What is a Superhero?

 
In comic books and movies, a superhero is a human being who looks good in lycra, has the power to catch fire, can fly around the world, and masquerades as a mild mannered millionaire at socialite parties. They are capable of defeating entire armies alone; never allowing a hair to slide out of place. They are inspirational, fearless, immortal... and perfect! But outside of fiction, what is a superhero?

In reality, superheroes are less easy on the eyes. They are tall, short, slim, fat, intelligent, foolish, black, white, rich, poor, male, female, and genetically predisposed to the frailties of human nature. They are breadwinners on the breadline, fighters punching in the dark, runners whose mind never allows their legs to give in, and soldiers who defend a freedom; just so we can question their sacrifice in doing so. They are the caring animal lovers, the silent charity workers, and those whose humanity far exceeds their desire...

What is a superhero? You are a superhero! Why? Because you awake, rise from your slumber, and have the courage to face the complicated enemy of an unrelenting world with a smile on your face. You look good in compassion, catch the fire of responsibility, and play yourself in the difficult dance of life. You defeat entire enemies of hate and jealously alone; unconcerned if your hair slides out of place. You are inspirational, fearless, immortal... and perfect!

What is a superhero? You are a superhero! Congratulate yourself,you just saved the world without even knowing it...

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Hudson and Pearl, the Railroad Puppies.

"Hudson and Pearl"

We live in a complicated world; where the decisions we make are surrounded by grey areas of right, wrong, and moral virtue. However, regardless of any situation, there are certain elements of life I find impossible to justify. Conversely, there are many others, I find impossible to criticise too. The following story; which was recently brought to my attention, will help to explain this...

 

It all started on a cool Autumn Saturday morning in Albany, New York. A collection of railroad workers; ready for a day of hard labour ahead, discovered a sight shocking to even their hardened eyes. A trio of three week old Pit-Bull cross puppies; one male, two female, were found nailed by their paws to still active tracks; alone, agonised, scared, and presumably left to die. 

Concerned as any compassionate soul would be, and after calling 911, the nails were safely removed. The newly coined trio of Hudson, Pearl and Carina were taken to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands, New York; where emergency treatment for dehydration, malnutrition, infection, and injuries to their paws managed to save two of these innocent souls. However the suffering for Carina was simply too much; leaving her a tragic casualty, from a heartless act. A week of care, comfort and vital nutrients later, veterinary surgeon Doctor Tom Bowerstox, was called in to assess their condition. Pearl, who had lost two toes from her injuries, was deemed able to make a full recovery. Hudson was less fortunate, and would lose his rear left paw and require a false limb, fitted a little over a month later; along with many additional prosthetics - relative to each stage of growth. Now safe and accustomed to the caring hands of veterinary professionals; who were, more importantly, animal lovers, these brave little warriors were now ready, to find their new forever homes.

"Being pawsome is hard work!"

Eventually; after an essay writing search to find their ideal forever homes, Pearl became a member of the Kittle family in Poestenskill, New York; along with their 4-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever and huge back garden. While Hudson joined the ranks of Rich, Rosemarie and Sami Nash of Schodack - also in New York; the two still meet for regular play dates. Since this new lease of life, both have developed as loving family dogs; blissfully unaware of early memories. But there is more to this story. A series of training classes have left Hudson and Pearl as wonderdogs, where the former regularly devotes himself as a therapy dog to other hospital amputees; showing how far we can reach, when we have desire, drive, and a host of genuine love surrounding us. What began as an evil act caused by one, has slowly evolved into a source of inspiration; created by the hearts of an endless list of compassion...

While abandoning innocent puppies is a cowardly, irresponsible act by itself, to carry such a callous attitude which enables someone to physically hammer nails into the paws of a living, feeling being, places this act in my view on a whole other level of evil. But for this solitary brutality, the outpouring of love and compassion for these two little souls - which continues to this day, serves as a reminder we are here to protect and nurture. And this is what the vast majority of humanity – especially where animals are concerned, give to the world on a regular, selfless basis.

We live in a complicated world; where the decisions we make are surrounded by grey areas of right, wrong, and moral virtue. However, regardless of any situation, there are certain elements of life I find impossible to justify. Conversely, there are many others, I find impossible to criticise too. From the first railroad worker who called to help, to the last person to like and support Hudson’s Facebook Page, I ask you to remember, that for every solitary scumbag who wanted to put them down, there are a thousand of you who picked them right back up again. The strong carry the innocent; they do not exploit or abuse them. If you care about animals; which I assume you do, give yourselves a thank you. And if you get the chance, say hello to little Hudson for me; I hear he loves making new friends... 

For Hudson; the Railroad Puppy official Facebook Page: CLICK HERE

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Bocker; the Remarkable Tale of a Famous Labradoodle.

