Champ's Space

20 Years of Caring!

2010-11-03T08:35:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I love this beautiful fall weather when I can once again enjoy the outdoors without feeling like I'm about to faint! I hope you are enjoying it as well. I have been barking at the vultures and the turkeys....the latter drive me crazy when they "gobble".

In case you haven't heard, this is a big weekend for the Foothills Shelter: it is their 20th Anniversary, and we are all very excited about it. I have even agreed to let the gals at Landrum Vet bathe me for the occasion!

From 11am - 2pm on Saturday, PLEASE come to the Open House at the shelter on Little Mountain Rd. There will be lots of fun things to do, including free food! Unfortunately, I have been told that there is a ten-foot no-Champ zone around the food. Sigh. There will be pony rides, obedience demonstrations, and fun and games for everyone. Santa will be there, posing for photos with you and your pets, and I expect I will let him have a photo op with me while I am there! Think I will fit in his lap????

There have been lots of improvements at the shelter for the animals, so make sure you see those, and of course, I will be there with my little friend and spokesdog-in-waiting, Moses....who by the way, is not so little anymore! He is quite handsome, although he has a long way to go before he is as fluffy and glorious as me.

While you are at the shelter, please stop by and visit the animals. We have lots of cats and dogs, and while they do need their very own homes, they would really appreciate a few minutes of attention from you. A few kind words, or a scratch under the chin or around the ears, can be heaven for these homeless ones.

At 5:00 pm sharp, the Po'Kitties Photo Contest Awards Ceremony and FHS 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration will begin at the Tryon Fine Arts Center. My dear, ADD friend Randy Grobe will be hosting the event, so it should go pretty quickly. Every year I say this, but the photos are extraordinary! They look so good hanging in that magnificent space. The reception following the Awards Ceremony will be spectacular -- I read the menu and have been drooling ever since. I guess this is why I am NOT invited to attend. But all of YOU are -- this celebration is open to the public.

The local business community has really stepped up to the plate and donated some truly great prizes -- wait until you see them! My humans have been bemoaning the fact that they are ineligible to win anything! The photo that wins "Best in Show" will also win a week in a 3 BR, 2 BA Florida vacation home with a private pool, courtesy of Debbie Arnold and Terry Cacioppo. Now THAT is a really cool prize!

We are hoping that Sheriff Hill will attend (if he is not busy with his official duties) and Dana says that the "Po'Kitties Cowboy" BETTER be there! I know from years of experience that when she speaks to ME in that tone of voice, I better do what she wants, and quickly. There will be lots of local luminaries, and although I will not be there to lend my star-quality, it will still be a fun evening for all.

And me? I'll be home, looking for trouble to express my displeasure at being left out. Just kidding. Maybe.

Woof!

CHAMP

Santa Champ!

2009-12-18T18:41:00.003-05:00

Yes, Champ, There is a Santa Claus!

As a really smart human ( yes there are a few) named Francis Pharcellus Church once wrote , "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy." (Had he known me, he would have used MY name instead!)

Santa Claus is coming to town this week and I am worse than any child! I know I am not supposed to pout (at least this week anyway) and I also know there are many animals less fortunate than I. But I really hope he comes down the chimney to see me and even as big a food monger as I am, I would still give him something to eat for his trouble. Although, maybe not cookies and milk.....I love cookies and milk.....

I am pretty sure I won't get everything I have asked for this year, as the list is long. (You knew it would be, right?) Not only is my list long, but it is probably more than even Santa can pull together. And I am not sure his eight reindeer could carry it either, but I bet they would try! (After all, reindeer who fly have got to have Attitude with a capital A! Like me!)

Here is my Christmas List:

~ I want a loving home for every homeless animal in our community (heck, in our whole country.....wait, make that the entire planet, and I want it for the humans too)
~ I want food for every animal, child, and older person -- OK, for everybody -- good, nourishing food (pizza is good; actually, pizza is better than good when I can manage to nab it, and let's not forget the Christmas cookies)
~ I want safe, potable water for everyone (see above, I guess we're talking about the whole world now, humans included)

OK, Santa, let's keep the flow going here....even though certain vets are among my favorite humans, and even though certain vet techs have become my personal servants (how sweet it is!), and even though I am forced to admit that "going to the vet" is a dreaded experience for me, I want all animals -- and humans -- to be able to see a vet (um, or a doctor) and to be cared for properly.
~ I want all dogs (and other beings) who are chained down to be set free
~ I want all cats (and other beings) who have no home to have food, water, and shelter
~ I want all animals and humans to be free from fear, from violence, and from needless
suffering
~ I want.....well, Santa, I could really make this list a long one if I keep going on in this vein! Fortunately, we have many Santas, large and small, in our community and in our world, who are working to make this a better place for all -- animals AND humans! We all need to remember that and to be grateful for the Santas in our lives.....I have quite a long list of Santas I know. If every one of us were to be a Santa for another being, what a wonderful world it would be!

"Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no CHAMPS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished." (Again, with thanks to Mr. Church)

With a nod to each of you Santas, from the bottom of my infinitely grateful Great Pyrenees heart, I wish you all the joys of the season, and most of all, I wish you Peace.

WOOF!

CHAMP

Pyrenees Make the BEST Kitty Beds!

2009-12-08T07:11:00.002-05:00

The LONG Road Home....

2009-11-25T06:50:00.003-05:00

Fred and Madeline Clas, Ray and Cindy Norden as Fred leaves to drive Huey, Dewey, and Louie and five puppies to Wilmington, Delaware.

As I am sure most of you know, I am proud of my "Official Spokesdog" status at the Foothills Shelter. In that capacity, I would like to thank each person who donated their money, their time, their home, or their expertise to the animals at the shelter. Staff, donors, Board members, volunteers, foster caregivers, transporters, kitten feeders, dishwashers, dog walkers, feral colony caretakers, visitors, and everyone who put their spare change in the Foothills donation cans, as well as the businesses who let us put the cans there -- you all are literally life-savers for the animals. We are enormously grateful.

The purpose of my column today is to tell you about the Long Road Home. Each of the animals at Foothills has his or her own story; some happy, some not so good, and my friend, Lennie Rizzo, details many of them for you in his Special Cases column. I would like to tell you about how a community, our community, saved eight very special lives last week.

Last July, someone brought in three large, shy, unruly black pups, about four months of age. No one had taken the time to socialize these dogs, and it was difficult to manage them at the shelter, much less adopt them out. Enter Cindy and Ray Norden, two of the shelter's Fantastic Fosters. One phone call was all it took, and Cindy was at the shelter, leashes in hand, to lead these three lost boys (Huey, Dewey, and Louie, of course) out to her car and back to her farm, so that they could learn how to get along in polite society. Cindy and Ray are miracle workers and the most badly behaved dogs respond to their gentle training methods, becoming healthy, confident, and adoptable. The difference in their behavior was striking, even to me! Cindy returned them to the shelter, but no one came to adopt them, despite their delightful manners and sweet and hopeful faces. As the shelter became more and more crowded, Cindy and Ray took them back to their farm to give them just a little more time to find the perfect homes.

Kelly and Whitt Vinesett, another of the shelter's Fantastic Fosters, began by fostering -- wait for it -- EIGHT puppies (oh Kelly, say it isn't so!) but, because the shelter was plumb full of puppies, five of them had not been adopted. Dana began networking, and a rescue up in Connecticut offered to take them, since they had a long waiting list for lab mix puppies.

The rescue put pictures of the five puppies on their website (www.SaveATail.com) and agreed to put Huey, Dewey and Louie's photos up too, just in case someone might want to adopt one of these three lovely dogs. And lo and behold -- a wonderful man saw their photos and decided that all three would be the perfect addition to his family! He filled out his application and his references were checked, and he was approved to adopt Huey, Dewey, and Louie! But one problem remained to be solved.....how could the shelter get all eight pups up north?

Ta-da! Fred Clas saw shelter staff member Angie Yates' plea in the Tryon Daily Bulletin, and volunteered to be a Terrific Transporter. He agreed to drive up to Delaware to meet the rescue, and to take all eight pups with him! Whew! That is one trip I am glad I did not have to make! Fred, you are now officially my hero! So Kelly, Cindy, Ray and the eight pups met Fred in the Ingles parking lot in Landrum at 6 am one chilly morning last week (see photo). Fred's wife, Madeline, was there to see them off, but she said that unfortunately, there just wasn't enough room for her to go along. (Quick thinking, Madeline!) After a flurry of goodbyes from the Fantastic Fosters, Fred and the pups were off!

Following a traffic jam of several hours (whoa, better you than me, Fred), they arrived and met the rescue lady, along with Huey, Dewey, and Louie's new family. These sweet dogs knew instantly that they had a permanent home with a wonderful new family! The other five puppies traveled with the rescue lady to Connecticut -- and they have each been welcomed into new homes where they are loved and wanted! It is a very, very happy ending to what could have been a very sad story. Word has it that Huey, Dewey, and Louie's new owner is so happy with them that he is considering training all three of them to be Therapy Dogs! WOW! I'm sure they'll take after their Uncle Champ and be "simply the best!"

So my hat, if I had one, would be off to Ray and Cindy, Kelly, Angie, Fred, Dana, and the rescue, for ensuring such a happy ending! And we have happy endings every day, thanks to all of you. You know who you are, and I thank each of you from the bottom of my great big pyrenees heart, We are very fortunate to live in a place that has people like you!

Have a happy Thanksgiving, and save a little turkey for me!

Woof!
Champ

Free Cats, Starcats, Gully Street Cats and the Po'Kitties Reception October 16th

2009-10-13T20:08:00.003-04:00

I am available if you want to adopt me!

Friday, October 16, is National Feral Cat Day! So it is incumbent upon me (or so I am told) to write something about "CATS". As you know, I live with a number of cats, some of whom I like more than others....but seriously, some of my best friends are cats! (Well, sort of, anyway!)

One of the things I want to remind you about is the Awards Ceremony for the 2009 Po'Kitties All Pet Photo Contest -- which is October 16th! I have seen a few of those photos and they are amazing! Wine and light refreshments will be served beginning at 5:00 pm, and the ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm. My good friend, Randy Grobe, has promised to host the event. I have unfortunately been banned because of my table-surfing habits, and I am told that the food and drink is only for humans. Rats! But bring your family and friends to see these phenomenal photos anyway! The photos remain on display through the weekend, on Saturday from 11-4 and on Sunday from 1-4.

By the way, one of my humans is featured along with Po'Kitties in Debra Halborn's just-released book, "Greetings from the Starcat Cluster". Debra will be signing her book at the Awards Ceremony for the Po'Kitties Photo Contest tonight! A portion of the proceeds from tonight's sales will benefit Po'Kitties, so please, as you are oohing and aahing over the photos, visit Debra's table and buy an autographed copy of "Greetings from the Starcat Cluster". It is one of my personal favorites.... except, Debra, how about "Greetings from the StarDog Cluster, featuring Champ, the Therapy Dog" as your next creative endeavor? A sure-fire best-seller, in my opinion.

Which brings me to another Big Event: the Free Cats-and-Kittens promotion! Yes, for a limited time only, Foothills Shelter is giving cats and kittens away absolutely free to approved homes! So, how is that better than the free kittens in someone's barn, or in the IWANNA? Well, "free kittens" aren't free -- they need shots, and they must be spayed or neutered. But the cats and kittens being given away by the shelter are already spayed or neutered, have had all of their shots, and are healthy and ready to go! The shelter would love a $10 donation to honor these awesome cats, but it is not required to adopt one -- or two! Come on down -- you'll find a potential soul-mate in every cage! And you will be saving a life at the same time!

I want to personally thank the big-hearted folks who have stepped up to the plate and have offered Barn & Board to the Gully Street Cats -- and to those whose donations will help these cats along their way. Thus far, places for 36 cats have been offered, and the cats will be relocated as soon as they're vetted. This is such good news, and, on behalf of Po'Kitties and FHS, we are very, very grateful. Barn & Board is still needed for some of the Gully Street Cats, as well as on a regular basis for some of our Po'Kitties, so if you've got a barn and are willing to provide regular food and water, call Dana at the shelter -- feed a cat, save a life!

I was recently asked what the difference is between a free-roaming cat and a stray cat. Good question! A free-roaming cat can be either a stray cat or a feral cat.

A free-roaming feral cat is a cat who has lived apart from humans for most, if not all, of its life. These cats are not adoptable as house cats, although feral kittens can often be socialized and adopted out if we get them right about the age of six weeks, when they weigh about 1.5 lbs. The majority of kittens entering shelters in this country are the offspring of feral cats, so it would really help to make sure that all feral cats are sterilized.

A free-roaming stray cat, one who once had a home and is tame, is ready to go to a new, loving home after a health check, shots, and a spay/neuter. These are cats who only want to love and be loved, and even I have to admit that they are pretty terrific! (Well, most of them, anyway!)

Our Po'Kitties program deals with both kinds of free-roaming cats -- the strays and the ferals. The cats get spayed or neutered, have a rabies vaccination, and the ferals get an ear tip so they can be easily identified as being in the program. The strays, who make themselves known pretty quickly, move to the shelter to be adopted out, and the ferals are returned to their colonies, all to live out their lives in peace. Which is something we wish for everyone.

