My New Year's Revolution....

Today is New Year's Eve and I have decided that rather than having any resolutions that I have to attend to, I would like to stage my own quiet revolution in the hopes of obtaining what I want to see happen in 2007.

Since I am a responsible dog with jobs of my own, I think that my demands should at least be considered!

First on my list has to do with....FOOD...you guessed it! I want more food and more treats, more often, this coming year. I want my Mom to take treats to the Therapy Dog sessions and let folks feed me while I am doing my jobs. And also, if some one offers me food from their own stash, you should just get over it and let it happen.

The second demand has to do with burping while I am at work....I no longer want to be reprimanded for doing this...I cannot help it and every one laughs when I do it, so I just do not see what the big deal is about burping! I do not even want to hear about it....period.

Wearing clothes is a biggy.... I know all the folks love it, so I will put up with it, but I no longer want to wear girlie attire....It is beneath me. I will wear ties and hats and clothes that make me look more manly, but the girlie things can go! Take them back to Claires!

I also am not willing to work two days in a row. I have tried to tell you nicely by pouting but it has not worked. The fact is that Therapy Dog work is exhausting because I give it my all, so, please do not schedule me for two days in a row again...ever.

I am an independent dog and if I think that there is something I can do to make a person feel better, then you need to LEAVE IT! If I start to crawl into a bed with a person, you better figure it is for a good reason and I know what I am doing. If I pull you to see someone and you have another agenda, once again...LEAVE IT! That is why I am paid the big bucks and you are at the end of the leash! LOL

Riding in the car is one of my favorite pasttimes and I want to ride in the car EVERY day. I do not want to be left to guard the house.....My "sister" does a fine job of that and we all know that "being a guard dog" is not one of MY jobs! Besides, if I am being patted, they can steal us blind...LOL

And lastly, I want to romp and play in the mud more. Yes, my coat is a pain but you knew that when you got me...so just suck it up and deal with it..I need my play time! And mud, is after all...my friend! And no, this does not mean I am willing to get more baths!

Now that I have gotten my thoughts out for all to see......I feel much better.

Here's to the best New Year ever! Cheers!

CHAMP

Merry Christmas..with love from CHAMP

I hope you all had a good Christmas! I had a nice one...with good food and good folks......

I got to spend time with some of my very favorite little people.....my nieces and my nephew....and of course, my human Grandmother. I adore them all and the photos are of me, of course...trying to get in the car with my grandmother...and then, standing on the front porch with Brock, Brantley, and Lindley.

They love me and I know it. I am extra sweet around them and I am careful not to step on them....I do not pout when I am with them either!

It has been a good day and I hope it has been as well for you......

CHAMP

Busted....Again!

Well....I was caught in the act yesterday, December 22. Not only was I caught in the act, but my Mom took a picture of me actually commiting the crime. I just do not know why I have such a fetish for paper towels and toilet paper...But I do!

Maybe I was stressed with the holidays that are upon us..but I guess that is a pretty lame excuse.

Maybe I was bored as it was a nasty rainy day and I did not get my long walks.

Maybe I was looking for a little diversion as I have been playing Santa and visiting quite a bit this month.....and though I may look cool as a cucumber, I do have to be on my BEST behavior!

Honestly, I do not know why I did it.... but I did get BUSTED!

So here is my question....

Do you think Santa is done making his list and checking it twice?

I really need to know!

CHAMP

Champ's Very Own Christmas Tree

This Christmas tree was made by Champ's foster Mom Denise...check out her tree farm !

Santa ( aka Champ) Goes Visiting....

I went to an assisted living facility last Thursday with my Santa hat on. This is a really nice place with lots of sweet folks there that make me feel like I belong. ( OK...forget the two little monster dogs there and the man who literally cries WOLF when he sees me and runs!). The place is always decked out in style for the holidays. A group in one room was singing carols, which I stopped and enjoyed for awhile. It was really special because I got petted the whole time I was there!

There were lots of smiles and I saw numerous people who were giving to each other...every one there seemed to have a little present in their hands and they were carrying them around with them held tightly in their grasp.

I do not even know what the item was in their tiny little package they held so dearly in their hands.....and it truly does not matter.....

