About Me and Our Leonberger and LHFI

Tomorrow I will do book signing at Wautega Public Library here in Texas. I will read a short story from my book and present myself. I will also mention that all royalties from book sales go to the Leonberger Health Foundation International, or LHFI, a charitable organization working towards healthier Leonbergers and healthier dogs in general. Below is my is my 20 seconds video pitch.

Hi, I’m Thomas Wikman, author of the Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle, a book featuring funny and informative stories about our Leonberger. It is a great book for all dog lovers. All royalties from book sales are donated to the Leonberger Health Foundation International. Their work gives us healthier dogs.

My 20 second video pitch.
Me standing in front of a painting wearing a blue suit
That’s me a few days ago.
Leonberger Health Foundation Logo. A Leonberger puppy surrounded by flags from around the world.
The Leonberger Health Foundation International. Click on the image to visit the LHFI’s website.

The Leonberger is an unusual and fascinating dog breed that is known for its size, affectionate nature, and intelligence. I know a lot about Leonbergers because my family was lucky enough to live with one for thirteen years. His name was Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle—but we called him “Bronco” for short.

Bronco wasn’t our only dog, but our world wouldn’t have been the same without him. For instance, he once saved the life of our pug by fending off an attack from another dog. He probably saved our Labrador’s life, too, by sniffing out an impending insulin shock before it happened. Then there was the time he scared off a trespasser who’d been terrorizing my wife and other women in the neighborhood.

Photo of me with one year old Bronco, our Leonberger. He is standing on a sofa.
This is me with our late Leonberger Bronco when he was still young, not even one years old.

Bronco is no longer with us, but even in his passing he was distinctive. Leonbergers tend to live less than nine years—but Bronco came very close to reaching his thirteenth birthday. In fact, he received an award for longevity called the “Grey Muzzle Award.”  We already knew he was a special dog, but we sent his DNA to two labs for research anyway.

Bronco's Grey Muzzle Award. In the middle of the diploma is a photo of Bronco. The text says "The Grey Muzzle Award", "For Leonberger Longevity Is Presented with Gratitude By The Leonberger Health Foundation International To Bronco For Offering Hope And Potential For Longer Lives For Leonbergers Throughout The World"
The Grey Muzzle Award is given to Leonbergers who reach the age of 12 years or older.
YouTube video featuring Grey Muzzle Awardees including Bronco, entry nr 10 out of 34 at 2 minutes. This is an emotional video for me, not only because of Bronco, but I was very familiar with many of the other dogs. Time marches on.
A second part of the Grey Muzzle award is a signed document.
Bronco’s Grey Muzzle Award