Mountain Views News          Saturday, March 12, 2016

15

JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

 Mountain Views News Saturday, March 12, 2016 


REAL LOVE IN ACTION

Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc

A STREET CAT NAMED BOB

A Best Seller Inspired by a Best Friend

Editors Note: In the last 30 days or so I have come across two amazing acts of kindess directed at 
man’s best friend. Though I’d share them with you and I’m certain after reading each one, you’ll 
know what to do! 

*WE RIDE FOR THOSE WHO DIED*

Anyone who denies the fact that animals play a very 
important role in the lives of humans has a heck of 
a lot to learn about animals, and about humans too, 
for that matter. I was taught and quickly convinced 
at a very young age that God created all animal 
species and placed them on this earth for very 
specific purposes, not the least of which is to help 
bring joy to the hearts and wisdom to the minds of 
humans who need it most. Throughout my life I’ve 
heard numerous accounts of animals helping people 
heal, both emotionally and physically, so while this 
week’s true happy tale is a remarkable heart-warming 
example of this fantastic phenomenon, it came as 
absolutely no surprise to me.

 James Bowen was a homeless heroin addict trying 
to eek out a sparse living playing guitar for tourists 
and passers-by on the streets of London for a decade, 
when in 2007 he moved into a government-sponsored 
apartment building where he came across a sickly kitty, 
equally as desperate as himself. The pitiful but hopeful 
orange tabby cat he found wandering the hallways of 
his new dwelling was riddled with fleas, and hungry as 
could be. It was clear at first glance that the cat he’d just 
met had no home and probably spent it’s days roaming 
about town, foraging and begging for necessities to 
sustain it’s life. he could so relate to that lonely little 
guy.

 In spite of the dire circumstances that could have 
caused that poor cat to resist interacting with a 
human, he chose to humble himself and make it clear 
to Bowen that he was open to establishing a long 
term friendship with his new-found two-legged pal. 
And rather than refusing the furry feline’s friendship, 
considering his own limited resources and personal 
problems, James Bowen chose to take that little kitty 
in and do what he could to restore him to good health. 
Bowen recognized the striking similarities in both of 
their circumstances, and felt compelled to connect 
by their common need for two basics in life; love and 
companionship.

 That proved to be an excellent choice on that 
desperate man’s part, because the needy cat that 
found him that day did indeed get healthy, and 
became a catalyst for some desperately overdue 
positive changes in Bowen’s own life. You see, when a 
person is “down on their luck” or having a tough time 
surmounting the challenges of life they often tend 
to pull away from others, distancing 
themselves from successful individuals 
whose lifestyles might strike a vivid 
contrast to their own, causing even 
more discouragement and deeper 
depression.

 We all like to think we are OK, don’t 
we? And we all hope to be accepted by 
others, whether we admit it or not. But, 
when we view ourselves as inferior to 
other people, it is easy to put ourselves 
down and slip into the chasm of chaos 
that comes with having a sense of 
being a misfit in society. Fortunately, 
cats don’t think in terms of comparing 
themselves to other people, nor do they judge others the 
way humans do. So, when Bowen caught up with that 
furry feline that day, no condescendence or rejection 
was exchanged between the two, therefore there was no 
need to retreat from pursuing a closer companionship. 
They took to each other right away, and Bowen decided 
to name his new-found friend “Bob”.

 When Bob got healthy enough to tag along, 
he began to accompany Bowen on his sidewalk 
concert trips each day, perching himself on Bowen’s 
shoulders where he could keep up with him, without 
getting lost in the crowd. As Bowen played guitar 
in the streets for tourists and other passers-by, Bob 
entertained them with little tricks and using his easy 
demeanor and positive vibrations, he drew the crowd 
in.

 It wasn’t long before Bowen‘s street musical act 
became quite the attraction in the neighborhood, and 
the tips landing in his hat began to show it. Bowen 
recognized that his new friend, Bob was the main 
reason for the increased interest and resulting increased 
income. Bowen had also been working very hard at 
cleaning up his own act since he and Bob found each 
other. After all, when you have someone else besides 
yourself to take care of, you can’t afford to waste money 
on drugs. It seems we are often more willing to keep 
ourselves healthy when we know we have a loved one 
depending on us.

 James Bowen has remained clean and sober and he 
even wrote a book about how Bob saved his life. The 
book, entitled A Street Cat Named Bob, published in 
2012 (Hodder & Stoughton - UK) became a best seller, 
and Bowen’s life is very different now compared to how 
it was before he met Bob as a homeless addict, barely 
surviving in the streets.