WOOF!

CHAMP

PS -- Next time, I swear, I am writing about DOGS!!!

THEY TOOK ME OFF FACEBOOK!!!!

2009-10-04T07:32:00.001-04:00

Can you believe that?

Me either!

What's a dog to do?

Woof!

CHAMP

The Shelter Animals Need YOU!

2009-09-16T23:03:00.003-04:00

As most of you already know, I am the OFFICIAL spokesdog for the Foothills Shelter.....and if you have not been over there lately, you are missing out!

For one thing, my handsome photo is hanging in the doorway and I have to say, Shelley Dayton did an awesome job of capturing my good looks!

Come check it out! And take a look at all of our adoptable animals while you're there!

You know, I hear so often, from folks who genuinely care, that they do not want to take an animal to the "pound", or they are afraid if they take an animal to Foothills that it will be euthanized. I think everyone should understand what is really happening at the Foothills Shelter.

The folks there are working extremely hard to save every single one of the healthy, adoptable animals. This past month, the live release for dogs was close to 90%, with more than 80% for the cats. Do you realize how difficult it is to save all these animals that are brought in? Right now, they are only euthanizing animals that are aggressive to humans, or who are old with multiple health problems, or seriously ill or injured.

It would be a whole lot easier to just send them all to Heaven and not have to worry with where to put them, but that is not what the Shelter is about! The goal is to save ALL healthy, adoptable animals. But the question is -- where do you put them?

There are lots of options, but community support is necessary to utilize them. Animals are adopted directly from the shelter, or taken off-site to places like PetSmart, the Hospice Thrift Barn, and community gatherings for people to see and adopt. Some animals get into rescues from as far away as New York. Sometimes they need a little more time for just the right human to adopt them, and they get that time in foster homes, right here in our community. There is even a boarding program for emergencies when too many animals come in at one time, so we have somewhere to put the ones who haven't been adopted yet.

So...where do we begin and how can you help?

1. Volunteer for our Fantastic Foster program! Take an animal into your home for a few weeks. Help the animal by giving it regular food, love, and in the case of dogs, walks on a leash. This frees up the shelter runs for new admissions and socializes the animal, which makes it that much more adoptable.

2. Take a shelter animal to PetSmart with our On The Road program. Each animal that goes with this group needs a human to watch over it and show it to potential adopters. This only takes a few hours of your time.

3. Offer your time to be a Shelter Volunteer. They need folks to walk dogs, play with kittens, wash blankets and bowls, stuff envelopes occasionally, and more. Do you have a special talent? Tell the Volunteer Coordinator. They are working hard on this program right now!

4. Get your pets spayed or neutered! There is really no excuse not to do it now, with the incredible deals offered by Foothills Shelter. It is affordable for EVERY human in our community to have their pets sterilized.

5. Let them know if you are taking care of feral cats! The Po'Kitties program can help with making sure they are not reproducing endlessly!

6. If you have a pet, socialize that pet! Get dogs used to walking on a leash. Teach them not to jump or be too rambunctious. Help your cat learn to be petted and held. These are little things that make it easier on YOU as a pet owner, and if there ever comes a time when you need to bring the animal to the shelter, it makes them more adoptable. Yes, it takes time -- and patience, and work. Just like any other job you do. The good things don't always come easily. And it is unbelieveably sad to see a half-grown pup struggling desperately on the end of a catch-pole, because a caring human has not taught them how to act properly.

7. If you have to bring an animal to the shelter, know that they understand -- but also, please try to help them if they ask you to keep the animal for another night, or another week, while they work to find a place for that animal. They are overloaded and need all the help they can get. And if there is any way you might be able to keep your pet if you had some help, ask to speak with someone about it. Sometimes there are solutions that can be found to allow you to keep your beloved pet.

8. If you know someone who is bringing in puppies or kittens, please ask them to let the babies stay with their mothers until they are about eight weeks old. These babies learn critical behaviors during their first eight weeks, and need their mother's milk until their own immune systems are up and running. The shelter cannot take care of these tiny ones, many of whom need around-the-clock care, and they must go to foster homes. Some do not survive because they need what humans just cannot supply, and there are only so many foster homes available. It is a hard job hand-raising these babies, and so sad when they don't make it. Once the puppies and kittens are eight weeks old, and socialized to humans, the shelter can adopt them out easily.

9. They are trying to save the lives of some of the healthy cats and kittens who must be removed from a colony in Columbus. If you have a barn or shed, and are willing to share it, and food and water, with a healthy cat or two, call and ask for Dana!

10) And lastly, if you are in the market for a dog, cat, puppy or kitten, please consider adopting from the shelter...you will not be sorry!

The folks at Foothills are doing so many wonderful things to save lives, and YOU can help! There is nothing more exciting as when you know that you have helped an animal get a new home, and a new life.....well, almost nothing.....

Please help us save the lives of the animals in OUR community!

Woof!

CHAMP

Photo by Shelley Dayton

The Dog and Cat Days of Summer...

2009-07-28T21:57:00.003-04:00

Photo by Judith Kerns

Greetings, everyone!

It's that time of year again -- time for the 2009 Po'Kitties All Pet Photo Contest! All entries must be postmarked by August 31, barely a month away. Once again the Big Bash (Awards Ceremony) will be on October 16, National Feral Cat Day, and the magnificent and generous Celia Kudro has offered the use of the former Red Clover Gallery for the festivities. Last year was such a blast! The food was awesome (and set right about my eye level, yum!) I have been barred from attending by my humans due to the proximity of the food to my face. Busted!!
Last year, the photos were incredible. There were lots of people there, and they gave away some pretty neat prizes, too. There were over 200 entries! And right now, if you want to see last year's winners, you can stop by Carolina First Bank in Columbus where they are on display. It'll make you want to grab your camera!
Send a 5 x 7 photo of your pet snake, rat, gerbil, cat, ferret, parrot, pony, dog, turtle, hamster, spider, goat, donkey, canary, pig, or whatever your pet may be, along with an official Entry Form and $5 to P.O. Box 39, Tryon, NC 28782. You can get an official Entry Form on: www.pokitties.com if you click on the contest link.
Then on October 16, bring your family and friends to see YOUR pet's photo on display at the former Red Clover Gallery! Remember, the deadline is August 31!
Black is Beautiful! (And "fluffy white" is out of sight!) There are a large number of black dogs, puppies, cats and kittens of all shapes and sizes -- some big, some little, some fluffy and some sleek -- at the Foothills Shelter right now. So they decided to have a "Black Goes with Everything" promotion. Look for the upcoming ads! The fabulous (and beautiful) Suzanne Strickland over at Stone Soup has donated ten "Lunch" gift certificates for the shelter to give the first ten folks who come and adopt a black animal during this promotion. Woo-hoo -- who says you can't get a free lunch anymore? I have been known to lunch on the terrace at Stone Soup on a nice day, so I can personally attest to the fact that the staff is wonderful and the food is divine.
By adopting a black animal, you are saving a life. For some strange reason, many people overlook the black cats and dogs, and there are some real winners at the shelter now. So come over, adopt a black pet from the large selection, and, if you are one of the first ten to do so, they'll give you a free lunch at Stone Soup! Black is beautiful, but fluffy white is all right!
And now, drum roll please:
Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat or Dog
10. You'll save money on their Halloween costumes.
9. You can always find them in the snow.
8. Holding a black cat is very slimming.
7. Black cats and dogs match any decor.
6. A lint brush isn't required for a black-tie affair.
5. When you love a black cat, luck is on your side.
4. Black cats and dogs are like onyx, a gorgeous,
black gem.
3. Hey, they don't care what color you are!
2. Love knows no color.
1. They are the least likely to be adopted.
Black is beautiful, but fluffy white is dynamite!!
In case you have missed seeing me out and about this summer, I have been snoozing by the nearest air conditioning vents. As soon as the weather cools off a bit I'll be back to meeting and greeting my many friends and fans. So hey to all you animals out there, and stay cool!

Woof!

CHAMP

Do I Look Terrifying?

2009-06-17T22:54:00.001-04:00

Do I look terrifying? Right now, the cats take one look at me and run for their lives! It's awesome!! But....that is the ONLY good thing to come out of my fractured dew claw. We Great Pyrenees have double dew claws on our back feet and I broke one of mine off and it had to be removed...OUCH! My humans have forced me to wear this thing around my neck that keeps me from licking the sore place, and I am not a happy camper. However, it is almost worth it to scare the living daylights out of everyone!

We have a houseful of foster kittens too; but I don't frighten them nearly as much. The shelter has been full-full-full and so some of the kittens are staying at our house and other folks' houses to get bigger and stronger and get used to humans (and dogs). I have got to say, they are awfully cute, and I feel so sorry for them. They have no homes, and there is really nothing that makes me more unhappy than to know that so many animals in our community are homeless.

The shelter staff and volunteers have been working literally around the clock to try to find foster homes, adoptive homes, or rescues where some of the homeless ones can go. As much as we all hate it, there is only so much room at the shelter.

One thing that is helping with the overcrowded situation is our new Boarding Program. The terrific folks at LANDRUM VET have given the shelter a great deal so that some of the overflow animals can be boarded, which gives the shelter more room and the animals more time. It is a huge help to get those animals awaiting rescue transport out of the shelter to make room for the new ones. The LAKE LANIER TEAHOUSE is helping raise money for this great program by hosting “Paws on the Patio” every Thursday night from 5pm until 8pm on their gorgeous terrace overlooking the lake. A portion of the proceeds goes to support the Boarding Program. All of us well-behaved dogs-on-a-leash are welcome to dine with our humans! It is certainly on MY calendar, and you can find me there on any Thursday it's not raining.

If any of you folks reading this would like to be a Fantastic Foster or an Awesome Adopter, please call or come to the shelter. You can see some of the available animals online at www.foothillshumanesociety.org (click on “animals”). We have some fine dogs and a bunch of kittens in every color and attitude! And since June is "Adopt a Cat" month, they might even let you have two for the price of one! I can personally attest to the fact that having two kittens is a whole lot easier on everyone in the house than having just one.....

And if you are going on vacation and have a little extra room in your car (and your heart), maybe you can be one of our Terrific Transporters and help an animal (in a crate of course) get to a new home or rescue. Call the shelter and ask for Dana if you would like to be a member of this prestigious group.

And....FREE HOT DOGS (my favorite!) and Veggie Hot Dogs will be available at this Sunday afternoon's FATHER'S DAY FROLIC at the shelter on Little Mountain Road. We are showcasing Working Dogs so you can see demonstrations of agility and obedience. Polk County's own K-9 Unit will be there, and of course Yours Truly will make an appearance, so it will be a “Do-Not-Miss-The-Fun” afternoon. PLUS there are great door prizes, including ten "Get Your Pet Spayed/Neutered FREE" certificates. A big Woof to that!! Bring Dad! Heck, bring the whole family! See you there!

Woof!

Champ

In All Fairness....

2009-05-09T21:35:00.002-04:00

April has been a whirlwind of a month! I have been busy....more than busy, actually, but I guess that is a good thing.

I enjoyed myself thoroughly at the Upstate Special Olympics this year. There were so many very special athletes in attendance.....so VERY many..... I thought the Ceremonial Opening Parade would never end! These special athletes brought joy, hope, and determination along with them, and their enthusiasm was contagious. One little boy was having a major melt down and I went over to cheer him up. He certainly forgot his troubles, at least momentarily, when a cold wet nose was presented, up close and personal. I mean, that is what a therapy dog is all about, right?

The Special Olympics renews my spirit in so many ways, I feel humbled before these incredible humans (well, as humble as I ever get, I suppose). I have never walked away from these games with anything less than the greatest respect and admiration for the athletes, their teachers, and their families.

I was invited (and was thrilled to attend) the Foothills Humane Society's annual fund-raising event, the Animal Fair on Sunday, May 3, as the "cultural attache" (go look that up in the dictionary!) What an amazing event! It rained cats and dogs (haha) for the first 15-20 minutes or so, but after that the weather was perfect. The food smelled delicious but not ONE solitary person gave me a bite.....not very humane, in my opinion! This year the Animal Fair was held at the Cotton Patch, and I would have loved to have been free to explore this beautiful place.

There were many animals present (although I was the only one walking about doing meet and greet duties). Matthew Lytle's reptile display included many interesting-smelling snakes, including a very large yellow boa that made me just a little bit nervous, although she was beautiful and as tame as I am. I think. And he had a real live dragon too! He and his helpers were kept busy answering everyone's questions, and I learned a lot about snakes.
Wild at Heart is our local wildlife rehabilitation center, and they do a lot of educational outreach and teach respect for wildlife. They had an amazing display there, including a Barred Owl named Locket. I did not see Locket at first, but Locket certainly saw ME. When I finally looked up, there was a very penetrating stare being aimed at me.....hmm. I am fond of chasing birds, much to my humans' dismay, but not when they are looking at me like that!
There were some miniature cows and horses that smelled pretty good from a distance, and at the bottom of the hill they had an exhibit that included a very large rabbit, a turtle (this one was a lot bigger than the ones I see in the woods around here), and some baby goats and baby pigs. When the lady went to feed the babies I guess she wasn't fast enough for their liking, and the baby pigs squealed like they were being attacked! At the first squeal I froze; at the second, I simply had to go make sure they were alright. My human insisted on accompanying me and since she can't run as fast as I can it was like dragging an anchor, but I did get down there and smelled the piglets thoroughly and we all touched noses and wagged tails. Cute little things, and smart, too.

