Community donates funds for new bike for dog rescuer

After reading about Dillon's rescue of a poodle in Cahoon Park, during which his bike was stolen, donations poured in to allow his grandfather, Dr. George Ide Slaman, to purchase another as a gift. Photo by Mary Slaman

Four months ago, I rescued an abandoned little poodle in Cahoon Park in Bay Village, and in the process the bike that my grandfather passed down to me was stolen. However, from that experience I gained a best friend and I regret nothing.

After I found the dog, I wrote an article about it for the Observer and was interviewed for a television news story in the hopes of finding her owner. However, no one claimed her. After a time, we decided to keep her, and she is a great addition to our family.

We have not named her yet. We have two other dogs and a cat, so we are kind of running out of names. The possible names we have come up with are: Cupcake, Dart, Flurry, Frosty, Fuzzy, Jumpy, Lamby, Speedy, Sheepy, Sleepy, or maybe even Christmas. We do not know why we cannot name her, but will keep trying. For now, we call her New Dog, and my grandmother thinks we should just go with that. She will have a name by Christmas, though … at least we think so!

What is the most special, is that the community came together and donated money so my grandfather was able to get a new bike and pass it down to me again. This all happened at a surprise party that my mother planned! Papa, I love you with all my heart. I will never forget what you have done for me, nor will the dog. Thank you to everyone who supported this special little dog, as she is enjoying life now, rather than running away from it. Thank you from my heart for surprising me with a bike that I really needed.

Merry Christmas to all!