Dog Owners And Breeders Advised To Keep Dogs Safe At Home And On The Road

The American Kennel Club® is warning pet owners and breeders about an alarming rise in dog thefts in recent months. From parking lots to pet stores and even backyards, more dogs are disappearing. In the first three months of 2008, the AKC has tracked more than 30 thefts from news and customer reports, versus only ten for all twelve months of 2007.

Media reports have chronicled the escalation of these "dog-nappings" from all around the country. Incidents have included armed robbers entering a breeder's home, tiny puppies being stuffed into purses at pet stores and most recently, purebred pets being snatched from cars in parking lots and even shelters.

"The value of pets in people's lives has been on the rise for a long time and now we are seeing thieves trying to capitalize on this. Whether they seek to resell the dog, collect a ransom or breed the dogs and sell their offspring, thieves seem to be attuned to the increased financial and emotional value pets have in our lives," said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "Losing a treasured family pet is devastating to the owner."

"Criminals look for weaknesses and exploit them. They know pets can't protect themselves, so that means owners need to be alert," said Lt. John Kerwick, a law enforcement K-9 handler and the President of the U.S. Police Canine Association, Region 7. "Be wary of anyone who approaches you and asks too many questions about your dog or where you live. This is a red flag that they may be out to snatch your pet."

Peterson added that "These 'dog-nappers' are misguided and naïve. They're stealing living beings, not jewelry that can be pawned. Plus, it's unlikely that they can sell the dogs for high prices without proper registration papers, and these inept criminals are not realistically going to collect a ransom. Caring for a dog -- and especially breeding -- is a time consuming endeavor that requires a lot of knowledge. Thieves will find themselves with a frightened and confused animal that needs a lot of care."

The AKC offers the following advice to prevent your "best friend" from being a target of a crime:

At Home

Don't let your dog off-leash — Keeping your dog close to you reduces the likelihood it will wander off and catch the attention of thieves. A Saint Bernard that had wandered away from his owner in Nebraska was snatched up right off the road.

Don't leave your dog unattended in your yard — Dogs left outdoors when no one is home for long periods of time can be potential targets, especially if you live in a rural area and the fenced-in yard or dog runs are visible from the street.

Keep purchase price to yourself — If strangers approach you to admire your dog during walks, don't answer questions about how much the dog cost or give details about where you live.

Breeders need to be aware of home visits by potential puppy buyers — Criminals posing as would be "puppy buyers" have visited breeder homes to snatch dogs, while other homes have been burglarized when the owner was away. From Yorkies in Los Angeles to Bulldogs in Connecticut, thieves have targeted young puppies of these highly coveted breeds.

On the Road
Never leave your dog in an unattended car, even if it's locked — Even if you are gone for only a moment, an unlocked car is an invitation for trouble. Also leaving expensive items in the car such as a GPS unit or laptop will only invite thieves to break and possibly allow the dog to escape.
Don't tie your dog outside a store — This popular practice among city dwelling dog owners can be a recipe for disaster. Reports have surfaced of such thefts in Manhattan. If you need to go shopping, patronize only dog-friendly retailers or leave the dog at home.

Be vigilant when entering or leaving establishments or venues catering to dogs such as grooming salons, veterinarians, doggie day care or hotels — Be aware of your surroundings, such as slow moving vehicles, or people watching you and your dog. Carry pepper spray as a precaution and, if possible, don't walk alone late at night or stay in a well lit area.

Recovery
Protect your dog with microchip identification — Collars and tags can be removed so make sure you have permanent ID with a microchip. Keep contact information current with your recovery service provider. Several pets have been recovered because of alert people scanning and discovering microchips. For more information and to enroll your pet in a 24 hour recovery service visit www.akccar.org.

If you suspect your dog has been stolen — Immediately call the police / animal control in the area your pet was last seen.

Have fliers with a recent photo ready to go if your dog goes missing — Keep a photo of your dog in your wallet or on an easily accessible web account so that you can distribute immediately if your pet goes missing.

