DOG SWAPPING TO SOME,
CHRISTMAS MIRACLES TO OTHERS.
Swamp Roy was safely delivered yesterday to Glenna Wright , head of our BTCA National rescue. Glenna tirelessly works rescuing , orchestrating /overseeing and showing top standard bullies, as well as working in their veterinary clinic where her husband is the veterinarian. She keeps a schedule which would wear out most people!
Glenna’s husband, Dr. Tom Wright, bull terrier vet extraordinaire, will take over Swamp Roy’s care. His wounds will continue to be monitored and treated, he will be neutered and he will be evaluated, so that he will end up in the perfect forever home.
This picture was taken several years ago with Glenna. My only regret is that we didn’t take a pic of us with each rescue that we’ve been involved with together.
Yesterday was a quadruple day of dog swapping. Four ladies met at a restaurant in Arkansas where we had lunch together and then used their parking lot for the “swap meet”. 😉😊
Mary Holsen’s own personal bully had a minor surgical procedure and was being returned to her, by Glenna, to take back to a Houston.
From Houston, Mary brought a bully to Glenna for Blue Ridge Bullterrier Rescue. That bully will be picked up from Glenna and then taken to her foster home in Kentucky. Classic Kippers along with others pledged the gas money to get “Athena” from Little Rock, Arkansas to Versailles, Kentucky.
Glenna also brought “Mr. Wilson”, a bully whom Susan Young and I rescued from S. Louisiana some time ago, and who is now ready for his forever home. It was good to see him again and meet his new owner who drove over from Ft. Worth, Texas to pick him up. Mr. Wilson’s new owner was positively beaming.
I had Swamp Roy who eagerly jumped into a Glenna’s van and into a crate, as if he knew he was one step closer to a beautiful new life.
To the untrained eye, we were just four women- possibly appearing crazy to some – taking bull terriers out of cars and putting them in different cars, but what we really were doing was making happy Christmas miracles happen.
I may have been the only one returning with an empty crate, but I had a full heart. Three more lives saved and to those three, what better Christmas Miracle could there be?
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I must tell you that heaven has gained a new angel and I have lost a part of my heart.
I have been remiss in posting this sad news.
Those of you who have followed me these past four years are aware that I am here by the Grace of God, the doctors who worked tirelessly to save me, my parents who refused to give up, the friends who supported them and Miss Amazing Gracie- MY ROCK.
You see, when I faced the most serious fight of my life, a surgery that I had less than a 50% chance of surviving, not to mention the grim complications that plagued me, Amazing Gracie went into action. She and her mom, Jan brought Holy Water and a beautiful crate cross which Mom made sure was with me at all times.
Gracie continued to send me notes of encouragement and prayed for me every night. She wore one of my bow ties to honor me, but in truth, it is I who was honored by her friendship.
You know, Dr Treadwell my Internist, used to sing Amazing Grace to me at the hospital before my bedtime. Back then, I thought she was singing about my friend Gracie and I guess, in a way, she was.
Gracie slipped from these earthly bonds having lived a very long and wonderful life with her beloved people, Miss Jan and Mr. Jay.
To them I send my most sincere condolences.
Godspeed precious Gracie, you will always be Amazing and MY ROCK.
AHOY MATEYS!
Avast Ye!
Captain Kipp here with the bonnie lass Peaches O’Malley.
Crack open the barrel so I can wet me pipes and serve ye up the rest of the grog for we have much to celebrate! The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux will sail the high seas this fair Mardi Gras season as “Pawrets of the Cattabean”!! And there’s more!
The Jolly Roger is flying high; the booty was plentiful on the HMS Revenge!
There will be no hornswaggling on this ship or the bilge rat will be keelhauled!
Give me my spy scope. Sail ho! (Ship of unknown intentions approaches)
Lad! Tell that ship to strike her colours! What’s that you say?
Walk the plank? Sir Kirby?
Hard to starboard!
Lads, we shall rescue me
swashbuckling mate.
Aye, Aye Captain Kipp!
There will be no quarter given!
Send them to Davy Jones’ locker!
Now mates!!!
FIRE IN THE HOLE!!
In the days to come, each member of my “red herd” team will be introduced to you through video technology on my Facebook page, as I cannot post regular video here. However, if you don’t follow FB , I will make certain that the posts here are infused with enough adjectives to bring them “alive” in your minds.
After all, our Southern charm, ability to accessorize and love of our Southern and British roots will hopefully endear each and every one of you to not only our cause, but to our breed! You will see each of us as we really are- we gloss over nothing! For example, I have worked hard to educate myself in the ways of a Renaissance bully. I am epitome of a Southern gentleman. I enjoy curling up in our library with the likes of Shakespeare, Chaucer, Churchill, Walker Percy and Lyle Saxon, as well as to study French and The Arts.
