The Vegas Voice 12-19

Travelling Trio Brightens
The Strip
By: Sam Wagmeister / People & Places
For many, a trip down the Las Vegas Strip
tops their “Bucket List.” For Jacksonville’s
Doug Baim, his List demanded that he include his two best friends,
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blake Bortels in the sidecar of his well-travelled
motorcycle.
Baim lived out that dream for 18 days late this past October with
his travelling companions: Skynyrd, a husky 10-month old St. Bernard
and Bortels, a golden retriever. Onlookers cheerfully waved and snapped
phone photos of the trio.
But perhaps the most joy came from Baim himself. “It’s been my
dream to drive The Strip with my dogs. It’s like driving around two
movie stars.”
Rock and roll band Lynyrd Skynyrd claims Jacksonville as their
hometown. Blake Bortels sizzled then fizzled as quarterback for the
Jacksonville Jaguars football team.
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Baim’s 10-month expedition mixed business with pleasure. As owner
of Puppy Avenue, a Jacksonville pet shop, Baim visited breeders who
specialized in pure breeds.
Since childhood, Baim’s hobby has been raising and showing St.
Bernards. Ten years ago, the “love of my life” encouraged him to
abandon past careers in insurance and medical equipment and follow
his dream of opening the pet shop.
The dream continued; the “love” didn’t. Baim however has no
regrets.
“I was 65 th out of 69 in my high school class,” Baim said. “With
college and hard work I feel like I’m living in the top of my class
because of the quality of life I lead. I’ve achieved my dreams.”
Those dreams, he explains, includes enriching lives. “It gives me
privileges I might never have,” he says of the receptive smiles. “I plant
positive seeds for people.”
Sam the Sunglass Man at the outdoor stand across from The Strat,
in true Vegas fashion, comped shades for Lenny and Blake which they
proudly wore on their trips down The Strip.
Baim, a gregarious spiritual man, considers the trips as his mission.
Readying his motor home for the trek back to Florida’s east coast, he
commented, “It makes people smile and that’s what keeps me going.
It’s really rewarding watching people’s reactions.”
Sam Wagmeister is The Vegas Voice Nightlife Editor. He loves to
hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact him via email:
LasVegasHomeTeam@Gmail.com.