Unfortunately, I was forced to have a bath for this event, and the crew at Landrum Vet (who are personal friends of mine) apologetically washed all the great smells out so I was really clean. They really outdid themselves and I will forgive them. This time. I honestly tried to behave, although they KNOW I don't like any pulling when they comb me out!

This Sunday is Mother's Day! In addition to honoring and remembering Mothers, and wishing every Mother you know a happy day, it is also a good day to plan to spay and neuter your pets!!
Woof!
CHAMP

P.S. Please if you are looking for a dog or cat to adopt, please go to the Foothills Shelter on Little Mountain Rd. and check the dogs and cats out! They always have some wonderful pets there waiting for their very own home! They are open seven days a week, and on Mother's Day from 1pm until 4 pm.

Special OLYMPICS 2009

2009-04-15T20:51:00.002-04:00

The Good, Bad, and Ugly

2009-03-31T11:13:00.003-04:00

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

It has been a busy month for me, and it has most certainly had its share of ups and downs, at least in my world!

First, let me tell you about a little glitch I had....

Earlier in the month I had a really rotten day, because I insisted on counter-surfing. As it turns out, I had to pay heavily for my sins.

For those of you who are not familiar with the term "counter-surfing" , let me share the official Urban Dictionary definition: "counter-surfing: a habit of medium-to-large dogs whereby they stand on their hind legs to see what is on the kitchen counter". Ha ha, and my personal definition includes grabbing and eating whatever I please, which is a wonderful reward, or so I thought. Anyway, on this particular day, there were some very tasty-smelling freezer rolls rising on the top of the stove. It didn't matter one bit to me that they were still in a hard, frozen state -- I ate them anyway.

Now, how was I supposed to know that this was now a Medical Emergency??? Thankfully my humans knew and took immediate action. This occurred at o'dark thirty when none of the clinics were open (of course) so they called my Godmother, who happens to be a terrific vet as well as an understanding friend, and she told them I had to give the rolls back, immediately. Uh-oh, that didn't sound good......and let me tell you, it was not a fun time for any concerned! They took me outside and poured something down my throat, and my stomach felt really, really bad and....well.....1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 rolls....
yup, they got them all back, much to my dismay. I felt crummy ALL DAY.

So, did I learn anything from this misadventure, you ask? Heck, no! I would do it again in a heartbeat! Hopefully my humans have learned their lesson and will never again leave rolls out where I can reach them! Like most dogs, I will eat whatever I please without regard to whether it will cause me illness, or, as in this case, potential death.

I am a very lucky dog because my humans knew that rising dough is extremely dangerous for animals to eat -- it can kill us, and very quickly. I am also lucky that they knew who to call and were able to get the dough balls back, and apparently just in the nick of time. Humans, ask your vet what to have on hand in case your pet gets into this sort of trouble.

But let's forget that little incident, as I am back to my normal, glorious self. I had a really great time at Laurelhurst this month! The residents there were practicing for their St. Patrick's Day Bash and sang a song for me. It was "I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover" and they were not only jolly, they were in tune! Got to love those Irish! Oh yeah...and they gave me my own little bag of doggie treats!! YUM! (No frozen dough balls either!)

I also went to two local schools this month. I was invited to Polk Central School, and let me tell you, these students rock! The students and teachers there raised over $700 for the animals at the shelter, and that is no small change! I was so impressed! They had a pet photo contest complete with the caption, "Whose Pet Am I"? under each photo. The photos were great! Of course, I personally am no one's pet, although I will admit that on most days, my humans are my equals. Maybe one day they will realize this.

I also got to visit at Tryon Elementary along with Jack, my funny Therapy Dog friend. There were a lot of students here and we were the only dogs, so it got just a little crazy! Most animals do best in a calm, quiet atmosphere, but I enjoyed myself anyway. And I do think the students did quite well on their animal test!

I am going to be at the Animal Fair this year! I was hoping I would be strategically placed next to the food, but in light of my recent escapades, my humans asked that I be stationed as far away from the food as possible. (Gee, thanks a lot.) Tickets for the Animal Fair are still available, and the best part is, you will get to hang out with ME. And feed me a treat, if my humans aren't looking.....

I am also going to be a judge at the April Fools Doggie Costume Contest on Saturday, April 4th. Judging will be at 11:00 am at St Luke's Thrift Store in Tryon. Don't laugh -- I take my jobs very seriously! Please come out with your best costume on! My friend Lennie Rizzo and Ziggy, my wonderful, crazy Therapy Dog buddy (whose photo won an award in the Po'Kitties All Pet Photo Contest last October), will share judging duties with me. It should be a fun time. And the BEST part of being a judge is -- I don't have to wear a stupid costume!

Woof!

CHAMP

Kelley Kitten - This One's for YOU!

2009-03-04T10:18:00.002-05:00

I was thrilled last week to receive an email from one "Kelley Kitten". Granted, I was a little disturbed about what Kelley was saying, but nonetheless, I was still very glad that she wrote me. I am going to share her email here:

"Dear Champ the Therapy dog,

My name is Kelley. I am a three year old gray and brown tabby cat. I live on a horse farm in Campobello. When my owners are away at work, I read the Tryon Daily Bulletin. I like your column the best. Your last column was about caring. Being a cat, sometimes that is hard, but I try.

I am worried about a problem and I hope you can help me. I live on the farm with three other cats. We are all strays which were adopted. We all try to get along, but since we are all girl cats, we do have our disagreements. The problem is someone keeps dumping more stray cats at our farm. Sometimes there is a new cat every week. They are all big tom cats, and they are scary. I am small for my age. I asked my owners why I am so small, and they said it is in my genes. I’m still confused, because I don’t wear pants.

Anyway, they are mean and one chased me up a tree last week. Luckily, my owner was home to rescue me, but I’m still scared when I go outside.
I’m just a little cat with a little voice, but you are a big dog with a big voice. Maybe in your next column, you can ask people to stop dumping cats on other people’s farms. Maybe you can ask Uncle Leo to do the same thing in his next Humane Society update column. If things don’t improve, Ill have to get my own Great Pyrenees dog to protect me. I can’t wait to read your next column.

Thanks for listening.

Kelley Kitten"

Of course I responded immediately to Kelley privately and so did Uncle Lennie, but there are so many cats that have either been abandoned or have been born because the abandoned ones were not spayed or neutered, it's hard to say whether they were dumped out, or whether they just traveled from somewhere else to find Kelley's food source.

So, what can be done?

1) First off, I suggested that Kelley get a Great Pyrenees dog like me! I think that is a terrific idea! (C'mon, what did you think I would say?)

2) PLEASE get your dogs and cats (yes, I am talking about ALL animals) spayed or neutered! Call Foothills Shelter at 863-4444 and do your part to stop this cycle! If money is an issue, just call and they'll be happy to discuss your options. And seriously, run - don't walk - to get your cats spayed or neutered. One unsterilized cat can lead to....well, a real CAT-astrophe! Thankfully, Kelley's humans have done their part and made sure that Kelley and her cohorts are sterilized and can no longer add to the cat overpopulation problem. But every other cat owner needs to do the same!

3) Some people mistakenly believe that if they dump an animal out in a rural area, there are enough farms and barns that these animals will find food and shelter somewhere. WRONG! Dumping or abandoning an animal that is a pet and domesticated is unspeakably cruel. It is far better and much more humane to take the animal to the shelter where it will be cared for. If you can no longer keep your pets, at least give them a real chance to find a home through the shelter!

4) If they are feral cats and too wild to tame, call Foothills Shelter and get information about the Po'Kitties program, so these cats can be sterilized. Do your part to stop the cycle of unwanted cats! Sterilization puts an end to nearly all of the "unwanted behaviors" exhibited by these cats (i.e., fighting, spraying, etc.) and the sterilized cats rarely cause trouble for anyone.

5) Lastly, kittens are as cute as they come, but why subject even more of them to a life that is not the best? Don't they deserve the chance for a good life? If you want a kitten, go to Foothills Shelter and adopt one!

Kelley Kitten and her humans are the victims of irresponsible pet owners who either do not spay or neuter their animals or who dump and abandon their animals. The only solution is for pet owners in the community to take responsibility! In these hard times, we all have to stick together. Kindness and responsibility can go a long, long way to making our community stronger, healthier, and happier. Not to mention making Kelley Kitten's yard safer and more pleasant! So please be a good neighbor! (You can sing the refrain with me now: Neuter and spay, don't delay!) And please,don't be cruel -- take unwanted animals to Foothills.

Woof! (Meow!)

Champ

2009: "Learning to Care"

2009-02-13T21:50:00.001-05:00

I know you all have been eagerly awaiting my "word of the year" for 2009; however, I noticed that not even ONE of my readers sent in a suggestion! Give a big old fluffy fellow a break, will you? I know it took awhile, but I thought of so many important and meaningful words that it took a while to choose, and I had to go with a slogan. Are you ready? Drum roll, please......my slogan of the year for 2009 is "learning to care".

I actually got (stole) this slogan from a couple of my friends that do the Foothills Humane education program, Ruth Kellick-Grubbs and Kathy Toomey. They were giving out pencils with "learning to care" printed on them to the students they visited in the schools. They are bright orange pencils and they are a nice little gift. And I think life is a lifelong process of "learning to care".

"Who cares", you ask? I do, for one! I think it is a worthy virtue to teach the children at our schools....not only to learn to care for the animals and those less fortunate than ourselves, but also about other people. There are some folks who become hardened by life and who lose their ability to care or be kind, but if you look around, you will see a whole lot of folks doing kind deeds every day. They have certainly "learned to care" and have not let life's issues cloud what is important.

If we all take "learn to care" as our slogan for 2009, our community will be enriched immeasurably. I myself plan to "learn to care" for the feral cats in the Po'Kitties trap-neuter-return program. It is a great program -- my cat-mates all tell me it is the cat's meow -- and well worth supporting. Let's all commit to learning to care about our community, and each other.

There are many ways you can help out your fellow beings in one way or another, and there are so many great organizations in our beautiful community to volunteer for! Of course I am more than a little biased towards Foothills Humane Society (where, as you may remember, I am privileged to be the Spokesdog) but any of the organizations around would be grateful for your assistance. And if you want to be a volunteer for Foothills Humane Society, just call 863-4444 and ask for Paula.

By the way, I visited over at Tryon Estates over the Christmas holiday. I enjoyed seeing everyone and I did, of course, don my Santa hat for the occasion. (Under only mild protest, as I was trying to be good!) I have also been to the Polk Central after-school program and plan on going to more schools over the next few months. So, students, see you soon!

Woof!

Champ

PS...It is starting to be that time of year when the shelter will gets lots of puppies and kittens in...so PLEASE consider having your dog or cat spayed or neutered...the price is right if you call the shelter @ 863-4444. It will help us save lives!

2008: Good Riddance!

2008-12-18T21:55:00.000-05:00

Santa has come and gone.....I hope he was very good to each and everyone of you! I was expecting coal and/or ashes and switches, but instead I got a new Santa hat. BLECH! Gee thanks Santa.

I am not sure which is worse, probably the switches and my new hat does come in handy when I am visiting folks around Christmas time! Santa did not even bring me "spell checker" software which Mr Millwood at the Tryon Daily Bulletin strongly suggested I should have. Really Joey, oops, I mean Senator Millwood, the big paws just don't get it on the computer keyboard!

This year has been a year of ups and downs for many folks.....and as we all know "things" always flow downstream. This has affected the animals of the world as well. There are many more people and animals without a place to call their own.

I am blessed enough to have a home and a job, or two, maybe three, if you count my guard dog abilities. How lucky can one dog be?

Looking back over this past year, I have visited many different places. and this is my very favorite thing to do. I have met many new folks and enjoyed seeing my old friends as well. The Special Olympics probably had to be the highlight of my year as a therapy dog, but the FENCE Day Camp and local schools and assisted living places were all very special as well...and let's not forget the Farmer's Market with those wonderful doggie biscuits!

I have continued my old habits of stealing food, or paper towels, or whatever happens to be on the kitchen counter and chewing them into shreds.....and I have no plans whatsoever for any New Year's Resolutions concerning these forays.... Now that Santa is back at the North Pole until next year, why bother? You would think I would have outgrown this by now as I am no longer a pup, but it gets me the attention which I adore.

I have also been blogging this year.....although I will never make it as a twitter, mainly because I am too busy doing all my jobs to stop and twit. I am not talking about the TWIT that is "This Week In Tryon" here but I always look forward to reading their e-letter ( How's that for a plug, Doug?) I have often written about those less fortunate than I, especially the animals, because most of them truly have no voice....well, they do have voices, but sometimes no one listens! And I have tried to pass along information about "humane education", my word of the year, because I think this is a very important concept for all the beings on this planet.

I have been trying to decide on my "word for the year" for 2009, and I am open to suggestions. Please email me @ champtherapydog@gmail.com
with the word you think I should use and why you think I should use it. I don't know if there will be a prize for the winner, but there might be.