Bridgeville, DE. Murder

As seen online in the Daily Times:

"BRIDGEVILLE — A 49-year-old man who drove a backhoe to a Bridgeville-area home in search of his girlfriend ended up shooting one of the West Newton Road residents early Wednesday morning when he couldn't find her, police and neighbors said."

Go Here to see the Daily Times Article

What they ALL missed was that this same suspect may have have also been the same guy that committed murder about 25 years ago, a Millard Price was one of two people convicted of murdering 2 drug dealers at the Howard Johnson motel right where Zia's is now.

Will The Real Brandon Curtis Please Stand Up?

Two Brandon Curtis’ came up in myspace.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=108666414

"OutLawz Nigga... We Hold Our Hood Down"

I think it should also be noted…“Religion: Christian – other”

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=157709439 – this one says 19yoa, but name is the same and a light skinned black man as well.

“Religion: Christian – other” – shocking!

“Occupation: Hustler”

Brandon Curtis is the 18 year old Wanted for a murder in Hebron yesterday.

Fernando & Hal Called This Morning

I was pleased to get a call this morning at 7:51 by Hal and Fernando asking what I thought of the fight?

I responded with, people were calling me throughout the fight, many of them women who had never seen a boxing match and or women who hadn't watched boxing in many years, they were hooked!

Hal said, "the win is great, the knock out is great but everyone watching, now that was great!" They're so excited and please so many took the time to watch the bout. Oh, the names Fernando was shouting out at the end of the match, those were the believers and supporters Fernando has enjoyed along the way but more importantly, Fernando was yelling out ALL of the 9 year olds names from the Gym.

When I spoke with Fernando he simply said, "I'm just ready for my next fight on the 26th in Mississippi." He said, "Joe, did you see the main event?" I replied, no, YOU WERE THE MAIN EVENT!

Keep your eyes posted on the Blog today because I'm working with Hal to have a Welcome Home get together some time this evening. Would you like to meet Fernando? Would you like to bring your kids in to meet him?

City Employee Says.......

"[To ALL you critics of the council] The City council and city employees work hard and long hours so that you as residents may enjoy a good quality of life. Yes, we have a right to drink bottled water or water from the cooler. We also have doughnuts or some other treats. Most companies treat their employees to some kind of food treat periodically. It builds morale and entices employees to work harder. Makes them feel appreciated. That's the way things are. Stop your bitching and work for the city if you qualify. Stop being envious of city employees. It is apparent we have a nit-picking group that isn't pleased with anything led by Joe Albero
who pleasures himself by making the lives of others miserable.Maybe someone will buy him a one way ticket to hell."

!!!BREAKING NEWS!!!

Fernando Guerrero scores a TKO over Valentino Galamo at 1:18 of round 4! His opponent Valentino Galamo has never been in a fight that went past the 2nd round and Fernando knocked the boy out!

Finally, we have some PRIDE in Salisbury. Congratulations Fernando and his Coach/Trainer Hal Chernoff!!!!!

Robberies in the University Area in the Last Hour or So.

5 robberies have been reported tonight in the University Area. A friend of mine said an officer came in to the convient store where he was at to give forwarning. So be vigilant tonight and report any suspicious activities to proper authorities.

"Absolut"ely Stupid Debate

Absolut brand
The controversial ad
Another controversial anti-war Absolut ad

The big brouhaha over the Absolut Vodka ads depicting parts of the Southwest US on the map as part of Mexico is puzzling to me. Apparently it pisses off people on both sides of the fence (no pun intended) because most Mexicans still feel like they were robbed when the US claimed those territories formerly belonging to their country.Americans are mad because they feel parts of America are already controlled by Mexicans. Tit for tat. (We took a couple of states from them , now they are invading every one of ours,but I digress)

So what does a stupid vodka ad (one that was NEVER meant for the US market in the 1st place) have to do with immigration? Vin & Sprit, the holders of the Absolut brand,have mounted way more potentially controversial Absolut ads in the past, particularly the anti-war ad among others.

Pernod Ricard SA , a French distilled spirit giant,is buying out V&S and aside from Absolut, has exclusive distribution rights to numerous other popular liquor brands sold worldwide. Does Michelle Malkin and the rest of her ilk really think a boycott is going to hurt them in any way?

