Supermodel Maggie Rizer: "United Airlines Killed Our Golden Retriever, Bea"

In her blog, the woman chronicles the events that resulted in the death of her beloved dog Bea during a commercial flight.

Forty-six dogs died traveling on commercial airlines in 2011, according to the Department of Transportation, as reported by the Huffington Post. In 2010, it was 39. If those numbers seem high, they should. We didn't realize the numbers were so high until supermodel Maggie Rizer's Golden Retriever died earlier this month on a United Airlines flight, and the story hit the Internet like a thunderbolt. 

By all accounts, Rizer -- a Vogue covergirl and a model for Calvin Klein, Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, Clinique, and Louis Vuitton -- loved her 2-year-old Golden Retriever named Bea. The dog was the titular hero of Rizer's blog, Bea Makes Three, which chronicled the life of the model, her family, and her three dogs. 

Rizer's most recent and final post is titled, simply, "United Airlines Killed Our Golden Retriever, Bea."

In it, Rizer details the circumstances of Bea's death, which occurred on a United flight from the East Coast to San Francisco, along with United's actions after the dog was discovered dead. 

According to Rizer, Bea and the other dogs were well prepared for the flight. To her credit, Rizer seems like the very definition of a responsible owner. She writes: 

"Beatrice had a perfect health record. She received a full examination and a health certificate four days before the flight, as is required by the Pet Safe program. This program is United’s branded on-board pet safety program. In addition to Pet Safe’s stringent requirements, we took every extra precaution we could think of. Both the dog’s kennels were labeled front to back with emergency numbers, flight information, and warnings. Their kennels were purchased specifically for the measurements and design specified by Pet Safe. We purchased special water bowls, which we filled with ice to ensure that the water wouldn’t spill and that it would last longer. We drove the six hours to New York City from our house in Northern New York state, so the dogs wouldn’t have to make a connecting flight. We paid United Airlines $1800.00, in addition to our plane tickets, to ensure the safety of our pets. Albert and Bea were very prepared travelers."

Yet, when Rizer arrived in San Francisco and made her way to the cargo terminal, a worker told her that one of her dogs had died. What's more, he told her the dog had been sent to a local vet for an autopsy -- an outrageous lie, it turns out, by a company looking to save its skin: 

"Over the next two hours the supervisor’s lie unraveled as it became clear that Bea was right behind a closed door the whole time, and he had been discussing how to handle the potential liability with his boss who had left and sticking to the divert-and-stall tactic that they had been taught."

Having recovered Bea, Rizer took the dog to her own vet for an autopsy. William Spangler performed the necropsy (a dog's autopsy), and determined that the dog had died from heatstroke. "Our little Beatrice died in pain, scared and alone," writes Rizer.

Dr. Spangler also told her that “in my experience it is not unusual for a single dog in airline transit to be affected while other dogs of the same breed survive the trip apparently unscathed.”

United officials apparenly believe that this fact -- Bea was the only dog who died -- cleared the airline. Rizer writes that United informed her that “our internal investigation does not show any irregularities, as evidenced by the fact that your companion dog and other animals on board did not suffer the same fate."

Rizer claims she does not want to sue United or have people boycott the airline. She just wants people to know the dangers of flying with their pets. 

"I am writing this to help make people aware that airlines are incapable of ensuring the safety of our pets," she writes. "All it takes is for one employee to not follow the proper procedure and then like me, your dog is dead."

"I can’t say exactly what happened to Beatrice on the plane two weeks ago. If United had been able to be honest, it would have helped us to find closure. All I know is what the necropsy told us, Beatrice died from heatstroke."

"It is said to be an agonizing death."

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Uggie Is Top Dog at Golden Collar Awards — The Dog World’s Version of the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys

Uggie looking downright heavenly on the "red" carpet at last night's Golden Collar Awards (Photo by Maria Goodavage)

The inaugural Golden Collar Awards, held last night in Los Angeles, paid homage to Tinseltown’s four-legged set, with six talented dogs trotting away with dazzling trophies and lots of stories to tell their pooch pals about the A-list human celebs they shook paws with on the red carpet.

