Post a Pup Sundays: Audrey Hepburn. (Post your Pups, Videos, Memes or Anything Pup Related)

On May 4, 1929, in the charming city of Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium, Audrey Kathleen Ruston, known to the world as Audrey Hepburn, was born. She was the cherished daughter of the Dutch baroness Ella Van Heemstra and Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston. Her father embraced the more aristocratic surname Hepburn-Ruston, adding a touch of nobility to their family name.

Audrey's childhood was a tapestry of experiences woven with the threads of different cultures as she spent time in Belgium, England, and the Netherlands, following her father's work assignments. There doesn't seem to be much indication that her very early life was troubled, but that would soon change. In the early 1940s, the dark shadows of World War II fell upon Audrey and her family as they endured the hardships of life in Nazi-occupied Holland. In an instinctual protective gesture, her mother temporarily changed Audrey’s name to Edda Van Heemstra, to shield her British heritage from the Nazis. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Audrey's spirit remained unbroken, and she was determined to continue to attend school and nurture her passion for classical ballet. After the war, she pursued her ballet studies in Amsterdam and London to become a professional ballerina. In her early 20s, she explored the world of acting and worked as a model and dancer, setting the stage for her future stardom.

Audrey's journey into the world of acting began with small film roles, but her talent couldn't be hidden for long. At the tender age of 22, she shone brightly on the Broadway stage in the production of Gigi. Her star ascended rapidly when she charmed the world with her performance in the film Roman Holiday (1953) alongside Gregory Peck, a role that earned her an Academy Award. Hepburn's talent was a rare gem, as she became one of the few actresses to win an Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award. Her filmography is studded with classics like Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and My Fair Lady, each role showcasing just how charismatic her presence was and how brilliantly she shone.

One of her best qualities was that she had a profound and lasting love for animals, evident in her choice of pets and how she cared for them. She had a particular fondness for dogs, especially Yorkshire terriers. She owned two Yorkies named Mr. Famous (who used to ride to work with her) and Assam of Assam. Tragically, Mr. Famous was hit by a car during the filming of "The Children's Hour." To help her cope with the loss, Mel Ferrer, her then-husband, gifted her another Yorkie, which she named Assam of Assam. Hepburn was also seen with other breeds like poodles and Jack Russell terriers named Missy, Tuppy, Penny, Piceri, and Jackie. The only bigger dog she is known to have had was a Boxer. 

Hepburn's love for her dogs was deep; they played a significant role in her life. She once said, "I walk my dogs to keep me fit. I talk to my dogs, which keeps me sane. I can’t think of anything that makes one happier than to cuddle and play and start the day with a dog". She was among the first in Hollywood to bring her dogs along everywhere she could, making it fashionable to have a beloved pooch by one's side.

In addition to dogs, Hepburn had a unique pet: a baby deer named Pippin, also known as "Ip". The deer was brought into Hepburn's life during the filming of the 1959 movie "Green Mansions". The animal trainer on the set suggested that she take the deer home with her so that it would learn to follow her, which was required for the film. Hepburn's inner calmness was perfect for this; the deer thought she was its mother. The deer would cuddle Audrey and even accompany her to the supermarket in Beverley Hills. Hepburn's Yorkshire Terrier, Mr. Famous, was reportedly very jealous of the new addition to the family. After the filming of "Green Mansions", it is reported that Hepburn and Ferrer kept Ip, but it is speculated that they set Ip free in a sanctuary where there are no predators and where deer live forever.

In her later years, Audrey's compassionate heart led her to become a special ambassador to the United Nations UNICEF fund, dedicating her efforts to helping children in Latin America. She held this position with grace and dedication until 1993. Her radiant beauty and inner kindness were recognized when People's magazine named her one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world.

On January 20, 1993, the world bid farewell to this extraordinary woman. Audrey passed away in Tolochenaz, Switzerland, from appendicular cancer. Yet, her elegance, style, and humanitarian work continue to inspire, leaving a lasting legacy in film history and beyond. Audrey Hepburn, a name synonymous with grace and compassion, continues to shine in our hearts.