With a selfless motto that everyone deserves to have a wonderful quality of life, Deirdre “Little Darling” Franklin employs love, companionship, integrity and loyalty into her self-started organization Pinups for Pitbulls. Helping dogs nationwide, Franklin’s charitable work has been recognized by media outlets including American Dog Magazine, Animal Planet and other high profile publications. Speaking to Helping Paws NJ,  Franklin shares all on her very own little darlings as well as her other successful volunteer efforts.

What inspired your love for pinups?

Franklin: “My love for pinups began when I was a young girl. My grandma Bella in Brooklyn, NY always had wonderful photos of her and her girlfriends posing near cars and all done up. She was my interpretation of a strong woman and a beauty queen, two things I wanted to be! I no longer wish to be a beauty queen now that I’m a professional woman, but dolling up for photos is still always fun!”

You’ve received press for your efforts from outlets such as Animal Planet’s Pit Boss, has this helped the Pinups for Pitbulls cause?

Franklin: “Absolutely! All press helps our cause and helps our mission. Our goal is to disseminate information to people who could otherwise not find it or who may not even be looking for it. We love our dog advocate friends and share our discoveries with them, but what we aim to do most is reach the non-advocacy communities where the information is most needed. We need to reach the general public, the legislators, and the people who just plain love their dogs but do not know how to train them, for example. The internet can be a tough place to navigate if you do not know the right questions to ask or what you are even trying to ask. We try to simplify things for everyone and do our best to be that resource, when it relates to our mission.”

You have lots of experience with animal rescue, as you have worked in post Hurricane Katrina efforts in New Orleans, and volunteer work with animal shelters and other rescue organizations. How does this experience shape your work at Pinups for Pitbulls?

Franklin: “It keeps me focused on what is most important, the dogs. It keeps things real in my mind, not abstract. Some people work from a desk and never see what is actually happening on the ground, I fear that sometimes they lose touch that way. I want to be in the midst of it, so I can stay fresh, not burn out, and bring my very best to our cause.”

You own over four animals how did they come into your life?

Franklin: “I have only 4 companion animals. Two of which began as my fiancee’s, and then became part of my pack. Only two of them are pit bull-type dogs, Baxter Bean and Carla Lou. Carla Lou came into my life through CHAKO.org over 16 years ago! She’s 17 and will be 18 in July. Baxter Bean is my foster failure from Pet Rescue of Mercer (NJ). Lexi and Zoe, our non-pit bull dogs are wonderful and were in Jeff’s life before I was.”

How did your name “Little Darling” start?

Franklin: “I began modeling around 2005 and was also performing burlesque regularly with the Hellcat Girls Burlesque out of Philadelphia, PA. I gave myself that name after seeing the movie ‘Little Darlings.’ I thought the name suited me since I am a genuine sweetheart and I am barely 5 foot 3.”

Your organization has clever and innovative forms of promoting your cause from necklaces to calenders, what inspired you to create these ideas.

Franklin: “We are always trying to find new ways to reach new audiences. We also don’t submit to the status quo. I am of the “whatever it takes” attitude.
If having more merchandise helps further our message, I want to develop new ways to have people come over to our table or shop on our site.
It’s a win-win.”

Why is adopting an animal important?

Franklin: “It’s important only if it’s the right thing for you and your family. If you mean adopting vs. breeding, it’s important because there are too many homeless animals dying in shelters each day. Until that is rectified and we can attain a No-Kill nation, breeding just is not my cup of tea. I’m not an expert on that subject, I just know what I see day in and out on our fan page wall. Seemingly endless posts of urgent dogs in need, and that’s just the one’s who made it to our wall. It’s tragic and unnecessary.”

At the end of the day, what inspires you?

Franklin: “Carla Lou inspires me every day. She’s lived with me since I was 19 years old. I’m almost 36. She had been left for dead in someone’s basement in Texas, was flown to me sight unseen when I adopted her (I literally saw a photo of her the night before she flew out), and it took me a month to get approval from Dawn Capp at Chako. Carla Lou is a sage, my little buddha. She is gentle, noble, funny, outgoing, and everything that I try to be each day. Baxter Bean is covered in caustic chemical burns and survived parvo at the same time he was burned. With these two faces in my home, it’s hard not to stay inspired to do right by them.”

“My friends also inspire me. They are all so talented in their own ways. We help keep each other grounded and help bring each other up when we need it.”

“I am a lucky girl!”

What is coming next for Pinups for Pitbulls!

