Ruth Harkness

Having a pet and living in the city isn't always the easiest arrangement, and unfortunately for many animal lovers it's just not doable. While some of us reluctantly accept the limitations of our living situation, fashion designer and New York socialite Ruth Harkness went beyond the norm on all counts. In 1936, Mrs. Harkness traveled to China in search of a panda, one of the rarest animals of the time. Not only did she find what she was looking for, but she also took her new baby panda back with her to New York.
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