The sheriff of a small town in the South was less than cooperative with the local Jewish community.

One day a dead mule was found on the front steps of the synagogue. Rabbi Meltzer quickly called the police.

The sheriff answered and said, "Well, you have a dead mule. I thought you Rabbis take care of the dead."

"Of course we do," said Meltzer. "But it is proper and customary to first get in touch with their immediate family"