You have always heard the saying “A dog is man’s best friend” well how about “A dog is a town’s best friend.” This is the story of Charlie. Charile is a mixed breed larger retriever type dog. He is the I call “Gentle Ben” of dogs. The kind who never meets a stranger and with his gentle, calming nature he is loved by everyone he comes in contact with, in this case, the whole town of Depew.
Charlie’s story began about five years ago when two ladies, barely able to take care of themselves took Charlie in. Charlie’s previous owner claimed he was going to put a bullet to Charlie’s head. Charlie was a dumped dog. Two ladies took Charlie in. The two ladies could barely care for themselves but felt they were doing the right thing by saving Charlie. Fast forward to now, Charlie is a roamer. He is not known to stay confined in a yard or on a rope. He is known as the Town of Depew’s dog. Everyone knows Charlie and everyone loves Charlie. They feed him, they check on him and they look out for him. Charlie spends time at the schools greeting the kids, at the Ag barn soaking up all the love from the kids and the teacher, and even at the ballgames, mingling with the spectators. Everyone looks forward to seeing Charlie. He puts a smile on everyone’s face.There are so many stories in town about Charlie. Charlie is not just a dog but family to so many.
Recently it was brought to the attention of the community that a strict animal code enforcement was to be put in place by the city due to so many dogs running loose. This ordinance would be strictly enforced. The town was upset and wondering what about Charlie. This can’t possibly apply to Charlie, but the simple fact is, it does. One dog can’t run loose and the other get picked up by animal control for running loose, would that not be considered discrimination? City’s have ordinance’s for a reason. All cities have ordinance’s pertaining to keeping your dog confined in its yard or on a leash. What will happen with Charlie? Will his owner keep him at home? Will Charlie continue to roam?