A day in the life of an ... Animal control officer

November 20, 2005

By JOANIE BAKER
Index-Journal staff writer

Marvin Grimm is not a dogcatcher.
He does not throw animals into a barred van and speed off to a dog pound, their well-being never entering his thoughts.
Grimm does not produce an evil grin and etch a tick mark for every animal he brings to the shelter.
And he does not hurt an animal if he can help it.
Perhaps that is why after 14 years of serving as Greenwood County’s only animal control officer for the sheriff’s office, the gentle man with the laughing voice and contagious chuckle has been bitten only once.
Or maybe it’s because he has learned to talk to every animal he encounters. After all, Grimm said, it was his fault he was bitten by the Chow because he wasn’t listening to what the dog was saying to him.
“I’m not afraid of any animal, really,” Grimm said. “You just have to be able to read their body language and adjust accordingly.”
Grimm said his job is to protect animals from people and people from animals. That can mean up to 75-100 calls per week. This has resulted in him helping every animal from a pig to a peacock since he started his job in Greenwood as the animal control officer and then chief of the animal shelter. He has rescued an emu from the highway and even attained a rattlesnake from a drug dealer who used the snake to guard his stash.
“Marvin is very courageous to be able to go out by himself and capture animals without anyone watching his back,” Annie Reed, animal shelter manager, said. “Until you ride a mile in that truck, you have no idea how crazy or dangerous his job is.”
On this day, Grimm was just about to take a bite into his Big Mac when his cell phone rang.
Trading a french fry for a pen, Grimm took down a call on the back of a receipt. A woman had called the sheriff’s office about being chased by a pit bull.
En route, behind the wheel of the big, white pickup, Grimm’s demeanor doesn’t change. He could just as easily be on his way to pick up a baby chick instead of a pit bull. He explains that the only tick marks he makes at the end of the day are for the times he’s taught people how to handle situations or for the tragedies he’s prevented.
He said of lot of his job is mostly offering people direction. For instance, a man who walks his dog every morning at 7 is having a run-in with a dog a homeowner lets out at the same time. Grimm suggests letting the dog out at 9 a.m. when the walker has passed.
Once again, he resolves a situation where “the animal is somehow always caught in the middle.”
Problem solved. Tick.
Reed said one of Grimm’s greatest abilities is to educate people while always putting the animal and human’s best interest first.
“He’s good at fusing a situation so that when everyone walks away, they’re all feeling good about the situation,” Reed said.
As Grimm slowly drives up to the woman’s house, he sees the situation with the pit bull is anything but typical.
Gerry Stewart is standing in her front yard with the phone shaking against her ear in one hand and her arm crossed over her body with a gun in the other.
Stewart said she was water sealing her deck when she looked up and one of her neighbor’s pit bulls was growling over her. She said she has called the sheriff’s office about the dogs coming on her property numerous times, but by the time someone arrives, the dogs are tied back up and no one will answer the door at the residence.
“I was held up in a building one time for two hours and was without a cell phone,” Stewart said. “I told them when I called 911 I had my gun and I was going back out there to shoot that thing. But I can’t live like this. It’s hard to hold a gun and a paintbrush at the same time.”
Grimm politely told the neighbors they had until sundown to give the pit bull to the new owners they said were supposed to pick it up. He also gave them 24 hours to have proof that all five of the caged dogs had received rabies shots.
The owner decided to let Grimm take three of the dogs the next day.
Grimm makes a tick.
On the way to a reported case of dog neglect, he explains that learning to act as a submissive animal, whether that means bowing his head, not smiling, or looking away from an animal, is how he manages to communicate to them what he must do. Sometimes, he said, dogs tell him through growls and body language that they are not comfortable with the environment. Because animals react first, think later, he said it is often best for both he and the animal that he uses tranquilizing darts to transport the animal to an environment they can respond to once there.
Pulling into a mobile home park, Grimm discovers a very undernourished black dog that cheerfully wags the visible vertebras that make up its happy tail. Despite the obvious lack of body fat to cushion its fur from its rib cage, the owner swears she’s has been feeding and watering it. She happily signs over the dog to Grimm as “Lil’ Bit” stops to take a desperate sip of water from the soapy bucket she’s using to wash her car. Oblivious to his own appearance, “Lil’ Bit” is given the hope of finding a new home.
Tragedy prevented. Tick.
With a nod of the head and a sad smile that spoke of his compassion, Grimm admits that it’s not always easy to keep from bringing the animals home.
Reed said she has a lot of respect for Grimm, who is also on the board of directors for the South Carolina Animal Care and Control Association, for his ability to not become cold-hearted from years of work with animals. She said people often call animal control workers cruel and said it’s hard to see the mistreatment day after day. She said everyone looks to Grimm, known as “Papa Smurf” at the shelter, for guidance.
“When he brings in some of those who have been mistreated and starved, he’ll say ‘they think we’re not compassionate when they’re the ones who did this to the animal,’” Angy Sells, animal shelter office manager, said.
On his final call of the day, Grimm heads toward the home of a woman who said a stray “husky” is roaming her property with her dogs. The Pomeranian wags its tail while growling at Grimm. It’s as though he can’t make up his mind to trust this seemingly nice man because someone told it “dogcatchers” were mean. After several minutes of waiting for it to calm down, Grimm decides it will be best to medicate the dog.
“The dog was talking to me and I was understanding through his body language and his growl that he was not comfortable with what was going on,” Grimm said.
To make a safe transition to a more comfortable environment, Grimm blew into his trumpet-like instrument, and darted the Pomeranian in the hind leg. Without taking much notice, the dog slowly began to relax and lie down. Five minutes later it was drooling in a peaceful slumber.
Relaxed transition. Tick.
Grimm said people must realize the importance of spaying and neutering because “when the only fault an animal has is it was born, that’s not really fair.” He said he hopes to reach people so they realize that domesticated pets cannot be turned into the wild to fend for themselves.
“I don’t know why people don’t have the nerve to take them to the shelter,” Grimm said. “But I have yet to see a dog at Wal-Mart buying its own food. They can’t seem to figure out how to work the can opener.”
Tick.
Grimm pulls the truck onto the dusty road of the shelter to deliver the animals to a chance at a new life. He closes the gate, and another day.
“That’s the story, I’m caught between the animal world and the human world,” Grimm said. “I still feel like I can go to bed at night and feel like I’ve made a difference.”
This night, he made four ticks.