Uggie, the talented and adorable 10-year-old Jack Russell co-star of The Artist, was the paws-down winner for Best Dog in a Theatrical Film. He is retiring from the film business soon after the upcoming Oscars, so this was his penultimate swansong.

“He is a great family member as well as a great performer, and he will be enjoying a lot more couch time now,” Uggie’s owner-trainer, Omar Von Muller, told me after the ceremony, with Uggie trembling lightly in his arms. (Uggie has a mystery neurological syndrome vets haven’t yet been able to diagnose.) “He has helped pave the way for other dogs and trainers to get the recognition they deserve for their hard work in the future.”

Uggie is expected to take his final bow-wow at the Oscars, where he will reportedly open the show beside host Billy Crystal. I don’t normally glue myself to the Oscars, but I’ll definitely be watching this year’s from the start.

The evening's stand-ins for Blackie, of "Hugo" fame, did not mind sharing the spotlight with each other or the more physically diminutive Uggie, who won in their category. (Photo by Maria Goodavage)

Acceptance speeches at the Golden Canine Awards were blissfully short, with no sentimental gushing. The award-winning dogs didn’t go on and on about their gratitude to their mothers, directors, and spouses, and their people had just a few well-chosen words for the audience, who braved an ice-cold banquet hall for the awards portion of the event.

The dogs who didn’t win anything didn’t seem to care. There was no dismay, no dashing of self-worth, no back-stabbing. When Wendy Malick from Hot in Cleveland announced Uggie as the winner of the night’s big award (pronouncing his name “You-gie” — oops), the two Dobies who were the evening’s stand-ins for Blackie, of Hugo fame, slept right through it. They only roused when they heard the name “Blackie” in the nominee list, but they went right back to sleep a few feet away from me when Blackie didn’t win. I am pretty sure I even heard one of them snoring.

What all the dogs — winners and otherwise (there are no losers in the dog world) really wanted was to know what goodies were inside the Natural Balance swag bags that seemed to smell insanely appealing to them. It was not uncommon at the end of the ceremony to witness a famous dog’s head buried in a blue bag, snortling around the sample packets of treats and kibbles. This is not something we generally see human celebs do at the end of the Oscars or Emmys. They wait until they’re in the car on the way home.

It was a quirky event, with its share of little gaffes (eg, no envelope for the very first winner, announced by actress Pauley Perrette, who handled the problem with aplomb), but that’s part of what made it a refreshing break from a typical Hollywood awards ceremony.

Even veterans of awards events were smitten by the Golden Collars.

Elizabeth Snead, one of last night's judges and a 15-year veteran of Hollywood awards shows, says the Golden Canines were the most fun. She atteneded the event with Posy, one of her six little Malteses. (Photo by Maria Goodavage)

“This is more fun than I’ve had the whole time I’ve been covering the Oscars and Golden Globes,” said Elizabeth Snead, contributing editor at The Hollywood Reporter, who helped judge the Golden Collars. “Dogs make the awards season much more human.”

She’s right. There’s something about dogs that humanizes so many situations — even war. With a dog at your side, barriers break down, and people can see everything from a different perspective — a kinder, less judgmental one with admiration for the silent loyalty and love dogs bring with them. It’s hard to explain, but I think my regular readers know exactly what I’m talking about.

Uggie, who brought a strong dose of humanity to The Artist and to the evening’s festivities, was more than happy to share the spotlight with his “brother,” Dash, who will be taking over the family’s acting legacy. Uggie was often content to be in his handler’s arms while Dash did way-cute tricks on the red carpet. Move over, Barrymores!

There were plenty of other winners as well last night.

• The Best Dog in a Foreign Film category was won by Koko from the Australian film Red Dog, which is definitely on my list of must-see dog films. In Australia, Koko is just as famous as Uggie. A tongue-in-cheek video by Koko’s people said Koko wasn’t at the Golden Collars because the people of Australia refuse to let the dog leave the country.