People are NOT going to stop buying Absolut. Personally I dislike ANY vodka-it tastes like rubbing alcohol to me and I cannot differentiate top shelf stuff (like Absolut or Goose) from the cheap rail stuff, nevertheless ALOT of people consume vodka and many of them prefer the Swedish-made Absolut over any other (which brings me to a curious question-what do Swedes know about vodka?I thought it was a Russian thing!).

If anyone else can figure out what all the hullabaloo is about, please clue me in.Until then,I doubt the marketing dept. at V&S is losing sleep-in fact, all this media attention may even increase their sales worldwide.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO UNVEIL PRELIMINARY FISCAL YEAR 2009 BUDGET AT PUBLIC MEETING

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., will welcome the public to an informational session about his proposed Fiscal Year 2009 Operating Budget on Thursday, April 10th at 7:00 P.M. in the Flanders Room at the Wicomico County

Youth & Civic Center. Under the new form of county government, this is the traditional first step on the way to eventual ratification of the operating budget that will be effective on July 1, 2008.

“While the Charter does not require me to hold a public hearing on the budget, my own standards do,” said the Executive. “I think it is extremely important for our ‘glass house’ concept of government that the public be involved in this important financial exercise.”

Per County Charter requirement, Mr. Pollitt will deliver his recommended operating budget to the Wicomico County Council on April 15th. The Council will hold an advertised public hearing on the operating budget at a later date. The Council may cut from but not add to the recommended budget.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE TO DISTRIBUTE ENRICHMENT GRANTS

Wicomico County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., budgeted $50,000 in Fiscal Year 2008 as grant money to be distributed to deserving non-profit organizations in Wicomico County. Following a process of inviting and screening applicants, Mr. Pollitt will distribute his first Community Enrichment Grants to 14 worthy groups at a presentation ceremony at 5:30 P.M. next Tuesday, April 15th, in the DaNang Room at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center.

The organizations receiving funding are: Art Institute & Gallery/ Big Brothers, Big Sisters/Deaf Independent Living Association/Dove Pointe Daycare Field Trips/Easter Seals/Girl Scouts/Kappa Alpha Psi/Lower Shore American Red Cross/MAC, Inc./Salisbury Advisory Youth Council/Salisbury Jaycees/Salvation Army Awards Banquet/SHORE UP!/Urban Salisbury.

Mr. Pollitt will announce the amount of the grants at the ceremony.

About NCUR® and Salisbury University

NCUR® 22 will bring together undergraduates involved in scholarly and artistic activities from more than 300 colleges and universities in the nation. Since the first conference in 1987, NCUR super; font-weight: 400;">® has grown to become a major annual event drawing well over 2200 undergraduates, faculty and administrators to promote undergraduate research in all fields of study.

As an institution long committed to student research, Salisbury University is proud to have been selected by NCUR® to host this event for a second time, having hosted the event first in 1998. Salisbury University, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is a regionally accredited, selective four-year comprehensive university with an enrollment of 7,300 students in 55 distinct undergraduate and graduate degree programs. For the 10th consecutive year Salisbury University is ranked as a top-10 public comprehensive university in the North by U.S. News & World Report, "America's Best College's: 2007 Edition."

Among the keynote speakers scheduled to address NCUR® are American Broadcasting Corporation Executive Vice President for Documentaries Rudy Bednar and Anne Foerst, ethicist and computer science professor.

The conference will be held on Salisbury’s main campus. Shuttle services will be provided between designated local hotels and the campus. Registration will be held in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center; poster displays in Maggs Gymnasium and plenary speakers in Holloway Hall auditorium. More than 60 classrooms will be the sites for oral presentations.

Expect Crab Prices To Go Way Up

State Announces Plan To Cut Crab Harvest

The state of Maryland will cut its Blue Crab harvest up to 40 percent this year to address fears the crabs are reaching dangerously low levels in the Chesapeake Bay.

"Maryland is only 60% for crabs."

Kenny's Winners and Losers 2008

Check out my list of winners and loser from this year's General Assembly session in Maryland in my latest PolitickerMD.com column.

