Rappaport To The Rescue

Dylan's Candy Bar

In 2001, Dylan Lauren pioneered the world’s largest confectionery emporium and lifestyle brand, Dylan’s Candy Bar. Its mission is to merge fashion, art and pop culture with candy to ignite the creative spirit and inner child in everyone that visits. This innovative concept has changed the way the world experiences candy today.

Dylan’s Candy Bar houses over 7,000 confections, boasting an unparalleled selection of candies and candy-related gifts from around the world. Dylan’s Candy Bar continues to attract people of all ages with its state of the art décor and trend-setting product mix.

Dylan's Candy BarN Animal Foundation

Dylan’s Candy BarN was created by Dylan Lauren, founder & CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar. She was inspired by her lifelong love of animals and avid desire to come to their aid. The foundation’s mission is to help every animal find a home-sweet-home by hosting adoption events, highlighting the importance of spay/neuter in preventing overpopulation and euthanasia, sponsoring and granting funds to animal rescue programs and aiding animal-welfare organizations in ending animal cruelty.

Transcript:

[00:00:00]: Pet Life Radio.

Announcer [00:00:02]:
This is Pet Life Radio. Let's talk pets.

Jill Rappaport [00:00:24]:
I'm Jill Rappaport and welcome to another edition of Rapaport to the rescue. And everyone has been saying, wow, you're doing this great podcast. And now I'm referring to it as a petcast, coining the term here. My petcast has been so much fun for me because I get to interview the most interesting people every week and also talk to you about things that really matter for our pets in need, things that have been on my mind, on people's minds. And we're trying to help all of us understand our pets better and help our pets more. And my biggest fear when this whole pandemic started, other than trying to just stay alive and protect those we love, was what's going to happen to our animals. In the beginning, this horrible situation seemed like a positive thing. It really looked like things were really good for animals in need because we were hearing about all of these fosters taking place, people literally coming in droves, applying to shelters to take animals to help them for a limited period of time, or adopting them forever.

Jill Rappaport [00:01:30]:
We even saw a shelter in Florida where the whole staff was in masks with thumbs up because every cage was empty. That was unheard of. This never happens. So we were thinking, wow. As an animal advocate myself, I thought, this is unbelievable. The worst thing that has ever happened in our lifetime has actually been a positive thing for animals in need. But I was always worried that the tide would turn and unfortunately that's happening now and animals are being returned every day. Now I'm getting emails and calls about people that can't keep a pet.

Jill Rappaport [00:02:06]:
Do you know anyone that wants this beautiful bulldog, a golden retriever? This was just dog was just adopted and had to be given up. The animal can't adjust to the home, can't adjust to the kids. People can't afford the pet. I knew this was going to happen, and my biggest fear is that now we're going to have an influx of these animals that were taken in return, plus the normal situation we have on any given day in the shelter world where so many animals are literally dumped. So what I just want to say is, listen, if you've taken in a pet during this time, bless you, you've done a wonderful thing, not only for the animal, but for yourself. And I'm asking you to please give it time. I can't speak for you financially because only you know what your financial situation is, but I can tell you emotionally and with that animal, if they're experiencing a little anxiety, let's say you've gone back to work and all of a sudden you come home and your shoes are eaten. Listen, they had to adjust, too.

Jill Rappaport [00:03:05]:
They came from a horrific situation, most likely. And all of a sudden they're in a wonderful, loving home and then you're with them. Twenty four seven, and then you're not. Give them time to adjust. Take time to be with them. It's not about, I always say this, this is one thing that has been ingrained in my head. And I try to tell all of my listeners, it's not about a home. It's about the right home.

Jill Rappaport [00:03:26]:
And if you found that match and you've bonded on so many levels, nothing's perfect. Hey, is it perfect with your husband, your boyfriend, your brother, your sister, your mother, your father? Every relationship takes work. Give that animal time because it would be really sad if they had a little anxiety issue and you return them back into the shelter system again. We're seeing this happen. I really am so afraid of what we're going to see going forward. So for all of you who have opened up your hearts and homes, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Jill Rappaport [00:03:58]:
And please, if you are experiencing any issues, if you have a local trainer, if you have a local behaviorist or even your vet and you can talk to them about things that might be concerning, you do it before just saying, I'm giving the pet back. I'm dumping this animal yet again. Okay. That's my message today. I hope it resonated on some level. Now coming up on today's show, I always say this every week, but we have great guests today, the wonderful Dylan Lauren, a true entrepreneur whose dad just happens to be Ralph Lauren, the great american designer. I'll also be joined by my wonderful partner in crime, or partner in crime, Bill Borloney for our Jill bill section of the show. And today we're going to be talking about hot summer tips for our pets.