• The Best Dog in a Television Series category went to the uber cute French bulldog Brigitte from the ever-popular TV series, Modern Family.

Shorty Rossi and Hercules, of Pit Boss fame. Shorty was happy Hercules won an award, because he's all about bringing awareness to pit bulls being great dogs. (Photo by Maria Goodavage)

• There was a tie in the Best Dog in a Reality Television Series category, with Hercules from Pit Boss and Giggy from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills sharing the award. After the ceremony, Pit Boss star Shorty Rossi told me he hoped that his loveable, mellow pit bull’s win would help the public see pit bulls as “the fantastic dogs they are.” A side note: Hercules has the world’s softest fur on his forehead, and it’s hard to stop petting it, especially when he looks at you with those soulful eyes.

• For Best Dog in a Direct-to-DVD Film category, the two nominees from Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2, which was the predicted winner, probably split up the votes for that DVD, which gave the win to Rody, the cuddly yellow Lab pup Rody, from Marley & Me: The Puppy Years.

I have a feeling that with the recognition brought to canine thespians by this show and by Uggie himself, we’ll be seeing more dogs in future productions. I have a feeling I’m going to have plenty of excuses to go to the movies in upcoming years. (“Honey, it’s for work! We have to go see (fill in the blank future movie title starring dog) tonight.”)

Dogster will shortly be featuring a fun photo post of the evening’s festivities, with images by our photographer-for-the-evening, Nanette Gonzales. Keep your eyes peeled for more celebrity canines.

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Photos: Celebrity Pups and People Hit the Red Carpet for Last Night’s Golden Collar Awards

Last night, Dogster News Editor Maria Goodavage and photographer Nanette Gonzales attended the first ever Golden Collar Awards in Los Angeles. Maria’s already got a great post up with the highlights, but we thought Nanette’s fabulous event photos deserved a post of their own.

Uggie of The Artist fame and his brother, Dash, made their way down the not-quite-red carpet.

Uggie, Dash, and family.

Fans of Blackie the Doberman were out in full force.

Giggy and Lisa Vanderpump of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fame were in attendance.

Fourteen-week-old Golden Retriever B. Dawg represented the Air Buddies movie alongside director Robert Vince.

Golden Collar trophy designer Simon Tavassoli with his creation.

Rowdy from Marley and Me, The Puppy Years won Best Dog in a Direct-to-DVD film.

Dobies waiting for some grub.

Elizabeth Snead, one of last night’s judges and a 15-year veteran of Hollywood awards shows, and Posy.

More Uggie!

Actress Laura Nativo and Preston Cassanova from CBS’ Greatest American Dog.

Uggie claiming his trophy for Best Dog in a Theatrical Film.

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Dogster HQ Drops by the Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show

Ever been to a dog show hungover? I don’t recommend it. But such was my fate after my fellow Dogster staffers and I decided to turn our date with the Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show into a wine and margaritas girls’ night/slumber party.

It’s amazing how you can work with people five days a week and yet have enough to chat about into the wee hours of the morn. I was impressed that we were able to peel ourselves out of bed at 8:30 a.m. and make it to the aforementioned dog show by 10 sharp. I must also say I’m impressed with the way my colleagues look like they actually got some sleep in the photos below.

Our day began with a solid dose of caffeine, and then we were off to the Cow Palace for the last leg of the two-day affair. My dog was mad he wasn’t invited to the pooch party, but they were limiting canine presence to the show entrants.

A few months ago, Dogster’s Community Manager, Lori, lost her beloved Basset Hound, Lucy, and we made a beeline for the Basset booth as soon as we arrived to make sure she got a healthy dose of droopy-eyed love.

Note: The show Bassets are wearing snoods in the above photo to keep their ears from dragging on the ground.

We’d never met English Setters before, but are pleased to report that their sweet faces are matched by equally sweet personalities.

At these shows, “breed benches,” or the display/rest areas the breeds hang out at between showings are a competition in themselves. And we were shocked and appalled that the Chihuahua bench didn’t get first place when their owners went all-out, turning the Chi crates into a series of miniature home scenes. Here’s a clip so you can better see what we mean:

See? They were robbed!

