Story Archive

In the Doghouse

Brian McGuinn, 34, was in trouble. The Margate, Fla., man threw some stuff into the trash without his wife’s permission. Included in the debris was his wife’s platinum engagement ring with a 1.5 carat diamond. By the time the problem was discovered the trash had been picked up, and was somewhere in a 9-ton mountain of garbage at the Wheelabrator dump in Pompano Beach. McGuinn was warned by dump employees that over the years only one person found something they had accidentally thrown away — after searching eight hours a day for three days. But he bravely accepted a hard hat, protective suit, gloves, and a mask from the crew and dove in. The smell made him vomit, but within an hour he found his trashbag. He hadn’t tied it, and the ring wasn’t inside. So he removed his glove and started searching by feel in the five-inch-deep black puddle where he found the bag. He found the ring, took it to a jeweler for a thorough cleaning, and presented it back to his wife. Based on his experience, McGuinn had this advice for his son: “Even if you have to sort through a pile of crap, persevere.” (RC/Miami Herald) ...Which is the same advice to follow when looking for a spouse.