There was something about the dog on television that captured Talli Counsel.

“The way he was bouncing around…something just hit me, and I knew,” Counsel says.

Rescued by Best Friends from a Los Angeles county shelter, the 5-month-old Chihuahua mix named Popcorn was on the local Fox affiliate’s “Good Day L.A.” program. He was being featured as one of the dogs who would be up for adoption the next day at a Best Friends mobile event in West Hollywood. Counsel was so taken by Popcorn that he and his girlfriend Ingrid Ingram drove 60 miles from their home to meet him.

“I was determined to get him, and I did,” Counsel says.

Popcorn, renamed “Henderson” by Counsel and Ingram but still called “Pop,” is now living a rather privileged life as the dog of an appointed and commissioned United States Presidential Master Chef.

For two previous administrations and now the current one, Counsel has organized special presidential dinner events that occur outside the White House when the president is traveling. In addition, he organizes the American Presidents Table, a series of fundraising events introducing the fine wine and grand cuisine served at private and state dinners that have been hosted by presidents both former and current. Counsel is now in the midst of planning an American Presidents Table event to benefit the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to be held late November or early December.

Along with Counsel and Ingram’s other two former shelter dogs, Harrison and Hamilton (hence Popcorn’s name change), Henderson is now living a life many humans dream of having: a life that includes regular lunches at upscale restaurants, dinners prepared by his master chef guardian, and shopping in Beverly Hills with Ingram. Yes, Counsel and Ingram take their guardian role extremely serious, and almost always have one or more of the dogs with them wherever they go. They both abide by a schedule which has both of them spending quality one-on-one time with each of the dogs. They call this one-on-one time “bonding days.”

“We do this so each pup can have a relationship with us,” Counsel says.

Waiting for breakfast!

Henderson is now spending nearly every day at a dog park near Ingram and Counsel’s home, which might just qualify as the best dog park in the world. It has chutes, slides, ramps, ground level water, and a race track around its circumference. There, Henderson and Harrison have taken to racing each other. Though still very much a puppy, Henderson is giving the older and more conditioned Harrison a run for his money.

“We were amazed to see that amount of determination and drive at such a young age,” Counsel says.

Henderson has proven to be a rather colorful character, and a voracious eater.

“During dinner on Friday evening, not only did Pop eat the dinner I prepared for him, he just picked up Hamilton’s small chicken breast and went to his pillow,” Counsel says. “Hamilton is the elder of the boys and is very lovable and gentle, so we carefully watched to see what would unfold. Hammy walked over to Pop and licked him on his ear and laid down right beside him until he went to sleep.

“Pop is a blessing and he has had a wonderful effect on everyone he encounters. … This little guy is one of the greatest dogs I have ever had, and we just love him.”

Written by Ted Brewer
Photos courtesy of Talli Counsel

As part of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary in 2009, our goal is to double our membership, so we can double our efforts to bring about a time when all companion animals have a forever home. What can you do to help? Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family and friends.

September 12, 2009 : 6:17 AM ET
posted by: andimaggie

This is quite a wonderful and fun story. Mr. Counsel and Ms. Ingram look incredibly happy with the new addition to their family. I agree with several of the commenters in stating that Obama should have adopted. But maybe Talli can spread the importance of this to other perspective adoptees. Every pet I have owned has either been adopted or more likely rescued from the street. I know they are the best pets by far. Good Luck to these heroes and much success with their family and careers!!

September 8, 2009 : 7:21 AM ET
posted by: raghavaraju

good morning ms ingram & mr talli

a cool breeze passing over my face, that is my sensation after seeing all this(a miracle)

humans are always, i feel, has responsibility towards animals,birds,hills,serpents....in fact upon 'all weaker life-forms'

what a colorful story!? i am always ready to hear,witness,feel inspired(i am vegetarian) and practice this kind of highest quality bench-marks(gandhian-way)

thank you all(includes: the above happy family)

September 4, 2009 : 8:07 PM ET
posted by: maryfranks

wonderful story, just wish President Obama would have adopted!

September 4, 2009 : 3:37 PM ET
posted by: gingersue

WAY TO GO POPCORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately I DID NOT SEE him on TV!!! My friend & I have recently adopted 2 puppies that someone dumped on our street!! They're lovable & especially they are a handful BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY we love them!!!!

