APRIL 2, 2007 - WAUWATOSA, Wis. - One of the biggest challenges for the human race continues to be people's ability to respect and accept others who are different from them. Milwaukee-area business professionals think that our pets - bulldogs in particular - could help people see their combined communities more positively.

"The greatest gumbos have the richest variety of ingredients blended together and cooked well," said Jason Morris, Materials Logistic Specialist for GE Healthcare: Goldseal (www.gehealthcare.com). "Similarly, the best societies have the most diverse makeup of individuals, learning and growing together. The book, "Stinky the Bulldog" and National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day help our children to not only grow and learn early, but to appreciate the challenge."

National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day(www.bulldogsarebeautiful.com), which will be celebrated on Saturday, April 28, 2007, was created by 'Stinky the Bulldog' (www.stinkythebulldog.com ISBN: 9-7814208269-7-5 - 36 pages) and Wauwatosa-based author, Jackie Valent, as a metaphor to challenge people to accept others who are different. Valent works as a human resources executive at Deloitte & Touche, LLP (www.deloitte.com) in Milwaukee.

Valent said that much of our problem lies in what we don't know about different cultures and traditions, which causes doubt and unwarranted dislike. If we could spend time in someone else's life, where we are a one-of-a-kind looking person in the room, we might relate to odd looks and know what it feels like to be shunned. She said that the most important thing we can do to break cycles of hate and prejudice is to teach our children to respect and accept others from Day One of their lives.

"When children grow up learning that differences should be celebrated and not looked down upon, we, as a human race, are better for it," said Anne Hicks, general manager of the Central Bark location (www.centralbarkusa.com - 5780 W. Hemlock in Milwaukee) that will host 30 bulldogs on National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day. "Using a loving breed such as the bulldog, that is often misunderstood, is a wonderful way to help children relate."

Jane Menheer, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Guaranty Bank (www.guarantybanking.com) grew up with parents who encouraged friendships across race, religious and social lines. "It is never too early to teach our children that things like race, gender, disability, physical appearance and social status should not prohibit you from building relationships with others," Menheer, a mother of two said. "There is great joy in diversity and "Stinky the Bulldog" and National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day reinforces that message very nicely."

"Using a bulldog as a main character [in a book] and to celebrate helps dog lovers everywhere unite under a message of acceptance," Christine McBride, Marketing Director at Inland Companies (www.inlandcompanies.com), said.

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"Stinky the Bulldog" by Jackie Valent • ISBN: 9-7814208269-7-5 • Price: $12.75 • 36 pages • stinkythebulldogmedia.com

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