Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
It was June 8, 2022 when Madison County Sheriff David Harper decided to take a leap of faith for the sake of another. His willingness to make a sacrifice for another was nothing new to Sheriff Harper. This includes laying down his life for a fellow citizen, if that was what was necessary. When Sheriff Harper decided to take in an emaciated, severely injured dog and commit to helping her back to health, little did he know that any sacrifice he made would be more than repaid in licks, affection and a love that challenges human understanding.
Aptly named “Madison,” after the community that reached out and helped come to her rescue a year ago, this German Shepherd has become a fixture at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). When Sheriff Harper decided to keep Madison, he had the desire that she would become a sort of “therapy dog” for the staff of the MCSO. This includes the staff of the MCSO Communications Center, with whom Madison spends her evenings. “I think that’s where she has made the biggest difference,” said Sheriff Harper. “The way she can lower the stress level in that office is incredible.” During the daytime hours, Madison can be found in the MCSO Administrative Office, where she diligently stands guard over the workers in the office. “She is very protective,” said Sheriff Harper. “That’s especially true of the women in the office here. I’m glad for that. Madison has adopted us as her pack, and she is trying to be the ‘alpha’ dog.” Being protective comes as second nature for German Shepherds, who have that protective instinct bred into their DNA. Sheriff Harper admits that there are times when that level of protectiveness has been a point of concern. “I have not been able to take her out into the community as much as I would like, simply because she is so protective,” added Sheriff Harper. “But I love having her here with us. I feel better with the girls in the office when Madison is with them. We haven’t had any problems with people coming to visit, but I have no doubt about the length Madison would go to protect the people in this office if someone posed a threat. I think she would have made one heck of a patrol dog if we had gotten her as a puppy.”
Considering the primary job for Madison is that of “therapy dog,” Madison performs her duties admirably. “I can be on the phone with a ‘less than pleasant’ phone call and all I have to do is turn around in my chair to where Madison is and reach out and pet her and I am immediately brought back,” said Sheriff Harper.
Madison’s health has made tremendous progress in the last year. She came to the MCSO severely malnourished and heartworm positive. On top of that, Madison had to have a leg amputated, due to her severe injuries when she was rescued. Today, Madison is at her ideal weight of 64 pounds. She is still heartworm positive and is undergoing an intentionally slow treatment that, according to her veterinarian, Dr. John Lewis, of Madison Veterinary Clinic, could take up to two years to complete. Aside from that, Madison is the picture of good health. “She does enjoy her broccoli that she has every morning for breakfast,” said Sheriff Harper. “It has to be cooked, though. She goes straight to the microwave when she comes into the office in the mornings.”
Madison recently celebrated her “birthday” at the MCSO. Although her exact age and date of birth are unknown, her birthday will be celebrated every June, 8. That’s the day Madison received her “new life” at the MCSO. That was also the day she brought “new life” to those around her at the MCSO.