Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, entertainment

The Abandoned Puppy Rescued From Death Who Inspired A Comic And A New Comic Shop In Texas

Published Tue, 31 Jan 2017 06:00:55 -0600

Last updated Thu, 09 Feb 2017 10:45:51 -0600

Blake Ovard writes,

My wife, Kim, and I are co-creators of the comic book, Tugg: A Hero Among Us which chronicles the super hero adventures of our real-life super hero dog, Tugg. The short version of Tugg's story is that when he was a 4-month-old puppy, he was wrapped in a blanket, and that blanket was staked down beside a 6-lane highway in Texas in July and left to die. It was 107 F (about 42 C) that day. His body was covered in scabs, and he suffered from demodectic mange and about 13 other infections. His eyes were swollen shut, and when he moved, his skin would many times open, causing bleeding and more scabs. When Tugg was put on the euthanasia list at the animal shelter three days later, after not being claimed by an owner, my wife and I rescued him and took him to the emergency vet. The emergency vet said he was too far gone, and just put him down. We didn't, and the next day took him to the vet who is now our vet, who said he didn't have much of a chance, but there was a small one. That was all we needed.

With medicine, time, rest, nutrition and love Tugg started getting better. He would play on the front porch of our home (an 1890 Victorian) and soon took on his first bad guy, and probably arch nemesis in the comics, The Porch Swing Cushion Monster. It was then we knew he was a super hero. As I did little sketches and sketch cards of him, and posting on his facebook page so friends could watch the "pupdates" about him getting better, people started asking if we could create children's books or comic books about his adventures. During this time, Tugg's page kept growing and growing as more people became fans of his, from all over the world. (He's at about 25,000 fans now). He was nominated, and won the American Kennel Club Award for Canine Excellence, the highest award they give, and was presented with it at the national dog show. We go to children's hospitals and elderly care facilities where Tugg acts as a therapy dog, and we also go to schools where Tugg presents anti-bullying and self esteem programs. He has been a guest for two seasons at Dallas Cowboys Stadium before each home game, and was a guest on the Rachael Ray show, because of his humanitarian work.

With his comic book, the proceeds goes back to help others in need – from other rescue animals to dementia awareness. My wife (and Tugg's mommy), Kim, was diagnosed with early onset Lewy Body Dementia (the same dementia that Robin Williams had and died from) so Tugg has also become a spokes-dog for Dementia awareness, and helping the Alzheimer's Association with efforts for the Longest Day. In addition to his comic book, Tugg also has a cycling team, Team Tugg, which team members ride in many charity and other organized rides around the world, from the US to Germany to South Africa. Tugg is invited as a guest to various comic cons all across the US, where, again, all of the proceeds goes back to help others.

So, back to the comic book… My wife and I write the book, and I do the art. Some pretty well-known folks have come on board to help us with our efforts to give back, including Neal Adams, Joe Rubinstein and Al Bigley who all donated cover for three of the issues so far. And there are several other well-known artists who are interested in helping with future issues. I've hit a bit of a slow down in the last few months, as we have decided to open a comic shop, Geek Out, in our local community, because we felt there was a great need that wasn't being served.

We decided early on that we will be a comic shop in every sense of the word, but want to branch out and be even more. We say we are a place like no other, because we truly believe it, and we live it. From having all kinds of cool stuff in the shop, to all kinds of gaming and family get-together days/events, to being open as a place for others to gather, to doing what we can i the community to give back – that's why we are here.

On holidays, like Christmas, New Year's Thanksgiving, when most places are closed, we will be open – not for sales, we will be open, and provide a pot luck meal for those who have no place to go, no family to be with (or want to get away from) and a place to be with friends.

We also are active in giving to local charities through the store. (yes, we hit the ground running) In our area, called Old Town Burleson, the first Thursday of each month, businesses who wish to participate donate 10% of sales for that day to a local charity, like the local animal shelter. We are proud to take part in that as well. In addition, we offer a program to local school kids ("people puppies" as Tugg calls them) where we give free comic books as a reward for doing well in school. Straight As on a report card earns two free comics. As and Bs earns 1 free comic.