They had been given the true gift of Christmas.

CHAMP

Any Soldier.......and Any Dog...

Today I am doing my duty and being a patriotic dog.

There is a website called Any Soldier and it has the names of servicemen and women that are all over, many are based in Iraq. It has a note from each one and some of the things they could really use to make their lives a little better while on their tour. Yes...I think a couple of them asked for MP3 players...which I cannot blame them for doing. Music is a wonderful thing....
BUT....I digress....

Some one pointed out to me that there was a soldier on the list that was the Master of the Kennels....and this fellow was not asking for anything for himself...he was asking for something for the dogs! What a thoughtful man to ask for something to cheer up the dogs, as they do not have dog biscuits or toys...or much of anything extra. Things a dog really needs..those extra little special treats in life.

Well, today I am sending Cpl. Anthony Akers a little care package for the dogs over in Iraq.
I am sending dog biscuits and a few silly toys in the hopes that it will make things a little better for the doggies and Cpl. Akers.

I cannot imagine being a dog of war. It would be an incredible task..and while I do have respectable jobs, they pale in comparison to the jobs of the soldiers and dogs of the wars. I can only have the utmost respect for them and the job they do from afar...but I CAN give them a little something to show my appreciation and help them on their way.

Maybe for Christmas this year, we can all ask for PEACE......and the hopes that soon these brave men, women, and dogs will be able to come home....and maybe....just maybe....Santa could find a way that we could all be kind and gentle on this planet.

Until then.....Here's to all the soldiers AND, of course... their dogs.......

CHAMP

HO...HO..HO...

I think I make a pretty fair Santa! Don't you? I like to dress up as Santa this time of year when I go to the nursing homes and assisted living centers, and even more for the children at places.
All ages seem to appreciate this seasonal gesture!

Actually I do not have much choice in the matter as I get dressed up whether I like it or not!

I have gotten a couple of new items to wear this Christmas...with my luck they are MY Christmas present!

My Mom went to the Mall and got me a rhinestone Christmas crown...it would really look better on a FEMALE! But I do it justice of sorts! She also bought me some red and green braids to go in my hair.....I have not had to try these on yet, but I imagine they will look pretty silly.

If I am nothing else, I am a good sport and what better time of the year is there to be decked out for the season?

You should try it some time...just stick a Santa hat on your head for the day and see what a difference it can make in your attitude!

I am certainly going to have MY opportunity to do this over the next few weeks! I will let you know how it goes.

I also promise NOT to steal any of the residents' Christmas goodies!

If I can help it........(grin)

CHAMP

Champ.....the Tracker!

Yesterday I went up to FENCE. the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, and I got to go to tracking practice with a couple of the other doggies....Now mind you, I have enough jobs to keep me busy and while I may not look like a tracker, I can do anything I set my mind to do!

My Mom and some other tracking students laid some simple tracks and I finally got to try my paw at it. I had tried a couple of times before but I think I may have actually gotten the hang of it.

We did a double L track and I kept my nose to the ground quite a bit and made it through the whole track.

It was great fun and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I hope I get to go again soon......Maybe one day I can even go for a TD to add to my other accomplishments.

Oh yeah...this photo is of me carrying my Mom's plants around in my mouth. It did not exactly make her day, but I offered to dig the rest of the plant up for her. After all, kindness is what I am all about!

CHAMP

Thankful.....I am....

Written by Champ November 23, 2006...

Today is Thanksgiving and I have a lot to be thankful for.......sometimes we need to take a step back and look at all the things we have in our lives to be grateful for...

Here is my list of things I am thankful for:

FOOD, well, that goes without saying, but there are other things I have put on my list as well so as not to look like a food monger here.

I am thankful for my home...every one deserves one and yet, there are people and animals that have none.

I am thankful to all the folks who took the time and trouble to feed and care for me before I had a forever home of my own.

I am thankful for the folks that cared enough about me to get me off the highways of Mississippi and into the loving arms of MS Great Pyrenees Rescue and my foster Mom.

I am thankful that I have a job that allows me to help others by being a Therapy Dog. I can give back some of what has been given to me....yes..."paws it forward" or something like that....

