Better Part of Sunday

A week ago was not a spa weekend. Glad he felt better this weekend.

I've written a lot about last Sunday. It was not a good night. But I need to remember that it was a very good afternoon.

I went out to see Julian, who had so many burrs I thought I'd be there de-burring all night. In fact, a little (or a lot) of Show Sheen, a sturdy horse comb, and a sturdy tree make it all go much faster--even with his long tail and forelock 10 feet out of my reach.

The lighter-colored horses were all afflicted too, of course, and having just seen all these pics of Eddie Fisher and Debby Reynolds on-line, these horses' forelocks all reminded me of Debbie Reynolds signature bangs. Joke was lost on the horses, of course.

After freeing my guy from his entanglements, I moved him to the adjacent field, which is more of a wide-open expanse with room to run. I've long grown tired of the fight to tack him, so I swung up bareback (with mounting block--I'm not Catwoman) with his Parelli halter and lead tied as reins. I brought along my "carrot stick," the light training rod everyone who doesn't believe in Parelli makes fun of, for direction, and that worked great until I reached the bottom of the field and, you guessed it, dropped it. Insert expletives here. Julian actually played with it for a moment and had I NOT needed to get it back, he would have lifted it up so I could reach it. That didn't happen, of course, so I slid off, got my stick, and proceeded to hike back up the hill to my mounting block.

Next time around I just laced the carrot stick string around my wrist as a make-shift crop and we started over.

We had a really good ride, though he wasn't as up for running as much as usual. So we trotted as much as I thought my discs could take, and cantered as much as he would take. Then we cooled off a bit and we entered Zen territory. You see, this time I brought my iPod. What a difference a little music makes. He found a good spot to graze in the sun, I scooted my seat back as far as possible and laid down on his back, resting my chin between his large shoulder blades (withers), interlacing my fingers in what's left of his mane. Then kept nodding off to Jimi Hendrix "Sky Cries Mary", some mesmerizing Minus the Bear, and this great one from the Indigo Girls, which I now see happened to be quite prophetic.

Secure Yourself by Indigo Girls

Words and Music: Amy Ray

Secure yourself to heaven hold on tight the night has come
Fasten up your earthly burdens, you have just begun

In the ink of the night I saw you bleed, through the thunder I could hear you
scream
Solid to the air I breathe, open-eyed and fast asleep
Falling softly as the rain, no footsteps ringing in your ear
Ragged down worn to the skin, warrior raging have no fear

Secure yourself to heaven hold on tight the night has come
Fasten up your earthly burdens, you have just begun

I'm kneeling down with broken prayers hearts and bones from days of youth
Restless with an angel's wing I dig a grave to bury you
No feet to fall you need no ground, allowed to glide right through the sun
Released from circles guarded tight, now we all are chosen ones

Secure yourself to heaven hold on tight the night has come
Fasten up your earthly burdens, you have just begun

Secure yourself to heaven hold on tight the night has come
Fasten up your earthly burdens, you have just begun

In the ink of the night I saw you bleed through the thunder I could hear you
scream
Solid to the air I breathe, open-eyed and fast asleep
Falling softly as the rain, no footsteps ringing in your ears
Ragged down worn to the skin, warrior raging have no fear

Secure yourself to heaven hold on tight the night has come
Fasten up your earthly burdens, you have just begun

So I just want to thank Julian for a wonderful spa treatment that was probably exactly what I needed before the dog shit hit the fan at home.

Didn't wear my helmet at the ranch--should have worn it to walk the dogs...

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Time for Action

DANGER--AGGRESSIVE ROTTWEILER

Rottweiler at corner of W. Prairie and Main St. gets loose and VICIOUSLY ATTACKS small dogs with no warning

I was attacked in April and Sept without provocation while walking my pit bull and Chihuahua on leashes past this property. Rottie went straight for small dog with intent to kill. Owner had no control over dog, and he gets loose and/or slips out of collar OFTEN. I was also at risk personally since the only way to save my small dog both times was to roll on top of him, leaving me exposed to the attacker. I’m grateful for my large dog—my small dog would not be alive without her— but even she’s smaller than this aggressor. My Chihuahua has sustained serious injuries in both attacks and is now too fearful to be picked up or leave the house.

