The Villages - January 2018 - 30

{ For ThE

Love

oF pETs }

The Behnkes and sparTy

Making New Friends Everywhere They Go
Story By MArK ANDErSoN | PhotoS By roB WILKErSoN

Dogs have long had the reputation of being
"man's best friend." That's certainly the case
with Sparty, the 5-year-old canine
companion of Paul and Miki
Behnke, who makes new best
friends everywhere he goes.
Sparty, a Bichon Frise, is a
rescue. After shuffling from
home to home, he eventually made his way to a rescue
group, where the Behnkes found
him when he was only 10 months
old. That was in May 2013, and
Sparty has been a big part of the Behnkes'
lives ever since.
The Behnkes, of the Village of Pennecamp,
are avid fans of the Michigan State University
Spartans, and they felt Sparty was the perfect
name for their new furry friend.
"He wears his jersey on football days," Paul
said with a laugh. "We figured the green and
white would work out well since those are Michigan State
colors. Now everybody knows him as the Michigan State
dog in the neighborhood."
As Sparty got to know his new family, he had some anxiety issues. Fortunately, he overcame them and now patiently waits for Paul to come home every day.
"(Sparty) is very attached to my husband," Miki said.
"When Paul is gone, he's just sitting there waiting for
him to come home."
One of Sparty's favorite activities is going for rides in
the Behnkes' golf car. After noticing how much he seemed
to enjoy the rides, the Behnkes started taking him on daily
rides around the neighborhood. He quickly became a big
hit.
"He sits in the passenger seat - he has his own harness
and everything," Paul said. "He has a habit where once we
take off, he stands up on his back feet and waves. Now it's
gotten to the point where we drive down the road and as
he's waving, people are waving back to him."
Sparty leaves an impression on almost everyone he
meets, and people always want to get to know him more.
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JANUARY 2018

"He loves dogs and he loves people," Paul said. "On our
morning walk he stops for everybody that comes along.
Now people are starting to give him treats. I think he's getting the idea that's a great time to walk."
Riding in golf cars, going on walks and waiting for his
owners to come home every day - Sparty lives the good life
here in The Villages and he's always ready to make a new
friend. If you happen to see him around town, give him a
wave. You'll probably get the same in return.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - January 2018