Joe Galaszewski was one of the regulars who hung out on Second Street in Belmont Shore, and whom everyone knew. He usually could be found in front of the Rite-Aid on Second Street and Nieto Avenue chatting with passersby. People would frequently toss a dollar or two into a cup he kept in front of him—not that he ever asked for any money, but the bare stump that was all that remained of the leg he left in ’Nam was probably an inducement. It could also have been his friendliness and open manner; Joe enjoyed talking to people.
And if that wasn’t reason enough, there was his dog.
Lucky, a small, graying black Lab about 8 ½ years old, was Joe’s constant companion and most loyal comrade. She lay by the side of his wheelchair enjoying the attention of visitors, especially children. Joe’s best friend, Stan Lawbonoski, said that Lucky was only about 6 weeks old when Joe picked her up in Michigan. They’d been together ever since, and Lucky had not left Joe’s side until August 24.
Joe was severely ill with colon cancer and was in severe pain, according to Lawbonoski. He made occasional trips to St. Mary’s hospital, where both he and Lucky were well known and well liked. On Aug. 24, after being discharged, Joe was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Anaheim Street and Lime Avenue. That was the only time that Lucky left Joe alone—she seemed to know where Joe would get help, and headed for St. Mary’s. The story of Lucky’s sadly unsuccessful attempt to save her companion’s life this time has been heartrendingly told by the Press-Telegram’s Greg Mellen
“If it weren’t for Lucky, Joe wouldn’t have survived [this long] with cancer,” Lawbonoski said. “Lucky gave Joe a reason to live.
According to Pastor James Proper, Joe joined Our Saviour’s Lutheran church a few years ago, worshipping with the congregation and attending Bible study. Pastor Proper offered him a home in assisted living, but Joe preferred to stay outside and be the guardian at the church’s gate, doing odd jobs and spending his nights on the church grounds with Lucky sleeping by his side.
“He washed windows and cars from his wheelchair,” Pastor Proper said. “Lucky cared for Joe as much as Joe cared for Lucky. They were each others lifelines and best friends.”
Mellen also wrote that the workers at Fire Station 2 were sharing babysitting duties with Katie Magee, an ER nurse at St. Mary’s, and were seeking a loving home for Lucky. We naturally wanted to help, but when we went to visit with Lucky, found that there was already a long list of people who wanted to take her home. The fire station personnel and Magee are sorting through the list; they all thank people for their thoughtfulness but aren’t accepting any more adoption applications. Lucky is staying with her friends at the station for now; she’s well cared for, loved and clean. She wagged her tail in the equivalent of a weak smile and allowed us to pet her, but ours weren’t the hands she was longing for.
There will be a memorial service for Joe Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 11 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Lucky will not be in attendance; The station personnel believe that she needs some quiet time, as she seems to be realizing that Joe won’t be coming back.
“I hope that people, if they want a dog, contact the shelter or a rescue,” said Fire Station 2’s Captain Greg Curiel as he considered the list of ready homes for dogs. We wonder if there would have been so many candidates for Lucky if she hadn’t been so well known and if her story weren’t so poignant. Every pet who’s lost a human companion in any way has his or her own sad story.
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.” – Anonymous
Our Saviour’s Memorial Church is located at 370 Junipero Ave. (562) 434-7400).
The Long Beach Police Department has released preliminary information on the hit-and-run, which isn’t intended as a formal investigative report. The information described a late-model white Astro van with a partial license plate of 4BX429, driven by an individual who witnesses described as a male Asian or Hispanic in his late 40s to early 50s with short spiky hair and a square face. The individual fled the scene in his vehicle after the collision. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Long Beach Police Accident Investigations Detectives Sirilo Garcia or David Lauro at (562) 570-7355.