Skechers sends protesters running
Sunday January 29, greyhound enthusiasists and shoppers alike were treated to a slice of freedom at the Skechers store in Estero FL.
Sunday January 29, greyhound enthusiasists and shoppers alike were treated to a slice of freedom at the Skechers store in Estero FL.
The anti racing group Grey2K had promised a protest at the store over a Skechers ad that will be featured in the big bowl game this weekend. Apparently Grey2K barked up the wrong tree, as security was already in place and sent the tiny group running. This writer was highly impressed with the operation of the store that made sure everyone enjoyed a great shopping experience.
Posters and buttons displayed their mascot Mr. Quiggly styled in skechers for his race debut on February 5. "It was great to see the store send them (protesters) away," said Juan Fra who is the General Manager of Naples Ft. Myers Greyhound track that is a consistent target of the group. "I came out in support of the creative ad," he said via telephone interview.
"We love skechers," said Michelle Edgar President of the GPA Naples/Ft. Myers Greyhound adoption group which places ex-racers in loving homes. Her finance James Campbell brought Henry, a greyhound that hoped to size up the cute Quiggly for Sunday's race. People visiting the store enjoyed petting Henry who was also shoe shopping. Boxes and boxes of shoes were sold to supporters of the ad. Campbell owns racing kennels in Florida and West Virginia and enjoyed parading Henry and answering questions about the breed that would be challenging Mr. Quiggly.
Edward Trow, who owns a racing kennel in Dubuque, was also in the store in support of Skechers and bought several boxes of shoes, as well as Michael Frino and his wife from Naples FL, who left with their skechers shoes, too.
Everyone that was in the store during my hour visit enjoyed the helpful staff. We all wished them the best of luck with Mr. Quiggly's race on Sunday. This year's big game will be enhanced and could be the most watched ever; not just for the teams, but for Skechers' stand on their freedom of speech. In my eyes they will be the true winners of the day and so will our beautiful greyhounds that will be highlighted for the athletes that they are.
Since 1978 I have been tutored by the most respected leaders in the industry at tracks in WV, WI and FL. As Media Relations Director and Company Spokeswoman I have a unique opportunity to share my passion for the sport. I have written hundreds of feature stories and taken just as many greyhound photos. My articles have been published nationally and internationally. I have been a color analyst on Sky Network at the Irish Derby multiple times and on America’s Night of Stars. I am also a former Greyhound trainer.
I am proud to call Derby Lane home, which is the most established Greyhound racetrack in the nation since 1925. I have met iconic kennel operators and watched the greatest greyhounds of the past decade including Dominator, Talentedmrripley and Flying Coal City-all historic award winners. I have written and produced videos used to honor industry people and Greyhound athletes at the Greyhound Hall of Fame and coordinated track shots for the Born to Run and Ensuring the Welfare of the Racing Greyhound videos. I have coordinated major film projects at Derby Lane including Animal Planet’s "Breed All About It", Oceans 11 and baseball’s Carl Crawford’s commercial. I coordinated all of the media for the world’s biggest Greyhound stakes in 2005-2006 when Derby Lane hosted the Million Dollar races. I am also a GPA volunteer. I have two grown daughters, a granddaughter and a racing greyhound. I am blessed with endless energy and share a home in FL with two retired Greyhounds. You can follow me as topgreyhound on twitter and read Vera’s News at www.derbylane.com.
Contact me vera@derbylane.com
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