“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” ~ John Bunyan

A faint, but very persistent scent of eau de skunk hovers around my hands today, a very lasting scent that if perfume makers could figure out how to market a pleasing version, might outlast all others. Right now, I’m thinking it is not so pleasing, and glad it isn’t but a whisper instead of a shout.

This morning outside at the fish pond, I’d nabbed a Jack Russell terrier that appeared to be on the lam from home. I brought him in, offered water and treats, put his mugshot and description on Facebook, then called Dr. Matthews’ office at Saluda Veterinary. I loaded my slightly skunky newfound friend up in The Turtle and hauled him over to be checked for a chip.

Luckily, a quick scan proved he did indeed have one, so the game was up for the scruffy runaway. While Tracy at the front desk was calling the owner, he came in. Someone had spotted my Facebook post and notified him, so lost dog and happy guy were reunited. Facebook and chip saved the day, along with some dog lovers.

So, moral of this story: be sure your pets have that chip, just in case. It’s easy and worthwhile, because a collar and tag can be lost, but the chip will not. And think up ways to market essence of skunk – it lasts a long, long time.

A wag and a big thank you to folks who shared the Facebook post and to Dr. Matthews and team!

Saluda Tailgate Market is open on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday. Dinner is served from 5:30-6:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All are welcome; donations accepted.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) benefits from your donations or time as a volunteer for their many community projects. “Walks in the Woods” are on the first and third Sundays each month. Meet at Saluda Library parking lot at 2 p.m. For information on hikes, contact Chuck Hearon at 828-817-0364 or chearon@skyrunner.net. Contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit www.saludasclt.org to learn more about our local land trust.

There’s a free Veterans’ Breakfast at Ward’s Grill every third Thursday of the month.

Saluda Historic Depot is located at 32 West Main Street and is open Thursday-Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Saluda Train Tales are held on the third Friday each month at 7 p.m. through October.

Saluda Center will have a community potluck and bingo night on August 28, 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share.

Saluda School starts back on August 28.

The grand finale Top of the Grade Concert at McCreery Park is Sept. 1 with Super 60’s, a group that plays a musical retrospective of the 1960’s. Music is from 7-9 p.m.

The annual Charlie Ward Memorial Pig Out is Sept. 9, from 5-7 p.m. at McCreery Park.

Happy August Birthday to B.J. Kent, Linda Kaye Haynes, Paul Stoney, Jen Pace, Zack Pace, Don Mintz, Caroline Tindal, Nora Ward, Samantha Ward, Reeda Ward, Natalie  Aabye, Verlie Murphy, Peter Eisenbrown, Coleman Bradley, Ryan Bradley, Cameron Scott, Chris Brink, Abe Thomas, Libby Archer, and Cathy Jackson. Don’t forget to add your birthday to the list!

Thank you, dear readers, for reading this column. You can contact me at bbardos@gmail.com, 828-749-1153, or bonniebardosart.com.