It's not news to anyone that Michael Phelps is an amazing swimmer, a seemingly down-to-earth guy, and close to his mother and two sisters.
He also said he can't wait to get home to his dog (and his own bed). It's no wonder so many young women want to marry him.
In yesterday's Wall Street Journal, an article called "Now, Phelps Chases Gold on Land" by Christopher Rhoads talks about the many offers his agent has been receiving. It says "A dog-food idea was pitched, given Mr. Phelps's well-known love for his British bulldog, Herman."
Personally, I'd rather not see him become another Tiger Woods. Woods seems to be a nice guy, and I know he does some charity work, but with all the money he's made from golf it's a little less honorable and cheapening to see him in so many commercials.
I'd be an even bigger fan if Phelps were to endorse the plight of homeless pets in this country.
If you're anywhere near my age you may have figured out why I have a picture of Cheeta, Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan, and Jane on this post. Weissmuller, one of my Saturday morning heroes, won five Olympic gold medals in swimming in the 1920's and went on to star in the Tarzan movies.
On Sunday night Nature on PBS had a wonderful show called "Wisdom of the Wild" which featured chimpanzees among other amazing animals. It focused on the treatment of research animals, since chimpanzees are closest to us genetically than any other animal, and a rescue facility where they could actually walk on grass in the open air and not be in a cage for the first time in their lives. It showed Sparky, one of the chimps responsible for the hepatitus virus, who aged twice as fast as they normally do so he died a premature death. One of the original workers returned to the facility 18 years later, and the chimps were excited to see her and showed their affections.
The last chimp to play Cheeta is in his 70's (the world's oldest primate) and living at a rescue facility set up by his trainer's nephew, although he's had to give up beer and cigars. You can see him at C.H.E.E.T.A. Primate Sanctuary. Cheeta, Umgawa!
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