Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Welcome Mr. Graves

I'm assuming that it was you who posted the following:

"Anonymous said...
YOU SHOULD NOT POST FALSE INFORMATION ON YOUR SITE. I WILL GIVE YOU SOME FACTS! BEAU IS OVER THIRTY. BEAU WAS OWNED BY A WOMAN WHO CAME TO VISIT YOU AND BEAU A WEEK AGO SUNDAY.SHE DUMPED HIM OFF AT MY HOUSE TEN YEARS AGO.NEVER PAID FOR ANYTHING IN TEN YEARS. IFED HIM AND PAID VET BILLS FOR TEN YEARS. I TRIED TO GET HER TO DO SOMETHING WITH HIM FOR TEN YEARS. I WAS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH HIS TEETH AND HAVE FED HIM PELLETS, GRAIN AND SUPPLIMENTS FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS, BUT I DON'T HAVE THE TIME OR MONEY TO DO IT ANY MORE. IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE SHERIFF CALLED ME AND I THREATEND TO PUT HIM DOWN THAT SHE DECIDED TO FINALY DO SOMETHING. PUT THESE FACTS ON YOUR FRONT PAGE AND POINT YOUR ACCUSING FINGER IN THE DIRECTION IT BELONGS! P.S. APOLOGY ACCEPTED."

Let me address some of the points you made in your post.

"BEAU IS OVER THIRTY" I can only talk to information I'm given. Three different people have given me three different ages. When the vet came out last Friday, she said she would estimate that Beau was 25 years old. So, I'm going with that age. Quite frankly, I fail to see how age matters as this point anyway.


"BEAU WAS OWNED BY A WOMAN WHO CAME TO VISIT YOU AND BEAU A WEEK AGO SUNDAY. SHE DUMPED HIM OFF AT MY HOUSE TEN YEARS AGO." Are you seriously trying to tell me that this horse has been starved and neglected for TEN YEARS? Or just since you divorced?

"I WAS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH HIS TEETH AND HAVE FED HIM PELLETS, GRAIN AND SUPPLIMENTS FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS..." What about his feet? You could pop for a $30 trim?

"BUT I DON'T HAVE THE TIME OR MONEY TO DO IT ANY MORE." So what? You just decided to stop feeding him? Tell me how it is that you can sit at your table every night, watch your tv, drink your beer, LOOK AT YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR EVERY MORNING while a horse slowly starved to death out your back door? At what point did you decide to stop being a human being? At what point did you lose your empathy and decided it was ok to let an animal suffer? Here's a hint - real men don't starve horses because they are angry at an ex-wife.

"PUT THESE FACTS ON YOUR FRONT PAGE AND POINT YOUR ACCUSING FINGER IN THE DIRECTION IT BELONGS!" You got your wish. It's on the front page now. The horse was on YOUR property, therefore it was YOUR responsibility to take care of him.

"IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE SHERIFF CALLED ME AND I THREATEND TO PUT HIM DOWN THAT SHE DECIDED TO FINALY DO SOMETHING." As I understand it, the sheriff was called out by the neighbors on abuse calls. Not once, not twice, but MULTIPLE times. And to be honest, putting him down would have been kinder than letting him starve to death slowly.

There are abandonment laws in Benton County. After a specific amount of time, you were well within your legal rights to sell the horse or give him away. You could have done this LONG before Beau ended up in this condition.

APOLOGY ACCEPTED??? I think NOT!!! I will be in court on the day of your trial, with photographic evidence PROVING that Beau's condition was totally preventable.

You chose instead to stop feeding him. That is neglect. THAT is abuse. THAT is a crime!

34 comments:

Unknown said...

Bravo Karen! I don't remember where I first found your blog (fugly maybe?), but I have been following since the beginning. Thank you SO MUCH for calling out this abusive SOB. Nothing in his comment is an excuse. You are right, there are a myriad of ways he could have fixed this problem without just letting Beau starve!

So glad you're giving him the second chance he deserves! He seems like such a good boy, it's great to see him starting to open up more. :)

Jenny said...

Well said!
Regardless of whether or not it was his horse, it was on HIS property, and therefore he had a responsibility to A) Feed the horse and give it proper care or B) surrender it to the local humane society or call the sherrifs office and report the horse being "dumped" on your property.
Mr Graves seems very oblivious to the condition of Beau. I understand that times are tough, but you had to have run out of $$ FAR before Beau got into this condition (starved, and with horrid feet). A horse does not get to looking like that overnight, or even within a month (the feet anyways. . ).
Mr Graves, perhaps the owners were in the wrong as well, but I don't know how you could walk past a horse in that condition everyday and do nothing. You must think that it is okay to starve and neglect horses, because if you didn't, you would have prevented this. I hope that the judge in your trial rules that you may never be able to own, or home another living, breathing creature ever again. You don't deserve the privilige.