 Now, if you are still not convinced that animals can 
play a major role for the better in the lives of us humans, 
I have to say that you my be destined to miss out on the 
amazing blessings animals can bring to your life. There 
is a passage in the Bible that is often paraphrased to say: 
“Pride goes before the fall.” Well, I believe that is very 
true and I also believe that human pride is why God 
knew we would need the animals to help humble us 
for our own sakes. Take it with a grain of salt, but with 
the moment’s thought it deserves. Show respect for all 
species, enjoy life to it’s fullest and last but not least, 
love and let live!

There are so many things that we take for granted as we go along our 
daily activities. Rarely does the average person take the time to think 
about the sacrifices of others, especially those who give their lives so 
that we may continue on our merry way. Rarely do we give much 
thought to those heroes but today is our lucky day, you get to learn 
about such a hero and the heroic effort being made in the memory of 
one who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Meet Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Aleshia Costello, a nineteen 
year veteran of the department. This May Deputy Costello will be 
riding in the Fallen Officer Memorial Bike Tour. Sworn Police 
Officers from around the world will be taking part in a three hundred 
mile ride from Florham, New Jersey to the National Law Enforcement 
Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s 
Department will have 47 riders who will make the 300 hundred mile 
journey in three days. 

Each participant will be riding for a, fallen officer, one that has died 
in the line of duty. 

In 2015 there was over 1900 sworn officers that made the trip, and the 
group was able to donate 1.97 million to National Law Enforcement 
Officers Memorial Fund. 

 The Peace Officer that Deputy Costello will be honoring had been 
on the force for only eleven months. In that short period of time 
he made quite an impression on his partner, fellow police officers, 
and the community which he served. Officer Falko was a member 
of the Toledo, Ohio Police Department in the K9 unit, he was a two 
year old German shepherd. During his short time on the force Falko 
was called to duty 260 times, was involved 58 arrest, and as a trained 
explosive detector he responded to numerous bomb threats. 

The incident in which he lost his life occurred on August 12, 2015 
Falko was called upon to find a homicide suspect. The suspect had 
an outstanding warrant for aggravated murder occurring on May 21, 
2015. The man was wanted for having killed another man in Cleveland, 
Ohio. On August 12, 2015 the police spotted the suspect in a stolen 
vehicle. A short chase ensued the suspect abandoned the stolen 
vehicle, and then ran into a vacant building. Falko was called to track 
the wanted 
man, the 
suspect was 
hiding in a 
crawl space 
in the empty 
building. Falko found the suspect’s hiding place and 
pursued him in that space, rather than surrendering 
the man shot and killed Falko. The Toledo Police 
Department said goodbye to Falko on August 21, 
2015 in a funeral with full police honors, with over 
600 people in attendance and the entire Toledo K9 
division.

 Because Deputy Costello is an avid lover of dogs 
and more importantly, because police dogs perform 
vital services, she rides for Falko. * As the motto 
of the unity tour states “We Ride For Those Who 
Died” - had not Falko gone into that crawl space we would be mourning 
a human officer. 

Deputy Costello is attempting to raise $2,500 dollars in Falko’s honor. If you would like to support this 
effort you can do so by sending a donation to:

Police Unity Tour Challenge Ride

23890Copperhill Drive, Ste. #170

Valencia, Ca. 91354 

POLICE UNITY TOUR TAX ID #22-3530541 

Your donations should include Deputy Aleshia Costello name as the officer that you are supporting and 
Falko as the fallen officer. 

Riding 300 miles takes a tremendous amount of skill, strength and determination. Its a lot of hard work, 
but to do so for Officer Falco and others like him, makes it all work while. Thank you Deputy Costello for 
sharing your story with us. 


Deputy Costello

Officer Falko

LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND?

EARL

Earl is a handsome 3 year old “Blue” American 
Staffordshire mix weighing about 70 pounds. 
He has a beautiful grey coat with bouncy floppy 
and a silly personality that will make anyone 
smile! Earl was found walking the streets of 
Rosemead and although his previous owners 
were located, they decided to abandon Earl at 
the shelter.

 Despite this heartbreak, Earl is still a loving boy 
with a positive outlook in life. He is also smart 
as he has quickly learned the “sit” and “shake” 
commands and is gentle taking treats. He is also 
not shy around the camera, and is into posing 
for pictures and “selfies”.

