Home Town Heroes Recognized For Dog Rescue
The City of Maryland Heights often recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to our community as "Home Town Heroes." We had a very special guest make an appearance at a council meeting to help identify three individuals who saved her life - a little dog named Joelle.
At the end of September, Animal Control Officer Joel Armstead received a call for an abandoned female shih tzu dog. She had been abandoned in her crate, sick and in desperate need of medical attention. ACO Armstead was unable to locate the dog's owner and knew that the little dog would not survive without surgery. ACO Armstead reached out to Bridgeton resident and known animal advocate, Nancy Lupia, who initiated a private fundraising effort to finance the surgery. Lupia was able to raise over $800 in two and a half days. ACO Armstead and Lupia then reached out to local Maryland Heights veterinarian, Dr. Jan Chipperfield. Dr. Chipperfield agreed to come in on her day off to care for the dog and perform emergency surgery. Even with the amount of donations from a very generous community, the amount raised fell short of what was due. Dr. Chipperfield forgave the rest of the bill and continued to provide care for the dog, who has since made nearly a complete recovery.
If it were not for the quick thinking of ACO Armstead, the passion of Nancy Lupia, and the generosity of Dr. Jan Chipperfield, this animal would not have survived. On November 15, 2022, this little dog walked into the Council Chambers and lit up the room. Her bright and cheerful spirit was felt by everyone who encountered her. At this council meeting, Mayor Moeller recognized ACO Armstead, Nancy Lupia, and Dr. Jan Chipperfield as Home Town Heroes. The little dog has been named Joelle (after ACO Joel Armstead) and now resides with Nancy.
We would like to thank our Home Town Heroes for their love, kindness, and compassion towards the animals in our community!
At the end of September, Animal Control Officer Joel Armstead received a call for an abandoned female shih tzu dog. She had been abandoned in her crate, sick and in desperate need of medical attention. ACO Armstead was unable to locate the dog's owner and knew that the little dog would not survive without surgery. ACO Armstead reached out to Bridgeton resident and known animal advocate, Nancy Lupia, who initiated a private fundraising effort to finance the surgery. Lupia was able to raise over $800 in two and a half days. ACO Armstead and Lupia then reached out to local Maryland Heights veterinarian, Dr. Jan Chipperfield. Dr. Chipperfield agreed to come in on her day off to care for the dog and perform emergency surgery. Even with the amount of donations from a very generous community, the amount raised fell short of what was due. Dr. Chipperfield forgave the rest of the bill and continued to provide care for the dog, who has since made nearly a complete recovery.
If it were not for the quick thinking of ACO Armstead, the passion of Nancy Lupia, and the generosity of Dr. Jan Chipperfield, this animal would not have survived. On November 15, 2022, this little dog walked into the Council Chambers and lit up the room. Her bright and cheerful spirit was felt by everyone who encountered her. At this council meeting, Mayor Moeller recognized ACO Armstead, Nancy Lupia, and Dr. Jan Chipperfield as Home Town Heroes. The little dog has been named Joelle (after ACO Joel Armstead) and now resides with Nancy.
We would like to thank our Home Town Heroes for their love, kindness, and compassion towards the animals in our community!