HAMLET – Friday morning was a great day at the Hamlet Police Department as Chief Scott Waters and other officers gathered to praise the efforts of law enforcement agencies in the area, members of the Hamlet City Council, and residents throughout the county in their search efforts for K-9 dog Officer Rudy.
Rudy went missing the night of July Fourth. According to Chief Waters, he was found at approximately 12:25 a.m. Friday (48 hours) at 128 Mizpah Road, which is between the Highway 74 Bypass and Highway #1. He was to be checked out by his veterinarian and then receive “some extra TLC” while he recuperates from this harrowing experience.
Rudy is 3 years old, a Belgian Malinois, and came to the Hamlet Police Department last year from a K-9 trainer in Scotland County. Rudy was purchased with funds from a $1,000 grant courtesy of Walmart, and the Hamlet City Council paid for the balance of Rudy’s purchase and training fees.
Chief Waters shared that Rudy is still receiving training at this time. Rudy works with K-9 Sergeant Britt Emert, and K-9 Officer Greg Stone is the handler for Edy, Hamlet’s other handsome canine.
Chief Waters further expressed his appreciation to the residents of Hamlet, Richmond County, local law enforcement, and the media (as far away as Charlotte) for spreading the word and assisting in the search for Rudy. “The North Carolina Highway Patrol was planning to be here at 7 a.m. to assist in the search if needed. We were going to use a drone to search for Rudy.” There were hundreds of posts on social media asking for prayers for Rudy to be found safe and sound. One post even offered a $100 reward for anyone finding him and bringing him back to the police unharmed. Many comments were positive Friday morning as people heard of Rudy’s safe return to his place with the Hamlet Police Department.
We should all use this as a reminder to those who set off fireworks, legally and illegally, at holidays and throughout the year. Many people, as well as our pets and animals in the wilderness, are sensitive to extreme noises. We understand what is going on with the celebrations, but animals unfortunately do not. Yes, we can buy products to sooth them – and ourselves – and help to get through the experience, the noises, the booms and explosions. But if you check out social media, you will see that many pets have gone missing this week in reaction to the fireworks. Be mindful and thoughtful of your pets, your neighbors, and their pets.
Collecchio, Italy passed an ordinance in 2015 to reduce the fear of fireworks in their non-human population. A company called Setti Fireworks makes these “silent” explosives and customizes them for each event. They aren’t quite as big as the ones we might see in New York or Washington, DC, but would cause much less stress for those in earshot of the fireworks.