Betty M. Asper

ABBEVILLE — Betty M. Asper, 78, of 91 Tall Tree Lane, wife of Walter B. “Bud” Asper, died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005 at the Hospice House of the Piedmont.
Born in Waterville, Penn., she was a daughter of the late Elmer O. and Edith Brown Bonnell.
She was co-owner of Tall Tree Products in Abbeville and a member of the Abbeville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses.
Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Susan D. Sipe and Kathy L. Asper, both of Abbeville.
Services are private.
Memorials may be made to the HospiceCare of the Piedmont or the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses.
Harris Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Evelyn H. Bogart

IVA — Evelyn H. Bogart, 77, of 368 April Drive, wife of Norman P. Bogart, died at her residence on Friday, November 18, 2005. She was born in Jasper County S.C. to the late William E. and Lillian R. Tutten Haselden. Mrs. Bogart retired as a administrative assistant from Clark Schwebel Fiber Glass Company.
Surviving Mrs. Bogart is her husband of the home, a son, Richard A. Bogart of Camden, a brother, William E. Hasleden of Greenville, a sister, Dora File of Seneca, three grandchildren, Christy Edwards, Eric and Nicholas Bogart, two great-grandchildren, Josie and Nolan Edwards, and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Monday, November 21, 2005 in the Bogart family cemetery. The family is at the residence.
Online condolences may be sent to the Bogart family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.
HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville, is assisting the Bogart family.
PAID OBITUARY

