A Dog’s Life Eleanor Goldberg talks to Chelsea Kirshenbaum about her new film: A Dog’s Life: A Dogamentary www.dogamentary.com

Doggie Diva, Chelsea Kirshenbaum, seems to have it all—a wardrobe overflowing with shearlings and designer paw booties, a press kit teeming with articles discussing her latest flick, her own line of puppy products and a sleek and perfectly groomed coat that would make any pooch drool, however, Chelsea’s lavish lifestyle is not yet complete, as she is still on the hunt for her destined, canine soul mate.

Chelsea’s stardom skyrocketed soon after mom, Gayle Kirshenbaum began filming A Dog’s Life: A Dogamentary starring Gayle and Chelsea in their search for love and meaning in Manhattan.

Gayle, a freelance producer, instantly fell in love with the 8 pound, black and-white-shaggy-haired Shih Tzu and the two have been inseparable ever since. Gayle rarely leaves her West Village apartment without Chelsea, taking the pooch to work, restaurants and even on dates. “I hide her in my gym bag” Gayle laughed. “A lot of people don’t even know she’s there”.

Gayle Kirshenbaum and Chelsea

Considering the amount of time the pair spends together, it isn’t surprising that Gayle came up with the idea of writing and producing a movie based on her life with Chelsea. Gayle explained, “I love being out there on streets. I love talking to people, getting people to laugh and watching how they react with Chelsea”.

Gayle even went so far as to have a doggie-cam designed for Chelsea to wear. “You wanted life from your point of view, right sweetheart?” Gayle affectionately reminded Chelsea, while scratching her furry tummy.

And with that, Chelsea and Gayle hit the streets of Manhattan, taping their adventures, interactions and even many challenges together.

Initially, Gayle intended on creating a funny, wacky movie. “It was Sex and the City, meets Best in Show” Gayle recalled. Gayle did not have a set plan for taping and instead had Chelsea’s personality and antics lead the way.

At times, Chelsea was reluctant to film. “Sometimes she’s a Prima Donna and doesn’t want to work” Gayle lamented. “So we had to find a stand in”. From there, Gayle filmed a casting session, interviewing potential pups to take Chelsea’s place when she was just too drained to work. Gayle even sets Chelsea up on a “shidduch” date with a single schnauzer, however, like many bachelors; this hound had major commitment issues.

The tragic events of September 11th 2001, which took place during filming, instantly altered Gayle’s vision. Gayle realized that she and Chelsea needed to offer their services to comfort the victims of 9/11, their families and rescue workers. “Pier 94 became the place for people who needed help. The Red Cross, the Salvation Army and all the agencies were set up there” Gayle explained. Since they were only allowing therapy dogs in, Gayle worked with Chelsea on becoming certified. “9/11 kicked us into gear” Gayle related.

Once certified, Chelsea and Gayle volunteered at Pier 94 daily, offering their support and Chelsea’s sweet demeanor. “She’s a comfort animal, she was just being who she is” Gayle recounted.

Soon after, Gayle’s and Chelsea’s benevolent work was recognized and the twosome was honored with NY1’s prestigious “New Yorkers of the week” award.

Gayle and Chelsea continued to gain much media attention, appearing on the CBS Early Show, the Today Show and the Howard Stern Show.

When the Pier closed, Chelsea and Gayle continued to volunteer with those in need, visiting patients at St. Vincent’s Hospital, where Chelsea would sit with the critically ill and have them pet and play with her.

Chelsea’s constant healing and support adds a more serious tone to the film, a true Lassie beat.

The most extraordinary miracle occurred when Chelsea took her first person out of a coma. “There was a woman just surviving on life support” Gayle related even temperedly. “Chelsea went right up to her face and went ‘bark, bark, bark’ and woke her up”

“She’s a born hero” Gayle Insists.

As the film continues, Gayle alternates regularly between the lighthearted, fun loving scenes where the two scope out potential dates and their powerful and emotional volunteer work.

Through each of their encounters and adventures, Chelsea and Gayle show just how deep the human/canine bond can go.

And although mommy and puppy are still single, they are not without hope, since the two are propositioned often. “When I walk her, people constantly honk their horns and ask if she is available” Gayle relayed.

It also helps that Chelsea has not let her celebrity get to her head. “Chelsea doesn’t judge a dog by their size or their color” Gayle explained. “It’s about smell and personality”.

Gayle’s and Chelsea’s project is gaining momentum and has been screened throughout the country.

Join Gayle and Chelsea at the WoofSpa (678 Hudson Street) on Thursday, December 15th as they celebrate the DVD launch of A Dog’s Life: A Dogamentary (you can bring your pup too). RSVP to Sasi Public Relations at Sasipr@aol.com or 212.675.4690 to attend and to receive your special doggie bag.