Jill Rappaport [00:04:46]:
The temperatures are crazy. It was like 98 here yesterday on Long island. And we have to be able to protect our animals when they go out and make sure that they don't get sick or injured. All of that coming up, so please stay tuned.

Announcer [00:05:04]:
This is pet life radio. The possum is pet party place on the planet.

Dylan Lauren [00:05:09]:
Dude.

Announcer [00:05:09]:
That's a lot of bees, baby, isn't it? Yeah. Get ready for some tail wagon fur, flying feather, flapping fun.

Dylan Lauren [00:05:16]:
Oh, yeah.

Announcer [00:05:17]:
Petliferadio.com. Let's talk pets on petliferadio.com.

Jill Rappaport [00:05:34]:
Hi, I'm Jill Rappaport. And welcome back to Rappaport to the rescue. I am so excited now to have this beautiful young lady with me. I have known her most of her life. She is a true entrepreneur. Dylan Lauren. First of all, her dad just happens to be not only my idol, but the greatest designer, an american institution, a legend. Ralph Lauren.

Jill Rappaport [00:05:58]:
I adore her mother, Ricky. I was honored to be asked to write her story for Hampton's magazine. I love her brothers, Andrew and David. She's got two beautiful kids. Everything about this family is just perfection. And Dylan, I am so happy you're here. What people don't also know about you, besides being an incredible entrepreneur, your store, Dylan's candy bar, is supposedly the largest candy store in the world. Is that what people are saying?

Dylan Lauren [00:06:26]:
Yeah. Our flagship in New York City is the world's largest candy emporium. It's over 15,000 candy and lifestyle candy products, spa products that smell like candy, bathrobes that look like candy. So it's a candy everything with a party room, and it's a whole lifestyle.

Jill Rappaport [00:06:48]:
And the place in the Hamptons. First of all, I am a candy freak. I live more at my dentist than I am in my own house. Okay, so you're preaching to the sweet choir here. But for our listeners, I'm sure you know who Dylan is. You've seen all her gorgeous photographs. She is so thin and gorgeous, like a model. How do you do it? Being that your business is all about calories and sweets.

Dylan Lauren [00:07:13]:
Thank you. Everything in moderation. I always love sports and working out. I actually am really into fitness and eating healthfully, which is maybe the irony, but I believe in moderation, you could have a sweet life still and indulge your sweet tooth rather than saying, I'm not going to have anything. So I know what my favorites are, I know what my splurges are and I identify them. And it's not like random picking, it's more like when I know, like, okay, I love my marshmallow fluff or Dylan's Hamar gummy bears or the red swedish fish. At some point, I'm going to need that. So I'll have a handful with a balanced meal.

Dylan Lauren [00:07:52]:
Protein and vegetables and a lot more vegetables and salad.

Jill Rappaport [00:07:56]:
That's the key. So I should have my chocolate with some lettuce, right?

Dylan Lauren [00:08:01]:
Protein, too, because it balances the sugar intake. But I think in moderation, I've heard people say, oh, I can't have any more candy. I quit cold turkey. And then the next minute they're like, overindulging. So if that's your advice or your thing in moderation, well, first of all.

Jill Rappaport [00:08:20]:
We'Re going to get to one of the reasons you and I are kindred spirits and connected. Obviously, our love of animals, especially rescue pets, this has been my life, my oxygen. Dylan, you have devoted so much of your life to helping animals in need. I'm so frustrated for our listeners out there because I'm looking at you with beautiful, gorgeous. What is she? She's a huge black. She almost looks like a Newfoundland. What is Jersey?

Dylan Lauren [00:08:45]:
No, she's a rescue, first of all, from Puerto Rico's dead dog beach. And then she was at the momett county SPCA. So we named her jersey from being from Jersey, and my husband's from Jersey, and my dad's fashion gowns are Jersey and athletic jerseys. A lot of reasons behind the name. She is a collie, flat coated retriever. We think she is, by the way, her ears perked up when you said we're kindred spirits and we both love animals. She's very sleepy now because she had her long morning walk, and she played a little bit with the tennis balls, which she loves to do. But she's about eight years old.

Dylan Lauren [00:09:24]:
As of October 1, she might be nine, which is a little sad, believe me.

Jill Rappaport [00:09:29]:
I just lost my beautiful ruby, who I called her my sugar doggie because she used to sell all my products for me on QVC. My little doxy, she literally, when she left, I mean, I still say I'm the proud pet parent to six rescues because she'll always be with me in this home, in my heart. But I have to tell you, I have. Of my five, four are super seniors. My little CJ is 18 years old, and Petey, my american bulldog, 90 pounds, he's battling cancer right now. He's 15. And I'm looking at Jersey. She has that beautiful gray muzzle.