Bingomania Returns To Civic Center, $25,000.00 IN Prize Money

Bingomania Benefits Mardela Junior/Senior High School Band

$25,000 in Prize Money up for Grabs!

Salisbury, MD – The Eastern Shore’s largest bingo event, Bingomania will return to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Saturday, May 10. Doors open at 5:00pm for early bird games and regular games begin at 7:30pm.

Admission to Bingomania 47 includes all regular and special games, including the Jumbo Jackpot Game. Regular games offer a $500 prize while special games pay out $1000. The Jumbo Jackpot Game pays a maximum $10,000. Increase your chances of winning and help the Maryland Food Bank at the same time by bringing three non-perishable food items to the game. Those that do will receive 3 additional cards for the first early bird game, which has a payout of $500.

Tickets are $45 per person in advance and $55 per person at the door. Tickets are on sale now at the Civic Center Box Office, online at www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org and by phone at 410-548-4911. All proceeds benefit the Mardela Junior/Senior High School Band. For more information contact the Civic Center Box Office at 410-548-4911 or the Mardela Band-Aides at 410-677-5170.

To stay up-to-date on the latest Wicomico Youth & Civic Center events visit www.WicomicoCivicCenter.org and sign up for the Press Pass to receive email alerts about upcoming shows and the chance to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

Pocomoke City Council Minutes As Sanitized by King Blake & Published On Website ... All Is Well In P-City Where Crack is Cheap & The Girls are Pretty

Talk about a load of crap coming from Pocomoke City Hall in the form of it's "minutes" from the March 10th 2008 City Council Meeting. They left out the part where X-Councilman Cane used the 'N' Word but its on the tape, if they did not lose that like they lost Russ Blakes self dealing employment contract. These minutes will back up my two word summary of the Pocomoke City Government: Openly Corrupt.

Comments from Audience:
Stephanie Burke stated that she and her husband are the owners of a local blog site She commended Councilman Cane for his participation in getting many political changes in Worcester
County. But she suggested that Councilman Cane was not living in his district and therefore he should step down from his seat.

Councilman Cane asked who said that he doesn’t live in his district.

Ms. Burke stated that everybody tells me (she really said everyone knows) that you don’t live in your district and you know that I take pictures of you.

Councilman Cane stated that it was not any of Ms. Burke’s concern.

Ms. Burke stated that it was her concern, as she is a tax-paying citizen, and paying his medical insurance and part of his salary.

Councilman Cane stated that she was not paying her own medical bills. (The city confirms in writing that its unqualified X-Councilman is bringing up personal unrelated medical issues to a private citizen questioning his qualification to retain his city council seat after moving outside his district and he slams back about her medical bills, what a peice of ****)

Mayor McDermott stated that Councilman Cane had addressed that issue at last month’s meeting and he satisfied the Council. Mayor McDermott asked Councilman Cane if anything had changed since last month’s meeting.

Councilman Cane stated that nothing had changed, and he was taking his laundry today to his wife.

In a response to a comment about crime rates and the City’s Police Department, Mayor McDermott stated that the City does work well with other police agencies and they call them when needed. (But the city does not have an open air drug market 2-blocks from his house.. what a line of sh*t)

Billy Burke, stated he was the publisher of a local blog, which is not a news source but one angry man. (They did get that right) At 1:44 this afternoon when he went by Mr. Cane’s house, he took pictures of the cars and tags, and that is just one issue. He received a letter last August by certified mail asking him to remove his car; hence, the reason he takes pictures of Mr. Cane’s cars. (Uhm Canes untagged car is still in his driveway so much for equal enforcement of Boss Hogg's laws)

Mr. Burke stated that the Police Department told him that a cover was not adequate.

Mr. Burke continued to say that County Commissioner Bobby Cowger put on our web site a call for help to fix a Pocomoke problem of crime in the City, and City Councilman Rob Clarke had added that the City needs to call in the FBI, State and the Marines for the crime problems.

Mr. Burke said that it shows that the City Manager and the Chief of Police are not doing their respective jobs. That reflects back on the City Council, as you are not doing your job by managing the City Manager and managing the Police Department and enforcing the laws.

