We like to provide a forum for our readers to spotlight positive aspects of our community. While such topics don't meet the criteria of a letter to the editor, we occasionally like to share such letters.
On Sept. 29, our friend who had just moved to Jefferson City found his big, black dog no longer in the sturdy, chainlink fence he had just had installed. An Australian shepherd, she appeared to have climbed the fence and was seen running loose on East McCarty Street. She was hit by a car, driven by a kind lady who tried to help her, but the dog ran off. Probably in shock and bewildered, she remained missing and we feared was dead. In searching for her, I found the very kind gentlemen at Midwest Block and Brick had seen her and tried to hold on to her. We enlisted the help of the postman for the Landwehr Hills subdivision, who kindly promised to keep an eye out for her. Even the young policeman cruising through the subdivision kindly reported her absence to dispatch, as we had already reported her absence to Animal Control. However, by late afternoon, the grim outcome we feared seemed to be reality.
Amazingly, this story has a happy ending: She returned home - on all four feet - bruised and missing a tooth but alive! Our wonderful Jefferson City veterinarians rotate being "on-call" for emergencies and Weathered Rock Veterinary Clinic was on duty. The terrific Dr. Boldan immediately saw our poor girl, X-rayed her, found no broken bones, made her comfortable and sent her home.
This sweet big girl is named Dory. We hope Dory never does this again, and we hope that your beloved pets don't try this either. But, please be assured, if it does happen, our city is full of kind, concerned professionals and people (including the couple barbecuing who I interrupted, the mom at the day care center, the receptionist at Crago Veterinary, and all of our friend's new neighbors who put up with our calling for her). I was amazed at the seriousness with which everyone took the temporary loss of Dory and know that she has found a good home here in Jefferson City. Please, all of you who helped look for her and expressed concern for her, thank you for your kindness. Dory came home!
Beth Eckles
Jefferson City