As a real estate marketing and sales executive in NYC and L.A. for more than ten years, Elizabeth Lande has had her share of meeting dogs and their owners—and she wanted a place to mingle with other canines and their human companions beyond business hours. This enterprising impresario founded metroPUP (metropup.us), a social networking site bringing urban canine lovers and supporters together. While providing helpful hints on dog health, agility and holistic medicine, the site offers dog devotees a place to share the love with articles, monthly event calendars, chat sessions, photos and health resources. A tireless optimist, Lande’s mission is to do good and do good business. “I believe in the human spirit and in our ability to affect change,” Lande says. “As a lesbian business owner, sharing this compassion—for small animals, other people, differing cultures and points of view— while promoting my company is what it’s all about.” She regularly takes her two pups, Mia and Maddie, on long walks to L.A.’s Runyon Canyon.
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