September 27, 2007

WOOF! Parker, CCI assistance dog in training and Canine Correspondent for 7News, here.

I am pleased to announce that Channel 7 is partnering with the Metro Denver Shelter Alliance, including the Dumb Friends League and Table Mountain Animal Center, for Parker's Pet Pals. Each week my slideshow will feature a variety of pets that need new forever homes.

Well, after hearing this news, I just had to go meet some of my new Pet Pals, so I went to the Dumb Friends League this morning. Marianne let me look through the window at some tiny kittens that were playing. I really wanted to join them but she reminded me that I was on duty, so we moved along. I also saw some great dogs in another area, who barked HELLO at me, but Marianne wouldn't let me play with them either. Rats.

After admiring some bunnies that looked very soft and cuddly (again, no playtime!), we went outside. Dayna, the DFL spokesperson, was there with Buddy, a handsome Lab/Dalmatian cross. We chatted a bit, enjoying the warm sunshine and lush grass, while Dayna prepared for her interview on the 11 a.m. newscast.

Since I'm a pro, I tried to give Buddy some hints. "Look at the camera, and don't scratch," I advised him. "Also, no drooling! This is your big chance! Maybe someone watching the news will see you, fall in love, and come right down to adopt you."

Buddy wagged his tail, grinned, and said he'd do his best. He was a little nervous at first, but then he became so relaxed that he started rolling around in the grass. DURING THE LIVE INTERVIEW! I was horrified, and did my best to maintain my professional demeanor so that Dayna could finish her interview. Yikes.

Buddy sat up in time to wrap up the interview, and he looked right at the camera. I told him he looked great, except for when he was rolling in the grass. Buddy said he was so happy to be outside on such a nice day he kind of forgot about the whole television thing. Oh, well. He's not had as much experience as I have, and Marianne said he actually looked pretty funny.

Anyhow, I hope that someone comes to adopt him SOON. Maybe you?

Chow for now!

Parker

Check out all of Parker's Pet Pals on the weekly slideshow. Let me know if you adopt one of my pals, OK?

Questions or comments for Parker? Send them to Call7ForHelp@TheDenverChannel.com.

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence, or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to www.cci.org for details.