Lost dog story has a tail-wagging endOn Thursday night, March 20, I discovered my dog Ava was gone out of her fence. I immediately called the Sheriff’s Office.
Thank you to Officer McHone for coming to our house at 2 a.m. We drove the area late that night, looking for Ava.
On Friday morning, I began to search for Ava again. Rowan Animal Clinic, where we adopted her, gave me photos. I had color copies made and posted a $500 reward.
I met many good, kind people in Rowan County, many of whom were dog lovers. I talked to people in stores, in laundromats, on the sidewalk, people pumping gas and at a car wash. We had no luck Friday. The animal shelter was closed for Easter. A lady was there, but Ava wasn’t.
I kept posting fliers and went to East Spencer. I met a firefighter and gave him my flier. As I waited for his reply, I saw his large fire engine inside the station, bright red and shiny, and oh so clean. He didn’t say anything at first, but he was thinking hard.
“I have seen this dog,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I know where your dog is.”
I felt like my heart fell out. My husband met us at the fire station. The firefighter locked up and we followed him across town. He took us to a trailer, knocked on the door and when it opened, we saw Ava! We were so happy, to say the least, and happy to give this man a $500 reward.
He said no, he’s a dog lover, too. His name is Joseph Lineberry. He is a terrific guy and our hero.
His reward is now a donation to the East Spencer Fire Department No. 47 in his honor.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
ó Debbie Graham
Salisbury
Somber memories
The residents of the Yadkin House would like to thank the firefighters of Salisbury for the food they gave to us for dinner. We greatly appreciate it.
We can never forget the firefighters who lost their lives here, nor forget their loved ones. It has brought back many memories of the nine firefighters from my hometown of Charleston, S.C., who lost their lives on June 23, 2007. They were doing what they chose to do ó fight fires.
When the fire alarm goes off here at the Yadkin House, they always come quickly and check on us. We can’t say thank you enough to let them know how much we appreciate their help.
A firefighter puts his life in harm’s way to save others. These two men are gone but they are still in our prayers, as are their loved ones.
Thanks again for caring and God bless all.
ó Johnsie Lassiter
Salisbury
Answering the call
I’m the mother of a son and daughter-in-law ó Chad and Kristie ó affiliated with the Gold Hill Fire Department, and have other firefighters that I call friends.
I felt I needed to do something to honor those firemen and firewomen and at the same time to do something in memory of those two very special firemen who gave their lives while doing the job they both loved doing. It all came together.
Thanks to all of you. Whether you were the police officer that helped, other firefighters, members of the media or the ones who cooked and fed so many people, thank you.
ó Judy W. Earnhardt
Salisbury
A final tribute
I’d like to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, kind and loving words and food during the past several weeks. To everyone that helped make my father’s visitation and funeral service go smoothly and professionally, I want to thank you for the hard work and effort that was put into the events.
My father was a wonderful man, and I knew that he had a lot of friends, but until his death, I never imagined just how many lives he touched. Tim Hand was a person who always put everyone else before himself, and he loved helping others.
Thank you to all the emergency and fire personnel who attended the visitation and service and made his last wish come true. To everyone who went the extra mile to help with Dad’s last ride and for making the procession go smoothly, thank you.
Once again, from the family of Tim Hand, we thank each and every one of you for the love and support during this difficult time. May God bless and be with you all.
ó Tabitha Hand-Smith
Salisbury
Express your thanks
The city is still grieving from the tragic loss of two firefighters, and I am so sorry for the loss these families have endured. You have my continued sympathies and prayers.
It has made me realize how dangerous their jobs are and how often we take them for granted, always expecting them to be there when we need them; yet how often do we tell them how much we appreciate them?
My cousin is a captain with the Salisbury Department and it could have just as easily been our family. While I’m so thankful that it wasn’t, I’ve never told him how proud I am to say that my cousin is a firefighter, and how much I admire him for all he has achieved in his career. He truly is one of the kindest people you’ll ever know.
Please don’t let it take another tragedy to let firefighters know you appreciate what they do for us every day. If you know any, hug them; if you see any, thank them; and the next time you see lights and hear sirens, please be respectful and pull to the side. The home they are going to save could be your own, and I’m pretty sure you can be a little late getting to where you’re going!
ó Tammy Lynn Misenheimer
Rockwell/Brentwood, Calif.
Way to go, Carson
Hey, look at Carson High. It has some baseball players! I am an East Rowan fan all the way but live down Carson way. I like the way they play. I saw two years ago, when Carson was just beginning, that they can play baseball. Keep it up, Cougars. Keep on trucking. But watch out for the big boys (East).
ó Harold Holder
Rockwell