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Memories of Sophie and Gracie: Controversial Artist Dedicates Sculpture to Oprah's Deceased Dogs

PetSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:45:42 -0700

When I first saw this, it took a couple minutes before I could even say anything. You're looking at a life-size monument depicting deceased pups, Gracie and Sophie, atop the head of Oprah Winfrey. Called "Memories of Sophie and Gracie: A Puppies' Memorial," the sculpture was designed by Daniel Edwards. Now his name sounded familiar to me, but I couldn't quite place it, so I googled him up – lo and behold, he's the same controversial sculptor who created that statue of Britney Spears giving birth on the bearskin rug. If you're interested in checking it out up close, it will be displayed at NYC's Leo Kesting Gallery from May 22 - June 8. Learn a little more about the reasoning behind this sculpture when you read more.

"To represent Sophie and Gracie together, joined in Oprah’s memory as they were in life and in Oprah’s heart, the artist depicted them as conjoined at the hip and sharing a common tail,” says co-director John Leo. The dogs are shown standing on the flowing-maned golden likeness of Oprah’s head, in reference to how the dogs’ deaths may be weighing heavily on Winfrey’s mind. “Losing two beloved pets within a year is likely to take its toll on anybody.”

While the artist says his intentions were to draw attention to the overlooked threat of accidental pet fatality from not pet proofing a home (Gracie choked on a ball), it's still a tad too morbid for my tastes – what do you think?

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Rescued From the "Arizona 800," Sophie Gets a Forever Home!

PetSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:45:04 -0700

You may recall the sad story of 800 dogs living in a Tuscon triple-wide mobile home? Well, I've got a (much more) uplifting follow-up for you. Yay. Many of these dogs have already been adopted in Arizona and across the country, including at our local Marin Humane Society! When I got an email from a reader about her touching experience, I knew I had to share the happy update with you. This cutie pie has been renamed Sophie by her new mommy – even though the pup's still adjusting, look how cozy she looks in her new home! Read the touching story and see more pictures of this lil pooch when you read more.

Yesterday I went down to the Marin Humane Society and adopted a little 7-pound Yorkie who I named Sophie. She was one of 100 dogs brought to the humane society here after being rescued from the breeder/hoarders in Arizona a few weeks ago. She's terrified of humans but gets on well with my other little dog, Buddy. Right now I'm giving her some calm space to get her bearings and I'm sure with some love and time she will come out of her shell.

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The Scoop: Sophie's Penthouse LLC Buys a $7.1 Million Apt

PetSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:30:30 -0700

While still reeling over the death of Sophie the news has recently come out that Oprah's BFF, Gayle King, is living in a penthouse that was purchased last January in the name of the recently departed spaniel. It wasn't previously known how Gayle had financed the palatial digs but, according to deed-transfer records released yesterday, a company called Sophie's Penthouse LLC bought this expensive and expansive $7.1 million full-floor condo with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, large living room/dining area, and a 768-square-foot wraparound terrace! Wow! The penthouse tops the 36-floor building at 207 E. 57th Street in NYC. With celebrities choosing to leave millions to their pets, I guess this is a case of the reverse as, after the pooch's death, the deed has been transferred to Gayle giving her (what appears to be) a $7 million gift from Sophie. What's your take?

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Vintage Video: Cesar Helping Oprah With Sophie

PetSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:15:01 -0700

Oprah's late spaniel, Sophie, was often mentioned or included on various segments of the show - and, on several occasions, Cesar Millan was invited to help Oprah with her furry pals. A problem that North and I sometimes battle, this pooch would become distressed after a person left the home often anxiously howling and seemingly pleading for a quick return. Check out this video to learn Cesar's advice, and see some vintage footage of Sophie from the show.

A bonus clip for you when you read more.

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So Long, Sweet Sophie: Oprah's Beloved Spaniel Dies

PetSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:35:38 -0700

I was so sad to hear about the death of one of Oprah's beloved spaniels, Sophie, from kidney failure. While it's certainly difficult to lose a dog of any age and at any time, her pooch lived to a ripe ol' 13 and was truly a valued "child" in the household - and at the Harpo production company. My condolences go out for losing another beloved pet so soon after the death of Gracie. See a couple more pictures of Oprah attending a red-carpet event back in 2000 with this beloved pooch in her arms the whole way when you

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Claudia Schiffer Is In the Dog House

PopSugar — Sat, 09 Sep 2006 14:37:36 -0700

Claudia Schiffer was among the many models on hand to celebrate Elle Magazine's 21st Anniversary last week. Others included Sophie Ellis Bextor, Elizabeth Hurley, and Elle McPherson. We had not heard much about Claudia recently until she was actually making headlines because of her rowdy dogs. Apparently her neighbors are having issues with her dogs running wild. As you can tell, it's a slow news day.

Lots more pics of the pretty ladies so read more

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Oprah Pays Tribute to Her Beloved Sophie

PetSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:50:18 -0700

Oprah opened today's show by saying it was for "anybody, anywhere who loves a dog, has ever loved a dog or just cares about their basic right to human treatment." She dedicated the show to her spaniel, Sophie, who passed away on March 10, saying:

Sophie gave me 13 years of pure unconditional love. She was the true love in my life. In fact, she's been one of the greatest reasons for me to be a kinder, more gentler person.

The tribute video, which Oprah's team put together for her, is incredibly moving. See for yourself, but before you start, you might want to grab a tissue.

Sophie and Buddy

PetSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:48:38 -0700

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Oprah and Sophie

PetSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:32:24 -0700

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Breaking News! Oprah Winfrey Adopts a Puppy

PetSugar — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:00:53 -0800

I certainly remember when Oprah lost her beloved Sophie in 2008, prompting a special on puppy mills and a vow to adopt her next dog. Well, nearly a year later, she's made good on her word as an eight-week-old, blond-colored Cocker Spaniel joined her furry family on Sunday.Lisa Nowak, a rep for PAWS Chicago, confirmed to Usmagazine.com that Oprah fell in love with the lil pup – named Amanda by staffers – and was excited to bring the baby home. Not only did she keep that promise, she also has donated money in Sophie's name for a room at the no-kill shelter.

See more images of the state-of-the-art Lincoln Park center that aims to find homes for more than 3,000 homeless pets (!) this year when you read more.

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