Cheval Noir said...

Well Done Karen and well done for standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves ;)

There is NEVER EVER any justification for witholding food and care to any animal. If it's not yours then ring someone and get it removed before the poor creature has the chance to reach this state.

If it is related to divorce or the like and your actions are motivated by spite then you truly are the lowest of the low and would easily be eligible for the Annual Sub-Human Scumbag Of The Year Award.

Pathetic!!

Katharine Swan said...

You go girl! The only thing this asswipe has proven is what we already knew -- that he is SCUM.

I'd guess he's making that claim about Beau's age because he's going to try to claim in court that Beau was skinny because he is old and therefore can't keep weight on him. So you've got the right idea -- keep fattening Beau up, and show up in court with proof that not only can this horse keep weight, but he can gain it too!

Sally said...

OOHHH, SNAP! I hope the bastard gets twenty to life - pardon the pun. I go without "wants" to take care of kids/animals and it's time people took responsibility for their own actions. How could you possibly defend having that (starving malnourished mistreated Beau) in your backyard and have the nerve to try and defend yourself?

Horse Filled Days said...

Way to tell him like it is, Karen!! Mr. Graves, you are the bottom feeding SCUM, SCUM, SCUM, of the earth, and you have alot of nerve to try and defend your actions! Like Karen said, you could have given Beau away, or called animal control or the sheriff for help, rather than look out your window every day and see him starving to death! Now let's just hope the judge sees what kind of A**Hole you are and throws the book at you! Too bad the punishment doesn't fit the crime in these situations~~your kind of people should be locked in a cell and slowly starved to death, just like the animals you neglected. Let's see how you like it!!!!

Drillrider said...

"I WAS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH HIS TEETH".....yet he did........NOTHING!

I have a vet that floats my horses teeth for $30/each. Check around, get quotes, it's not that difficult! Sure a lot easier than feeding a horse and spending money on feed that the horse can't eat because it's teeth are all jagged.

ShesPureGold said...

Karen, you're going a great job! I hope that guy gets some jail time, or at the very least a very hefty fine!

Anonymous said...

Totally agree 100% with what everyone has said so far. What an absolute ass... he clearly understood what needed to be done for Beau and admitted his guilt. Be sure to pring out a copy of his letter for the judge! lol.

On another note, how is Beau? Anxiously waiting for updates as always :o)

Karen V said...

He's doing good. I am going to post pics this weekend. It'll WOW you! He's filling in the "hollows" - hips, flanks, topline etc. He's still changing every day' adding weight and muscle. He's eating everything I put in front of him! He's quite the chatterbox at feeding time. LOL

Alee said...

WOOO HOO! Preventable- of course it was! If Beau hadn't put on weight or very little weight at your place- different story! Complete turn around in two weeks- Cruelty! I hope the judge sees right through him!

Nikker said...

What is it with people? Take responsibility for your actions or lack there of! If he was such a burden, put him down, don't make him suffer...it makes me sick...Glad you posted all of that! Hope he reads it and the comments too!! Can't wait to see the updated pictures of the old guy! How is your Beau "account" holding up?
You Rock!

Anonymous said...

YOU SURE LIKE TWISTING THINGS AROUND. LET ME MAKE THIS REAL SIMPLE. SHE OWNED THE HORSE AND DID NOT TAKE CARE OF HIM FOR TEN YEARS. I DID NOT OWN THE HORSE BUT I DID TAKE CARE OF HIM FOR TEN YEARS! THIS IS WHAT I GET FOR BEING MR. NICE GUY! THANKS ALL OF YOU FOR THE CHARACTER ASSASSINATION!

Katharine Swan said...

Actually, Mr. Graves, I think the point is that you didn't take care of the horse...

Nikker said...

Amen Katharine!

Sally said...

What character? Lack of ethics, morals, feelings? Well, so be it! Assassination complete.

Barb Ollivier said...

Right on Karen!! And yah, I do still read your blog!! :) Luv ya honey!! xoxo

Alee said...

