Learn and then educate those around you. Send me an email if you would like to get involved in any way! I have a rescue mailing list I could add you to
"I hate you. All you want is the fame and you don't even have to try for it. AND you're an only child and your parents get you everything you want. You literally have the perfect life. How are you so lucky?!"
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Well - actually, never mind. I was gonna say this whole thing but this is stupid. All I have to say is that I used whatever resources I had available including whatever I learned from my experiences to make things better for others. I imagine you're in a tough situation and can't compare it to mine. But instead of taking hours from your day trying to bring people down, why don't you find something you love, set goals for yourself, and work to achieve them? I'm pretty sure if you put this much effort into pursuing a dream for yourself, you would be just as successful, if not more.
"You must be busy!!! What do you do after school / rescue / business to unwind?"
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You're right about that! I think the three of those combined with my personal responsibilities basically take up all of my time. But in general my de-stressor has to be music. Like making music with other people or even listening to it while whizzing through the City in Heelys or driving or sitting in a room full of dogs I've helped rescue. The occasional power nap is nice, too. [What about Joan, Ryan, Jason?] Well I think they unwind a bit differently. What - like take a shot or two, or three? Yea, dealing with idiots day in and out can do that.
"HELP! Is there any cheaper alternative to heartworm treatment? Would love to hear your input since you have experience with sick animals."
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I do not like giving out medical advise, simply because it always depends on the individual case... and of course... because I'm 16. But yes, there are two methods. There is the "fast-kill" treatment option which involves routine shots of ivermectin. This is most commonly known and most veterinarians go with this. It is very very strenuous on the dog, but it does the job within months. For senior dogs or owners who cannot afford thousands of dollars in vet bills, there is the "slow-kill". It is somewhat controversial and some vets don't suggest it, but it really depends on the individual dog. I had a HW+ dog before with very little funding so I went with this and it did work. The worms would be gone within 1-2 years with Doxycycline and regular HW preventatives, given on a certain rotation schedule (depends on the dog). To answer your question, yes there are two treatment options - but which one is suitable depends on the dog... so, please get that checked out ASAP!!
"You guys have saved so many animals, helped so many people and kids... What is it like to be a hero?!!"
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I think I can speak for all of us... it feels amazing being able to help, but we wouldn't use the term "hero", ever. Everyone makes mistakes and everything comes with a price.
"What is the longest you've gone without sleep and what was it like?"
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Oh boy. I think... like 4 days... 96 hours. Not fun at all, I started to hallucinate. Don't try it!
"Are you dating at the moment....... or looking?"
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Uh, no and no.
"I wish I had known about rescues when I was younger. How old were you when you started?"
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I've always loved animals, and would usually find my way into pet stores, shelters, zoos, etc. although I didn't know the difference. All I knew was that I really wanted a dog for company and that my mom wouldn't let me. When I was 11, I learned about the difference between pet stores, puppy mills, and rescues through research of my own. We adopted Teddy shortly after and I was around 12. That's when I contacted rescues to let me "help them" with the dogs. Of course, no place in their right mind would allow a 12 year old to take that level of responsibility... because of course, I thought the job would consist of playing with puppies all day. However... one person did take me on. Marlena DiBianco was the director of a no-kill shelter that I had contacted and she is also one of the founding members of our rescue teams. She responded to my email within minutes and asked me to stop by. That's when my training in the world of rescue began, and it has never ended.
"What's something you do a lot or have done that's bad and you want to change?"
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I think maybe - I don't know. Well I never take anything seriously. I don't think that's going to change though.
"Do you remember when you talked to my sister Sophia?? I haven't forgetten!! What you do is soo cool. We said hi to you guys at the Strut your Mutt walk event in Manhattan a couple years ago I think. Can you guys say hi to her!!"
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Of course, hi Sophia! And thank you! I remember seeing you guys, but I'm sorry, I don't remember what I said! I'm glad that it was memorable though.. send us an email! It's in the description below"