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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (March 17, 2004)
Page 2 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, March 17, 2004 This was the week that I was going to address several criti- cal social issues, such as how to explain bald-headed men with ponytails; and why no one has invented an artificial appendix. Also, why do some parents allow their young children to dress like gang members, or so-called rap “artists,” who use vulgar language and urge inappropriate or illegal activities in their “work.” But no. After an experience last week, it became clear that what follows had to be the topic. The thought would not get out of my head; so I finally gave in. Here’s the story: Our friends Richard and Sharon moved to Illinois Valley about 11 years ago. With them they brought their “sweetheart” 105-pound Akita, “Max.” This shaggy, loving beast had become “theirs” back in El Cajon, Calif. in San Diego County, when he was approximately 9 weeks old. He was among a litter of nine, and would have cost $500. I say would have. The owner, a friend of Richard and Sharon, changed his mind after he left “Max” alone with one of his sib- lings and the multitudinous mom. They got into the man’s house and, as Sharon put it, “trashed the place.” So he phoned them and said, “If you take the dog, I’ll give you a bag of food, a col- lar and a leash.” He knew that Sharon had hit it off with the pup, and that probably made it a bit easier for him. You might not know that the Akita breed is known for its guard dog/watch dog capabilities. The critters are independently minded and aggressive. And they’re highly protective of their owners. Sharon recalls that “Max” would take a stance if some- one with a cane approached her, probably out of concern that the person would hit his “mom” with what looked like a stick to him. He also became upset on one occasion when a woman was taking a photo of Richard and Sharon, apparently because the camera looked a bit suspicious. She also remembers the case of the destroyed miniblinds, a telephone or two, and some remote controls. “Max” was an ac- tive boy. Nonetheless, he was well-loved; part of the family he favored. Upon relocating to Illinois Valley, our friends took their heavy-duty buddy to veterinarian “Dr. Joe” with the warning, “Be careful. He bites vets.” But he didn’t bite Dr. Joe, which was a first. They hit it off immediately. So for the past 11 years, Dr. Joe was the dog’s vet, and the beast liked him a lot. Last week, “Max” began showing his age more than usual. Sharon felt it might be a possibility that he was nearing a turning point. For three days in a row she took him for extended walks around the neighborhood. Of course, they were extended par- tially because it was more difficult for the big pup to get around than when he was younger. But he enjoyed himself immensely and looked forward to each time. One day last week “Max” suffered a stroke and was pretty much out of it. Then his functions began to shut down. He could- n’t stand; didn’t want to stand because it hurt. He had problems with the canine “lifting-the-leg” scene. He had some “accidents” and was embarrassed. He would eat steak, but not dog food. He looked sorta’ miserable, and at one point gave Sharon a look that said, “This sucks.” He didn’t improve the next day, although he was not un- aware of his surroundings, as Richard and Sharon watched him closely. Although he was not unaware, it became painfully obvi- ous that his time here was about concluded. Besides Sharon’s premonition, “Rufus” the cat came to “Max” and cleaned his face for him, with that insight that animals have for each other. “Max’s” human buds made a tough decision. In the best interests of their 15-year friend, they reluctantly decided to have him put down. We were honored to be asked to accompany them to Dr. Joe’s. He came out, and agreed that it was time. Richard and Sharon had been speaking gently and affection- ately to “Max,” lying on his favorite pillow (quite a large one) in the rear of their pickup truck. Their “great dog,” looked quite comfortable with the scene. His breathing was labored, but he was unafraid and tried to smile when he saw Dr. Joe. Richard gently held the underside of “Max’s” head and mas- saged his jowls and ears. Sharon lay next to her puppy and hugged him around the neck. Dr. Joe made the injection, used his stethoscope, and quickly turned away. The last words “Max” heard as he passed on were from Sharon, saying, “I love you, Max.” And he was gone, as was his pain. We all had watery eyes, and our friends mourned the pass- ing for several days. On that day though, in the rear of the pickup truck, still hug- ging the peaceful “Max,” Sharon asked, “Where do you think he is?” wiping away tears. And without hesitation, I replied, “In Heaven, of course.” Where else? Illinois Valley News An Independent Weekly Newspaper Co-owned and published by Robert R. (Bob) and Jan Rodriguez Bob Rodriguez, Editor El Jefe Entered as second class matter June 11, 1937 at Post Office as Official Newspaper for Josephine County and Josephine County Three Rivers School District, published at 321 S. Redwood Hwy., Cave Junction, OR 97523 Periodicals postage paid at Cave Junction, OR 97523 Post Office Box 1370 USPS 258-820 Telephone (541) 592-2541, FAX (541) 592-4330 Volume 66, No. 52 Staff: Cindy Newton, Chris Robertson, Michelle Binker, Shane Welsh, Becky Loudon & Kacy Clement Member: Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association DEADLINES: News, Classified & Display Ads, Announcements & Letters 3 P.M. FRIDAY (Classified ads & uncomplicated display ads can be accepted until Noon, Monday with an additional charge.) POLICY ON LETTERS: ‘Illinois Valley News’ welcomes