You never know who you’re going to meet in downtown Las Vegas, and we love that everyone at its iconic casinos has a story to tell.
Recently, we met a security guard at Golden Nugget, David Waite. He’s worked at just about every casino in Las Vegas during his career, and he’s been at Golden Nugget Las Vegas for six years.
During our chat, David recounted some of his colorful security adventures, but also mentioned he has famous dogs. That piqued our curiosity, so we delved further.
Come to find out, David’s dogs were featured in an entertaining national bestseller, “Underwater Dogs.”
The wildly popular book features images by award-winning photographer, Seth Casteel.
The book is described this way, “Beneath the water is a chaotic ballet of bared teeth and bubbles, paddling paws, fur and ears billowing in the currents. From leaping Lab to diving Dachshund, the water is where a dog’s distinct personality shines through; some lounge in the current, paddling slowly, but others arch their bodies to cut through the water with the focus and determination of a shark.” In other words, nirvana for dog lovers.
Two of David’s dogs appear in the book, Apollo and King.
Apollo is an 8-year-old red Labrador retriever, and appears to have a fondness for tennis balls. Just a hunch.
King is a 4-year-old yellow labrador retriver.
The original “Underwater Dogs” book has spawned a cottage industry of submerged things, including books with underwater puppies and babies. Underwater cats? Not so much.
The next time you’re at Golden Nugget, say “hello” to David, and whenever you’re in Las Vegas, don’t be shy about striking up conversations with the fascinating people you encounter downtown. You’ll return home with stories galore, and possibly even a different perspective about your pup.