Above, Apollo (left), Gold Medalist in the 2006 10-meter relay and Bronze Medalist in the 2007 10-meter relay, and Winslow, (right) Silver Medalist in the 2006 15-meter hurdles.

Basset Hound Olympians Sign “Pawtographs” to
Help Raise Awareness for Animal Rescue
Motivational Strategist Gail Kasper Joins the Pack

PRESS RELEASE (August 30, 2007) On September 22, 2007, Olympian Basset Hounds Apollo and Winslow continue their journey to help raise awareness for Animal Rescue by signing “pawtographs” at the Burlington County Pet Expo from 11 am – 1 pm. The $5 proceeds for each pawtograph will be donated and split between all animal rescue ventures at the expo. The Expo begins at 11 am and continues until 4:00 pm and will be held at the Burlington County Library. This year’s crowd expects to far exceed last year’s over 2000 attendees.

Joining Apollo and Winslow will be their mom, Motivational Strategist Gail Kasper. Gail Kasper is an international renowned Motivational Strategist, author, the current Ms. Pennsylvania, and television personality who currently hosts the “Ask Gail” segment on the Comcast Network. To support her passion for animal rescue, at 12 noon, the crowd will have the opportunity to hear Gail’s words where she will build awareness for animal rescue, animal care, and also inspire attendees to achieve excellence in their own lives. “Each year, between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats go into shelters and over 3 million of them are euthanized. America, we do have a problem - a problem we can change.” Gail and her Bassets are determined to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

The trio has supported the Animal Welfare Association and the SPCA through donations and supplies, and most recently the Tri-State Basset Rescue Program, where, along with Basset Hounds from across the country, they participated in the Tri-State Basset Hound Olympics and Boardwaddle to help raise awareness and donations for the adoption of homeless Basset Hounds. With the Tri-State Basset Rescue Program, “raising money” was taken to a new level when Gail set out with Apollo and Winslow to develop corporate sponsors. Both boys sported the first-ever jerseys filled with the logos of their corporate sponsors and raised over $1600.00. Apollo, 6, and a 2006 Gold Medalist, earned a Bronze Medal this year for the 10-meter relay and also participated in the high jump. Winslow, 4, was a 2006 Silver Medalist for the 15-meter hurdles and also participated in the Obstacle course.

Currently owned by 2 rescued Basset Hounds, Gail talks about the multiple benefits of adoption. She states, “Apollo and Winslow were not puppies, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world. Their personalities and unconditional love are irreplaceable. Also, Apollo was 2 years old when I got him, housetrained, and out of the “chew” phase.”

Too many puppies are purchased only to be relinquished to a shelter when they are no longer wanted. “It is so important, when making the investment of a pet, that we all consider the responsibility,” states animal advocate Gail Kasper, “It is a life-long commitment. With the responsibility involved, it is comparable to adopting “kids.” Gail states that she always considers their safety, health, and emotional well being. Apollo and Winslow are not permitted outside without a leash and are limited to their time outside if the weather is too hot or too cold; they are on a routine with their eating schedule; and if Gail is going to be away from home for longer than a 5-hour stint, a babysitter will either come to the house to spend time with them or they will spend the day in school – that’s right, day care for doggies! Gail emphasizes, “It’s important to realize that these animals are “social” animals who “need” attention and love. Leaving them locked outside or chained is unacceptable!”

Gail remembers the day she adopted Apollo. It was four years ago when Motivational Strategist Gail Kasper walked into the Philadelphia SPCA and walked out with a 50-lb Basset Hound named Shamus. Somehow Shamus just wasn’t the right name for this adorable “heavy” lap dog who demonstrated that his only goal in life was spreading peace and happiness. Hence the name “Apollo,” named after the Greek God of the Sun. As to why Gail chose this name, she says, “Apollo stood for truth and I felt this world could use a little more truth.”

Six months after adopting Apollo, Winslow was adopted from the
Tri-State Basset Rescue Program. As a dog who had been starved, 25 pounds underweight when received, and left in a cage for the 6 months of his existence, Winslow had issues. Today, however, with love and attention, and with his brother
Apollo, Winslow is adjusted and happy.
The two are inseparable.

The name “Apollo” carries great significance to Gail who is the founder and executive director of the Make a Decision to Win Fund, where she volunteers her time to empower adults and students to find the greatness within themselves and achieve their dreams. Her signature program, the APOLLO Program, emphasizes the Mission of the Make a Decision to Win Fund and provides listeners with the formula to “Achieve through Principles, Optimism, Leadership, continuous Learning, and Opportunity.” Non-Profit organizations such as the United Way, the American Red Cross, Boat People SOS, Achievement Dynamics, H.O.P.E., the March of Dimes and most recently the Greater Philadelphia Women’s Expo, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Kick-off Ceremony, and multiple women’s shelters have benefited from the APOLLO theories.

Gail, through this charitable foundation, is not only directly able to impact people through her speaking and training programs, but is able to raise awareness and donations for other charitable causes that benefit both people and animals.

The trio, Gail, Apollo, and Winslow are determined to reach all of America!