Warren Eckstein-His Hugs And Kisses Animal Fund Foundation Seeks To Fund Small Animal Rescue Organizations
Events, News — By Buddy Sampson on July 20, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Warren Eckstein is fully aware of his station in life. Considered one of the best pet experts in the world, his clients have included former President Ford, David Letterman, Lily Tomlin, Geraldine Ferraro, Al Pacino, Cheryl Tiegs and Rodney Dangerfield. “He was one of the nicest guys,” said Eckstein about Dangerfield. “He loved his animal and one of the funniest lines I ever heard was when he said to me, ‘Talk about no respect, Warren, my dog closes his eyes before he humps my leg.” Warren, however, loves and respects all animals regardless of the stature of his clients. “The one thing is that no matter who you are, whether you’re a president, a vice-presidential candidate or just Joe who lives in West Hollywood with a Schnauzer, when you’re talking about your pet with someone who loves pets, everyone is on the same level,” he said.” Warren’s station and life’s mission is to care for animals; to teach them, educate them, and to teach their owners most importantly, to love your pets “as part of the family.”
He’s served on the Board of Directors for several of the largest humane and rescue organizations in the country. Many of those organizations, however, are overwhelmed, leaving a large percentage of animals to be cared for by what Eckstein calls “mom and pop” groups, who raise money by garage sales and other means. “These are the ones that sit outside of Petco or PetSmart(sp) to adopt a few dogs or the ones that have that occasional auction to raise money, these are the people that are out there every day, really walking the walk,” he explained. The Hugs and Kisses Foundation, a 501(c) organization founded by Eckstein in memory of his wife Fay, who died in 1990, is devoted to funding several small domestic and international animal organizations that are advocates for pets and their care. “We’re kind of focusing on becoming like The United Way for pets as we grow,” he explained. “And what’s going to separate us, is that we’re never going to be a rich foundation, because when the money comes in, it is going to immediately go out and help the people that really need it, the people that really help the animals.”
His love for pets began in Long Lsland, NY. Warren was a shy youngster, and found an affinity with animals. “I grew up in a typical Jewish household, where there was never less than 15 people hanging in my house, which drove me absolutely crazy,” he laughed. “Behind my house on Long Island was a little creek and in that creek were Canada geese, ducks, muskrats and rats and snapping turtles. So whenever I just had enough with the people in my house, I just went directly into that area in the swamp and hung out with the animals. I’ve always felt more comfortable being around animals than people.”
Some of Warren’s experiences have placed him with animals and creatures, not found in a typical household. “When I first came back from overseas, (he served in the military) and I first started establishing my reputation, I was doing a lot of television commercials,” said Warren. “I remember being called to do a TV commercial with eight chimpanzees dressed in Bill Blass suits.” The personable pet expert has also served as the creature keeper for “The New Mickey Mouse Club” and worked with paparazzi stars, such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilar and Justin Timberlake. “Every week, or every other week, I would go to Orlando, Florida and we’d do a bunch of segments and I’d bring on lizards and bring on snakes, ” said Eckstein, who holds a degree in Psychology and studied in Frankfurt, Germany, which gave him the experience of working with some of the top animal trainers in the world. “I’d go in the Living Seas tank with the sharks and the dolphins and show it to The Mouseketeers, so I’ve had the opportunity of working with just about every type of animal.”
Warren’s recognition as a renowned pet guru has made him a into television icon. No longer, the shy, introverted kid in Long Island, he became a popular fixture on ABC-TV’s Regis and Kathee Lee Show. “For years and years and years, I’ve been working with animals in the New York area and before Regis became really popular in New York, there was a local show, just a New York show called “Good Morning New Yorker, AM New York,” said Warren Eckstein. “Regis was the host and there was a co-host at the time. They called me in as a guest and I guess, the segment was very successful.” The show, slated to be sold nationally, featured Eckstein’s appearance. “They put me on the demo reel and then I just started doing a show and for fourteen years I was their pet and animal expert. I had a very successful run,” he said. Eckstein later migrated to NBC, where he enjoyed a successful stint on The Today Show for 10 years. But alas, Eckstein, a California resident, after a period of time, realized that commuting from the west coast to the east coast had taken a toll on him. “When American Airlines sent me a note that said I’ve flown over two million miles, I said, ‘that’s enough, buddy,'” he laughed.”I was going back to New York on the average of least 5 to 6 times a month. So that was just way too much travelling.” Additionally, Warren, a favorite of the video generation, worked with MTV when MTV was in its inception. He also has found himself involved with all kinds of training situations with animals, including disasters. “I did a lot of work on 9/11 with some of the New York City Police K-9 units,” he explained.
