Worlds of Imagination

So this is how big of a geek I am.  I grew up watching re-runs of Star Trek and wishing that I could ‘go where no man has gone before’.  My imagination was sparked by the voyages of an intrepid crew in a vast galaxy, threaded together by the strength of a Federation that helped various species live together in relative peace.

Star Trek started my love affair with science fiction.  At nine years old I was reading Heinlein, Niven, Bova, le Guin, Butler, and that rascal Harry Harrison.  They all talked about the human condition but in settings that challenged us to see beyond our circumstances. 

In the world of science fiction, you could talk about race relations, genocide, environmental responsibility, governmental missteps, scientific responsibility and let your imagination be free.  Exploration of the psyche, emotions, human condition is the name of the game.  No restrictions buy my own limitations.  I saw my own imagination grow, I saw my own ability to reason expand. 

I tell you all this because the world has lost a gem today.  Majel Barrett-Roddenberry passed away today of leukemia.  She was wife to Gene Roddenberry, creator of the Star Trek franchise and a mother.  But she was also a pioneering spirit.  She had no fear of the creation of her husband and was right there in the fray with him.  She carried on after his death in 1991. 

Whether it is an actor, writer or visionary, it is hard when women are lost to us who help us see beyond ourselves and into the great universe.  Majel Roddenberry was one of those women. 

Majel we'll miss you! May your adventures just be starting.

An Unexpected Visitor

     I’m sitting on my couch with my devoted pal Quizz.  When, we hear a couple of bangs and thuds.  No one is in the house but us and the cat.  Usually the cat is, well, cat-like, stealthy and quiet, only visiting us when he wants company.  To add to the oddness, the cat starts his chirping call.  The one he makes when he is on the hunt outside and sees his favorite quarry, the squirrel.

[caption id="attachment_437" align="alignright" width="61" caption="Charlie the Hunter"][/caption]

 Intrigued, I get up and investigate.  I don’t have to go far, there sits the cat.  Tail swishing frenetically back and forth while focused intently on the space between the toilet and the vanity.  The only thing between his quarry and himself was two trash cans.  Charlie, that’s the cat, senses my approach and imperiously meows at me.

 Translation “Stupid Human, how could you have these items between me and what I want?  Remove them immediately!”

I being the ever so obedient cat minion says, “Okay.” And I move the trash cans, not expecting to find more than an annoying silverfish.  Mind you those are gross and icky enough and must be destroyed.    

[caption id="attachment_428" align="alignleft" width="85" caption="The Intruder"][/caption]

 

Instead, I find a RODENT!!! I scream.  It darts Left! It darts Right! IT DARTS BETWEEN MY LEGS WITH AN OVER EXCITED CAT AFTER IT!

At that point the dog realizes that something is up and decides to join the fray.  He comes just in time to see the rodent, which my brain has since identified as a squirrel.  Always up for a game of chase, Quizz chases it into the sewing area. 

  This is not good, too many places to hide, too many places to never be found. But never fear!  Quizz has it cornered.   The cat is upset that his game has been interrupted. I’m trying to figure out how to capture the squirrel without blood being shed by anyone!

Now to be fair, the gradient size goes like this.  Human – really large (a lady never reveals her weight!). Dog – 60 lbs. Cat – 17 lbs. Squirrel – 6 oz. tops.   I can see where the squirrel would be a bit freaked out. 

I finally got the squirrel corralled in a trash can. Called a Wildlife Rehabilitator and found out it was not a juvenile squirrel but an adult flying squirrel that had come to visit.  Some how, I’m thinking that the squirrel is regretting its decision to the bottom of its curious soul.  As flying squirrels are nocturnal, all I had to do was release it in the backyard.  Boy did it run. 

The dog had to go out and try to find it, he never did. The cat keeps hanging around where he originally found the squirrel hoping that another one will magically appear.  Because one hasn’t, he’s getting a little annoyed and annoying.  He wants a squirrel!

Many mysteries remain.  No human, dog, cat or squirrel was harmed in the performing of this adventure.

Dog's Valor

     I find it curious, that when a story involving a dog that is clearly a pit bull, or at least a pit bull mix, is a hero the reporters do EVERYTHING in their power to avoid the words pit bull.

