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Past diary entries Doll's Diary Account by Doll Stanley, May 3rd, 2005 I look forward to relieving my soul with you each week. It has been a very good week, even with the troubles we’ve had to face. We placed six dogs and pups in new homes on Friday and Sunday. It was wonderful to see Henry and Gloria go home together, and their brother, David went to live with two other dogs adopted from us earlier. Lassie, Anna Banana Rosanna and Olivia were also adopted, but then Olivia's new guardian called to say that she sheds. Wow! What a surprise. Debbie picked her up, and she was only too happy to rejoin her brother Tony here until a real guardian comes along. Leslie, one of our very timid dogs, went home with a woman who was heart bound to make up for all that went wrong in her puppyhood. We love to see the shy ones get homes. They need very special guardians. The week went by almost in a blur. There was so much to do, and so much got done. Yesterday was trying. I found out late Friday night that one of my court convictions from about a year ago was appealed, and the hearing took place yesterday at 9:00 a.m. On Saturday before church, I called the Judge and asked for her help. I just had to be at the Rankin County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday to speak out for the mare that died because their Animal Control Officer (ACO) failed to act on numerous reports that were submitted over a period of months. She gave me the Chancery clerk’s home number, and after I spoke with him he called the prosecuting attorney. I heard from him by the time church was over, and he said he would request a continuance. After church I revisited two horse cases, and was pleased with the progress in both. I did ask the guardian to separate a nursing mare from the stallion who fathered her colt because he wanted to breed with her but she is in no condition to do so right now. The guardian compliantly moved the stallion to another stall. At the Ranking County Board meeting on Monday, six women who witnessed the mare’s suffering joined me and four of us spoke. A concerned couple also expressed their shock at how her plight was ignored. I initiated our presentation with the cold hard facts as to how this poor mare suffered for months before any action was taken. I described exactly how the ACO had failed to address her plight, and gave details as to who had called to report her neglect at each stage of her suffering. I finished up by requesting a three-day suspension for the ACO as an incentive for him to take his job responsibilities seriously. I also suggested that he receive training if that was what he needed. My speech was well received by the Board with the exception of one member who said that while he valued my judgment in the matter of the cruelty issue, their personnel issues were none of my business. I politely said that it was part of the process to advise the Board on how these matters should be handled. After we finished and stepped out into the hall, reporters approached us for details and statements. Two newspapers covered the story, and asked for photos to use. I hope that by bringing public attention to this tragedy we can prevent anything like this from happening again. The attorney for the Sheriff's Department came out and very nicely told me that he would take the matter up, and that I should feel free to call him, but that he would definitely get back to me. From there Cindy Bailey and I went to the Jackson studios of Channels 12 and 3 for television interviews. Cindy is an ACO from Clinton, Miss., and one of our buddies. She looks into horse neglect for Mississippi Animal Rescue League (MARL) and us, and helps out with adoptions and training when she can. I have to laugh because I asked a "we come to you" carwash team to wash our van while Ch 12 was interviewing me. When we finished we went to the barn Cindy works in and I took photos to get some ideas for our own barn so we’ll be ready when it’s time to make the big decision. Teddy Bear, a dog who was rescued by a woman in Tennessee, came to the sanctuary today. The woman does a lot of cat rescue, and her ferals were afraid of him. She was a lovely woman, and was pleased with her experience of Project Hope. Our friend from the Pet Gazette planned to come with her to do a story on her visit, but was unable to. However, she may still yet write a story about us. I sent her some photos, and our visitor can tell her all about what she thought of Project Hope. Meanwhile, things around the sanctuary have been shaping up. Mr. Mims, our builder, was here this morning to look at a few small maintenance jobs regarding the buildings and decks he built for us. A kind and generous fellow, he agreed to do most of the repairs for free. However, some improvements are needed, so he will give us a price for the materials but waive his labor fee. The Orkin man came by to give us a quote on parasite prevention for the dog areas, and said he would do it for $100.00 a month. At least that’ll help keep the dogs healthy and happy. Sonya has the grounds looking fantastic. She is nearly finished subduing the rapid plant growth that sprouted up after the spring rains. There’s so much more I want to leave you with, but I have to get to Dr. Bailey's to pick up two cats from surgery and drop off seven abandoned pups: hopefully, we can place them from his office. I'll try to get the Grenada Star to come out and give us some publicity. Aside from tons of calls, paperwork, etc., that’s mostly what I did this week. I gotta run now, so bye for now! Doll |
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