After a tour of the accommodations for canine-guests – which by the way were very clean, neat and odor free – Animal Control Officer Beverly LaPlume got ready to take About Town out on patrol in Avon.
AT: So, what’s your typical day like?
BL: I spend most of the day going in and out of the office. No day is ever the same. If I’m in Canton in the morning, I’ll be in Avon in the afternoon and visa versa; unless something comes up that needs my attention.
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AT: You’re only one person. How do you do it all?
BL: I focus on areas of high public use and high dog concentration. I also frequent areas where there is a high volume of complaints against dogs. And while on patrol, especially in areas where I’ve had complaints, I also go door to door to any homes which are delinquent in registering their dog.
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AT: How many miles do you put on the Animal Control van each year?
BL: About 7,000 to 8,000. It’s already got 153,000-plus miles on it and maintenance is becoming a problem. So, we’re fundraising to get another van, hopefully before the winter comes. (About Town Note: The brakes made a very strange sound when LaPlume stopped at a red light.) See what I mean? And, I didn’t do that on purpose either!
Unit 12 on patrol at Fisher Meadows, Avon: 1400 hours
AT: So, what are we looking for?
BL: There is a leash law in Avon, so we’re looking for unleashed dogs. There are signs all over, but some people still need to be reminded.
It’s important to show a presence in the community. So while on patrol, I stop and talk to people; especially those with dogs. I also make a point of checking to be sure the dog’s rabies vaccine is up to date. Dogs need to be registered with the town by June 30. It’s required by the state. And, you need an up to date rabies vaccine to register.
AT: Okay, we’re kind of four-wheeling it on some of these back roads. Maybe your next van should be a truck instead?
BL: The van is better for the work that I do. It’s easier and less threatening for the dogs to get in and out of and it gets me where I need to be.
Unit 12 on patrol at Allsops Meadow then Nod Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Avon: 1500 hours
AT: This job can get pretty intense when you’re dealing with someone’s pet. What do you do for fun?
I love antiquing and I crochet. I’ve also been making candles, since 1996, for a home business I have, “Olde Tyme Country Candles.”
AT: And you must have dogs? All rescues I bet.
BL: Yes! There’s Corey, a terrier mix, who’s 7. He rides with me on patrol. Then Kloe, a Chihuahua, who’s 13. Mia, a silky mix, who’s 4 and Desani, a pug, who’s 4.
(About Town Note: LaPlume spent as much time out of the van, greeting dogs and people, as in it during this patrol.)
AT: Dogs are really attracted to you. People too.
BL: As for the dogs, they can sense that they’re not going to be hurt by me. It’s in my demeanor; how I talk to them and how I approach them. And in the last five years, what I’ve really tried to do is make people feel comfortable about approaching me.
AT: Mission accomplished Officer LaPlume. See you around.
Editor's Note: Originally published on .
