Woof Woof Rockers,
It’s Terrie Carr. With the 10th anniversary of the WDHA Ultimate Rock Dogs Calendar being this year!
I decided to look back on the history of the WDHA charity calendar that helps our shelters, and our local dogs and dispels the myth that rescue dogs are broken.
I’m also posting updates on some of the Ultimate Rock Dog winners – some still with us, some sadly not.
I cannot thank you all enough for your support and please know that you are making a difference in the life of a shelter dog when you support Rock N’ Ruff and our URD calendar initiative.
The contest happens this year at Eleventh Hour Rescue’s Puptoberfest on 10/1 at Horseshoe Lake in Succasunna.
Come on out and vote for your fave!
Special thanks to the amazing Joe Frazz who has photographed all of our calendars since 2013, Susan Kessel at Chatham Print for always printing for us and Linda Vreeland who is a wonderful calendar setter and even though she has moved out of state, still helps us every year!
Let’s look back on some Rockstar Rovers!
2012- The WDHA Ultimate Rock Dogs Calendar Is Born
In 2011, I had the idea to expand on the WDHA Rock N’ Ruff adoption feature and put together a calendar with every penny going to some of our Rock N’ Ruff shelter partners. But how would we do it?
The first year was totally homegrown! With listeners submitting their own photos of their dogs.
We decided to ask for stories, votes and bring our finalists to Eleventh Hour Rescue’s Puptoberfest and the Ultimate Rock Dog Contest was born. We found a printing partner with the incredible Susan from Chatham Print and Design in Chatham and we were off and running.
The very first WDHA Ultimate Rock Dog winner in 2011 for 2012 was Rendi, a beautiful friendly St. Bernard from Rockaway. Rendi passed a way a few years ago, and we always remember her sweet nature leading the charge for all the dogs to follow!2013- Jeremiah Bear
2013 Jeremiah Bear
2013 was the year we teamed up with rockstar photographer Joe Frazz and we upped the game and the look of the calendar! We also found Jeremiah Bear for our first Frazz cover.
Jeremiah Bear was an Eleventh Hour Rescue alumni and a small spitfire of a pup!
Bear and his owner Blair had the most incredible bond and Blair used to drive around in his cool muscle car with the WDHA logo and “Ultimate Rock Dog” proudly displayed on the side! Bear and Blair weren’t playin! They were a super fun team and I was so sad to hear that Bear passed away two years ago. He had a great life and was a fun rockstar rescue.2014- Jeffrey
2014- Jeff
Jeffrey was a special guy. Rescued after found wandering as a stray in pretty bad shape, his human Ann Desomobre was a rescue hero, working for various shelter groups and taking in dogs, cats and even turtles. Everyone knew Jeff and Ann. She was one of my favorite people and he was one of my favorite pups. Sadly we lost them both a few years ago. We always laughed about this cover photo because Jeff looks like he is so into me and the shot, when really he was looking at a squirrel not far away and I was holding him back! RIP Ann and Jeff. You are both missed.
2015 - Tabu
2015- Tabu
Tabu was the easiest dog ever to pose with! A K-9 hero who protected humans, Presidents and served her country and community, she was a fantastic ambassador for our 2015 competition. What I remember most about Tabu was not only how smart she was but how sweet she was! After retiring as a senior, she helped train her brother and enjoyed her life as a family member retired from service. We lost her a few years ago and I always remember this gentle, majestic girl as the easiest dog to ever take a photo with.
2016- Max
Our Sweet Bernese Mountain Dog Max was a cancer fighter and survivor and the Ultimate Rock Dog in 2016,
Max was a WILD MAN when we shot the cover and was obsessed with the baby in his family who was at the shoot.
Max didn’t want to leave the baby! He was a bit “challenging” but a lot of fun. I haven’t heard much about Max and I hope he’s still surviving canine cancer and loving his family!2017- Bentley
2017- Bentley
Bentley was found by Sunny Nowell from the Randolph Regional Animal Shelter and raised by his adopter from just a few days old. Bentley was such a sweet boy to shoot with and Bentley is known for giving kisses and that is why we decided on the kissing booth theme (Joe Frazz built it himself) and Bentley is still known to give kisses at events including the American Animal Hospital Open House. Good kisser too!
2018- King Louie
2018- King Louie
I’m not going to lie…I’m a bit King Louie obsessed. I just LOVE this dog. Louie is sweet, goofy, fun and very agreeable. A Dog Argentino, Pitbull something or other, Louie is pure love and acceptance.
Louie was moments from euthanasia when he was rescued by some incredible people and found himself crashing at Robins house. Once you meet the King, you fall in love, so Louie stayed, was entered in the contest and won.
Louie’s amazing disposition makes him a fan favorite at WDHA events and he loves visiting station happenings with his rescue siblings. I look forward to seeing my King every time!
2019- Oreo
2019-Oreo
Oreo is a bright light still doing amazing things! This rescue Pitbull is deaf and a therapy dog for Creature Comfort Pet Therapy who brings a smile to the face of everyone he meets! We borrowed this GORGEOUS Jeep Wrangler from my Rock N’ Ruff supporting friends at Dover Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Rockaway for the cover shoot and me and Oreo posed for hours trying to get the right “face out the window” shot!
Thankfully this beautiful guy is gentle and was so patient during his time on my lap in the Jeep!
Oreo reads sign language from his human Lisa, which made the shoot so easy!
Oreo is out doing his work at schools, hospitals and more as an ambassador for his breed.2020- Scooby
2020- Scooby
Scooby was the sweetest pup and totally connected to his human Neil. As you may be able to see Scooby has a cleft pallet and was thrown away as a pup. Neil adopted him, hand fed him, raised him and our 2020 URD emerged. Scooby had a pretty bad health issue two years ago, but thankfully has recovered and is happy and healthy!
2021- Momo (the Tai Dog)
2021- Momo
Holy crap! What a story Memo had! Brought to the U.S. from Thailand, Momo feared everything and escaped his newly adoptive parents only to be on the run throughout Northern New Jersey for weeks!
Thankfully he was caught and this sweet terrier learned to live as a dog. Relaxed and loved.
Momo loves posting on Instagram @momo_the_tai_dog and interacting with his many fans!
2022- Ruby
2022- Ruby
Ruby the Rottie is strong, powerful and SO SMART!
I loved posing with Ruby, she is was so friendly and obedient and has an important job as a doggie blood bank donor with Northstar Vets which is such a noble thing to do to help other dogs. Ruby was a dream photo partner. So obedient and kept trying to kiss me like mad!
Ruby & TC
