Palm Springs Life Unveils Cutest Pet Winner at Pets on Parade Luncheon

Janet McAfee, Marylynn and Andy Gladstein also recognized for their pet rescue efforts

Ann Greer Social Scene, Watch & Listen - Lifestyle

(From left) Sara, Andy and Marylynn Gladstein, who were honored for their organization, Dogs for our Brave, with Dick Shalhoub and Jan Ray at the Pets on Parade luncheon.
Photos by Pat Krause/Video by Tim Tracy

 

VIDEO: Palm Springs Life Marketing Director Bob Bogard introduces the Cutest Pet Contest winner at the Pets On Parade luncheon.

 

 

The Pets On Parade luncheon, presented by Pegasus Therapeutic Riding and Loving All Animals, put another exclamation point on the summer with its 17th edition on July 18 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells.

With more than 500 attendees, Pegasus executive director Robin Montgomery and Loving All Animals founder Lindi Biggi have created a celebration of everything pets.
Event chairs Montgomery, Biggi and Pamela Moffitt Green did an excellent job organizing and keeping the afternoon moving. Radio host Dan McGrath emceed and served as live auction chair.

Palm Springs Life presented its Cutest Pet Contest winner, Jackson, a rescued German Shepard and Doberman mix owned by Valerie Powers Smith and Dr. Mark Smith. Jackson will appear on the cover of the magazine's August 2015 print issue.

Also recognized were Janet McAfee and Marylynn and Andy Gladstein. McAfee was honored with the Circle of Life Award for her efforts to rescue animals from public shelters prior to euthanasia, abusive homes, in distress or lost on the streets. The Gladsteins received the Hallmark Award after creating Dogs for our Brave, which rescues and trains shelter dogs, and provides them as therapy dogs to military veterans.

Kudos to auction chairs Alicia Gomez and Rene Perla for the myriad of items on display throughout the edges of the room. Rancho Mirage mayor Dana Hobart was in attendance with his wife Vicki, and so was Palm Desert mayor Susan Marie Weber.

Costumed greeters were a special highlight of this year’s luncheon. Celebs in attendance included retired Hollywood agent Sid Craig, musician and radio host Jim Fitzgerald with his wife Wendy, and author Grace Robbins.

 

Honoree Janet McAfee (left) with Sheryl Benoit and dog Scarlet O'Hara.

 

(From left) Rancho Mirage Mayor Dana Hobart, Palm Desert Mayor Susan Ann Webber, and Indian Wells Mayor Ty Peabody.

 

(From left) Teresa Valenzuela, Patricia Cronwell, and Galiena Jacobs.

 

Lindi Biggi with her dog, Hopalong Cassidy, and Dog mascot in costume.

 

Giving out dog treats are (from left) Mark Epoch, Mary Anne Eason, Richmond Curtiss and Tom Paris.

 

Bianca Rae and her dog.

 

Valerie Peabody and dog show the Largest Dog Award.

 

(From left) Scott Fisher, Linda Norman Thomas, and Chas Kidder.

 

(From left) Robin Montgomery, Dan McGrath, and Leanna Bonamicin.

 

(From left) Palm Springs Life Marketing Director Bob Bogard, Valerie Powers-Smith, and Mark Smith with Jackson.

 

 

Cpl. Bryan Mustafa with daughter Emmylou, Sgt Christopher Reed, LtCpl. Daniel Hayes and Cpl. Zach Lacoe.

 

(From left) Alora Reed-Garcia, Emma Breidenbach, Kaylee Killebrew, Sara Topliff, Carson Miller and Julie Topliff.