One lucky dog inspires good deeds and donations

When Charlie Annenberg adopted an abandoned golden retriever named Lucky, a new breed of philanthropy was born.

Lucky was 4 in 2001 when he teamed up with Annenberg, scion to a wealthy family known for giving money away.

The 46-year-old Annenberg incorporated Lucky into all his projects. They were on the road more than they were home as they traveled around making documentaries about people who were making a difference.

Lucky became Annenberg’s sidekick and soul mate and would eventually inspire donations to dog-focused causes from the as much as $8 million the philanthropist controls annually.

See Wednesday’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for more tales of the pair’s adventures and altruism that include donating 170 guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs or service dogs for veterans.

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