Mr. Kippers introduces protégé

A Canine Renaissance

Mr. Kippers sits in his usual spot by the fireplace in the leather wingback chair at the Highland mansion he has called home for four years. He looks down his nose at his new acquaintance with all the dignity for which his ancestors are famous. He is not narcissistic; on the contrary, he’s charming, yet reserved. He’s just got a very big nose.

A well-spoken, homeschooled and self-educated canine with a distinctive South Louisiana accent, Mr. Kippers looks dapper in his bowtie. He is a sleek, muscular dog of infinite patience, which he is truly going to need as he mentors the exuberant puppy squirming in the arms of his personal secretary, Amanda Perritt Clingan.

It is mid-morning, and Mr. Kippers has settled in for an exclusive interview with CityLife about his ongoing charitable works and plans for his company, Classic Kippers.

“I am particularly excited about introducing my protégé, Master Kirby FitzKippers,” Mr. Kippers said. “He is a miniature English Bull Terrier. I have adopted him as my son. ‘Fitz’ means ‘son of,’ and while, granted, he is wet behind the ears, in time he should be able to follow in my paw prints.”

That is a tall order for any young aristocrat. Mr. Kippers is a breakout celebrity in a tough market – adorable animals with rough pasts and aspirations to use their media success to “pay it forward.” He is not bitter, angry, afraid or shy and makes a great PR guy for mistreated animals.

For Mr. Kippers wasn’t always living with Amanda and Gordon Clingan in Highland luxury, seated in his own cozy chair and planning his next personal appearance. His story is almost Dickensian in scope.

His early years were not good. A handsome brindle English Bull Terrier, very small in size for EBTs, he was used to breed puppies for commercial gain. When he was found, he was sick, worn out, underweight and had baling wire around his neck instead of a collar, said Clingan. Well, enough about that; let’s jump to the happy ending.

He somehow found his way onto a busy four-lane highway in South Louisiana, where he was swooped up by a kindly nurse, Tammie McCracken. She called the Rescue Welfare Trust Fund of The Bull Terrier Club of America, and Clingan, the group’s Louisiana coordinator, drove down with her husband to pick him up.

Thus, Mr. Kippers was rescued and began his long road to recovery, contentment and belonging. Inbreeding probably contributed to many of his physical problems, said Clingan. He had to undergo seven surgeries in 17 months and still has difficulty eating, but he has not let his physical hardships and infirmities deter him from his mission.

Following the Louisiana flooding, Mr. Kippers’ fund-raising efforts resulted in thousands of pounds of pet food, crates and supplies to be used in Denham Springs and St. Landry Parish for displaced pets. The Kippers' Express Flood Relief crew had to have three 20- foot trucks deliver his donations.

Countless people have heard his story, and he has support and fans from around the world, said Clingan. The impact on the lives of the animals that come into contact with the fans he inspires, even from far away, is considerable. Mr. Kippers has a strong presence on social media with a Web site, a blog, and, of course, he is on Facebook.

His book, “Mr. Kippers – Rags to Renaissance: The Southern Education of an Abused English Bull Terrier,” documents the story of his rise in fortune. At 250 pages, “Rags” could almost be called Kardashian in its use of 630 four-color portraits.

“Mr. Kippers was the first animal to be Grand Marshal of the Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Pet Parade in 2014 and was voted King, by the public, for 2016,” Clingan said.

His budding fashion empire currently consists of bowties and cotton T-shirts produce under the imprint “Classic Kippers.” The bowties are made of silk, cotton or taffeta in prints that include plaids, camo, floral and, of course, houndstooth.

“The ties are adjustable from 13½ to 18 inches,” Clingan said. “Each tie sports a unique hook clasp, which allows the wearer to remove the tie without untying it. Of course, it can be untied and retied, but for those who are a bit ‘bowtie challenged,’ it offers an alternative.”

His T-shirt bears his likeness and one of Mr. Kippers’ signature slogans, since his innate dignity shines through no matter his dress: “Whatever the venue, wherever the veranda.” Ranging in size from small to XXL, the T-shirts are available in pea-green, royal blue and white. Both are available at John Pickens Clothiers on Line Avenue.

Mr. Kippers will be receiving visitors during the John Pickens Christmas Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.

“Net profit from the sales goes to helping abused and abandoned animals. I’m paying for my good fortune, which is the reason my parents helped me to begin my company, Classic Kippers,” Mr. Kippers said.

He expects Master Kirby to eventually share in administrative and social duties, relieving Mr. Kippers to explore other aspects of expanding his burgeoning empire. He will not, however, be stepping down from his position as CEO.

“Bless my paws and whiskers!

Absolutely not! However, the duties are so vast as CEO that having someone on board to learn the ropes with me would be ideal,” Mr. Kippers said.

“Of course, you realize that he is only six months old, which in dog years is about four years old. Just a pup,” Mr. Kippers said. Suddenly, Master Kirby bursts back into the room.

“Hallo! Nice to meet you! I'm Kirby!”

Master Kirby is – how to put this – a handful. He will not calm down and will not slow down. Don’t even think about immediately sitting down for an interview. But, after wearing himself out a bit, he was able to share a few thoughts on his role in the company’s future.

“My dad said I could be in the photo shoots for the ads and this magazine article if I behave!” he squealed. “They keep calling me a whirling dervish! I’m not sure it is very complimentary,” Master Kirby said.

Master Kirby is already wearing his father’s fabulous line of bowties, but he needs to mature a little before he gets his big break. Currently, Mr. Kippers’ faithful lieutenant, Miss Sophie Elizabeth Peach, helps him carry out some of his duties, but she prefers events where she can wear her pearls. Mr. Kippers hopes Master Kirby can eventually do more of the heavy lifting required in his philanthropic work.

“Among other things, I have to learn how to behave in public. That one is going to be a toughy,” Master Kirby said. Like most young males, Master Kirby is enthralled with all things involving the wearing of a uniform, and Mr. Kippers was glad to oblige.

“Beginning sometime in 2017 after Mardi Gras, I will be launching my Kippers Goes Camo for K9s,” Mr. Kippers said.

“Once service dogs, those with the military, police, sheriff departments, etc., are no longer able to fulfill their duty, they are retired. Many have issues that require medications for life (arthritis medications come to mind),” said Mr. Kippers. “Most are adopted by their present handler, and often the handlers have families and cannot always afford the expensive medications necessary for the dog’s well-being. That is where my ‘Kippers Goes Camo for K9s’ comes in.” Camo neckties and bumper stickers in support of this cause will introduce this line, Clingan said.

“The Krewe of Barkus & Meoux has a fund to help these dogs, and the money that I raise will go there. I mean, after all, these dogs are veterans, too,” explained Mr. Kippers.

For additional inside info on all things Kipper, visit Mr. Kippers’ blog, which features stories about his outreach efforts and includes both people and animals, at https:// classickippers.wordpress.com. Visit his Web site at www.classickippers.biz.