Fundraising for pets macho style

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Tattooed men in muscle shirts leaned against the porch rails of The Thirsty Beaver Saloon at 1225 Central Avenue in Charlotte. Iron horses waited out in front. Beside the concrete block bar, men hurled things across a gravel parking lot toward one another while a crowd stood in the hot afternoon sun cheering them on.

Was it a Hell’s Angels gathering? No, but it wouldn’t be far off to call it a fur angels gathering. It was the 1st Annual Bags for Wags – a cornhole tournament held earlier this month (August 1, 2009) to benefit The Humane Society of Charlotte.

Cornhole is played by tossing a bag of corn 30 feet into a hole in a specially designed board; bags that land in the hole get more points than bags that lean into the hole so it’s similar to horse shoes but safer because you can’t be knocked out by a little bag of corn. In Charlotte, cornhole is popular at pre-concert, pre-game and pre-race tailgating parties.

Jon Littlepage, Lee Hoech and Mike Hebert are the three men who organized the August event that raised more than $3,300 to buy a new commercial washer and dryer for the Humane Society of Charlotte. “We went on a behind the scenes tour of the Toomey Avenue facility several months ago and that particular need stuck out in our minds when we came up with the idea for a cornhole tournament,” Littlepage said.

Why cornhole? “We’re trying to get more guys involved,” explained Littlepage. “We all have rescues (strays or pets saved from abuse, neglect or euthanasia) and want to raise awareness. Our wives are heavily involved in fundraising so we just followed their lead.”

Maybe so but plenty of testosterone was poured on that lead. There was no chance of winning a big-bowed gift basket or spa day at this event. Instead, the men (and a few ladies) competed for cornhole board sets, VIP parties, backpack coolers and wing platters.

“The coolers hold 18 cans of beer and dispense cans on the sides which really made it cool for most guys,” said Littlepage.

Watson and Roper, photo courtesy of Jon Littlepage

Jeremy Podjuban and Tim Dietrich of Charlotte, who placed 1st in the competition, were rewarded with a Miller Lite/Miller High Life cornhole board set donated by MillerCoors Beer in Charlotte and a VIP Party at Hooters to include 10 friends and all the wings and sides they can eat. Dan Watson and Scott Roper also of Charlotte came in 2nd and won the two coveted Miller Lite Carolina Panthers backpack coolers and a 50 wing platter from Hooters.

Even HSC executive director, David Miller and board member Neya Warren got in the game. Their team, The Fur Balls, placed an impressive 9th in the competition.

Thirty teams registered to play in the ACA (American Cornhole Association) regulation tournament raising the first $1,200. The rest of the money came from a silent auction, raffles and donations. Drink specials ($1 beers) and barbecue ($8 plates) helped bring some 300 spectators out despite the 90 degree heat.

“We were truly blown away by the number of people that showed up and donated. Just a great time all around,” said Littlepage.

Visit www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org for information about pet adoption, donating, events and volunteering.

"Charlotte the Wonder Dog"

She was named for her hometown of Charlotte and, from the humblest of beginnings, went out into the world and succeeded beyond any dog pound mutt’s dreams. Now, “Charlotte the Wonder Dog” is returning to her roots as part of a book tour to promote her biography of the same name.

Her homecoming is sponsored by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control facility, where she was rescued 13 years ago, and by Park Road Books (4130 Park Road – Park Road Shopping Center) which will host her appearance at the store on Saturday, May 9th, 11am-12:45pm. And, oh yes, Charlotte will bring along author D.C. Gallant, also originally from Charlotte, to help autograph books.

“We’re delighted to welcome Charlotte to our store, especially the day before Mother’s Day” comments Park Road Books owner Sally Brewster. “Her engaging and often humorous ‘Cinderella Story’ is well-told in prose and photos.”

Now living in Harpers Ferry, WV, D.C. Gallant is a 1962 graduate of South Mecklenburg High and attended St. Andrews College before graduating at U.N.C. Chapel Hill with a degree in journalism. Her career in Washington, D.C. has included work at Peace Corps Headquarters and 30 years on Capitol Hill as a congressional staff assistant, legislative aide and press secretary.

With several short-story writing awards to her credit, and a one-act play produced last year in West Virginia, Gallant says she hadn’t thought to attempt a book until she realized that her charismatic dog’s story should be told and that it might inspire others to adopt. Profits from the book will go to a no-kill shelter.

