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<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>I stole your dog today ~Jim Willis~</span></font></b></strong><b><font
size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:
bold'><br>
<br>
<strong><b><font face=Tahoma><span style='font-family:Tahoma'>"I stole
your dog today. No, I didn't set a foot on your property, but from the
condition of your dog, I can imagine what it looks like...the word
"junkyard" comes to mind.</span></font></b></strong><br>
<br>
<strong><b><font face=Tahoma><span style='font-family:Tahoma'>I found her along
a road, with a heavy chain wrapped around her neck, still attached to rotten
boards from her doghouse, with rusty six-penny nails protruding. Not only did I
know that most of the town had already ignored her, judging by where I found
her, but I knew that if she had gotten into the woods the "cross"
that she dragged behind her would have wrapped around a tree until starvation
or thirst killed her. The local populace is usually deaf to the sound or blind
to the sight of an animal in need, unless they decide to shoot one for
trespassing.</span></font></b></strong><br>
<br>
<strong><b><font face=Tahoma><span style='font-family:Tahoma'>That her ribs
showed, that her ears were filthy, that her overall condition was poor and that
her coat and eyes were dull, were good indications that you didn't deserve her.
But just to make sure, I checked with the local authorities for a report of a
missing (unlicensed) dog matching her description and to see if you'd placed a
"lost dog" advertisement in the local newspaper. You hadn't, which I
can only surmise means that you do not miss her. That's rather convenient,
because the fact that she is not spayed, probably unvaccinated, and possibly
heartworm positive means that restoring her health could cost me around a
thousand dollars.</span></font></b></strong><br>
<br>
<strong><b><font face=Tahoma><span style='font-family:Tahoma'>Perhaps it may be
some small comfort to know that she doesn't miss you. In fact, her very act of
escape made it clear that she'd had enough of your brand of pet guardianship.
It took her about a day to realize that I'm not you, that I won't hurt her,
that despite our brief acquaintanceship, I love her. It took two days for her
to realize that the other animals who live here accept her and that one of the
joys she has been missing has been the companionship of other dogs. It took
three days for her to appreciate the ecstasy of a home cooked meal and that a
couch is meant to be reclined on, and that she no longer has to sleep outside -
in fact, when the thunder starts, she'll get a hug and her ears rubbed, and
I'll make a fool of myself with baby talk.</span></font></b></strong><br>
<br>
<strong><b><font face=Tahoma><span style='font-family:Tahoma'>She has a
beautiful name now. Already in the first week she has come to look more like
she should. Her eyes sparkle and she has learned to wag her tail in greeting.
She has stopped flinching when I make a sudden movement, because she knows now
that I won't beat her, in fact, she rarely leaves my side. She's even become
brave enough to bark at a cat and today I watched from the window as she
initiated play with the other dogs. No, it's clear she does not miss you or her
former life of neglect on a chain.</span></font></b></strong><br>
<br>
<strong><b><font face=Tahoma><span style='font-family:Tahoma'>Of all the things
that have become apparent from my brief relationship with her - such as the
forgiving nature of the dog, their wonderful ability to heal and to trust, the
fact that love can work miracles - one of the most apparent is what a fool you
are. She was possibly the most trusting, loyal and loving being in your life,
and you consigned her to a life of filth and loneliness until she made the best
choice she's ever made when she broke free. Perhaps her guardian angel helped
her escape. Lest anyone should mistake me for an angel, I will admit that one
day I hope to be as good as she; I believe she forgave you within the first
twenty-four hours of her new life for the about four years of her previous
"life," while I still wrestle with the part of me that hopes that one
day you will burn in Hell.</span></font></b></strong><br>
<br>
<strong><b><font face=Tahoma><span style='font-family:Tahoma'>It's not clear
yet whether she'll remain here or whether I'll find her a loving home where she
can count on more individual attention than I can give her, but one thing is
certain, this is one bit of stolen "property" who is never returning
to you. So sue me, prosecute me, plead with the courts that she is rightfully
yours...I'm convinced this is the best "crime" I've ever committed.
Hardly anything has pleased me more than the day I stole your dog. I need only
look into her beautiful brown eyes to know that she'd defend my decision with
her life. If we have one prayer, it is that you will not replace her, and if we
have one special day to commemorate together, it is the day I stole your dog
and the day she stole my heart."</span></font></b></strong></span></font></b><font
size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Helena Poist<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Proplanner<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>2321 North Loop Drive</span></font></st1:address></st1:Street><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Ames</span></font></st1:City>,
<st1:State w:st="on">IA</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode w:st="on">50010</st1:PostalCode></st1:place><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>helena@proplanner.com<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>515-296-7526<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoAutoSig><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>fax: 515-296-3229<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoPlainText><font size=2 face="Courier New"><span style='font-size:
10.0pt'>http://www.proplanner.com<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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