Chatlist Chatters

The proposed transfer tax increase
[Jan. 17, 2007] The property transfer tax on "other people" is a tax on everyone in some way, eventually. It is most definitely a tax on all landowners and want to be landowners in Chatham County. Joy's comment about staying put on their land in Chatham to avoid being subjected to the 1% transfer tax gives me the unhappy grins. By Steve Candelori

The Terlls will have Shelby back
[Jan. 17, 2007] To those of you who have supported Best Buddies and our decision up until now, we very much thank you. This has been an incredibly difficult time for everyone involved. To those of you that have bullied, accused, lied, and personally threatened us, you won. By Carrie, Katie, and Pam
Also: Best Buddies Companion Rescue & Adoption

It would be a real shame if the Terlls and their dog are not reunited
[Jan. 16, 2007] I have noticed, following situations here and in Orange County, that situations like the one with Shelby the dog often are proxy battles in an ongoing conflict within the animal rescue community. Judgments are made, authority asserted, lawsuits filed, feelings hurt. I hope this is not happening now, but I have my doubts. By Duncan Murrell

In defense of Best Buddies
[Jan. 16, 2007] First of all, I feel for Liza and her family, so I'm not taking the stance that the dog should not be returned, but I do think it is important to understand the side of an organization like Best Buddies Companion Rescue & Adoption. By Meredith Horne

It disturbs me that Shelby has not been returned
[Jan. 16, 2007] Being an animal lover myself, this disturbs me to know that Shelby has not been returned to her rightful owner. In the past three months I have rescued two dogs myself and have to admit that it has been a very difficult choice for me because I want to take every one of those precious animals and bring them home to a loving environment. But that just isn't humanly possible. By Rhonda K.

Terll responds to Best Buddies
[Jan. 16, 2007] Liza Terll responses to the email from Best Buddies Companion Rescue & Adoption to the Chatlist. By Liza Terll

Best Buddies' decision unleashes howls of protest
[Jan. 15, 2007] The decision of the Best Buddies Companion Rescue & Adoption group about Shelby unleashed a torrent of criticism on the Chatham Chatlist.

Shelby belongs back with my friends
[Jan. 15, 2007] I believe I know who the dog "Shelby" was placed with after the Best Buddies Companion Rescue & Adoption got her. They were two of the most loving people you could imagine. Knowing I'm a dog lover, one of them brought pictures of their new pooch to work to show to me and we exchanged "wonderful dog" stories. By Brenda Denzler

Best Buddies Rescue won't return our dog to us
[Jan. 14, 2007] Best Buddies Rescue Group in Chatham County refuse to return our dog to my family. Here's is a very brief summary of our story--the whole story takes many twists and turns. By Liza Terll

Best Buddies Companion Rescue & Adoption stands by it's decision
[Jan. 14, 2007] For those who are interested in the reasons that the stray dog, Shelby, was not returned to her previous home, here is the letter to Ms. Terll from the Board of Best Buddies Companion Rescue & Adoption. By BBCRA's Board of Directors
Also: Best Buddies Companion Rescue & Adoption

All that is good and bad about Chatham county
[Dec. 28, 2006] It seems that the General Store had become the topic of conversation right along with frustration about the growth and changes that are happening in Chatham County. At times I think we represent to folks all that is good and all that is bad in Chatham County and I don't feel that this is fair to the GSC. By Vance Remick

Hunting controls deer overpopulation
[Dec. 28, 2006] First, I really hate that I have to qualify this, but I do. I am not a hunter. I did hunt a little when I was in my teens, but honestly, I never really got much out of it. The one time I thought I had a deer in my sights, it turned out to be an idiot who thought blaze orange wasn't worthwhile. He nearly got a bullet in the chest. I have not hunted since, but I do enjoy shooting sports. By Jeff Lane
Also: Deer biology
Also: Nature Conservancy

Abandoning dogs and cats at the Chatham animal shelter
[Dec. 28, 2006] For those of you in Chatham County that "drop" or "abandon" your animals at the Chatham Shelter before opening or on days that the shelter is closed, I have a few things to say. If you are a resident of Chatham and cannot keep your companion cat or dog, the shelter is there for you to bring them during operating hours Monday-Friday 12-5 pm. If other arrangements have to be made, I am sure in certain circumstances something could be arranged with the staff. By Karen Pool

A time to heal
[Dec. 21, 2006] I am revising the writing of this article because when it was first written the new commissioners had not yet taken office. The election had ended; a large part of the majority of people who voted for change in the May primary, also voted in the November general election to keep the system for choosing commissioners to serve our county intact instead of changing to district voting. The war of words, accusations and disrespectful actions preceding the election ripped through relationships like a chainsaw rips through trees. By Delcenia Turner