We consoled ourselves by hugging as many adorable dogs as we could get our mitts on. Starting with this Rottie.

And this Saint. (Pictured next to Anna, our social media whizkid.)

Then we headed backstage to see the grooming area.

We watched one handler wrestling with the endless fluff of his Pekingese. My cohorts laughed a bit too loudly at this little dog’s face, but can you blame them?

We noticed that every pet product you could imagine was available for purchase in the face of a last-minute grooming emergency.

You would not believe how much hairspray it took to get this Pom‘s tail to stay put.

Another look at the snood phenomenon.

The Weims looked surprisingly happy to have a dogpile going on at their booth (though we thought they looked a little cramped).

Of course, I forced everybody to watch the Italian Greyhounds when they had their turn in the ring. A gorgeous fawn IG won a ribbon. I wanted to take every last one home.

We found that there are breed-specific editions to a good number of board games. (Is this odd to anybody else?)

The Irish Wolfhounds traveled through the halls like a troop of gentle giants.

Here’s another look at Lori in Basset Hound heaven.

Many, many, many cars in the lot had breed stickers and/or decals on them.

And many breed-specific collectables made walking the halls a visual overload.

We left a few hours later bone tired and ready for a good long nap (or some hair of the dog that bit us the night before). We’ll leave you with this parting shot — that’s a St. Bernard paw.

So, how was your weekend?

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Canine Movie Star Uggie to Retire; Click for Hugo Dobie to Get a Nod for a Golden Collar Award

Uggie's days on the red carpet are numbered, but he'd rather be lounging by the blue pool.

(Update below)

Uggie, the adorable canine big-screen star whose role in The Artist has catapulted him into the limelight, will be stepping away from his feature film career to spend more time just kickin’ back.

“Uggie’s still enjoying it, but he’s getting up there and he’s slowing down a little,” trainer Sarah Clifford told the The Hollywood Reporter of the 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier, who also recently costarred in Water for Elephants. “He’s at the stage where he just says, ‘I think I want to go and lay in the sun by the pool.” (And his other trainer and “dad,” Omar Von Muller, does indeed have a pool.)

The little dog with the big ‘tude will still take on minor roles, but there will be no more of the months of long workdays required by feature films. Uggie’s protégé, a Jack Russell named Dash, will be taking over the big roles. He has been waiting in the wings for this opportunity, backing up Uggie for minor scenes, learning the ropes before his older “brother,” as Von Muller calls him, stepped aside. (The two are not actually related, except that Von Muller calls himself “dad” to both.)

One of Uggie’s final red-carpet appearances will be on Feb. 13 at the Golden Collar Awards in Los Angeles. He and Dash will grace the stage as their own perky selves. “From what I gather, one of his last hurrahs will be at the Golden Collar Awards,” says Alan Siskind of Dog News Daily, which is putting together the gala event.

After the Golden Collars, all that stands in the way of chillin’ by the pool all day is a little event known as the Academy Awards. The Artist, which cleaned up during the Golden Globes earlier this month, is up for 10 awards. Unfortunately there still isn’t a category for animal actors, but that’s what the Golden Collars are all about.

I’m delighted that I will be at the Golden Collar Awards in a couple of weeks, bringing Dogsters exclusive coverage of the event. It should be quite the scene. There’s even some excitement going on ahead of time, with Martin Scorsese, whose film Hugo has 11 Oscar nominations, pushing for the canine costar of that film to be entered in the Golden Collars. He thinks the regal Doberman, Blackie (Maximilian), deserves to be in the running for top dog in the category of Best Theatrical Film.

Blackie, in Hugo. (Photo: Jaap Buitendijk/GK Films)

The director wrote this in an editorial in the Los Angeles Times:

“Okay, let’s lay all our cards on the table. Jack Russell terriers are small and cute. Dobermans are enormous and — handsome. More tellingly, Uggie plays a nice little mascot who does tricks and saves his master’s life in one of the films, while Blackie gives an uncompromising performance as a ferocious guard dog who terrorizes children. I’m sure you can see what I’m driving at.”