Miss Sophie Peach on the other paw is somewhat of an ingenue in her pearls,
while Master Kirby FitzKippers is, how can I say this NOT in the vernacular? Peut-être en français, oui, c’est tout! Le jeune garçon est plein de pisse et de vinaigre! I kid you not!
We are looking forward to the launch of our new collection this fall for women!
Some of this post may be redundant to you who have loyally followed me for the last four years and know my story from its grim beginning, but for those who are new to Classic Kippers and to me, Mr. Kippers, it will help you to enjoy this journey, my journey, to pay forward my good fortune in helping others who have been abused and abandoned. The net profit from all of my sales goes to helping animals who are in need.
This blog covers my life since my book was published in 2015 and it also will explain why our launch began with bow ties! The years prior can be found in my autobiography,”Rags to Renaissance, The Southern Education of an Abused English Bull Terrier” which can be purchased at my online store, ClassicKippers.biz along with my bow ties and tees. As always, all three can be purchased at John Pickens’ Clothier in Shreveport, Louisiana and Olivine, Rice Village, Houston, Texas.
In 2013, Classic Kippers was launched with the introduction of my bow ties and tees- all American made!
————– In 2015, my autobiography was published with the first printing selling out in 33 days. My book is now in its third printing, which of course is…published in America!
One review stated: “Rags to Renaissance” is a delightfully gentle and inspiring read with a bit of southern color. Mr. Kippers, an English Bull Terrier, is a clever writer with an amazing vocabulary and an affinity for the Classics.”
——– In the Fall of 2017, Classic Kippers will introduce my ladies line of _______?????
And you thought I was going to slip and giveaway my secret! Not happening just yet, but the line is also American made- boy is it American made!
As CEO of Classic Kippers I will continue at its helm for the near future. I am diligently working on designs for my Fall Collection.
Miss Sophie Peach will be taking a major roll in sales this fall, as she is the only female team member, and the new line focuses on women. Miss Sophie Peach envisions herself a cover girl in pearls!
Master Kirby FitzKippers, my adopted son and protégé, has grown entirely too big for his britches. And, since Classic Kippers was founded on humility, gratefulness and the desire to pay forward my good fortune after having been abused and abandoned, Master Kirby has been sent to the mail room to begin his career in Shipping and Receiving.
Please remember in purchasing from Classic Kippers, you are getting two gifts for the price of one. First, something wonderful for yourself or a friend and the second gift is that the profit garnered from your purchase will help to save the life of an animal.
My Dad is quite a guy! He actually bought and put together this white Adirondack chair, which I believe involved “hundreds” of screws, just so I could showcase these beautiful pillows made by the artists of Evergreen, who are challenged. They work very hard and do such a nice job making these delightful patriotic flag pillows!
I know these look like me, but this doesn’t have any connection to me nor my fundraising for Classic Kippers, but after all, we should always help others, should we not?
Remember, JUNE 14th is FLAG DAY and then there is THE FOURTH OF JULY!
After all, Southern hospitality is the lifeblood which courses through our veins.
So picture this-
A few of these beautiful handmade and hand painted pillows lovingly placed upon a wicker settee or a porch swing, a cold pitcher of lemonade and some warm ginger snap cookies on a table nearby to welcome a gathering of friends on a sultry summer afternoon. Gracious ladies, elegant in straw hats, gauzy linen dresses- always in their pearls- these Southern Belles on the arm of gentlemen, impeccably turned out in seersucker suits, white bucks and the appropriate Classic Kippers’ bow ties!
Make your summer a feel good summer – for yourself and for the artist, who despite his or her challenges, has created a lovely patriotic piece for your special place.
Show your patriotism and your love of animals!
The Evergreen artist’s AMERICAN FLAG pillows
can be purchased in their gift shop at:
Evergreen
2101 Highway 80
Haughton, LA 71037
You can give them a call at
(318) 949-5500
In my eleven months of life I have learned a great deal. Despite the fact that I am a whirling dervish, a ricochet rabbit, and a pain in the patoot, I must be given credit for realizing that if I put on my harness, strap into my seat belts ( yes, belts- plural – it takes two baby!) and behave, I get to go to our local Sonic Drive-In for ice water! It’s an afternoon outing of which I totally look forward to each day. And yes, I’m afraid that I can pitch a little fit if denied this simple pleasure! So, if you see me out in the Kipper Mobile, just cruising in my summer cap and protective eye gear, give a beep or a wave!
DON’T FORGET, DOGS CAN SUNBURN TOO, SO PROTECT YOUR PET!
I’m certain that all of you, like I, were waiting for “Shock and Awe” to happen today when “Kirby the Terrible” went to his first Mardi Gras parade.
⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️BUT⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
It is with great pride that I relay the news that Master Kirby represented Classic Kippers with great aplomb!
The SHOCK & AWE is happening to my parents and their friends who have only seen Master Kirby’s “out of control, no excuse” behavior in public, but today saw something else!
A little background:
The Highland parade is held during the day and is touted as “The Family Parade”. It’s NOT one of the big night parades! Mom and Dad went to a friend’s son’s home which is at the beginning of the parade route. That’s a plus!
People are everywhere! Some are set up on their lawns for family gatherings and some more like frat parties. It is definitely a smorgasbord of venues up and down the streets.
Every weekend they take Kirby to Lowe’s, Pet Smart, a coffee shop, etc. to work on his socialization. And every time they come home looking bewildered and bemused. First I thought it was the dementia on their part, (they are getting long in tooth) but upon retrospect, I have decided that it’s “Kirbyitus”.
That being said, I heard Mom talking to Dad about immersion courses. You know, when a parent sends a child to a foreign country to learn the language? Surely they didn’t think it was necessary for Kirby to learn Russian Wolfhound, French Poodle or German Shepherd, because his English, being an English Bull Terrier, is still lacking!
As it turned out, Mom felt that he was still too wild on his weekend outings, so she thought that a Mardi Gras immersion -with lots of people, children, bands, loud music – you know, you’re basic bedlam , might just be the ticket! Evidently it was the right call because a good time was had by ALL- not just Kirby. Even Auntie Susan was there to validate!
So was it immersion or the MAGIC of Mardi Gras?
You decide!
Love, licks and woofs!
Mr Kippers
ON THE WAY TO THE PARADE
WOW LOOK AT THOSE PEOPLE! WHAT ARE THE WEARING?
WAITING FOR THE PARADE TO BEGIN WITH MOM!
VISITING WITH MISS SHANNON AND MR. FRANK
DR MARJORIE, YEP, SHE LOVES ME!
MOM’S PALS…MISS DRU, MISS SHANNON, MOM AND AUNTIE SUSAN!
MR.KIPPERS here and I am thrilled to be collaborating with CUBAN GOURMET SHOPPES to PAY FORWARD my good fortune of having been rescued, by presenting the beautiful works of EVERGREEN’S, MATTERS OF THE ARTS, talented artists!
Just this week I donned my hospital gown, dashing Classic Kippers’ EKG bow tie and met the artists at Robinson’s Rescue. There we posed with their awesome dog and cat bowls which are themselves, works of art!
These wonderfully dedicated artists, who are developmentally challenged, have created one of a kind dog and cat bowls for your most deserving canine or feline.
Your purchase of one of these masterpieces is actually THREE GIFTS IN ONE!
FIRST, a gift for a special dog or cat (guaranteed to make eating even more of a pleasure!)
SECOND, a gift of joy, as your purchase will delight the artist who crafted your piece. (On the back of each work of art is the artist’s story)
THIRD, a gift of the net profit, from your purchase, will go to ROBINSON’S RESCUE, Shreveport’s low-cost, high quality spay/neuter facility. By doing this, you are helping ROBINSON’S RESCUE to “save lives through prevention”. Preventing unwanted litters from being born, through spay/neutering, helps ROBINSON’S RESCUE’s mission of reducing animal overpopulation and euthanasia in our community.
When we all work together in our community, GREAT things happen. That is why CUBAN GOURMET SHOPPES and CLASSIC KIPPERS support the works of EVERGREEN’S MATTERS OF THE ART and ROBINSON’S RESCUE!
YOU MAY PURCHASE THESE BEAUTIFUL DOG AND CAT BOWLS AT
CUBAN Gourmet Shoppes , 928 Pierremont Rd, Shreveport, LA
No sooner had my Kippers’ Express Flood Relief crew arrived home from transporting 9000 plus pounds of supplies to my two and four-legged friends in Denham Springs, than an urgent request for my services came through once again, but this time from St. Landry Parish.
Mom immediately asked Lt Sophie Peach to put out an urgent request for more supplies, which of course she did.
We would be accepting donations for 4 days. While Sophie Peach did her promo , Mom called Mr. Earl at Chinaberry’s to tell him we were going to have another load. Bless him, he had already offered to take as many loads as necessary! He and Mom decided to once again load on Monday and head out Tuesday.
This time donations poured in from people whom we had never met. Many said that they had heard about us on the television the week before and were thrilled to find out, through social media and word-of-mouth, that we were once again gathering supplies. It was truly amazing.
Many of you may remember my friend FEBE (Federal Bomb Expert), the incredible black German shepherd who was the 2016 Barkus & Meoux Grand Marshal. Well, his wonderful handler Tommy Hollis, volunteered to help with the unloading and stacking of donations for three days! My dad was particularly appreciative! Unloading all these supplies from people’s cars and trucks into the house was rather tiring!
