I lived in the Los Angeles, California area for over twenty years. I can attest to the fact that the whole of Southern California is animal loving country. It seems everyone I was even slightly acquainted with had at least one pet and often many more. Dogs are, of course, just part of the equation in SoCal. It seems every car has a dog riding shotgun and often another in the back seat and every yard is home to at least one canine.
Cats, birds, rabbits, horses, ferrets, pigs, chickens and all kinds of other animals can be found in the city and the surrounding area. The outlying parts of LA County are rich in deer, raccoons, possum, coyotes and even mountain lions and occasionally bears. This naturally leads to having a population that is very aware of cruelty to animals, animal rescue and animal welfare.
Knowing the animal loving history of the Los Angeles area, I was not at all surprised to see the LA County Fire Department on CNN as they used a helicopter to rescue a stranded German shepherd dog from the LA River where the dog was surely not going to be able to escape without help. I heard a CNN news caster asking if this was a proper expenditure of funds. I could almost hear the city residents answering, ‘yes, it is.’
The news caster seemed to be put out by the fact the dog was biting and fighting the fire fighter that was rescuing him. I wondered if this man had ever seen a human as they are rescued. Our species often fights the rescuer every bit as hard as the dog did. I bet sometimes we even bite in our fear and panic.
Shame on you CNN commentator for questioning the City of Los Angeles for having a big heart. Every time I had to leave my home due to fire, mudslide or earthquake, the LA County Fire Fighters were right there helping me remove my animals to safety. Thank God for them. Saving the animals of the county is their job just like saving the citizens of the county is their job.
Watch the video of the brave Fire Fighters and the LA Swift Water Rescue Team as they save this beautiful shepherd from being swept away by the swollen waters of the LA River. In my book, they are heroes of the highest order.