I am thankful for long walks in the woods where I can at least smell the "call of the wild" even if I cannot join in. I am thankful for my neighbor, Anton, who asks every morning to hold my leash and follows me wherever I may go.

I am even grateful for the full moons, coyotes, vultures, and airplanes that fly over the house as it gives me an opportunity to bark, and barking keeps them in line...well, maybe not the airplanes!

So on this day of giving thanks, I have a great deal to be thankful for BUT I am MOST thankful that .....I am not.... a TURKEY!!!

Please take a moment to stop and give thanks! And have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Oops, I almost forgot to remind you that if you are tired of eating turkey after Thanksgiving, many area restuarants will be donating a percentage of their income from Tuesday November 27th (and a couple of restaurants are doing this on Wednesday, the 28th because they are not open on Tuesdays) to the Foothills Humane Society. The list of these restaurants will be available in the Tryon Daily so please take your friends and family out to one of the participating restaurants on these days and support these kind restaurant owners and Foothills at the same time! Thank you guys for helping the shelter! I sure wish I could find a restaurant that would let me participate.

Woof!

CHAMP

Cats.......Sigh.....

We have a new cat......No..I am less than thrilled....but what am I going to do about it??? For one thing, I am outnumbered!

Harvey is a little terror.....I am almost afraid of him...I know he looks all sweet and lovey in this picture.....but he is pretty BAD!

There is one cat, Grady Brown, and he gets on my nerves so much...he whines all the time and it really bothers me. I sometimes growl at him when he just goes on and on.....and truth be told, I have lunged at him a time or two...but I would not hurt him....I know I would be in DEEP trouble if I touched him. I do, though, at times have to let him know that he is pushing it with his mouth.

Mostly though, I let the cats lay on the bed with me...we do not exactly cuddle, but I actually really like a few of them...the ones that do not whine!

I have to say, though, in all honesty, that I feel sorry for the many cats in this world. My Mom told me that there are never enough homes for all of them and that many die young because people do not get their cats spayed or neutered.....I know...I did not have a home once. ( WHINE!)

So please, please, spay and neuter your cats and if you really want to save a cat or kitten this holiday season, please look at all the beauties here at the Foothills Shelter.

They would be most thankful for a home.

CHAMP

Santa Claus is Coming to Town....UH-OH!

I found out yesterday that I am going to see Santa at the Humane Society Open House tomorrow.
Yikes!

I was trying to rethink this past year and how good..or bad... I might have been. I know Santa sometimes brings NOTHING ( horrors) or disgusting things like coal and ashes ( Blech!) to those that have not been very good during the year.

If I think of the last few weeks...I think I have been pretty bad.....

I got a package of chicken off the kitchen counter and took it to the bedroom to devour. I got caught and then I had a LONG standoff with one of my owners over it. I growled VERY loudly and still lost the battle.

I have not had my mind on my Therapy Dog job all the time....other things come to mind when I should be working...like FOOD.....FOOD..and more FOOD.

On the other hand, I have been protecting the house from coyotes and I give that my best....I always act like I am the fiercest beast around when I hear them nearby. And I have kept the house safe from the vultures and airplanes this past year.

I also have made quite a few folks smile at the assisted living centers, the Special Olympics, and numerous places in between. I have even been sweet when some one would accidentally step on my tail or my paw.

Honestly, I think Santa will forgive me for my few bad times because overall, I have been a good boy this year. I really try to give most everything I do my best shot. No one is perfect and hopefully, when Santa is figuring out what I should get this Christmas, he will remember the smiles that I gave to some of the people that need them the most.

And he will forgive me of all those other things that were not quite so good....so don't sweat the small stuff Santa!

CHAMP

Home Visits....aka...I am loved!

Today I accompanied my Mom on a home visit for Carolina Great Pyrenees Rescue. We went to a nice home in beautiful Flat Rock to see if this home would be suitable for a rescued Great Pyrenees to live there. As a side note...it was indeed, an excellent home, and I approved of the fellow..although, I have not met his wife yet. I would probably like her as well....