Mr. Graves:

Sure, you probably were Mr. Nice Guy for 9 and 3/4 years. Giving you the benefit of the doubt here. BUT for that last quarter of a year (though I think it was longer than that by the look of his feet) you should have called in someone. SPCA, Humane Society, Local Equine Rescue. Or gee- do you own a gun? A well placed bullet would have been better than suffering. Can you imagine the torment of standing in a room full of food, starving but having everything you eat come right back out without giving any nutrition at all? Constant hunger. Constant attempts to eat. It's cruel and torture. It's not even the sort of thing you would wish on an enemy.

If someone dumped a horse on my property? I would have given the situation at most a month to resolve itself. Possession is 9/10ths of the law, Mr. Graves. You had possession of Beau. To bad you dropped the ball. Your gold star for being a Nice Guy was officially recinded when Beau started starving on your property so I don't think waving around the "I'm a nice guy" flag will get you anywhere. Nice try.

bRITTNEY said...

this whole thing is stupid!!! all of you are adults! you are all immature...this is getting out of hand. OUT OF HAND!!! this is INSANE! karen, you don't know the story...i'm not putting u down in any way, you have done the right thing for Beau. but, you have no done the right thing by talking people down when u dont even know the facts. i hate that this is all happening!! NO ONE is in the right. EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS WROTE SOMETHING ON THIS IS WAS MISLEAD. i'm sorry that you all have been given false imformation... THIS BULLSHIT NEEDS TO STOP NOW!

Drillrider said...

Anonymous and Brittney: Say what you will about "taking care of the horse for ten years", but pictures do not lie and Beau was at death's door. That, in anyone's opinion, is not taking care of the horse, nor is it being a "nice guy"! That is not character assasination, but it is animal abuse and, for one, hope that you have to answer for it in court.

Anonymous said...

If you are such a "nice guy" WHY at any point during that first year did he not try to get ahold of her and say " look, either come get him or I will sell him" after the fifth year WHY didn't you turn him over to SPCA so they could find him a nice home? YOU are full of crap sir! NO ONE is that hard to find!
What Karen is doing is wonderful, giving him a beautiful place to spend his last years. Cowboy up and admit YOU are in the wrong, that YOU droppped the ball.

Chelsea Z

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Brittney:

If you have more information to share I'm sure we would all like to hear it.

But the bottom line is horses don't just end up in this condition without someone seriously dropping the ball. They can't call the vet to have their teeth fixed or set up an appointment with the farrier, it's our responsibility as their care takers to see that they receive the care they require, and if we are unable to provide it for any reason it is up to us to find someone who can.

It sure sounds like Mr. Graves openly admits to neglecting Beau, he knew his teeth were in bad shape and yet did nothing...

So, what are we all missing here??

Drillrider said...

bRITTENY: Another thing, Ahem......."Mature" people don't starve horses to near death and then act like they did nothing wrong. There is NO EXCUSE, NONE, NADA, ZIP, ZERO for Beau to have been in that condition other than pure and simple irresponsibility and neglect!

*****************************
You Wrote:
this whole thing is stupid!!! all of you are adults! you are all immature...this is getting out of hand. OUT OF HAND!!! this is INSANE! karen, you don't know the story...i'm not putting u down in any way, you have done the right thing for Beau. but, you have no done the right thing by talking people down when u dont even know the facts. i hate that this is all happening!! NO ONE is in the right. EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS WROTE SOMETHING ON THIS IS WAS MISLEAD. i'm sorry that you all have been given false imformation... THIS BULLSHIT NEEDS TO STOP NOW

Karen V said...

Britney. Im sorry you feel that way. I call it as i see it. Your father let Beau starve. He could have done something for Beau and chose not to. Your mom could have taken action sooner but didnt. YOU could have done something but didnt. Because of all the inaction, Beau suffered. SHAME ON YOU! Dont like what is said here? Dont read the blog. Beau was supposedly YOUR horse. Sad that a complete stranger cares more than what you've shown.

hope4more said...

Wow....first off Karen has done well by Beau period. He is filling out getting his feet fixed and other issues as well.

We are mature, and mature adults take responsibility for their actions. If Mr.Graves you think you are being wrongly accused how is it that you are going to court for all of this. Proof is in the pudding people, Beau was skinny as a rail, screwed up in other areas all because of neglect. Actually the mother, the father and the daughter's fault. No one cared apparently. Don't come here saying all this is stupid and going overboard. You don't like it don't read, go about your life like before and don't give a second thought to your horse. None of this is bullshit, what happened was...how you are reacting now is. Just sit there and read what people are saying and learn something rather than whining about being called out. This isn't about any of you, it is about Beau and someone who cared enough to give him a second chance.

