story & photos
by Alexis Ann
[set_id=72157622217506134]
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Welcome Rufus! On August 27th, Mystic rolled out the red fire truck – Pizzetta – for Top Winning Bull Terrier of ALL TIME, as printed on his business card. It was quite an exciting couple of days spent in our historic town of Mystic in synch with the kick-off of the Seaport’s Dog Days of Summer promotion.
Kudos to Richard Prisby of the Whaler’s Inn, downtown Mystic, who with Florence Tambone, his public relations person, organized this warm, fuzzy event that captured audiences from far-and-wide to include CNN viewers every hour-on-the-hour. Wow!! PR doesn’t get any better!
First stop on Rufus’ busy schedule was Academy Point on Thursday, to catch up with some long-time friends, and make some new ones. Paul Narducci, a local New London celebrity and resident of Academy Point, enjoyed meeting Rufus, a celebrity of his caliber.
Next stop for this busy ‘lil fellow was the Mystic Aquarium, where he greeted TV crews from CNN. Rufus assisted in announcing the names of the California sea lion pups.
Then, he was off to the Seaport for a special debut, kicking off the Dog Days of Summer promotion. He insisted on having a peek at our oldest whaling ship, the Charles W. Morgan, as he likes to know what his cause is all about.
Yes! Top Dog agrees to make a grand appearance during a cocktail party held at the Ancient Mariner, downtown Mystic, to help raise monies for the restoration of the Morgan.
Skip Tarroca, owner of Ancient Mariner Restaurant spearheaded the fundraiser cocktail party, where everyone and anyone who so desired, showed for a meet-and-greet photo op with legendary Rufus.
A big thanks to Chris Owens, owner of Pizzetta, Mystic, for chauffeuring Rufus around town in his Fire Truck Company 77. And, of course to Rufus’ parents, Mom, Barbara and Dad, Tom Bishop, Holmdel, NJ.
Thank you, Rufus, for bringing the Spirit of Community back to Mystic!
PROCLAMATION CH ROCKY TOP’S SUNDANCE KID “RUFUS”
WHEREAS, Rufus is a Bull Terrier (colored) and was born on April 8, 2009
to Sire Einstein The Joker and Dam Ch Rocky Tops Ulster;
and
WHEREAS, Rufus is owned by Tom and Barbara Bishop of New Jersey;
and
WHEREAS, Rufus holds over 750 titles including 35 Best in Show;
and
WHEREAS, Some of Rufus’s most notable wins are his Best in Show at the 130th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2006,
Best in Show at the 2005 Morris and Essex Kennel Club Dog Show
and Best in Show at the 2005 Kennel Club of Philadelphia National Dog Show;
and
WHEREAS, Rufus has also won the prestigious Bull Terrier Club of America Silverwood Trophy
and the BTCA National Specialty three times;
and
WHEREAS, Rufus holds the honor of being a Certified Therapy Dog with Therapy Dog International
and he spends his time visiting nursing homes, veterans’ hospitals, schools and animal rescue leagues;
and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Edward Haberek Jr, by the power vested in me as First Selectman do hereby proclaim,
Thursday, August 27, 2009 to be “Rufus Day” in the Town of Stonington.
Signed and sealed in Stonington, Connecticut this 27th day of August, 2009.