UNTIL HE ATTACKS ANOTHER DOG this Rottie is allowed to remain. I find this outrageous. If you agree, call the Columbus Police at (920) 623-5919.

SO STAY AWARE of your surroundings at all times by the corner brick home at W. Prairie and Main: He charges much faster than you can grab your dog.

DON’T LET YOUR PET BE THE NEXT VICTIM!

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Today I start posting this warning sign in my neighborhood. Bought my staple gun last night and I'm locked and loaded. The officer told me Monday night that she couldn't stop me from doing that, so I took that as permission. I did NOT state he was a danger to humans because I do not intend to give the owners any grounds for liable. But anyone who sees these signs will easily connect the dots.

Dickens wagged his tail a lot last night but wouldn't come up on the sofa again with us after I tried to look at his leg wound--didn't even touch it--but that was too much. He just curled up in the corner of his large potty kennel on a towel. At night I have him go into his small kennel and then I put that up on the bed with us. Can't pick up my own dog.

Gonna be a long trip back for Dickens. And me. Just enraged. Feel better now that I have something physical to do--the posters. The one officer trained in animal control gets back from vacation tomorrow so I probably won't get a chance to meet with him until I get back Thursday. (Won a trip to World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY from Sun-Wed.) Given Dickens' mental state, I am kenneling him at the hospital where they treated him while I am gone. I can't even leave him with family, since he cannot be caught or wear his harness due to his injuries. It will be stressful for him, but my main concern is his safety.

Thanks to everyone for their well-wishes!

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Columbus Animal Protection Rights Do Not Exist

From Facebook tonight:

Dickens and I are home. I am too angry to write much, and I hate to further enflame my dogs' fanbase, but they will do nothing about or to the Rottweiler that has attacked us twice. Owners will get a citation and possible fine--I'll find out more in the days to come. Police can't make them put up Dangerous Animal signs, nor decree that he wear a muzzle. She said they only take possession of dogs if several people have reported being bitten--and that is very rare. She said they've never taken a dog because it attacked pets.

So you are leaving it to me, then? I asked the officer. Because I WILL do something. There is still more talking to do with the dept--including their dog officer. I thank the local clinic, Columbus Countryside Vet Clinic for giving me his card and taking care of my baby today. I am going to see if the dog officer will help me promote laws to protect us. They have the laws I mentioned in the next town--Fall River--but not here. He wants that changed, the officer said, and so do I.

I also stopped on my way home to warn the 84 y.o. neighbor Phyllis that Cuddles the Shih Tzu was in danger. OMG--she went OFF on that owner before I even finished my sentence. She was furious and is terrified of the dog--who has run across the street towards her and her dog before. She's on my team, that's for sure. She will be calling the police tomorrow to report numerous infractions--she was horrified to hear what happened last night--but not surprised. Her son, by the way, is a prominent attorney in Madison. Looks like I just made me a new friend.

It also looks like I have something to keep me busy for awhile.

P.S. Any of you watch LOST? Looks like I need me my own Jesus stick, cuz there's a new sheriff in town. Wouldn't hurt to have Mister Eko walk with us, either.

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Dickens vs. Rottweiler, Round Two

For those of you not on Facebook or Twitter, or for those who have an insane desire to hear the full gory story, I am posting the police report I will submit this evening after Dickens, Ginger and I were once again attacked by the neighbor's Rottweiler last night. Having to leave all the variations of the word "fuck" shortened it up from 7 to just 3 pages, single-spaced. I will jump to the end and tell you Ginger once again probably saved his life. Dickens is bruised, punctured, and terrified of his own shadow again, but he will recover. Ginger got away with an ear scratch, but once again did everything she could to get that dog off of him--and me.