Jill Rappaport [00:10:02]:
And I'm all about the seniors. That's why I created dog bowl, which is puppy bowl for seniors. But I have to tell you something. Seniors special needs pits. I'm all about the underdogs of the shelter world, and I know that's where your heart lies, too. Tell me about the work you're doing. You had Dylan's candy barn, which was an incredible initiative to raise awareness for animals in need. And now you're working with.

Jill Rappaport [00:10:27]:
I worked with the shelter for years. I love them. Southampton animal shelter. Tell me about that, Dylan.

Dylan Lauren [00:10:32]:
So, first of all, can you see her? She's very calm and sleeping right now.

Jill Rappaport [00:10:36]:
I know. That's what I always I say. I love the older pets, the seniors. They've been there. Done that. They'd rather lay on the couch than eat the couch. They're the best, right?

Dylan Lauren [00:10:45]:
She's funny because we got her as a puppy, and that's the first thing that was interesting to me, is my husband and I, this is our first child, and he especially didn't know much about shelter dogs. And he's like, oh, we can get a puppy at a shelter. And I was kind of like, you can get a puppy, or you could get an eight year old dog. It doesn't matter. But we should get a shelter dog because they're the ones in so much need. There's thousands of dogs that need homes, and they're amazing pets. If anything, I think she knows she was adopted and rescued because she's so calm and loving, and so we adopted her. And there was some sort of thing that we all felt like, this dog is extra special because she knows that we found her this home sweet home.

Dylan Lauren [00:11:32]:
My husband and I were just so happy to tell everyone who's looking for, whether it's a senior dog or any dog, go to a shelter to adopt. If anything, they're even more loving. They've been working with all the wonderful people who work at these shelters, and they're stayed and neutered, and there's this misconception. So the more I kept trying to tell people, don't go to breeders if you can avoid that. Don't go to pet stores if you can avoid that. Get the ones that need the home more. People I was meeting with saying, like, oh, my God, I found my love of my life, these animals at a shelter, whether it's dogs, cats, horses. And so I wanted to sort of spread the word.

Dylan Lauren [00:12:09]:
So with Dylan's candy bar, which is my candy stores, we have several locations in Miami, Chicago, La, New York, Hawaii. Now we have adoption events where we partner with the local animal shelters to bring the pets that are in the shelters to the consumer who may be afraid or intimidated to go to the actual shelter. A lot of people are like, I don't want to go. It's too sad. I can't watch those commercials. So Dylan's Kenny Barn hosts adoption events at our stores outside. We have all the different handlers for the animals, talking to people who are interested. We've adopted 30 dogs in an hour at our Chicago store with paws we've adopted from arf and at our East Hampton store.

Dylan Lauren [00:12:54]:
These animals people may not otherwise see are now in the public viewing. We also are doing initiatives now on our website, Dylan's Candy Bar. You go to our foundation page, you can see dogs that are in need of homes because we'll partner with different charities. So in August, we partnering with the Southampton Animal Shelter foundation and several of their dogs are up for adoption that we'll have online. And then if you want to meet them, you can meet them roadside or by our store in East Hampton. You can just set up an appointment. We're also selling our masks.

Jill Rappaport [00:13:27]:
Oh, I want one of those.

Dylan Lauren [00:13:29]:
They look great receiving it. These are limited edition. Honestly, these were our first masks for the staff and a lot of people wanted them.

Jill Rappaport [00:13:37]:
You know what?

Dylan Lauren [00:13:38]:
We're going to reserve a lot of these for the animal shelter. Our logo toss and our stripe.

Jill Rappaport [00:13:43]:
They're so adorable. Oh, I'm getting my hands on those so I can go to animal shelter because, you know, this show is up today. So for everybody listening, where can people find the mask? Where can people.

Dylan Lauren [00:13:55]:
On Dylan's candy bar website and at the East Hampton Dylan's candy bar location at 52 Main street, we are about to open up again, our New York City location, which we may have them, but I would say our website, you can buy a mask and a dollar goes to Southampton animal shelter, and you can also make donations and see their pets that are up for adoption. This month we did something with Animal Haven. The other month we did things with progress viewers of Puerto Rico, where I did a fun event with my friend Stacey bended of Alice and Olivia and John Paul Jones, who's a tv personality from the bachelor. We did a matchmaking event around Valentine's day, and it was your match, but it was really know people to meet each other. But really your match could be your best friend, which we both know.

Jill Rappaport [00:14:42]:
And you know what? Being that I'm single, but believe me, I'm much happier right now with all my animals. But the truth is we should do a senior for seniors.

Dylan Lauren [00:14:51]:
Oh, my God.

Jill Rappaport [00:14:51]:
I love that with seniors and also.