I tagged along because this gentleman's wife is a therapist and she works with children. She was thinking if they adopted a Great Pyrenees ( like me!) that perhaps she could use him or her in her practice as a Therapy Dog. They were both a little concerned about just how gentle ( or NOT) a big dog lika a Great Pyrenees could be...and I showed this fellow just how kind and gentle and mellow, we can be.

He was so impressed that he asked if I was up for adoption!!!!!!!!

WHOA! That made me pay attention!

I was really curious to see what my Mom would say..this was scary...my whole home and lifestyle were on the line here!

So the answer: ( drum roll!) She said NO...I was not up for adoption!!! She did, of course, have to add the comment that while I was NOT PERFECT all the time, that I was hers and would remain with her. She did mention my counter surfing ( OOPS!) but I did breathe a sigh of relief when she said I would not be adopted out.....that I had a home.....Yippee!

I knew I would be going home to MY HOME and that hopefully, this gentleman would be a kind and gentle owner of another lucky Great Pyrenees that has been rescued and needs a home.

It was a pyr-fect way to spend the day.

CHAMP

Dog and Cat(blech!) of the Week!

Ginger is a sweet beautiful gray tabby. She had already been spayed and declawed so she is ready to go to a new home! She is about 2 years old. Ginger will be going to her new home tomorrow November 27th! Yeehi!






Harley is a Great Dane mix and he is not quite a year old. He is a handsome fellow with one blue eye...he is also very mellow! Harley was adopted today...Nov. 18th!





Please contact: danamayer@alltel.net or foothillshelter@alltel.net if you want to rescue or adopt one of these guys.

Thanks All!!! And even if you are a distance away...if you have good references, we will get a transport to get your new pet to you!

Some Days It is All About the FOOD!

I got dressed up a little....OK...red, white, and blue day and went to a very nice assisted living facility this week. I was a little headstrong because I was excited about seeing the folks once I got in the door. I went up to almost all the folks in the lobby that wanted to see me and pet me..but I just could not seem to get it together....

I was taken back to the Special Care area and once again....my mind was not completely on my job. Some one had a cookie ( a real cookie..not some dog bone) and I found myself drifting off and not quite being totally in the present and MY job.

Normally, I will get in close to these folks that are often in a land of their own, but I just could not bring myself to do it that day. Sometimes I can get close enough for them to pet me and I see a smile come across a face that before had very litle expression.

So, my handler, being a little OVER my independent streak, took me back out to the assisted living area...at which point I saw a lady carrying CARRY OUT FOOD!!!! I went up to her and acted like I was being a Therapy Dog....but I confess...I was waiting on her to offer me some of her food.

Everyone realized what I was up to and they thought it was funny as my nose was following the carry out containers....and not paying attention to the person....or anything else for that matter!

Then the lady started to walk off....my handler let me go and I followed the lady right down the hall...just like my handler knew I would.

Haha! They thought it was very funny. And so, do you know I did not get one bite of food out of that lady????

Next time..I will be more assertive.

Champ

Weekends!!!!

I LOVE weekends! I had a great weekend.....
I did not have to get dressed up or do anything
much except what I wanted to do!
I actually got to be a D-O-G!!!! Imagine that!

I basked in the sun, I dug up things in the yard,
I ate and slept and went for my walks.
I played with my buddies..the dogs..not the cats...

It was so nice.....

I think I might even be rested enough
to go back to work this week......

And yes...this photo is of me and my beautiful butt!

Champ

Cats (Blech) of the Week ( We NEED Homes!)

Smokey is a year old long haired cat. He has awesome eyes!




Lacey is an adorable kitty, about 10 weeks old. She was found with her sister Tracey.

Please contact: danamayer@alltel.net or foothillshelter@alltel.net if you want to rescue or adopt one of these guys.

Thanks!!!

Halloween Was Pretty Scary!

Well, sure enough I got dressed up in my costume and went to the assisted living facility. All was going along just fine until I walked in the front door. The place was decorated to the hilt and they even had strobe lights and music and they were all dancing in the dining room and just seemed to be having a grand old time. I could handle this....

