Tuesday, June 21, 2016

K9 Massacre in Kuwait

(Note that I am adding links to articles that are appearing almost on a daily basis now around the Globe at the end of this post.)




This has been all over social media and the written press is just starting to take a look at it.  It happened on June 17, 2016,  at a facility in/near Mina Abdullah that had a contract with KNPC.  According to the story and various sources, supposedly 24 dogs (but as many as 40)  were killed when the company lost it's contract - apparently in a form of revenge.

There are still 91 dogs at the facility and everyone is very concerned for them.

Kuwait Animal Rescue Unit Q8 can be found on Instagram KARUQ8 if you wish to follow their progress.

Note that I have not mentioned the name of the company nor it's owner/management because it would be illegal to do so in Kuwait.  However, you can read any of the internationally-published stories to learn more.





Articles (Local and International):

Ladies Who Do Lunch Blog posted HERE.

Arab Times:  Outrage as Dogs Culled Article HERE.

Al-Qabas Article HERE:

The president of the company has been in trouble before:  CorpWatch Article

Mission K-9 Rescue Article 

Retired Military Working Dogs Article

Facebook site HERE.

Kuwait Times HERE.   KNPC Clarifies

Daily Express (UK) HERE.

New York Post HERE.  (REALLY good/detailed article.)

New York Post #2 HERE.  And oooooh - this one has his photo!

Snopes.com HERE


I am saddened, sickened, and distressed by this. I go home and look at my own German Shepherd and wonder how anyone could be so evil and cold-hearted to such wonderful creatures.  They will do anything for you for just a little love.

To all of you working to help in this case, God Bless You and keep up the good fight.

June 26, 2016 Appeal for Help


Friday, June 17, 2016

Blame and shame

I saw this on Facebook and thought it was good enough to repost. I don't know the original source. Hate and negativity is infectious these days. Good to take a minute to think. Where has the compassion in our society gone?

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Copied from another site:

Copied from another post -

Parents, I beg of you, stop blaming and shaming other parents.

35 years ago, a mom shopping in a Sears department store went to go look at lamps, and left her six year old with another group of boys, who were all trying out the new Atari game at a kiosk. That boy’s name was Adam Walsh.

30 years ago, an 18 month old toddler playing in her aunt’s backyard fell into a well. Rescuers worked nonstop for 58 hours, finally freeing “Baby Jessica” from the well.

In both cases a tragedy happened, an unforeseen tragic accident took place which left Adam  dead, and a toddler fighting for her life deep underground. But they also has something else in common; they had an entire  country of moms and dads supporting the grieving parents.

Let me repeat that, EVERYONE SUPPORTED THE RESCUE EFFORTS WITHOUT BLAME. NO BLAME. None. ZERO.

No questions asked, not one single “Where were the parents?” comment. Just a country of other moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas watching in horror as a set of parents, one of their own, went through the unthinkable. Adam was our son. Jessica was our baby daughter.

THOSE PARENTS WERE US.

Flash forward to 2016, the year of THE PERFECT PARENT.

Yesterday, a two year old boy, splashing in the magical lakefront waters of a Disney Resort, succumbed to the wilds of mother nature. An aggressive alligator scooped him out of the water, right under the watch of his father, who attempted to fight with the alligator to free his baby son. Pure horror. Sheer Terror. Parents who actually had to watch their baby be taken from them, as if they were in some African nature documentary.

A tragic and unforeseeable accident. An accident.

I weep for this mother and father. I am sick with anguish for the pain, agony, misery, and regret pulsating through their viens this very second. And I bet you are too.

But not everyone is.

You see, we now live in a time where accidents are not allowed happen. You heard me. Accidents, of any form, in any way, and at any time, well, they just don’t happen anymore.

Why? Because BLAME and SHAME.

Because we have become a nation of BLAMERS and SHAMERS.

