The industry's movers and shakers can be found following their animal
instincts at Hollywood's star-studded dog runs.
by Jessica Shaw
The Sky Bar is tired. Spago Beverly Hills is booked till the end of the
millennium. You can't get past the renovation around the Four Seasons'
pool entrance. So what's a networking-hungry member of the glam set
supposed to do to see and be seen during these dog days? Given that
Tinseltown's de rigueur accessory is a power pooch, the best solution is
to go to one of L.A.'s happening dog walks and run with the domesticated
wolves. "It's a very social thing to do," says dog walker Kate Asner
Luckerman, daughter of actor Ed Asner. "But since you're with your dog,
it's also very peaceful." According to actor William H. Macy, who regularly
heads for the dog run at Runyon Canyon with his Bernese mountain dog,
Walter Wallingford, it's the perfect social activity for a star with a
busy schedule. "I can do the whole shebang at Runyon in about 25 minutes,"
says Macy. "It gives me a chance to talk to all the other actors, and it's
nice to not be in a car for once. And [Walter] is knackered by the time we
get home." Herewith, a guide to where the stars go to flex their pups.
Beachwood Canyon
LOCATION North Hollywood, near Beachwood Drive and Franklin Ave.
ATMOSPHERE A strange blend, this spacious open park usually boasts a mixed
crowd of tattooed musicians and Armani-suited execs.
AMENITIES Water faucets, numerous trash cans with attached pooper scoopers,
an adjacent children's playground and sandbox, perfect for celebs in the all
-in-the-family mode.
DRAWBACKS Occasionally inundated with tourists who flock to the run because
of its clear sight lines to the Hollywood sign and to Madonna's former hous
e (the one with the bright red and yellow stripes).
REGULAR CELEBS Courtney Thorne-Smith
Patrick Dempsey, Red Hot Chili Pepper
Anthony Kiedis, Laura Leighton, Melissa Joan Hart.
Text and picture are courtesy of Stan Young and were used with written permission.