To the Editor:

While visiting my parents during the 4th of July festivities in Belhaven, my dog, Leo was spooked during the fireworks and ran off. Fortunately, he was found on July 13, by Chief Clingenpeel, Belhaven’s Chief of Police, after a very extensive nine-day search by me, my family, the police department, friends and neighbors — all the residents in town. And I want to say thank you.
Some residents in town have known me all my life and others were strangers to me until I came asking for help. I didn’t know how I’d ever be able to personally thank each person who offered to help me search for Leo, prayed for his safe return and/or gave comfort to me and my family. I hope this letter is read by every single resident in our community.
As I walked every street and neighborhood during my search for Leo, every single person I spoke to was so kind to me, offered me comfort when I was sad/crying and actually looked for Leo. I had many false alarms, but instead of making me sad each time it wasn’t Leo, it gave me hope because with every phone call, Facebook post or share, etc., I knew that people were out there looking out for my dog. And for that, I am forever humbled. I will never be able to fully express how it has touched my life and the life of my family.
I want to say a special thank you to Police Chief Clingenpeel and the rest of the officers and staff of the Belhaven Police Department. They were truly instrumental in helping me find my dog. Not only did they keep a lookout for him during their rounds and shifts, but they also provided (via their non-emergency telephone line) a place people could call if they spotted Leo and didn’t know or have my contact information. It is amazing what can happen when people come together to help each other when they are in need.
Leo came home just as I’d prayed — healthy and uninjured. I thank God for that and I thank God for the residents of Belhaven, too. Belhaven may be a small town, with its share of troubles, but it is full of good people. Thank you to all who helped me search for Leo and for being kind and compassionate to me and my family when we were in our greatest need.

Kate Tillman Brown

Raleigh