Dateline Dayton – Ever since Pauline and I got married in 1962 and moved from Piqua, we have lived in the City of Dayton or the surrounding area. As I told you last week, we are moving to a condo in Centerville, only a few blocks, from our home in Kettering. We really like the convenience of living in this part of town.
Although, for the past 36 years we have lived in the suburbs, I still consider Dayton my hometown. When we lived in the City of Dayton, I was really involved in promoting our neighborhood, working to keep good schools and promoting city living.
Like any city its size, it has problems. Of late, Dayton has been getting a fair share of negative publicity. The city mentioned on a late night television show, all because someone who had lost her dog was offering a reward of beer and cigarettes for its return. It was all she could afford, and she was able to get her dog back. What’s wrong with that? It speaks well of Dayton residents, and the incident should not have been made a negative.
Now a lady has been mauled to death by two dogs in front of her own home. The dogs belonged to her next door neighbors. She had complained about the dogs numerous times, and she probably was known by local officials as the crazy cat lady because she cared for many felines.
Animal control did not help her. She tried to get a restraining order. The judge ruled against her. Now she is dead. I hope the individual who didn’t provide the help she needed has difficulty sleeping. I would like to see everyone involved charged with her death, removed from office, along with their superiors and a few elected officials who again were asleep while on the job.
It’s a shame that any persons have to live in fear of their neighbors or dogs. Dog owners must be responsible for the care and control of their animals, and it appears the registered owner of these two dogs wasn’t.
The owner of the dogs and the owner of the house, both who live together, were arrested, but later released. This was done, as the police said “they wanted to investigate further”. Appears to me, the police might be trying to make the victim, the guilty party. They had to shoot the dogs as they were coming after them, when they arrived on the scene.
People tend to forget quickly. That might be the strategy in this case. As sad as the situation is, it will be interesting to see what, if anything, happens.
The Honor of Her Honor
Dayton really suffers from a lack of leadership. Until that changes, this area will have a difficult time. Dayton has elected a new mayor. If she can get the support she needs, she could be a real asset for the city.
The previous mayor had the ability to accomplish many great things while in office. He lacked the support from city and county leaders because he wasn’t of the “right” party. Good Lord. He was an independent on a non-partisan commission! The present mayor is a member of the party in control of both the city and county. Now let’s see what she accomplishes.
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net