Community Corner
Watch for Buddy, Humane Society Calendar Dog, in Founders Festival Parade
Farmington Hills residents Ann and Bill Troia say Buddy spent seven years in a cage at a puppy mill.
Almost every dog loves feeling the wind through an open window while riding in a car. But for Ann and Bill Troia's dog Buddy, that experience was something pretty special.
The Farmington Hills residents' picture of Buddy, a Cairn Terrier, during his first wind-in-the-face experience has been chosen for the Michigan Humane Society's 2014 fundraising calendar. He'll also be taking a ride in Saturday's Downtown Farmington Founders Festival Botsford Grand Parade, which takes off at 9:40 a.m. from Grand River and Power.
The photo itself is cute, and Buddy's story makes it all the more meaningful, Ann Troia said.
"Buddy is a rescue dog," she explained. "He spent seven years in a cage."
Ann said she and her husband had lost a dog they rescued from a puppy mill when they found Buddy two years ago.
"They're just meant to be with us," she said of rescue dogs. "They can be shy and scared. They require a lot of patience, but they teach you a lot, too."
Once selected for the calendar, Buddy received a special goodie bag from MHS, along with hats and t-shirts for the Troias. They'll all be wearing their special attire while riding in the parade.
On Wednesday, Buddy was being groomed for his special day at Plaza Veterinary, where he's a regular. Ann also contacted Tom Holzer Ford, and the company is loaning the Troias a Ford F150 pick-up truck.
"Buddy's got a crown and he'll be wearing his scarf from the Michigan Humane Society," Ann said. "He'll be the king of the parade."
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