Good for Scorsese for sticking up for the big guy (actually, Blackie is a gal). If you’d like to see Blackie added to the roster, go to the Dog News Daily Facebook page and nominate her. She needs 500 write-in votes by February 6. I’m heading over there right now to nominate her. (I’ll use my Soldier Dogs moniker to add some teeth. ) Not that I don’t love Uggie and the other contenders, but Blackie’s stellar performance should not be overlooked just because she was kinda big and scary. (Time has wondered if this is a form of “breedism.”) Head over to the FB page and join in if you want Blackie to have a chance to run with the little dogs.

Update 10 p.m. Jan 30: We just learned from the LA Times movie blog that there was such an outpouring of votes for Blackie that she received all the nominations she needed within a few hours of getting out the word about her! I hope she can make the awards. I’d love to see her beside her more diminutive colleagues.

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First-Ever Golden Collar Award Nominees: Which Dog Actor Do You Think Should Win?

The Golden Globe Awards are so last weekend. The awards event that’s shining today is the Golden Collar Awards, a new institution recognizing the best canine performances in film and television.

The first-ever Golden Collar Awards, put together by Dog News Daily, will follow in the decade-old pawsteps of the Palm Dog Awards at Cannes in honoring the year’s top dog actors. The nominations came out yesterday, and we were not too surprised to see some of our favorite four-legged thespians on the list. Check out the nominees below and let us know who would get your vote if you were a judge.

The spotlight has been shining brightly on the amazing Uggie, the 9-year-old Jack Russell who had a major role in the wonderful film, The Artist. He upstaged pretty much everyone at the Golden Globe awards on Sunday with his incomparable cuteness. His Uggieness even inspired a call to start recognizing dogs at the Golden Globes and the Oscars (check out the Consider Uggie Facebook page), but there has been no official movement in that direction. Well, who needs a statue when you can get a cool collar?

Penelope Ann Miller and Uggie announced the Golden Collar Awards yesterday

Uggie, who helped his human costar, Penelope Ann Miller, announce the nominees, was nominated twice for a top-dog award. (His other nomination was as Queenie in Water for Elephants.) Judges will probably have a hard time, because last year there were some superb canine performances.

One of my favorites on the list is Cosmo, the uber-adorable Jack Russell who played beside Christopher Plummer in the indie breakout film, Beginners. I saw that in a special screening with Dogster Managing Editor Janine Kahn, and was grateful we brought a little packet of Kleenex with us.

Both Uggie and Cosmo were rescued from shelters by their trainers. How cool is that?

As well as telling us who you think deserves the Golden Collars in their categories, let us know what you think about the up-and-coming idea of having a category in the Oscars for performance by an animal. Stephen Spielberg is reportedly behind this effort; he apparently would like to see the horse who played Joey in War Horse nominated for such an award. (From what I read, several horses played Joey. Not sure how that would work …)

The awards ceremony takes place on Monday, February 13, at 6 p.m. (PT) at the Hotel Palomar in Westwood/Los Angeles. You won’t be able to tune in, because it’s not being televised, but we’ll bring you the results.

Canine nominees for the Golden Collar Awards were announced in five categories:

BEST DOG IN A THEATRICAL FILM

COSMO as Arthur — BEGINNERS (Focus Features)

UGGIE as Queenie  — WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (Fox)

DENVER as Skeletor — 50/50 (Summit Entertainment/ Mandate Pictures)

HUMMER as Dolce — YOUNG ADULT (Paramount/Mandate)

UGGIE as Jack — THE ARTIST (The Weinstein Company)

BEST DOG IN A FOREIGN FILM

KOKO as Red Dog — RED DOG (Roadshow Films, Australia)

LAIKA as Herself — LE HAVRE (Janus Films, France)

BIINA as Alf — THE DAY THE DOGS DISAPPEARED (Nippon Television, Japan)

ICHICO as Tao — THE DAY THE DOGS DISAPPEARED (Nippon Television, Japan)

