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Borrego Springs, CA

Thursday, February 11, 2016

The tale of ‘Stealer’

About a month or so ago, there was an announcement in the park that a feral cat was stalking around, and was very dangerous.  Apparently it had tussled with two other felines in the park; one had to be put down and the other had over $1000 in vet bills.  At the weekly membership meeting, the park manager said that food baited traps had been set out, but someone in the park had been tripping the traps and taking out the food.  He asked that if we saw anyone tampering with the traps, it be reported to him.

The next week the manager reported that he had found out who was tripping the traps.  Turns out that there was also a stray dog in the park, and it was big enough to eat the food, trip the traps, and back out free as a bird.  The culprit was a young yellow lab mix, and had obviously been on its own for some time…kind of skinny and disheveled looking.  It was seen by quite a few folks, and was quite skittish of human contact.

As the days passed, it was thought that someone felt sorry for the dog, and was putting out food for it, so it hung around.  It wasn’t at all mean, but it took up the habit of stealing people’s shoes and other items that were left outside their rigs overnight.  Hence the nickname ‘Stealer’.  Being young, it not only stole the shoes, but tended to chew them up as well.  Stealer also chose to leave large ‘droppings’ at favorite sights.  Of course these were at the homes of people that didn’t own a dog. 

Last week, while taking Emma for a short walk on her first outs, we were approached by Stealer.  Oh boy!  Mayhem insued!  Jumping and running around in circles and nearly yanking my arm out of socket.  I finally had to take shelter in the nearby laundry room where dogs are not allowed.  I explained to the couple inside that we would leave as soon as Stealer left the area.  Didn’t want to get reported for breaking the rules, don’t you know.

Well, just two days ago, someone was able to gain acceptance by Stealer, and was able to get a collar and leash on her.  She’s now in a no kill shelter, and goes by the name of Grace.  Shoes are now safe in the park, and hopefully this exuberant young lady will soon have a forever home.

83 Jojoba Hills 20151

In the meantime, I helped out at the annual maintenance day at the air gun range.  Most of the volunteers that showed up were men, but there were two of us women.  See all those yellow targets?  I re-painted every one of them.  Lots of work got done, and the range was in spiffy shape for this Monday’s Poker Shoot.

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I decided to compete with the ‘big guys’ at the Poker Shoot.  A wooden horse with cards are placed about 33’ out and you have five shots to hit five cards.  Two shooters compete at a time.  Once you get your five (or less) cards, you can try a second time to improve your hand like five card draw.

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I initially shot a pair of nines, kept a king, and paid for two more cards.  I thought I had it in the bag to win this shoot out when I ended up with two nines and two kings.  It was not to be, though, when one guy ended up with a five diamond flush.  Aw shucks!  Second place doesn’t get you anything.  Crying face  A lot of good natured bantering and trash talk goes on at these gatherings.  It was a lot of fun, and maybe I’ll be luckier next time.

Judy Oakley signing off for tonight.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

23 comments:

  1. Hi Judy! It would be interesting to read more about your rifle. What does it shoot? How far does the slug travel? Approximate cost of rifle and slug...etc. Sounds like you are enjoying you new hobby :-)

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    1. Judy said she bought a Gamo Raptor Air Rifle - you can google it or go to the GamoUSA website and look up all the answers to your questions - I also was very curious about her new found hobby so I looked up info and photos of her gun - very impressive indeed

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  2. Glad that the Stealer has been corralled
    Looks like you are enjoying you new hobby..

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  3. The poker shoot sounds fun!

    I hope Stealer can find a home.

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  4. Suzanne told me the story about Stealer last night. Glad you did a post about it! Will either see you around the pool or we'll stop by while we're here.

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  5. So Stealer is in custody, but what about the feral cat? The yellow targets really look good. Keep shooting in those competitions and one of these days you'll score a royal flush!

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  6. Looks like you are having a great time at your new, not quite new anymore, home. Seems like a good fit for you, Judy. Hopefully Stealer will be as lucky finding a good home as well. And the feral cat? I wondered about that one too.

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  7. As usual, I'm late ... all the questions and thoughts are already posted. But... you've got me real interested in your new hobby.... Bill has "real" guns and while I love to shoot, I think I'd be more comfortable with a pellet gun. I'm going to check into your gun of choice when we get back to the States. Sorry you didn't win....

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  8. That's a lot of yellow paint! I'm glad Stealer, er, Grace has been taken to a shelter where she'll get regular food and attention and hopefully a forever home.

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  9. I just love this story! (especially after having gotten the first hand account in the swimming pool!) Glad you decided to share it. Gotta admire Stealer's spirit, though I think "Stealer" was a much more fitting name than "Grace!" Still, it was a story that needed to be told. ;-)

    Good to see you again!
    Suzanne

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  10. I'd say second place against all those guys with assumedly more experience is doin' mighty fine Annie.

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  11. Trash talking at you! The nerve! You need to paint those guys yellow, you did such a great job with the targets. ;c)

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  12. I hope the cat gets as lucky as Stealer. All he needs is neutering and a few good meals.

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  13. I hope the cat gets as lucky as Stealer. All he needs is neutering and a few good meals.

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  14. I think painting is your "thing"! The targets look great, it is a wonderful sport! :)

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  15. I so enjoy reading about your Jojoba Hills escapades!! Have they caught the cat??

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  16. You are getting to be a real ace shooter! Not to mention to mention a poker ace:)

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