Love your dogs, protect your dogs

By Mary Stanek

Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon

3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 284-7394

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. –Josh Billings

Let us love them back as well. Belonging to community groups on Facebook, I see so many lost dogs–beautiful, lovable creatures. Sure, it’s understandable if a gate is left open on accident, or a door left ajar, etc. Unfortunately, there is even thievery to worry about.

But there are simple ways to help ensure that a lost pet can be returned home, instead of to the animal control agency. A lot of these lost dogs have collars, but no external identification tags. ID tags can be engraved at your local pet shop for a minimal cost.

A microchip in the dog will certainly add protection. Keep current photos and medical records of your pet on hand. Use a leash and train for recall. Keep proof of ownership in the awful event of a theft.

I haven’t mentioned the mural on 59^th and Central Park lately, but prep work is being done. The second meeting of the advisory panel will be held the second week of March. At this meeting, a short list of artist-finalists will be chosen to submit their design proposals. So that means, having the honor to serve on this committee, I now have my work to do!

A free-admission classical guitar concert will be held at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 6200 S. Lawndale, at 7 p.m. Friday, March 4. The musician is An Tran, and the concert is presented by Chicago Artopia. An Tran is an internationally acclaimed Vietnamese classical guitarist.

When using social media (Facebook, for example) one needs to exercise caution as to how much information should be shared. I’m always careful as to whom I befriend, but recently I made friends with a great group of fellows: St. Bruno Boys graduating from the late ‘60s.

It all started with being a friend with Robert’s cousin, Larry, and now I am friends with his buddies. Boy, do we reminisce about St. Bruno back in the day. I had to bring out the 1975 Golden Jubilee book for more memories. (By the way I am still looking for a St. Bruno cookbook, if anyone has).

They were recalling the days in the ‘60s with Father Malinowski and then later on with Father Trela and Father Tom. My recollection is always with Father Ed Harasim, who married me and Robert. Going through the jubilee book, I see old photos of my dad (class of 1942) and his siblings graduating from St. Bruno. I think I spot my mother-in-law in the class of 1935. This book is truly a treasure.

This week we send out happy birthday wishes to Mary G. and Katie Peck.