COLUMBUS POLICE DEPARTMENT COLUMBUS, WISCONSIN
STATEMENT OF: Nancy Dietrich

This evening I was taking my dogs, an American Staffordshire Terrier, Ginger, and a Chihuahua, Dickens, on our usual walk around the block (3x/day) when we approached the residence of 325 W. Prairie St. Both my dogs were leashed. We have had numerous run-ins with their dog, a male Rottweiler, over the course of the last year and a half. Accordingly, I watch very carefully for signs of the dog and turn back if I believe he is tied out or otherwise present. The yard was clear on Main St. so we proceeded around the corner. Just as we reached the edge of the property on W. Prairie St. (still on the sidewalk) I saw the Rottweiler race around the south corner of the house, possibly for a toy I saw lying there.

The instant he saw us he ran straight at us. The owner also saw him run at us and repeatedly yelled his name, to which he did not respond. He was wearing a loose collar. I yelled at him in a very loud voice to stop when he reached us, but he immediately started attacking both of my dogs, trying to get past my larger dog to reach the Chihuahua. I did not release my leashes so soon I was completely tangled up and on the ground with all three dogs. I tried repeatedly to grab my Chihuahua but he was terrified and was biting at everyone, so I got bitten badly on my right ring finger. I also tried grabbing the Rottweiler’s collar but he was too fast. Within seconds he had my small dog in his mouth and was shaking him like a rag doll. My small dog was screaming and my large dog was barking, trying to distract the Rottie. The owner of the Rottie at some point grabbed his collar and he immediately slipped out of it. He returned to attacking my Chihuahua. By this time we had been dragged off the sidewalk onto the grass. The other owner, too, fell, and soon all of us were tangled in dogs. In desperation, I rolled over onto my Chihuahua, hoping the Rottie would not attack me. He did not. At this point the Rottie’s owner was able to scruff him and get him in a restraining hug.


All were exhausted by this point so we all just stayed where we were for several minutes to catch our breath. I tried again to pick up my Chihuahua and he could not be approached. He was shaking, hurt, and terrified. (He was a rescue from May 2009 and has huge anxiety/fear issues.) I could see he was covered with saliva but the only blood I could see was on my right hand, probably inflicted by my Chihuahua. And no, he never bites me under normal conditions.
As we were sitting there, the owner asked me why I continued to walk by her house—which takes up almost ¼ the block—knowing that her dog will attack mine if he’s loose. A yelling match ensued as I told her that 1) I did avoid her corner when possible but that 2) we live 4 houses apart and I cannot completely avoid it. I also informed her that it was NOT my responsibility to keep her dog contained so mine would be safe. The sidewalk is public property. ALL the dogs—and small children that walk that street have a right to be safe from aggressive animals. And currently, they are not.

Prior to this attack, on several occasions last year and earlier this year, we would find ourselves in the area of her property (on the sidewalk, and leashed) only to see the Rottweiler come running from the other side of the enormous house being exercised or let out to do its business. It is impossible to see all sides of the property upon approach from either direction because it is a very large corner house. The first few times her dog ran up to us, my large dog and the Rottie faced off but the owner was able to reach him before he did anything. My dog did not, on any of these occasions, make threatening moves towards him. I have owned her since birth and she is NOT an aggressive dog. The Rottweiler was a rescue—his prior history is unknown. However, the two dogs the owner had prior to this one, a small one called Rex and a type of lab that ran away, were also always off-leash. They seemed to pose no threat so I never said anything to her about them.

On April 24, 2010, the Rottweiler surprised us again and he began to attack my dogs long before the owner could reach us. During the entire dog fight, she stood off to the side as I wrestled to scoop up my Chihuahua and restrain my pit bull, which attacked the rear of her dog when she witnessed the Rottie attack my Chihuahua. In this fight as well, the Rottie took my small dog in his mouth, shook him violently, and tossed him in the air. It was muddy that day so I was on the ground with them all as the owner stood by yelling at her dog. Eventually I rolled over my Chihuahua with my body and trusted my large dog to defend me from the Rottie. At this point the owner finally moved over and grabbed his collar. I was crying and too upset to talk to her so I told her I would inform her later of his injuries. I drove Dickens to Exceptional Care for Animals about 40 miles away in Madison where he was treated for pain and checked for internal injuries. He was diagnosed with bruising to the spine and ribs. I have attached the doctor’s report.

