Dynamic duo raise funds and awareness

Roger and I present a check to Sassy Mae and AABR

At the end of February after talking with my Aunt Beth Downey, I learned about Sassy Mae, a petite brindle boxer who had been viciously mauled by another dog. Touched by the story of her will to survive, I convinced my brother Roger, a French Bulldog, that we could sell homemade dog treats produced at the infamous Brushtown Barkery to raise money to help with Sassy Mae's medical bills.

Founded in 2001 by the late Beulah Ruth, the Barkery's mission is to bring hope, help and healing to those in need whether they be two- or four-legged. Benefactors in the past have included the American Cancer Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Adopt a Boxer Rescue, and Furry Friends Network.

So, armed with only an apron and rolling pin, Roger and I set out to wage war against Sassy Mae's vast vet bills. Recognizing Roger's innate talent of taste-testing, he was immediately promoted from bus boy to Sr. Quality Control Tech and charged with ensuring that each and every batch of biscuits meets the highest quality standard established by Beulah Ruth.

With the help of our loving Mom, we baked 3,224 biscuits and raised $1,000 which we donated to AABR specifically for Sassy Mae's vet bills. In an effort to publicize Sassy Mae's tragic, yet heartwarming story, about how so many people pulled together for her benefit, Roger and I decided we needed a platform on which to present our check.

So being an affiliate of the Potomac Boxer Club, I decided to capitalize on the crowd of spectators who I knew would show up at our Specialty Show held last Saturday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.

We are especially pleased to report that Miss Sassy Mae was healthy and happy to participate in the festivities while donning a dazzling tiara and custom-tailored Boxer Rescue sash. Elaine Hauck, a long-time volunteer of Adopt A Boxer Rescue, gratefully accepted the check on behalf of AABR.

After I was recently featured on the cover of GQ magazine, Dad and Roger took their wardrobe queue from me and wore identical navy sports coats, dress shirts, and ties. Definitely not a fan of copycats — or cats in general — I was embarrassed yet a bit flattered to know that they respect my sense of fashion so much that they want to emulate me.

Front row left: Roger, Sassy Mae, Newman
Back row: Pam Knowlton, Beth Downey, Steve Knowlton, and Elaine Hauck

The outcry of support for Sassy Mae has been incredible. I won't list everyone for fear I'll miss someone, but you know who you are. Give yourself a pat on the back. And, if you have a Boxer, Frenchie, or other furry friend nearby, give them a hug to show just how much you love them.

AABR's mission not only includes hands-on rescue, but also education about the realities of responsible pet ownership including the importance of spaying and neutering.

AABR depends on donations, like the one from Newman and Roger, to continue to help needy boxers. AABR also relies on volunteers, like Aunt Beth Downey of Amity Hall Boxers, a life-long proponent of Boxer Rescue, who agreed to foster Sassy Mae in order to get her into the AABR system. Undoubtedly Aunt Beth's dedication and commitment to take Sassy Mae to her daily vet appointments, certainly helped pave the road to her recovery.

In addition to foster homes, AABR is always looking for volunteers to organize fundraisers, perform clerical tasks, and work at adoption events throughout the area. If you would like to volunteer, or want to learn more about adopting through rescue, please visit the AABR Web site.