Susan Renneisen
VP Community Affairs and Special Events | Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood seminolehardrockhollywood.com
[email protected] | 954.797.5525
Tell us about your dogs and how they came into your life.
King Leo is a 13-year-old apricot Standard Poodle, and Sir Walter is an 8-year-old parti Standard Poodle. Although they aren’t related, they are a deeply bonded pair. Three years ago, they were living with a woman who became ill and had to move into elder care. We received a plea asking if we would consider adopting them. The rescue description was heartbreaking: Leo was 10 years old, overweight, arthritic, on multiple medications, and could not be separated from Walter. I burst into tears and told Bill we had to take them. My thinking was simple—if Leo only had a year left, we would be blessed to give him that year surrounded by love. Of course, Bill agreed.
What are their quirks and personality traits?
Today, Leo and Walter are thriving. Through proper nutrition, exercise, and endless love, Leo lost the excess weight and no longer requires any medication. Both dogs are energetic, affectionate, and full of personality. Each has chosen a favorite human. Leo wakes up early with Bill and spends his days faithfully by his side while he works. Walter is my shadow, staying up late with me and refusing to get out of bed until I do. He loves patrolling the backyard, chasing away ducks, squirrels, birds, and anything else that dares enter his territory. Leo usually watches the commotion, shakes his head, and heads back into the air-conditioned house. They have truly become the center of our world.
What is your favorite pet charity and why?
My favorite pet charity is one I created myself: the Cowboy Fund. After losing my beloved Standard Poodle, Cowboy, to a brain tumor, I learned how many families struggle to afford veterinary care. The fund helps cover medications, testing, and surgeries for pets in need. In return, owners write letters to Cowboy describing how the assistance helped their pets. I now have hundreds of those letters, and whenever I need a reminder of how fortunate I am, I read them. The greatest reward is knowing Cowboy’s legacy continues through every life the fund touches.
