Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day

PROUD PUPS TO PILOT PARADE, APRIL 28, 2007

Thirty bulldogs and their people to highlight procession near Central Bark on Hemlock Street

APRIL 23, 2007 -- WAUWATOSA, Wis. - On a day that celebrates beauty in things big, small, stout, tall, dark, light, weak and mighty, 30 bulldogs and their people will strut their stuff on Hemlock Street in Milwaukee in a mini-parade on Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 12 p.m. The quarter-mile pageant will officially kick off National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day (www.bulldogsarebeautiful.com) that will enjoy a flagship event in Milwaukee. The route's starting point is at Central Bark (www.centralbarkusa.com), 5780 Hemlock Street.

Unlike beauty productions that single out the most pretty and talented, all of the bulldogs - well, at least those that keep them on - will show off sashes that say BABE, which stands for 'Be Accepting of Beings Everywhere.'

Deloitte & Touche, LLP human resources executive and author, Jackie Valent, created National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day. Her goal is to teach adults and children to appreciate, respect and accept those who are different. Bulldogs, in this case, represent people in their continued challenges against prejudice and efforts to get along.

"Current events of the past two weeks demonstrate that we have a long way to go to learn to listen to one another and treat one another as equals," Valent said. "When differences are as evident as skin color, gender, religious or ethnic affiliation, it is our responsibility as adults to show our children that not only is it nice to welcome people who are different into our circles, but that we should value that they provide alternate views and ways of doing things.

"The only way we grow as individuals and communities is to try new things and encourage ideas of people with assorted views."

Participants in the colorful and celebratory dog walk will reconnect at Central Bark for food and an honorary toast to Stinky, whose challenge with prejudice, led to the creation of National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day and the book, "Stinky the Bulldog" (www.stinkythebulldog.com; www.stinkythebulldogmedia.com).

The parade and party are free and open to bulldogs and their people who register at www.bulldogsarebeautiful.com. Eco-friendly doggy waste bags will be provided.

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