Monday, May 24, 2004
She followed in the footsteps of her father and grandfather.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- After 33 years, Carol Markovich will have to get used to new sounds in her life.
"It's going to be unusual to hear birds singing in the morning instead of dogs barking," Markovich said.
The 51-year-old Markovich is retiring this month after working 33 years at the Mahoning County dog pound, including the last 14 years as dog warden. She lives in Boardman Township with her husband, John, and daughters Jessica and Gina.
"She's going to be hard to replace," said Commissioner Ed Reese.
John Silva, Cuyahoga County dog warden, said Markovich is well-respected around the state, and is often sought out by dog wardens from other counties who want her advice. She served four years as president of the Ohio County Dog Wardens Association.
Family ties
Markovich acknowledged that hers was an "unusual career choice," but said it was in her blood.
She took over the job from her father, Daniel E. Pecchio, who was dog warden from 1948 until his death in May 1990. Her grandfather, Andrew Pecchio, also had served as county dog warden from 1935 to 1943.
"I literally grew up with this. It's something that was virtually second nature to me," Markovich said, explaining that her father inspired her to follow in his footsteps.
"I saw his zeal and his commitment, and it impressed me to want to do the same thing."
Commissioner Vicki Allen Sherlock said that family streak of public service in the same job is impressive, and not likely to be seen again.
With her petite frame and business suits, Markovich knows she doesn't fit the stereotypical dog-catcher mold. She tends to the administrative end of the department, leaving the actual dog-catching to her staff. However, she has been known to occasionally wrangle a stray dog while on her way to the courthouse.
"That's just part of the job," she said, laughing. "People who know me know that I'm not going to just drive by and leave a dog out there."
During her tenure as dog warden, Markovich said she has tried hard to maintain a high profile for herself and the department. That, she said, has fostered a respect among the public for the department and its mission.
"You have to project animal control as the profession that it is," she said. "I think when people see you doing a job on their behalf, they tend to have more respect for you."
Laws
Markovich has always stressed the importance of dog owners registering their animals, which is required by law. She also has worked hard to enforce laws requiring pet owners to keep their animals confined or restrained.
That, she said, has resulted in a decrease in the number of dogs processed at the pound from 7,000 a year more than 30 years ago to about 2,000 last year.
And although she does not require people to spay or neuter dogs adopted from the pound, she makes sure that every new pet owner is thoroughly educated about the procedures.
"I don't agree with making it mandatory," Markovich said. "I think if you educate people the best you can, you can just leave it up to them and let them decide for themselves."
A recent survey of people who'd adopted animals from the pound showed that 75 percent of them had their animal sterilized, she said.
Markovich said most people don't realize that the dog warden is actually a law enforcement position. Being involved in developing and changing the laws that govern the profession has been one of her passions over the years.
"There are a lot of issues involved in animal control laws," she said, noting that she has frequently testified in Columbus on legislative issues. "I find that process very fascinating."
Markovich said she has no immediate plans to parlay her interest in the legislative process into a political career.
"I really have no plans at all right now," she said. "I would just like to exhale after sprinting in such a fast-paced job for so many years."
bjackson@vindy.com