We live in a time when police officers have been the targets of much criticism based on the actions of a few. We constantly hear what is wrong with those given the task of protecting and serving. I’d like to report on what is right based on my recent experience with the Enumclaw police.

We have an aging, large dog who suddenly and unexpectedly was unable to use her hind legs. She attempted to stand and couldn’t, which caused both her and us a great deal of panic. My wife and I struggled to lift her, but that only increased her level of trepidation and she either fought us by twisting and shaking violently, or else she would go into a seizure-like condition when her eyes would roll and she would become rigid. We knew we needed to get her to a vet, but this occurred after midnight so the closest animal hospital was in Sumner. The late hour also prevented me from calling anyone to assist us carrying her to my car.

My wife suggested we call the police. I told her that wasn’t a feasible idea; they would not want to help us with a sick dog. But while I was struggling to maneuver the animal closer to the door, she went ahead and made that call. Within a few minutes three officers stopped in front of our house and together lifted the dog and placed her in the back seat of our vehicle. We thanked them profusely and then headed off to Sumner.

The good news is the dog is well and back in her home following a hefty vet bill. But the other wonderful thing to come out of all this is a profoundly new appreciation for the helpfulness and kindness of our police. I wanted to publicly thank them for this good deed.

Walt Rice

Enumclaw