Happy New Year! I hope you have the best year yet!

As Oprah Winfrey says, "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right!"

Woof

CHAMP

P.S. If any of you GOOD dogs out there would like to follow in my pawprints and try your hand at becoming a therapy dog, Petpals is going to be having a training session coming up after the first of the year. For more info on this, please call my "trainer" Katie Malone at 864-415-5804.

Any Soldier, Any Dog 2008

2008-11-17T11:16:00.000-05:00

Any Soldier, Any Dog, 2008

Christmas is just around the corner, and it always brings to mind those serving in the military to secure our freedom, far from home over the holidays.

So once again I would like to suggest that if you would like to send Christmas cards, supplies, or gifts to Our Troops overseas, now is a good time to get started.

Over the last few years, I have personally sent dog toys, dog supplies, and dog treats to our Military K9s. This year there are a number of requests from K9 units and kennel masters for dog toys, leashes for large dogs with retractable leads, harnesses and the like. One unit in Afghanistan is requesting canned dog food, and they all want treats that can be carried on missions.

I am currently packing a box for Military Working Dog Handler Brian Meinert in Iraq. His email follows:

"We are the Military Working Dog Section and we each have a dog and they work hard but toys for them are not offered here, they really like kongs, balls, chew toys and other normal everyday house dog items. Our living conditions are not that bad but some things we do need are baby wipes, tissues, personnel hygiene products and other things of that nature, drink mixes, energy drinks. Our entertainment consists of a small variety of DVD's and a TV so if you have some used DVD's you would like to donate to this section where they would stay that would be great. Snacks of all kinds for us and the dogs so when we do go out we have something for the teams. anything will be greatly appreciated by all of us. Thank you for reading this and contributing to all of here in the K-9 section."

I cannot imagine the conditions in which these dogs, and their handlers and the other troops, are living, but I can guarantee that none of them has a bed as soft, warm, and safe as mine (or the one I think is mine!). And my bed is safe because these men, women, and dogs chose to serve our country by leaving their families and putting themselves in harm's way. It is the least I can do to send them things that will make their lives just a little bit better. And I do hope they enjoy the photo of ME in a red, white and blue bandana that I am including in the package!

I sent a package to a canine handler a couple of years ago in Iraq and I got the nicest reply and thank you...it was even addressed to Champ on the envelope!

If you would like to send a letter, card, or package to a member of our military, go to the website and read the emails from our troops. The link is at www.anysoldier.com - because freedom isn't free, just ask any soldier!

And when you are writing your Christmas cards this year, please consider sending one to: "A Recovering Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue,NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001 .

Maybe for Christmas this year, we can all ask for PEACE......and hope that soon these brave men, women, and dogs will be able to come home.

Until then, here's to all the working K9s AND their handlers, and to all who continue to sacrifice so much for our freedom. Happy Thanksgiving!

Woof!

CHAMP

2008-10-27T08:49:00.000-04:00

Stop Barking and Go Vote!

Because I am neither of the appropriate age or species to vote, I can say what I think about this hullabaloo. After all, I am neither an elephant or a donkey. I am a DOG, but even I know when enough is enough, and I am about at my wit's end with politics this year! I have heard, seen, and read, (OK,maybe not the latter) about some really disturbing assaults, flat-out lies, thefts, and other acts of ugliness and violence over this election. This is ridiculous and I am beyond ready for it to be over!

Both parties have made choices, spoken words, and taken actions that have been terribly divisive. Just because someone does not agree with your way of thinking does not make them bad, or stupid, or unpatriotic. It just means that they have a different opinion!

If you remember, my words for the year were "humane education", which is a process that encourages an understanding of the need for compassion and respect for people, animals, and the environment, and recognizes the interdependence of ALL living things". (Quote from World Animal Net) That means that every being has a right to be respected for who they are.

Why are folks stealing political signs......or painting them black? Why is there so much name-calling? Why is almost every ad on TV negative, and why is everyone slinging mud and assassinating the character of the other candidates? In my not-so-humble opinion, your species has sunk to an all-time low.

Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and beliefs -- that is a sacred right in this country for which men, women, and dogs have all sacrified their lives during times of war. What I don't understand is why some folks have no respect for any opinion but their own.

Surely you people have better things to do with your time than to steal or vandalize political signs, or to say hurtful or ugly things to your neighbors. Why not put your anger and frustration to work doing something positive? Why not volunteer to help your neighbors, or the animals, or the planet? You can volunteer to help the political party of your choice! Or volunteer to drive a neighbor to the polls -- no matter who they vote for!

At the end of the day, you are the one who will win -- as will the others who choose this path. If we're not here to help each other, well, why are we here?

Woof!

CHAMP

P.S. The Foothills Shelter on Little Mountain Rd. is having their Open House, this Saturday, November 1st from 11am until 2 pm. There will be free food, drinks, CAKE (YUM!), live music, pony rides, and photos with Santa! Dana Bergman will provide excellent music so please come out and enjoy this event...I hope to see you there!

The Any and All Dog Show

2008-10-05T20:50:00.000-04:00

Come One, Come All!

Well, where else? The Any and All Dog Show is coming up on Sunday, October 12 at Harmon Field! This fun event is hosted by the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club for the benefit of the Foothills Humane Society. It has become an annual tradition for many folks in these parts and is a great excuse to get outside with your family and other animals!

I really hope you dogs will nudge your owners off the couch and out from in front of the TV for this one. Maybe you have what it takes to be the biggest dog....or the smallest dog....or maybe you look like your owner? Do you like to get dressed up? (I don't - last year I lifted my leg on my costume, much to my humans' chagrin.) Do you have the most unusual tail? I did one year! Or do you have the best trick of all the dogs in Tryon? Ha, I wish.....but then, I never did like to obey! And now there is a new class for "family dogs", dogs who may not be related but who live in the same household. Relatives by proxy, as it were. And don't forget, you can show off your very own human if you were adopted from the Foothills Shelter -- there is a special class just for you! This show is not only fun for the dogs and their owners, it is wildly entertaining for the spectators as well. And it is pretty cheap to enter....a buck per class or 5 bucks for all the classes you want to enter....

Father Doty will be doing a blessing of the animals at 1:30 pm and I sure could use blessing again this year......maybe this will get me through another year of being a "good" dog. Or maybe not.

They decided to have a Tailgate Contest this year.....get it, TAIL gate.....but I have considered going on strike about this. I think the dogs should judge who has the best tailgate spread. We could sample one of everything at each tailgate to decide the winner or, better yet, have the tailgate part be judged on who fixes the best dog food, and I don't mean just ordinary dog food either (blech) but something like peanut butter dog biscuits, or doggie deviled eggs, or peanut butter pupsicles.....I guess you get the picture!

The show starts at 2:00 pm but you have to register ahead of time, so plan to arrive between 1:00 and 1:30. I look forward to seeing all of you there -- with any luck, the only outfit I will be wearing this year is my Therapy Dog Vest!

P.S. -- a HUGE thank you to all who sent in the absolutely fabulous photos of their pets for the Po'Kitties All Pet Photo Contest. I have been truly amazed at the quality and beauty of these pictures! And
don't forget the Awards Ceremony on October 16 at the Red Clover Gallery in Landrum at 6:30pm. My dear friend and admirer, the magnificent Randy Grobe, will be hosting the gala affair, which means it will be a hoot! The photos will be on display at the Gallery from Wednesday, October 15 through Saturday, October 18 during Gallery hours. Stop by and take a look at these terrific photos! I think you will be impressed.

The other upcoming event is the Open House at Foothills Humane Society Shelter on Saturday, November 1. My good friend Dana Bergman will provide the music, and there will be food, drinks, and CAKE (my favorite)! There will also be pony rides for the children, and Santa will be available to pose in his sleigh for pictures with you and your pets. Between Santa's butt and my butt, it was a pretty tight fit last year! The Viewers' Choice Award for Best Photo will be announced (from the Po'Kitties All Pet Photo Contest) and if you're really lucky, you might even get to see ME!!

Woof!

CHAMP

Champ: Simply the BEST!

2008-09-20T17:17:00.004-04:00

This is supposed to have the audio from Tina Turner's "Simply the Best", but as you can tell, youtube and I are not having a good day! So hum along when you watch my slideshow!

It helps!

CHAMP

Photo credits to Emily Bartlett and Emmy Summers.

Check it out!

2008-08-18T06:36:00.000-04:00

Here is the link to the Po'Kitties All Pet Photo Contest!

Photo Contest Link

All monies from this will go to help our feral TNR program with spay-neuter costs!

My New Award from Addie!

2008-08-13T22:28:00.003-04:00

Check out this cute girl's site! Raising Addie

My Official Vest!

2008-08-03T21:04:00.000-04:00

These last few weeks have been pretty hot -- no -- too darn hot! Like most of you, I have been working in spite of the heat. I have been to FENCE Day Camp three times with the Foothills Humane Society. This photo was taken at the camp with the children, and I would like you to notice my new and, I think, extremely handsome Official Therapy Dog Vest.

As most of you know, I have routinely been dressed up in all kinds of garbage......er, I mean garb, for the various seasons......the hats, the sunglasses, the light-up antlers, the ties, the bandanas, the abominable black feather boa (and you remember what I did to that), and, of course, the ridiculous orange fright wig I wore for Halloween. I do try to be a good sport about it, but sometimes I have been downright embarrassed by some of my outfits. The children and the folks at the assisted living homes seem to enjoy the "Champ-Wear" though, so I do my best to keep from looking as disgusted as I feel. If the truth were known, however....

Now, for the first time, I finally have something that I am proud to wear. It is a (very) bright red vest with an emblem that says: "I Am a Therapy Dog" and underneath that it says, "Sharing Smiles and Joy". I believe it is obvious by the expression on my face that my relief at having an official uniform (as opposed to an "outfit") is great. I do try to bring joy and smiles to all the folks I visit, but would prefer to do so in a vest rather than a rhinestone tiara, thank you very much.

I wore my new vest to FENCE Day Camp and I am happy to report that everyone there made quite a fuss over it, and me. It was highly satisfying and hopefully my humans are taking note of this. The children at the FENCE Day Camp were a lot of fun and they were also very well behaved (which matters a great deal to me) during all three visits!

I went to check out the Columbus Farmers' Market this past Saturday, and it is a really neat "down home" market. They have lots of local produce, some is even organic. They have everything from okra and blueberries to tomatoes and honey and plants and potatoes and cucumbers, and even some beautiful embroidered towels and crocheted hot pads. And there is a man who sells fresh bread and delicious goat cheese made from goats who are guarded by..........YEP.....a Great Pyrenees livestock guardian dog! (Simply the best!) They have fresh baked doggie cookies there (and the lovely lady gave me one so I can attest to the fact that they are absolutely delicious). They also have some human baked goods that I could only drool over. I think I could really get into those sticky buns....and I believe the nice lady who sells them might be charmed into giving me one if my humans weren't around!

I thoroughly enjoyed making the rounds of delicious smells, meeting people and greeting old friends. I met two very well behaved boys whom I really liked and tried to follow around, and I met a very, very small, very, very yappy thing that I am told was actually a dog....hmm....and lots of other folks who all admired me and said what a great dog I was. I believe I need to become a regular.

Stay cool. Woof.

CHAMP

P.S. Please start taking some great photos of your pets....(any and all pets, yep, even the horsey ones!) for the Po'Kitties All Pet Photo Contest. Details at www.pokitties.com , click on the link to the contest!

NO Excuse!

2008-06-23T14:10:00.005-04:00

"Spay and neuter, spay and neuter" yada, yada, yada.......

Are you bored yet? Everyone knows, or should by now, that spaying and neutering cats and dogs is the only answer to the pet overpopulation problem, the problem that causes shelters all over the country to have to euthanize healthy, adoptable pets because there are not enough homes for them.
I guess what I don't understand is WHY people still don't spay and neuter their pets! What part of spay and neuter don't they understand??? There is just no excuse for it!

"It costs too much money."
WRONG. Foothills Humane Society has the Humane Alliance Program which costs $8.00 to spay or neuter a dog or cat. That’s what lunch costs these days. And if you truly cannot afford that, the Shelter will still help spay or neuter your pet! Call them at 828-863-4444.

"I want my dog/cat to have the experience of having a litter."
WRONG. I've never had a litter and trust me, I don't miss it. And for you big, macho guys, guess what? I don’t miss running in front of cars or going without eating because I am so obsessed with the scent of a female in heat! And by the way, I’m still as macho as they come!

"I'm afraid Fluffy will die going under the knife."
WRONG. Fluffy is a whole lot more likely to die having a litter than when she is having surgery, as long as she is healthy.

"I work all day and don't have time to take my dog/cat to the clinic."
WRONG. Bet you make time to go to the store, or eat lunch and dinner, don't you? You can drop your pet off at the Shelter on Humane Alliance day as early as 6:30 am and if you make arrangements ahead of time with the Shelter, the staff and volunteers will work with you about the timing of picking up your pet. You can also get a coupon from the shelter to help with the cost of spaying or neutering and you can then use the vet of your choice.