And how are accidents allowed to happen if we can’t blame someone? Surly, they can’t, right? I mean, random acts of nature, unpreventable tragedies, and fateful life changing events that take place in a matter of nanoseconds cannot possibly take place if everyone is being a responsible parent, right? NOPE.

They can’t,  because this country and its population of perfect pitchfork carrying mothers and fathers sitting behind keyboards needs to accuse. They NEED TO BLAME, to disparage, to criticize in every damn way and at every damn corner, the parenting of another.

And when do they really get to lick their blaming chops? When a tragic accident happens.  That’s when the pouncing is at its freshest, when raw emotion and ignorance collide, and they dig their word claws in, and take hold of whatever grace these grieving mothers and fathers have left in their souls.

And then they tear it out.

Listen to me very clearly perfect parents, VERY CLEARLY.

I’VE HAD ENOUGH.

 I’ve had enough of scrolling through comment threads and seeing over and over again questions like “Where were the parents?” and thoughts like, “This is what happens when you don’t watch your kids.”

I have simply HAD ENOUGH.

I have one question for the blaming and shaming moms and dads. You know the ones who immediately  blame the parents, the ones who go on the internet and type comments like, “This is nothing but neglect by the parents,” and  “They should have known better. Who was watching that little boy?”  and my favorite, “I would never let that happen to my kid.”

Here is my question,

Have you ever been to a child’s funeral before?

I have.

The funeral of a child is an event in life that you never, ever want to experience.

Now let me ask you another question.

In the coming week these parents will fly back to their home in Nebraska without one of their children. They will leave a vacation resort, packing up his Buzz Lightyear pajamas and his favorite blanket, and they will make an excruciatingly difficult journey home. A journey that they never in a million years thought they would be making.

They will meet with a funeral director, pick out a tiny casket, a tiny burial suit, and surrounded by family,  they will bury their baby boy.

And they will suffer every single day for the rest of their life.

At the funeral for this two year boy who died in front of his parents, can you do me a favor? Can you walk up to the mother and say the words that you just typed out last week? Can you? Can you greet her, hug her, shake the father’s hand and then say, “ Who was watching that little boy? You should have known better. I would never let that happen to MY child.”

Can you do that for me? I mean, you felt those words so deeply in your heart and soul that you typed them for a million people to read. Certainly you can say it straight to the faces of  the people you meant it for, right?

Here, let me help you.

Put away your pitchfork for a moment and try this.

To the mother and father who went for a walk on vacation for the last time with their little boy yesterday, I am deeply sorry that you had to experience the worst kind of tragedy possible, an accident. I grieve with you. Your baby was my baby. Your son was my son. I have nothing but love for you,  love to help you get though the pain yesterday, today, and for what is gonna seem like a thousand tomorrows. I wrap my thoughts  and prayers around your aching heart and soul. May the God of this universe in some miraculous  way bring peace to you and your family.

That is what you say. THAT. And just THAT.

Stop the blaming.

Stop the shaming.

In their darkest hours, can we please just LOVE other parents. Please?

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

New Facebook Group

Facebook ate my Desert Girl account and all its contents about a year ago.  I just started a new public Facebook Group called Desert Girl on Kuwait.  So please join and add info!

Desert Girl on Kuwait
https://www.facebook.com/groups/258391941192494/

Sunday, June 05, 2016

Devil Children


So yesterday, I was with a friend and we took his yacht (shut up - I am NOT making this up) to a secluded area with no people around to enjoy a PEACEFUL day swimming.  We had some music playing and we were just swimming around with no boats around.  There were some jet skiis far away, but most of them didn't come close to the boat... except for one ashhole kid who circled around the boat and got within feet of us, only to spray us with water. He was so close that he could have hit either one of us.   He had this angry, evil look on his face.

The stories you hear lately out of Kuwait about "children" (demons) torturing animals and stabbing people and harassing women in malls...  WTF!

