Bernadette and Kramer I don't remember when I first met Bernadette, but it must have been at least twenty-five years ago, not long after I'd moved to New York City to begin my career. She'd already had multiple Broadway shows under her belt, having started in show business when she was only three and a half years old. She is one of the most beloved and respected members of the Broadway community and far beyond: a uniquely spectacular lady whose prodigious talents continue to light the world. And she is a passionate animal lover. Along with her friend, Mary Tyler Moore, Bernadette co-founded Broadway Barks, an annual, star-studded dog and cat adoption event benefiting New York animal shelters. Broadway Barks also works year round to be a point of communication and community for many of the struggling grassroots shelters throughout the city. When she is not stopping people's hearts with her performances, Bernadette is personally rescuing dogs and finding them homes. I certainly plan to be at this year's Broadway Barks event in Shubert Alley on July 12th. In celebration of all that she is and does, I am extremely proud to welcome Bernadette to LIVELY LICKS. Bill and Jake look forward to meeting Kramer and Stella, maybe around one of the more popular trees in the park.

Bernadette with Stella

GC: How did your present dogs come into your life?
BP: Kramer was from the ASPCA. No one would adopt him because of his high energy. He was dancing on the walls. I wanted to name him Fred Astaire but decided on Kramer because of the way he slid into a room like the “Kramer” character on Seinfeld. Stella had a big gash in her neck because she was tied up since she was very small. The rope had grown into her throat. She needed hospitalization and we didn't know if she would make it.

GC: What kinds of car would your dogs drive?
BP: Stella always enjoyed our 1957 Chartreuse Cadillac Convertible.
Kramer would drive an old Green "Rover" with a pipe in his mouth.

GC: What would be the title of your dogs' autobiographies?
BP: Stella is a Pit Bull, and of course we know they are much maligned. Her book would be Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover: I'm Just a Love Muffin
Kramer's would be The Autobiography Of A Dog Who Thought He Was A Man.

GC: Is there a secret about you that only your dogs know?
BP: They'd never tell!

Kramer with Stella

Help Broadway Barks when you start shopping HERE! Making your purchases count for charity is easy. You can start by clicking here. We'll track your purchases and will donate a percentage of those proceeds to Broadway Barks. There is no added cost to you - just do your routine shopping and FetchDog donates a portion of the sale, on behalf of Bernadette, to Broadway Barks. Broadway Barks - http://www.broadwaybarks.com/ Originally conceived as a program to promote the adoption of shelter animals, Broadway Barks has evolved into an event that has not only focuses on the plight of homeless animals but has opened the door of communication and fostered a spirit of community among the numerous shelters and rescue groups working throughout the city. Read More...

Chaos on Live with Regis and Kelly

GC: What do your dogs think about politicians?
BP: They listen to the people.

GC: What excites your dogs the most?
BP: The thought of takeout being delivered to the door.

GC: What is your favorite thing to do with your dogs?
BP: Going to the park and seeing how much Stella loves little dogs. She crawls up so as not to intimidate them. She kisses them and they dance around her head.


GC: If your dogs were human, what would be their favorite movies?
BP: Stella's would be Casablanca and Here's Looking at You Kid.
Kramer's would be anything with Kevin Kline because he emulates him.

GC: What is it about you that makes your dogs most proud?
BP: They are proud of me because I understand their place in society as healing creatures and why they are called companion animals.

GC: What is it that makes you most proud about your dogs?
BP: They love meeting new people.

GC: Who do your dogs sleep with?
BP: Me, of course!

GC: Where are your dogs' favorite spot at home?
BP: On the terrace in the snow.

GC: Do your dogs like to dress up?
BP: They willl go as far as a bandana, but they are not the dress-up kind.

GC: Do your dogs have a special talent?
BP: Stella can wag her tail in circles. Kramer knows how to use his "inside" voice.

GC: If your dogs were famous people, who would they be?
BP: Kramer would be Kevin Kline, of course. Stella would be Sylvia Sydney.

GC: Is there a question you would like to ask your dogs, or vice versa?
BP: I know they want to know where the butcher store is and why they can't run lose for a half-hour in the window.

GC: What is your dogs' idea of perfect happiness?
BP: Going to the park two times a day, getting great food, snacks and catching a ball.

Stella, my love muffin