[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14491]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    ON THE RETIREMENT OF GARY BOGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2012

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my 
colleagues Congressman Jerry McNerney and Congressman John Garamendi to 
take this opportunity to recognize and congratulate Contra Costa Times 
pet and wildlife columnist Gary Bogue as he retires after 42 years of 
public service.
  Gary began his long career as a columnist in 1970 while still working 
at the Lindsey Wildlife Museum. During his thirteen year tenure as 
curator of the museum, he established one of the Nation's first 
wildlife rescue programs, tending to injured wildlife and raising a 
wide variety of orphaned animals. In 1982, Gary signed on as a full-
time writer with the Contra Costa Times, using the skills and knowledge 
he gained as a curator to share his expertise on wildlife and domestic 
animals with the public in his own daily column.
  As a prominent voice for preserving and protecting the environment in 
our region, Gary has left a lasting impact on our community. In 1990, 
when Oakland Athletics manager and animal-lover Tony La Russa realized 
that there was not a single ``no-kill'' shelter for animals in the 
area, he called on Gary for help. Together they cemented the idea that 
a nonprofit shelter was urgently needed. A year later La Russa launched 
his Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), which has helped countless homeless 
and unwanted pets to find permanent homes. Through his column, Gary has 
also spread awareness about the importance of preserving our natural 
land and has been a valued partner with such organizations as Save 
Mount Diablo and the Muir Heritage Land Trust in advocating the 
preservation of open space in the East Bay.
  Over the years, Gary's work has been widely recognized throughout the 
Bay Area as his writing was picked up by the Oakland Tribune, San Mateo 
County Times, and the San Jose Mercury News. He has also written five 
books that have connected with environmentalists and wildlife advocates 
worldwide.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commending Gary 
Bogue for his committed and diligent service to the community, our 
natural environment and the wildlife whose space we share on this 
planet. I am pleased to join his family, friends, and colleagues in 
congratulating Gary on an outstanding career and wish him the very best 
as he begins a well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________