“I got used to people approaching us smiling with the question, ‘What kind of dog is that?!’, and to her talent to do anything from playing Sandy in the play Annie to ‘talking’ to nursing home residents. She’s led a remarkable life, and when I think she might never have had one at all, I shudder to think of the millions of dogs and cats who are ‘put to sleep’ in the U.S. every year. I hope Charlotte’s book encourages others to adopt lost and abandoned animals from shelters and animal control facilities.”

Melissa Knicely agrees. She’s the Public Information Specialist at the Animal Care & Control facility and sees every day the hopeful animals waiting to catch someone’s eye. “Charlotte is one of our success stories. She got a home. And she went on to bring joy to so many people, and still does. We wish this chance for all these wonderful animals.”

FOR FOR INFORMATION ON THE BOOK:
see: dcgallantbooks.com, or visit Amazon.com

This article was contributed by Melissa Knicely of CMPD Animal Care & Control

Droves of dog lovers explore Bark in the Park's new territory

photo by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/Metrolina Dog Reporter

A freestyle frisbee demonstration delighted the crowd of dog lovers at 2009 Pedigree Bark in the Park event in Charlotte. Above, 7-year-old red and white border collie, Razor, jumps over her trainer's legs to catch a frisbee.

photo by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/Metrolina Dog Reporter

This amazing "feat" was part of a freestyle frisbee demonstration put on by Laura Moretz and Riot, her 5-year-old border collie, at Metrolina Expo during the 2009 Pedigree Bark in the Park event.

By Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

A record crowd of 14,500 dog lovers and some 7,000 dogs attended Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s 2009 Pedigree ® Bark in the Park on Saturday, April 25, an increase of 1,500 from last year and more than double the number of people from two years ago.

Bark in the Park began in the early eighties but it wasn’t until 2005 that it really caught on in the community and became a regular annual event to promote the county’s off-leash dog parks. As Bark in the Park increased in popularity, parking spaces decreased in availability forcing a move this year from William R. Davey Park to Metrolina Expo where parking is plentiful.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has five off-leash dog parks. Two of those parks are very convenient for Matthews and Union County residents. The first is Ray's Fetching Meadow, a one acre dog park within McAlpine Creek Park, slightly west of Matthews at 711 Monroe Road in Charlotte. The second is a five acre dog park inside William R. Davey Park. It is the largest dog park in Mecklenburg County and located slightly south of Matthews at 4635 Matthews-Pineville Road. While this dog park does not have a separate name, it does have separate sections for large and small dogs - a good idea according to dog experts.

The county’s newest dog park, Frazier Park, opened in uptown Charlotte in 2008. The other two dog parks are Swaney Pointe K-9 Park which is inside Ramsey Creek Park and Barkingham Park which is inside Reedy Creek Park. These three dog parks also have sections for small and large dogs. All the dog parks are open seven days a week from 7:30 am to sunset. Visit http://www.parkandrec.com/ for more information on Mecklenburg County Parks.

See another Bark in the Park story by Dog Reporter in Charlotte Weekly.

Take you pick of local dog events this spring

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis
dogreporter@hotmail.com

There’s no shortage of entertainment for dog lovers in the Charlotte area this spring. The 1st Annual Union County Dog Walk was held at the beginning of the season on Saturday, April 4, 2009. Some 60 people and their pooches particpated in a stroll around historic downtown Monroe in support of Union County Smart Start, an organization serving the educational, emotional and physical needs of children from birth to age five.

After the dog walk, it was time to practice social skills and see some fun dog contests.

Pictured left: Two-year-old great Dane, Zelda, gives owner, Amy Smith, a high five after winning the amazing trick contest by weaving across the stage on command. Zelda also won Best in Show. Amy and Zelda are students of dog trainer, Carol Hoyle. who works at the Monroe PetSmart.

Pictured center: Leah Boggs with papi-poo, Poppy, after Poppy won the "Face only a mother could love" contest. Poppy was about to turn two, too, which was obviously a lucky number for dog contestants.

Pictured right: Leslie Adkins and her shih tzu, Bailey, won the look-alike contest. Leslie said her "friends" entered her and Bailey in the contest.

Local rescue groups, Animal Adoption League and the Humane Society of Union County, were represented at the event. Both groups brought along rescued dogs and puppies hoping to find them homes.

Pictured above: This chihuahua-terrier mix was up for adoption from the Humane Society of Union County. "Chi-chi" drew a lot a of attention from dog lovers.

Pictured above: "Batman" fights against animal abuse and neglect by giving money to Animal Adoption League's donation dog.

If you missed taking your dog to this event, don't let his tail droop because organizers Luann Van Leer and Kim Wolfe are already planning the 2nd Annual Union County Dog Walk for next spring. And there plenty more to pick from this spring ...

