By Lori Fusaro
Long-time Culver City resident Clifford Simon is usually cast as the villain in movies and TV shows. You might remember him as Ba’al on the sci-fi television show, SG-1 or the villain in this year’s season premiere of 24. In real life, South African-born Cliff is anything but a bad guy – especially with animals.
He’s always had a special fondness for creatures of all sizes and, growing up in Africa, he learned early on to respect wildlife. He’s had the rare opportunity to play soccer with full-grown cheetahs, hang out with year-old lions and ride a wild elephant. But one of his most cherished memories is of his very first puppy, Honey, a gift from his mother. Cliff pestered her often for a dog, but she was always reluctant, until one day when she picked him up from school. He remembers, “She lifted a blanket off the back seat and under it was a beautiful blond Labrador. Honey would come with me everywhere.” From that day on he was in love and would always make room for animals in his life.
Years later he and his wife, Colette, would bring Montana, a spunky, white bull terrier, into their lives. He says, “She was the sweetest, craziest girl. When she had a litter of pups, I knew I wanted to keep one.” Watching Harley being born made a lasting impression on Cliff. “We delivered him, so the bond was immediate … He even immigrated to America with us. I cannot even explain in words, Harley was like my son. He sadly passed away in 2009 at the age of 15.” When he talks about his dogs, one can see the love in his eyes.
It was only natural that Cliff would start volunteering with Karma Rescue as a Guardian Angel. “It’s only been a year since I lost Harley and it’s taken a long time for me to feel comfortable with another dog in my house. Being a Guardian Angel, I get to walk an animal that’s boarded in a kennel. Anyone who doesn’t have the space or time for a dog really should become a Guardian Angel. You can see that animal anytime you have time. The dog gets out of their cage and gets some exercise, socialization and love.”
His bond with animals runs deep and he says he can’t imagine his life without a dog. “There is a reason why dogs are man’s best friend and we must always respect them. They give unconditional love even when abused. All it takes is a little love and respect and they bounce back. It’s unbelievable, really.”
Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV two years in a row. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com, www.FusaroPhotography.com.
Debbie Hurwitz Says:
Thu, Oct 21 2010 11:32 PMgreat article and even greater because I know Cliffie he is the younger brother of a very dear friend of mine we live in South Africa - dogs are awesome! I have a little Dachsie called Rusty and he is the sweetest most intelligent little animal - he makes me smile all the time even when I have a 'bad hair day' when I return from work he is always there with his unconditional love - give me dogs over people any day!
KAZ Says:
Thu, Oct 21 2010 02:00 PMLori - you really captured the essence of my brother, Cliff, in your article. Thank you so much. Big sis in Africa with five dogs :-)
Mom Says:
Mon, Oct 04 2010 07:02 AMLori: You still amaze me. Thanks for being so kind and sweet. I love the article and I remember Harley.
Debbie Saenz Says:
Sun, Oct 03 2010 12:23 PMI've been meaning to read your articles and this one caught my attention! What a beautiful story and beautifully written. You are so acompolished! I never knew you were so talented! Wonderful, just a wonderful story,Lori! p.s. now I know why I stayed at WW for so long, you have a way of capturing peoples hearts...
Lori Says:
Sun, Oct 03 2010 08:57 AMThanks Sandy! :)
Sandy Says:
Fri, Oct 01 2010 02:02 PMLori- I have really enjoyed reading your articles- so refreshing to see such a positive outlook in your pieces! Some have made me cry, and many have made me laugh!! Look forward to more of the insight of a true animal lover such as you! Mo & Cisco send their love to you!! -ruff