"Bocker; playing academic"

Fame is a curious mistress. An odd form of unparalleled power, the life of a celebrity is generally considered the pinnacle of social status. Crazy as it sounds, a reality television star like a Kim Kardashian; who - for all her notoriety, offers little to the world beyond a large posterior and good make up, is deemed in higher regard than any political leader, scientist, or Einstein influenced thinker, the 21^st century is likely to produce.

This isn’t a slight on Mrs Kanye West; her family have grasped and nurtured opportunities afforded to them as any savvy self-promoter would. My main concern in using them as a reference, comes in the idea that the power of fame also carries immense potential in global influence - both positive and negative; and the Kardashians are hardly beacons of light, in serving the greater good. But for every selfish act, a kind one waits around the corner. And I would like to recount a story which - in my view, reflects the ideal way to use fame - and all that comes with it. This is the story of Bocker; movie star, cover model, therapy tutor, peacemaker, humanitarian... and Labradoodle!

Bocker’s story begins in the summer of 2003. Born into the warmest retreats of Doodlesville, after seven weeks of early nurturing, the young pup found himself relocated to the bright lights of New York, where Marie Shelto introduced him to his new forever home, named him after the legendary Basketball team, the New York Knicks (as in, Knickerbockers), and came to realise he carried the eyes and awareness of a star in waiting. Encouraging a puppy eager to entertain, the early days were at times difficult, but always fun. After a few years of cold winters, training classes, doggy day care and grooming, Bocker – whose charismatic personality and adorable understanding head tilt naturally shone through, and under the care and supervision of his family, found himself modelling in television commercials and print ads. Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren Polo, Barneys NY, Chase Bank, Citizen Bank, Target, Optimum Online, Getty Images, GQ Magazine, Avanti Greeting Cards and AT&T, were just a few of the many companies eager to work with the loveable, easy to direct fella; whose positive, solid reputation grew by the day.

Of course, with this evolution, it was impossible to contain Bocker as a promotional doodle. His notoriety led to film roles in Hollywood blockbusters Men in Black 3, War of the Worlds, and Eat Pray Love, as well as guest appearances on The View, and proudly representing his breed on Animal Planet’s DOG 101. This all took place alongside featured columns in places as far reaching as Sweden and Thailand, a personal theme song, a plush puppy in his likeness, and his own brand of ice-cream; Bocker’s Labradoodlicious Swirl. I should also mention in 2011, he released his very own pawtobiography ‘Chasing Bocker’s Tale’, which goes into much greater depths of his life; the link is at the bottom of this article.

"Co-starring in a short film, with Ryder Strong"

While success of this nature would shoot straight to any heart devoid of the inner strength in humility, for Bocker, his fame is little more than a catalyst to promote an endless stream of good causes, as well as work with those he cherishes dearly; children. Known as a tireless therapy dog to the sick and disadvantaged, and a tail wagging tutor; helping the young in improving their reading skills, Bocker is a genuine four legged marvel. I was hoping to compile a list of the people he has helped, causes he has championed, and honours bestowed upon him, but doing so would leave this article a never ending story of awe - such is the level of his altruism. Bocker has the heart which belongs to all dogs; that of the giver, and proves so on a daily basis.

And this is the fact that appeals to me more than any other, about a hairy fellow who carries such an immense level of fame. Instead of finding himself photographed on doggy benders awash in alcohol filled bowls and scraps with cats - or engaging in countless affairs and bone chewing addictions, Bocker uses his stature to promote causes bigger than his own celebrity; which I may add, many human stars also do, with a genuine silent dignity. Bocker encourages living souls to care and empathize with other living souls, and for this reason he is by no means a simple charismatic charmer, but a source of humble inspiration; there is an endless fountain  of love, inside one amazing doodle - making compassion appear so easy, because to him, it truly is.

Fame is a curious mistress. An odd form of unparalleled power, the life of a celebrity is generally considered the pinnacle of social status. For Bocker the Labradoodle, his fame is a means purely to aid others; as opposed to helping others purely to aid his fame. And if you remain unconvinced? Like his Facebook page, purchase his book, and see for yourself. While you are there, introduce yourself to one of the loveliest souls on our often fractured planet, and tell him I said hello. And if you can, feel free to offer Marie Shelto a token of thanks as well; for as I am sure you are aware, none of Bocker's incredible feats would have been possible, without her love and encouragement. Giving thankfully, tends to be infectious...

For Bocker's official Facebook Page: CLICK HERE 

For Bocker's official Website: CLICK HERE
To purchase 'Chasing Bocker's Tail' Softcover: CLICK HERE

To purchase 'Chasing Bocker's Tail' eBook: CLICK HERE

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