I visited the owner, Sherry, the following day to apprise her of Dickens’ condition and to present her with the bill of $184, which she paid. She was yelling at the dog in her house while it showed no aggression to me whatsoever, and I talked with her as calmly as possible, as a certified veterinary technician and owner of several types of dogs over the years, about her responsibilities as the owner of a large breed dog. I told her it was the law for our dogs to be under our control at all times. Since her voice commands had no effect, I told her she would have to leash or tie the dog when outside. She admitted that her husband was always yelling at her for not leashing the dog. There are dog parks for off-leash exercise, but I did not suggest that to her because I believe her dog would be a threat to other small dogs. I take my responsibility as a large dog owner VERY seriously. I cannot say the same of the Rottweiler’s owner, regardless of how many times we’ve had run-ins or how many times I have asked her to leash him. I really don’t think she gets the seriousness of this issue.

Following this attack in April, this Chihuahua I had worked with for nearly a year to overcome trust and fear issues, was terrified again, even in my own home, and panicked at the sight of any other dog on walks. He was too painful to manage my stairs for two days. My pit bull also became very defensive in her stance when we saw other dogs, so now I always cross the street to let other dogs pass. Though I wanted to avoid the Rottie’s house forever, I did not want my dogs to continue to suffer from their fear OR feel mine when walking on that side of our block, so we included that address at least once a day—unless I saw any evidence of the Rottie outside, in which case—and we did this dozens of times—we turned back and retraced our steps. My dogs stopped acting fearful after about a month. I never stopped fearing that house.

This neighborhood is filled with small dogs and small children. I am well aware of the danger constantly present at 352 W. Prairie St., but others are not. I did not contact the police in April and regret it, because perhaps this could have been prevented. I want NO CHANCE of this happening to either my dogs or anyone else’s—much less any of the small children (two right across her street) that play outside all the time and are very eager to approach any dog they see. Please don’t let this dog hurt anyone else. This may have been an accident—and she has been using tie-outs—but who has to get hurt, how many times, and how badly, before something is done?

At the very least I hope this woman and her husband are cited and/or fined for this dog’s repeated behavior, and I also ask that they post clear signs on both sides of the house stating that this dog may attack without provocation. I do not think this dog should be let outside at any time without a muzzle, but since he “slips past her” I don’t know if that would help. Ideally, I would like her to surrender control of the dog to a local shelter or animal control center. It is absolutely clear to me that she has no control over her dog and he has serious issues with small dogs.

Status update on dogs after last night: Ginger escaped with only a tooth scratch inside one ear but the veterinarian found that Dickens had a laceration from the Rottweiler’s teeth on his left stifle, and bruising on the right sternum. He is extremely sore in general and very frightened. Since I am forced to be away on business this next week, I will need to kennel Dickens at the hospital as I have no one that can treat him due to his current state of anxiety. I am asking that the Rottie’s owner cover both today’s vet bill, approx $400 and the cost of 5 days board next week, since I cannot cancel or reschedule my trip.

Personally, I suffered a major anxiety attack during and following the incident, and today am still suffering from major anxiety. I have a long history of difficulty with anxiety and depression and am not equipped to handle major stressors such as this. I have had difficulty breathing since last night and today my throat is constricted and I feel like there is an anvil on my chest. I am very fearful of this dog now because I have no doubt he will attack whenever he sees us. I am also extremely concerned about having to leave Dickens for 5 days so soon after the accident.

Lastly, the dog’s owner came to my house last night after the officer had left. She wanted to explain further, and make me understand how upsetting this was for her as well. I was still extremely upset and angry and I asked her to return home several times before she did. I was honest with her in telling her I was in no state to discuss what had happened. At that point I did not even know the extent of my dog’s injuries. She left me her phone number and said she would be home Monday evening after about 7 p.m.