Once I was through the door though, that is when the little goblins came after me. The little goblins, as I call them, are two little minpin mixes that came after me like they were going to eat me alive! They are also VERY loud and yippy. The staff had forgotten to put them up and they were all over my big butt. I could think of one thing and one thing only...LEAVE! So I pulled my handler towards the door and out we went.

I was very much a gentleman but I was a litle shaken up and I did not want to go back in at all.... EVER! My handler tried....in vain.....then one of the kind ladies came out and whispered in my ear and talked me into going back inside. She said she had put the little goblins up....so I reluctantly went back in.

I finally settled down and got my mind back on my job...but it took me a little while to come around.

My handler told me later that I was just the BEST....I could have turned around and let those two little goblins know just how big and strong I am....

But I am much too kind and gentle for that......and being kind and gentle is just a part of my job.

Champ

Happy Halloween!!!!!!

Ah yes....it is FINALLY Halloween!

I have a job to do today...I GET to go to one of the assisted living homes in Columbus NC today!
They are very nice to me and they will feel sorry for me because I will be forced to go dressed as something other than a DOG! Which is what I am after all:)

The only reason I allow myself to be dressed up is because it brings smiles and laughs to those I go to see. I could rip it off with my paws or my big teeth, but I try to understand that every one needs a good chuckle now and then....and well...if the joke is on me......I will just deal with it.

I can always get back at my handler by doing various things that get on her nerves...such as burping loudly when we enter the reception area where the foilks are hanging out....or pouting and making them think I am woefully mistreated....LOL

I can do either of these things and a few more, but since it is HALLOWEEN, I will go with a good attitude and make folks smile.

It is after all.......MY JOB!

Happy Halloween....Oh yeah...don't forget... my foster Mom's (Denise) haunted mansion .

Champ

I Went to School!

Yesterday I had the chance to go to Polk County Middle School as part of the Responsible Pet Owner Program through the Foothills Humane Society. I had to go dressed up for Halloween...but I guess that is OK
( SIGH!).

We spoke to the girls and boys about animals and how to take care of them.

I once had an owner who did not take care of me. I had no care, no water, no food...except for a few very kind neighbors that I tried to sweet talk into feeding me. I can still countersurf with the best of them...LOL I eventually wandered onto the highway and some kind person called rescue...my owner relinquished me, and now I have a great life in a new place with a new owner and several careers. I am a lucky GUY!

Now I want to spread the word about being kind to animals and taking good care of them because I know how it feels to be neglected.

We also talked a little about spaying and neutering your pets and how there are not enough homes for all the dogs and cats of the world. I wish I could change that....and I am doing what I can...one little bit at a time.

Champ

Dog and Cat ( Blech) of the Week ( 10/23)

Checkers and Porkchop need a home!!!! They are too cute...if you can help please see contacts below!




Wanda ( was Wanderer until he was a she!) is a beautiful year old laid back girl...for a cat, that is!LOL Update: Wanda is going to rescue on Nov. 2!!!

Please contact: danamayer@alltel.net or foothillshelter@alltel.net if you want to rescue or adopt one of these guys.

Thanks!!!

Look What they Made me Wear!

SIGH!

Champ

Champ's Good Hair Day!

I asked them to put a decent photo of me here....

Champ

Halloween is Coming!

I am so ready for Halloween! Just think of all the things I can find to eat.....I just have to watch the chocolate as word on the street is that it is not good for dogs...

You really should check out my foster Mom's (Denise) haunted mansion . It is very scary and really cool. It makes me want to run and hide, even a BIG guy like me.

Denise was the best foster Mom EVER! Hugs to Denise and all her furbabies!

Champ

Champ's Bad Hair Day

Dog and Cat (Blech) of the Week ( 10/17)

Scotch is a long haired beautiful boy (for a cat!) He is 4 years old.
UPDATE! Scotch has arrived at his rescue in Raleigh, NC! 10/27 Thanks Ya'll!



Butch is a pit mix who is just a love! Butch is 2 years old. UPDATE: Butch arrived in Manhattan at his wonderful rescue on 10/29! Thanks to all who helped!!!

Please contact foothillshelter@alltel.net or
danamayer@alltel.net if you can give one of these sweeties a home or foster! Thanks, y'all!