Councilman Morrison stated that he had been campaigning in black and white neighborhoods in the last 30 days and the residents at every house that he knocked on thanked him for the job the Police Department was doing. The crime rate is down in Pocomoke City since the cameras have been installed.

Councilman Morrison stated that he did not feel that our City was in that bad of shape with respect to the crime rate.

Councilman Clarke stated that the last series of crimes that we had were not within the City Limits. Councilman Clarke stated that is what he was saying. (WTF ??? Who writes the minutes again???) That all police agencies needed to cooperate fully with each other to get the job done. People should not be pointing fingers at each other. (Not what he said here before Russ Blake reminded them privately about the goat girl pictures)

Mayor McDermott stated that this City does work well with other agencies. (In contrast to his many comments they are crooked, incompetent, work alone, clowns, bufoons & more, before being elected and initiated into Boss Hoggs inner circle) Many comments on the internet are ignorant of the facts. The Police Department has done more to control crime in the past three years than in many previous years. A Pocomoke officer has been assigned to the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation and has helped solve several serious crimes. We are working well with the task force and with federal, state and county agencies.

Our streets are safer than ever. (on the heels of two murders) We have purchased equipment costing over $100,000 to fight crime. (The dealers now know where the cops are) Crime is down 20%. There is a lot of disinformation being distributed which is over the top. (Like these Russ Blake sanitized minutes?) He added that he was speaking with authority, due to his position with the W.C.B.I.

We are doing the right things for the right reasons. (Save the bullsh*t for the fans not the players)

Councilman Hawkins asked when the rest of the fire hydrants would be painted. He would like to see them start on Market Street . (Bob you awake?)

**********************

All is well in P-City folks, just read the crime report there are no drug dealers in town only drug bust was an old lady with a joint... The Mayor just went in front of the County Commissioners to ask for $500,000.00 so the city can purchase more 'industrial property' to develop and give away to Russ Blakes, Boss Hogg Cronies and their bogus front companies but thats for another article. What a total crock of sh*t from our community leaders.... they prepared & printed it not me...

It's Pocomoke...

O’Malley’s Budget - The Spending Spree Continues

In the final days of the regular Session, the General Assembly passed a $31.2 billion budget, which represents more than 4% in new spending over the previous year’s budget. The Senate voted 38-7 and the House of Delegates voted 109-31 in favor of the budget.

Dr. Jim Pelura, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, released the following statement:

“This 2008 Legislative Session represents a continuation of the assault on the citizens of Maryland by Martin O’Malley and his supporters in the General Assembly. We must not forget that this budget has, as its foundation, the massive tax increases of the Special Session from November 2007. Marylanders from all walks of life are feeling the harmful effects of these taxes and, with the passage of this budget, will continue to be repressed by them.

“Our economy cannot withstand this assault. Jobs will be lost, businesses will relocate, and dollars to the Maryland treasury will dwindle. To think that the Maryland government can tax itself into prosperity is foolhardy and delusional.

“This Session not only resulted in a greater government grab of the hard-earned money of Marylanders, but also brought a significant increase in the size of the Maryland State bureaucracy. It is just as true today as it was during the Special Session: Maryland government does not have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem.

“The Maryland Republican Party believes in and will continue to promote the idea that low taxes, smaller government, and a robust private sector will ultimately result in more jobs and greater prosperity and freedoms for all our citizens.”

Breaking News!

There is a rumor on the street Wicomico County Schools are in lock down over a shooting. I was just told there was an alleged shooting in Hebron. More to come.....

Apparently it happened ACROSS the street from the west side intermediate school and there is a confirmed fatality. Allegedly it was some kind of domestic dispute. They were searching for a 19 year old male in a burgundy trail blazer. Its been reported now that he has been caught in Sharptown. More to come...

UPDATE! THE SUSPECT HAS NOT BEEN CAUGHT AND IS STILL ON THE LOOSE. HE IS ARMED AND DANGEROUS. PLEASE KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THIS VEHICLE. IT IS A BURGUNDY CHEVY TRAIL BLAZER. MORE TO COME.....

