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The sunset was picture perfect at the Unconditional Love Cocktail Party, held on Saturday July 16th at the picturesque Southampton compound of Ellen & Chuck Scarborough on Lake Agawam to benefit the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation.   The evening honored Karen LeFrak, who shared, “Our animals are really our best friends?”  Karen was honored for her humanitarian contribution to the animal world, and hit the party with her champion Standard Poodle, Gem! Stunner Elizabeth Shafiroff chatted with KDH about her rescue dog Daisy, her joyful pit bull [and party date!] whom she rescued,  “There are so many great dogs at the Shelter right now that are looking for homes. I rescued Daisy and she has become such a wonderful companion- I don’t know what I would do without her!”

Animal lover Chuck Scarborough said “It’s a great story. The shelter was going to be closed two years ago due to budget reasons. Three women raised funds privately and turned it around.  There is now a 96% successful adoption rate which is extraordinary.  Here in our house, my wife and I have adopted animals, and we are delighted to help raise money for the shelter.”   Wearing a perfect party dress, beautiful NBC host Sara Gore served as the evening’s MC with Jeff Rossen. The biggest stars of the night were the sweet, hopeful dogs looking for a new home — wearing their “Looking for Love – Adopt me” vests. 

Matt Valentino, a trainer at the Southampton Animal shelter, shared details with guests about the work which goes into getting a pet ready for adoption, and that the results are ultimately so satisfying.  “At the shelter we evaluate the dogs and train them and play with them and work on their behavior.”  

*For more information please go to www.southamptonanimalshelter.com; or visit the shelter at 102 Old Riverhead Road, Red Creek Park, Hampton Bays. Phone: 631.728.PETS(7387)