2009 Pedigree ® Bark in the Park is Saturday, April 25, 2009. Dog Lovers won’t want to miss this event which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A modified moniker and a move to Metrolina Expo (gotta love that name) promises to make this year's Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department’s event promoting off-leash dog parks better than ever.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation currently has five off-leash dog parks. Two of those parks are convenient for Union County residents. The first is Ray's Fetching Meadow, a one acre dog park within McAlpine Creek Park, just west of Matthews at 711 Monroe Road in Charlotte. The second is a five acre dog park inside William R. Davey Park - the former location of Bark in the Park - and is the largest dog park in Mecklenburg County. Located just south of Matthews at 4635 Matthews-Pineville Road, this dog park does not have a separate name but it does have separate sections for large and small dogs - a good idea according to dog experts.

The newest dog park, Frazier Park, opened in uptown Charlotte in 2008. It has 1.3 acres. Swaney Pointe K-9 Park is inside Ramsey Creek Park and Barkingham Park is inside Reedy Creek Park. Both these dog parks have over two acres. All the dog parks are open seven days a week from 7:30 am to sunset.

Bark in the Park began in the early eighties but it didn’t become a regular annual event for the county until 2005. Seven thousand people accompanied by hundreds of dogs attended Bark in the Park in 2007. That number almost doubled in 2008 when 13,000 people most with dogs attended the event. (Traffic and parking were challenging in 2007 so I can only imagine what it was like in 2008 because I chose to go to the Olympic Whitewater Trials instead of Bark in the Park that year. )

Although it’s a good bit further for me to travel, I am happy that this particular event moved from Davey Park to Metrolina Expo. The new location at 7100 Statesville Road in Charlotte should make it more enjoyable for everyone from beginning to end. Admission is free as is parking which is promised to plentiful.

2nd Annual Wishes for Whiskers Golf Classic is Saturday, May 16, 2009. Dog lovers who are also golf lovers will want to sign up for this event which takes place at Glen Oaks Golf Club, 245 Golf Course Road in Maiden, NC. A donation of $75 per golfer includes 18-holes, meals, a raffle ticket for a non-cash prize and more. Proceeds benefit Animal Adoption League.

2009 Pet Palooza is Saturday, May 30, 2009. Filled with entertainment for people and pets this event benefits the Humane Society of Charlotte. This event also includes a pet walk. Walker check-in is at 8:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m.

For a longer list of local dog events and links to the organizer's websites visit Metrolina Dog Lovers and check out the dog events tab. Memberships and event listings are free!

From Weddington to Westminster

photo courtesy of Lisa Croft-Elliott

Weddington greyhound Galathea, with her handler, Taffe McFadden, at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on Feb. 9, where she won best in breed. Owner, Melanie Steele of Weddington said Galathea is serious about her job as a show dog.

Local greyhound winningest in history, takes best in breed at No. 1 dog show

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis
dogreporter@hotmail.com

A Weddington greyhound, Galathea, won the best-in-breed title Feb 9 at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on February 9 - no small honor coming from one of the oldest and most prestigious dog shows in the country. Still, this win is just another notch on 5-year-old only Galathea’s collar. She’s won more dog show titles than any other greyhound in history.

Owner, Melanie Steele explained Italian-born Galathea’s officially known as “MBIS (Multiple Best in Show), MBISS (Multiple Best in Specialty Show), International, Italian, Swedish, Austrian, Finnish, American Champion: Sobers Galathea at GrandCru”. She’s the champion of record in all the countries that come before her name.

A prodigious pup, Galathea advanced quickly, winning best of breed at the world's largest dog show, Crufts Dog Show in England, at a mere 18 months. It can take up to a year for dogs to meet the preliminary requirements for serious competition, explained Steele. “She is the youngest dog to ever win that for the greyhound breed,” she said.

Steele and her husband, Jackson, own GrandCru Kennels in Weddington. They breed Scottish deerhounds and greyhounds, many of which are champions.

Steele was on a business trip to Italy in September of 2007 when she learned about Galathea. The rambunctious then 3-year-old, with five international titles under her collar already, had injured her hind leg chasing a cat in the garden, and a blood clot formed on her spine. She’d been through rehab but hadn’t recovered enough to be shown.

Steele immediately put in a call to her friend Denis Marcellin-Little, associate professor of orthopedics at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, who agreed to work with Galathea. “Within 24 hours she got on a plane with me and came here,” said Steele, the new owner.