I am on the scene where Major Greg Shipley is on his way from the Maryland State Police. I had heard the victim died allegedly from a single gun shot to the head.

UPDATE: I'm told he is now 18 years old, light skin black male. The lock down at the School has been lifted.

OK, it's now 1:30 PM and we just did an interview with the State Police. At 10:15 911 received an emergency call to 104 Old RR Road. Upon arrival they found one male deceased from a single gun shot wound.

The suspect is not believed to be in the area any longer so they took the School out of lock down after they did a thorough search. The suspect again is still on the loose and the vehicle description is still the same.

I was told the victim lived at the home on and off and they still have not positively identified him. It's a waiting game from here on out.

LIVE from Rail Road Ave. in Hebron.

NEWS UPDATE: The suspects name in Brandon Curtis, 18 YOA.

Interpretation of a Grapevine Post Today

From Daily Times Grapevine, April 9 2008 -

"Where Roy Dyson lived years ago is immaterial; this is now. The Shore has grown since then. Andy Harris can't give the Shore what it needs; he only sees the western shore. And that's not a Kratovil spin; it's Republican."

Yes, the Shore has grown but one thing still is the same, the Shore is still predominately Republican/Conservative. Just look at the history of the election voting trends. They have all been for Republican candidates for major elected positions; i.e. President, Governor, 1st Congressional District. Even the General Assembly Members are predominately Republican; i.e. Senators Stoltzfus and Colburn. So what the Shore needs is strong Republican leadership dedicated to the traditional ideas, Reagan's principles, which made the Country and Party great.

The debate will always exist between the needs of the Western and Eastern Shores as long as both sides are incorporated into the 1st Congressional District. The same argument can be made by voters on either side of the Bay. The debate should be non-existent, as of now and most likely for a long time because the District was drawn to be a Republican District. Both sides of the Bay should agree that a strong Republican Candidate is the best choice to be their Congressman.

Speaking as an everyday Republican why would I speak against someone with a proven record in the State Senate as a good Republican and public servant? Would his beliefs and record as a true Republican disqualify him accurately representing both the Eastern and Western Shores of a Republican 1st Congressional District? I think not. Values and beliefs are universal and transcendent of any geographic location as long as the area and values/beliefs match up to accurately represent the area.

So what kind of spin is it? Kratovil supporter or Gilchrest sympathizer? Regardless what is best for the Republican Party and 1st Congressional District is a Strong Republican Candidate with a Proven Record of Public Service. If you do not agree with Andy and are committed to your own philosophy, fine, that is part of our Democratic Process and I respect your beliefs though I will disagree with you. But as a Republican you cannot deny the vigor in which Andy has exhibited in the State Senate and his commitment to the Republican Party's philosophy. And that final line, "And that's not Kratovil Spin; it's Republican", I do not understand it and I do not agree with it. Fellow Republicans should feel the same way.

Fernando's Big ESPN Fight Is Tonight

You can see Fernando's fight on ESPN II Tonight around 10:00 PM. Support your local undefeated boxer so when he returns we can all talk to him about watching the fight.

I'm sure Station 7 will have the fight on as well tonight during their fundraiser.

The Salisbury Chamber Of Commerce Responds

Dear Joe,

Thank you for your attention to the matter of ASAP's possible sponsorship of this year's Salisbury Festival.

As the chairman of the Chamber's Crime Reduction Task Force, I took it upon myself to further inquire into this matter. As of today, the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce did not receive or accept any payment for sponsorship from Mr. Lewis or ASAP. The Chamber takes it's commitment to enhancing the quality of life within Wicomico County and our region very seriously. Therefore we would never knowingly associate or reward in anyway the sort of criminal activities that allegedly took place at the county landfill.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend our law enforcement agencies, County Executive & County Council for their outstanding handling of this matter. Also I would particularly like to thank the individuals who have helped by coming forward and assisting in the investigation.

I hope you and your readers will join us along with everyone in our community at the 25th Annual Salisbury Festival April 27-29. For more information call the chamber at 410-749-0144.

Thanks again for you bringing this to our attention and thanks for the service that you provide to our community.

Regards,

Mark McIver

Chairman, Crime Reduction Task Force