"I want to breed my terrific hunting dog."
WRONG. Just because the parent dog is a good hunting dog does not mean the puppies will be any good. You have a better chance of finding the right dog for you by carefully choosing one at the Shelter. And trust me when I say that a lot of good hunting dogs wind up in the Shelter.

"I love Pumpkin and want her to have just one litter....."
WRONG. There are too many dogs and cats already! Sure, you say, you can always find homes for these animals – only sometimes you can’t, and when you do, you are taking one more home away from the homeless ones. And that means that one more pet will be euthanized!

"I want my kids to see the miracle of birth."
WRONG. You're definitely sending the wrong message on this one. I'm not much of a TV watcher but I know you can rent a DVD or watch the miracle of birth online and not contribute to this terrible overpopulation problem!

It's a guy thing."
WRONG! Oh, for goodness’ sake.......c'mon guys! Y’all are smarter than that! Be a part of the solution instead of being the problem! It has nothing to do with you and how macho you are. Even a big dog like me knows that!

"I just want to let Nature take its course."
WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! Isn't there enough suffering and death already without adding to it? This is a simple, inexpensive solution to a lot of different problems!

Between 5 and 10 million pets are euthanized -- that is, put to death -- every single year in this country. (Yep, I said between 5 and 10 MILLION.) Imagine the pain of the people who have to euthanize these precious animals....and the tax dollars that have to pay for it! That is almost incomprehensible to me. Closer to home, two weeks ago in the span of only one hour, 17 cats and kittens were brought to the Shelter. One hour! The Shelter only has room for about 45 cats at a time, so you do the math......and you'll know that this is definitely not a good thing.
Humans bring litter after litter of puppies and kittens to the Shelter. They are asked if they want help spaying and neutering the parents, but they often have some lame excuse as to why they aren't going to do it! Well, they might not mind that many of the puppies and kittens brought in have to be euthanized, but let me tell you, the Shelter staff minds! They desperately want to adopt out all of the animals but there are just not enough homes!
And yes, it is always better to take them to the Shelter than to dump them on the side of the road. At least they will be put to death humanely. When they are dumped somewhere, they can get run over, or suffer and die a slow death of starvation and disease. Some are picked up by good people and brought to the Shelter, but then the staff and volunteers don't know the dog or cat's history and that makes it harder for them. Often they don't get to the Shelter until they have been injured or have gone without food for awhile, or have gotten sick, which makes it harder to adopt them out.
I really hope someone out there has some grand idea for getting the word out about spaying and neutering to the folks that need to hear it. If you do, please write to me c/o my blog at the Tryon Daily Bulletin or email me at champtherapydog@gmail.com. Two heads, or in this case, maybe a few hundred heads, are better than one!

On a much happier note, I was at Polk Central for the after school program and several of the students formed a pyramid with me in the middle, as you can see in the photo! (Get it? Pyr-amid?) It was a fun time and it amazed me how quickly they managed to do this maneuver!

And have I mentioned that the Humane Society is having an auction? As the Official Spokesdog, I would like to say that if anyone has one or more items they would like to donate, please contact Steve King at 859-7054, and he will happily arrange for the items to be picked up.

Woof!

CHAMP
P.S. June is "Adopt a Shelter Cat" month! Please help us save their lives and adopt one today!

Everyone in the picture is approved to have their photos published. The students are, starting at the top and coming down the right hand side of Champ:

Calab Byers
Regina Dotts
Amber Miller
Martin Ewing-Macchietto
Larry Dyer
Chyanne Davis

Ears to Hear? Eyes to See?

2008-05-13T14:01:00.010-04:00

First off, I would like to say that I, er, borrowed this title from Jeff Byrd's editorial, "Ears to Hear" in the Tryon Daily Bulletin (oops, that would be "Mr" Jeff Byrd to me!). I think his excellent commentary spoke to all of us. If not, it should have.

I am a very lucky dog. I have "ears to hear" and "eyes to see". And we do need to hear and see things that outrage us, or we will never see change occur. These past two weeks I have seen or heard of several incidents that disturbed me greatly. I find it difficult to comprehend how some folks have no respect for any living thing, be it two-legged or four-legged.

A small kitten was hit by a car. The lady (and I use that term advisedly) who was driving, got out, saw the kitten was injured, shrugged her shoulders, got back into the car and drove away. Fortunately for the kitten, there was a kind-hearted Good Samaritan behind her, who got the kitten the care it needed (and who also got a good description of the woman, the car, and the license plate. She will be remembered.)

Another incident that I personally witnessed involved a big old turkey crossing Collinsville Road, not exactly a superhighway. It was in a clear stretch, easy to see and avoid. But the "lady" (ugh) driving never braked or swerved, she just obliterated that turkey. All she did after hitting the big bird was look in her rear view mirror and I'm not sure why. I am hoping it left a turkey-sized dent in her nice looking car. I won't go into detail about the other incidents, which include a cat being thrown from a moving car, but trust me, they are equally dreadful.

I realize that these incidents may seem petty to some, but the truth is, they are not. This complete disregard for life, be it four-legged, two-legged, or winged, is indicative of a sick society. Senseless, mindless, gratuitous violence against any living being is horrific. What are we teaching our children? How do these people look in the mirror? Would you want one of these people as a neighbor? As a friend? Is this the kind of folks we want in our community? On a personal level, I find them scary.....even though I am big !

Mr. Byrd was referring to the divisiveness that comes when people of one race distrust or fear people of a different race, and, to the understanding and respecting of the viewpoint of another. I firmly believe that respect for each other is a moral imperative to each of us. I may be "only a dog" but I know, and try to live by, the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This sentiment crosses all boundaries, be they racial, religious, national, or interspecies, and speaks to the universal society of which we are all a part. The humans in our community need to show respect for each other and the rest of us living beings, human or animal --
So once again, I am reminded of the two words that I chose to be my "words for the year". "Humane education". We really need to learn to be humane to everyone and everything!

I think NOW would be a good time for us to start!

Woof!

CHAMP

HIP-HIP HOORAY!

2008-05-07T10:42:00.003-04:00

103 cats have now been spayed or neutered as of May 8!

Thanks to all the caretakers, volunteers, Po'Kitties' committee members and the Foothills Huamen Society!

THANK YOU!

We have kittens from a colony that will be up for adoption through the Foothills Shelter...Two are already there...they are DROP DEAD gorgeous...their names are Thor and Tara...check them out here.....www.foothillshumanesociety.org

Also..the Po Kittens in the photos above are in foster and will be available shortly! Please hurry as I am about over these cute little Po'kittens!

Woof!

CHAMP

As Special As it Gets!

2008-04-14T08:25:00.002-04:00

Champ being kissed yet again!

Last week it was my privilege to attend the Greenville Regional Special Olympics, which were held at Furman University. This was my third year, and it was the best yet. The weather was PYR-fect -- not at all a "dog" day -- and my own nephew and niece were there, and they both won medals!

I love the Special Olympics, I love the athletes, I love the volunteers -- I guess you could say that I love the whole thing! Oops. -- except for the balloons --I forgot --I HATE balloons, especially when they pop -- and there were lots of balloons!

I got there just in time to see all 1400 of the special athletes parade around the stadium. I got to see their bright, happy faces and to hear everyone cheering. The most moving part was the singing of the national anthem by a special athlete from one of the elementary schools. He sang slowly and beautifully. It didn't matter to anyone that he could not pronounce "R" or "L", it just made it all the more special. (Think "wocket's wed gwawe" instead of "rocket's red glare!") This boy should be on Good Morning America, he was that good, and that awe-inspiring.

After the ceremony, I was stationed just outside the stadium as the athletes were leaving to go toward the venues for the actual games. Many of them remembered my name and ran to greet me. They were excited to see me, and I was very happy to see them! The ones who didn't know me came over to meet me. Some of the athletes were frightened of me, but once they looked in my eyes and touched my soft fur, they knew they were safe and their sweet faces lit up like the sun. Some of them hugged me and some of them even kissed me (which isn't my favorite thing, but with these folks I didn't mind at all). Some of them wanted to have their pictures taken with me and they wanted it taken with THEIR cameras. And some of them just wanted to show me their medals! I always try to pay special attention to everyone, even if it is just for a moment. Seeing all the smiles was just the best.

The athletes each had at least one volunteer who stayed with them throughout the Special Olympics. The volunteers did a great job, and they all seemed to be having a great time! Actually, everyone involved in the Special Olympics, whether as an athlete, a parent, a coach, a teacher, or a volunteer, has a terrific and positive attitude. Everyone was, and is, a true winner in many ways.

Polk County used to have a Special Olympics, and I was invited to the last one and enjoyed myself thoroughly. My question is, why don't we have a Special Olympics here anymore? There are so many folks in the community who would be happy to volunteer, (I'm just a dog.....don't get mad!) and most of the students I have met would volunteer to help, I'm certain. We have some truly awesome special athletes, and I myself would volunteer to be the Very Special Spokesdog. Is there someone out there who will step up to the plate to champion this very special cause?

If you ever get the chance to go to the Special Olympics, by all means, GO! It is a time of pure joy, and, if nothing else, it will make you stop and wonder how we could ever think we have something to complain about.

Woof!

Champ

LOST and FOUND?

2008-02-29T07:56:00.002-05:00

I got an enormous chuckle out of one of the latest threads on the Great Pyrenees List Group....it was entitled, "How to Catch a Loose Pyrenees".

Since we all need a good laugh now and then, here are some of the ideas these silly humans have for catching a loose great pyrenees dog like me, or any dog for that matter!

1) PLAY DEAD OR INJURED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
Haha! OK, since I am protective of you this might work a time or two, but after that, do you really think I would fall for this trick a third time?

2) ACT LIKE YOU DO NOT CARE IF YOU CATCH THE DOG
Well, if that is supposed to make me care......I don't see how, because I have Places To Go and People To See.

3) GET IN THE CAR AND PRETEND YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE THE DOG FOR A RIDE
Again, you might fool me once or twice, but then you're toast!

4) GET A DIFFERENT PERSON TO GRAB THEM
It would have to be someone I really love, and that someone would have to be armed with a LOT of my favorite treats!

Does all this sound ridiculous or what?
The bottom line is that the absolute best way to catch a dog is to keep that dog from getting loose to start with! Of course there are some dogs who are more obedient and will come when they are called, or never even wander off to start with. (Or so I understand.....)

It really does not take much to keep a dog contained, and it is so much safer for all concerned. Having been hit by a car, I can vouch for the importance of safety! Keeping a dog either on a leash or in a fenced yard can prevent the dog from getting lost (and maybe never coming home), getting injured, or worse, getting killed!
There are a lot of lost dogs coming into the Foothills Shelter right now.They often have no ID tags on their collars, or no collars at all, and they are not microchipped. It is so easy to put a tag on a collar with his or her human's phone number on it! You can buy these at Little
Mountain or the hardware store, or at the vet clinics. They are cheap (a few bucks, tops) compared to the cost and anguish of losing a dog!
Many of these dogs never make it back to their owners because they cannot tell anyone who their humans are, and I find this very sad. You can also get your human to have a microchip inserted in the dog or even a tattoo. Both of these have national registries to help with getting lost pets back home. I personally am holding out for a "No Fear" tattoo but it probably won't happen in this lifetime.

And PLEASE, if you humans lose a dog or cat, call Foothills Shelter at 863-4444 right away and let them know, so they can be on the lookout for your lost pet! They will make out an index card with your pet's description on it and add the information to a master sheet that they look over each time a new animal comes to the shelter.

Please, please........make sure your furry family members have a way to get back home!
By the way, note the picture of me this week: I hate the stupid bunny hat. Can you tell?

Woof!
CHAMP

Humane Education.......My Words for the Year

2008-01-16T08:17:00.000-05:00

Champ at rescue

Photo Above Courtesy of Mississippi Great Pyrenees Rescue

Champ NOW!

Each year, my New Year's tradition is to pick a word to concentrate on over the coming year. Last year, my word was kindness.

Was I always kind? Ha....probably not! But I really tried to keep it in my mind as I went about my daily life of being a dog, and as I went about my job as a therapy dog. And sometimes just having a word in the back of your mind to ponder when everything else is going to the dogs can keep one on track.

This year I just could not narrow it down to one word and hence, my word of the year is "humane education". To quote World Animal Net, "humane education is a process that encourages an understanding of the need for compassion and respect for people, animals, and the environment and recognizes the interdependence of ALL living things". I think that focusing on this is somewhat of a lofty goal (I try!) and perhaps I can gain a bit of insight this year as well as to spread the word. I had not realized that humane education was so encompassing that it even included the environment (which, by the way in case you have not noticed, is taking a serious beating)!

So if you are so inclined, pick yourself a word for the year! And please write and let me know which one you choose! (Of course, you are most welcome to share mine.....)

I thought you might get a kick out of seeing my "before" picture when I was at rescue. I look a little rough, hmmm? I think it is pretty amazing how I look now, compared to how I looked when the rescue picked me up. Humility has never been my strong suit, but even though I was a skinny, rough looking boy with broken teeth, heartworms, and no home, I have come a long way and, if I may say so, I think I look terrific now!

