Denali is an 11 year old golden retriever from Ohio who graces the cover of many greeting cards. Denali’s owner, photographer Madalyn Ruggiero says he loves jumping up on the table and sits and waits to be adorned in the day’s costume. Some days, he’s not in the mood and she has to work around his schedule.
Madelyn and Denali – Behind the Scenes – YouTube Video
Madelyn and Denali have appeared in the local newspapers on many occasions, and even on the local news.
Denali loves peanut butter, doggie ice cream, and beef sticks. He doesn’t have a particular favorite toy, but is obsessed with snow and loves making snow angels. He sleeps in his mom’s room at night and isn’t afraid of fireworks or thunder.
Facebook.com/Denali-The-Golden
Denali was recently diagnosed with nasal cancer. Madalyn explains:
“Last fall Denali started having lots of thick mucus coming out of his nose.. I took him almost every other week to the doctor. In the end of October the mucus turned into blood and that scared me. My doctor recommended I take him for a biopsy. I took him to Michigan State Vet School for a biopsy. Denali had some problems during the biopsy and was loosing a lot of blood. After they got him stabilized they found out he had cancer. The tumor in his noses was blocking air-flow completely on one side and was starting to go to the other. A friend suggested I take Denali to Ohio State University Vet Medical center and that’s where I met Dr Cheryl London. She’s a well know oncologist who was doing a nasal cancer study. Thankfully, she gave me hope and Denali is has been enrolled in the program since last November.“
Face of Local Greeting Card Line Battles Cancer – The Toledo Blade
Denali has a new little brother named Sir Wilbur who has given him a new zest for life.
Facebook.com/Denali-The-Dog
Together they are making some pretty cool greeting cards and living the life! Did I mention they like watermelon?
Facebook.com/Denali-The-Dog
and car rides?
Facebook.com/DenaliTheDog
You can check out their Blog or Facebook Page to follow their story. I urge you to help out this golden-loving artist by purchasing a card or two. They are very reasonable and you will have them on hand for that last minute occasion!
Purchase Denali and Sir Wilbur’s Greeting Cards
Here are my cards that I received from Madalyn. (who needs to show me how to take a decent picture!)
One thing is for sure – Madalyn has found her true calling with her “subjects” and is getting double golden love at the same time. I wish her and the boys the best of luck. Belly rubs and kisses to Denali and Sir Wilbur.
