With the recent tragic news stories about children, Rancho Bernardo is privileged to have it’s own McGruff, the Crime Dog, to teach our children about danger from strangers.

Award-winning McGruff, the Crime Dog, lives in the Police Storefront above the Rancho Bernardo library and is barking for help. He needs more little friends to talk to. He’s got a lot to talk to them about, too. We cannot be too careful these days, and McGruff knows how to talk to kids about strangers.

McGruff talks to children about "stranger / danger" - how to react to someone who may approach the kids that they do not know. He teaches them about 9-1-1 and how to use it and not abuse it. He teaches them about bicycle safety and the rules to follow. He wants them to know that the policeman is their friend; to be alert and report things they don’t think are right to a policeman, an adult, parents, or teachers.

He stresses the importance of saying "NO to drugs," and the danger of fire and playing with matches. It is so important that the children are given this guidance and this information at a young age while they are so impressionable. It will make them better citizens (ready to help others) and prevent them from becoming victims.

The McGruff team is growing. Now there are five: Merv Adams, Stan Gingold, Lola Bellinger, Jean Richmond and Bill Talcott, and they put on ‘the dog’ whenever asked.

Look what our furry hero has been up to. Since the team was started in 1994, it has educated and delighted over 31,000 children, received an Appreciation Certificate and a donation of colorful goody bags from the Rancho Bernardo Community Council, as well as receiving the prestigious Channel 10 Leadership Award. And, for the past three years, McGruff has averaged four to five appearances a month. It’s a little slow right now, so call him at 538-8146 if your children’s group would like a visit. McGruff can help strengthen your own rules for your kids.

And what do the McGruff team members say? "We love what we’re doing, so bring on the kids!" Their next appearance is for the Westwood Community Center Swim Team on Wednesday, August 14 at 10 a.m. Call him at the Police Storefront at 538-8146. He’ll be glad to come to your school, pre-school, church or synagogue, play school, safety fair, community picnics, or any other place where children hang out. McGruff often works with the RSVP’s fingerprinting detail. Call if you want this service, as well.

Go to www.McGruff.com to find out more. You can find out if your child is ready to stay home alone, if your child knows all the basics about safety in a house alone, choosing a camp site, cybersafe kids, tips for the adults who spend time around children, how to deal with the dangers children face. This is a great web site for children and adults.