Terry Lively and the Shaffers presented the world premiere of their film, “Coondog Heaven,” on Saturday, October 8th at the South Charleston Museum to an appreciative crowd of dog lovers. About 40 people not only attended the event, but donated $ 176 to the Kanawha/Charleston Animal Shelter plus a Jeep full of items to be used at the Shelter. It was a night to remember.

Dinner at Main Tin - Larry Lively, Terry, Yvonne and Jerry Shaffer

I had dinner with Terry and Larry Lively as well as Yvonne and Jerry Shaffer at the official restaurant of the SCM, the Main Tin. I doubt if I have ever met any couple, the Shaffers, who love animals more than they do. Jerry said that he doesn’t get to eat out much since they are at home taking care of all the coondogs at their training center. Yvonne had seen the first “Shiloh” film about an abused WV beagle, but not the two sequels. All three are amongst the best recent dog films produced by anyone.

 Phillis Shawver, SCM board member,  helping a guest

Phillis Shawver, Bob Arbogast and Peggy Thompson from the SCM board sold tickets and took donations for the Shelter. ( It was Peggy’s suggestion that viewers be invited to donate to the Kanawha Animal Shelter.) Chuck Taylor did his usually fine job projecting the film and helping out the sound problems as much as he could. Thanks folks!

Laura Beard from the Animal Shelter with Terry Lively on-stage before the film

Terry began the program at The SCM La Belle by donating $50 to SCM in support of its WV series. ( It was given by her Vandalia Productions, one of the best new small media companies in the region. )She also donated $50 to the Kanawha/Charleston Animal Shelter as did the Shaffers. Others in the audience donated cash  to the Shelter along with a whole bunch of items to be used at the Shelter.  

Laura Beard with the pooch pad and bag of chew toys we donated

  ( We gave them a nice large pad for a pooch along with some chew toys to help keep the pooch’s teeth clean. My wife and I are avid supporters of the Shelter, buying a brick when they rebuilt a few years ago. Our present dog Sierra was found on Greenbrier Street about 15 years ago. I guess someone just couldn’t finish their trip to the Shelter knowing what usually happens there….)

Jerry Shaffer with my pooch Sierra who apparently is a combo sheep dog and hound…she loves to howl! I tried to show her the film at home….

Terry, Laura Beard from the Shelter and the Shaffers introduced the film and answered questions afterwords. The Shaffers said they plan to return to SCM La Belle in the future for coming programs.

The Shaffers also sold reduced price copies of the DVD to the audience. He told me, “I think everyone out there has bought a copy.” He told the audience that his training facility was the first of its kind in the country. He also explained how he got the coons to come on to the 100 acre, enclosed facility - with 100s of pounds of food, and what kind of dogs he’s trained. No chihuahuas so far!  

The Charleston Daily Mail did a nice story on the Shaffers with great photos. Also, WVPBS radio did a nice story with Terry Lively last Wednesday.

Postscript - Here is an e-mail that Terry sent me on Monday. She found a pooch to replace her belated dog Blue….

Some of the things the audience brought for the Animal Shelter

Went to the shelter today, talked to Laura Beard, all the folks were so happy with our donation. 

And found a dog.  She’s a starved-out, skinny three-year old English Spaniel with kennel cough who had been used as a breeder.  Her owner brought her and three others into the shelter, saying he could no longer feed them(that’s a big 10-4).  After taking her for a little walk, she was cuddled up in my lap.  :)  It’s good.

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