Article and primary photos by
Michael Morgan
AE Magazine November–December 2008
28
AE Magazine November–December 2008
29
This story begins
on a somewhat
sad note with
the loss of Danny and Susan
Martin’s beloved pet dog
“Ranger”. But, as such stories
often go, it has a very happy
ending.
The Martins serve together as full-
time Park Rangers at the Philpott Lake,
Army Corps of Engineers Recreational
Area near Bassett, Virginia. One day as they were driving along a narrow coun-
try road in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near their home, Susan
spotted out of the corner of her eye a small, somewhat emaciated light-tan
colored, mixed breed puppy, peering out at them from the center of a pile of
old automobile tires which had been thoughtlessly discarded alongside the
road. Stopping to investigate, they concluded that the puppy, just like the
FACING: Susan and Danny Martin pose with Bob-
ber overlooking a portion of Philpott Lake where they
serve as Park Rangers. TOP: The entrance hall to the
Corps Visitor’s Center at Philpott. BOTTOM: Beautiful
Philpott Lake located in Southwest Virginia near Bas-
sett has 100 miles of rugged and wild shoreline. It is
situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
AE Magazine November–December 2008
30
AE Magazine November–December 2008
31
abandoned tires, had been tossed aside by a thoughtless and
uncaring person.
The small animal had been doing the best it could to
survive on its own. Skittish at first, the puppy refused to come
when coaxed by the Martins. However, after a great deal of per-
suasion he timidly gave in to their kindness. Checking with the
few homes nearby to attempt to determine if the puppy had
come from there, the Martins eventually found it had indeed
been abandoned. Adopting the puppy as their own was an
easy decision for them to make.
Following a trip to the local veterinarian office for a quick
check-up, and a couple of weeks getting acclimated within
the Martin’s household, a comment was made that they had
yet