It took more than two months of acupuncture, chiropractics, massage, treadmill work and water therapy before Galathea was ready to compete again. But compete she did, winning best in breed at the AKC-Eukanuba National Invitational Dog Show in December of 2007 and placing third in the hound group there. She was 2008’s No. 1 greyhound and No. 4, which led to her Westminster win.

“Nothing is perfect in this world but she is close,” said Steele, noting that Galathea exudes a regal quality and walks like she’s floating on air. “She is serious about her job as a show dog.”

Galathea will compete in a couple more dog shows this spring and then mating and maternity leave are penciled into the pooch’s planner. Once the pups are weaned, she’ll likely go after a few international titles that she hasn’t already won, said Steele. That shouldn’t take the talented greyhound too long and then Steele noted, Galathea will become “my sofa queen”.

Galathea video: http://video.westminsterkennelclub.org/player/?id=1002681

This article was published in Union County Weekly, Volume 4, Number 8 * Feb. 20-26, 2oo9. Deborah lives in Indian Trail with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. When the children are at school and the pets take a nap, she does a little freelance writing.

Animal Adoption League, County partner to rescue puppy mill dogs

Volunteers caring for 24 dogs taken from Indian Trail home

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

dogreporter@hotmail.com

Union County Animal Services recently asked rescue organization, Animal Adoption League of York County, S.C., for assistance after 29 dogs taken from an alleged puppy mill ended up at the county shelter.

Having received multiple calls in the past about animal abuse in Indian Trail, Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Cunningham investigated the South Fork Road property of Ricky Dean Mullis on Dec. 31, where he found more than two dozen small dogs shivering in raised wire cages caked with excrement – with nothing more than their matted fur to keep them warm. Mullis, 47, said he couldn’t afford the dogs after inheriting them from his mother and agreed to turn them over to animal control officers.

“Some were fairly healthy, some were borderline, but most of them were older and in bad shape with missing teeth, tumors, abdominal hernias (from being bred too frequently), heartworms and other health issues,” said Lt. Michelle Starnes, director of Union County Animal Services, which held the Chihuahuas, Maltese dogs and Shih Tzus as evidence until Jan. 20.

Lack of socialization was another reason Animal Services couldn’t put the majority of the dogs up for adoption at the county shelter. “We had to throw towels over some of them to catch them,” said Starnes, who helped groom the dogs before their release.

Enter Animal Adoption League

“We want to take the dogs that are never going to make it to the adoption floor at the shelter – the ones with health issues, the ones that are too shy or have fear aggression,” said Cindy Starkey, Animal Adoption League dog coordinator.

The dogs need time to recover, Starkey said. “The number of dogs coming into the (county) shelter is overwhelming and there is only so much space available. We want to help the ones that would otherwise be euthanized.”

Undaunted by the snow storm, Starkey and other AAL volunteers picked up 24 of the dogs from the shelter on Jan. 20. AAL had medical assessments done that same afternoon and coordinated with the Iredell County Humane Society to get the dogs to breed-specific rescue organizations or into foster homes pending permanent adoptions.

“Animal Adoption League agreed to pay their medical (expenses) and save as many of them as they could. We certainly would rather them take them than us put them to sleep or the county taxpayers have to pay for their medical (expenses) when they’re not adoptable. We’ve worked out a good compromise,” said Sheriff Eddie Cathey.

As for the other five dogs, one Chihuahua is up for adoption at the animal shelter, one is being fostered by an animal control officer and another has been adopted by an animal control officer. Two of the puppies died of parvo. Puppies are particularly susceptible to canine parvovirus which can be prevented by vaccinations. None of the dogs were up-to-date on their vaccinations so Animal Services vaccinated every dog.

“These are not dogs that are going to last many more years. They’ve gone through enough. Even if it’s nothing but nine or 10 months sitting on somebody’s lap in a cozy house that will make it worth it for me,” Starnes said.

“I only have praise for the way this was handled, starting with Sheriff Cathey to Lt. Starnes to Pat Raynor,” said Pat Shannon, AAL board member. “Such a large group of dogs quickly become a project. The shelter staff went above and beyond in their care for these dogs.

“We hope to continue working with the Union County animal shelter,” Shannon added.

Mullis has been charged with animal cruelty and failure to vaccinate dogs over four months of age. Both charges are misdemeanors. His court date is February 4.

For information about adopting an animal through Animal Adoption League or to make a donation visit www.mynextpet.com

This article was published in Union County Weekly, Jan. 23-29, 2009 issue. Deborah lives in Indian Trail with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. When the children are at school and the pets take a nap, she does a little freelance writing.