Franklin: “Our model application process is drawing near (4/2). Our next calendar will be amazing! It’s being shot by Celeste Giuliano Photography, one of my favorite photo studios in the world! Additionally, we will be vending at many tattoo conventions, comic conventions, and will be hosting a large scale event in Kansas City, MO this June. It’s been a full year and it’s only March! I just got back from our Party Like a Pinup event that was in Tampa, FL last week and before that I was in Asheville, NC for their convention. I’m tired but excited! I’m also in grad school for public policy and my case study focuses heavily on PFPB’s mission. We’ll have lots of great educational materials coming out of my case study in the coming months. Check our website resource page regularly for more data.”

 Special Thanks to Deirdre Franklin For Interview And Permission To Use All Photos

Want to share your pet photos with us? Tweet us @HelpingPawsNJ

We already introduced you all to the  Better Buddies company before on Helping Paws NJ, but this month we have another reason to love the company even more.

Teaming up with the Best Friends Animal Society, Better Buddies has dedicated the month to donating beds to the homeless animals.  Creating the  “Month of Love”, Better Buddies plans this February to donate all sales made through their site to the purchase beds for these animals at The Best Friends Animal Society.

The Best Friends Animal Society serves as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. The shelter opened their second and only west coast animal rescue center in Mission Hills, C.A.

Are you the next Diane Sawyer of the pet world? Does your pooch give Paris Hilton’s chihuahua Tinkerbelle a run for her money? Have a pet business you want to share with the world-wide web? If you answered yes to any of the questions above you are in luck because Helping Paws NJ is hiring!

• Writers:  If you want to take your passion and drive for everything pet news and turn it into a byline, we are looking for writers. Writers can send writing samples and clips to the email address below!
• Photographers:  If you are training to become the next best photographer or have adorable pictures of your furry loved ones that you would love to share let us know at the email address below
• Pet Businesses:  Have a great pet business you think the whole world should know about? Start here on Helping Paws NJ! For more information email the address below
• Pet Shelters/Rescues: If you would like to feature your pet shelter or rescue, Helping Paws NJ is willing to work with you!  Send your information and inquiries to the address below!

If You Are Interested In Joining Our Team Email Us At helpingpawsnj@gmail.com!

Starting  today at 3 p.m. EST, join Animal Planet for its 8th annual Puppy Bowl. Pitting dog against dog, join me in covering all the  furry action on Twitter @HelpingPawsNJ! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #puppybowl and join in on the fun!

My name is Winter. I was rescued by one of the BARKS volunteers who is currently fostering me. I am a very affectionate boy who loves to nuzzle in your neck and snuggle in laps. I am a bit fearful of men (though I am getting better) and young children so would do best in a quiet adult-only home.

I am up to date on all my shots, have a microchip, and am spayed.

You can find out more about me by visiting the BARKS web site at www.barksinc.com, or by filling out an adoption application: http://barksinc.com/webcatapp.html.

Tigger is a beautiful American Staffordshire Terrier brindle boy who is about 2 years of age. He is strong and athletic, and his coat is even more beautiful in person than in the photos! He was brought to BARKS by the police, who found him tied by a length of rope to a fire hydrant behind the local grocery store in the middle of winter.

Since Tigger came to us, we have been working on basic manners and he now sits, shakes a paw, does “high five,” and walks beautifully on the leash. He is also very well-behaved in the car. Tigger gets along with other dogs and seems uninterested in cats. He also knows he must sit first before receiving a treat, and he takes them very gently from your hand.

Tigger is very sweet and loving and completely trustworthy with people that he knows, but he is fearful of strangers. Therefore, anyone interested in adopting him must be willing to get to know him over time by making multiple visits to the shelter to slowly work with him and our volunteers. If you are that special person, please call us to come and meet this beautiful dog!!

Tigger is up to date on all shots, and will be micro-chipped and spayed prior to adoption.

You can find out more about Tigger by visiting the BARKS web site at www.barksinc.com, or by filling out an adoption application: http://barksinc.com/webcatapp.html.

For More Information:

BARKS

Stanhope, NJ

www.barksinc.com

info@barksinc.com

When your a pomeranian living in the fashion capital of the world, it’s hard not to be anything short of fabulous. Meet Dolce, lover of Louis Vuitton, Central Park, and peanut butter. Daughter of Amy Chandra, founder of the site Mid Town Girl, get the full story on this fashion forward cosmopolitan pup!

What was it like bringing her home for the first time?
“I totally fell in love at first sight when Dolce was given to me. I had that moment when you say to yourself “where have you been all my life?” She is the best gift I have ever received.”

