NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Although he may not have been skating competitively anymore, there was still plenty to keep Dick Button busy at his 1840s farmhouse in North Salem.
He and his spouse and longtime partner, theater and television producer Dennis Grimaldi-Button, had not only parented a bunch of lively Airedale terriers, Labrador retrievers, and Labradoodles at Ice Pond Farm over the years, but they also kept cows, chickens, and even pet pigs named Louis, Moritz, and Davos.
He still strapped on the skates when conditions at his pond were perfect, but had to give it up entirely after a bad fall later in life.
As a young man, Button had been famously photographed in the Adirondacks while wearing a sealskin coat and playing with sled dogs owned by French artist and explorer Jacques Suzanne.
Before he passed away in 2025 at the age of 95, the retired figure skating gold medalist, Emmy Award winner, and no-holds-barred sports analyst had devoted decades to creating, tending to, and sharing his acclaimed gardens.
A founding member of the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program, Button was a proud environmentalist and a key supporter of D.I.G. (Dealing in Good) Farm, a nonprofit community agricultural organization that currently operates on part of his sprawling 50-acre property.
In his honor, D.I.G. will host its first-ever event aimed at giving deserving doggos a second chance at finding forever homes.
Set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 115 June Road, the “Dick Button Animal Rescue Adoption-Palooza Day” will benefit organizations such as ROAR (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue), a no-kill shelter offering pet adoptions and a free food pantry for cats and dogs, and the SPCA of Westchester, a Briarcliff Manor-based shelter and clinic.
(The entrance is located at D.I.G. Farm’s lower barn area.)
Besides meet-and-greets with adoptable pups, there will be vendors of pet products, trainers, groomers, and a raffle. Folks can also sign up to be a foster pet parent. Snacks will be available.
“This is the perfect opportunity to make a difference. Join us for a heartwarming day of connection, community, and second chances!” organizers said.
Helping put together and run the event are volunteers Grimaldi-Button, Allison Turcan and Andrea Sauro of D.I.G. Farm, and Cora Mitchell, founder of Canines, Cats, and Critters.
GOOD TO KNOW
To register to be a foster pet parent or for more information about D.I.G., visit www.digfarm.org.
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