Not many dogs have had such a prominent place in a community as Luna, a black Lab, did over the last 10+ years. Her appearance on her porch near the corner of NE Klickitat Street and 46th delighted many and earned her the moniker as the “Mayor.”
Luna would bring her stuffed toys to the sidewalk and drop them at the feet of anyone who would stop by. Her lack of being leashed often caused consternation to passersby, but, as neighbors, we just accepted her amblings as normal.
Luna did not pay any mind to other dogs, but was focused on obtaining anything edible. Her vocalizations ranged from a mild squeak to a guttural growl. After extracting her tribute, she would often roll on her back, emitting squeals of delight.
Almost every day, Luna would hear my car from some distance away and sit faithfully at the curb just across the street from my house. I would go over and talk to her, rub her soft belly and ears, and get my dog fix.
One day, I came home with Hiya, a rescue dog from the Oregon Humane Society. My unintentional betrayal had saddened Luna to the extent that biscuits could not mend things. Luna’s sad state eventually dissipated, and she resumed her place at the curb, where she was showered with treats and affection once again.
The Mayor of Beaumont has crossed the rainbow bridge, waiting there by the curb for us to bring her treats and rub her belly.
Recently retired from a long career in environmental consulting, Gary Hahn has lived in B-W for 10 years. Not only is he an active supporter of animals, but Gary is also active in sight restoration in SE Asia and eye protection in Ukraine. He is one of the founders of the BBH Eye Foundation at bbheye.org.