My original owner paid good money for me and then just left me outside to do as I pleased....and of course, we "pyrs" being roamers, I went further away every day, until I was rarely, if ever, at home. It wasn't that my owner didn't care...he just couldn't be bothered to see that I had adequate care and food, or that I was brushed and free of ticks, fleas, and burrs, or even that I was confined for my own safety. Once I was used to wandering I started hanging out by the highway, and I was going to end up maimed or dead. The rescue lady persuaded him to let me live by relinquishing me to the rescue.

There are many animals like me, both cats and dogs, who just need a little care. It is so rewarding -- not only for the lucky animals, but for the caretakers and owners -- to see the changes that occur when we have what we need. Please note that I did not say that we always get what we want! But often these turn out to be the same in the long run.

And speaking of humane, the first Humane Alliance Clinic of the year will be held on February 18th, so if you need to be spayed or neutered (for the bargain price of only $8.00) please have your human call the shelter at 863-4444 to sign up.

So remember the words "humane education" -- not the sexiest words I've ever heard, but some of the most important, to be sure. As John Muir once said, "When we try to pick anything out by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe."

Woof!

Champ

You Make My Day Award!

2008-01-14T14:49:00.001-05:00

Check out this gorgeous Newfie's blog!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

2007-12-17T08:39:00.000-05:00

Santa Claus is coming to town and I am personally getting VERY excited! Worse than a child, some say.

Of course, there is always the chance that one can get a lump of coal if one has not been good over the past year, or worse, ashes and switches. It seems that I have been threatened with this at one time or another.

But I am a GOOD dog, and just like good children, I hope Santa will leave me something nice under the tree this year. Think FOOD, Santa! What would I do with a lump of coal? And for darn sure, I have no need for ashes or switches!

I have given it my best shot this month, knowing that Santa was checking his list. I have worked really hard and, thanks to my humans, I have even worn antlers that light up, a Santa hat (No, Santa, I was not mocking you!), a red garland, and other appalling articles of clothing. I even submitted, rather graciously I do believe, to having my picture taken while wearing the hat. Santa, are you listening?

I have really gotten into the holiday spirit and have been visiting several places around the county. At Tryon Estates, Miss Caroline tried to make off with my light-up antlers (run, Miss Caroline, run!); at Polk Middle School, three young ladies actually climbed on top of their desks because they were so afraid of me.....ME......you know who you are..... but now you can say you have petted me, and found me to be a real softie! I also got to visit some of the students at Polk Central School, and I would like to repeat, I am NOT a horse, so no, you cannot ride me, first graders! I do enjoy beinng patted, though! I think everyone enjoyed these visits, but none more so than me.

We are really trying to get the point across at the schools that there are simply not enough homes for all the dogs and cats, and that it is a good thing to spay and neuter your pets. Ruth, one of my co-workers, asked the students to do the math to see how many animals can be born when they are not spayed or neutered. Even the first graders could do the math! I won't belabor the details, but the bottom line is that if you start with an un-spayed female and an un-neutered male, with neither of them nor any of their puppies ever spayed or neutered, in six years you find yourself up to your neck in 67,000 dogs! It is worse with cats, because the number increases to 420,000 cats! Yikes! At least those are the numbers that the folks at Spay USA use. That's not just scary, that's unbelievable! No community in the world can take care of that many animals!
So please, spay and neuter your pets!

Ahem, back to the subject at hand, and thank you, Santa, for letting me digress, this is the time of year for believing in Santa and in the spirit of goodness in all of us. It is the time of year for giving, and even I can appreciate the joy that goes along with giving to others! (Except, maybe, my dinner......sorry Santa!) During this beautiful holiday season, we can all believe in our fellow beings, and the hope that one day we can all live in peace. And during this joyous and holy season, please remember those who are less fortunate, both two-legged and four-legged, even if all you can give is a kind word.

In closing, I want to say to Lenny, no apology necessary. Monty was, indeed, a champ! Oh, if only all owners would feel that their dog is a champ! I am grateful beyond words to know that Monty had such a good life with the folks who loved him so well.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Woof!

Champ

2007-12-13T20:40:00.000-05:00

Thankful...I am!

2007-11-15T10:28:00.000-05:00

Partially written by Champ on 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 restaurants 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

Any and All Dogs..What a Blast!

2007-10-28T21:02:00.001-04:00

The Any & All Dog Show sponsored by the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club was a big hit this year. There were so many dogs and their humans there that it was difficult to even see what was going on! I think it helped that we all were blessed before the show by Father Doty. I really should have gone and gotten a private blessing afterward but in the mayhem, I dropped it out...trust me, Father...it was not intentional!

I did take a ribbon though -- a BLUE ribbon in the child's class for Most Interesting Tail! Imagine that! The Tryon Daily Bulletin actually got it a little wrong (just this once guys, really!) as they said I was owned by Brock Mayer and the truth is, he is my nephew...and I am pretty sure that I own him.

There were quite a few "interesting tails" for me to check out, and Brock is quite obedient, so we went wherever I pleased.....I really enjoyed this while it lasted. Brock followed me right through the judges' tent, which probably did not hurt our chances at a ribbon. Our win made his day, which made me very happy.

The only other class I entered was the Best Costume Class and as most of you know, I am not terribly fond of being dressed up. My humans placed a black wig, a witch's hat, and a black feather boa on me. I could shake the hat off very quickly, but the boa was tricky.....when I finally pawed at the boa and got it off, just in case no one got the picture, I lifted my leg on it. Think they got it this time?

There were so many nice dogs and nice folks there, and the weather was almost perfect although it could have been a bit cooler. It was just a nice relaxing day for us to have fun and enjoy our humans.....

I would like to personally invite EVERYONE to the Open House this Saturday, November 3 from 11-3 at the Foothills Shelter on Little Mountain Road. Just think...FREE hotdogs (probably just for humans though) and FREE cake, FREE pony rides, a FREE goody bag for each family from Little Mountain Feed Store -- and that's not all! From noon until 2, SANTA will be there, ready to pose with your pet for photos! Music will be provided courtesey of Dana Bergman who, along with his dog Barney, is a personal friend of mine. It will be a lot of fun, and for a good cause -- to show support for our terrific shelter!

The staff and volunteers are rightfully proud of the shelter -- how it looks, the way it is run, and the kindness and care given to the animals there. Many times folks who visit say that it looks more like an upscale boarding facility than a shelter! I have seen animals actually come to the shelter of their own accord....and sad but true, for some animals, it is the best "home" they will ever know!

So please drop by between 11 and 3 on Saturday and see this fine shelter, and what a difference these wonderful humans make for the homeless animals in Polk County! I'll be there listening to the music and eyeing Santa's sleigh (don't ask), so make sure to come over and say hello.

See you Saturday! Woof!

CHAMP

National Feral Cat Day!!! Woof!

2007-10-09T19:40:00.000-04:00

Photo credit - Noah's Ark Rescue

Po'Kitties is a new program at the Foothills Humane Society where, as you may know, I have the privilege of being the SpokesDog. At any rate, they asked me to speak on behalf of the feral cats in our community.

OK...OK...I was rope-dragged into writing this by the Po' Kitties committee! But...truth be known, this world could stand to be a little kinder to the cats! I know I often make comments about cats....such as "blech", etc.... but I live with cats and while I may not always agree with them, they deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, just like all creatures.

National Feral Cat Day is this Tuesday, October 16th, and on this date Po' Kitties will be kicking off their feral cat trap-neuter-release program which is designed to help the feral cats in our community by sterilizing them. That way they will not be able to reproduce litter after litter of ...more cats!

As I understand it, the program has volunteers to help and advise with the process of humanely trapping feral cats, getting them spayed or neutered, vaccinating them, ear-tipping them, and releasing them back into managed colonies. Now, I don't mind admitting that some of this is a bit over my head, and I had to ask, "Exactly what are "ear-tipping" and "managed colonies"?

It turns out that ear-tipping is done while the cat is already under anesthesia to be sterilized, and the vet cuts off the tip of one ear. That way, anyone who sees the cat knows that the cat is sterile, vaccinated, and a part of a managed colony. The picture you see is of a cat that has been ear-tipped. A managed colony is a small group of cats who have permission to live in a certain place. Along with that permission, there is a person or a group of people who commit to providing food and water to the colony. The Po'Kitties committee will monitor these colonies and help where and as needed.

I was surprised and pleased to know that so many people in our community are already providing food and water to these cats. It makes me feel good to know that my neighbors are being so kind. If you or someone you know is feeding one or more feral cats, the Po'Kitties folks would like to hear from you so we can help get the cats spayed or neutered.

I guess I hadn't realized the extent of this problem until it was brought to my attention by Po'Kitties. I was distressed to learn that some people treat these cats cruelly. I think it is time to take matters into our own paws (er....or hands) and deal with this problem instead of sweeping it under the rug (or shooting it).

My contribution will mostly be through my blog, but there are lots of ways you can help. You can volunteer your time with the Po'Kitties program. You can drive a trapped cat to and from the vet's office. You can donate money so more cats can be spayed, neutered, vaccinated and ear-tipped. You can offer to provide food and water to a managed colony, either on your property or somewhere else, and you can do it every day, or once a week, or when the caretaker takes a vacation. Most importantly, you can be kind to these creatures when you see them.

Po'Kitties will have a booth at this Sunday's ANY AND ALL DOG SHOW. This cool event for humans and dogs is sponsored by the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club, and proceeds go to benefit the Foothills Humane Society. It's at Harmon Field from 1-3. They will have the awesome Po'Kitties tee-shirts for sale (get 'em while you can!). I will be there with some kind of stupid costume my humans will make me wear, and would be happy to say "Hello!" if you come over to see me.

I did want to mention that I have read lately in the Tryon Daily Bulletin that some folks are losing animals to predators like the coyote. Might I remind you that we Livestock Guardian Dogs not only make your life richer in every way (just by having us around), but for thousands of years we have been bred to protect livestock from predation. No coyote will ever get past ME or any other Livestock Guardian Dog. You can read more about it in the latest Progressive Farmer magazine (yes, the same magazine that touted Polk County as such a terrific place to live) in the article titled, "On Guard". And there is a place in Winston-Salem that specializes in training us rescue dogs to be the best Livestock Guardian Dogs around, so you can help save one of us and - - save your livestock too!

If you would like more info, please drop me a line!

See you at the show!

Woof!

CHAMP

Pet Pals....

2007-09-23T14:13:00.000-04:00

Pet Pals at Tryon Estates: L. to R. Dana Mayer and Champ ( ME!), BJ Vare and Diva, Katie Malone and Ziggy, Trudy Sloan and Pepe', Jim Vare and Daisy

Pet Pals is a group of folks and their dogs ( Dogs rock!) from this area that have undergone testing and training to be able to go to nursing homes, retirement centers, schools, hospitals, and camps....or anywhere folks are that would enjoy a visit. We are organized and insured by Therapy Dogs International which is a national group that provides support, guidelines, and insurance for these type of groups.

We go on visits many places in the community and most the folks seem to enjoy our being there.
Of course, there is always a party pooper somewhere! And I am OK with the fact that not everyone can appreciate us for who we are and what we do. But the majority of folks seem to really enjoy our visits and I think I can vouch for the other doggies, when I say, that we have a job and we take it seriously!

Katie Malone is responsible for starting the Pet Pals here in the area and she is the trainer. She has really done a fine job of orgainizing and looking after all the picky little details.....and I love her dog, Ziggy!

We have to go through an initial test which mainly consists of making sure a dog would make a good therapy dog. Obviously, if your dog bites or growls, then they will fail! We have to be calm enough not to knock folks down or hurt them. We are tested around wheelchairs and walkers as we have to be able to go up to folks many times that are in either of these. Some of the dogs are smaller and can be placed in the lap of folks and they really seem to enjoy holding these dogs. Needless to say, my butt is too big to get in their lap and I could probably seriously hurt some one if I were to try.

One time at White Oak Estates, there was a lady who was bedridden and she wanted so very badly to touch me....so I started climbing in the bed with her.....Needless to say, this was not my best idea! I guess some of us just will never make it as lap dogs!

We are also tested around other dogs to make sure there are no "incidents" while visiting. This is a big No-No as well. And we are tested around strangers to see how we react to them in a setting such as an assisted living. Laurelwoods has been very helpful in letting us use their facility to train.

We need more dogs and handlers! There are just not enough of us to go around and it is such a rewarding job! There were a whole bunch of really cute doggies in our last training session and I want to see them. Please have your owners bring you to one of our visiting sessions! We have so many places to visit so you can pick and choose your times and places....

And if you have a dog that you think might qualify as a Therapy Dog and make some one's day, please consider taking the test and training with them. Katie will be having another training session in January and if you think you have what it takes, please have your person call Katie @
864-415-5804.

I know it may not seem like much compared to dog bones and toys, but I always get thanked for coming, usually by several folks. The last time I was visiting, a lady called several of us back over and said that "she thanked us from the bottom of her heart for coming".

So you see....YOU can make a difference!

Woof!

CHAMP

Michael Vick....What Were You Thinking?

2007-09-05T06:57:00.001-04:00

There has been more than enough in the news and on TV lately about Michael Vick.

Now that he has made a plea bargain to dogfighting and other crimes, I would like to share my thoughts on this matter as several folks have asked me my feelings on this subject.

