My latest travels took me to the Great Smoky Mountains — specifically, Dollywood. Country singer Dolly Parton, well known for her songs, quick wit and generosity, is a big animal lover. For nearly 20 years, she has provided the world’s largest bald eagle aviary inside her theme park.

The big star among this winged bunch answers to the name, Challenger — an amazing American bald eagle. About 15 years ago, heavy winds blew a 5-week-old eagle out of nest. People rescued this eagle who quickly bonded better with two-leggers than his own winged kind. Now, Challenger ranks as the only bald eagle in U.S. history to free fly before crowds at the World Series, Pro Bowl, White House and dozens of major league sports stadiums during the presentation of the National Anthem.

For my latest OH BEHAVE! show on Pet Life Radio.com, I interviewed Al Cecere, founder and president of the American Eagle Foundation. He trained Challenger and other birds of prey and has devoted his life to ensuring our National Emblem continues to soar in the skies and within our hearts. Learn more by visiting these websites: www.eagles.org and www.petliferadio.com