Written by Julie Karl
BG independent news
Harrigan, a Sheepadoodle, has been supporting the community for the better part of eight years.
Charles Ralph dreams of frolicking at Bowling Green's new dog park.
Now they're asking for your help to be named America's Favorite Pet, an online contest sponsored by Modern Dog Magazine.
Or owners Lee Liebetrau (Harrigan) and Joe Ascans (Charles) on the pitch to cheer on their pups in a contest that promises a magazine photoshoot and a $10,000 prize for the top dog.・Maybe Ralph.
Harrigan was named after the song sung by James Cagney in the 1942 film Yankee Doodle Dandy, and I look forward to hearing Liebetrau sing Harrigan's songs on a regular basis.
According to the Modern Dog Contest website, Charles is an expressive communicator. “We actually talk to him every day. Really.”
Harry has spent most of his sweet life as a trained therapy dog, visiting nursing homes, cancer patients, and Bowling Green State University students through the BGSU PAWS program. They are in the process of being able to work with young people in juvenile detention centers.
“He's better at one-on-one situations with kids who are in crisis or who have lost their pets or their homes,” Liebetrau said.
When Liebetrau owned Blush, a bridal shop in downtown Bowling Green, he was the “store dog” from the age of 6 months.
“When we were downtown, he was getting pretty famous,” she said. Brides who choose a blush wedding dress can have their photo taken with an adorable furry dog. Former Mayor Richard Edwards was also a frequent visitor. Hari also received an invitation to his retirement party with Liebetrau as his plus one.
He regularly attends Sunday services at First Presbyterian Church, where he often observes the action behind the scenes rather than what's happening on the front lines.
Described as a “kind and sensitive soul,” he loves humans in general, but has little to do with young children. Her original goal was to visit autistic children, but since Mr. Hari has no interest in children, an adult would be a better fit.
“Depending on the scenario, they might just lie next to someone and get petted, or they might come up close and nuzzle you,” she says.
He loves spending time with people, but his favorite activity of all time is playing his version of fetch. “Just say play,” she said, spelling out the words in case he overheard the conversation. “Then he goes from a gentle sheepadoodle to a wakadoodle.”
When he hears the word “SQUIRREL”, he does the same.
Hari's own fetch is done using two balls, but he can only capture the first ball thrown. When he brings the first ball, Liebetrau throws the second ball and he goes there, but she comes to him and demands that he pick up the ball and throw it again. Meanwhile, he keeps the first ball in his mouth until they return to the car.
Charles' favorite snack is chewing buffalo horn, and his favorite toy is a “stuffed animal that makes noises,” according to his online profile.
Harry tends to ignore his owners when he is at home. He occupies the guest room as a hangout and often takes naps there. “Periodically he comes to check on me and lets me pet him a little bit, but then he gets bored and leaves me,” Liebetrau said.
His evening routine is to go outside around 9 o'clock and take a short walk. He goes in for a bit, then goes back outside and, especially when it's snowing, sits on the porch and watches the traffic.
Mr. Liebetrau asked the community on behalf of Mr. Harri to support him in his quest to become America's favorite pet. “He deserves it because he's done so much for the community. Look at his face,” she said.
“He's also made it his personal mission to remove nuisance squirrels from city parks,” she joked. “We are not expecting people to donate money, but this link allows him to vote once a day for free.
In response to the question, “Why your dog should be America's favorite,” Askans explained: “Charles is already a favorite with everyone he meets. Dogs and humans alike quickly get used to his charismatic personality and playful demeanor.” To vote for Charles Ralph, visit this link please.
The dogs will be divided into two different groups during the first stage of judging, with voting closing date set for February 8th. Currently, Harrigan and Charles are listed as his number one in the group.
