We love dog people. They
represent our collective Best Friends – and not just for the obvious reasons.
Generally, we love them best because they do the most amazing things in the
name of dog love.
For example, a California
group recently convinced a dozen AKC judges and handlers to take their clothes
off for the camera. The result: “The Naked Truth Calendar,” provocatively exposed
Fancy notables, posed – er, poised – to defend our rights and halt the spread
of anti-pet and breed specific legislation, as well as anti-breeding and
anti-animal ownership.
The calendar is available now – just in time for Christmas. (Seriously,
can you think of one thing a dog
exhibitor would want more?)
The folks behind the calendar are a collective sub-group of CaRPOC (or California
Responsible Pet Owners' Coalition). The group consists of exhibitors, breeders,
judges, therapy dog owners and trainers, graphic designers, photographers and a
local dog show superintendent.
In case you’ve been under a rock for the last year, CaRPOC is comprised
of pet lovers who fight “oppressive pet legislation
in the State of CA,”
according to its website. “We have come together with the single goal of
fighting anti-pet legislation.”
Indeed.
The idea for the calendar
came about during a lull in the battle against California AB 1634. A member of
CaRPOC brought in a similar calendar, put out by Labs-UK.com, with images of
British Labrador Retriever breeders. The proceeds from that highly successful
calendar went to support different Lab rescues in the UK. CaRPOC says
it was classic British dry wit.
The group recognized its potential for fighting
against anti-pet legislation. That’s when “Gloves Off” was conceived.
Unfortunately,
they won’t reveal any calendar images online, so we can’t offer you a sneak
peak. But we’re told that you can look for photos of Michelle Billings
and John Connolly, for starters. Some Best in Show judges, obedience and
agility judges, and even handlers are included. (Sorry, Ladies. Word has it
that no one got George Berstler in on this one.)
“We've had our ups and
downs, our delights and disappointments - LOTS of begging and cajoling, but
here we are,” said Stormy Hope, vice president of CaRPOC.
After the calendar costs
are recovered, the proceeds will help fight the spread of anti-pet legislation.
The group is considering a myriad of possibilities: Donations for public
relations efforts, money for worthy legislative endeavors, “or for anything
else that makes sense and that could further our cause,” Stormy said.
“We hope that this calendar will keep you
smiling throughout the year to come. However, the goal behind it is very
serious,” she said. “We, as pet owners, are in a war. After much struggle with AB1634, we won, but it came down to the
wire. Since the 1975 publication of Peter
Singer's “Animal Liberation: Towards an End to Man's Inhumanity to
Animals,” Animal Rights fanatics have been slowly infiltrating
our lives. We hope that this calendar will advance our successful fight against
animal rights extremists. Our goal here is to entertain, but also to begin to
broaden knowledge of our adversaries by
using their own words to expose them.”
The “Gloves Off” Team also sends its thanks
to everyone who contributed to the creation and production of the calendar, particularly
the models, dogs and photographers.
Frankly, we’re just
dying to see it.
To order your copy, log onto carpoc.org,
or go to gsdbydesign.com and click on
“The Naked Truth.” Calendars cost $20 each.
