Because I have Covid, and because my brain is barely functioning, I’m going to repeat an old story. I told it at ACFW, and as long as people laugh, I’ll keep telling it.
Back in November 2001, I was on the treadmill during LIVE WITH REGIS AND KELLY and I heard they were having “Super Dog Week.” On Friday, they were going to feature the smallest dog and the Guiness World Record dog, a mastiff named Hercules.
Well, I thought it might be fun to fax in a photo of Justus and my son . . . and maybe, just maybe, they’d hold it up to the camera at some point during the week. So I printed out a photo of Jussy and my son, and wrote this really stupid letter that went something like this:
I don’t know how big Hercules is these days, but our Justus is 275 pounds and he’s wonderful. He’s really sweet, he has big feet, and he likes his treats.
I faxed the letter to the show and forgot about it. But the very next day I got a phone call from the producer–they wanted me to 1) go to the vet and have Jussy’s weight verified and 2) if he really was as big as I said, they wanted us to fly to New York to be on the show.
“But he won’t fit in a crate,” I told them.
“Not to worry,” the producer said. “We’ll buy him a ticket so he can ride with you in the cabin.”
Long story short–we juggled our schedules to fly Jussy to Manhattan. Yep, ON the plane. My husband kept saying we were crazy, but I said it was the chance of a lifetime and we had to take it. People asked if I was going to be on the show to talk about my books–I saw no, I was going for my DOG.
The trip took place in early November, and everyone was still suffering the effects of 9/11/2001. People were still jittery in airports, and the security lines were looooong. Anyway, Justus charmed (and calmed) everyone in the airport. He walked straight through the lines and patiently stood around while people petted and kissed him and asked us 100 times how much he ate and how much he weighed. When Jussy grew tired, he’d never snap or growl, he’d just sort of turn away like he needed a break.
We were picked up at the airport in a cargo van (not a good idea, because we were bounced around like tin cans–me and the dog in the back), so I told the Regis folks that a car would be better. So, after spending the night at the Mayflower Hotel across from Central Park (Hey, a dog has to have some place to go!), we were picked up in a stretch limo and driven to the show.
In the green room, we met Hercules and his owner, and another mastiff named Moose–they brought in a ringer! If you’d like to see the actual (edited) video, just keep reading.
Now–Gelman had rigged up this teeter-totter thing that looked a little flimsy. So we did a dress rehearsal, and Jussy hopped up on the contraption just fine, but when it MOVED, he decided he didn’t like it. So in the actual broadcast, of course, he REFUSED to get on the thing. I was holding out bagels and assorted foods I’d filched from the green room, but Justus was having none of that teeter totter. My hubby was at the rear, pushing with all his might, but it’s not an easy thing to move a mastiff that doesn’t want to move. Then Hercules’ owner stepped in and hefted the big boy up on the scale.
Cutting to the punch line: Justus was declared America’s SECOND largest dog. (And, for the record, he was not obese. Just big.)
I had a speaking engagement to (literally) run to, so I took off while hubby, Regis, and Justus posed for pictures. In the airport on the way home, hubby and Justus gave autographs and posed for more pictures. Joan Rivers even walked by and said she’d seen them on the show.
After the show, Jussy enjoyed about a week of celebrity. He was on the local news and made appearances in the schools, but one appearance was especially memorable. We took him to a class of handicapped students, many of whom were blind or otherwise visually impaired. And Justus stood there, patiently, while these kids patted him from nose to tail. He was so patient and gentle with them.
I miss him . . . and I wish I could be as patient. Sometimes animals can be models for us, no?
Hug your dog today! Click the link below to watch a clip from the show:
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Awww, I’ve heard the story before but it’s just as inspiring every time! Loved watching the clip again. Hard to believe it was 22 years ago!
Hard to believe I was blonde! LOL!
I’m sorry you have COVID and will pray for your healing and relief from any unpleasant symptoms. Justice looks like a gentle giant! I loved your story!
My daughter was recently given an applehead chihuahua, the runt of the litter. She named him Thor, which would suggest a large, powerful animal; however, he is an adorable seven and a half pound pup at the moment. When he races back and forth on our kitchen/breakfast room floor with his head held high, he exhibits a majestic air. While I don’t know if he’d qualify as the world’s smallest dog, he is a much loved dog!
Ah, it’s not the size of the dog–it’s the size of the heart in the dog! Sounds like Thor is a giant! 🙂
Oh, Angie. So sorry you got covid. I assume from your recent travels. Get well soon. As for your story, it is just as good hearing it now as it was the first time, back when it actually happened.
I don’t think that story will ever grow old-as long as I don’t tell it TOO often. 😊. And yes, pretty sure I got the bug from the sniffling, sneezing, snuffling guy on the plane with me. And now I’ve given it to hubby, who seems to sleep it off. ☺️
I hope you feel better very soon!
Thank you, Becky!
LOVED hearing this story again, Angie, but not that you’re sick with COVID. Praying for you, and praying Gary doesn’t get it too. Ugh. Wish I could run over some warm pumpkin bread. Would if I could! HUGS!
Gary did get it, but all he does is sleep–it’s odd how it affects people differently. But we’re on the mend, thank the Lord. And your pumpkin bread sounds delicious and oh, so, autumnal! There’s just a hint of coolness in the air today, which makes me long for sweaters and apple cider and breezy days. Thanks for the prayers and the hugs!