The Bodhi Beard Benefit

From time to time, I used to think about my life in a "what if" sort of way.  What if I'd moved to New York City with that songwriter?  What if I'd just taken off on the road more permanently?  What if I'd not gotten married (and promptly divorced)?!  What if I had gotten married again?!!!  In pondering the life I'd lived with my dog Bodhi, during the last few months of his existence, it occured to me that there were no "what ifs?" anymore.  There was no more reason to wonder how things could've been had I taken a different turn at any of life's countless crossroads... everything I'd done had led me to rescue him... and him to rescue me. 

Bodhisattva "Bodhi" Clendenen was an awesomely spirited, one of a kind Great Pyrenees.  To put it simply, his personality, stature, and heart... was truly Great.  For nearly a decade, we were each other's constant companion.  What can I say...? Bodhi was the man.  We rescued each other.  With an undeniable aura and lasting smile, he brightened the lives of everyone he met from New York to Nashville... CO to OC.  If you ever met him, you remember him.  

Bodhi left us in late 2015 and as a tribute to him, I haven't shaved my face since.  The beard is strong.  A few months ago, an especially long, white hair fell out.  I picked it up and it almost felt as though I'd just picked up a hair from his long, white tail (which he shed ALL the time and I miss it).  Having that realization, I decided that the beard has finally grown long enough.  

In Bodhi's name and honor, I plan to raise money for the SPCA of Worcester County, Maryland by shaving off the "Bodhi Beard".  If you know me, knew the Bodhs, are a friend to animals, or just want to do something nice today, please consider dropping a couple bucks into the pot.  My target is at least $1,300 - which is $10 for each of the 130 months he was alive.  

In addition to doing a great deed for the animals at the WC SPCA, any donation made via this campaign will give you a chance to choose how my beard will be shaped and shaved!!!  In conjunction with 4th Annual Pars for Paws Charity Golf Tournament on June 1st, 2017 at Eagle's Landing Golf Course in West Ocean City, MD (click for info), I'll be on hand to sign people up for the Bodhi Beard Benefit Shave Off in person, as well!!!  The drawing will be held June 7th with the shave-off on June 14th.  Everything will be live broadcast via the audio/visual interwebs of the Rude Awakening Show on 98.1 FM WOCM ...  www.Ocean98.com worldwide.

Whether it be a wild Fu Manchu, massive sideburns, John Waters or Ron Burgundy mustache, no shave, whatever (no dictator mustache or clean shave, though), I'll wear it for a week and donate all of the money raised to the SPCA.

I rescued Bodhi and he changed my life.  I can't fully describe what he meant to me, but if you're a dog person, then you understand. When he died I donated a lot of his personal effects to other dog parents and shelters in the area.  Since the beard was grown for him, I just want to do whatever I can to raise money for a great cause, in his memorial.  A donation to this campaign will help many a furry friend at the Worcester County SPCA in need of rescue... and I suppose many a human friend in need of rescue as well.

Post script... Originally Bodhi was rescued by my first wife and I.  He would have never come into my life if it weren't for her.  A very huge, heartfelt thanks to you, Eileen.  Thank you.  And thank you, Bodhi.

Bodhisattva "Bodhi" Clendenen
Feb 14th, 2005 - Dec 21st, 2015...