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CARMEL, Calif. - Dog owner and trainer, Kevin Di Cicco stopped in Carmel with his two golden retrievers, Buddy and Bruttuss, this week. The dogs are celebrities themselves and puppies of the famous Air Bud, the retriever used in popular films dating back to the 1990s.
"He is a five sport athlete. He is crossed train in football, basketball, baseball, soccer and hockey," said Di Cicco.
He said it started with a simple hike to his cabin at Yosemite National Park in 1989.
"I brought him in just to give him a home, not turn him into a modern-day Lassie," Di Cicco explained.
The story began there and today, Air Bud is a movie star for kids who grew up watching his films.
"Some of the kids that actually grew up watching Air Bud are now adults. Its great for them because they can actually read the book to see how it happened," told Di Cicco.
The three will leave Carmel this week and begin a book tour, Go Buddy!, across the country sharing their story and inspiring people to support rescue shelters and adopt rescue dogs.
"That's why we dedicated the book to people that rescue animals and organizations cause you never know. Basically a golden retriever and tennis ball have more sequels, next to James Bond. In fact, it inspires people to go out and rescue dogs," said Di Cicco.
I spoke with Beth Brookhauser from the SPCA of Monterey County and they said its not uncommon for stories like these.
"Everybody has there own connection to their animals and there are so many stories out their to tell. We love hearing stories like this, of animals who have gone from rags to riches." Brookhauser explained.
By Brett Martin