Lila Mae Mack

Lila Mae Mack, 90, of 114 Southern Ave., died Friday, Nov. 18. 2005 at her home.
Born in Florence, she was a daughter of the late Tommy Lunnon and Julia Frank Lunnon. She was a member of Kingdoms Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on New Market St.
Survivors include her sisters, Eloise James of Greenwood and Binar Lee Baccus of Florence.
Services are at 1 Monday at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, conducted by Brother John Dendy. Burial is in Evening Star cemetery.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are church members.
The family is at the home.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.

Earl Peurifoy

CLEVELAND, N.C. — Earl Farley Peurifoy, 57, of 240 Westfield Drive, husband of Sylvia Gail Hawkins Peurifoy, died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2005 at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in Mooresville.
Born in Greenwood, S.C., he was a son of the late Earl and Frances Farley Peurifoy. He was formerly employed by Greenwood Mills, Durst Plant and retired from Burlington Industries. He was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Freida McWhorter and Cassie Bradberry, both of Ware Shoals, S.C., Terry Baty of Chuckey, Tenn., and Lori Byrd of Greenwood; two sons, Chucky Moton of Greenwood and Mark Moton of Ninety Six; and ten grandchildren.
Private graveside services are Sunday in Oakbrook Memorial Park, conducted by the Rev. Lee Going.
The family is at the home of a daughter, Cassie Bradberry, 957 Camak Road, Ware Shoals, S.C.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Greenwood, S.C., is in charge.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.

Margaret R. Teague

WOODRUFF — Margaret Rogers Teague, 92, of 540 Anderson Drive, widow of Tom Teague, died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005 at her home.
Born in Spartanburg County, she was a daughter of the late William Warren and Vivian Lanford Rogers. She was a member of Emma Gray Memorial United Methodist Church and retired from Tom & Steve Cleaners as a seamstress.
She was twice married, first to the late Wilton Davis.
Survivors include two sons, Larry Davis of Easley and Bill Davis of Aiken; four daughters, Dot McCarson of the home, Betty Davis Haston of Ninety Six, Gail Carithers of Spartanburg and Jo Ann Carithers of Mauldin; a sister, Dot Green of Greenville; 21 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Services are at 2 Monday at Emma Gray Memorial United Methodist Church in Woodruff, conducted by the Rev. Robert Boggs. Burial is in Bethlehem Methodist Church cemetery in Greenwood. Visitation is at 1 Monday at the church.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Emma Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 271, Woodruff, S.C., 29388.
Lanford Funeral Home, Woodruff, is in charge.
An online guest register is available at www.lanforddunbar.com.

Otto Williams

EDGEFIELD — Otto Williams 86, of Trinity Mission Rehabilitation Center, formerly of 853 Bowie St., Greenwood, husband of Ethel Mae Williams, died Friday, Nov. 18, 2005 at the Edgefield Hospital.
Born in Greenwood County, he was a son of the late Nathian Williams and Sally Mathis Williams. He was a Army veteran and a brickmason. He was a member of Flint Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of Edgefield; two nephews reared in the home, Tom Holloway of Charlotte, N.C., and James Bowman of Vicksbugh, Miss.; a daughter, Gladys Quarles Christopher of Milledgville, Ga.; and a sister, Charlotte Harrison of Washington, D.C.
The family is at the home of a niece, Lillie Ruth Jones, 108 Pelzer St., Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Robinson and Son Mortuary Inc.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com.

