With apologies to P.D. Eastman — author of the children’s book “Go, Dog. Go!” — there are big dogs. Little dogs. Black dogs. White dogs. With so many good ones to choose from, why name just one as Georgia’s official state dog?
All “adoptable dogs,” or those held in animal shelters, would get that title if state Rep. Joe Wilkinson of Atlanta has his way. He plans to introduce legislation Thursday to make that so, hoping to encourage more people to adopt homeless dogs.
Wilkinson said he isn’t predicting “ruff” sledding for his measure, even though fellow University of Georgia alums in the Legislature may prefer making the bulldog the official state pooch. Wilkinson may have insulated himself from such dog fights by bringing English bulldogs Zeus and Meaty to his news conference Wednesday at the state Capitol. Slobbering and grunting, the two flanked Wilkinson as he outlined how every type of homeless dog would have his day in Georgia.
“So far, everyone is agreeing this is a great idea,” said Wilkinson, who described how pets filled a void in his young life as his father suffered from strokes. “Right now, our goal is to bring attention to the fact that these animals are available for adoption and should be adopted.”
Wilkinson sported a special green tie at his news conference, pointing to the pictures of hounds and martinis on it. Wait for it …
Even the “boozehound” would be welcome to the dog party under Wilkinson’s bill.
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