2008 PGA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNER
DENNIS WALTERS FINDS A NEW CADDIE

Dennis Walters of Jupiter, Fla., the 2008 PGA Distinguished Service Award winner, has ended an emotional six-month nationwide search by adopting a 20-pound terrier mix to co-host his popular traveling golf show.

"I'm naming him 'Bucky,' in honor of my Dad," said Walters, host of the Dennis Walters Golf Show since 1976 and who has performed more than 2,700 golf trick shot programs in all 50 states. The late Bucky Walters had traveled with and guided his son for many years as Dennis developed and polished his golf program.

The search for a new sidekick was difficult, said Walters, because a dog must have the "right personality" to not only live with his new owner but also communicate to audiences.

"Bucky is everything I wanted in a dog and I'm sure I am the right human for him," said Walters.

Bucky follows three other canine companions that have served as co-hosts during the 32 years that Walters has traveled the country.

The Dennis Walters Golf Show features Walters hitting signature golf shots and encouraging others to reach for their dreams, strive for excellence and to do something they didn't think they could.

Walters said that Bucky was found by the Collier County Animal Control and rescued by the group, Canine Castaways, of Arcadia Fla.

Just as he feels blessed to have found a new companion, Walters continues a mission by encouraging everyone he meets to either make a donation to a rescue group or commit to adopting a pet from a rescue group or shelter which annually house thousands of homeless animals.