On last week’s Wordless Wednesday I asked if anyone could name this dog on my t-shirt:
Several people got the right answer:
This is Seamus (“the famous”), the lead dog character in Teresa Rhyne’s memoir shown here. I wrote a review of this book back in December, which you can read by clicking HERE.
A random drawing was held amongst those who got the answer correct, and without further ado, the winner is………
MARY RUIZ!!!!
Mary has won a Survivor Spot t-shirt of her own. Mary, I will be e-mailing you for your mailing address so we can get your t-shirt on it’s way to you.
Mary was one of only two who also guessed the answer to my Bonus question: What is this dog sitting on? She knew that Seamus was sitting on a piece of toast. Which just goes to prove she has read the book. For those of you who want to know why he is sitting on a piece of toast, I will just say that Seamus loved toast, and you should read the book to find out more about that!
I enjoyed other comments that were left. GizmoGeoDog knew who Seamus was, and even knew all about the t-shirt; that it had come from the company Spot On. Jackie Bouchard gets an honorable mention for the funniest comment: “…. I thought he was sitting on a piece of rolled tuna sushi. No? Doesn’t it look like a slice of a sushi roll? Is that just me?” Sorry, no prize for that Jackie, but thanks for the laugh!
And now, as promised, the rest of the story behind this t-shirt. The Dog Lived and So Will I is the real life story of Seamus the Beagle, adopted by Teresa Rhyne. Seamus is diagnosed with cancer, undergoes treatment, and survives. Not long after, Teresa is diagnosed with breast cancer and the heartwarming story is of how what Seamus went through helps her through her own treatment. Seamus lived for eight years longer than expected, but sadly passed away earlier this year.
Teresa has recently rescued two more beagles, one through the group that I support and love, Beagle Freedom Project, who rescue beagles from laboratory research. You can read more about Teresa and her family’s escapades on her Facebook page for the book.
Teresa’s story touched the heart of Alicia Taylor, owner of an online business called “Spot On – “Be Your Own Spot”. Alicia designs t-shirts, decals, and hats with the theme “Everybody’s got a spot….where’s yours?”. Everyone is encouraged to find their own spot, “your place in our world”, and to be who you are, no questions asked! Individuality is encouraged, and custom orders are available! Alicia is inspired by her beautiful Dalmatian and muse, Sydney.
Alicia designed the Survivor Spot t-shirt to honor Seamus’ memory, and also to help other dogs diagnosed with cancer. 20% of all the proceeds from sales of this shirt are donated to the Riedel and Cody Fund.
The Riedel and Cody Fund provides support, resources, and treatment funding for people whose pets have cancer. The fund was created in memory of Riedel, a Bernese Mountain Dog, and Cody, a Rottweiler, who had their own battles with cancer. You can read more about them and the organization by clicking on the logo.
I love my t-shirt, and there are still plenty available if you would like to order your own! It comes in all sizes, and you can see that the style and cut are flattering. It is so soft and comfortable! While you’re there, take a look at all the other wonderful merchandise that Alicia and Sydney have to offer. My t-shirt arrived with a lovely handwritten note from the two of them, so you know you are being treated as an individual person, not just another customer. Look at some of the details on the back of my shirt:
Remember a portion of all proceeds go to help dogs with cancer. Since we just lost our Golden Retriever Moses only a few weeks ago to cancer, this is a cause near and dear to my heart.
And if you haven’t read The Dog Lived and So Will I, then you are missing out! This book is available on Amazon.com in Kindle, hardcover, and paperback versions.
Congrats to Mary. I can see where Jackie was coming from – it does kind of look like a piece of sushi 🙂 I had never heard of this book so thanks for sharing.
I do think Jackie hit it “spot on” with the whole sushi thing! If you like to read (and have time, which is my biggest problem) I think this book would be great for you.
Sounds like an amazing story. 8 years longer than expected is great! Sounds like Seamus had a wonderful life despite his diagnosis 🙂
Yes, I’d say Seamus absolutely had a great life. It really is a wonderful story.
What a cute shirt. Yes to Jackie, it looks like a “sushi” , Golden LAUGHS!
Many Goldens have been affected by cancer and we support several foundations. We will definitely check out the book. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Thanks, Sugar. I would love to know what foundations you support, as I am definitely looking to support more myself.
Cancer is terrible for pets or people! Mom’s last dog had pancreatic cancer. We’ve heard of the book but not yet read it. Thanks for posting about it.
I am sorry your Mom also lost a dog to cancer, Emma. It really is a terrible thing. I think you’ll enjoy the book if you decide to read it. It is sad but also has some humor in it, and the book does end happily anyway!
Dogs with cancer is definitely a cause that is near and dear to my heart! Congrats to Gizmo on the win, and hooray for the honorable mention! 🙂
I’ll have to check out that book and add it to my to-read list!
I know you will enjoy the book, Jackie. Teresa Rhyne’s sense of humor is similar to yours!
I plan to do more research into canine cancer for future blog posts. I think I just need to wait for the loss to be less fresh.
I totally understand! We have been supporters of Dr. Cuoto’s program at Ohio State University because they study cancer in Greyhounds. The book sounds really charming and I will have to look for it!
It really is a wonderful book. I need to find some more programs studying canine cancer….the only one I’m really familiar with is Morris Animal Foundation. I’d like to do more. Moses is the second dog we lost to cancer, of different types.
Congrats to Mary…sorry I didn’t win, but thank you for encouraging me to learn more about Seamus and to visit the Spot On company…now to read the book and learn about the toast
I am glad you learned about both of them….I know you will enjoy the book.
Thanks Janet! I loved tat book…it was m very first e-book! 🙂
You’re welcome, Mary! I bought the book for myself when I was Christmas shopping! 🙂
Congratulations to Mary! I should donate to that fund because I have a cat named Cody 🙂
I just love the name Cody! And your Cody is such a cutie!