My Life As A Dog

by Big Tex 16 Replies latest jw friends

  • Big Tex
    Big Tex

    Nina is the McGruff House coordinator in our area. Remember McGruff, the crime dog? He takes a bite out of crime. Well he also has a program to create "safe" houses in neighborhoods, so that if children are in distress or in trouble, and they see a McGruff sign in the window, they can go to the house for safety. Anyone who has a McGruff sign in their window gets an extremely thorough criminal check by the police.

    Murphy has achieved Exemplary Status according to the busy crime dog. What this means is that our little town has a high percentage (higher than most towns in north Texas) of McGruff homes. What this means is that there are lots of safe homes in the little hamlet of Murphy, Texas. It also means that Nina has done a kick ass job (according to McGruff) of recruiting people to be McGruff homes.

    Since Nina was the coordinator she was due to give a small presentation (no householder required). There was only one problem. She needed McGruff the crime dog. The police department gave her the costume, but she had to find someone to wear it.

    "Honey", she asked oh-so-innocently last week, "How much do you love me?"

    Right away I knew I was in trouble. The only phrase more feared and dreaded is "Guess how much money I've saved you?" Knowing where this was headed, and the absolute certainty I would lose, I quickly agreed to become -- McGruff, the Crime Dog.

    Actually I think this is probably my best picture.

  • cruzanheart
    cruzanheart

    I was really thrilled when my honey (realizing his back was against the wall on this one) agreed to be McGruff for an evening. The kids were thrilled because that was THEIR DADDY out there, and because they had a secret no one else knew. And I was really pleased that we reached Exemplary status within two school years. The Plano Police Department was impressed, and I guess what pleases me most is that this is the first thing I volunteered for after leaving the Witnesses and it was something I felt was important enough to put some effort into it. And it worked!!!

    Cool.

    Nina

  • Stephanus
    Stephanus
    I was really thrilled when my honey (realizing his back was against the wall on this one) agreed to be McGruff for an evening.

    Now it's your turn: you should now be willing to dress up as the fantasy character of Big Tex's choice. Fair's fair!

  • kgfreeperson
    kgfreeperson

    That is so great! And thanks for lending your expertise and energy to this project. It really is wonderful! Have any kids actually come to your door? (I think what really matters is they know they could--but I'm curious) Congratulations!

  • Badger
    Badger

    At least she didn't make you a bassett.

  • cruzanheart
    cruzanheart

    Ha! Good one, Badger!

    We were a McGruff House in our old neighborhood for about 7 years and never once had a kid knock on our door to ask for help. Which is a good thing! The kids are trained in elementary school to know about McGruff Houses, so if they're ever lost or scared or feel threatened, they know there is a place to go that is safe. We're not supposed to let the kids in, just hear what the problem is and call the proper authority. I think McGruff Houses send a message that this is a neighborhood that looks out for its children AND it also sends a not-so-subtle messages to potential burglars that people are watching.

    Hmmm, dress up, huh? Well, those photos may not be posted . . . .

    Nina

  • Thunder Rider
    Thunder Rider

    Just one question Nina, Is he housebroke?

  • bebu
    bebu

    Hey, congratulations Nina! That is no small achievement, and it gives a lot of kids and parents some peace of mind to know that there are verified places where kids can get help if they need it.

    We are hosting an international student now; he was here only a few days before he got lost, and even though he is 20, he had never felt so lost before (he was still stressed when he returned here). Our area doesn't have MacGruff homes, but I found myself thinking of the similar kind of system that was run in our school district when I was a child: a hand cut-out, to signal a helping hand was to be found at the home. I found myself nearly telling him that he should look for a home with a hand...

    Anyway, it's a great program! And kudos to you both for helping this program really be established in Murphy.

    bebu

  • Jesika
    Jesika

    GREAT JOB NINA!!!!!!!!!! Way to go Chris!!!!!!!!

    I love you guys so much and love what you do for others and your family!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Love,

    Jes

  • patio34
    patio34

    Great job Nina! And also you Big Tex! A big pat on the head for you.

Share this

Google+
Pinterest
Reddit