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
Merci pour cette colonne, ce thème m’a vraiment beaucoup accroché. Grace à ce papier j’ai bigrement bien appris des nouveaux élements que je ne savais pas.
This was a great post, I hope you will write some more of these in the future….
Grand merci pour cet article, le thème m’a vraiment immensément plu. Grace à cette colonne j’ai beaucoup appris de nouveaux élements que j’ignorais.
Grazia fino a questo colonna ho bigrement avuto l’opportunità di sapere di essi nuove cose che non sapevo non. Grazie, applauso con rispetto.
Thanks for your informative post! 🙂
I suggest going to someplace that sells multiple brands and trying them out. I just got a new Viking after fighting with my brother since I was given it 6 years ago. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a hobby, but sometimes I really need my sewing machine to do what I want it to do. The Brother couldn’t do upholstery/heavier materials, always had tension issues. Pretty much, for things such as dresses, clothing, you need something that can do stretch stitches, maybe a few fancy stitches, automatic button holes. I just used my automatic button-hole set-up for the first time. LOVE IT!!!! As a kid/teen I remember using my mom’s sewing machine and trying to make buttonholes on it, I dreaded making garments with buttons. Think of all the things you want to do with the machine, what type of materials you will be sewing. Go test them out, see the set up. Where I went sold Brother, Singer, and Viking. The woman showed me ever feature, talked of the pros and cons of each brand they sold. She was real honest with me. I love my new sewing machine, and sew more now than I ever have. I researched ratings online. Checked out websites for the top manufactures (just do a search for brother, viking, janome, singer) I knew what I wanted, what I didn’t, and my husband since he was paying set the price limit. I spent $375 for a Viking Emerald 18. It has all the stitches I need for what I do, plus a few extra I am having fun using and learning. I love that it has a speed control (just like in the car I am a bit heavy on the petal). Like I said, automatic button holes, what a god send, can’t say more about that. Came with numerous feet, for different materials and applications. Instruction book is easy to follow. It has a great warranty, and the store I bought it from have a great up-grade program. Hope this helps in your search. I was lost for a long time in what to buy as well. I knew how to sew, knew what I used the sewing machine for, but was trying desperately to keep away from all the problems I had with my other sewing machine. I would definitely recommend the Viking Emerald, but don’t be afraid to go out to local retailers (no big chain stores) try them out, they will let you if they want to sell you one, just like a car, got to be comfortable with where and how all the controls are.
Grazia da questo articolo ho ardentemente stata insegnata chi sostituisce nuove cose quale non sapevo non . Grazie, applauso con rispetto.
asya
Meine Dankeschön Für Diese Schrift,Das Enthalten hat mich wirklich Sehr viel Aufgehangen. Grace in Diese Website habe ich viele gelernt élements neu die ich ignorierte nicht.
Thanks for posting about this, I would love to read more….
Great to view this fantastic blog also like steelers jerseys
Details your write-up. The following study pursuits us really in addition to merit to one, As i acquired modern points. It absolutely was very interesting. Knowledge. Well done. Yourr home is.
Spotted a link to this post over at Stumbleupon. Thanks for posting it. I’m sure I’ll be back one day.
I really loved this post. You write about this topic very well. I really like your blog and I will definetly bookmark it! Keep up the great posts! 🙂
Are grateful for ones own piece. This subject matter pursuits others without doubt plus owing to anyone, My spouse and i acquired innovative issues. It had been worth it to read. Thanks. Bravo. Yourr home is.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in our community. Your post provided us with valuable information to help us get started|.You have done an impressive job!
Brilliant post. I found exactly what I was looking 4.
wow, looks like sucre from prison break tried to break into Paris’ home
Wow!, this was a top quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I keep putting it off and never seem to achieve anything
Get the information your current piece of writing. This kind of matter motivations everybody really and additionally on account of people, My partner and i realized new details. It turned out quite interesting. Thanks. Well done. Your house is.
Merci, félicitation et respect.
Answered many questions Las Vegas Hotels
Merci, félicitation et respect.
Always glad to check an original website. Thank you for the input . Except for the content , the design of your blog is really beautiful . Bravo .
Grazie per questo scrivere-up , un stato di nocuité tema mi ha veramente estremamente interessato.
