Monday, December 31, 2012

Do Something Meaningful




"Buckeye"

In a previous blog, I reported spotting a dog in a nearby park system upon driving home from work. I recalled reading on an employee’s bulletin board a story of a missing dog. The dog owner’s home had been burglarized and the thieves peppered sprayed the young dog. The door must have been open and the traumatized pup ran away despite wearing a radio-controlled collar.
I returned to my place of work and contacted the owners.
I drove by the park area again the next day (Friday) after work after I previously contacted the owners. The mixed-breed pup darted across Park Avenue West in Mansfield, Ohio during rush-hour traffic. How it kept from getting hit was probably an act of divinity on that icy day. I turned the car around and spotted the dog near the entrance to South Park.
 I stopped the car and (not remembering the dogs name from the “wanted” poster), got out of the car, attempting to coax the young dog towards me. He looked at me long enough that I recognized the radio-controlled collar on his neck. The dog turned around, pranced away and after about 20 yards distance from me, stopped, barked once, and headed back towards the busy intersection.
I had failed.
I drove back to my place of work and called the dog owners who confirmed from my description of the collar and coat, it was their missing dog “Buckeye.” They said they would drive down to our park system and look for the dog. I informed them I would also go back and search. I found the owners in the park and we couldn’t spot “Buckeye” at all.
We were disappointed and the owner stated he would walk through the entire park on Saturday. My wife and I drove through the park system on Saturday evening after a wedding searching for the dog. I know the drive scared her as we drove around North Lake Park and were followed closely by another car. The only relief came when we noticed two police cruisers sitting in the park.
At this point “Buckeye” had been missing for a week and the cold weather along with another new snowstorm and freezing temperatures had me realizing the young pup’s chances of surviving the elements, traffic and lack of food were running out.
I attempted to drive through the parks the next week after work and whenever I went through town. Nothing, Buckeye had disappeared.
Earlier this week we had a fire in downtown Mansfield, Ohio. It was reported two dogs died during the fire inside the house which was being used strangely enough, for storage. I prayed “Buckeye” wasn’t one of those poor dogs.
Then I received this email today:
Jim,
Were you the person who called me about the missing dog?! I hope so because I wanted to let you know we found him in Middle Park on the Saturday before Christmas! He was very dirty and smelly but otherwise OK and he slept for the next 3 days! Thank you so much for your persistence, Buckeye made it home for Christmas!
Ellen


My prayers had been answered. The young pup had been re-united after a terrible ordeal of theft. The last day of the year I realized this would be the most meaningful achievement I accomplished all year. I put my heart and soul in finding “Buckeye” and was successful. I am happy for the family.

Happy New Year and Thank you

After less than 6 months and 114 posts of The Rust Belt Chronicles on Blogger.com- my audience has reached 7,000 people from around the world. I couldn’t remain inspired without your views, comments and caring.
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart while looking forward to 2013 and-  
Doing something meaningful that matters!
Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com
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6 comments:

  1. What a beautiful, heartwarming and inspiring post Jim. I wish you and your family a most blessed 2013 filled with many of these wonderful experiences of meaningful achievement!

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    1. Ann,
      Thank you for a wonderful 2012 with your educational posts and gracious comments. I am wishing you and your family the best in 2013.
      I was beginning to worry where you went, but I am glad you're back. The Holidays must have kept you busy!
      Best,
      Jim Carver

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  2. If nothing else, Jim is persistant. Trust me, I know! He is a great guy and has a way with words. But as Jim's wife, I must tell you that I was not scared of the drive. I was scared of the icy roads and he was looking more for the dog and less at the icy road conditions. That was my job. He will be trying to save every animal (mostly cats and dogs) he can, until he is unable to do so anymore. That's one of wonderful things about him.

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  3. I am a good friend of Buckeye's family as well as a neighbor. The whole neighborhood was crushed about "missing Buckeye" and cruised the area constantly. You more than made Buckeye's Christmas, it affected the whole neighborhood and much of the MedCentral community. I thank you and happy new year! Susan

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    Replies
    1. Susan,
      I am so glad to have been able to help.
      When I saw the flyer, I wondered if I could find "Buckeye." Little did I realize my opportunity would come in a day or two. He must be "special" if the whole neighborhood was on the prowl for him. Being broken into and robbed is a bad enough experience, but to loose your pet?
      I hope the criminals are caught in due time. Give my regards to the family and Buckeye too! Happy New Year and thanks for commenting. Jim

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