We reached a milestone yesterday, August 1st, when the great folks from paws4people announced their selection for 10-year old Clarke Ringelstein. After having spent five hours with the nine potential dogs while visiting Hazelton federal prison, there were two obvious puppies that naturally settled with Clarke and his mom Sandra. Knox and Benning, with Benning taking a special position in Sandra’s heart. While this is great news, as it puts the two kindred spirits in alignment, there are no guarantees that this will be the ultimate selection. For the next 10-months or so, Benning will begin intensive training to meet the specific needs of Clarke and his family. These skills will include specialized retrieval techniques, learning some sign language, stabilization control, socialization, and so much more. While Benning needs to prove to his handlers that he’s up to the challenge before we can say for certain that he’s a graduate, we feel really good about his chances. For now, the entire team, the handlers, the Ringelstein family, as well as the great folks at paws4people are thrilled with the selection. Here are some photos of that initial meeting between what will surely become a match made in Heaven.

Join the Dublin Dog Foundation, along with a whole host of celebrated artists from around the country to participate in Luck. Powerful Art. Positive Purpose. Artists were commission to create an original piece of artwork around the theme of “luck” or good fortune. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these original pieces will go towards our goal of raising $25,000 in order to help 10-year old Clarke get a service dog. Clarke was born with a genetic disorder that has left him without the ability to speak or walk, however with the use of a service dog we hope to increase his capabilities.

Please check out this video of Clarke and artist Edwin Gil, as together they create one of the cornerstone pieces for the Art Show taking place on August 25th, 2011 at the Gil Gallery in Charlotte, NC.

Well the time had come to finally meet Terry and to place a face with a name;  a name and a cause that had kept us focused for almost 5 months. Our meeting came after only minutes of having arrived at the Canine Assistants facility in Milton, GA. Terry, along with her new service dog “Butterball” greeted us with open arms, a beautiful smile, and a spirit that seemed to envelope her and all those around her. We were all touched by the thanks and praise we received from Terry and the wonderful folks at Canine Assistants. It was a moving experience for the Dublin Dog Foundation team to see the fruits of our labor transform from good intentions into a reality that will forever change the life of Terry and her family. So we sincerely thank everybody who helped us in this quest to assist a very deserving woman receive a service dog after having waited for 4.5 years. The pleasure was all ours and we look forward to the opportunity of helping serve those who need our support. And to Terry and her family, we truly wish you and Butterball all the luck in the world. We are grateful for having had the opportunity to meet you and to help write a few sentences in the chapters of your life.

“Ouch my Butt”….was the anthem of the day. After hours in the saddle our bums were slowly getting accustomed to the bumps in the road. The morning provided beautiful weather and everybody was excited to get rollin’! We spent the morning in downtown Greensboro watching a 4th of July parade. Jason and a few others headed to the closest bike shop for some minor adjustments and extra gear. After a full day of riding, we packed up the bikes at close to get some quick shut eye at the closest RV Park. Let’s just say that we rolled into what could best be described as the Griswold’s Family Vacation hot spot. It was certainly a trailer park, but hey, “When in Rome….” We hunkered down with 12 pizzas, that’s right, I said 12 pizzas! Somebody’s eyes were much larger than their stomach. However in hind sight, they proved to be a valuable commodity later in the trip.  About 248 more miles to go….

The Dublin Dog Crew rode long into the night. From 12:01am until 4:30am, riders and crew navigated through the darkness, into the hills, and down the valleys. There is nothing quite like riding among your friends and colleagues at 2:45am as deer peer up from lush pasture fields, and the noises of the night serenade our team of riders. After hours of riding, we found an old church along the side of the road, where we pulled our caravan of RVs and SAG vehicles over for 3 hours of shut eye. Some opted for beds, pillows, and a comfortable floor at that point, while others took their bags outside and slept under the stars. The one thing in common, we were all excited about what the morning had to offer.   With 50 miles under our belts, we headed off to Greensboro to hit a 4th of July parade and refuel on carbs.

It’s 11:30pm and we’re about to get on the way for 400 miles of pure excitement, pure pain, and pure adrenaline. A very special thanks to Bicycle Sport for providing additional bikes for the ride, along with our Platinum Sponsors, Presbyterian Endocrinology & Osteoporosis Consultants, and American Pet Cross. We truly thank you, along with all the other companies and individuals that helped to make this dream a reality. We’ve got a good crowd here at the Thirsty Beaver and are waiting for the clock to strike midnight so we can clip in our pedals and head out. We’re lucky enough to have WXRC 95.7 “The Ride” leading us out of Charlotte, with music and lights. What else could you ask for.

Washington DC, here we come!!!!

We’re at it again. That’s right, our team is nothing but dedicated when it comes to throwing a great party for a great cause. Who said running fundraisers has to be painful? This Saturday night, June 13th, the team from the Dublin Dog Foundation will be hosting a benefit event with the great folks at CorkScrew Wine Shoppe and Bar. Come out to join us for one of our last events before the big charity ride from Charlotte, NC to Washington, DC. The wine tasting event will take place from 4:00-8:00 pm and we’ll have our dream bike on display along with some wonderful donations from folks all around the Charlotte area. You won’t want to miss this one. We’ve got only 3 weeks left to raise over $5,000 and we need everybody’s help to make it happen! We can do it, we know we can, so join us in supporting this wonderful cause.  The CorkScrew is located at 16916 Birkdale Commons Pky, Huntersville, NC 28078. Cheers to you and your support for the Dublin Dog Foundation!

I just wanted to thank everybody who came out to our Shamrock and Rollover Event this past weekend at Connollys. With a few hundred of our favorite friends, family, and the lucky strangers we lured in off the street with our cold Guinness and delicious grub, we raised over $5,000 in just 3 hours!!! The Board of the Dublin Dog Foundation not only can put together wonderful charities, but they can sure throw a party as well. We had 5 therapy and service dogs join the celebration, a wonderful DJ rippin’ the records, and of course, the Bike of the hour. That’s right, folks lined up to get a chance to win the Dublin Dog Foundation Dream Bike and Sidecar. With only 30 days left until we start our pilgrimage to Washington DC, we’re laser focused on hitting our goal of $20,000. So thank you again for a wonderful event and be sure to stay in touch for all additional events that will be taking place during the month of June. Special thanks again to all the great folks at Connolly’s and Bojangles! We could not have done it without you.