Toolman - MI REGAP Celebrity of 2009

For Press Release
Williamston Michigan
Williamston Announces its First Deputy Dog!

It’s true! Williamston has its very first Deputy Dog! The Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the event during their Dog Days of Summer, First Friday Event. “Toolman”, a retired greyhound was deputized by Mayor Michelle Hyne on August 8, 2009 at 10:45 am at Wood & Sons Corn Bin, LLC in downtown Williamston. “Toolman”, proudly stood there as Ms. Hyne draped the silver ball chain that dangled the beautiful silver with black leather badge around his neck. “He took it is stride!” (Did you get that??)
Toolman, was one of 10 dogs that braved their way into downtown Williamston. With their family members in tow, thru the torrential rains that overtook the city that Saturday morning, they all came in looking more like wet ducks than dogs. Dressed for success, that was the name of the dog game for the day. Some were dressed in deputy clothing, some in jail bird garb. Fred, the boxer, even came with this fresh starched white collar and multi colored tie! He was all business, that’s for sure! The rest came in their hairy birthday suits, hoping that just their good looks would sway the judging panel.
Patiently everyone waited for the announcement of who would be the very first Deputy Dog of Williamston. Finally, after almost 35 minutes of intense interviewing, reading the dogs’ applications and just plain having fun, the judges came to a unanimous decision. Toolman was the winner! His application read like this: (written by Geri Green)
Hi! My name is Toolman. I’m a retired racing greyhound. My mom is typing this because my paws are too large for the keyboard. I spent most of my four years living at a race track in Alabama, therefore, I am no stranger to pain, suffering and living on the edge. Luckily, I was chosen to leave the track and they sent me to a prison in Coldwater Michigan where I lived with a prisoner who taught me how to become a certified Canine Good Citizen. My mom has my certificate if you ever want to see it.
I was kind of happy at the prison because I knew that I was making my prisoner happy. When it was time for me to graduate from the prison program, the best thing happened! I was sent to my forever home! I love my family more than anything and they love me too! I have beds and toys and I get to go for walks in town. I have been to a concert in the park, to the duck drop, a car show and I love to stop and let the children pet me while their parents ask questions about me. I stand really still to soak it all up! I think that I would be a good ambassador for Williamston. Thank you for considering me.
In a telephone interview on Monday, April 10, 2009, Geri Green told us, “Toolman was adopted by our family thru the Michigan Regap (www.rescuegreyhounds.com). On that web site you can actually see pictures of the adoptable dogs. He lives with Geri, her husband, Jason Trottier and 3 other family members, Gerald, Olivia and Christina. Three other dogs and three cats get along very well with Toolman. To describe Toolman, he is a 40 MPH couch potato that is quiet, docile and loves his family very much. He is an excellent companion. We are especially excited about the opportunity we will have to participate in the Williamston parades!”
So, you all will see Toolman the beautiful white greyhound on Friday the 2nd of October, 2009 Homecoming parade, the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce Light Parade on Saturday December 5th, Memorial Day parade in May 2010 and the Jubilee Parade in June of 2010. He may even show up when we have championship teams’ return to town. Do you think he would come in on the fire truck??

Submitted by
Teresa Wood, WACC Board of Directors
Owner, Wood & Sons Corn Bin, LLC