I like when you talk about this type of stuff in your posts. Perhaps could you continue to do this?
Always interesting to check an interesting blog . Thank you for the input . In addition, apart from the content , the design of your site looks really amazing . Cheers.
Interesting post reminds me of another gem. – I believe there is something out there watching us. Unfortunately, it’s the government. – Woody Allen Born 1935
Wow this definitely takes me back, where is your contact details hmm?
Grazia in seno a questo scrive ho pieno avuto la fortuna di apprendere di nuove cose quale non sapevo non. Grazie, applauso del resto, rispetto.
I read a lot of blogs recently and yours is one of the best. I enjoy reading your posts – clear and well written. Your page goes straight to my bookmarks. I got some nice inspirational thoughts after reading it.
I pray you will not mind, I linked to your blog from my blog page
wow, looks like sucre from prison break tried to break into Paris’ home
You have a great post here, very informative. Very well written I will be bookmarking your website and subscribing to your feed so i can always read articles of this quality.
It’s really great post, nice blog..I am really looking forward to your next post. very good post informative content, Thanks for sharing!
Wow!, this was a top quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get something done
We just couldnt leave your website before letting you know that I really enjoyed the useful information you offer to your visitors… Will be back often to check up on new posts
While trying to quit smoking, I stumbled upon the smokeless cigarette. The e cigs uses a nicotine compound which contains nothing but nicotine. Simply no toxic substances in the least. They’ve literally changed my life. No longer inhaling and exhaling toxic substances feels completely fantastic to me!
I wasted money on cigarettes for a very long time and stopping appeared to be very hard. I tested out all the quit smoking tips yet not one helped me. Then I came across the smokeless cigarette. The e cig uses a nicotine compound that is created from only nicotine. Virtually no poisons at all. They’ve virtually saved my life.
I haven’t had a drag in for many years. The toughest part related to stopping smoking is most likely the very first couple of weeks. Luckily for me this those effects didn’t last and things got easier as time went on due to the electronic cigarette. Never think quitting is impossible. Simply persevere and you will be able to realize success forever.
Love taking pix. Love pretty much everything about it. I love to talk about it. I love to dream about it. I see the wonderful inspirational photos online and wish I can be the one taking it. yeah, that’s my dream. PhotoGal
Whats happening, I found this site by mistake when I was going through Bing following that I arrived to your web site. I need to say your internet site is interesting I truly like your theme! Today I don’t have the free time at the existing moment to fully look through your sitebut I have bookmarked it. I will be back in a day or 2 . Many thanks for a great website.
Love taking pics. Love everything about it. I love to talk about it. I love to dream about it. I see the wonderful inspirational photos online and wish I can be the one taking it. yeah, that’s my dream. SarahG
What a comment!! Very informative and also easy to understand. Looking for more such posts!! Do you have a facebook?
I recommended it on stumbleupon. The only thing that it’s missing is a bit of new design. However thank you for this blog.
Hi, Neat post. I wish everyone would pay such attention to their post as you do. I came acros your blog on yahoo when searching for an insurance. I will come back to your blog. Escuse me for my poor englisch, i am from the netherlands.
Best regards!
Hi, Great Post. I wish everyone would pay such attention to their post as you do. I came acros your blog on yahoo when searching for an insurance. I put your blog on my RSS feeder. Escuse me for my poor englisch, i am from the netherlands.
Best regards!
Pretty impressive post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be coming back and I hope you post again soon.
Hello. I merely did some web browsing and discovered this web site. I decided by way of this weblog put up and it is genuinely astounding.I actually definitely get pleasure from your weblog.Perfectly, the piece of simply writing is in truthfulness the really finest on this genuinely value even though subject. I saved it and i’m hunting ahead to your impending weblog discussions. I also seen that your blog site has some good linking accomplished to it. I will correct apart consider maintain of your rss feed to stay knowledgeable of any revisions. Astounding data you acquired here.Satisfy keep update on your fantastic post.Thank you so much.
I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here but it could do with more detail. – Go see that turkey for yourself, and see for yourself why you shouldn’t see it. – Samuel Goldwyn 1882 – 1974
We just couldnt leave your website before telling you that we really enjoyed the quality information you offer to your visitors… Will be back soon to check up on new posts