Jul 21, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ria Brown, Public Information Specialist, Lee County Animal Services
(239) 533-9202
Local Rescue Dog a Winner in Purina Incredible Dog Challenge
Fort Myers, Florida, 7/21/08-Tugboat, a local American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, recently placed 3rd in the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge. What's so remarkable about Tugboat is that his former owners neglected him to the point that he nearly died of starvation. He was also infected with heartworms. Tugboat spent the next three months recovering at the shelter after being rescued by Lee County Animal Services. He was eventually adopted by Robert Gale of Fort Myers.
When Gale met Tugboat at an adoption event at PETsMART in 2003, it was love at first sight for them both. They immediately bonded and since then Gale has traveled the country so Tugboat, whose original name was "Outlaw," could compete in agility.
With a new name and a new lease on life, Tugboat quickly became ranked as the #1 Staffordshire Bull Terrier in agility competing in AKC National Agility Invitational Tournaments. He has two AKC obedience titles, CD (Companion Dog) and RE (Rally Excellent). He has reached the Masters level in agility (MX) and Agility Jumpers w/Weaves (MXJ). Tugboat also has his Canine Good Citizen Title (CGC).
To see Tugboat compete in the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge watch ESPN2 on the following dates:
Sunday, July 27th 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Sunday, August 3rd 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Sunday, August 10th 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Sunday, August 16th 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
To view other incredible rescue dogs for adoption go to Lee County Animal Services website at www.LeeLostPets.com or visit them at the shelter. Adoption hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.