SC School for the Deaf and Blind

I am a member of Polk County Pet Pals (from the Tryon, NC area). Polk County specializes in the elderly and our group mostly goes to assisted living facilities. While I am wonderful with the older folks, I really adore children. I do the Special Olympics every year and I enjoy it so much that I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to "do my thing" with kids.

When we arrived at the School, several of the students were so excited that they were waiting outside for us. It made us all feel quite welcome!

At times there were as many as six students patting on me at once, and I was in my element. Off to the side, though, was a student who was probably about 13 years old. He was particularly noticable because he was making many gestures, which I thought at first were a way of communicating, only I did NOT know these signals! I found out, though,that they were tics or self stimming behaviors, things he could not help and which got in his way. He could barely do anything else as these behaviors just took over. He looked like he was playing a flute and he repeated this over and over.....and over....the poor kid couldn't stop. It was difficult to watch.

This student was fascinated, and terrified, of the dogs, including myself. Over and over, he would bring the aide along to give him the courage to approach us, but he was unable to bring himself to get close enough to actually touch any of the dogs. He would take the aide's hand and have the aide pat us, but when asked if he would like to pat the dog, he would pull back fearfully. Apparently this had happened before, and he had never been able to touch one of the animals.

He was particularly drawn to me, Champ, one of the biggest dogs. We could all sense that he was dying to touch me, but he just couldn't. He got closer each time, but was still so very far away.

Finally, he came very close, and seemed to relax just a little. My handler assured him that I would never dream of hurting him (since I am such a marshmellow), and I turned my head away so I would appear less threatening to him. My handler took the student's hand, careful not to force anything, and let him pat my back.

The aide was astounded. It seems like such a small gesture, but to see this profoundly deaf, fearful child's face transformed by a huge,
proud smile because he was actually touching this big, white dog (me)was, to those of us who witnessed it, a real miracle. The child returned again and again to pat me, and each time it was easier and easier for him. His aide, and the other counselors, could barely contain themselves. My handler was absolutely thrilled. I, of course, took it all in stride.

It was truly worth the visit. This is what Therapy Dogs is all about!

If you have not visited this school, you might want to go at least once. But please, make sure to TAKE A HANDLER WITH YOU!

There are so many really special students there, and many more miracles waiting to happen. We can change lives, every day. What a wonderful gift it is to have the privilege of doing this!

And what a great group of dogs and handlers were there! I am not too good at remembering names (now, scents I can remember), but I so enjoyed meeting each one of them and watching them interact with the students. I was very impressed watching the awesome Portuguese Water Dog do tricks and obedience work with the handler using only signs. I thought this was wonderful but I really can't imagine myself being quite that willing to obey. (I barely made it through the test to get my Canine Good Citizen certificate...I made my handler get down on her knees and literally beg me to come before I chose to respond.)

I also have to say that there were really some good looking dogs there. At one point I almost made a fool of myself as I really wanted to get near one of the girls! Fortunately, my handler took me outside for a few minutes so I could regain my senses.

I can't wait to go back!

Champ

Hi, I'm Champ -- Pat Me!

My name is Champ and I am a Great Pyrenees Dog. Cathy Brooks from Mississippi Great Pyrenees Rescue saved my life when I was found roaming the streets there (and in pretty bad shape, too), but now I have it made in the shade. I live in Tryon, NC, which is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

I am a certified Therapy Dog, which I love, and I also got my Canine Good Citizen Certificate (which I could care less about). I enjoy warning off vultures and airplanes that dare to fly over my territory and barking at coyotes that pass in the night. I also counter-surf at every opportunity.

My blog will be about my adventures as a Therapy Dog as well as about some of the animals I have helped rescue, and some others that need to be rescued.

When I was rescued, I had heartworms, not a lot of hair, and several broken teeth (I also wasn't eating too well at the time. I make up for that now.) There are a lot of animals like me, who just need a little care and a lot of love. (And food, plenty of food.)

I need another job to keep me busy (besides my Therapy Dog career and my guard-the-house gig). I am a livestock guardian dog (LGD) with no livestock to guard! I guess a blog is the next best thing.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy me.

Special Olympics