Civic Association Elects Dog As President

The Hillbrook-Tall Oaks Civic Association in Annandale, VA, a nice group of community-minded citizens, didn’t know much about Ms. Beatha Lee, a new resident.

This past election, to make the meeting move faster, only the names and qualifications of the candidates were announced. Running for president, Ms. Beatha Lee was described as a relatively new resident, interested in neighborhood activities and the outdoors, and who had experience in Maine overseeing an estate of 26 acres.

Though unfamiliar with Lee’s name, the crowd of about 50 raised their hands, assuming that the candidate was a civic-minded newcomer. These days, it’s hard to get anyone to volunteer to devote the time needed to serve as an officer. The slate that Lee headed was unanimously elected. Everyone ate ice cream, watched a karate demonstration and went home.

It was weeks later when many found out that Ms. Lee is, in fact, a wheaten terrier.

“She had a name,” said Robin Klein Browder, who grew up in the neighborhood and moved back after she got married. “It wasn’t Spot or Rover. It was a first and last name, so everyone thought she was human. I’m not thrilled, I’m embarrassed.”

…Dave Frederickson, who read the dog’s name and qualifications to the crowd at the annual meeting, said: “Many people, like myself, were amused. But some were extremely upset. I’ve spent a lot of time on the phone explaining things.”

The duly elected president is actually the pet of the former president, Mark Crawford, who inherited Beatha (pronounced Bee-AH-tah) in 2008 from his mother and stepfather in Maine.

Crawford didn’t want to run again, and put his dog in contention out of frustration, and lack of a suitable challenger. Perhaps Beatha will be able to manage the calender of ice cream socials and block parties with a little help.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.