Pet Socialite March Diary

Since February's Westminster Kennel Club 135th Annual Dog Show, I have filled my March calendar with parties, fundraisers and trade-shows. Here are some of the pet and pet-related events I attended: Wednesday, March 2 Media Showcase: Bed Bugs are the latest target in EcoSMART's war on insects. As a result, the Company hosted a Bed Bug Product Media Showcase at the New York City Open House Gallery. Recently, EcoSmart has developed a trio of completely natural, SAFE pesticide products including a travel size repellent that produces a barrier, effectively preventing these pests from entering an unwitting traveler's suitcase and/or pet carrier and hitching a ride home. So, if you are traveling with Fido, do not put your carrier on the hotel carpet, floor or bed. Upon arrival in your room, remove your pet from the carrier and treat the carrier with the repellent. Wait 15 minutes before allowing your dog to enter the carrier. Additionally, keep the carrier in the bathroom; it is harder for bed bugs to find hiding places in tile. Monday, March 7 Book Party: Polo Ralph Lauren celebrated the publication of socialite Karen LeFrak's newest children's book with a cocktail reception at the Ralph Lauren Women's and Home store at 888 Madison in New York City. Best in Show is a charming story that highlights the fun of competition and the love between a girl and her favorite pup. Mrs. LeFrak donated proceeds from the book to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation and Take the Lead. Well-known attendees included Sharon Bush, Donald Trump, Regis Philbin, Peter Lyden, Amy Fine Collins and Charlotte Moss. Dog folks included Westminster Co-Host David Frei and AKC President Dennis Sprung and his lovely wife, Susan. Pictures from David Patrick Columbia's New York Social Diary. Look for this reporter dressed in a Ralph Lauren dress and pink topper. Thursday, March 10 Fundraiser: Board members of Friends of Animal Rescue, Swifty's Blaine Merrit-Caravaggi and reporter Betsy Goldman, invited me to a one-night -only cabaret benefit concert, "Broadway Goes To The Dogs." Friend and society publicist Jason Grant, of Webster Grant and Light, accompanied me to the concert that took place at the Triad Theatre on 158 West 72nd Street. Stars of Great White Way Broadway who performed included: Nellie McKay (Three Penny Opera), Hunter Ryan Herdlicka (A Little Night Music), Kevin Meaney (HairSpray), Sarah Rice (Sweeney Todd) and others. The evening was emceed by the hysterical yet naughty Brandon Cutrell ("The After Party" and "Broadway Brouhaha"). During the evening, I spied Babette Gladstein, DVM and Peachy Deegan. Tuesday, March 15 Media Showcase: Fatboy USA, a leading trendsetter in lifestyle products known for their innovative, modern take on the "beanbag chair", hosted a two day event complete with a Fatboy pop-up shop. I stopped by the Open House Gallery in SoHo to check out their Company's DoggieLounges. Available in two sizes for big and little breeds, doggielounges are produced in a strong nylon material that repels moisture and shuts out unpleasant odors. Stains are easily removed with a damp wash cloth. Wednesday March 16-Friday March 18 Tradeshow: The American Pet Products Association's Global Pet Expo was held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. At the show, not only did I find some great new pet products, but I spoke about hot topics with notables from the industry: FURminator Roger's Yount about how the selling of counterfeit products affects pet-owning consumers; Neil Werde of Quaker Pet Products about his acquisition of the Sherpa Group and testing his new line, Silver Tails, of senior pet products; and PetMate Sarah Julian about Chicago's Wind Point Partners and the Company's acquisition of Bamboo and where the respective brands will be found-whether supermarket, boutique, or large pet retailer. While Cesar Milan introduced his new product line, Victoria Stilwell was the 2011 recipient of the Global Pet Expo's annual "Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award". During my time in Orlando, I was on Good Day Orlando discussing how to "Get Fit with Your Pet." Watch here. Friday March 18 and Saturday March 19 Party and Trade-show: In conjunction with the Architectural Digest Home Show at Pier 94, on Friday March 18th, I attended a party for Smart Glass's Kathleen Plate, whose glass chandelier was selected to hang in the Guggenheim. Plate recycles glass bottles and uses gold and sterling silver to make unique, handmade jewelry. While at the Home Show on Saturday, I asked Kathleen for a special favor: to create some recycled glass charms for my pets. After, I spent some time hunting for flooring, appliances, and cabinetry that could have positive impact on the lives of pet owners. Tell me what pet events you have attended lately. Send me a picture of you and your dog. Charlotte Reed, a pet trend and lifestyle expert, is the author of "The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette (Adams Media)."