The Foundation has several members on its team that are as passionate about animals as Warren. Yvette Burke, Executive Director, contributes much of her time to the Foundation, as well as Vice President Jan Murree and Trustees, Denise Madden(Warren’s wife) and Carrie Aikman. Currently, Eckstein is working on a television show and DVD series with producer Lisa Hutchison/ Of Like Mind Productions. Hutchison is also passionate about animals and their well being and works tirelessly for animal rights. Their Advisory Board includes various television icons such as Tony Dow, best known as “Wally” on the “Leave It To Beaver” series, Tom Arnold and Michael Rosenbaum, of the show “Smallville,” among others.
Warren Eckstein’s radio show, The Pet Show, can be found in several markets, including KRLA, 870 AM in Los Angeles and KTIE 590 AM in San Bernardino and Riverside between 11AM-1PM on Saturdays. “At 1PM, I start my national show, which is in 135 cities including Canada, The Virgin Islands and six stations in Hawaii,” said Eckstein. “It covers a lot of areas of California, like San Jose and Sacramento. Some people listen in Ventura County, Palm Springs, so we have 135 affiliates now.”
On August 8th, The Hugs and Kisses Animal Fund will hold its first annual benefit at The Sportsman’s Lodge in Studio City at 6PM. The event will feature comedian Elayne Boosler, The Buzz Maddox Band, The Swing Dolls, Magician Jon Armstrong, and Roslyn Kind (Barbra Streisand’s sister) among others. For more information, visit www.hugsandkissesanimalfund.org. You can show your support of animals by attending the event. If you’d like to make a donation to the Animal Fund, you may also reach them at 1(800) 430-HUGS. (4847). Also, visit Warren’s website, www.thepetshow.com for information about his radio show and more. Warren Eckstein loves and respects animals. “I believe I was put here for one reason and one reason only,” said Warren Eckstein.”To spend less time with my family and more time with animals.” Animals bring joy to households everywhere. So be an animal advocate. Support animal rescue groups by visiting www.thehugsandkissesfoundation.org.
Tweet This
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
3,746 Comments
Then again, the opposite could be true. – Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.- Albert Einstein
An increasing number of individuals are starting small companies which they operate from the comfort of their homes. These companies can incorporate a whole spectrum of services, however they have some options in frequent which make them very comparable in nature.
Grand merci à propos de ce site, le sujet m’a réellement énormément plu. Grace à ce blog j’ai beaucoup appris des nouvelles choses que je ne savais pas.
Nice, I am happy to find this well Blog
hi!,I like yourblog so much! share we chat more about your post on AOL? Looking forward to see you.
Definitely – great weblog, just searching around some web sites, appears to be a truly nice platform you’re using. I’m presently using WordPress for several of my websites but looking to change 1 of them over to a platform very similar to yours as a tryout run.
Merci, félicitation et respect.
Wonderful post. I just found your site and would like to say that I have certainly loved reading through your weblog posts. At any rate I am going to be subscribing to your feed and I really hope you write once again soon.
Good morning. I wanted to publish you a fast remark to express my many thanks. I’ve been perusing your blog site for a month or so and have picked up lots of great information as properly as loved the way in which you have setup your webpage. I am trying to run my very own blog but I believe it’s significantly too common. I would really like to concentrate additional on narrower topics. Becoming all issues to all people today is not all that its cracked nearly be. Numerous thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.
you are really a nice webmaster, you have done a good job on this topic!
I like this data and it has shown me some sort of desire to have success for some reason, so keep up the good work. Moreover I´m definitely considering mentioning these facts in my own blog!
Do you guys know if Hefner threw this chick out of the mansion for that sex tape? Does anyone even know who Karissa Shannon is? I know that she has some kind of living arrangement in the Playboy mansion, but other than that, I’ve never heard of her. Is anyone even remotely surprised that a girl who gets naked for a living has a sex tape? How many of you would make a sex tape if the money was right? Think about it. 1 Million? 2 Million? 5 million? How much would it take? I don’t want anyone seeing my boobies, and I’m a really conservative girl, but damn, in the end, money does talk right?
