To the Editor:

One stormy evening, pouring rain, maybe seven years ago, I noticed two creatures running along the brush at the rear of my yard. I opened the door, and one ran toward the house, a muddy, rain-soaked beaglish dog. The other kept going. I must have cleaned him (her?) up a bit, and he promptly found a spot for himself under the dining table. I called the Princeton police, knowing this had to be someone’s pet, in case the person had reported the pair missing.

A nice police officer patrolling the area appeared at my door (to wait for the animal control officer), except that he had one of those sticks with a noose on the end. It looked like a scary and totally unnecessary object to use on this shy, innocent-looking beagle who was hanging out under the table. Childhood images of the maligned ‘dogcatcher’ began to multiply in my mind, and I was prepared for the worst when the Animal Control Officer finally arrived at the door. As I anxiously explained how this “stray” dog had to be someone’s pet and should not be treated harshly in any way whatsoever, the beagle ran up and cheerfully greeted Mark Johnson. Mark said, oh yes, I know him and where he lives, and the malingerer happily trotted off to be delivered home safely.

I have had several other occasions to call Mark for information of one kind or another; he has always been professional, courteous, extremely knowledgeable, and helpful. I hope his departure is not related to “cost-saving measures.” If one were to assign a value to all that Mr. Johnson does for the community, at all hours of the day and night, I would guess that it far exceeds his compensation.

Joanne Diez

Leicester Court