Who did you get on your pick?
During the 2024 tour, Hootie & the Blowfish is selling Dean’s guitar picks and other swag that will help raise money for Dean’s Dogs. Check out the merch area at each venue for more info!
Read the success stories below to learn how each pup on your guitar pick found his/her way to our family.
Monty, Simon, Hazel, River or KiKi

Years of
Foundation
dogs
adopted
incredible
volunteers

A Christmas Surprise: How Kiki Stole Our Hearts
We had quite a surprise Christmas 2023 when our oldest daughter came home for Christmas with a 7 week old Staffordshire puppy she adopted from the Greenville Humane Society. In full transparency, we were not sure we would be ready to embrace another baby so little, but boy were we WRONG- this little sweetheart is exactly what we needed. She is all love and, please do not tell the others, is the smartest animal we have ever met. We swear she is going to start speaking in sentences soon. Just wait until you see her photos and insta page #wooftheresheis #kiki
From Rescue to Celebrity: Simon’s Heartwarming Journey
Andrea met Simon while producing a fundraising event, Slim Down the South, for Louie’s Kids at Joe Riley Stadium in Charleston, SC. Simon represented Carolina Coonhound Rescue at this Celebrity Softball Game. He would hug all the fans that would allow him to- you’d never know this guy was found running in the woods in a rural area off of 17. He was severely abused by hunters, to this day (13 years later) he is still afraid of loud noises, camouflage, cigarette smoke, and cages. Even with fear and anxiety, he is one of the most gentle, loving and trusting animals we have ever encountered. Everyone knows this howl and anyone who meets this snout, loves him!
From Rescue to Celebrity: Simon’s Heartwarming Journey
Andrea met Simon while producing a fundraising event, Slim Down the South, for Louie’s Kids at Joe Riley Stadium in Charleston, SC. Simon represented Carolina Coonhound Rescue at this Celebrity Softball Game. He would hug all the fans that would allow him to- you’d never know this guy was found running in the woods in a rural area off of 17. He was severely abused by hunters, to this day (13 years later) he is still afraid of loud noises, camouflage, cigarette smoke, and cages. Even with fear and anxiety, he is one of the most gentle, loving and trusting animals we have ever encountered. Everyone knows this howl and anyone who meets this snout, loves him!

Monty's Journey: From Rescued Runt to City Star
Rescued from Carolina Great Pyrenees Rescue in North Carolina, Monty was the runt of his litter. He would wait until all of his siblings ate before he would eat anything.
Andrea fell in love with him at first sight and could not wait to get him home to her apartment in NYC. He loved being a city dog, eagerly visiting all of the dog parks around Manhattan and loved getting all of the pets on the Upper West Side until making the move to Charleston, SC. He also loved his vacations with his grandpa in RI, when his mom had to travel for work. He grew up to be the biggest, most confident love bug who was the star in every town he visited. A gentle giant weighing in at 101 lbs.
River's Tale: An Unbreakable Bond with an Elderly Rescue
Palmetto Paws Rescue plays a vital role in the animal rescue world in the Charleston community (and beyond!). One of our daughters was out with her friend’s family when she came across River. She and River immediately had such a strong connection. It isn’t every day a 13 year old connects to an older Staffordshire Terrier in need of a home, but truly it was undeniable. We were hesitant to adopt an elderly pup, but we were amazed at how rewarding it was, and what a long, healthy life she lived. River lived with us for all of our daughter’s high school career and almost all of her college education as well. She was just the sweetest soul.


River's Tale: An Unbreakable Bond with an Elderly Rescue
Palmetto Paws Rescue plays a vital role in the animal rescue world in the Charleston community (and beyond!). One of our daughters was out with her friend’s family when she came across River. She and River immediately had such a strong connection. It isn’t every day a 13 year old connects to an older Staffordshire Terrier in need of a home, but truly it was undeniable. We were hesitant to adopt an elderly pup, but we were amazed at how rewarding it was, and what a long, healthy life she lived. River lived with us for all of our daughter’s high school career and almost all of her college education as well. She was just the sweetest soul.
Hazel's Story: A Pyrador's Journey to Her Forever Home
Carolina Great Pyrenees Rescue is such a wonderful rescue, we felt we needed to continue their mission by rescuing our next, love, a Pyrador- Hazel. Hazel turned out to be Andrea’s true soul sister and Dean’s “little” lady. She was lucky to be able to stay with her siblings and Great Pyr mother until 12 weeks and learn perfect manners and love. It was hard for Dean and Andrea to wait to get this furbaby home, but once they did, she was the best decision they could have made at the time. Hazel brings nothing but joy and love to everyone she meets.