By ALLYSON GONZALEZ
The Baytown Sun
BAYTOWN — On Saturday, Stetson may be one step closer to meeting his hero, David Letterman.
The 4-year-old sheltie known for his ability to launch rockets — aka "Rocket Dog" — will be featured in November on channel WB39, along with television personality Mia Gradney.
Although an airtime has not been announced, those wanting to see Stetson in action can witness his talents on Saturday, when the station comes to Crosby to film Stetson.
Since August 2001, Stetson has been launching rockets with the assistance of owner, Robert Byrd. With a claw of his paw, Stetson depresses a pad, causing everything from model ballistic rockets to rockets with composite engines to shuttle into space.
"I have no idea why, but Stetson absolutely loves rockets," said Byrd, who says Stetson's ultimate goal is to be on David Letterman.
"He just wants to be on David Letterman," Byrd Said.
With about 430 hits a day at his website, www.therocketdog.com, Stetson is attracting attention that goes beyond Baytown. Recently, Stetson was featured at a National Association of Rocketry annual meeting held in McGregor.
"It was like traveling with a celebrity," Byrd said. "He's famous."
As the story spreads, so does the amount of fan letters, emails and rockets he receives. And the following's diverse.
"Have funny chasing those rockets," writes Teddy and Smokey, toy poodles and fellow rocket launchers from Las Vegas. "Woof, woof."
At 10 a.m., Stetson will launch about a half-dozen rockets, including a model V-2, the worlds first ballistic rocket.
"He's pretty much a pro," Byrd said.
To get to the launch, head east on highway 90, north on Bohemian Hall Road, right (east) on Ramsey Loop, left (north) at Crosby Eastgate Road. The airfield is on left.
However, as Byrd warns, the location is hard to find, so it's best to check Stetson's website, which provides point-by-point bearing.

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Sponsor Credits

Corporate Sponsor: Truewater is the IT Outsourcing firm where Stetson is employed as the Executive Office Dog and Ambassador of Hospitality. If you think our dog is smart, you would really be impressed with our computer technicians.

Field Sponsor: Scott Murff of Murff Turf Farms allows Stetson the use of his very large and beautiful grass fields.

Graphics Sponsor:  Paul Smoke of Design Ventures helps out with great looking graphics for Stetsons rockets. 

Publicist: Kate Allen of Harrison & Shriftman of New York.  Yes, Stetson really has a publicist, and she does it "Pro-Bone-O" 

Absolutely nothing on this web site is copyrighted and you can use it however you like. 
Just be sure to link to Stetson's Site and give him credit.
However, if you don't, then be advised that Stetson has lots of large furry friends with big sharp pointy teeth.   You have been forewarned!

Stetson loves fan mail, send us a e-mail  and tell us what you think. He doesn't always reply though; he prefers to bark over typing.
Last updated: November 13, 2008.