LO_13_10 Online And On The Streets!

[Jim O'Bryan]

Download it here: http://media.lakewoodobserver.com/issue ... sue_10.pdf

“Then there must be something, mustn’t there. The truth is, these are not very
bright guys, and things got out of hand.” - Deepthroat Watergate

Over 310 issues of news, opinions, facts, questions, photos, art, and informal discussion. From thousands of your friends and neighbors aka Lakewoodites.

A never ending show of love and respect to all.

peace/love

[Michael Deneen]

Thanks to all the editors, writers, photographers, and sponsors that made it possible.
I had a nice story about the death of Madison the Therapy Dog at LHS, but unfortunately it didn't make the cut.
Hopefully it will run next issue.

[Gary Rice]

I do want to thank the Observer editors for including my story regarding the 50th anniversary of Grace Presbyterian Church's Veteran Memorial Service on May 28th at 11 a.m.

Michael, perhaps my asking the staff to include the veteran event might have caused the story of Madison to be postponed. I certainly hope not, but for the sake of our veterans, I am so glad that their notification made it into the paper.

By the way, combining dogs and veterans for a moment, people need to visit the outstanding monument in the Metroparks honoring Smoky the hero war dog. (and all war dogs) Located in the Lakewood proximity of the park by a stand of trees, the monument features a likeness of little "Yorkie Doodle Dandy" Smoky sitting in a WWII American helmet. Smoky survived the war, became quite famous, and reportedly inspired many veterans in hospitals as the first therapy dog, until her passing in 1957. The monument also reportedly contains her remains.

Back to the banjo...

[Michael Deneen]

do want to thank the Observer editors for including my story regarding the 50th anniversary of Grace Presbyterian Church's Veteran Memorial Service on May 28th at 11 a.m.

Agree, it's a fine piece.....it's great to have an article about the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Michael, perhaps my asking the staff to include the veteran event might have caused the story of Madison to be postponed. I certainly hope not, but for the sake of our veterans, I am so glad that their notification made it into the paper.

I don't believe that was a factor.

By the way, combining dogs and veterans for a moment, people need to visit the outstanding monument in the Metroparks honoring Smoky the hero war dog. (and all war dogs) Located in the Lakewood proximity of the park by a stand of trees, the monument features a likeness of little "Yorkie Doodle Dandy" Smoky sitting in a WWII American helmet. Smoky survived the war, became quite famous, and reportedly inspired many veterans in hospitals as the first therapy dog, until her passing in 1957. The monument also reportedly contains her remains.

Yes, it is wonderful monument to Smoky. Many canines have served our nation over the years.....bless them all!

[Gary Rice]

Thank you Michael, for your gracious words.

While we're on the subject of patriotic dogs, (and relating to all this "breed specific" ban stuff that took our country and city by storm a few years ago, and is thankfully being reconsidered, but needs still MORE reconsideration..) a word needs to be offered here for the American Staffordshire Terrier and its ilk, sometimes controversially referred to as "pit bulls".

At one time, amazingly, this American dog breed was a point of 100% national pride. Look up "WWI pit bull posters" and prepare to be amazed at the artwork honoring this animal. Of course, Buster Brown had Tige, the Little Rascals had "Pete", etc...

Little Gary in Pennsylvania (me) also had his mixed breed "Skippy", and no finer dog could there have been. Skippy was not allowed to come to Lakewood, and we found out later that he died trying to follow me here when we moved. ("Lakewood is no place for a dog" was the rationale given) Sorry, but I can't write more about Skippy right now...(See him below in an Easter photo)

Several of this sort of loyal dog served with distinction in wartime. In the Civil War, there was "Harvey" with the 10th Ohio, "Sallie" with the 11th Pennsylvania, and others too. In WWI, you had "Sgt. Stubby" and the fascinating story of that dog that everyone should read about.

Of course, it goes without saying that all companion animals need to know love and training, and need to have responsible and mature human companionship and all too oftentimes in the world today, much of that is sorely missing.

I'm not sure if I can offer an answer to any of this.

Sorry, it's been 58 years now since losing him, but I guess I just miss Skippy as much today as I ever did. Fortunately, a few other companion animals give me great pleasure nowadays.

Back to the banjo...