It is not character assasination by the way.....no one knows who you are but your family, I couldn't pick you out of a line up if I tried. No one knows what you look like or where you are. Facts are facts, if you don't like it don't ever let it happen again in the future. Take it as a lesson learned.

Brittney said...

this is all my fault. everything that happened with beau is my fault. one person says one thing, another says another says another... you can all keep going on about whos fault it is... but there is no need to! IT WAS ME, BRITTNEY. HI.

karen says it nice and clear in here comment on sept. 10 10:31 am. "shame on you" and shes right, shame on brittney.

now that i've admitted, you can all start your day with writing a little comment about me on karen's page, i dont mind what u have to say, sticks and stones may break my bones but works will never hurt me. FYI i feel horrible for the things that have heppened to beau, if i could go back in time i would change everything i have ever done wrong. but that is not possible. i have to live with regrets. i regret not having the heart to get rid of beau sooner(although i tried for a year on and off to find someone to take him), i regret not always having the time of day to call someone about beau, i regret so much, the biggest regret is beau in the condition he is in now. i feel horrible for the things i have done, go ahead and hate me, talk about me...but it will do nothing for you.

talking down about a man you know nothing about is harsh, but talking down about an INNOCENT man you know nothing about is obscene!


whats all this talk about court? i havent gotten a court date of any kind...

you are all still immature for all the things u have said, i'm not changing my mind about that.

hope4more said...

No one was writing anything about any of you until your father felt the need to plead his innocence...which there are pictures to tell a different story. The blog was about Beau his condition and his recovery but like so many people you made it all about yourselves coming here all bent out of shape for people scolding the parties responsible for his condition.

This blog is about BEAU....you all seem to be focusing on the U part. Poor me, poor us they are so mean. Really no one is focused on any of you. We are concerned about Beau.

It is good that you are taking responsibility, that is very grown up and the right thing to do. You keep talking about maturity and who is or isn't, well your on the right start by admitting to mistakes. Like I said earlier just make sure you learned the lesson and it teaches you something.

Meagan Gibson said...

I agree with hope4more. No one was openly being "accused" or "talked about" until he opened his trap on the internet for all to see. As for "immaturity" I see you as the only. First off, learn to spell. Step one to fixing maturity. Secondly, I once again agree with hope. You're sitting her pitying yourself when the primary concern is Beau. The fact and point of this matter is, there are no excuses to what has happened to this poor animal, and great, thanks for admitting to a fault but the reality of the situation is, more than one person is at fault for this problem.

Katharine Swan said...

Meagan hit the nail on the head when she said more than one person shares responsibility for this. Brittney, yeah, maybe you were irresponsible for not doing anything about this poor horse's condition. BUT YOUR DAD IS THE ADULT. And the horse was on HIS property. So he is hardly an innocent man... which is why he is going to court. You didn't even know he was! Shows how little he was doing about the situation... My dad would have called me up and said, "Get your ass over here right now and explain to the cops whose responsibility this horse is!"

(Actually, he would have called me up long before that, and if I didn't take care of my horse, it would have become his horse and he actually would have taken care of it, or he would have sold it. See, that's the parenting part of the equation... part of your dad's job is to teach you about responsibility, which he can't do while he's being completely irresponsible.)

Katharine Swan said...

I just have to say one more thing about what I think has happened here. I think Mommy and Daddy split up and Brittney went with Mommy, and then Daddy and Mommy started fighting over whose responsibility it was to care for Brittney's horse. Mommy left horse with Daddy and Daddy took his anger out on the horse by not feeding it properly. Now Mommy is blaming Daddy for what happened, and Daddy is blaming Mommy for getting into trouble with the law and getting exposed online -- probably there have been a lot of angry phone calls and name calling. Brittney, who has probably spent the last 10 years of her life dealing with their fights, is trying to make peace by claiming it was her responsibility, not Daddy's (even though she would have been just a kid when Mommy first parked Beau on Daddy's land 10 years ago, and clearly not old enough to be held responsible for that decision). Only problem is, it's not Brittney's peace to make -- it's hardly her fault (or Beau's) that she and her horse got caught in the crossfire.

What do you think? Think I got it right?

Karen V said...

Probably.

NEW POST - Go check it out!

Nikker said...

Wow...I never would have looked as deep into the why, how, and who as Katharine did....Really enough is enough from them, they are cheapening whats really going on here...And in my opinion, if you feel that BAD, put your money where your mouth is and help those active in the recovery of Beau! I hope the "family" steps out of this blog, so the rest of us can follow the horses journey to health.

Katharine Swan said...

Haha. Yeah, that's me. Ms. Analytical. Sorry. ;o)