There are a lot of people who should be very proud of the happy ending to the story about Sunshine the golden retriever – the Lawrence County Humane Society who nursed her and the county sheriff’s department who helped save her.

Friday, November 12, 1999

There are a lot of people who should be very proud of the happy ending to the story about Sunshine the golden retriever – the Lawrence County Humane Society who nursed her and the county sheriff’s department who helped save her.

But in addition to all those good guys and gals, there is an unsung hero – someone who made sure that the proper authorities found out that there was a dog that needed to be saved.

The person who reported the abuse probably saved Sunshine’s life.

And this is not the first time that a phone call to the police or sheriff’s department has turned a near-tragedy into a reason for celebration. And dogs are not the only ones who can benefit from this kind of good citizenship.

The calls that the police, sheriff’s department, children’s service, the humane society and other agencies get are critical to them doing their jobs.

A sheriff’s deputy out patrolling cannot possibly know every crime that is occurring in the county and children’s services needs tips from caring adults as soon as they suspect possible abuse in a home to make sure the child who lives there is protected.

Taking care of our community is not just the job of the men and women who wear law enforcement uniforms. Citizen tips can go a long way to ending some of the crimes against property and people in this county.

Next time you see something that just doesn’t look right, give the police or sheriff’s department a call. If you see a child who looks hungry, scared or neglected, call children’s services or the aforementioned authorities immediately. Don’t wait.

And if you see a dog or cat shivering against the cold, hungry or the victim of abuse, call the humane society at 533-9050.

In any of these cases, your quick action could save a life.