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Olympian Basset Hounds Apollo and Winslow continue
their journey to help raise awareness for Animal Rescue by signing
photos with their paws . The $5 proceeds for each signed photo will
be donated to animal rescue ventures at the events.
Joining Apollo and Winslow will be their mom, Motivational
Strategist Gail Kasper. Gail Kasper is an international renowned
Motivational Strategist, author, the current Ms. Pennsylvania, and
television personality. “Each year, between 6 and 8 million
dogs and cats go into shelters and over 3 million of them are euthanized.
America, we do have a problem - a problem we can change.”
Gail and her Bassets are determined to be part of the solution,
not part of the problem.
The trio has supported the Animal Welfare Association
and the SPCA through donations and supplies, and most recently over
25 local and national Animal Rescues. One of their greatest successes
supported the Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue, where, along with Basset
Hounds from across the country, they participated in the Tri-State
Basset Hound Olympics and Boardwaddle to help raise awareness and
donations for the adoption of homeless Basset Hounds. With the Tri-State
Basset Rescue Program, “raising money” was taken to
a new level when Gail set out with Apollo and Winslow to develop
corporate sponsors. Both boys sported the first-ever jerseys filled
with the logos of their corporate sponsors and raised over $1600.00.
Apollo, 6, and a 2006 Gold Medalist, earned a Bronze Medal this
year for the 10-meter relay and also participated in the high jump.
Winslow, 4, was a 2006 Silver Medalist for the 15-meter hurdles
and also participated in the Obstacle course.
Currently owned by 2 rescued Basset Hounds, Gail talks
about the multiple benefits of adoption. She states, “Apollo
and Winslow were not puppies, but I wouldn’t trade them for
anything in the world.
Their personalities and unconditional love are irreplaceable. Also,
Apollo was 2 years old when I got him, housetrained, and out of
the “chew” phase.”
Too many puppies are purchased only to be relinquished
to a shelter when they are no longer wanted. “It is so important,
when making the investment of a pet, that we all consider the responsibility,”
states animal advocate Gail Kasper, “It is a life-long commitment.
With the responsibility involved, it is comparable to adopting “kids.”
Gail states that she always considers their safety, health, and
emotional well being. Apollo and Winslow are not permitted outside
without a leash and are limited to their time outside if the weather
is too hot or too cold; they are on a routine with their eating
schedule; and if Gail is going to be away from home for longer than
a 5-hour stint, a babysitter will either come to the house to spend
time with them or they will spend the day in school – that’s
right, day care for doggies! Gail emphasizes, “It’s
important to realize that these animals are “social”
animals who “need” attention and love. Leaving them
locked outside or chained is unacceptable!”
Gail remembers the day she adopted Apollo. It was
four years ago when Motivational Strategist Gail Kasper walked into
the Philadelphia SPCA and walked out with a 50-lb Basset Hound named
Shamus. Somehow Shamus just wasn’t the right name for this
adorable “heavy” lap dog who demonstrated that his only
goal in life was spreading peace and happiness. Hence the name “Apollo,”
named after the Greek God of the Sun. As to why Gail chose this
name, she says, “Apollo stood for truth and I felt this world
could use a little more truth.”
Six months after adopting Apollo, Winslow was adopted
from the Tri- State Basset Rescue Program. As a dog who had been
starved, 25 pounds underweight when received, and left in a cage
for the 6 months of his existence, Winslow had issues. Today, however,
with love and attention, and with his brother Apollo, Winslow is
adjusted and happy. The two are inseparable.
The trio, Gail, Apollo, and Winslow are determined
to reach all of America!
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