Full House Greets NSAL Spokeswoman Beth Ostrosky Stern at Book Revue in Huntington

It might have rained cats and dogs Tuesday night, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the large crowd who turned out to the Book Revue in Huntington to hear Beth Ostrosky Stern speak about her new book "Oh My Dog" and her passion for pooches in general.

The event attracted dog lovers, Howard Stern fans, and fans of both.

"I love dogs and have always had them," said Fran Crocco, of Huntington, who owns a poodle mix.

Crocco said she turned out for the event because she is interested in animal activism and because her husband is a "devoted Howard Stern fan," she explained.

Ostrosky Stern's enthusiasm for all things great and small was contagious as she introduced the book, filled with dog-care tips from experts and her own experience as a dog owner. She and Stern famously own an English Bulldog named Bianca and recently adopted a special-needs cat named Apple from the North Shore Animal League, much to Howard's chagrin. That is if his complaints on his radio show are to be believed.

The book covers everything that you always wanted to know about dog care, and some things that you might have been afraid to ask. Topics include choosing a dog that matches your lifestyle, training, grooming, and feeding man's (and woman's ) best friend.

One of the most surprising things that Ostrosky Stern said she learned during the course of her research was the importance of reading dog food labels. She added she was shocked to discover that the name brand food that she had been feeding Bianca contained a high proportion of peanut shells.

"When I changed her diet, her fur became thicker and shiny," Ostrosky Stern said, adding that her book will teach readers what to look for on labels. "She acts like a puppy."

"Oh My Dog" is already on the New York Times best-selling advice paperback list and a portion of the proceeds from sales of the book will benefit animal charities.

According to the former model, both she and Howard are dog lovers, and the decision to welcome a dog into their household marked a pivotal point in their relationship.

"I'll never forget the moment Howard and I decided to get a dog together," Ostrosky Stern said, adding that after a year, the couple decided to take the plunge. "Early in our relationship, we spent Sunday afternoons at the neighborhood dog park, just watching people interact with their pets."

A volunteer and national spokesperson for the North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), Ostrosky Stern is also involved with the Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons and the Long Island English Bulldog Rescue organization. In a private interview, she said that she plays an active role in puppy-mill rescues, including clean-ups, and facilitates adoptions.

Given her background as an animal activist, Ostrosky Stern said that people often come to her with a multitude of dog-care questions, some of which she felt ill-equipped to answer. About a year and a half ago, when she was approached about writing the book, she sought the advice of renowned dog experts, including Oprah's trainer. She said she is very proud of her book and hopes that animals will benefit as a result of its publication.

The image of Ostrosky Stern lovingly caressing her dog, Bianca, that adorns the cover of glossy oversized paperback was taken by Greenlawn native Christopher Appoldt, who turned up at the book-signing event with his wife, Lindsay, and his assistant on the photo shoot, Kate Best.

Appoldt's photos have adorned 'paw-worthy' publications such as Dog USA, Puppies USA, Dog Fancy, and Popular Dogs as well as Kennel Club books. He was honored as NSALA's "Friend of the League" in 2008, and met Ostrosky Stern via their mutual involvement in the non-profit organization.

"I felt very comfortable with Chris," Ostrosky Stern said, raving about the cover image. "He photographed our wedding."

In accordance with Ostrosky Stern's interest in animal welfare, an NSALA van housing 15 animals in need of loving homes was parked in front of the Book Revue during the event.

Ostrosky Stern was almost moved to tears when she learned that two puppies had been adopted during the course of her event.

"What a beautiful way to begin and end the evening," she said, adding that she and Howard are anxiously awaiting the moment when they come home and find their two pets snuggling, she told one guest.