Noem's confession she killed family puppy shocks dog trainer, CNN panel

[stopdiggin]

2. I would like to offer a caution here

And I understand that this may be extremely offensive to certain readers - and probably beyond understanding or belief for some.

But - in many rural cultures - putting down an animal that needs it is considered a responsibility, and plain old upstanding responsible behavior. This happens for a variety of reasons where an animal is crippled, diseased, suffering advanced old age, injured, deformed at birth - and the list goes on, to sometimes including an animal that is just performing poorly, nonproductive, or a nuisance and detriment to the operation. And many farm people would never consider that this is something that ought to be passed on to a third party or vet - but something that needs to be faced and taken on themselves. In other words a dirty and unpleasant job, but one that goes with the territory. A responsibility coming with ownership and husbandry.
(remember I said some people are going to find this difficult to understand ..)

Further - the behavior described here for this young dog - would absolutely have this animal on a short list as clearly deserving of being 'put down', in almost any rural/agrarian community. (completely uncontrollable, hysterical temperament, unheeding of any commands - and then finally, as absolute capital offense, wanton destruction of livestock ...) In rural culture, this animal's life expectancy is approximately the length of time that it takes for the owner to be informed of what has taken place. And, no - you do not pass the problem along by 'rehoming' the animal - nor would you, or any responsible breeder, under any circumstance consider allowing them to reproduce. The animal is clearly a 'cull' - as far as both functionality and social acceptance, as well as protection of the breed. And, again - that is really on you.

So - bang away on Krist Noem if you like. I certainly don't have any use for the woman, and no wish to protect or provide cover. But do understand, I hope - that this story is most likely not being received in South Dakota (or IA, NE, MT or ID ..) - with the kind of ridicule and disdain that you might assume. A lot of constituents in rural American are saying something more like, "Well, yeah .." ('chicken killin' dog' ..)