I was in Mahboula (aka "New Jack City") the other day and witnessed an almost-accident between a gentleman-looking Kuwaiti in an Escallade and (get this shit) at 11-12 year old driving a mini-van.  The "driver" of the mini van was waving for the Escallade (in the right) to back up.  Holy snap!  With attitude too???  Thankfully, the Kuwaiti man was responsible and stopped the boy.  I was secretly hoping that he was an undercover cop!

What is wrong with people?  Are they raising demons?  Is no one taking responsibility for these horrible small people?  It is infuriating.  And guess what - if you raise an asshole, you are going to get an asshole adult who does terrible things to YOU, the parent, not just the community.   Karma, biotches!


Wednesday, June 01, 2016

#‎Speakout: A message from Kuwait Child's Rights Society @kcrsgroup

#‎Speakout.. if you see a child being abused in front of you.. #speakout if a child tells you she's been beaten and asks for your help.. #speakout if you have a bad feeling that something is wrong.. #speakout because if you don't.. if you say it's none of my business.. your silence might cost a child's precious life.
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A message from Kuwait Child's Rights Society @kcrsgroup
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Here are the Kuwait National Child Protection Program's Ministry of Health SCAN team hotlines:

Sabah health area 98010172
Hawalli health area 98010173
Ahmadi health area 98010174
Capital health area 98010175
Farwaniya health area 98010176

Jahra health area 98010177

DG Random Thoughts on Friendship: 2016 Version

Buckle up, buttercup.  Why am I being so philosophical lately?  Is there something in the stars?  Whutup?  Well... whatever... here it is...

A real friend stopped by last night.  I have known him for about 15 years.  He's a good and decent person and reminds me of what that means exactly.  He also elevates me - which is what a real friend should do (not bring you down).   He IS the kind of person I could call in the middle of the night with a problem (even though he's married and has kids and an incredibly demanding job - one of the most demanding in the country, no joke).  He's That Guy.

I have other friends that I can count on like that.  Bunny, for example.  And then there's Creed Man. And Kaz, of course.  KAC Girl and Ms. New York.  They call out of the blue just to check on me. Not because they need something, but because of a genuine interest in how I'm doing. (I love you guys by the way.)

Fair Weather Friends

Friendship is a 2-way street. So is loyalty (of all kinds).   I don't drop friends at the closure  of an opportunity period and I  expect them not to drop me, but it happens and I feel like I'm on the receiving end; sometimes after years of supporting the needy and drama-ridden.

And I really must learn (after all these years inside my own head) to listen to my inner voice.  If you don't think that someone genuinely likes you (or isn't sincere with you)  they probably don't/aren't. Takers are always going to take.  Givers are always going to give.  We're all different.  Know when to walk away from the takers.  This has been a difficult lesson for me to learn, but I have started by identifying who they are and then learning to cease the giving.  Of time.  Of resources. Of attention. Of thoughts. Of energy.

Sidebar:  I haven't been able to read tarot cards in almost a year because of all the negative energy around me.  I have been through a cleansing process/reflection/meditation and I'm finally getting back to ME.

It's karma, bitches

I learned this from my sister
(who has helped MANY)
Here is my personal belief/creed:  You do the best you can for people; whatever it takes.  Give of your time, of yourself, and whatever you can spare. Know that you've done the right thing to the best of your ability.  Some of my friends over the years have eluded to the "doormat" theory; that maybe I'm "too nice" or give too much.  F that. (And it has taken me a long time to be able to say that with confidence;  without questioning if I am too nice/soft or not.)   I feel good about myself and I'm an EFNJ so it makes me happy when I can help. I am who I am and I am happy with who I am. (As my dad said, "Follow your heart and you will never go wrong.")  IF I get taken advantage of by people who don't share the same values as I do, that is between them and their God, their karma.  I have been blessed in SO MANY ways and I know it. I know that it is coming back around.

Gratitude

I also believe in the power of gratitude.  To me, showing gratitude isn't about that one person. You're not necessarily giving thanks only to the person or people who have done you a kindness; but you're thanking God in the process.  Gratitude is a powerful thing and I think my mother instilled that in me at an early age ("Always write a thank you note.")  It has stayed with me.  "You don't need to thank me, it's just my job."  Uh yeah, I do too need to thank you.  It isn't about just you.  It goes into the Universe as love.  Flowers, thank you notes, blog posts to recommend people who have given me great services.  It all goes into the same pot:  Gratitude.

