Along with running one of America’s top gem meccas, London Jewelers, Candy Udell has a pet project: helping pups stay alive, healthy and happy.
“I rescue dogs from all over, working with shelters and rescue operations locally as well as in the southern US and disaster relief areas across the globe. In partnership with No Dogs Left Behind, we also save dogs from China’s dog-meat trade.”
So far she has saved over 10,000, she says, referring to her rescue-networking efforts, which match imperiled pooches with forever homes. She has been honored by Best Friends Animal Society, among others, for this lifesaving work.
The exec combines her passions for furry friends and fabulous bling with Our Cause for Paws, a jewelry line benefiting the Rescue Paw Foundation.
It’s an effort that’s personal for the jeweler, who (naturally) adopted her own pooches, Pasha and Charlie.
“In partnership with No Dogs Left Behind, we also save dogs from China’s dog-meat trade.”
Candy Udell
Udell is also involved with Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers, which helps young people become compassionate changemakers for animals, and supports the Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Her most recent foray into animal rescue is highly emotional: She’s partnered with the Northwell Health Hospice Care Network to provide safe havens for the animals of end-of-life patients.
The initiative, called Candy’s Angels, reserves spaces at no-kill shelters, funds veterinary services and conducts searches for foster homes and adoptions. “A hospice patient can pass in peace knowing their pet is well-cared for and loved,” explains Udell.