     Maybe they were afraid that talking about a dog attacking a home invader would make the pit bull situation more difficult. But I feel that if the emphasis had been on the DEFENSE of the family, the dog’s actions would have been seen in a favorable light no matter the breed.

     I’m glad that the actions of the dog was celebrated and that the family is safe. I’m grateful that the dog survived the experience, but I would have liked to see the reporting more specific and the dog’s actions seen as defensive instead of offensive.

Sharing is for the Birds!

It’s me again, the Quizz!  My Maddie came over on Sunday and we played, but my mom kept giving her all my chews!  Mom says I have to learn to share.

[caption id="attachment_346" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Mine! All Mine!"][/caption]

Hmmm, I don’t know about that.

Earning our Wings

UPDATE: The citizens of Oklahoma have truly opened their hearts and resources. WOW! They are earning their wings!

In the movie ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ little Zuzu says, “Look, Daddy, Teacher says, Every time a bell rings an angel get his wings.” Well, every time a pit bull is saved and angel has earned their wings, because they have one of the hardest jobs out there.
After the fiasco in Houston, it is heartwarming and reaffirming to see examples in different parts of the country were people are looking at dogs in busts as victims and evaluating them as such.
We have an example in LA, where the judge in the case laid down the law and let the defendants know that dog-fighting was indeed a felony and they were prosecuted and convicted to the full extent of the law.
The dogs from this bust were evaluated. Due to aggression and health issues, all but 4-5 dogs had to be euthanized. But the dogs were evaluated and given a chance. The ones that could be re-homed and live good lives were given a chance. That is what rescue is all about.
Another bust in Oklahoma, just over the Kansas State border, ‘100 distressed pit bulls’ were found neglected. The officer on the scene said ‘he saw only two dogs that were so aggressive that they made him feel uncomfortable.’ Veterinarians from the Oklahoma State Veterinary Board are going to evaluate the rest of the dogs for adoptability and fostering.
Despite the BSL in Kansas City, dog-lovers in Kansas and Oklahoma are rallying and sending food and supplies to the Kay County Sheriff's Office to help them until shelter and foster arrangements are made. THIS is the appropriate response to the unfortunate situation of dog-fighting busts. The dogs are NOT guilty, people are.
This is a far cry from the attitude of the officials in Houston, where they apparently think that there is no good pit bull and they can not be rehabilitated.
For pit bulls the statistics are bleak, but they are getting better and better because we are sounding the call of justice. We are putting faces and personalities to these sweet, sweet dogs. We are earning our wings.

Shame on You Houston!

      I am angry! I am pissed beyond belief! Why? Because 187 dogs were killed for being nothing but pit bulls in Houston, Texas. Let me be clear, I am not addressing the people of Houston but the leadership.  The Houston SPCA, the Law Enforcement and the Attorney Generals Office.  I know that there are responsible pit bull owners in the city of Houston and the state of Texas. 

     Houston, let us be honest. Denver, Colorado and any other community practicing Breed Specific Legislation have a least been up front in their discrimination and ignorance about the pit bull. They have legislation, rules and procedures in how to deal with a threat that they perceive. YOU, on the other hand Houston, just kill the dogs out of hand. There is little or no evaluation, but to say you are protecting the public.

     FROM WHAT? Dogs that have been abused? Dogs that are confused, frightened and in circumstances way beyond their control, therefore they are reacting as an animal is prone to do? By barking, baring teeth, and lunging. Trying to defend what little dignity they have left. Dignity stripped from them by the hands of the ‘people’ who where suppose to care for them, feed them and give them shelter.

     So, instead of investing time, patience and training, Assistant DA Belinda Smith chose to euthanize the dogs as a ‘gift’ to them.

    Wow. That’s some gift. The Houston SPCA, the city of Houston in general, has a vendetta against the pit bull. Pit bulls that go into the system DO NOT come out. They are euthanized. They are NOT put up for adoption.

     This sounds a lot like some sort of ethnic cleansing. Kill all the pit bulls. Once they are all gone what breed will be next? What breed will be the next boogeyman?

     I am against Breed Specific Legislation, but at least the communities practicing BSL are honest. Houston is operating in the shadows and picking and choosing who should live and who should die.

     Shame on you Houston.

Finished NaNoWriMo

Word Count?  55,003

I'm I finished with my novel, not by a longshot!  BUT, I'm on my way!  Woohoo!