Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Giving a brave dog its due

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Feb. 11, 1999 | 12:08 p.m.

My hometown newspaper, the Mason Valley News, boasts the slogan, "The only newspaper in the world that gives a damn about Yerington."

It was while reading a recent issue that I ran across a most remarkable dog story.

Wildlife Service Specialist Frank Homan was on duty patrolling the area between Bishop, Calif. and Tonopah when he came upon a dog and her seven puppies. Upon close observation, he discovered that the mother had been caught in a trap. In her frantic efforts to release herself, the little dog chewed her foot off.

For three days, Homan tried to win her trust in order to feed her and give her water. The crippled dog was starving and a half-mile from water, but she was still trying to nurse and care for her puppies.

Homan finally returned to his home in Yerington, but he couldn't shake the memory of the brave little mother and her puppies, so he got in his truck and went back to the spot and rescued the entire group.

The story has a happy ending thanks to kind pet care professionals, such as Shelly Dillwith and veterinarian Lisa Infantino. Dillwith named the mother Amazing Grace because of the little dog's courage and devotion to her family. The mother, according to the vet, was hardly more than a puppy herself -- only 10 months old.

Amazing Grace has become a special favorite of her caretakers, who say she seems to understand when humans are helping her and is very cooperative when bandages and routine care is needed.

According to Dillwith, the dog is healing well and waiting to be adopted by a "very special person." Several of the puppies have been adopted.

The very special person who gets Amazing Grace will be getting a "very special dog."

There is a moral to the story. Amazing Grace is not the first animal to be caught in the steel jaws of a trap; nor is she the first to escape by chewing off a foot. One has to believe there must be a better way.

The race for mayor of Las Vegas promises to be hectic with Steve Miller sure to be taking potshots at Jan Jones at every opportunity. Jay Bingham is no novice on the political scene and will have a well-planned campaign in place. Cruz Olague will have to depend on grass roots, as he will be woefully under-financed. If Aaron Russo jumps in, who knows what will happen? Other hopefuls will add to the mixture.

What once appeared a shoo-in for Jones could become a horse race to the finish.

On March 2, the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino will be in the spotlight as the newest addition to the Las Vegas Strip celebrates its grand opening with special performances of the musical "Chicago" and the House of Blues.

Note to Bill Bayno and his Rebels: You can win ball games with skill, enthusiasm and sometimes even with luck. Lady Luck helped against the Air Force, but don't count on her to be around the next time the team flounders.

Can't help wondering what Harry Claiborne's thoughts are on the impeachment trial of President Clinton. I will always believe Judge Claiborne was railroaded and impeached without a fair trial.