Former local standouts make
big plays in Clemson’s win

November 20, 2005

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

COLUMBIA — No matter the result, only one side would leave happy.
When it was over, it was Clemson’s Jad Dean and Gaines Adams who would jog off the field at Williams-Brice Stadium with their helmets held high after the Tigers defeated South Carolina in come-from-behind fashion, 13-9, Saturday night.
The Tigers' victory, their third straight and fifth in the last six games, was the team's second in a row over a ranked opponent. They defeated then-No. 17 Florida State on Nov. 12. The Tigers (7-4) now wait to find out which postseason bowl they will play in.
"We haven't quit all year," said Dean, a former Greenwood High standout and the Tigers’ place-kicker. "Now we're going bowling. I don't think it's happened in a long time for us to win two straight games over ranked opponents, and to do it against those guys is incredible." This was also the third victory over USC for Adams, a redshirt junior and former Cambridge Academy standout.
"This feels great," Adams said. "A rivalry game, everybody into it … we just have to come back next year and continue it."
But while Dean enjoys his third win over the rival Gamecocks, former Greenwood High teammate Ricardo Hurley, a Gamecocks senior linebacker, stood dejectedly at midfield after suffering his fourth loss in the series in his last game in Williams-Brice Stadium.
"I'm going to miss these guys and I hate to go out like this," said Hurley, who now awaits word on what bowl game he and the Gamecocks will be playing in.
"Now we have to look forward to a bowl game and try to put this behind us. It's tough because it's my last game here,” Hurley said.
It was a bittersweet night for Hurley, who took part in the customary pregame senior ceremony. The former Greenwood PARADE All-American ran out of the tunnel to the waiting arms of his mother and grandmother.
"It meant a whole lot to me," Hurley said. "I wanted to cry, but I had to hold it in. But it really meant a lot to me."
Hurley got the opportunity to start in his final home game. The senior lost his starting position to Dustin Lindsey midway through the season and has been splitting time with the sophomore.
"It felt old times," Hurley said about starting.
Hurley finished with five tackles. His lone tackle for a loss came at a critical time for the Gamecocks. With less than two minutes remaining and Clemson leading, Hurley made the grab on Tigers tailback James Davis for a 3-yard loss, setting up a third-and-10.
But Hurley was pulled from the game on the next play in place of a different defensive package, and Clemson quarterback Charlie Whitehurst made an 11-yard run to pick up the first down, which allowed the Tigers to run out the clock.
"We were in a different defense, so I had to come off the field," Hurley said. "It really hurt us to get that first down. But things happen. They executed on that play, and there was nothing I could do about that."
Dean finished with seven points for the Tigers, connecting on a pair of field goals and an extra point, while Adams had five tackles, three for losses, a forced fumble and a sack.
"I just had the mindset that they couldn't stop me tonight," Adams said. "It's just a great feeling."
Adams made his presence felt on the first play from scrimmage. The Clemson junior forced South Carolina quarterback Blake Mitchell out of the pocket, causing him to throw the ball away and giving Adams his 25th quarterback pressure of the season.
Later in the first quarter, Adams got to Mitchell, smacking his throwing hand to force a fumble. Teammate Rashaad Jackson recovered the turnover.
But what made Adams even prouder than his individual accomplishments was what he and his fellow defensive players did in keeping the Gamecocks out of the end zone. It was the same thing the Tigers did in the win over the Seminoles.
"Two weeks in a row of holding teams to just field goals is a great thing," Adams said. "We didn't start off that strong at the beginning of the year, but we've come on strong at the end."
Dean had a long wait before getting his chance to work.
After opening the game with a 55-yard blast on the game's opening kickoff, Dean stood quietly on the Clemson sidelines for more than 27 minutes, watching his USC counterpart, Josh Brown, boot a couple of field goals to give the Gamecocks a 6-0 lead.
Dean finally retook the field with 2:36 remaining in the half. After the long wait, he sent a career-long field goal of 49 yards through the uprights, cutting the Tigers' deficit in half.
"I kicked the opening kickoff and then I didn't get another chance until late in the half, and I haven't kicked in this cold of weather in a long time," Dean said. "It was a great hold … kind of in the perfect spot and I sent it through. I try not to look at the distances before the kick, but somebody came up to me after and told me it was 49. It's a great feeling to do it here."
Dean trotted on the field for a 23-yard game-tying attempt early in the second half. He cleared the mark with plenty of room to spare, making him a perfect 17-for-17 in his Clemson career from inside 30 yards.
While his field goals did as they were supposed to do, Dean's first couple of kickoffs, however, didn't find their customary mark: deep in the end zone.
However, his high kickoffs, which went between 1 to 3 yards deep and were run out each time, resulted in poor field position for the Gamecocks.
He did get to send one out of the back of the end zone, but that came later in the game.
Dean had a chance to give the Tigers their first lead a little more than seven minutes later, but his 42-yard attempt was blocked by South Carolina's Orus Lambert.
"I thought I hit it well, but there was nothing I could really do about it," Dean said. "They told me he got a little penetration in. I felt like I hit it well enough to make it.”
Instead, Dean had to watch Brown do the honors for the Gamecocks after a key Clemson turnover.
A Brown punt bounced in front of Chanci Stuckey. The Clemson junior went to retrieve it at the last moment but failed to pick up the ball up, allowing South Carolina's Tremaine Tyler to recover on the Clemson 11.
After the Gamecocks lost a yard on three plays, Brown booted a 29-yarder to put the Gamecocks up 9-6 with 10:46 remaining.
Dean did get to add the final point for the Tigers when he followed a James Davis touchdown run with an extra point to make it 13-9 with 5:58 remaining. It was a chance for retribution — and it forced the Gamecocks to need a touchdown to reclaim the lead.
"To give it a four-point game was big," Dean said. "It's great that something as simple as a 20-yard extra point could mean the world.
"It would have been a frustrating thing if we would have lost 9-6. I wouldn't have let myself live it down."

