“If your dogs were artists, what type of work would they do?” Waggleview with Beth Scanlon Melfi, co-owner of The Silver Hippopotamus.
Please read the Waggleview below to find out about this remarkable woman leader and her dog. Woof on!
The Dog Owner: Beth Scanlon Melfi In addition to my career with the Lifespan family of hospitals as an Arts and Healing Facilitator, I have a new creative endeavor called “SILVER HIPPOPOTAMUS.” My co-founder, Kathy Scanlon McGovern (my sister) and I started this company to collect, design and bring to market one of a kind furniture and accessories from the Industrial Revolution as well as items from our country’s agricultural past that we have re-envisioned. Our passion at Silver Hippopotamus is to discover artifacts. We love the hunt, the unearthing, and the investigation into an object’s past. The patina of age, the strength of construction, the beauty of design…that’s what excites us! We love to pair our pieces in a modern environment to highlight their beauty, evoke conversation and add a unique layer to anyone’s interior space. The hippopotamus is a strong animal that is the “keeper of the river.” Her great power is very often hidden just beneath the surface. At Silver Hippopotamus we feel our pieces have great strength, are keepers of our past and have become as unique as a…SILVER HIPPOPOTAMUS.
Dogs type and Name: Bichon Frise- Honey Cocker Poo- Molly
Q: Why did you choose these dogs?
B: I believe they chose me. With both dogs, my daughter was a big part of the selection process. She has the same crazy love for dogs as I do. Sharing the day we found both of our babies are two days I will always treasure.
Q: Do you talk to your dogs? If so, what do you talk about?
B: I talk to my dogs all the time. When I look in their faces, I can read their expressions…and they speak volumes back to me. It’s always positive and loving.
Q: If they could talk to you, what would they say?
B: I think when I walk in the door they say… “It’s so great to see you! Hope you had a wonderful day! Let’s play outside!” It’s amazing how they know when I’ve had a tough day. They cuddle up to close to me and seem to say… “Mom, I’m here.”
Q: If your dogs had a job or career, what would they be doing?
B: They are living their career… life companion. They are very good at their jobs.
Q: What lesson in life have your dogs taught you?
B: Everyone always says, unconditional love, but it is so true. Dogs are pure love. They want to comfort, to give love and companionship at all times. My dogs have taught me what a pure heart acts like.
Q: If your dogs were artists, what type of work would they do?
B: That question made me laugh all the way home from my gallery tonight! Let’s start with Molly. She would absolutely be a fiber artist. In her mouth, she always has either a sock, towel, bath mat, paper towel or tennis ball. I think she would take all her favorite soggy items and make a wonderful fiber collage. And onto Honey…after careful consideration, I believe Honey would be a sculptor. Her medium would be clay. I can envision her digging with her paws through an enormous pile of wet clay until she hollowed out a nest shape in the middle. Then she would walk in a circle until the space was hollowed out just right. She does this under the sheets at night so it’s an easy jump to the art world. I certainly had fun thinking of my little puppies creating art.
Q: How do your dogs inspire you?
B: My dogs inspire me with their happiness. When I come in the house, no matter how long I have been gone (and it could have been 5 minutes) they greet me like I’m the most loved and special person that ever walked the earth.
Q: Where are your dog’s favorite places to go with you?
B: My dogs love to take a walk in our neighborhood. They have their special dog friends they like to visit across the street and they greet them with the same enthusiasm as they greet me.
Q: Who or what do your dogs find the most interesting?
B: That’s a funny question. My dogs find empty toilet paper rolls and anyone walking down the street interesting. They also seem to be totally fascinated by anything I’m cooking in the kitchen.
Q: What is the most annoying thing other dog owners do?
B: I hate to judge, but if I see a dog left alone in a car, it kills me.
Q: What does being a responsible dog owner mean to you?
B: Being a responsible dog owner means making sure your dogs have a wonderful life. Dogs are companion animals. They need a lot of love and time with their owners and other dogs if possible. Sometimes it’s hard to not give too many treats to them, but in the end you want your dogs to be healthy and happy.
Q: Do you ever dress up your dogs? If so, as what?
B: I don’t’ dress my dogs. They seem not to like it. I do love a matching collar and leash though…even better if I can change it up with the seasons.
Q: How have your dogs changed your life?
B: As I sit on my couch writing the answers to these questions on a Friday night, who is right by my side? My dogs. When I’m not feeling well (not awful but just not 100%) who picks up on that first? My dogs. When I walk through the door every day of the week, who greets me at the door like I’m the most important person in the world? My dogs. My dogs are constant love. They never have a bad day. They teach me to be in the moment and to never let a moment go by without trying to make someone’s day even better.
Q: Do your dogs have a philosophy of life?
B: Life is a gift. Love what’s around you and celebrate every moment.
Q: I love my dogs because their puppy faces had me at hello and it’s been a love fest ever since.
WAGGLEVIEWS: These interviews are focused on woman leaders in business, the community, or at home. My hope in doing this is to present remarkable and respected women in their community with their beloved pets. Who can resist reading about dogs and what these women do? This is a platform for women to display their talents; their own business, a new book, a deeply loved passion for a charity or their own job. It also shows their love for their dog!
Thank you Beth for taking the time to participate in the Waggleview.
Please comment below.
If your dogs were artists, what type of work would they do?
Please follow Book Body Soul on Facebook (just click the Facebook icon under follow us!) or subscribe, so you can learn about our next dog owner and her lovable pet.