Me and My Dog with Renee and Denis Dunaway

Renée is an American Musician in the band Jetsetter, who grew up in Connecticut, daughter of rock legend Dennis Dunaway, who was an original member of Alice Cooper, and rock costume designer Cindy Dunaway. During her teenage years, Renée performed background vocals with her father’s bands at venues such as The Whisky A Go-Go in LA. They both have a passion for dogs and are strong supporters of rescuing dogs from shelters.

For anyone who doesn’t know K9 Magazine’s ‘dirty little secret‘ about our link to all things Alice Cooper related, you might want to look here!

Winning over new friends…

RC Colin is a sometimes playful, yet sometimes very serious 3-year-old mutt.  He’s beautiful brindle, with a large head, long body, and stubby, short legs.

DD Soon after bringing Colin into our home, it became apparent that he had come from an abusive background. He cowered away from hand gestures and hid under the dining room table ready to protect the women of the household from men. With lots of love and tender care, I won him over and now he’s my best friend and has learned to trust people.

There’s something about rescue dogs…

RC We found Riley, our first dog at a rescue shelter called Adopt A Dog in Greenwich, Connecticut.  They basically rescue dogs from the pound that are on death row.  Now, most dogs there run around in a fenced in area, but there was one beautiful tiger-striped diva, Riley, that was in his own large pen.  On top of that, he had his own mini swimming pool that he lounged in.

There are so many strays out there that need love that it just makes sense to adopt rather than support an industry that feeds that problem by over-breeding dogs.  Plus, the mutts I’ve met in my life seem more intelligent than purebreds.

Searching for a dog should not be rushed.  You should know exactly what kind of lifestyle and time commitment you can provide, and also really listen to your gut.  When you find a personality that matches yours, make sure the energy level matches what you can deal with.

DD We had lost four Saint Bernards at early ages and had heard that mixed breeds are stronger, plus our daughters urged us to check into it.  Every day brings the gratifying thought that this loyal friend had nearly run out of time. It’s a good feeling.

An average day with Colin dog would entail…..

DD Colin is our alarm clock. He begins our day, (on time) with his tail wagging exuberance-mostly because he knows breakfast is near but we like to read human emotions into it.

When I’m at home, he lies at my feet, or more preferably for him, at my wife’s feet. He quickly became a good leash walker. He stops at curbs until I step ahead, and for the most part, minds his own business when we pass barking dogs. It proves that dogs will respond to exercise, discipline, and affection.

And then we play ball in the house and enjoy each other’s company until bedtime.

Dealing with loss…

RC Unfortunately, we’re still mourning the death of our other rescue dog, Riley.  He was a beautiful, sharp, athletic, sassy Pitbull mix that we adopted seven years ago.

Over Christmas, my sister and I were staying at our parents’ house.  It was the first time everyone had been together for several months.  Riley seemed perfectly happy and healthy. One of the last nights, he fell terribly ill due to bladder complications – it turned out he had internal tumors for quite some time but never showed any sign of pain.

Finding inspiration…

RC The song “Rainbow” on our new album VasoVerga is about Riley. Our dogs see us more than anybody, and in the most embarrassing or vulnerable conditions.  Because we can’t depend on language, we develop a very intuitive, spiritual bond with them.

Colin on music…

DD The Alice Cooper group was before Colin’s time so if I ask him what his favorite album is, he might say Bones From The Yard, (he likes the title) which is my latest release with my new band, The Dennis Dunaway Project. Colin might also advise buying it at www.myspace.com/dennisdunawayproject or at CD Baby or iTunes. Colin is shameless when it comes to blatant plugs.

Colin on dance…

RC  Well, Colin does this weird thing when he’s sitting down and gets really excited – he points his hind toes in the air.  It’s simultaneously vulgar and balletic.

Colin on running the world…

DD I think Colin would add several meals to the day. I would love being able to run like a bullet. Colin would enjoy telling me to lie down on the floor while he sleeps in the bed.

Colin’s response to swapping roles with his owners…

DD What’s going on inside that complex noggin? Pet me.

RC  “Colin, since your sense of smell is ten times as strong as mine, tell me the truth… do I smell funny?”  I hope he’d say, “Renee, you smell like an Aruban breeze on a tropical spring day.”

Author Details
Ryan O'Meara is editor-in-chief of K9 Magazine, the lifestyle magazine for dog lovers. He lives in the East Midlands with his own two dogs, Mia and Chloe. Ryan's homepage. - See this author's webpage

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