If I can provide any further information I will be happy to do so. We are done living in fear of this Rottweiler.

Thank you.

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The International Family Tree of Hate

Everything the world needs to know about world history they can learn from viral e-mails.

As proof, I offer you the following, in no particular order:

Everything Americans needed to learn about Islam they learned on 9/11.

Everything the world needed to learn about Christians they learned from the pastor in Gainesville, FL who successfully garnered world attention by threatening to burn the holy book for Muslims, the Quran.

Everything the world needed to learn about Americans (abridged) they learned from:
--The genocide of American Indians
--The Spanish-American war of 1812
--The period of Black slavery and the Civil Rights struggle
--Their occupation of Iraq, and innumerable other countries
--The assassination of Iran’s democratically-elected leader Mossadeq in 1953 followed by insertion of US puppet Shah Reza Pahlavi, followed by the Islamic uprising led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Everything Americans needed to learn about Iran they learned from the hostage crisis--444 days between 1979-1981.

Everything the world needed to learn about Israelis (and Ariel Sharon) we learned from the massacre of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon in 1982.

Everything the world needed to learn about Judaism we learned in 1948 when Zionists occupied Palestine, and in 1967 when Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza, and briefly, the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt.

Everything the world needed to learn about Germans they learned from WWII.

Everything Germany needed to learn about the Allied Forces they learned during the bombing of Dresden.

Everything Japan (and the world) needed to learn about Americans they learned when we dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

Everything Americans needed to learn about Japan they learned on Dec 7, 1941 in Pearl Harbor.

Everything Arabs needed to learn about Britain and France they learned when they occupied and divvied up the Middle East following WWI in 1917.

Everything Indians needed to learn about the British they learned during the British occupation of nearly 200 years.

Everything Arabs needed to learn about the French they learned during their occupation of Algeria from 1830-1962.

Everything the French needed to learn about Algerians they learned from Algerian immigrants in France.

Everything Arabs needed to learn about Christians they learned during the Crusades over a period of nearly 200 years, between 1095 and 1291.

For a more local/American level, follow the jump.



Everything we needed to learn about the Catholic Church we learned with the exposure of centuries of sexual abuse of children by priests.

Everything we needed to learn about Mormons we learned from the trial of Warren Jeffs.

Everything the world needed to learn about Oklahomans they learned during the OK City bombing.

Everything the world needed to learn about Wisconsinites they learned from Jeffrey Dahmer.

Everything we needed to learn about American Southerners AND Northerners we learned during the Civil War.

Everything African-Americans needed to learn about White Americans they learned from former Alabama governor George Wallace and/or the Little Rock Nine (1957—See Wikipedia).

Everything I needed to learn about Texans (and African-Americans) I learned from my ex-husband and his family, who laughingly referred to the poor part of Andrews, TX as Niggertown. Andrews has a billboard that reads, “Jesus Loves Andrews.” I don’t know if that includes Niggertown.

Everything I needed to learn about men from Ohio I learned from a work associate who refers to the women in his family as the Kotex Gang, to Arabs as ragheads, and to a former African-American female work competitor as a nigger cunt.

Everything I needed to learn about people from Indiana I learned from the friend who sent me the truck covered with pictures of the WTC in flames and the Confederate flag that stated “Everything I needed to learn about 9/11 I learned from 9/11.”

Everything I needed to learn about Virginians—and NASCAR fans—I learned from the VA license plate on that truck.

*********************************************

What a relief we don’t have to think anymore. It was really giving me a headache.

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From the blog:


AIRMINDED

Airpower and British Society 1908-1941 (mostly)

Picture's history unknown--spotted by photographer Brett Holman in Melbourne, Australia, Dec 19, 2007

Great, though unrelated, peace graphic after the jump.

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In remembrance of 3000 lives of all faiths who died on this day 9 years ago, as well as the uncountable lost in wars of vengeance since then.

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"Pastor cancels Quran-burning, then reconsiders."

"Pastor cancels Quran-burning, then reconsiders."

I have a solution for everyone.

Let's just put all the Qurans in his church first.

