Finally, the end of the campaign trail. The story of Mr President, and how he finally came to find his very own "Oval Office."

I'll start with the Key Message, because it's important.  And because some of you will nod off before the end.  And it's important, did I already say that?

Animals Without Limits.  <---- Didya miss it?  Cuz there it is.


I've written before about the deplorable conditions in Southern Italy for pets.  Abandoned, unsterilized, starving, and diseased animals searching the trash to survive.  In the time that I have been here I have had to harden my heart to their circumstance to a degree I didn't think I was capable.
You know that moment when something becomes so hard that you just have to step away?  That is the moment that some people step forward.  There is a group here in Naples who press forward day after day rescuing the true "hard luck" cases-- hit-by-cars, diseased, malnourished, old.  They run a hospice for these animals and nurse them to health, adopting out those that they can- allowing the others to live comfortably their final days.  They run pet relays through Europe-- sending animals in vans North as far as Sweden to find forever homes.  They make countless runs to compassionate and resilient Southern Italian veterinarians, who partner with them to make this place just a little better.  And they fundraise, forever they fundraise....because the vet bills, the transportation bills, and the kibble bills....they never, ever end.  So, if you have it in your heart and wallet to send a few dollars, please do.  It's a solid organization.  I have seen it working day after day and month after month and they deserve your support.  http://www.animalswithoutlimits.com/donations.htm

Public service message complete.  On to the presidential trail.

Mr. President began his ascendancy at the U.S. recreational facility in Naples, Carney Park.  For several months, he established himself as a dog of the people.  A permanent fixture at the front entrance gate to Carney Park, this shaggy little black dog always had a hopeful eye and wagging tail for park-goers and gate guards alike.  During the winter, however, he suffered a significant setback.  Either at the hand of a distracted driver, or at the jaws of a park opponent, Mr. President was wounded. A kind-hearted supporter whisked him away to the veterinarian for treatment and returned him to the park gate.  After a few days with wounds, stitches, and the constant wind and rain of a Neopolitan winter, however,  it became apparent that Mr. President would not be successful in this venue, and might be out of the race.
Mr President was taken to the home of a supporter for rest and recuperation.   After several weeks, a trial position was uncovered at U.S. Navy Base, Gricignano, but Mr. President returned home, defeated.  He began an intense preparatory period.  He was introduced to a personal stylist, Laura, who improved his image.  No longer the sad-sack, the shaggy dog--it was at this point that it became truly apparent that Mr. President was destined for greatness.

Enter Animals Without Limits.  Mr. President was introduced to his campaign advisor, Mia.  Mia, who works tirelessly for animals of all statures, took an interest in Mr. Presidents' campaign.  Within weeks, Mia secured a position of the highest regard for Mr. President.  His local Neopolitan team worked vigilantly to obtain the necessary documents and a campaign supporter donated comfortable transportation (doggy crate) for Mr. Presidents' trip.  On July 4th weekend (how appropriate!), Mr. President begins his final journey to the Oval Office, where it is expected he will live out his days bathing in the glory of his own greatness.

Many thanks go to the people and organizations who helped to make this happen.