Rescuing a dog—and the trolls who hate to see it happen

You’ve probably noticed that every time there is a amazing story about the rescue of an animal, unhappy trolls crawl out of wherever trolls hang out to rail against all that money, time and effort to save a mere animal.

The dramatic helicopter rescue of the dog by the Los Angeles Fire Department was played on our local news, but I hadn’t realized that the footage was shown on TV stations all across the country until I got comments and emails from readers.

In a country where sometimes it seems that we can’t agree on much of anything, it’s wonderful when something like this happens to make most of us feel good about our world and to give us a sense of community.

But there are always the few unhappy souls who need to rain on everyone’s parade. It isn’t clear whether they hate animals, think only human life has value, or believe they are morally and intellectually superior to the rest of us.

They always decry the waste of taxpayer’s money (like it’s the only time THAT happens). And often they even play the starving children card. (Like helping an animal snatches food right out of children’s mouths.)

Even though they are a minority, they can be an obnoxiously vocal minority. Therefore the LAFD felt obligated to justify why they rescued the dog. Los Angeles Fire Capt. Steve Ruda stood by the decision.

They could have watched the dog drift down to a deeper part of the river and drown. (Does anyone want rescuers to pull a dead carcass out of the water?)

No extra taxpayer money went into the rescue. Firefighters and helicopters were already on the scene. That is what they get paid to do. (Although their jobs can be dangerous, if they didn’t get job satisfaction out of making rescues, they would seek employment elsewhere.)

Rescue teams had the equipment and experience to make a safe rescue. So often in a situation like this, an inexperienced person for one reason or another will try to make a rescue. According to Captain Ruda, across the country 900 people die in water accidents each year. One-third of them were trying to make a rescue.

"All life is important," Captain Ruda said. That is why firefighters carry oxygen masks for cats and dogs that become victims of fire.

The dog, named Vernon after the town where he was found, shows no sign of rabies. He is eating well, sleeping well and charming all the shelter workers. If no owner comes forward, there is a long list of people wanting to adopt the celebrity dog.

So a happy ending to a happy story—for everyone but the trolls.

Comments

[Sling]

Of all the things my tax dollars get spent on,saving an animal's life is one thing I heartily approve of.

[Khyra]

A few lists my mom is on mentioned that had they not gone in after him, a person would have -

It was a great to see the successful reskhue!

Maybe The Trolls need a khat ;-)

[Karen Friesecke]

I didn't think that it was a waste of money at all!The rescue of a stranded animal is a heartwarming story and I think that all those cranky trolls can stuff it!!

[BunGirl]

Actually, probably a happy end for the trolls too since the thing that makes them happy is having something to complain about!

[jackie]

tell them trolls to kiss my ass.

[Jimmy]

The sad part is most of those same trolls probably voted for Obama? Free handouts for the illegals or the entitled, but heaven forbid spending one dime on a poor dog.

[YesBiscuit!]

"The sad part is most of those same trolls probably voted for Obama? Free handouts for the illegals or the entitled, but heaven forbid spending one dime on a poor dog."

*sounds buzzer* Sorry but we do have a nice consolation prize for you on your way out: an injection of reality.

[southern quebec]

The trolls that complain about taxpayer's money being spent, are usually just sad and very bitter people. I don't think political affiliation has anything to do with it, Jimmy.

[Kelvin]

Interesting and great post!

[MJ]

Besides being a kind and caring man, Capt. Ruda is a pratical man. If the trolls had bothered to watch or read the whole news story, they would have caught the part where Capt. Ruda pointed out that if trained rescuers hadn't rescued the dog, they knew inexperienced people would have tried and then there would be a person/people needing rescued and possibly drowinging before rescue. Those trolls just need to go back in the caves they crawled out of and shut up.

[kasha]

I appreciated this post. Darn right they should of rescued that poor dog. Take it from a wife of a firefighter they are not wasting tax dollars. When my husband goes to work he is at the fire station for 24 hours so he can be available for all calls. Now if nobody calls they are eating, working out, training, and yes napping. No matter what they are doing they are getting paid through tax dollars.A call is a call no matter who the victim is. So wouldn't you prefer that your money went to rescuing dogs then nap time? I sure would.

[Big_Dave_T]

You're kidding! I remember seeing that news story about the dog and would never believe that somebody would pitch a fit over it. I wish you would have posted a link to where those trolls were blubbering. I would have given them a piece of my mind.

[Jason]

I agree...I dont care what nice thing happens it seems like there will always be someone out there who has something negative to say. Apparently they were never taught to keep their mouths closed if they didn't have anything nice to say ;-)

[gus, louie and callie]

We agree totally. Down with the trolls. There are to many people out there that just want something to complain about.. Get a life Trolls...

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

[cube]

This rescue is a measure of the kindness and humaneness of our great country.

[Becky]

I am one of the happy ones. Majority rules, that's us.

[Laurie]

One of the few bright spots imo.

[Hudson]

God knows we waste a sinful amount of government money everyday. If this is a waste maybe we should let one of those trolls(people) complaining fall into this water or one of their animals if they even own any.

[Pets]

I didn't think that it was a waste of money at all!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Viva-Magazine-Your-Premium-Womens-Natural-Health-Magazine/262734921452?ref=ts

[Lynn Sinclair]

You are so right, Jan. It's our responsibility to ensure animals are safe (and saved). Trolls be damned.