You make some good points. I guess it depends on your standpoint. – If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank. – Woody Allen Born 1935
You make some good points. I guess it depends on your standpoint. – If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank. – Woody Allen Born 1935
I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here but it could do with more detail. – The absent are never without fault. Nor the present without excuse. – Benjamin Franklin 1706 – 1790
Interesting post reminds me of another gem. – To you I’m an atheist; to God, I’m the Loyal Opposition. – Woody Allen Born 1935
This is a good approach to what, for some, may be a controversial topic. Very well though out post. – Computers are useless. They can only give you answers. Attributed to Pablo Picasso
Just read it and went gosh, I know why I was poor in the debate class. – It is impossible to experience one’s death objectively and still carry a tune. – Woody Allen Born 1935
Hey, found your site by accident doing a search on Google but I’ll definitely be coming back. – Anyone who has lost track of time when using a computer knows the propensity to dream, the urge to make dreams come true and the tendency to miss lunch. Attributed to Tim Berners-Lee
It only goes to show where there’s will there’s a way. Keep on trying. – My one regret in life is that I am not someone else. – Woody Allen Born 1935
Doing some browsing and noticed your website appears a bit messed up in my K-meleon internet browser. But fortunately hardly anyone uses it any longer but you may want to look into it. – I don’t want yes-men around me. I want everyone to tell the truth, even if it costs them their jobs. – Samuel Goldwyn 1882 – 1974
Came clueless, left worried. Thanks for the post. – Time is nature’s way of keeping everything from happening at once. – Woody Allen Born 1935
Just proves the old adage. It’s an ill wind that blows no good. – A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is just putting on its shoes. – Mark Twain 1835 – 1910
Then again, the opposite could be true. – I’m willing to admit that I may not always be right, but I am never wrong. – Samuel Goldwyn 1882 – 1974
You make some good points. I guess it depends on your standpoint. – In two words, im possible. – Samuel Goldwyn 1882 – 1974
It only goes to show where there’s will there’s a way. Keep on trying. – My one regret in life is that I am not someone else. – Woody Allen Born 1935
Hey, found your site by accident doing a search on Google but I’ll definitely be coming back. – Principles have no real force except when one is well-fed. – Mark Twain 1835 – 1910
Strange this post is totaly irrelevant to the search query I entered in google but it was listed on the first page. – Not only is there no God, but try getting a plumber on weekends. – Woody Allen Born 1935
This is a good approach to what, for some, may be a controversial topic. Very well though out post. – That’s our strongest weak point. – Samuel Goldwyn 1882 – 1974
Strange this post is totaly irrelevant to the search query I entered in google but it was listed on the first page. – The food here is terrible, and the portions are too small. – Woody Allen Born 1935
Hey, found your site by accident doing a search on Google but I’ll definitely be coming back. – The lion and the calf shall lie down together but the calf won’t get much sleep. – Woody Allen Born 1935
Interesting post reminds me of another gem. – God heals and the doctor takes the fee. – Benjamin Franklin 1706 – 1790
I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here but it could do with more detail. – That’s what’s cool about working with computers. They don’t argue, they remember everything and they don’t drink all your beer. Attributed to Paul Leary
I was studying something else about this on another blog. Interesting. Your perspective on it is novel. – I tended to place my wife under a pedestal. – Woody Allen Born 1935
Doing some browsing and noticed your website appears a bit messed up in my K-meleon internet browser. But fortunately hardly anyone uses it any longer but you may want to look into it. – A benevolent man should allow a few faults in himself, to keep his friends in countenance. – Benjamin Franklin 1706 – 1790
Just read it and went gosh, I know why I was poor in the debate class. – We consider that any man who can fiddle all through one of those Virginia Reels without losing his grip, may be depended upon in any kind of musical emergency. – Mark Twain 1835 – 1910
Doing some browsing and noticed your website appears a bit messed up in my K-meleon internet browser. But fortunately hardly anyone uses it any longer but you may want to look into it. – It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech. – Mark Twain 1835 – 1910
It only goes to show where there’s will there’s a way. Keep on trying. – How is it possible to find meaning in a finite world, given my waist and shirt size? – Woody Allen Born 1935
I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here but it could do with more detail. – Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog. Attributed to Doug Larson
It only goes to show where there’s will there’s a way. Keep on trying. – Last week I stated that this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister and now wish to withdraw that statement. – Mark Twain 1835 – 1910
Interesting post reminds me of another gem. – Tell them to stand closer apart. – Samuel Goldwyn 1882 – 1974
Came clueless, left worried. Thanks for the post. – Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it. – Mark Twain 1835 – 1910
You make some good points. I guess it depends on your standpoint. – You can live to be a hundred if you give up all the things that make you want to live to be a hundred. – Woody Allen Born 1935
Hey, found your site by accident doing a search on Google but I’ll definitely be coming back. – When the Academy called, I panicked. I thought they might want their Oscars back and the pawn shop has been out of business for awhile. (at the 2002 Oscars) – Woody Allen Born 1935
Then again, the opposite could be true. – I’m willing to admit that I may not always be right, but I am never wrong. – Samuel Goldwyn 1882 – 1974
I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here but it could do with more detail. – Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog. Attributed to Doug Larson
Hey, found your site by accident doing a search on Google but I’ll definitely be coming back. – The lion and the calf shall lie down together but the calf won’t get much sleep. – Woody Allen Born 1935
I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here but it could do with more detail. – The absent are never without fault. Nor the present without excuse. – Benjamin Franklin 1706 – 1790
Just proves the old adage. It’s an ill wind that blows no good. – No computer has ever been designed that is ever aware of what it’s doing; but most of the time, we aren’t either. Attributed to Marvin Minsky