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McCook, Nebraska: Small town -- big hearts
It was time to take a break from our trials and tribulations in Colorado, so we spontaneously decided to head east. My husband, Ken, packed up the car and our two beloved American Eskimo dogs, Missy and Cissy, jumped into the back seat with glee: Road Trip!
With no real agenda in mind, we headed towards Nebraska with half a thought of making it into South Dakota. I knew my cousin Greg Hepp and his lovely wife Janet lived in McCook so we took a chance and called them as we were passing through. It had been years since we'd seen each other and the reunion was delightful. With the conversations going in all different directions, Greg discovered that Ken was a Master electrician and mentioned he was having a problem with a house on East K that they were re-modeling.
We decided to stay in McCook and give Greg and Janet a hand and catch up on family gossip and each others lives. On Sunday, July 27, our older dog, Missy, just disappeared. She is 14 years old, has cataracts and normally is constantly at my feet -- avoiding other people. She can also be a tad bit grouchy. Missy belonged to my mom, who had just passed away in February. I am still mourning the loss and Missy is my last link to my mom. I was devastated that she was missing.
We walked and drove the neighborhoods, asking every person if they had seen a little white dog. The answer was always, "No -- but we'll sure keep an eye out for her." Janet contacted the police, the local vet clinics and the humane society. I hated leaving the house in case she found her way back overnight, and the lovely lady next door left her garage door open so that if Missy did find her way back to the house on K Street, she could go into their garage.
Monday morning Janet put a call into McCook's Open Line radio show and we were sure someone would contact us. Nothing. Again, we scoured the area looking for any trace of her. How could a little dog that never leaves my feet just disappear? People were beginning to recognize us and ask us if we found her and offer suggestions. They were so compassionate. It rained Monday night into Tuesday morning. Janet gave Open Line another call, this time offering a reward. Still nothing. I did not want to continue on with our journey and Greg and Janet were leaving town themselves so we were faced with the dilemma of returning to Colorado -- without Missy. We were heading out to Outdoor Sports to say goodbye to cousin Greg when Janet caught up to us to say she received a telephone call -- someone was pretty sure they had found little Missy.
Sure enough, a truly, wonderful man, Rick Reiners, of Indianola was driving into the field yards of the Nebraska Department of Roads when he saw a wet, sad, scared little white dog sitting under a tree. By chance, he had listened to Open Line that morning and decided to give Janet a call. I don't know who was happier to see each other -- me or Missy. Little Missy was traumatized by her "adventure", and fortunately she is doing well now. It will probably remain a mystery as to how a 14 year old, half-blind dog could make it from East K Street all the way to the field yards of the Department of Roads without anyone seeing her. We ended up taking 21 ticks off of her and found one more when we got home!
Whatever the case, Rick Reiners is a hero in our book. He would not accept a reward; he claimed he was just doing what anyone would do. That's the beauty of a small town; we live just outside Denver and it's a rare occasion that someone takes the time or effort to help a neighbor, let alone a stranger. Most would think a dog is not a very big thing to get excited about, but I lost another part of myself when Missy disappeared and my gratefulness to Rick Reiners for re-filling that void is beyond words.
Not only do we thank Rick, but we want to thank the entire town of McCook, Nebraska for the compassionate and loving assistance provided to us. The Chief Motel and Country Kitchen were so wonderful and patient as I cried and cried. Your police department and the Humane Society were outstanding, and the vet at Red Willow Animal Clinic who gave Missy a good checkup before we headed for home was such a gem. The Open Line portion of your local radio station is the best thing I have ever heard -- what a great concept!
This trip wasn't quite what we expected, but it was indeed a learning experience. My wonderful cousins, Greg and Janet Hepp, are fortunate to be part of such an amazing community. As Janet hugged me goodbye she whispered, "So will you be returning to McCook again?" I squeezed her tight and replied, "Are you kidding? We just may move here!"