Dylan Lauren [00:14:55]:
Senior dogs, honestly, it's brilliant. I mean, a lot of people walked out of this event very intrigued by the dogs and cats that they saw pictures of that they were like, I come in here because I'm single and I want to meet someone. And then all the guys and girls, everyone's mingling around pets, and it ended up with adoption. So it's very cool.

Jill Rappaport [00:15:16]:
Well, you know, Dylan, first of all, I want to show you something again for our listeners. I'll explain it to you since you can't see it, but this is a picture. Can you see this, Dylan?

Dylan Lauren [00:15:26]:
Yes. Oh, my God.

Jill Rappaport [00:15:27]:
In the 80s, this was my very first big interview. I've always told everybody, I am with your father, the wonderful Ralph Lauren. It was when he opened up his store with Wilkes Bashford in San Francisco. I don't know if you'd remember because you were like five years old, but I have to tell you that this picture, this moment really changed my life. I just want to share with our listeners that your dad, first of all, I was a cub reporter. I got the job. I went in and I said, I want to do fashion. And my first story was on lomans.

Jill Rappaport [00:15:58]:
You remember lomans? And I didn't know what the heck I was doing next. They said to me, ralph Lauren is coming to town because he's opening up a store. And if you can get the interview with them, then we're going to hire you. See, the first story was an audition. I go there. I'm not stupid. I put on my navajo jewelry. I have hair.

Jill Rappaport [00:16:17]:
And your dad said, that's the one. I want to interview me. And I'm telling you, I had no experience. We're talking early 80s. We did such a fabulous interview and those days. And actually we're back to this now. There was one camera. So after I sat with your father for 1 hour and I thought it was the most brilliant interview ever done, he was all about his wonderful kids, his beautiful wife.

Jill Rappaport [00:16:38]:
They said, okay, now we're going to turn the camera around and you have to re ask all your questions.

Dylan Lauren [00:16:43]:
No. What do you mean?

Jill Rappaport [00:16:45]:
So nervous to begin with, I started to try to remember every question I started to ask your dad. He would start making faces. He made me laugh. I said, you're going to cost me my job. And that night, this picture is from the event that night celebrating the opening of his store. And Dylan, you know this about me. Everything I wear is Ralph. Literally.

Jill Rappaport [00:17:05]:
I went one year, Halloween, as a polo bag. I was zipped up. Yes, in a garment bag, carrying a polo mallet. To say I'm obsessed with Ralph Lauren is an understatement. But what always impressed me the most, having met your mom, who I adore, having been with your father, met your whole family, you are all the most philanthropic, down to earth, wonderful people. I mean, your dad, there's no one bigger. If our listeners saw this incredible documentary featuring Ralph Lauren and his empire and what he's created, all of you are in it. What has always impressed me and why I wanted to bring it back to this, gone in another direction.

Jill Rappaport [00:17:47]:
When you grow up in a life like that, let's be honest, not all of the offspring always grow up to be so great. And all of you have gone on to have these amazing lives and careers, but most important, you all give back. And that has always impressed me. I've known you your whole life.

Dylan Lauren [00:18:07]:
Yeah, literally.

Jill Rappaport [00:18:09]:
What is it, Dylan? Tell me about your upbringing, your parents. What is it that they instilled such important, wonderful values in all of you?

Dylan Lauren [00:18:18]:
Thank you very. First of all, I feel like you've known my whole family and watched us grow, because I remember seeing you in concho belts, and so I feel so honored to be.

Jill Rappaport [00:18:29]:
And look behind me. My house is an ad for Ralph.

Dylan Lauren [00:18:32]:
Yeah, right away. Totally. So thank you. But I think my parents are from the Bronx. They grew up not well off, and my dad really started from nothing and kind of was a real entrepreneur in that he pursued doing what he loved, which was making fashion, but building a lifestyle brand, starting with the tie and sticking to his guns. And really, I think, working hard and following his gut and feeling like I can do something. Even though I'm from not the greatest well off situation, I have visions of what great and happiness could be, and I think he never forgot where he came from. And he has always kept my whole family very grounded and close.

Dylan Lauren [00:19:21]:
My mother as well. They could be partying with all the fashion scene, and there are definitely those opportunities, but they don't put that first. Sort of like what is very valuable, being with your family and your close friends and the people you really are close with to keep you grounded. And I think just knowing with people who are less fortunate, animals less fortunate, there's a bigger world out there. So when we think our life is hard, remember there's always someone else or something else that needs help. And it actually makes you feel more valuable as a person to be able to contribute, even if you're. I know people who haven't built these empires, and they're still giving back in some way. And so I just feel like I've watched my parents, and we all love animals, and I've grown up being around horses.

Dylan Lauren [00:20:10]:
And my favorite animal is actually bunny rabbits. I have over 10,000 in my collection. You'll see. This is my kids room. But our film name, our bunny is here, and I have the wallpaper and all the animals for this show. But I love animals. And we've been in situations where we were in, let's say, in Jamaica, and there was a bunch of puppies that were abandoned, and my parents and I fell in love with them. We took them in and we started caring for them and made a home for them.

Dylan Lauren [00:20:36]:
And that started growing cats coming around, and then my bunies, chocolate and vanilla, and now Jersey. So the love of giving back or saving an animal. My parents, my brothers, and I all really love animals, and we love people. And I know everyone has their causes, but to me, it's always been animals because, you know, we're family. This shirt I'm wearing is my brother's dog, cinch, which was another rescue. And I just think they're family members. She's my first child before Kingsley Rainbow and Cooper Blue, and they give back so much love, and they're really a part of your life for as many years as hopefully they've lived. And it's really my calling, I think, with Dylan's candy bar is to help every animal find a home sweet home.

Dylan Lauren [00:21:22]:
And our customers and our staff, I mean, we've had so many adoption events and posted adoptions that my staff literally, you see on our website, all these pictures of rescue dogs are all their pets because it's like, everyone's like, oh, my God, I never knew. That's where I find my happiness. So it's very fulfilling and rewarding to be able to not only pursue Dylan's Kenny bar and love selling candy and a happiness, and really trying to merge fashion, art, and pop culture with candy and grow a lifestyle brand very much in line with. What I admire about my dad is he started with a tie and grew it into a lifestyle brand with home furnishing and women's wear and menswear and all these different components. But also to give back and make my stores destinations that give back to our customers who want to support something and to the animals and the people working in all these countries. To bring these animals home is very important.

Jill Rappaport [00:22:13]:
And this show is heard all over the world. And obviously, your dad, you, you're all over the world with your businesses, and you could have gone the fashion route, but literally, to go the route you did with candy and the sweet messages that you have been giving out there, I'm just so impressed because you have made such a huge difference. And at the beginning of the show, which you'll hear, I talked all about this pandemic. We thought it was a great thing for animals in the beginning. But guess what? The tide is turning, and these animals are being returned. And my dream, if I had the funds, the finances, I would love one day to open up a st. Jude for pets where people could go and get pet care, medical care, for free, because so many of these animals are dumped, because people can't even afford antibiotics for a bladder infection for their pet. So I always think, wow, what could I do? I have these wonderful vehicles rapaport to the rescue, which reaches all over the world.

Jill Rappaport [00:23:06]:
But then if we can all do our little part, everybody can do something. If you can't rescue and adopt, I always tell people, you can volunteer your time, you can foster and you can donate. And I'm just so impressed, dylan. You have made such a huge difference in animal welfare and your whole family. I remember being at the Ralph store in east Hampton once, and your mom and dad were in there with bikini, adorable. And the horses. The whole family has always embraced this cause. And plus breast.

Dylan Lauren [00:23:38]:
Yeah, you know, there's so many causes, but a lot of the suffering that goes on in humans, I've found even when they have a pet by their side, it calms them down. Lowest to blood pressure, makes them happy. They're your companion with you. So it's very healing to all these other causes that are out there. I've seen those shelters where children who have been abused or paired with pets who have been abused, and it's very healing for both. I mean, there's so many things that we support and I've learned about through Dylan's Kenny barn that I just wish more people knew about. So it's great to be talking to you and what you've done is so amazing. And I love learning about hospitals like animal medical center.

Dylan Lauren [00:24:18]:
They have an animal to the rescue. They help people who actually are of low income or need extra support to give their animals proper care. I just think people get intimidated about everything that goes into having a pet. But I think with knowing that there's so many people out there who love animals and have pets and have figured it out one way or another, no matter what their background is, there is a way to have a companion. So I wouldn't send them back to the shelter?

Jill Rappaport [00:24:45]:
No, that's what I said. Give it a chance. Give it time.

Dylan Lauren [00:24:49]:
So much more animals.

Jill Rappaport [00:24:52]:
Well, and I only have fur children. I have a lot of them. I also have five horses. And again, to me, I wouldn't know the difference because they are my children. And certainly I'm up all night, as I said, my dog that has cancer, I'm up every 2 hours. And again, if I had a partner, I don't know if I would be so gracious and happy to be up every night with them, but I'm thrilled to do it for my dog. People might not know you are the mom of beautiful twins Kingsley and Cooper. You have a wonderful, fabulous husband, an incredibly busy life with your career, and yet the animals, and I know from knowing you the way I do, I know that Jersey means as much and resonates in your heart as much as your children.

Jill Rappaport [00:25:33]:
Am I right?

Dylan Lauren [00:25:34]:
Yeah. Luckily, my children love her as much and they're very comfortable together. But I think it also teaches them responsibility and care and how to talk to compassion. Yeah, I think very important that they've grown up with at pet and scene. And as I've seen with my parents, like, loving animals and other creatures, my son, if he looks at a bug and tries to step on there, I'm like, that has a whole family, that little bug. And if Jersey had her whole family here, would you do that? So they learned that. But it's very much like, I know I'm always like, how is this animal in my house? I'd love to have know, pot belly pig and a raccoon and more bunnies and all these other, like, these are these creatures and they're on my bed, and I'm letting them sleep on my bed. I'm going to sleep on the floor.

Dylan Lauren [00:26:23]:
Okay, you can have.

Jill Rappaport [00:26:24]:
I know, right?

Dylan Lauren [00:26:25]:
These creatures are in our homes, but it's just so fulfilling. And we do have some rescue horses as well. And the conditions they were in, they were left for dead, and we ended up rescuing them from last chance animal rescue. And it's just what you hear about animals in need. There's so many out there, rabbits, cats, dogs, horses, whatever you can do. But however you can help them, I think there's a way. My team at Bill and Sandbar, we actually went to an animal shelter, a few of them like green chimneys, and we painted together.

Jill Rappaport [00:27:00]:
Green chimneys. Yes. I did the story on great.

Dylan Lauren [00:27:05]:
And they help with students in need. They work with the animals, but it was a great corporate event just for us. And I've had friends who I just volunteer to walk dogs, just to bond with the dog, and a friend of mine who I haven't seen in a while. So even that little moment gets the animal out of being in this little cage and getting some fresh air and exercise. So I'm a big fan of multitasking and trying to get a few things done at once, I would say so.

Jill Rappaport [00:27:32]:
Understatement.

Dylan Lauren [00:27:34]:
So it's like, I'll help the animals walk with them or be with friends, and everyone's happy in the end, so it's great.

Jill Rappaport [00:27:42]:
Well, Dylan, again, you just blow me know your heart is as big as the globe. You are as sweet as every product in all of your stores and your parents. I mean, you know how I feel about the whole family. Everybody did it right. You guys are just amazing. And really, congratulations for know so much of your time and your life to helping animals in need. I am honored and thrilled to have you on Rapaport to the rescue. Can't wait to see you.

Jill Rappaport [00:28:08]:
And again, your initiative with Southampton animal shelter starts this Saturday, August 1, runs for the whole month. And you can get your masks online. People can make donations. Do you want to give the website one more time?

Dylan Lauren [00:28:21]:
Dylanscannybar.com or dylanscannybar.com foundation. But yeah, go on our website and you'll see it on the homepage foundation. And these are for sale and you can make a donation. This month is Southampton animal shelter. And then, Dylan, it's such an honor to be on your show and know you because I really admire you too.

Jill Rappaport [00:28:39]:
So thank, oh, thank you, Dylan. I hope to see you soon. Obviously, I hope to be seeing you soon wearing one of your masks 6ft away, but hopefully you'll be out here soon. Give my love to your parents, please, David. And to Andrew, keep up the great work. A big kiss to your twins and your gorgeous husband, Paul. And again, Jersey. A big hug to Jersey.

Dylan Lauren [00:29:01]:
Jersey.

Jill Rappaport [00:29:03]:
She just got up. Oh, our listeners. Oh, she said, I've had enough. Jersey just literally jumped up off the bed and ran out of the shot. But we love her. She's adorable. She got a great home. Thank you.

Jill Rappaport [00:29:15]:
Stay safe. And coming up, my partner in crime, Bill Burloni. We will do hot summer tips for our pets in need. Stay tuned.

Announcer [00:29:29]:
Oh, sure, it's all fun and games until someone ends up in a cone. That's right, we are animals. Deal with it. Pet life radio. Let's talk pets. Let's talk pets.

Dylan Lauren [00:29:41]:
Let's talk pets on pet Life radio. Pet life radio.

Jill Rappaport [00:29:44]:
Petliferadio comfort. And welcome back to Rapaport to the rescue. We just had a fabulous interview with Dylan Lorne. And now my favorite part of the show, it's the Jill Bill section with the wonderful Bill Burloni, animal trainer extraordinaire, behaviorist, and most important, what everybody needs to know, and I'm sure by now does know, because I reiterate it, every show is that Bill takes rescue animals, shelter animals off the streets, out of the cages, and often turns them into superstars on the stage and screen. Bill, it's so nice to see you and hear you again.

Bill Berloni [00:30:32]:
Yes, I'm glad to be with you again, Jill.

