To the editor:

While skiing in Fowler’s Crossing this week, my credit card decided to take its annual sabbatical in the snow. On any given day, my coat pockets tend to contain a mixture of loose change, my credit card, a Walgreens receipt, a green Skittle, and a crumpled yellow hallway pass from work.

The problem is that I am easily distracted. If, while adventuring in the woods, my kid calls for a ride, or if I feel compelled to snap a photo of a mushroom and research its name, or if my girlfriends send a hilarious group text, I reach for my phone in my half-zippered pocket. And many times when I do, a small piece of my life inevitably tumbles out.

This is at least the fourth time a friendly neighbor has rescued me from my own negligence. My credit card has previously been found in the parking lot of Casa del Sol, aisle 3 of Dollar General, on the side of Pine Street (by my own boys biking home from school), and — most impressively — the deep end of my friend Jen Tissot’s pool. Fun fact: credit cards don’t float.

To Bob Lepak and your trusty dog, who sniffed out my card in Fowler’s this week — thank you! You could have treated your buddies to a round of drinks, your dog to some gourmet chow, or filled your gas tank. Instead, you took the high road, dropped my card at the police station and tracked me down on social media.

It reminded me of the time I “lost” my dog, Arlo, on the Jackrabbit Trail a few years ago. After frantically calling for him for hours, I skied back to my car with tears and snot streaking down my face, convinced he was gone forever. When I reached the parking area on McKenzie Pond Road, he was literally curled up, sleeping in my driver’s seat. For a second, I thought I’d lost my mind — until I realized the used poop bag in my hand was physical evidence that he had, in fact, been on the trail with me. There was no note, so I assumed someone saw him hanging by my car and made the decision to tuck him safely inside.

I’m grateful for this incredible community where people look out for one another — especially people like me who haven’t quite mastered the art of holding onto their property or pets. To Bob and the many others who have stepped in to save my card or my dog over the years — I appreciate you.

Karen Miemis

Saranac Lake