So why do some people find it so hard to do?  Why do they feel like they have to get one over on you?  No one should do something for the reason of receiving gratitude.  But when it doesn't come after you've really tried hard to sincerely make someone happy or comfortable, it is painful.

I love entertaining.  I used to have gatherings at my home (big place in Rumaithiya).  Went on for years every Friday night - "Desert Girl Diwaniya";  and every Saturday morning, I was alone with a mess to clean up and no one to help me. I invited all kinds of people, friends, friends of friends, people I didn't know.  Different Fridays; different types of people.  Some were not very nice to me; sometimes just walking in without even bothering to introduce themselves. Some were not nice to my dog ("koshing offense" leading to being kicked out of my home).    How many invitations did I receive in return: Maybe over the course of 3 years: 3 invitations.  And not by the people I considered my "real friends" from my inner circle who frequented the gatherings the most.  You know - the ones who drank all my refreshments and never returned the favor;   Those ones.  Where are all those people now?  Oh, the refreshments ran out and apparently so did the "friendships."  I invite very few people into my home now - and they better be good, sincere friends from the heart or they're not welcome (including those who don't like my dog).

If people are trying to bring you down, it only means that you're above them

Recently, bad-friend-trend has been to try to belittle me or elevate themselves somehow to show me up. Yes yes, you are so much more important, have so much more professional experience and knowledge. Education.  Money.  Whatever.  You are so much "better" than me in so many ways.  . Good luck with all that.  I don't care.  I honestly don't.  Good for you.  I'm happy for  you.  I wish you the best.  However, my advice would be:  Just don't forget to be grateful to the people who have helped you move to the next step in your journey.  Don't turn your back because you never know what might be coming up later behind you.  It all comes back around.  And sincere people will always be able to spot fakers.



"I'm busy" isn't an excuse with me. I'm busy too.  I'm not too busy for real friends. And real friends are never too busy for me.  And guess what?  The next time you call me for something, fair-weather friend, I am probably too busy to talk to you.  I'm far too important to my self worth.

When you introduce your friend to a friend and then they become friends and forget you

Mean girls suck. 
I've written about this before:  Introducing friends to friends who then become close friends and forget you.  It has happened throughout the course of my blogging journey.  I introduce people (statistically, those who I have met through the blog with people in my "real" life) and then they get along great; which I am very happy about until.... they forget me in the process.  My thought process on this one:  I assign the same importance to friendships that I would in a love relationship:  If you are cheating on me with her and have to make a decision between both of us; choose her, because if I was really that important to you, there wouldn't be a decision and you would still be calling me or hanging with me.  Just don't expect me to be there for you later. 'I'm too busy.'

I bet you think this post is about you

Now, what I said in my previous post about not being able to write about the juicy stuff because too many friends and acquaintances know who I am:  The people I am depicting in this story are "too busy or too important" to bother with me or my little blog,  I'm sure. (Ironically, that is how I met several friends as I've said.)  In the off chance that they do read this - great!   If we had spoken like mature adults (or wait - actual friends), they would already understand the way I feel and wouldn't be reading about it here.

The moral of this story is   

We all go through this process in our lives.  I think women more often than men because we over-analyze everything and tend to be more emotional about our relationships.  At least, that is what I think from a female-biased perspective.  (Maybe not in the Arab world... ha.)  If you are in the middle of a reflection process, you're not alone.  Others go through the same thing.

I was just talking to my handsome friend about this last night.  It seems like the older we get, the more important decent, kind, sincere friends become to us.   Those are the ones to hang onto when our circles get smaller.  To keep in touch with.  Not everyone is going to stay on your ride with you.

In gratitude, thank you for reading down this far and helping me with my therapy.