BEST DOG IN A TELEVISION SERIES

ROCY as Arnold — ENTOURAGE (HBO)

CHUNK as Himself — CHELSEA LATELY (E! Entertainment Television)

BRIGITTE as Stella — MODERN FAMILY (ABC)

DART as Chance — HOT IN CLEVELAND (TV Land)

JASON GANN as Wilfred — WILFRED (FX)

LAMBCHOP as Yakult — SUBURGATORY (ABC)

BEST DOG IN A REALITY TELEVISION SERIES

GIGGY — THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS/Lisa Vanderpump (Bravo)

MILLOU — THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK CITY/Sonja Morgan (Bravo)

JACKPOT — THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS/Adrienne Maloof (Bravo)

SPARTACUS — ICE LOVES COCO/Coco (E! Entertainment)

HERCULES — PIT BOSS/ Shorty Rossi (Animal Planet)

BEST DOG IN A DIRECT-TO-DVD FILM

FRED as B Dawg — SPOOKY BUDDIES (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)

GASTON as Beethoven — BEETHOVEN’S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE (Universal Home Entertainment)

ANGEL as Chloe — BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA 2 (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)

ROWDY  as Marley — MARLEY AND ME: THE PUPPY YEARS (Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment)

RUSCO as Papi — BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA 2 (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment)

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Beautiful Video: Golden Puppies!

I realize my previous post may have caused a run on Kleenex, so here’s something that may help you smile — a beautiful video of a litter of happy little golden retriever puppies. I realize some might object to seeing a litter of “bred” dogs with all the homeless dogs out there, but this was too sweet to pass up. It’s also one of the better-produced dog videos I’ve seen on YouTube. Just wonderfully done.

(A big thanks to my Dogster friend, Santiago, who has been 2 for 2 with his blog suggestions this week!)

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Featured Photo: Sam The Golden Puppy

Check out Sam, the eight month old Golden Retriever mix. What a sweetie!

posted 2010 Dec 26 by Chip Green

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GOLDEN RETRIEVER DVD! + Dog & Puppy Training Bonus

Pet Video Library Books on Video presents the GOLDEN RETRIEVER.

This DVD contains Everything You Should Know about the breed and covers: History & Development - We'll take you through the early history of the GOLDEN RETRIEVER. You'll learn the breed's origin and how they were used in the working world. Characteristics - Discover the behavioral characteristics and temperament of the GOLDEN RETRIEVER. Grooming - Learn basic grooming skills that will keep your GOLDEN RETRIEVER looking great for years to come. Nutrition - Maintain optimum health with this essential diet and exercise information. Health and Aging - Learn about the special attention and love needed to maintain the health and quality of life of your aging GOLDEN RETRIEVER. Training Tips - Communicate properly with your dog using our helpful tips.

BONUS VIDEO INCLUDED - This DVD also includes INTERACTIVE BASIC OBEDIENCE with renowned Dog Behaviorist Shannon Holstein. She shows you how to quickly and easily teach your dog how to Sit, Stand, Come & Stay.

Search "Pet Video Library" under Amazon DVD for for More Breed Specific and Training DVDs

Price: $24.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Golden Retriever Secret

The complete guide to adopting, training and caring about Golden Retriever. All you need to know about American's favorite dog.

Check it out!

Finding The Perfect Golden Retriever

No more guessing at which puppy to choose, how to care for it and what to do to train it to be part of your family. Extra bonuses include beautiful 18 month calenders and screen savers, extra tips on dog training and house breaking your golden retriever.

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Golden Retriever Care and Training

Golden Retriever Dog Book on choosing, caring for and training your Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever puppy training and obedience training as well as grooming and health care. Owners Manual. Ebooks / Audio / Visual package.

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Featured Photo: Velcro The Golden Retriever

 

Meet Velcro. This adorable little boy is six years old. He is one happy golden retriever, and the fact that he is a rescue dog makes his story all the brighter. Velcro has a loving family, in fact they say he is the light of their life!  Isn't he the cutest?

posted 2010 Jul 13 by Chip Green

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