 Besides going on brisk walks around the park, 
his other favorite activity is to lounge around 
near someone’s legs while receiving non-stop 
belly rubs. He is also quite the curious boy and is 
often on two legs investigating his surroundings 
while looking for treats. 

 Earl definitely deserves a truly loving and forever home where he can be a beloved family member 
whose goofy antics 
and puppy love can be 
appreciated by all. If you are 
that family, please, come 
meet this handsome boy!

 His adoption fee is $145 
and includes neuter surgery, 
vaccinations, microchip 
and a free wellness 
exam at a participating 
veterinarian. Feel free to 
call us at (626) 286-1159 
for more information on 
Earl. He currently resides 
at the San Gabriel Valley 
Humane Society located at 
851 E. Grand Avenue in San 
Gabriel. We are located off 
San Gabriel Blvd, north of 
Mission and south of Las 
Tunas Drive. To arrange a 
‘Meet and Greet’ with Titan, 
please stop by any time 
from 10:30am to 4:30pm 
Tuesday through Sunday. 

 Join us on Sunday, March 
13th from noon to 3pm 
in Sierra Madre for the 
Wistaria Festival. It will be 
at the intersection of Sierra 
Madre Blvd and Baldwin 
Avenue. 

We will be there with some 
of our adorable pets who 
are looking for their forever 
homes. Stop by our table in 
the park and say Hello!


FREE ANIMAL DOCTORS? YOU’VE 
GOT TO BE KIDDING!

 Have you ever had to take your beloved pet to 
the Vet only to require help for yourself after 
seeing the bill? Yes, sometimes the right kind 
of treatment for our pets can get a bit pricey. 
Fortunately, if you’re reading this article, you 
are able to pay for the services and bring your 
best friend home all fixed up. But what happens 
to those who cannot afford that surgery 
when their dog breaks their leg? Or when they 
discover that their beloved pet has a genetic 
deficiency that needs to be corrected? The 
emotional toll on the owner is just as great as 
it is for those who can whip our a credit card 
and pay for the treatment. Actually, it has to 
be worse when they realize there is nothing 
they can afford to do. Some pets end up abandoned 
on the streets, others wind up in over 
crowded shelters. The poor animals are sick, 
suddenly without their families and everyone 
is suffering.

Well, two pretty amazing guys came up with 
a solution that fits right in with today’s high 
tech way of dealing with problems and sharing 
with others. Attorney Sam Bernardo who 
owns a cat and a dog, and Entreprenuer Ryan 
Boyd, who owns 3 dogs, have founded a non 
profit organization called Free Animal Doctor, 
Inc. (www.freeanimaldoctor.org) that 
crowd funds health care costs for very sick 
pets who otherwise would face death or the 
rest of their lives with a severe disability.

Here’s how it works. An animal in need is taken 
to a vet, or brought to a shelter and it is determined 
that medical treatment is required. 
The family cannot take their sustenance money 
to pay for it, so they contact Ryan or Sam 
and present their case. Free Animal Doctor 
verifies the need and the cost with the vet, and 
then the animal goes on the website where people can make donations for their care. Funds raised are 
used 100% for the diagnosed treatment. Whatever the amount of the Vet’s bill will be raised and it 
goes directly to the health care provider. Nothing to the family or the agency. Donations can be made 
independently to support Free Animal Doctor.

To date, over 30 animals have been saved! Right now there is a campaign to save Willie. On the website 
it says, On New Year’s Eve 2015 Holly found a little maltese guy walking around stray. He was in rough shape, 
so she took him in. Holly was having a hard time herself, being unemployed and struggling to make ends meet... but 
she couldn’t leave this little guy out on his own! She named him Wally and came to find out he was blind. But she 
fell in love with him and he is just the sweetest little dog, but she was knew he needed some serious veterinary help, 
which she could not afford.

Holly contacted a everyone she could think of, and fortunately a Maltese rescue was able to get Holly in touch with 
us! Holly is a great mom for Willy, she takes great care of him, but she just cannot afford the care he needs. That’s 
where we can help! 

We took Willy to a well regarded eye-specialist, and the in short he needs on eye removed. He has severe glaucoma 
which is constantly painful, and is surely causing consistent headaches. Willy is a stoic guy, and he doesn’t show it, 
but the vet is certain he is in pain daily.

He is young, only about 5 years old... and has a great long life in front of him. Can you you help us get Willy out of 
pain so Holly can give him the life he finally deserves after years of abuse and neglect? 

Thank you! Go to freeanimaldoctor.org and learn more about how to help our friends.


This is Willie. He urgently needs your help!

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com