letters to the editor provided they are of general interest, in good taste, legible and not libelous. All letters must be signed, using complete name, and contain the writer’s address and telephone number. The latter need not be published, but will be used to verify authenticity. The ‘News’ reserves the right to edit letters. One letter per person per month. Letters are used at the discretion of the publisher. Unpublished letters are neither acknowledged nor returned. A prepaid charge may be levied if a letter is inordinately long in the editor's opinion. POLICY ON “HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE”, DISPLAY & CLAS- SIFIED ADS & NOTICES: All submissions must be hand delivered, faxed or e-mailed to us for publication. Submissions must be re- submitted each week if the item is to run for more than one week. SUBSCRIPTION RATES One year in Josephine County - $20.80 One year in Jackson and Douglas Counties - $24.40 One year in all other Oregon counties and out-of-state - $28 POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to P.O. Box 1370, Cave Junction, OR. 97523 (Editor’s Note: Views and commentary ex- pressed in letters to the editor are strictly those of the letter-writers. * * * Typed, double- spaced letters are ac- ceptable for considera- tion. Hand-written letters that are double-spaced and highly legible also can be considered for publication. Cards of thanks are not accepted as letters.) * * * ‘Good morning, Oregon’ From John Bazen Cave Junction Wake up to where the “Progressive Liberals” have already taken us. Via current laws it’s legal to: *Allow MDs to mur- der any unborn child any “Mom-to-be” chooses. * Al lo w MDs t o “assist” in the murder of any terminally ill person, who so chooses. *Allow the personal growing and use of mind altering drugs, namely “grass.” *Now a push to allow the legal “marriage” be- tween same sex “couples.” Where, people of Ore- gon, will this progression stop? Canada, a very “Progressive Nation,” rich in natural resources, yet its largest cash crop is not lumber, nor oil, but “grass.” With grass and meth, these are also some of our largest cash cows. Is it not sad, the “enviro” groups absolutely have no problem about “Societal Pollution,” just don’t cut down a tree, nor dig a hole. Well, after all this Earth is overpopu- lated, right? So, can Oregon, top California? Let us pass laws to allow bestiality, so those who just realized, “they were just born this way,” can legally marry their sheep or? If this is a question of “civil rights,” or “discrimination under the law,” I ask, “Do we, or do we not, each of us have the mind, with which we each make a conscious choice as to what we each do, and with whom we each do anything?” I think yes, we each do. Thus it’s a self-made choice, exactly on the same level as those who make choices to rape, to rob, to murder or molest, to do these acts. Now another question: When will these people claim the proven-wrong notion of “Born this way, we also want our full rights?” Tree planting volunteers From Leeandra DiFuria Cave Junction I would like to express my appreciation for all the good volunteers who came to the IBIG Forestry Ac- tion Committee 12th an- nual Volunteer Tree Plant- ing Day. We planted trees; we shared a meal; we met new friends. This is my first year as FAC Tree Planting and Weed coordinator, and I am again amazed at the hardworking land owners, volunteers and youth who participated on Volunteer Tree Planting Day. I also appreciate the individuals and businesses that donated a variety of wonderful dishes. The tree planters find this most wel- come back from their hard work. I also appreciate I.V. Soil and Water District for faithfully providing the funds for the 25-cent per tree youth group incentive. The people of Illinois Valley are generous and those who made contribu- tions made a difference. Volunteer Day had in attendance more than 200 folks, getting together for a common purpose, to plant trees in Illinois Valley ri- parian areas. Tree-planting is hard work; and year after year folks show up rain or shine. This year 4,500 to 5,000 trees were planted in Illinois Valley. It was a job well done. I hope everyone can join us again next year. Library funding REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS - Desiree Miatke (left) and Geneva Vasquez, fifth-grade Evergreen Ele- mentary students, placed first in the Junior Category (out of 20 entries) at the Regional Science Fair in Coos Bay. Their experiment demonstrated mechanical ad- vantages using various levers to lift varying weights, and which methods use the least amount of force. (Photo by Shane Welsh) From Andrea King- Brockman Selma Libraries are full of fun, like books of jokes and, “How to Write a Screenplay.” Libraries are full of facts and suggestions for working through projects, like constructing a French drain or hand-weaving a friendship bracelet or how to write a screenplay. Libraries are full of details and forms to guide us through bureaucratic mazes, like creating a liv- ing will or rezoning prop- erty or how to copyright a screenplay. Libraries are full of adventure, like books on spelunking in Mauritania and, “How to Write a Screenplay.” Libraries are full of puzzles, like, “Where’s Waldo?” and, full of his- tory, like the formation of our Bill of Rights and what the Supreme Court has said about censorship of screenplays. (Continued on page 3) 476-2127 n on tio so Junc h t ing ave ba m n, C , 2 GP Co ddiso room , a , A bed st eet 3 43 3 Vi are f bath 99 squ , 2 0. 12 1502 droom ,000.0 3 be 165 $ Build on your lot — $104,000 Coming Soon — $148,000 3 bedroom, 2 bath with rec. room, 1502 square feet, turnkey – some restrictions. 488 Addison, Cave Junction. 1533 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath
