For most, it takes a lifetime to become a legend. For a four-legged ambassador named Sarge Wolf-Stringer, it took only a few years.
Sarge spent fourteen years in this world, waiting for his life to begin. Before 2008, he knew little of love or the world that lay outside of a Philadelphia home. The victim of animal abuse, the pit bull dog was rescued during an SPCA raid in September of '08.
The “Elderbull” soon found a new home, with Kim Wolf and Thaddeus Stringer. They adopted Sarge in February of 2009, and a legend was born.
Sarge soon passed the appropriate tests to be come a certified therapy dog. He visited children in schools, read to others in Philadelphia area libraries, and made appearances throughout the city.
His beauty became more apparent, day by day. The elderly pit bull was the first of his age, and breed, to win Philadelphia's Barking Beauty Pageant.
And all along, the pit bull dog never let his fans down. His blog was constantly updated, with pictures of his appearances and stories of the other dogs he lived with. His frequently updated Facebook page was adorned with a military style photo, with Sarge sporting the requisite aviator sunglasses. Baseball style cards with this image were printed and distributed.
Sarge was a celebrity. And rightfully so, his celebrity status continued to grow with every day. He was more than just a pet. He changed perceptions of the breed, made the elderly smile, and lived his life to the fullest.
Not too long ago, the family moved from Philadelphia to Bangall, New York, home of the Animal Farm Foundation. This non-profit rescue society specifically exists to change the public perceptions of pit bull dogs, and help those in need to find loving homes. Sarge fit right in.
With his mother, Kim, by his side, Sarge continued his educational ways. He became one of the faces of the Animal Farm Foundation. His blog told of his wisdom, teaching all who read the history and truths behind the pit bull dogs. His comical videos told of life on the farm, which included special time with his girlfriend, an older pug named Mary Todd Lincoln. (Sarge was known to be quite the lady's man, and had also been linked to Pinups for Pitbulls Co-Founder Carla Lou!)
Sarge was everything a dog should be, no matter the breed.
Sadly, Sarge succumb to a seizure on July 28, 2011. He is survived by Kim and Thaddeus, his parents, Fannie, Captain, Nancy Reagan, Mary Todd Lincoln, Martha Washington, and Junebug, his four legged family, and over 4,500 Facebook fans.
Like any legend, his legacy will go on long after he's gone. PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) has established the “Sarge Fund”, providing low-cost vet care to Philadelphia area pit bull type dogs.
Kim has started an “Edlerbull” Facebook page in his honor, and Sarge's fan page has continued to be updated even after his passing.
Fans of Sarge can help keep his memory alive by donating to the Animal Farm Foundation, or any animal rescue, in his name.
Today, and everyday, the animal welfare community will celebrate Sarge. He loved, he educated, and he lived.
The world can take a lesson of resilience and forgiveness from Sarge, a pit bull with angel's wings.
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