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Big Mo's Tennis Ball Hunt
by Kent Whitaker
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Fast Facts about Moses
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Five Tips for a Happy Golden Retriever
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Short Release
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About the Author
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Q&A
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Moses is a canine answer to human prayers. When Kent Whitaker's long-time grilling buddy Jake passed, he began a search for another golden retriever. As a cookbook and children's book author, Kent required more than your average golden retriever. He needed one that loved people, worked well with children, and would be well-behaved around the grill for the book autographing sessions, chef demos, and other events they would attend.
Golden retrievers are the second most popular breed in the United States. They are one of the most common family dogs worldwide because they are social, tolerant and compatible by nature. Deciding to invite a golden retriever to join your family is not a decision to be made lightly. They are a large breed weighing 60 to 75 pounds, their long hair requires considerable care, and they have a high level of energy throughout their lives.
Because they are patient and tolerant of children as well as being highly-intelligent, natural entertainers, Kent was adamant about getting another golden retriever to replace Jake. A longtime supporter of Golden Retriever Rescue, Kent looked to several of the organizations for help. It didn't take long.
One day, a Golden Foster Mom called to say she had the perfect dog. "Moose" was rescued from the home of his former owners where he had been tied to a tree for years during all kinds of bad weather. His thyroid condition had been ignored causing health issues. Despite that, Moses, as he was renamed by his foster family, was a loveable, caring dog. Kent says, "Moses and I met on a rainy day outside Atlanta. Within minutes, he was so comfortable with me that he jumped right in my truck. He was ready to go to his new home in Chattanooga!"
Now, in addition to being an important part of the Whitaker family, Moses is STAR. Alpo was searching for a dog-loving backyard chef to tell people about their new brand of dog food. After seeing Kent's Smoke in the Mountains Cookbook, they approached him about being their new spokesperson. When they learned of Moses’ background and rescue, they knew they had the right pair to serve as spokesdog and spokesperson for ALPO® Chop House Originals Ribeye-Flavored dog food. Now Kent and Moses fly around the country to different events. While Kent presents outdoor grilling tips during his cooking demonstration, Moses has the hard job of meeting and being petted and hugged by thousands of kids.
No "prima-dogga," Moses is giving back to the people who rescued him. He's been to Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia, and even New Mexico and everywhere he's traveled, Alpo has donated more than 1,000 cans of dog food to a local shelter. Many of the events Kent and Moses visit, feature fundraisers for shelters and rescues.
It stands to reason that such a special dog should be the star of his very own book. Kent wrote Big Mo's Tennis Ball Hunt (just published by Great American Publishers • www.greatamericanpublishers.com • 1.866.625.9241) in honor of Moses' love of tennis balls. The hard-cover, 24-page book features full-color illustrations on every page. From 1 to 10, readers help Mo find his tennis balls which are lost in different places around his home. A delightful, rhyming story, the book is big fun for children and dog lovers of all ages.
So, as you travel close to home or around the country, keep an eye out for Moses. He may be signing copies of Big Mo's Tennis Ball Hunt or donating ALPO® dog food to a local shelter or just giving free doggie hugs. For more information about Moses, visit www.bigmostennisballs.com.
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