Greetings one and all. If you are sitting comfortably then I shall begin. News reached me a couple of weeks ago that the Valley’s police dog, Bullet, had been re-assigned and has left the Valley for good. I wanted to find out more details before sharing this information and last week spoke with local Deputy Craig Walker. He confirmed the facts but felt that while this initially appears to be disappointing news, in the big picture it is a positive development for all involved. Walker was saddened to lose what had become a good friend and capable working companion but he had become aware that Bullet’s overly zealous strength of will would be better suited to a more experienced handler and probably a city environment. Dogs in this part of the world have to be dual-purpose dogs — adept at both drug detection and patrol work and arresting suspects. While Bullet was excellent at the latter duty he was inconsistent with some drug detection techniques and this, coupled with his overly boisterous nature, meant that he was not a good ‘fit’ here in AV. However, after some more training he will move on to what many of us who knew him hope will be a more suitable and rewarding environment for his particular skills and abilities. Good luck, Bullet!
The latest news is that Deputy Walker now has a new dog — a German shepherd named Argus, whose somewhat milder demeanor and solid abilities in all aspects of rural police dog work should work well in the Valley. Craig says their training is going very well, that he and Argus had bonded in a very short time, as have Craig’s family dogs with their new housemate, and that the duo hopes to make their first official public appearance at this year’s fundraiser for AV Animal Rescue: PawFest 2012 on Sunday, July 15 at the AV Brewery. I’m sure many of you are looking forward to seeing them there. Welcome to the Valley, Argus!
Public Service Announcements. Calendars and pens at the ready. #123. The Vets from the Mendocino Animal Hospital will return to the Valley twice more this month — tomorrow, Thursday, June 7 and also next week, June 14. They will be at the AV Farm Supply on Highway 128 from 2-3.30pm on each occasion but have asked me to inform you that you do not have to arrive early and then wait a long time; everyone showing up before 3:30pm will be seen. And if you call 48 hours (462-8833) in advance you can ensure that your pet’s medical charts are brought over and order any meds that may be needed. Having said that, there is the question: What is to become of the AV Farm Supply, the host venue for these much appreciated vet visits? A little bird informs me that Dave and Nancy Gowan, owners of this Valley institution for 38 years no less, will sign over that ownership to Ardzrooni Winery Management on Friday, June 8. What happens next is still not certain. Hopefully, by Monday, June 11, everything will be back to normal, or close to it, and most if not all of the services and products provided to so many, for so long, will be still be on offer. This would include the aforementioned vet visit on June 14. As I’ve said many times, let’s all cross our fingers and claws and hope for the best. After all, every self-respecting Valley surely needs its farm supply.
More Public Service Announcements. #102. A gathering this Sunday, June 10 from noon to 3pm will celebrate the recently successful campaign to keep Hendy Woods open. Hendy Woods Community spokesperson, Cyd Bernstein, informs me that this will feature a potluck lunch, music from the Motherland Family Band, and information sharing. #103. The following Tuesday, June 12, is the second Tuesday of the month and you all know what that means: Dinner and Bingo at the Senior Center. Dinner (chicken cacciatore) is served at 6pm with Bingo following at 7pm. All ages are welcome and a good time for all is guaranteed.
A few more announcements. #104. Every Tuesday and Saturday, the AV Lending Library run by The Unity Club, is open at The Fairgrounds — Tuesdays 1.30pm-4.30pm and Saturdays 2pm-4pm. #105. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, the County Dump, a couple of miles out of town on Mountain View Road, is open from 9am-4pm. Remember, no dead animals! #106. The AV. Historical Museum at The Little Red Schoolhouse opposite the Elementary School on AV Way, is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. I encourage local folks to check it out, it’s really very impressive; I guarantee you will learn something you didn’t know about the Valley if you do. As I’ve said before, and I haven’t heard differently from anyone, it’s the best little museum in the West!
Topics and Valley events under discussion at The Three-Dot Lounge — “Moans, Groans, Good Thoughts, and Rampant Rumors” from my favorite gathering place in the Valley.
…There was one very satisfied customer at the 3-Dot the other day, and not just because of the generous drinks he was getting! He was also very happy with the restoration work done on a very old (200 years) family portrait that was performed by Adele Pruitt, the Conservator at Pruitt’s Fine Art Restoration in Ukiah. I saw the painting before and after and was amazed at the difference. If any of you have a similar project that you have been intending to get to, then I highly recommend that you call Adele at 462-7193. You’ll be happy you did.
…Beginning this coming weekend, Paysanne, the ice cream store in Boonville, will expand its hours of business to seven days a week, 11-6 every day. This is pleasing news to many and hopefully such hours can be relied upon. There is little in life more disappointing than the expectation of some delicious ice cream being dashed either because the shop closed before it is supposed to or hasn’t yet opened for the day. To some people it’s the same feeling with pizza — and they remember with great chagrin how that felt a few years ago during the days of the town’s most recent pizzeria “experience.”
…More missing dogs in the Valley this past week and following lengthy discussions, the regulars wanted me to pass on the need to get tags for your dogs, or better still have them micro-chipped. The tags are easy and cheap at www.tagxpress.com and all those hard working volunteers at the Animal Rescue, plus the many other animal lovers in The Valley, will certainly appreciate it.
…I’m outtahere. Until we talk again, Keep the Faith; be careful out there; stay out of the ditches; think good thoughts; and may your god go with you. One final request, “Let us prey.” Humbly yours, Turkey Vulture. PS. Contact me with words of support/abuse through the Letters Page or at turkeyvulture1@earthlink.net. PPS. Hi, Silver Swan – behaving yourself? Hopefully not! PPPS. Read any good books lately, Skylark?
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