22 Mar 2016 D.J. Williams discovers a new best friend

Story and photos
by Callie Sterling

Former Razorback and NFL player D.J. Williams has a new best friend, a puppy named Shade. A 5-month-old Golden Retriever, Shade is the new mascot for KARK, where D.J. works.

“The saying about dogs being man’s best friend, it is so true,” Williams said. “He was born on Thanksgiving this past year and I got him when he was 6 weeks old.”

Shade is not only stealing Williams’ heart, but also stealing the hearts of KARK viewers across the state. Williams will now bring Shade to work each day at the TV station.

“I brought the idea of Shade becoming the KARK mascot to my boss and originally he said, ‘No,’” Williams said. “I wanted him to be able to come with me to work each day. I got the idea from The Today Show, where they have Wrangler. I knew Shade would brighten up the newsroom.”

After the viewers expressed their love for Shade via social media, there was a turn of events for Williams’ furry friend. “The viewers started to speak up and expressed that they wanted to see more of Shade, and we want to of course make the viewers happy,” Williams said.

Shade has made a great impact on the employees of KARK already.

“Shade makes the mornings fun,” said KARK producer Allie Martin. “He comes in with so much energy and that puppy smile just makes the early hours easy. When you’re having a bad day I have heard it helps to hug a puppy, so having one at work is perfect!”

Shade is currently training to be a therapy dog.

“I want Shade to be able to be a therapy dog for Arkansas Children’s Hospital,” Williams said. “ACH is perfect because it is near the station and we can just walk right over after work. I hope that he can visit the kids at least once a week.”

Before Shade can become a therapy dog, he must complete a lengthy training course.

“We just had his first training lesson in February,” Williams said. “He is training at Furry Feet Retreat and Training Center in Alexander. It is a detailed course, but it will be worth it.”

Williams has been impressed with Shade’s ability to show a gentler side when around children.

“Shade actually just encountered his first baby not too long ago,” Williams said. “Normally he is really energetic and happy around adults. It was like he knew to act calm with the baby. He knew to move in slow to give kisses, he was so aware that he needed to be gentle.”

Williams is not new to being a pet owner. His first dog, Shadow, accompanied him throughout his collegiate years and during his time in the NFL.

“I got hooked on the Golden Retriever breed with my first dog, Shadow,” Williams said. “Goldens are so loyal, they really are an all-around American family dog. I named him Shadow from ‘Homeward Bound.’ I thought Shade would be a nice complementary name to Shadow.”

After Shadow died, Williams realized he was missing being a pet owner.

“I knew I wanted another dog, so I decided Shade would be the perfect one,” Williams said. “Being a pet owner is the best feeling. When I played football, no matter how bad I messed up on the field during a game, Shadow didn’t care. Shadow was just happy that I came home.”