Pet Sounds #88: PR Legend Rey Roldan Is the Proud Owner of Dogs That Murder Pillows
Rey Roldan is one of the most prominent, amiable and successful publicists in the world of independent music – and he has the résumé to prove it. Now in its 22nd year, his company Another Reybee Production, Inc. boasts a stellar roster that includes The Alarm, Butthole Surfers, The Cranberries, Gipsy Kings, Candy Whips, Shonen Knife, Pansy Division and loads more prestigious artists.
Roldan doesn’t just represent musicians, though – he also takes care of two rescue dogs (Cillian, a 3-year-old Australian Cattle Dog; and Saoirse, an 11-month-old Australian Cattle Dog); as well as a 24-year-old Sun Catfish of the horabagrus brachysoma species. In between working tirelessly as the president of Reybee, Roland granted us some time to talk about his pets.
First of all, your dogs are adorable. I’d say the same about Zip, but … y’know, he’s a fish. Did you name Cillian and Saoirse after the actors?
Thanks. I chose Cillian and Saoirse’s names from Gaelic, actually (not the actors, though everyone seems to think that). Ireland has always held a very special place in my heart – I’ve visited the country nine times – and I have a habit of naming my pups with human names. (My previous pups’ names have been Fletcher, Lorraine and Brianna). An added bonus is that when I call Cillian at a dog park by his nickname (“Cill” or “Ciller” – use the hard “C” there, and you’ll get the picture), it raises quite a few eyebrows.
Have they always gotten along or were there some rough patches?
I was so fortunate that they instantly bonded… which never happens. The minute I brought Saoirse home, Cillian was initially curious. But within two hours, they were playing. They have never had a fight (knock on wood).
Which was easier to housebreak?
Cillian is a perfect dog. He is so chill, which is incredibly odd for a dog who is part Australian Cattle Dog and Malinois (I did a DNA test). In the 2.5 years I’ve had him, he’s never had an accident in the house. He doesn’t have separation issues and doesn’t react to any people or dogs unless he knows I know them. Once he knows that, he livens up and realizes that they exist.
Saoirse, on the other hand, is extremely friendly toward people. Toward other dogs? Not so much. She’s in intense training right now, actually, for it. It’s a six-week program, four days a week, 11 hours a day – which isn’t cheap, but I felt it was necessary. We’re on our last week and Supreme K9 in Union City, New Jersey, has done amazing things with her. Instead of other dogs, she’s been taking out her aggression on my feather pillows.
Like yourself, I walk my dog (and her friend) at least 6 miles a day (but in a less urban setting). Have you found that works wonders in keeping them healthy, or have they had issues?
Absolutely. My vet is amazed at the shape both of them are in. We do a 3-mile walk at midnight every night, regardless if it’s raining like crazy (they have raincoats) or under a foot of snow. When we get home, they collapse on the bed and sleep soundly for the rest of the night!
How do their personalities compare and contrast?
Cillian is totally chill and a complete pushover. He’s a quiet, reserved and naturally obedient pup. Saoirse, on the other hand… She’s a firecracker who is always begging for attention, wanting to play – and, god forbid, if she’s asleep and I made even the slightest move, perks up the minute and runs over to me to make sure I’m OK. It totally reminds me of this scene from 28 Days Later:
What are the pros and cons of having dogs about two years apart in age?
I don’t really see many cons to be honest. Except vet costs. Those can be a doozy. There are many pros, though. Cillian and Saoirse are in sync… They eat at the same time, their bathroom breaks are coordinated, and they sleep at the same time. Plus, they keep each other company when I’m not around.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve witnessed thus far involving Cillian and/or Saoirse?
Cillian hates orange peels… So if I’m eating an orange and I throw the peel at him, he runs away like he just saw a ghost. For Saoirse, see above pillow incident. And for the record, when I saw my disemboweled pillows with feathers everywhere, I actually laughed… I wasn’t angry. I thought it was hilarious.
What’s the scariest moment you’ve witnessed thus far involving Cillian and/or Saoirse?
When Cillian was with me for just a few months, we were on a late night walk at 2 a.m. and about two blocks from home. I tripped and fell and Cillian went running and his leash slipped through my hands. Thank God it was late at night, but still, the car traffic around me is crazy-busy, and we were at an intersection. I had no idea which direction he ran, and given it was 2 a.m., it was dark.
I limped frantically for 45 minutes in every direction and couldn’t find him. I went home, not knowing what to do. When I approached the door to my front desk, Cillian was waiting to be let in. My doorman didn’t even see him because he was so tiny. Thank God he knew his way home. Ever since then, I keep a very tight grip on their leashes.
What’s the most adorable behavior each is prone to engage in?
Saoirse likes annoying Cillian by pinning him down on his back and shoving her tongue down his throat. Thankfully they’re not truly related, because French-kissing your blood-related sibling is a no-no.
Are Cillian and/or Saoirse fascinated by Zip?
Cillian doesn’t even know the aquarium exists. Saoirse will occasionally sit in front of it and paw the glass when Zip swims back and forth in front of her, as if to taunt her.
Check out Another Reybee Production, Inc.’s roster and the firm’s latest news, and sign up for their newsletter, on Reybee’s website. For more on Roldan himself, his LinkedIn profile is here.
Don’t miss these latest installments of Pet Sounds:
• Pet Sounds #87: Silver Liz’s Dachshund Mix Milo Is Pure Gold
• Pet Sounds #86: Black Heart Procession Leader’s Love for His Cats Can’t Be Beat
• Pet Sounds #85: Nuzzle’s Bassist Loves to Snuggle With His Cats, Stormy and Butter
• Pet Sounds #84: Still Bones Frontman Can’t Live Without Music – and Coda, His Gorgeous Pooch
• Pet Sounds #83: Dandy Warhols Synth-Bass Player Saved 6-Month-Old Mutt From Gang of Chihuahuas’ Bullying
The Bad Penny (beta) 
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