What Would JUSTIN Do?

MORE LETTERS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I loved the coverage of Rosie's stolen wagon in the Press-Telegram. Justin and Rosie are icons who have done so much to increase the quality of life in Long Beach with their tireless community involvement. I am disappointed and saddened that some hateful old codger said the story was a "waste of paper". Ugh! In this day and age, where the news is always so negative, it's nice to be elevated into the lighter side sometimes. More Rosie, dog and nice-people-joining-together stories, please.

Alyson Geye

ROSIE'S NEW RIDE

Rosie's wagon

The article on Rosie's missing wagon was not a waste of space. First, Rosie and Justin are pretty big celebrities in the Long Beach area, and even beyond. I live in San Diego, and I subscribe to Justin's remarkable e-newsletter, which covers all sorts of pet-related topics. Rosie's wagon is always with Rosie, so it is famous, too.

Second, though the item stolen was not of great monetary value, this theft was cruel. It is this cruelty that deserves to be taken seriously. I believe that it would be a service to the community if the person who stole it could be found and publicly named, though Rudd, a more generous soul than I, will be content with a more quiet act of contrition from the culprit.

Leslie Edwards
San Diego

I applaud you for dedicating that much of your paper to the story. Apparently three or four major news stations thought it was important, too.

Lisa Woodruff
Huntington Beach

Rosie's ride carted off....

Dog's wagon stolen from her home.
By Tracy Manzer, Staff writer

LONG BEACH - One of Belmont Shore's most popular icons, actually an accessory to the icon, was stolen Saturday.
For nine-and-a-half years, residents in the Shore and visitors have delighted in seeing Rosie the Bulldog as she is toted along Second Street in her little red wagon.

Bulldogs aren't the most athletic breed, at least not for long-distance romps, and the Radio Flyer was a perfect way to get Rosie out and about with her doting and active owner, Justin Rudd.

In recent years, the onset of arthritis and the aftermath of major surgery on one shoulder made the wagon a necessity for the aging dog.

The wagon is outfitted with carpet to make her ride more comfortable: a ramekin that served as a stylish water dish; all-terrain tires that worked well on sidewalks and in sandy beaches; and her own vanity license plate. Rosie's ride was the envy of every dog in the neighborhood.

And apparently, also of some humans because someone snuck into Rosie's side yard over the weekend and made off with her wheels.

"Rosie's just broken up over the whole thing," Rudd laughed Monday. "Who would want a little red wagon?"

Rudd said he realized the wagon was missing from its usual spot near his back door on Saturday afternoon. Rudd and Rosie live on The Toledo. It's not a fenced-off yard, but it's also not a place someone can see from the street or where someone who does not live on the property belongs, he noted.

It was nearing dinnertime when Rudd noticed the missing wagon.

"My first thought was, `How is Rosie going to get to dinner?"' Rudd said.

Quick as a flash, he went directly to Target to purchase a new wagon. Just last month he had to replace the original wagon after it finally fell apart, so Rudd said it was easy for him to assemble the third.

He called the police department to make a report, but said it wasn't the monetary loss of the wagon as much as its sentimental value that hurt.

If, however, the person who stole Rosie's wagon were to return her coach, the dog will ask no questions and file no charges, Rudd said. Rudd has a Web site, www.justinrudd.org, with an e-mail link and contact information.

For many locals, Rosie has come to symbolize Rudd's efforts to beautify local beaches and increase community involvement in everything from spelling bees to Fourth of July parades.

When asked to estimate the value of the Radio Flyer, Rudd turned to the expert and asked, "It symbolizes what, Rosie?"

"The simple joy of the love of a dog I guess," he said.

ULTIMATE QUEST

JUSTIN IS FANCY

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