Catie at The Copley
Today is a very exciting day for all of us who support and love 2Dogs 2000 Miles - Luke, Hudson and Murphy and everything they have worked so hard to accomplish over the last two plus years.
Today is the big finale day, and I've been hearing from my Sister, Lydia who is in in Boston right now enjoying ALL of the festivities.
In this mornings newsletter from Uncle Erich (who stayed at home like me and Mom --- someone has to hold down the fort) --- anyway.. this morning, this is what Uncle Erich had to tell us.
Today's The Day! – It's been two years and almost 2400 miles in the making, but today's the day Luke, Hudson, and Murphy walk their final mile into Boston. First there will be the Memorial Service lead by Reverend Pattie Handloss. The Reverend, retired associate vicar of the Old North Church in the North End and Animal Rescue League of Boston overseer, will also perform a Blessing of the Animals later in the day. There's a nice article about Reverend Handloss here: http://tinyurl.com/25pztqb
After the Memorial Service, Luke and The Boys will lead the Final Mile to the Boston Common, followed by friends they've made from over 20 states. What a thrilling accomplishment! Luke and I would often talk about the hardships they faced during their walk – oppressive and dangerous weather, dog packs, unfriendly and weird people, bugs, bugs, bugs, finding safe places to stay, avoiding traffic, crossing bridges in disrepair – some swinging in the wind. We often marveled at the pioneer spirit that people had so long ago, and wondered how anyone survived. It brought us both a new respect for the accomplishments of those trailblazers, and I think it often gave Luke the courage and determination to go on – especially after surviving tornadoes, snow storms, recluse spiders, toxic Twinkies, and a host of other challenges that met them.
After the Final Mile, people will share an afternoon of fun at the Puppy Up! Festival in the Boston Common. After posing with The Boys for photos, Luke will have the ceremonial cutting of the hair, which will be donated to Locks of Love. He'll then be whisked off to get a proper haircut and get spiffed up for the Gala. In the meantime, Puppy Up! partiers will enjoy a Boston Police K9 Demo, Top Hat and Tails Canine Freestyle Performance, Owner/Dog Look-Alike Contest, Children's Pet Show, and lots of vendor and sponsor booths. The weather is supposed to be good too!
And then of course in the evening the Puppy Up! Gala gets underway. Dinner, cocktails, the Puppy Up! song sung by Luke, more live music, silent and live auctions, dancing – well, a regular pawrty! Murphy will give a live demonstration of his passion for The Honest Kitchen food, there will be a few speeches and much congratulation, and Luke will tell everyone about 2 Million Dogs, our next project.
It should be a full and wonderful day for everyone.
So my Mom and I are so excited and so happy for Uncle Luke, Hudson and Murphy and we are proud of them too. But, because I am the World's Best Boy PitBull Reporter Extra Ordinary, not to mention Boy Bloginator..... I want to tell you some stories behind the story. And because I have sent my reporting apprentice (my Sis) to Boston, she has told me all about Catie at the Copley.
I think I may be in love (again --- or yet? - or still?--- whatever - here is the official photo of Catie.
The Fairmont Copley is of course, the hotel where the big GALA dinner and celebration will take place tonight.
Catie came to The Fairmont Copley Plaza in 2005 when she joined the staff as Canine Ambassador, a role where she will meet and greet guests, be available for scheduled walks and runs, and be a community liaison. Catie was originally trained to be a guide dog by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc., but later Catie developed small cataracts. So Catie, who is now blind herself has changed careers.
The hotel says that ''Many guests, whether they are traveling on business or pleasure, miss the companionship they receive from their own pets. Catie makes guests feel more at home at the hotel. " ---- and Lydia can attest to this from personal experience. Of course she is having WillowBee and LilyBug withdrawals..... not to mention the fact that she misses me terribly. So she has been to see Catie quite a few times. Here is our own photo of Catie
That's some fine rug she has.
I wish we had a rug like that in OUR office......... and here is another:
Because my Mouse Person was feeling very helpful this afternoon and we wanted to find out how we could write to Catie Copley , we went out into cyberspace and learned that Catie is stationed near the St. James Avenue entrance where she will relax between walks in her cozy dog bed. The Concierge staff maintains an appointment book where guests can schedule walks and runs with her. In addition, she will also greet guests in the lobby and assist bell staff with room deliveries. When guests take Catie for a walk around the city, they receive a walk pack that includes a booklet highlighting Catie's favorite Boston walks as well as the commands that she knows and a biscuit for a walk well done.
Catie even has her own business cards and e-mail address. Guests may write to Catie at Catie.Copley@fairmont.com.
I don't have any business cards, but I have a BLOGGING business and so I will be sure to send Catie a copy of my Blogging and perhaps she will write back to me. I hope so. She looks very calm and organized. This is something that there isn't too much of around our office most of the time. Ha.
So I am sad not to be in Boston with my family and Mama Ginger, Mr. Luke and the boys, but as Mom says, someone has to stay at home and keep the fires burning. I have no idea why she would think we need a fire - it's almost 100 degrees out today, but whatever.
Lydia and our friend Ms. Diane have taken lots of photos of their adventures in the land of Baked Beans (Boston) and so over the next couple of days, I will try to put a little photo collection together to share with you.
Here are a couple however that I really like and wanted to share today.
The first is the Blessing of Murphy & Hudson:
And another of the beautiful Memorial Ceremony
And here is our Mr. Pat - patiently waiting to begin the final Mile Walk -----obviously Pat has learned to conserve his energy cause it is going to be a very, very long day!
I am so excited to hear all about the rest of the day - and I'll report in with all the juicy details! It's nice having an Apprentice Reporter in The Field......... I'm here in the newsroom, staying cool and reading e-mails!
Love and Licks,
Bob
...... Best Boy Bloginator in The Entire Known Universe
-------------- and who has his very own Girl Reporter too!
---------------- and in love with Catie Copley
Categories: We Have a Dream, All the News All the Time, Traveling Around
Tags: Black Labrador Retriever Boston The Fairmont Copley 2 Dogs 2000 Miles blogging pitbull
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