Gatsby’s Story – By Dani Hart

Gatsby’s Story
By – Dani Hart

“‘Men,’ said Mr. Kyle, ‘people have been trying to understand dogs ever since the beginning of time. One never knows what they’ll do. You can read every day where a dog saved the life of a drowning child, or lay down his life for his master. Some people call this loyalty. I don’t. I may be wrong, but I call it love–the deepest kind of love.'”

-Wilson Rawls, Where the Red Fern Grows

It seemed like we’d been looking forever for a dog. Walking past the pet stores in the West Village we’d stare into the saliva smudged display windows and make faces at the French Bulldogs. They mugged back, cuter than we were. They knew it too.

But the initial surge of warmth always faded after watching the puppies at play. Because if you went inside, if you walked in the back, there were the big dogs. The ones who hadn’t found a home and were now overgrown, no longer worthy of the window. You could trace your finger along the cage while they watched with listless desperation. Their price, much lower than the rest, was scrawled in white grease pencil next to a sticker marked “Clearance.”

We began looking at animal shelters and rescue groups. Petfinder.org was a great resource we kept coming back to. But no matter how cute the animal was or engaging the description, we’d look at each other and shake our heads. “Not the right time,” we’d say. “Who has time for all those walks?”

Until we saw Gatsby.

His name wasn’t Gatsby then. It was Stephon. We found him on a dreary rainy day, the kind of day where you praise the Lord for Milton Bradley and the invention of board games. However, the game we decided to play that day was let’s find ourselves a dog.

We searched “small.” We searched “young.” We searched “Brooklyn.” And there was Gatsby, wearing the brightest, snazziest smile I have ever seen.

“That’s our dog,” I told my husband. And he agreed.

We called before we left the house to ask if he was still available. We were certain he’d been adopted already. But it was a rainy day, and the people who said they’d come for him didn’t. And then we were in the car, driving like mad to get to the shelter before it closed.

Sean Casey Animal Rescue immediately felt different from the pet store. It was equally as busy. There were dogs, and cats, and lizards, and birds. But the listless desperation was replaced with spirited hope. Volunteers tended to the animals with care. The animals showed their appreciation in those subtle to humans yet obvious to animals way they have. An elderly tabby cat nuzzled someone’s outstretched hand. The pitbull with the home cropped ears wagging his stumpy tail in delight while being walked. For some of the animals, this was likely their first kindness in a long time.

They knew they had been given a second chance.

The staff generously allowed us to walk Gatsby around the block. Afterward, he plopped down and immediately looked up at us as if to say, “so when are we going home?”

And home we went.

It’s been six months since Gatsby moved in. He’s gained a few pounds, lost a few toys, befriended one of our cats, and signed a peace treaty with the other. He twirls, he woofs, he races around our apartment like he’s training for the New York City marathon. In his spare time he even models for our clothing line. It’s nice to have a model you can pay in biscuits.

People tell us how handsome and proud Gatsby looks when they see this picture. His handsomeness is inherited, but I’d like to think his pride comes from knowing he is always, and forever, home.

*Special thanks to petfinder.org and Sean Casey Animal Rescue for playing a vital role in Gatsby’s happy ending. We are eternally grateful. Rescued dogs rule!

Antique Boro Quilts – Japan – 1800’s – 1900’s

Vintage 3-D Movie Theaters – 1950’s & 1960’s

Stephen Hawking and Jane Hawking – 1965

David Hart & Co. Spring/Summer Lookbook – Photography by Jeremy Nelson

Available at:
Bergdorf Goodman
Bloomingdale’s
Fred Segal
Saks Fifth Avenue
United Arrows

David Hart & Co.

David Hart & Co. Spring/Summer 2011 Display at Fred Segal Finery – Santa Monica, California

The creative team at Fred Segal Finery in Santa Monica really outdid themselves with our display of ties for Spring 2011. It looks AMAZING and I’m obsessed with the phrenology heads! Thanks so much guys!

Boruca (Brunka) Masks – Costa Rica

Boruca Mask I picked up in Costa Rica

I just got back from Costa Rica. Before I left for my trip, I had planned on picking up some Boruca masks. These amazing masks are made by the Indigenous Boruca Tribe. I stayed in Manuel Antonio.

Boruca Mask for sale on the beach in Manuel Antonio

Another Boruca Mask for sale on the beach in Manuel Antonio

The masks also come in natural un-painted balsa wood

Boruca Mask in Quepos

More Boruca Masks in Quepos

Another Boruca Mask in Quepos

Another in Quepos

Another great one in Quepos

Two great ones in Manuel Antonio

Love this one

3 small Boruca masks in Manuel Antonio

small Boruca masks in Manuel Antonio

David Hart & Co. Spring 2011 Window at Bergdorf Goodman Men’s

Ivy Style – Vintage Photographs of Ivy League Classes & Students

Princeton - Class of 1902

Princeton - Class Day Committee - 1902

Princeton - Football Team - 1921

Princeton - Class Day Committee - 1895

Princeton - Faculty - 1871

Princeton - Baseball Team - 1923

Princeton - Football Team - 1918

Princeton - Baseball Team - 1870

Princeton - 1925 - Baseball, Crew, Track, and Football Uniforms

Yale Basketball - 1941

Yale Wrestling - 1941

Yale Crew - 1922

Harvard Lacrosse - 1939

Harvard Basketball - 1939

Harvard Crew - 1939

Harvard Football - 1939

Harvard Medical School Fraternity - 1932

Harvard Hockey Team - 1931

Brown University Team of Editors - 1890

Navajo Rug Girls – 1940’s

The back of the photograph reads: "Two best looking squaws in N. Mex Ha-Ha