September 4, 2009 : 12:42 PM ET
posted by: Jenine

I too saw a dog, not on TV, on a website for shelter dogs and fell in love. I saw my beloved Riley and had to have him. The shelter he was in was about 2 hours away but I didn't care. It could have been 2 days away and I still would have went to get him. Riley is a mutt dog, the best. He's Beagle/Basenji and just a love. My husband and I like to joke that we have a designer dog, just like people in Hollywood, so we call Riley a Beseagle. He was found tied to a tree by a bus driver. He was only 5 months old when we got him. Adopt pets people!!!!!!! They make the best companions!!!!!

September 4, 2009 : 7:57 AM ET
posted by: horsey55

What a wonderful story. Thank you for your kindness.

September 4, 2009 : 2:24 AM ET
posted by: rileyzmommy

What an awesome story for Pop (Henderson) and hoorah for Talli and Ingrid for taking him home and giving him what sounds like the "Life of Riley"! I am a member of Best Friends and am so happy to hear stories like this. Best wishes and God Bless you. Karen

September 4, 2009 : 12:37 AM ET
posted by: twostepper

What a precious little face!! So glad they found each other, and he can live in palatial style! I know he will have a happy and joyful life.

September 3, 2009 : 9:38 PM ET
posted by: Dutch550

What a great story, and I like that they spend quality time with each dog, too.

September 3, 2009 : 9:12 PM ET
posted by: lkaarup

Dear Talli- Please email me at larae at vinpak dot com if you are interested in our company custom labeling wines for your event against cruelty to animals "free of charge". We can also assist in sourcing some phenomenal wine. My husband and I have three rescue animals ourselves. We would like to give back by donating our services to this event.

Congratulations on your beautiful puppy!!

September 3, 2009 : 8:15 PM ET
posted by: highlandhouse

I wish there were many more happy endings

September 3, 2009 : 8:00 PM ET
posted by: squeakie42

He really does look kind of like a harp seal! I wonder if Mr. Counsel would think about including some Best Friends special wines at the fundraiser? Congratulations to Mr. Counsel, Ms. Ingram, and especially to "Pop" Henderson. Keep feelin' the love!

September 3, 2009 : 7:49 PM ET
posted by: kipluck

I wonder if Pop and Bo will get to play together or if that sort of "socializing with the help" is not allowed in the White House. Either way, Congrats, Henderson!

September 3, 2009 : 7:28 PM ET
posted by: jkslancelot

From one Chief to another (I am a CMSgt in the USAFR) and a Best Friends supporter) - going to volunteer for 3 days in Oct.....thanks.....

September 3, 2009 : 7:12 PM ET
posted by: reinhardtc

You set an amazing example for the Country, and you've gained a lovely little family member! Next time Mr. President is looking for a pet, cat or dog or any creature, show him the way!...

September 2, 2009 : 3:22 PM ET
posted by: pdwlgw

Well done, Talli and Ingrid!

Mr. Obama, you could take a lesson here, for when you adopt your next dog.

Congratulations, Henderson, and best wishes.

September 1, 2009 : 7:01 PM ET
posted by: a.rabbitmom

Pop looks like a furry seal in the one picture. Congratulations on the new family addition.

September 1, 2009 : 2:09 PM ET
posted by: Tiffaniehauger

Great job ROBIN HARMON of Best Friends LA for rescuing this sweet little one and getting him into a great home!

September 1, 2009 : 1:48 PM ET
posted by: Watsonsmom

This is just fantastico! I wish Master Chef and his lady many more years of delicious career success and of course a lifetime of love from the fur babies they so wonderfully care for!!!!

September 1, 2009 : 10:50 AM ET
posted by: crazysleepingcatlady

Thank you for another wonderful story, compliments of Best Friends!

This will help to send a very important message that adopting your next best friend IS the way to go. Congrats on your newest addition! May you have many, many blessed years with all your special furkids.

Thank you again for a heart warming story...

September 1, 2009 : 10:13 AM ET
posted by: ginamomary

Thank you so much for the love and kindness that you have shown with your animals. And thank you for mixing the gift and connections that you have and blending them together to create a recipe of kindness to help other animals in need. Woo Hoo....another happy ending!!