What a sorry motherfucker. Read more!

RAY BRADBURY--WHERE ARE YOU?????

On a positive note, at least Koran sales will go up this week in Gainesville, FL. On another positive note, I'm too far away (and broke) to bring a stack of Bibles and Torahs to join in the fun.

Fahrenheit 451, the classic book written by Ray Bradbury, takes place in an unspecified future time (some dialogue places it after 1990)in a hedonistic anti-intellectual America that has completely abandoned self-control...Illegal books mainly include famous works of literature, such as Walt Whitman and William Faulkner, as well as the Bible and all historical texts.

Click on the post title for more info from Wiki.

Ed. Note: You know, every time I tag a post with the topic "religion" I also have to tag it with "hate." I think I'll save some time and just make one tag: "religious hate," regardless of the fact that it has become (always has been?) redundant in my experiences.
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A Very Sad Day

Family picture, May 2008: Jeff, Jordan, Sarah, Taylor and Pluto

I am sorry to report that my sister Sarah and her husband, Jeff, had to put down their 10 y.o. German shepherd-cross, Pluto, tonight after his battle with cancer. He had a helluva personality, and always told you what he thought straight up. He was faithful and tolerant under some very stressful conditions, and was known by the whole extended family since puppyhood.

The Murray house will not be the same without him.

Jordan and Pluto at my house for Easter, 2008

SodaPop--remember not to provoke Pluto when he gets to Heaven. He can still kick your tiny ass.

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Wait for it, Myles and Slash fans!

Sister sarah, left, our man Myles Kennedy, and me. Thanks to Mike from security for taking the pic! You rock!

I WILL write up last night's show as soon as my head stops spinning and my heart stops racing. Nothing in the world beats being front and center at a concert where the artists are so fucking kind, humble and accessible. Sexy doesn't hurt, either. ;)

And to the nice guy from Green Bay I met waiting in line for our CD's--I forgot your name (classic) but would enjoy hearing from you. Jump in on Twitter or e-mail me at ndietrich66@yahoo.com.

Myles and Slash fans are great! Such an extended family... Best rocking AND best-behaved pit I've ever been in. Nice rocking out with adults and well-behaved kids! Made it all the more enjoyable, if that's even possible!



It's coming, I promise! Read more!

Re-Post of "Starlight" Gulf Spill Video

Here is the Gulf Oil Spill Disaster video I set to Slash and Myles Kennedy's song "Starlight."

Re-posting in honor of

a) Slash and Myles Kennedy's upcoming concert in Milwaukee, 09/05
b) the latest oil rig explosion 100 mi off the coast of LA and TX
c) the cool college kid at Office Depot who printed out my concert posters AND who promised to go buy Slash's CD (Holding you to it!)



Hey, it was my first video. At least the vocals and guitar are great! Read more!

Myles and Slash--Rocket Queen at the Warwick in SF 2010

If I say I don't need anyone
I can say these things to you
'Cause
I can turn on any one
Just like I turned on you
I've got a tongue like a razor
A sweet switchblade knife
And I can do you favors
But then you'll do whatever I like

Chorus:

Here I am
And you're a Rocket Queen
I might be a little young
But honey I ain't naive
Here I am
And you're a Rocket Queen oh yeah
I might be too much
But honey you're a bit obscene

I've seen everything imaginable
Pass before these eyes
I've had everything that's tangible
Honey you'd be surprised
I'm a sexual innuendo
In this burned out paradise
If you turn me on to anything
You better turn me on tonight

Chorus

I see you standing
Standing on your own
It's such a lonely place for you
For you to be
If you need a shoulder
Or if you need a friend
I'll be here standing
Until the bitter end
No one needs the sorrow
No one needs the pain
I hate to see you
Walking out there
Out in the rain
So don't chastise me
Or think I, I mean you harm
Of those that take you
Leave you strung out
Much too far
Baby-yeah

Don't ever leave me
Say you'll always be there
All I ever wanted
Was for you
To know that I care

Myles could sing commercial jingles and he's sound like a fucking god.

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