Helping hands appreciated
The story of a sick fox seen by many residents around Columbus seems to be heading toward a happy ending, thanks to the care by Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators.
After the fox was captured by Animal Care Services, it was taken to the nonprofit wildlife sanctuary near Hope for medical attention. The fox was suffering from mange, had lost a lot of fur and infections had spread to its eyes. However, it has been recovering nicely with medical treatment.
Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators has proven to be a valuable asset in the area, for its ability to rehabilitate injured animals and also the educational opportunities it affords to local students and residents with presentations of animals.
Well-deserved honor
Another former standout Columbus High School gymnast was inducted into the Indiana Gymnastics Hall of Fame on July 16. Dave Seal helped the Bull Dogs to state titles in 1967 and 1968, and won the still rings title in ’68. He then continued his gymnastics career at Indiana State, where he won the NCAA title in 1970 and 1972, and earned All-American honors three times. That’s a career deserving of this recognition.
The induction further exemplifies how successful the Columbus High School program was under coach John Hinds, who guided the Bull Dogs to 13 state championships. Hinds was inducted into the Indiana Gymnastics Hall of Fame last year, as was former Columbus standout Brent Simmons.
Although boys gymnastics hasn’t been a sanctioned high school sport for many years, Columbus’ legacy of success endures through the well-deserved recognition bestowed on some members of those championship teams.
Fresh starts rewarding
Bonnie, a therapy dog at Columbus Regional Hospital that retired June 29, is a reminder of the great pets that can be found at animal shelters.
The collie had been abandoned and had been sick and injured but was given a new start. Bonnie was trained to be a therapy dog for the sick, something she did since 2012. With the help of her owner Doug Bell, Bonnie put smiles on the faces of many patients who were sick or recovering, providing an emotional lift one pat and rub at a time. That was a great benefit for the patients.
