Carol Leifer is one accomplished comedian"”her repertoire of talents includes actor, writer and producer. She has worked on some of America's most famous television programs, including beloved sitcoms such as The Larry Sanders Show and Seinfeld. Leifer has also appeared on the late-night television shows of David Letterman (more than 25 times!), The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, Dr. Katz, Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, Hollywood Squares, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
It is heavily noted that Leifer is one funny gal; you would have to be in order to write six shows for Seinfeld! But, there is one thing that is no joke to this talented star "¦ dogs. Leifer and her partner, Lori, have five Chihuahuas: Julius, Shelby, MacCabee, Cagney and Lacey. There are also two terrier mixes in the pack: Heston and Albert. Each dog is a rescue. While Los Angeles only permits three dogs per household, this pooch family is not breaking any laws. Carol has a special waiver from L.A. Animal Services because four of the four-legged family members have special needs. Plus, with a big, gated yard there is plenty of room for all the dogs to play.
Two of the petite pups, Cagney and Lacey, were rescued in the nick of time"”something a comedian must know something about! Timing is everything in comedy and timing was a matter of life and death to these pooches.
"They were both 15 at the time of adoption and the next day were scheduled for euthanasia at a shelter," explains their mom. "The odds were not good for them to be adopted, Cagney has cataracts and Lacey has an enlarged heart and needs medication," adds Leifer. However, both are now 17 years of age and going strong. Another of the Chihuahuas has liver dysfunction and, although the medical bills are high, Carol and Lori took on this financial situation with full knowledge of the costs, and are happy to be able to afford to give their wonderful pooches lives full of joy and fulfillment.
The Leifer residence is a bustling household with the dog pack; Carol and Lori relish every second. "They make our lives special every day with their unconditional love, we enjoy each of our dog's personalities"”each is so different. Dogs are just the ultimate love machines," notes Leifer. There is so much love in the house, there is even room for a little guy: Carol and Lori's 3-year-old son, who has been raised since infancy in the dog-loving house. "There is nothing better than all of us curled up together in the living room to watch a movie or SpongeBob with our boy and pooches," states the proud mother.
Daily life is hectic, but this comedian takes it all in stride. In addition to keeping up with the "funny business," raising a son and taking care of seven dogs, Leifer has recently penned a book of defining stories of her life. When you Lie About Your Age, The Terrorists Win, appears in book stores this spring and "has many "˜Animal-loving' essays within the covers," adds Leifer. "If you love animals, you'll love my book!" Regardless of her accomplishments, Leifer has come to realize that having a welcoming home full of love might be what is most important in life.
