Fitness trainer rescues couch potatoes and dogs

Date: 28-07-2011 Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamUnited States

There was a time when Brenda Woody didn't like dogs.

“I thought they were messy and gross,” said the former Miss Michigan and bodybuilding champion, who with husband Randy operates a fitness center licensed in Redford Township.

But that was before the transformational experience of meeting Bertil, Randy's pet pit bull mix. “He melted my cement heart and made me into a better person,” she said.

Once she got to know Bertil, Woody came to love dogs and develop a soft spot in her heart for those that had been neglected or abused. “Now, when I see a dog in need,” she said, “I must go.” She helps strays that happen along, as well as those dropped off by friends, neighbors and strangers. “Sometimes we get pets from owners going into assisted living,” she said.

Professionally, she and Randy — Mr. Eastern Michigan of 1986 and a national bodybuilding competitor — operate the Better Life Fitness Center at 9562 Telegraph Road, where participants can lose up to eight pounds every four weeks. The center promises to help motivated people, “Lose weight, get fit and have fun.”

At home in Westland, however, Woody and her husband own five dogs. They also temporarily shelter dogs that live in “foster homes” before being placed with permanent owners. Their goal is to rescue, restore and train dogs before finding them new homes.

“Barking is not acceptable,” said Woody, who insists her dogs also get the nurturing needed for them to become good pets. It's not uncommon, for example, for her to drive around with four or more dogs in her van. “It helps with their socialization,” she said.

They also work with prospective owners, explained Woody, who is also lead instructor for Michigan's Best Bootcamps and a motivational speaker. “We make sure they can handle the animal and will provide good care.” Once a dog is adopted, they offer free followup training and assistance, she said.

One of the people who brought a stray puppy to the center is another Westland resident, Anna Shetler, also a self-described dog lover. “I saw him on Eight Mile in Ferndale, frightened and afraid to move,” she said, “and I brought him home.”

She and her husband John already own a dog and a cat, thus they decided against keeping the puppy subsequently named Zap. So she took the puppy to Woody's rescue shelter, where she was confident he'd be nurtured and trained. Zap is recovering now, Shetler said, and on his way to getting a new home and new life.

In addition to helping develop business at Matick Chevrolet, Shetler coordinates charitable and community events at the dealership. “We have a history of involvement in Redford,” she said, supporting Blessings in a Backpack, Little League, the Commission on Children's Issues and other efforts.

Her boss, Molly Williams, was ecstatic when she learned of the animal shelter, Shetler said: “She gave me the green light and became a big supporter.”

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, the dealership is hosting a Community Garage Sale on behalf of the Better Life Canine Center. Tables are available for $15 each, money that will go directly to the kennel, along with proceeds from the sale of hot dogs and other grilled items.

“It's phenomenal for the dealership to host the event on its busiest day,” Woody said. “It shows the owners have a heart for doing the right thing, and they legitimately want to make an impact on the community.”