Bandit Featured In Winning Canadian 4-H
Display
By Gerry Ashley
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
But it still came as a bit of a surprise when Bandit was recently asked to be part of a 4-H project by a young lady in Langley, British Columbia (Canada). And it turned out to be no less satisfying thanks to the efforts of 16 year-old Eva MacLean, a 4 year veteran of the 4-H Club. Eva was participating in a project, sponsored by the 4-H, to create an Educational Display based on a topic chosen by the member. Miss MacLean described, in detail, the definition of an “Educational Display” and her chosen topic:
“An Educational
Display is a visual method of presenting information quickly. When
viewed, the exhibit should stop the viewer, hold his attention and
give him a lasting impression. Educational Displays can develop the
interest of those who see them, influence their attitude, increase
their knowledge and stimulate their action. Through the use of a
catchy title, clear, easy to read type, bright pictures and a
commanding color scheme, the display should present one idea to the
viewer that can be understood in under 1 minute.” Eva chose to her display on dog safety equipment. Entitled “Buckle Up, Pup!” The message is “If he really is your best friend, protect him like one.” Her display features Bandit on Mark Shaffer’s Harley Davidson as the focal point, showing Bandit’s harness and seat belt. When asked what inspired her choice of topics, Eva responded, “Zoё, my 4-H dog project is a young Australian Cattle Dog. I have been looking forward to taking Zoё to the lake this summer, where there's a pedal boat I like to take out across the lake. Zoё is sure to try to follow me, and I'd love her company, but it's a long swim. I decided to get Zoё a life jacket before we go. Researching dog life jackets lead to an awareness of other dog safety equipment, and "Buckle Up, Pup" was born! “ While searching the Internet for photos of dog safety equipment, Eva discovered Bandit’s web site. She thought a photo of Bandit would be the perfect centerpiece to draw attention to it. She e-mailed Bandit’s owner, Mark Shaffer who quickly agreed to her request. “She sounded very enthusiastic and well-organized,” Shaffer recalled. And when she told me of the overall concept of animal safety, I jumped at the chance to assist her.”
“One of the main features of a successful Educational Display,” added Miss MacLean, “is a good focal point. This center of interest is the heart of the message, and should be a real attention grabber. I felt that it would be pretty hard for anyone to pass by a picture of Bandit in his goggles and biker leathers without stopping for a better look. And Bandit did his job! One of the judges commented ‘Bandit is adorable!’” For her efforts, Eva MacLean beat out all other competition to take first place! Bandit and Mark wish to congratulate Eva on her wonderful effort and wish her continued success in the upcoming exhibitions! |