Jill Rappaport [00:30:34]:
Well, Bill, this is the perfect time for this discussion because we are experiencing incredible heat waves right now. I think it was 92 here yesterday. When I walked outside, I literally felt like I was in a sauna. So I can only imagine what this feels like to our pets, especially our senior pets. Tell us what the most important thing we need to remember during these hot summer days.

Bill Berloni [00:30:58]:
Absolutely. It seems like the entire country is in a heat wave, and so we all have to be careful about how our pets are interacting with that heat. First off, humans have skin. Our entire body is covered with skin, which we sweat, and that helps cool our body. Dogs have hide so they don't sweat. And the only part of their body that helps them cool is their tongue. So that's why they pant. They move air over their tongue.

Bill Berloni [00:31:23]:
And in reality, it's a really inefficient way to cool your body. But nature has ways of taking care of themselves. Dogs with long hair like to be up in Alaska, and dogs with short hair like to be down in know. It's only us humans that mix them all up, which means we have to make sure we're taking care of our know.

Jill Rappaport [00:31:40]:
You talk about the coats and everything. Long hair, short hair. People don't also know, because I had to realize this was unbelievable to me. I gave one of my dogs a puppy cut a couple of years ago, and I do it every year. But this particular groomer happened to take the coat down way too low, and you could actually see the skin. That's very dangerous for the summer heat and the sun because they can get sunburned just like we can.

Bill Berloni [00:32:05]:
Absolutely. I mean, think of us. We have summer wardrobes. We have winter wardrobes, right? And the dog's hair actually works as sort of a barrier to keep the sun from directly hitting the skin. So if your dog has long hair, you should give it a summer cut just like your summer wardrobe. Give them a summer cut. And if you don't, put on your winter coat and hat and go out for a walk with them, and I guarantee you'll know what they're feeling. So look at your animal's coat.

Bill Berloni [00:32:30]:
Make sure they have the appropriate coat length for the season that we're in. Another thing we have to think about is keep them hydrated. The only way that they can really cool their body out from the core is to move water through it. Now people think, well, I'm going to give them ice water. No, it'll cool their stomach too quickly and they'll start to cramp. But if your dog starts to get overheated, you can get a cold towel and put it over their body and bring their body temperature down. There are cooling mats, and they're so inexpensive and so cheap. And what are they? They're rubber mats with water in them.

Jill Rappaport [00:33:00]:
I love those.

Bill Berloni [00:33:01]:
Yeah, they just pull the heat out of their body, and that's what we have to remember. When we get hot, we sweat. When dogs get hot, they become feverish, which is why they can become overheated and go to heat stroke very quickly. So we have to cool their body down. And you do that from the outside with cooling blankets, ice, and room temperature water. Keep them hydrated.

Jill Rappaport [00:33:22]:
That is so important. I immediately think, cold water, cold water. But your tips are great. And the other thing people don't understand, summer is a great time, and definitely rescue and adoption are always a little higher in the summer. Because people are outside, they can spend more time. They can obviously help house break animals easier in the summertime. But it's also a time where you really have to be very cautious. You can't just let them run like crazy.

Jill Rappaport [00:33:46]:
Our natural inclination is, let's run, let's walk, because it could be very debilitating, and it can be life threatening. The other thing people don't understand because I see it in Manhattan all the time, you take your dog out for a walk, they're barefoot on that pavement. Those pads. Talk about that because those pads can burn. And people are out there for 2025 minutes. If it's 95 degrees, what is that like for an animal's pads?

Bill Berloni [00:34:10]:
Oh, Jill, it's terrible. It's really terrible. Again, you think animals walk on the earth, and unless it's the desert, it doesn't get as hot as asphalt or concrete. And here we are in cities just walking our dogs barefoot on these surfaces that get over 100 degrees. So make sure, if you're in a city, walk in the shade. Look for the shaded sidewalk. The other thing I like to tell people is go out for the longer walks in the morning and the evening before the sun really gets hot and after the sun's about to go down, that'll help cool the asphalt a little bit. But if you see them picking up their pads, pick them up quickly, get them home, put some ice on them.

Jill Rappaport [00:34:45]:
And what about water safety? I can't tell you how many times I've seen people at the beach take a frisbee and throw it into the ocean. Hey, I know a lot of dogs can swim, but a strong current comes up, or even at a pool, accidents can happen. And now they're saying that you really should have a life vest on your dog at all times if you're near water. Do you agree with that?

Bill Berloni [00:35:09]:
I do agree with that. I mean, there are some breeds who are water breeds who are naturally inclined to be able to navigate that, but the other 99% of our dogs are not good swimmers. So the thing with pools, if you have a pool, don't put your dog out the back unsupervised because they will naturally go in because they're so hot and they may not be a good swimmer. So at least when you're at the beach, you're watching your dog. So always have a life jacket if it's an ocean where there's a lot of current, as you say, and never leave your dog outside by the pool unsupervised.