Somebody must be lying about the Iraq invasion

November 20, 2005

Somebody is indeed lying about why we went to war in Iraq to get rid of Saddam Hussein. But who? Is it President Bush? Is it the Democratic leaders in Washington?
The Democratic leadership in Washington, particularly, has turned the “Bush-is-lying” chorus into a ritual that appears to be creating the desired effect. That is, by repeating over and over the charge that Bush lied, more people, including many in the Greenwood area, are beginning to wonder if they aren’t right.
The latest to join the detractors is former Democratic President Bill Clinton, who said while visiting the Middle East that the U. S. “made a big mistake” by invading Iraq. His remarks, as should have been expected, was the top-of-the-list item on the “news” casts by al Jazeera television network that is notoriously biased and serves as a propaganda arm of Muslim radicals/terrorists.

IT WAS ALSO ANOTHER indication of the duplicity that surrounds the entire campaign to discredit – no, destroy – President Bush. Can you spell h-y-p-o-c-r-i-s-y?
It’s clear, of course, that if Bush lied, his critics are also lying. There’s no question that Bush moved on Iraq only after American, British, German and Russian intelligence agencies reported that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. The fact that none was found after Saddam was toppled doesn’t change the intelligence reports before hand.
Furthermore, the United Nations also believed the intelligence and passed a resolution authorizing the use of force. Don’t forget, too, that when Clinton was in office he publicly stated that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction and was prone to use them.

THEN, TOO, BUSH’S CRITICS had the same “evidence” the president had. Using that as its basis, U. S. lawmakers also approved the use of military force.
That, to be sure, is what they don’t want the American people to focus on. So, then, considering the facts, there can only be one logical reason for the widespread and continuous Democratic mendacity. It’s politics, pure and simple. They hate Bush and they have been dumped from control by the voters, a bitter pill to swallow. They want to regain their power and apparently are willing to do or say anything to promote their cause.
It’s a good strategy, and it seems to be working. However, as Abraham Lincoln noted long ago, “ …you may fool all of the people some of the time; you can even fool some of the people all the time; but you can’t fool all of the people all the time.”
People today are no different now than then.