TurfMutt Taught Us (NAPSA)—Lucky the TurfMutt is a real-life rescue dog who “pawedit forward” by spending a decade educating children andfamilies aboutliving landscapes—whythey are importantto people andthe planet, how to take care of them, and encouraging everyoneto get out and enjoy the nature around them. Lucky inspired people to look at their living landscapes through a dog's eyes. Luckythe TurfMutt, a real-life rescue dog whoeducatedpeople aboutliving landscapes. Indianapolis roadway 13 years ago by Afterall, no oneloves a yard like the family dog. Lucky, who was rescued from a busy Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Out- door Power EquipmentInstitute (OPEI), inspired the TurfMutt environmental stewardship and education program. ‘The program is celebrating its 10 year anniversary in 2019 andhas reached 70 million students, teachers, and families since its inception. “TurfMutt providedthevision to see that ordinary home yards, parks, and school yards have a larger purpose than just our human one,”said Kiser. “They are suburban and urban habitat that supports our ecology and climate, provide homesandfood forpollinators and “Ready, Set, Pet? Lucky’s story washis lighted in Parade magazineandfeatured in a chapter for a 2018 National Geo- graphic book, “Love Unleashed: Tales of Inspiration and the Life-Changing Power of Dogs” Photos of Lucky also appearedin the calendar published by the Wildlife Habitat Council for three consecutive years. + Being an “outsider” is good for you. Lucky taught by example that getting out and enjoying living landscapes (ie. being an “outsider”) is the best way to reap the many health and well-be- ing rewards that green space offers. wildlife, and give us a safe and healthy Spending time in nature boosts memplaceto play, relax andde-stress” ory, improves heart health, reduces Lucky recently passed away while stress, and makesfor happier, healthier working at the office of the TurfMutt people. Foundation, which will carry on his + Adopt, don’t shop. Animalresmission. Here are the top lessons that Lucky—a dog wholived full and purpose-driven life—leaves as his legacy. + Anyonecan be a backyard superhero like TurfMutt. Lucky went from being a street dog to a backyard superhero that inspired others, no matter their age, to appreciate andcare forliv- ing landscapes. Over the last decade, environmental education lessons that support science, technology, engineer- ing, and math (STEM)standards were distributed to children in grades K-8 through partners Weekly Reader, Discovery Education, and Scholastic. Lucky was animated and “cartoonized” in activities and videos and the program offered an annual contest for students to win prizesfortheir creativity andlessonslearned. + Sometimes street dogs become stars. Lucky the TurfMutt appeared on the award-winning show, “Lucky Dog,’ for three seasons alongside Brandon McMillan andKiser. The TurfMutt program also sponsored the TV show cue is part of the TurfMutt education equation. The TurfMutt program hosts its annual pet adoption event, Lucky’s Mutt Madness in Louisville, Kentucky, at GIE+EXPOtheleading trade show in the outdoor power,landscape andhard- scape industries. This year, the event takes place on October17. + Paw-tnerships are important. Every good superhero hasa sidekick, and the TurfMutt program forged many strategic partnerships over the years. TurfMutt has beenlisted as a resource by the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Depart- mentof Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple,the Centerfor Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development project, Cli- mate Change Live, Petfinder and the US. Fish and Wildlife Service. Learn More Forliving landscape facts, tips and fun learning activities from TurfMutt, visit www. TurfMutt.com.