Then on Sunday, my friend, Joshua Shepard worked all day unloading, stacking and helping mom pack things up into huge tubs to make it easier on Mr. Earl’s crew Monday when donations would be loaded on the big Chinaberry’s truck for our second trip to South Louisiana. Josh is strong and very funny. We needed a bit of levity because we were often overwhelmed by the generosity of people. For example, two lovely ladies who were incredibly generous the week before when we were collecting for Denham Springs, surprised us with such a phenomenal amount of donations this time, that Petco’s manager even delivered them! Wonderful angels those two ladies!! Many of their donated items were much needed shipping crates. Many dogs who were already up for adoption, before the flooding, were to be shipped to rescues up north inorder to make room for people’s pets who were displaced by the flooding. That way, the displaced pets would have a better chance of being reunited with their owners. Then, the Tinsley’s from Claiborne Animal Clinic in Homer, LA, went out of their way to drive a pick up truckload of wire crates and other supplies to us. Money poured in and with it we bought dog runs for a new area of the St Landry shelter. We saw delivery after delivery from people whom we have never met, but we also saw so many people who gave for Denham Springs, but returned once again to help those in St. Landry. Serio’s Feed & Seed from where Dad buys horse feed graciously donated 500 plus pounds of dog chow. Thank you Miss Jena!
Unexpectedly, KSLA’s veteran news anchor, Jeff Ferrell showed up with a cameraman to talk with Mom and video all the wonderful donations we had received for the Kippers’ Express St. Landry’s Flood Relief. Mr Jeff seemed to be enamoured with the talking PR videos that Sophie Peach and I posted. He seemed amazed by our vocal ability. My goodness, after all, I AM the CEO of Classic Kippers and would be hard-pressed to run a company if I were not totally verbal. I cannot thank him enough for the coverage he gave us and to his fellow anchor, Marie Wexel, who did such a great job airing the piece.
Monday came and with it Mr.Earl and his crew. Mom showed him what we collected and told him that she did not think we had as much as the week before. He laughed and said, “You have twice as much as last week !” He said that we had enough for two trucks, so while his Chinaberry’s truck was being loaded Mom got on the phone and rented a Penske truck so that we could get all of our donations down there at one time. Both trucks were loaded in short order and ready for us to head to Opelousas Tuesday morning.
This time Auntie Susan and Mom would escort the trucks down. My Auntie Susan worked tirelessly both weekends helping to organize the donations as the cars were unloaded, she also helped pack supplies into tubs & boxes. Auntie Susan, you’re always there when I need you for a special project and this one may have been the most special we’ve ever done! Thank you so much -I’m sending you special love, licks, and woofs.
At a 6:45 AM, everyone was beginning to arrive. Auntie Susan rolled in to drive down with Mom, Mr. Earl and his crew to take the trucks and Miss Mary, once again, came to see them off with boxes of her fabulous homemade cookies. Not only that, but she had quietly and generously made multiply donations and contacted others out of town who sent checks that went toward our purchase of 5’x10′ dog runs.
I wanted to drive the Penske truck, but I’m a bit height challenged, so I just hopped in for a few quick pics! Including one with Mario and Frank who loaded the trucks! That third picture is Mr. Earl with Miss Mary and her box of THE BEST EVER chocolate chip cookies!
At 7 AM we rolled out of the driveway and onto I 49 for wonderfully uneventful trip to St. Landry Parish. Once there, we were happy to see that they had quite a crew ready to help unload our two trucks.
The shelter director, Miss Stacy, was in Colorado on shelter business, but she left us in good hands of these ladies! Auntie Susan is in the pink and Mom in the green. The ladies from the shelter are Miss Angela and Miss Kayla.
For all of you who donated, especially the people who donated to organizations after Hurricane Katrina, and expressed to us that you didn’t feel like your supplies got to those in need post Katrina, FEAR NOT- the supplies you donated this time- ALL OF THEM- went right into the hands AND paws of those in need. Since our delivery, St. Landry Parish Shelter has received a grant and with that money they were able to purchase the storage unit below. Miss Stacy sent Mom these pictures so you can see your wonderful supplies protected from the weather and organized beautifully, so they will be able to readily get to anything they need.
It is apparent from what we have heard and read that the jury is still out on our Government’s help since the flooding. However, seeing neighbors helping neighbors, strangers helping strangers and many good people orchestrating miracles, I can unequivocally say that the gold stars belong to, “We the people…”
I will close my blog on “Tails” of the Flood, with these pictures which show donated shipping crates filled with the hopeful faces of rescues, as they wing their way from Louisiana to cities throughout the United States in anticipation of forever homes.
Thank you for helping me to continue my mission to pay forward my good fortune, so that other animals, like “moi” might also find a new beginning.