This morning, while driving Maddie to camp at Cavallo Farms, I saw what appeared to be a small pony in the roadway. Even from a great distance, I could tell that whatever it was, it was huge! As I approached, I saw a white Tahoe in the median and a man trying to get this "pony" to come to him. That's when I realized that it was NOT a pony, but a gigantic dog (Seriously, think big...and this dog was bigger.) The animal was emaciated, nervous, and totally disoriented. We pulled over and I tried to figure out what I could do to help the man and the dog. While I fancy myself an animal lover and someone who is always willing to assist, his size and demeanor made me hesitant to get out of the car. People were blowing past the dog, traveling down US 27 as if he were nothing.
Thankfully, the man in the Tahoe was not discouraged by the dogs size or demeanor. He pulled his car back around and continued to keep an eye on the animal, oncoming traffic, and his surroundings. Turns out, he was law enforcement! We were so captivated by others driving past the dog, that we didn't notice his blue lights. He called for an additional deputy to come on scene and assured me he would take care of the massive dog, and himself.
I have been thinking about this dog and my encounter with the law enforcement officer all morning, so I decided to call Jefferson County SO dispatch and inquire about the animal. I felt like a total idiot doing so- but the dispatcher was incredible. He was familiar with the incident and told me that the dog was a Bull Mastiff (hence why it looked like a small pony) and that he was taken to a local veterinary clinic. What I found to be even more incredible, is the law enforcement officer we encountered was Sheriff McNeill of JCSO! The kindness and compassion that he gave the dog, combined with his reassurances to my daughter (who wanted to make this dog her new pet) was amazing!
Thank you both for your service! You did not go unnoticed.
Sincerely,
Ashley Black
Editor’s Note:
The dispatcher on call that day was Communications Supervisor Joe Garrison and the other deputy mentioned, in the letter, was Deputy Adam Kalinowski.