The Rust Belt Chronicles: missing dog

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

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

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Monday, December 24, 2012

T'was the Night before Christmas!

I wanted to take the opportunity to wish all of my readers and followers a Merry Christmas. I am already looking ahead towards the New Year for some exciting changes including new products to develop, some exciting interviews for the Rust Belt Chronicles and growth.

But for now, let’s focus on the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate with family, friends and (even) strangers. Going out of our way to make someone’s day special and memorable is worthy and noble. Putting a smile on somebody’s face is a way to show we care.

It’s the season of giving, not receiving.

Helping the homeless, visiting the nursing home or reaching out to someone in need are ways to share the Christmas spirit with others.

Last week, I noticed a flyer with a photo of a missing dog at my workplace. Their home had been broke into a week ago and the robbers sprayed their pet with pepper spray and although it had a radio-controlled collar it escaped from their home and yard.

While driving near our 3-park area on a icy day after work on Friday, I spotted the dog, turned the car around and pulled into the park to coax the young pup. It stared at me, turned around and ran the opposite direction towards traffic and another park.

I drove back to work, got the owner’s phone number from the flyer and contacted the couple; who verified it was their dog. The couple drove to the park which I already had returned too, to help find “Buckeye.” The mixed-breed (part shepherd), white with brown spots, was nowhere to be found.

After attending a wedding Saturday evening, my wife and I drove through the park system to locate the dog, to no avail. The owner said he was going to walk through the parks on Saturday. I hope they find their pup!

At least I gave them hope in finding that puppy!

On Christmas Eve day, I took a drive to our local Toy Time organization to drop off some toys for needy children. Unfortunately, they were closed. So my next thought was to watch for a child I could surprise with a few gifts. After picking up some groceries and walking to my car; another car parked beside me in the parking lot. In the car were a mother and a little girl around 5 years old.

I asked the mother of the small child if she would be interested in the gifts. The mother asked her daughter and her little face lit up with happiness. I gave her the gifts and she thanked me and wished me- a Merry Christmas.

One out of two good deeds isn’t bad because it’s the thought that matters most!

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!