Spike got a bad start in life with a cruel owner who was later charged with 96 counts of animal cruelty.  Fortunately, he was adopted by Bonita Rodgers in East Tennessee who set out to make certain that he had every opportunity to be the amazing dog she knew he could become. 

Spike was barely 2 pounds of furless shiver when he came to live with his new owner, but he proved to be a dog of amazing courage and resilience.  Young Spike, who is not even three years old at this writing has:  Posed for a national dog calendar (Close Encounters of the Furry Kind), posed for a doggie door commercial (PetSafe remote dog door), competed at the Chihuahua Club of America National in Chicago 2007 (Rally Advanced) been in several local newspaper and television spots (Knoxville Sentinel and Live at Five WATE television), been recognized as an outstanding rescue dog  on the rescue button "Don't Shop....Adopt", has been invited to appear on the Rachael Ray show (outstanding dog segment airing 2009), and has a chapter in the upcoming book on Chihuahuas to be on the stands November 2008 ("The Chihuahua" from Bow Tie Inc. Publishing),

Spike most recently showed in Rally, and finished his Excellent title at the CCA Nationals this October.  Two weeks later he earned 2 legs towards his CD title.  He stays very busy, and this week is scheduled to begin shooting a movie in Knoxville about a little girl who finds a stray dog, Paco, the dancing Chihuahua.  Spike's other activities include search and rescue (tracking), water sports (lake swimming and boating), entertaining his friends with singing his own rendition of Rocky Top (the Tennessee football fight song) and singing Happy Birthday at children's parties. He also enjoys appearing as Elvis in total silk outfit with cape and side burns. 

Of all the activities he enjoys, he is perhaps best at his work as a certified therapy dog comforting and cuddling abused children. His outstanding gift to them is his ability to demonstrate that even though they have had some bad experiences in their childhood, with hard work and love, their lives can turn around and they can accomplish great things.

Bonita Rodgers