BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Chris Kemmer went above and beyond as a neighbor last spring, and her friend and neighbor Renee Rustile wants people to know about it.
“Today is a celebration that wouldn’t be happening if she did not do what she did,” said Rustile at a birthday party for one of Kemmer’s children.
“The Kemmer family exemplifies the definition of ‘neighbor,’” she said.
Kemmer and her two young sons almost daily go to the end of the street for not only their mail, but also their neighbor Colleen Mullins’ mail.
“It gives her a chance to see if all is well with our neighbor and her faithful dog,” Rustile said.
On April 18, they were chatting in Mullins’ garage with her dog, Sugar, tied to a leash when a neighbor’s dog attacked.
“Without any warning, a German shepherd lunged and grabbed the small dog in its jaws. Chris responded without hesitation, “ Rustile said.
She managed to get the bigger dog to release Sugar, but not before the smaller dog suffered severe injuries.
Since then, Sugar has received a couple surgeries and recovered from her injuries.
“She’s a good dog,” Mullins said.
It’s unlawful under Independence Township ordinances to allow dogs to run at large. Also, dangerous or vicious dogs must be registered with the township.
According to ordinance, “the owner of a dangerous or vicious dog shall not allow or permit such dog to be unconfined, either on or outside the premises of the owner, unless such dog is securely restrained, leashed and muzzled.” Also, owners must carry liability insurance. In Sugar’s case, the bigger dog’s owner had insurance.
Generally, dogs must be leashed when in public, as well as immunized against rabies.
Dangerous or vicious dog means any dog exposed to rabies, or has without provocation attacked, bitten, or threatened a person or another animal.