What kind of celebrity personality would you say Dolce is most like? Is she a Paris, a Nicole, a Kim K?
“When it comes to celebrities, I would say Dolce is most similar to Victoria Beckham, as she is uber picky & loves fabulous things. “

I see on your fabulous site MidTown Girl, Dolce is a huge fan of Louis Vuitton?
“Dolce loves my Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote. That is her go-to bag of choice. Every time I take it out, she jumps right in, ready for her day out in Manhattan.”

What are some of Dolce’s favorite places for pets in NYC
“She loves Central Park, the Barking Dog restaurant & the Ritzy Canine Hotel in Midtown.”
What are some of Dolce’s favorite things?
“Surprisingly, Dolce loves broccoli! She loves to munch on fresh turkey & veggies and occasionally, peanut butter.”

What’s a day in the life of Dolce like?
“Dolce wakes up early for her morning walk in Midtown East. She then takes a nap. After that, she has lunch and plays for an hour. She then updates her tumblr blog – Poms ‘n Purses. After a second nap, she wakes up for a snack & sometimes a quick trip to her favorite doggie store for some yummy treats & toys. In the eve, she has dinner & then goes for her nightly walk on Madison Ave. Dolce is an avid window shopper & loves boutiques.”

Dolce had her very own virtual 3rd birthday party what was that experience like?
It was so much fun! Her favorite blogger pet friends celebrated her birthday in social media style with custom signed photos posted on her birthday post. She was a birthday princess that day!
What’s Dolce’s advice to aspiring celebrity pets?
Always stay loyal to your owner as they are the people who feed you & keep you looking fabulush.

Amy, What’s your advice to celebrities with a celebrity pet?
Make sure you give your pet enough attention and exercise no matter how busy your schedule gets. Dogs are high maintenance (especially Dolce) and need lots of playtime, grooming & love.

Thanks to Amy Chandra and Dolce  for the Interview! For on Dolce or on Amy visit midtowngirl.com!

Meet Nicky, a strikingly handsome little fellow rescued from a cat colony. A BARKS volunteer saw beyond this frightened, scared kitten and decided to foster him, giving Nicky (aka ‘Nickers’) a chance for a new life.

 Nicky was shy at first, but that has changed. He is good with his foster mom’s young son who loves to pet and brush him. With just a few weeks to adjust, he has become a delight – he loves to be petted, brushed and combed. He also loves toys (any catnip toys, feathers and toys on a pole), but will play with anything – especially anything with catnip!

 Nicky did not play in the beginning – but he now realizes what a wonderful life he can have. He went to the vet’s and got his toenails cut with no problems. He loves to be loved so much – he will just about crawl up your sleeve! He rolls over for belly rubs and adores the attention. Nicky could be adopted into a home with another accepting older cat or with another kitten, but he would have no problem with being an only kitty. If interested, please contact his foster Mom @ 908-362-5542. Thanks for considering Nicky!

 Nicky has been spayed, is up-to-date on all shots and house-trained.

 You can find out more about Nicky by visiting the BARKS web site at www.barksinc.com, or by filling out an adoption application: http://barksinc.com/webcatapp.html.

BARKS

Stanhope, NJ

www.barksinc.com

info@barksinc.com

Hello, my name is Lucy. I am about 5-6 years young. My prior owner dumped me at a kill shelter because I got too old to make puppies anymore. I was so confused and scared, and I got a cold. Thank goodness, my foster mom came and bailed me out just in the nick of time. I really just want a family of my own to love. I am very well behaved. I love to play with my tennis ball, and take long walks where I can sniff everything. I am learning my manners. I know how to walk on the leash nicely, and to sit when you stop walking. I love to be pet, especially when you rub at the base of my tail and scratch my ears. I am crate trained, and when its bedtime, I am quiet and well behaved. As long as you take me out for regular bathroom trips I do not have accidents in the house. I would like to have a home by myself, or with another medium sized dog. When cats run, I can’t help myself, I chase them, so a home without small pets is a MUST. I can be a little rambunctious, and sometimes don’t realize my own strength, so no children under 10 please. As a special treat I LOVE peanut butter as a treat in my Kong rubber bone – YUM!

I am up to date on all my shots, have a microchip, and am spayed. Please contact my foster mom for my adoption details.

This is a BARKS courtesy listing.

For more information, contact:

Emma Dolan

(570)460-3806

emmabdolan@yahoo.com

Check Out These Fabulous Photos From The Bettie Page Store.

All Photos Used With Permission from Tanya CEO of The Bettie Page Store!