Four-legged listeners

photograph by Deborah Parkhill Mullis/MMHW, UCW

Matthews and Mint Hill libraries are now home to a program that lets students read to therapy dogs. (Above) Tucker, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, takes his turn in the spotlight.

Union West program that pairs struggling readers with pups
expands to Matthews, Mint Hill

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis
dogreporter@hotmail.com

Since its trial run at Union West Regional Library, Paws Awhile to Read – a free program that allows children embarrassed or hesitant about their reading skills to build confidence by reading aloud to dogs – has become so popular that its founder, Teresa Faucett of Mint Hill has had to both increase her pack of therapy dogs and expand its territory.

“Nearby libraries saw that it could work – Matthews was the first Charlotte-Mecklenburg program that we did. Mint Hill followed soon afterward,” said Faucette, a Therapy Dogs International evaluator who was seeking community-service opportunities for her 4-year-old sheltie, Max, when she approached the Indian Trail library last year.

Faucette and Max, along with two other TDI dogs and their handlers, started Paws Awhile to Read at Union West in October 2007. Demand for the twice monthly program was so high that Faucette immediately added a fourth dog.

Pack increases in size and variety

As the program expanded over the next 14 months, the pack doubled to eight dogs: Dusty, a dachshund handled by Sandy Pugyao of Waxhaw; Reiner, a German shepherd handled by Dale Stegall of Mint Hill; Maggie, a goldendoodle handled by Pat Pohar of Marshville; Piglet, a terrier-mix handled by Amy Harris of Goose Creek; Tucker, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel handled by Beth-Ellen Coates of Stallings; Zoey, a golden retriever handled by Tim Lauder of Matthews; and, of course Max, handled by Faucette of Mint Hill. A Newfoundland will join the program in January, as JJ the husky (one of the original three dogs) relocated to California.

“We could do (reading therapy) every, single Saturday and still have people waiting,” said Betsy Cullen, branch manager at Union West, where staffers, children and parents held a surprise party last month to thank the dogs and handlers.

“I had to lie to get them (to the party),” said Faucette, who told the handlers to bring the dogs to Union West for “mandatory” training.

Among those in attendance were Judy Silberquit and her son, Travis, 8, who regularly reads with the dogs at Union West. Silberquit had many compliments for the canines and their handlers, who have helped her son improve his reading comprehension and overcome his shyness. “He doesn’t just talk to the dogs. He talks to the handlers,” she said. “We don’t have pets at home, so the dogs are an added incentive (to read).”

More territory, more benefit

Now, the handlers are taking their pack of community-conscious canines to the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County’s Matthews and Mint Hill branches, too.

In Matthews, the program is called Tail Wagging Tutors and is held monthly on a Saturday morning. “I love to see the library so busy with children reading to dogs,” said Tricia Twarogowski, children services manager. “I like to try new things to encourage beginning, struggling or shy readers.”

“My daughter doesn’t like to read very much, but she loves dogs, so it was nice to see her excited to read,” said the mother of 7-year-old Lindsey, who was reading “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” to Tucker. Tucker’s handler, Coates, is an assistant teacher at Antioch Elementary School. Coates has two more Cavalier King Charles spaniels at home, but 3-year-old Tucker is the only one with the right temperament to be a reading-therapy dog.

On her first day volunteering at the Matthews branch, golden retriever Zoey proved she was up to the task. She remained attentive and calm as children flopped on the floor in front of her, flipping pages and sounding out the words in their books. Waving her fluffy tail whenever the children stroked her fur, Zoey was the perfect tail-wagging tutor.

“She’s our first therapy dog,” said owner Lauder of Matthews, who has another golden retriever at home. Lauder’s three children, ages 6, 10 and 12, came up with the idea of making Zoey a therapy dog. While Lauder took the dog through formal training, the children helped the pup practice at home. “We know some folks who have kids in the hospital, and they talked about the therapy dogs (there),” he said.

Lauder also was encouraged by Zoey’s trainer, who kept bumping the clever pup into more advanced classes. After meeting Faucette at a local pet store, Lauder scheduled Zoey for an evaluation and the pooch was approved to become a certified therapy dog.

Children who participate in the program receive collector cards of their canine reading companions. The cards have a photograph of the dog on the front and fun facts about the animal on the back.

Reading therapy programs resume at all three libraries in January.

For more information, about each library’s specific program, call the Union West Regional Library at 704-821-7475, the Matthews branch library at 704-416-5000, or the Mint Hill branch library at 704-416-5200.

Deborah's article was published by Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, Volune 2, Number 1 * Jan. 2-8, 2009 and by Union County Weekly, Volume 4, Number 1 * Jan. 2-8, 2009.