Kentucky congressman rescues stray dog
Congress may have its head up its ass, but at least some members have their hearts in the right place.
(Did I just say that?)
U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield, a Republican from Kentucky, took time out of his busy schedule to rescue a stray dog over the weekend, according to the Madisonville Messenger.
The veteran lawmaker was driving along U.S. 41 between Hanson and Madisonville on Sunday afternoon when he spotted a reddish colored mixed breed on the road.
“The dog was running down the middle of the highway and almost got hit by two trucks,” said Whitfield, a Hopkinsville Republican who grew up in Madisonville. “His tongue was hanging out as far as it could go.”
Whitfield stopped his vehicle and called the dog, but it ran off, disappearing into some bushes. Whitfield followed.
“I walked down there and started calling him in a real gentle voice. He stuck his head out and ran up to me.”
Whitfield put the dog in his car and stopped to get him some water and food before calling Hopkins County animal control officers, who transferred the dog to the animal shelter.
The dog was in good condition, but was missing hair from part of his neck, possibly from being chained or wearing too tight a collar.
“He was a beautiful dog and quite friendly,” Whitfield said. “I told (the officer) that if they would take care of him I would make a contribution.” On Monday, he delivered a personal check for $1,000 to the county Humane Society.
Whitfield has rescued dogs before, including one he saw on the highway several years ago when he and his wife, Connie Harriman-Whitfield — a former assistant secretary of the Interior who now works as a senior adviser for the Humane Society of the United States — were driving back to Washington.
They saw a dog dodging in and out of traffic on Interstate 64 near Mount Sterling, coaxed her into the car and still have her. A mixed breed, her name is Julep.
Whitfield also owns a Scottish terrier named Bosley and a Jack Russell terrier named Nigel, according to the Washington Post.
Nigel (left) often goes to work with Whitfield “because our dog walker can’t really deal with him,” he said.
Posted by jwoestendiek August 10th, 2011 under Muttsblog.
Tags: animal control, animals, bosley, congress, congressman, connie harriman whitfield, dog, donation, ed whitefield, highway, hopkins county, hsus, humane society, julep, kentucky, news, nigel, pets, politics, rep, republican, rescued, rescues, shelter, stray
Comment from Smoketoomuch
Time August 11, 2011 at 8:50 pm
I must concur in your assessment of the anatomical position assumed by Congress of late. Don’t know how anyone could disagree with it these days. And I too would like to applaud Representative Whitfield for his most humane and generous actions. Frankly, it’s amazing to me that there any Republicans out there who give a damn about the less fortunate among us, be they four legged or two. Bravo Congressman, bravo.