Michael Vick had everything, or so it seemed.....he went from winner of the Heisman Trophy to being the highest paid NFL football player (and oh, he was so exciting to watch!). He had endorsements by several big companies which paid him quite a bit more than his NFL salary. He had fame, good looks, and many fans, especially children, who thought he was "simply the best".

Boy, did all this disappear fast.....

Dogfighting, cockfighting, and any other sport that involves animals fighting to their deaths so that folks can watch is just downright cruel and inhumane. I do not see how anyone can even watch it. It is also against the law in all 50 states and a felony in 48 states. There have been many excuses made for Mr. Vick's behavior. The fact that he was from the South and that this was part of his heritage is horse-hooey, and immaturity means nothing -- everyone is immature at some point in their lives, but that certainly doesn't mean that they are cruel. And all the other excuses -- that his mom was only 13 whn she had him, that he went from rags to riches, none of this amounts to a hill of beans. It is never anyone's right to cause pain and suffering to another being for pleasure. Nohting makes this right and nothing ever will. There is simply no excuse for it. NONE!

I am not sure that Michael Vick will ever be able to play football in the NFL again. It is possible that he has ruined his football career for good. It seems a high price to pay, but he made choices all along the way that led him down this path. He chose to treat animals as nothing more than players in his games. As they say, not all people who torture animals turn out to be serial killers, but ALL serial killers started out torturing animals. And everyone knows that the abuse of animals and the abuse of humans are closely linked. I hope that Michael Vick seeks and receives the help he needs.

In my very humble opinion, it is NEVER OK to be cruel to animals or ANY other living creature.

Be kind!

CHAMP

Too HOT to TROT!

2007-08-22T12:11:00.000-04:00

These last couple of weeks have been so VERY hot and I know everyone is feeling the heat because personally, I have found them to be a little grumpy. I have become addicted to air conditioning and only venture out in the early morning and late evening when it is a little cooler.

I was going to go to Tryon Estates last week for a visit and because it was 106 degrees, my Mom nixed that plan. So instead, I stayed home and sulked...and found other ways to amuse myself...such as ripping up rolls of toilet paper...a bored dog can be a BAD dog!

That reminds me of the time we were visiting at Tryon Estates in the Special Care Unit and a lady came out of her room with a roll of toilet paper and was leaving a trail everywhere she went so there was toilet paper everywhere...down the hall, etc. She had a huge grin on her face and just seemed to be really enjoying the moment. I know I certainly enjoyed it and felt an immediate kinship to this sweet lady, something along the lines of "partners in crime"!

During this extremely hot time of the year pets need a little extra care to help them get through these last "DOG DAYS" of summer. Cats, dogs and ALL animals need fresh water at all times....they need some sort of shelter...even a tarp will work to provide some shade from the relentless sun. If you have them clipped, please leave a little hair to protect them from sunburn....even if you leave a quarter inch or so of hair, this will help protect their skin.

The asphalt gets very hot during these days so please watch out for your doggie's pads if you take them for a walk in the heat. In this kind of weather, their pads can be very badly burned! Also, please remember that it only takes a few minutes in a hot car for an animal to die from the heat, so PLEASE do not leave your pets in a hot car!!!

And if you REALLY want to spoil your animals, you can invest in them a swimming pool, like the ones the children use. I think this would be the ultimate life for a dog, but then "how would I know"???!

Please send any comments to me at my blog at the Tryon Daily Bulletin website.....www.tryondailybulletin.com or of course, right here!
or if you happen to get a swimming pool, please write to invite me over to use it as I do not a swimming pool of my own....WHINE!

Woof!

CHAMP

Not PYR-fect!

2007-08-01T10:02:00.000-04:00

A Day at Camp.......

2007-07-22T19:38:00.000-04:00

Over the past few weeks, I have gone to the FENCE Day Camp a couple of times with my buddy, Wreck (shown here in the picture with some of the campers). He is the one really working! We were there as part of the Humane Education Program for the Foothills Humane Society. The campers were very well behaved and had on the coolest t-shirts that they had made at camp.....in fact, IF I was going to wear a shirt, I would have tried to beg one off of them! They looked like they were really enjoying their time at camp.

We discussed what pets need, and also asked the campers to help us name some of the animals at the shelter. And did we ever get some cool names!!! A couple of my favorites were Humfree, Beep, and Old Red Chaser! And of course, several campers thought that the best names were Champ and Wreck (and I have to agree)! This will be a big help to the shelter staff when they go to choose names for the animals, since they have a lot of animals to name, and sometimes I wonder just where they come up with some of those names! (Ha ha, just kidding, guys!)

One of the little girls at camp asked me a question about whether they could neuter other animals. I wasn't sure where she was going with this question, but I knew she was going somewhere! As it turned out, she wanted to know if mice could be neutered!
I did not answer her correctly, but having since done some research, I have learned that YES, indeed, mice can be neutered, although it is not recommended. So to that curious camper -- thank you for an excellent question! I do apologize for my ignorance on this matter, but I love learning new things (and sharing them) so keep asking these great questions!

I appreciate the comments I have been getting on my blog. One
self-described unruly dog by the name of Jumping Jack Flash wrote in to say he had a problem with "jumping up" on people. (This is one of the few bad habits I do NOT happen to have, which is a good thing since I could be described as large-and-in-charge!) There is some excellent advice which may be found on the web at the following address:
www.petexpertise.com/dog_problems/jumpingarticle.htm.

Unfortunately, because most folks are all too human, we dogs tend to get more attention when we jump up rather than when we are nice, quiet dogs, so the best thing one can do is to get your owner to cue you to "sit" when you jump up, and then expect them to praise you lavishly for sitting. So Jack, I guess you will just have to train your owner!

Seriously, I have really enjoyed your comments and questions, so please keep sending them to me. You can go to the Tryon Daily Bulletin
website and find my blog under the blog headings or you can go there directly Champ's Tryon Bulletin Blog
and of course, as always, you may comment directly to me here on this blog!

As always, thanks for listening, and remember to spay and neuter your pets (and other appropriate family members)!

Woof!

CHAMP

Naughty Dawg!

2007-07-01T19:44:00.000-04:00

Check it out! Pets Place

The judges over at Pets Place picked me as the first place winner in the Naughty Dawg Photo Contest! I cannot believe that they think I would be a "naughty dog"!!!

It was just a little toilet paper...what's a fellow to do for fun? LOL

Champ

Independence Day

2007-06-25T09:23:00.000-04:00

Whenever one reads about the breed characteristics for the Great Pyrenees dog (MY breed!), usually the first or second word that comes to mind is "INDEPENDENT". It is true, we are a very independent breed and I am certainly no exception to the rule. I think for myself, which may or may not be a good thing. This is a very useful trait for dogs that are working unattended all day protecting their flocks, as we have to be able to think for ourselves and not rely on a human to tell us what, where, when, etc.

I was so independent and unruly a few weeks back that I ran past my human companion and darted out the gate while she was attempting to put on my leash. Normally I am much more of a gentleman than this. Despite the fact that she hollered, "Champ, come!" I turned and looked and headed down the drive at a full gallop. (Yes, dogs can gallop!) Eventually I was retreived as I was followed in the car, but my independent streak could have been a dangerous one as there are many dangers to dogs (and cats) who roam around freely.

So much for my brief adventure!

Many pets are as adventurous, independent and unruly as I am, and others have all sorts of different problems. I thought that if these pets, or their human companions, wanted to write in to me in care of my Tryon Daily Bulletin blog (champstdbblog.blogspot.com), perhaps I could use my canine wisdom and give some -- ahem -- advice that might be helpful or at the very least, send you to a good resource. Just leave me any questions in the comments section and I will do my best to answer them.

Last week I went to White Oak and we were all laughing because I can tell a kitchen staff member a MILE away! I tend to follow them on the chance that I might get something good to eat. PLEASE!!! I am also going to see the children at the FENCE Day Camp a couple of times in the next few weeks for the Humane Education Program. I am very excited about this and the fact that another Therapy Dog is going with me named Wreck. One can only imagine where his name originated......

I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth. Please make sure your pets are in a secure place if they are afraid of loud noises.....we all know there are many loud noises in celebration of our INDEPENDENCE.

In closing I would like to add this final line from a poem called "We are Great Pyrenees". Unfortunately it appears to be anonymously written.

"We are Great Pyrenees....We are not for everyone"
"We are true friends and loving companions"
"We will guard your backside and kiss your face"
"But NOT the other way around."

CHAMP

In Memoriam......

2007-05-30T09:35:00.000-04:00

My Friend:

Jan Tracy

September 26, 1956 - May 27, 2007

She will be missed........but her spirit will live FOREVER.......

To the love, joy, hope, and reckless abandon that was and will always be... my friend Jan.....

Love,

CHAMP

Hoping for a Miracle......

2007-05-27T18:40:00.000-04:00

This is me and my friend, Jan. She is very special and I have loved her from the moment I met her.

When she comes around, I follow her everywhere...EVERYWHERE.

We are both so happy in this picture taken on "Jan's lake".

Please pray for Jan as she was in a very bad wreck the other morning and there is not much more that medicine can do for her....

So...I am hoping for a miracle....

And.. my friend, I love you.....

CHAMP

Therapy DOGS - Giving and Getting.....

2007-05-02T09:36:00.000-04:00

This wonderful photo of me with these two adorable children, was taken by Emily Bartlett at the Polk Central School. I was there as part of the 21st Century Afterschool Program for the Foothills Humane Society Education Program. I believe at this point we have been to all of the elementary schools in Polk County as part of this innovative program.

We always try to ask the children if they know what a Therapy Dog is?? I am not even sure I know, but basically, a therapy dog, according to the experts, is a dog used in all types of settings for emotional service only. There have also been some reports that there are physical benefits from having us come around but it is hard to document..besides, I really do not need all that for me to know that I bring smiles to the faces of most folks. ( Well, not everyone!) One gentleman at a nearby assisted living would see me and proclaim that "the wolf was there" and leave abruptly!

A Therapy Dog is not to be confused with the most honorable Service Dog title. They are in a class of their own and do all kinds of tasks and are used mainly for folks with disabilities of some sort. I do not take direction very well and thus, do not have what it would take to do this work....I don't do much of anything on command...."shake", "dead dog", and "come" are words I pretend not to hear!

Interacting with people comes naturally for me, but I have to confess that I think I take away more than I give most days. Isn't it that way with "giving" ? I also reap many extra benefits....I get lots of attention... one day I even had 4 little girls massaging me all over. I thought I had died and gone to doggie heaven!

In all seriousness, the best gift I can give a person, no matter the age, is to look at them and "say",
WITHOUT saying a word..that "I love ya man" just the way you are.

P.S. I have been asked to please remind all of you caring folks to please make sure an animal is TRULY orphaned before taking it away from it's home and possibly it's mother! This applies to all wildlife and also kittens as Mother Nature knows best...so please, please, leave these animals alone unless you are absolutely sure they are orphans. Thanks!

CHAMP

A VERY Special Day.....

2007-04-10T09:03:00.000-04:00

I have been a little busy lately and I have been meaning to sit down and write about the Special Olympics......what a great day this was! Other than being a little warm for my tastes, it was a
PYR-fect day.

My very own nephew and niece were competing and they did quite well in their events! And many more children won medals that they were VERY proud to wear.

The little girl in the picture with me has been blind since birth and she is just a real cutie! She felt my coat all over and declared that I felt like a cloud.....There were so many wonderful children here that there was not quite enough of me to go around! Many of them wanted their picture taken with me.... some wanted to just put their arms around me and hug me....some of them were bent and determined to kiss me in the face...which is NOT my favorite thing...but I went along with it....

They were literally all over me and I finally had to be taken out of the area so I could get in the air conditioning and cool off.

This event is such a gift and if you have never been to a Special Olympics, you should try to find out when one is coming to a place near you and go......

You will not be sorry.......I promise.

These children are all CHAMPIONS!

Love,

Champ

Looking for That Special Prince?

2007-03-31T23:11:00.000-04:00

See Prince at his new home! THIS is what HAPPY is all about!

Update:!!!! This special Prince left to go to his very own 97 acre forever farm yesterday, April 9th!
Have a great life Prince!

No...Not me! I am indeed, a Prince, but I have a forever home! My Mom asked me to put this in my blog!

I work daily with various rescues and look at pictues of the hundreds of dogs and cats that need homes. They are all so worthy, but we have enough dogs and cats now, and are not in a position to take any more. I have to say, though, that if it were possible, I would want Prince.

Prince is just that -- a real prince.  He is a shepherd cross but he is made up of several other breeds I think. He is very gentle and kind, and quite the gentleman. He wants nothing more than to please those around him. He is very, very smart, the kind of smart that shows a great deal of common sense. He is so housebroken that he will not even use his run and has to be walked to relieve himself.

Recently, volunteers took Prince out with the On the Road program to the April Fool gathering in Tryon. When they returned to the shelter, Prince got out of the van and went straight to the front door of the shelter.... on his own.  Even though there are many dogs and cats who think they are in love with the shelter staff, most dogs just do not have their wits about them to this extent.