Jill Rappaport [00:35:38]:
And how about never leaving them out unsupervised? In general, there are, in the summertime, plants that are deadly. There's things that they can get into. People think, oh, I opened the backyard, the gate. They're out there for 2 hours. Even on, let's say, a 75 degree day, they can get into very dangerous situations very quickly.

Bill Berloni [00:35:56]:
Absolutely. Whether it's you leave them unsupervised and they go to dig in an area to get cool and there's glass there, or there's something that might be poisonous for them, or they're feeling nauseous and they start just eating something to make themselves feel better. There are so many dangers in this heat, and we have to be more concerned about the ones who are not as tolerant of heat. Seniors, we have to be very careful with our seniors, we have to be very careful with dogs who are obese. They just don't tolerate the heat. And certainly the dogs with the short noses, pugs, the bulldogs, the brachiocephalic is what it's called, where they don't even have as much tongue as regular dogs to cool their bodies. So we have to pay even closer attention to the ones who need a little more help from us.

Jill Rappaport [00:36:39]:
Yeah, it's crazy to think that their air conditioning system is their panting, their tongue. It is bizarre that that's the only way they can stay cool. But, Bill, as always, these are such important, incredible tips and literally life saving tips. And I think the most important thing really, you really can't keep your eyes off your dog. You should really stay focused 24/7 we obviously know about the heat in a car. You never leave your dog in a car. I wouldn't even do it on a winter cool day. It's just for me, it's an accident waiting to happen.

Jill Rappaport [00:37:10]:
But wonderful tips, especially. This is supposedly outside of the pandemic, a wonderful time of year for us to spend with our pets. But we must be mindful and we must understand that there are dangers waiting around every curve in every backyard. And we really have to make sure that we protect them, because, as I say, we are their voice. We are their protectors. Right, Bill?

Bill Berloni [00:37:31]:
They are our fur children. And protect them like you would your human children. That's my advice.

Jill Rappaport [00:37:36]:
Thank you, Bill. As always, that was great advice. I'll see you and talk to you next week. And to our listeners, stay safe and please keep a positive attitude.

Announcer [00:37:46]:
Let's talk pets every week on demand, only on petliferadio.com.

Timestamped overview:

00:00 Adopted pets need time to adjust, financially uncertain.
03:58 Seek guidance before giving up on pets.
07:13 Balanced lifestyle with moderation and favorite treats.
10:45 Couple adopts special shelter dog, feels connected.
13:55 Dylan's Candy Bar reopening, donations to animals.
19:21 Value family, friends, giving back; love animals.
22:13 Global impact of businesses and philanthropy.
25:34 Pets teach responsibility, compassion, and care.
29:44 Petliferadio show featuring animal trainer Bill Burloni.
32:30 Choose appropriate coat, keep hydrated, cool down.
35:56 Heat poses dangers, especially for vulnerable dogs.
37:10 Tips for protecting pets during dangers.

Key topics and bullets:

1. Introduction of Guest and Episode Theme
- Discussion on the importance of helping animals
- The healing effects of pets on humans
2. Dylan Lauren's Personal Experiences with Pets
- Experience with multiple pets, including rescue horses
- The value of teaching children responsibility and compassion through pets
3. Supporting Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations
- Corporate volunteering and fundraising for shelters
- Dylan Lauren's efforts to support the Southampton Animal Shelter
4. Pet Safety and Awareness with Bill Berloni
- Keeping pets safe during summer heat waves
- Dangers such as heatstroke, burnt paw pads, and water safety
5. The Role of Pet Owners
- Emphasis on seeing pets as part of the family
- Advocacy for being the voice and protectors of pets
6. Special Focus on Host Jill Rappaport's Initiatives
- "Rappaport to the Rescue" podcast on pet and animal welfare
- Concerns about pandemic pet returns and the importance of seeking help
7. Dylan Lauren's Background and Business Ventures
- Daughter of Ralph Lauren and owner of Dylan's Candy Bar
- Balancing a healthy lifestyle with running a candy business
8. Lauren Family's Values and Philanthropy
- Dylan's parents' Bronx upbringing and emphasis on family values
- The down-to-earth nature of the Lauren family
9. Advocacy for Animal Rescue and Adoption
- Dylan's adoption of her dog from a Puerto Rico shelter
- Jill Rappaport's passion for senior pets and special events
10. Fundraising and Adoption Events
- Dylan's Candy Bar's adoption events and fundraising efforts
- Success stories from senior pet matchmaking events
11. Conclusion
- Jill Rappaport sharing a picture with Dylan Lauren
- Encouragement for the audience to stay tuned for more discussions on petliferadio.com