Distinguished deputy
TO THE EDITOR: I am writing this letter to acknowledge the care and compassion shown by one of our local sheriff's deputies.
As I was walking my dog an Friday, Oct. 23, I came upon two young women (college students, I believe) standing on the side of the road at the comer of North Catherine and Elm streets. On the side of the road was a young cat, hardly more than a kitten. He was injured and not moving, shifting in the road close to the curb. I asked them what had happened, and they weren't sure: They had seen the cat while passing by and stopped to see if it was all right.
We tried to coax the animal into the grass next to the road, so it wouldn't be injured any further by traffic. As we were discussing the fate of the animal, a sheriff's patrol car came by. We flagged down the deputy, and he pulled over with lights flashing. We explained what little we knew, and he proceeded to call in to his dispatch. Two other gentlemen came over, and we all discussed the best course of action to take.
One of the men called someone on his cellphone and was told that the city used Eagle's Nest Veterinary Hospital. The deputy called the City Police and was told to take the animal there. Unfortunately, the nearest animal control officer was away, and no other unit was nearby to collect the cat and bring it in. The deputy put on his gloves and attempted to capture the cat, but the poor animal ran into a hedge and hid. I then offered the deputy and the other man my jacket so they could collect the cat and not sustain scratches or bites. A few minutes later the cat was collected and in the cruiser ready to go to the vet's.
The deputy took my name and number and said he would call me with an update. Later in the afternoon he called and left a message on my machine that the cat was at the Eagle's Nest Vet and that he was being attended to there. If I had any further questions I could call him.
I want to thank the two young women who stopped, the deputy and the other two gentlemen who came to the aid of this animal. I do not know who the cat belongs to, or if he was just a stray, but I do know that regardless of the outcome the efforts of these strangers and this deputy helped this cat when he needed it most. I did not know the deputy's name until he left the message on my machine. Thank you, Deputy Olsen. You took the oath to "serve and protect" to a new level.
Barbara McCort
Plattsburgh
Midwives recognized
TO THE EDITOR: Oct. 4 to 10 was National Midwifery Week. We, the management and staff at The Center for Women and Children at CVPH would like to recognize and thank our certified nurse midwives, Karen Case, Linda Johnston, Lynn Wheeler, Allie Devanthal, Sue Kier-Merrihew, and Kim Schock. These extraordinary group of professionals (in collaboration with the physicians and staff they work with) have dedicated their careers to caring for women from puberty to menopause. They especially "shine" in one of life's precious and memorable moments, the birth of a child. It is a pleasure and honor to work with each and everyone of you.
Maria Hayes RN/UD
Lisa Papp RNC/CPC
Amy Parent RNC/CC
Cassie Belzer RN/CC
Joanne Wood RNC/CC
Peru