This dog is special. He will be more than someone's best friend and companion. He is the kind of dog who is loyal and true, and who will be right there beside you, no matter what.  And he is quite pretty...for a Prince.
So please, if you are looking for that special dog, go look at Prince at the Foothills Shelter. He is also on their website, which is www.foothillshumanesociety.org , or you can call them at 828-863-4444 if you think you might want to give this Prince a home of his own. Oh yeah...you can also email my Mom @ danamayer@alltel.net

PS: I know the men out there may not be looking for a Prince.....but he would make you a great pal as well!

The VERY SPECIAL Olympics!!!!!

2007-03-28T19:38:00.000-04:00

A picture is worth a thousand words!

My Brother's Keeper.....Maybe!

2007-03-25T07:56:00.000-04:00

This is my little brother Saint ( Haha!) Nicholas! There is nothing "Saintly" about him.

He was kidnapped, so they say, from the local shelter where he was in very poor condition due to severe anemia from hookworms. He was picked up by Animal Control as a stray and brought to the shelter where they were kind enough to let us get him out before he dropped over from the anemia.

He stayed at the vets for about two weeks and then he came home to live with us. He is no longer a scrawny little 44 lbs but weighs in very close to my weight of 110 lbs. He was so skinny my Mom could barely stand to feel his hip bones.

The plan was to get him into Great Pyrenees Rescue but that idea flew out the window pretty swiftly once they realized how very sick he was.

In all honesty, he has been a little terror. It took him FOUR obdience classes before he finally passed...It only took me one! He has eaten about 12 comforters at last count but has finally been much better about this. He is still VERY terrified of men....I am not sure why he has this problem but he even used to turn and look behind him when he was walking. Talk about a case of paranoia!

He and I are are almost always buddies and when we play, we play hard....like Great Pyrenees are supposed to play.....

He truly is a joyful soul and while sometimes I do mind sharing the spotlight, I do enjoy him more often than not.

Nick has started tracking classes and while he is a little slow and distracted, he can track if it is done for his supper! He is better than I am at tracking....but he will NEVER make it as a Therapy Dog.

So like most things in life......we complement each other quite well.....

And while I don't like thinking of myself in this light often....I truly am my little brother's keeper.
My life would not be the same without him....for good and bad!

Love,

Champ

Scamper needs a Forever Home!

2007-03-22T21:58:00.000-04:00

Update! WOOF! Scamper has been adopted by a wonderful staff member from the shelter!!!!
I am so happy for him as he was my school buddy!!!

Scamper is about 8 months old and he is a beautiful tuxedo kitty. The picture does not do him justice as he is becoming very beautiful...for a boy, that is!

Scamper has been helping us in the school program and has been at the shelter quite awhile.

He is great with people and children and loves to play with balls and toys...He does not particularly like to be a lap kitty.

He has helped so much with teaching the children in the schools about being responsible pet owners.

Can anyone give him a home of his own and help to repay him for all he has done?

Please hurry!

Contact danamayer@alltel.net if you can help with Scamper!

All in A Day's Work........

2007-03-20T08:26:00.000-04:00

Yes...that is me being used as a pillow.......I was at one of the elementary schools yesterday as part of the Humane Society's Responsible Pet Owner Program and the kids enjoyed laying their heads on me. I felt very relaxed and actually enjoyed laying around on the floor with them.

Because I am so big, some of the children are usually afraid of me at first, but by the end of the time I spend with them, they decide that I am just a big Teddy Bear and that I would not hurt anyone. Even the ones that are most afraid of me at first end up getting up close and personal with me by the end of our visit. I actually weigh almost double what most of the children weighed yesterday......

Almost all the children we go to see at the schools have pets......when we ask who has pets, they always have a dog or two, or some cats, or some even start making up imaginary pets, I think, as their list can go on and on. So it is a good thing to talk to them about how to help take care of these pets and what these pets need on a daily basis.

By the end of the visit yesterday, I had several little boys that wanted to adopt me......one even offered my Mom a million dollars...but alas, I am one of the lucky dogs that has found his way to
a forever home where I am loved and where I can go spread the word about other animals that need homes.

I am a lucky dog and there is nothing I love better than to go out and make people smile and to try to get them to understand that one does need to be responsible about owning pets.

If nothing else, they can forget all of their troubles for a little while and hug a big white Teddy Bear of a dog!

Love,

Champ

Fire Ants At School!!!! Ouch!

2007-03-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

I went to an elementary school yesterday and while we were visiting outside the school with a couple of folks,
I stepped off the sidewalk and into a nest of fire ants! They hurt! I got quite a few on me and my Mom thought she got them all off.....but when I got into the school room, I got bit again and started dancing a jig. Not a happy jig either! LOL We went back outside and my Mom found about 6 more ants on my feet! She said it is not easy finding fire ants in my fur!

Those things are nothing to mess around with so please watch out for them!

I did finally settle down and we worked with the children. We brought 4 pups and a kitten with us from the shelter and the children were very excited. They had a big time playing with the pups and a few girls spent quite a bit of time petting me which I loved!

I felt sort of bad though, because as the children were being led out of the room, one little girl started crying because she could not take a puppy home with her. Maybe she can convince her parents to go back to the shelter and adopt one of the pups!

That would be a happy ending for all of us.......

Love,

Champ

Valentine's Day...In Hindsight.....

2007-02-20T14:44:00.000-05:00

Well, if I look a little chagrinned in this photo...I have good reason.

Valentine's Day has come and gone and I did not receive flowers...or chocolates ( BAD for dogs!), or really much of anything except my hugs.

My Mom broke all the rules and guidelines I had laid out in my New Year's Revolutions.

I worked two jobs the week of Valentine's. I went to a school on Monday and I went to an Assisted Living and Special Care Unit on Wednesday.

The kids were very cute at the school, although they were a little rowdy for my tastes. I start getting a little worried when they start asking "if they can ride me". Of course my Mom told them NO! I wore my heart necklace and we discussed the needs of pets and how to take care of them.
I hope they paid attention.....

Then, Wednesday, I had to wear this silly heart tiara....which is a very girly thing. This is also not part of what I agreed to do. So..when we walked into the Assisted Living lobby, I shook as hard as I could and it landed somewhere across the room. I was hoping it would just get lost amidst the wheelchairs and people, but oh no, my Mom found it and put it back on me. So I burped as loudly as I could at that point.

I guess I got my point across but all the folks thought it was very funny.

My Mom is FINALLY learning to really trust me when it comes to Therapy Dog work. I KNOW when someone NEEDS to see me or touch me. I don't know how...but it is just something I was born with I guess...or maybe I have ESP...but I do know what and when to do something when it comes to Therapy Dog work.

And so, once again, I will put up with all these little annoyances.....

because as My Mom says I am "AMAZING" as a Therapy Dog......

Love,

Champ

Happy Valentine's Day!!!! OOXX

2007-02-14T08:31:00.000-05:00

This is a picture taken of me at one of the elementary schools this week. I was there as part of the Foothills Humane Society Humane Education class where we TRY to teach the children about being responsible pet owners and tell them how to take care of their pets...and of course a little is thrown in about spaying and neutering their animals. Hopefully, some of it will stick.....

The kids were all quite cute. At one point it got a little warm in the classroom for my tastes, so I had 3 little girls fanning me.....Not too bad for a dog...LOL

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Love,

CHAMP

The Race You Ran.........

2007-01-29T16:25:00.001-05:00

Oh.... Barbaro....you are such a beauty......and you ran until the very end......

IN Memory of you and your spirit...May you run on FOREVER................

Love Always,

CHAMP

The Good, The Bad, and Whatever!

2007-01-23T14:04:00.000-05:00

The GOOD: I just received this award for the December Photo Contest I won! I am very proud of it!

The BAD: I went to Laurelhurst Assisted Living today with a WHOLE BUNCH of Therapy Dog Trainees. I was so excited..lots of new dogs, new people, even the local TV station was there to film a segment on Therapy Dogs in the area. I was having a really nice time meeting everyone...dog and person alike, when I once again saw the two little monsters that reside at the assisted living. Luckily, they had put them out in the courtyard so I did not have to deal with them
jumping on my big butt.....but I did see them.....

The WHATEVER: When I saw the little monsters, I hiked my leg up on a support in the hall, and well.....You get the picture.

My Mom was over me as I do know better.....

WHAT......EVER.............

Love,

CHAMP

Need I Say More?

2007-01-21T18:59:00.000-05:00

Any Soldier and Any Dog....Thank YOU!

2007-01-08T22:19:00.000-05:00

Oh I was so excited today when my Mom got the mail!!! I had an envelope addressed to Champ Mayer! I was so excited as I do not often get snail mail....well..not that I can read....

I had a feeling it was from the Cpl. Akers who has charge of the kennel in Iraq, and it was!

To be sure I do not mince his words...here is what he said in his letter:

Dear Champ Mayer:

On behalf of the dog handlers and I, we thank you so much for your contribution, whether it was for us or for our four legged friends. If you wanted to know a little background information on us,
my name is CPL. Anthony "Tony" Akers. I am 22 years old and originally from Everett, WA. I love my job and I love my dog, her name is Cindy. She is a Belgian Malinois. She is 5 years old and also loves her job, probably more than I do. She is a very little dog, but she loves to bite people and she is good at it. Don't worry, she will only do it when I tell her to. The other handler here with me is LCPL James M. Morgan. He is also 22 years old and is from Orlando FL. His dog's name is Fredi and he is a German Shepherd. He is 5 years old also and Fredi on the other hand is a lover, not a fighter, he is just a big teddy bear. Granted, he is one of the best bomb detection dogs I know of, next to Cindy, of course. We also had a female handler here, named CPL. Alex Lopez but she is no longer here. She moved on to Korean Village where she received better living conditions cause ours are not great.

Again thank you for everything. We really appreciate it and it is nice to know there are still some dog lovers out there, cause these dogs really deserve everything they get. They save lives and not many people know that and I love them for it.

Well, from the four of us in Trebil, we thank you and God bless.

Semper fidelis

Tony R. Akers

P.S. You are a beautiful dog.

WOW! How kind of him to write and tell me about the dogs. I so hope they can sleep in a safe place soon......

From ANY dog...to... NOT JUST ANY dog or soldier......

Love
CHAMP

KINDNESS....My Word for 2007...

2007-01-07T10:38:00.000-05:00

I was thinking about something my Mom read in a blog the other day...over on Christine Kane's website. I like this singer - songwriter a lot because she wrote the song, 4 Legs Good, Two Legs Bad. ( You will have to listen to it!)

Christine was talking in her blog about picking a word each year and keeping that word in your thoughts as you go about your daily routine. I realized that my "revolutions" for the year were not the nicest in the world and I started to feel a little bad about having been so demanding of everyone but myself.... SO.. I started thinking that perhaps I should do something a little more meaningful this year.

That being said, I have chosen the word >KINDNESS< for my word this year.

I plan to try my best to keep kindness in my thoughts for this year as I go about my jobs, my chores ( OK....I made the chores part up!), and even when I play. It is not always the easiest thing to be kind, but I want to be a better dog and I think that by focusing on being kind, I will be just that.....a better dog!

And maybe if we all chose just one word to focus on for the year, the world would be a better place.

After all, KINDNESS matters!

CHAMP

I WON!!!!

2007-01-02T09:38:00.000-05:00

I am so happy! I was the judges' pick in the Theme Photo contest over at Pets Place ! If you go to the link and scroll down to the Theme Contest, you will see MY photo...just like the one above.

Pets Place is a neat site and their photo contests are great fun! They have dog, cat, and even pet contests so even if you have a silly hamster or ferret, you can enter them. My favorite contest of all, though, is the Theme Contest because you never know what the Theme is going to be!

I love surprises!

Happy New Year to all of you!!! May this year be the kindest year YET!

Love,

CHAMP

My New Year's Revolution....

2006-12-31T08:52:00.000-05:00

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

2006-12-25T19:16:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-12-23T08:59:00.000-05:00

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

2006-12-12T22:11:00.000-05:00

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

Santa ( aka Champ) Goes Visiting....

2006-12-12T08:48:00.000-05:00

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...

2006-12-06T09:21:00.000-05:00

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...

2006-12-04T09:22:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-11-26T12:39:00.000-05:00

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....

2006-11-23T10:13:00.000-05:00

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.....

2006-11-22T09:24:00.000-05:00

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

2006-11-17T13:05:00.000-05:00

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

2006-11-17T12:28:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-11-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-11-13T21:21:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-11-10T20:58:00.000-05:00

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!!!!

2006-11-06T20:25:00.000-05:00

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!)

2006-11-06T20:14:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-11-01T21:33:00.000-05:00

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!!!!!!

2006-10-31T09:49:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-10-26T16:25:00.000-04:00

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)

2006-10-24T09:51:00.000-04:00

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!

2006-10-22T14:13:00.000-04:00

SIGH!

Champ

Champ's Good Hair Day!

2006-10-18T12:21:00.000-04:00

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

Champ

Halloween is Coming!

2006-10-18T12:08:00.001-04:00

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

2006-10-17T10:30:00.001-04:00

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

2006-10-17T10:22:00.000-04:00

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

2006-10-16T10:14:00.000-04:00

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!

2006-10-15T23:54:00.000-04:00

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

2006-10-15T23:50:00.000-04:00