NEW – Animal rights leader sentenced

By Kathy Mellott
The Tribune-Democrat

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The founder of a national group opposing dog tethering was sentenced today to one year of probation and 300 hours community service on her December conviction of theft and receiving stolen property.

Tammy Grimes, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, also has been ordered to remove all images from the Internet of the dog she stole.

Judge Elizabeth Doyle said that Grimes, 43, of Annis Township , can no longer profit from the sale of merchandise featuring pictures of Jake, the dog taken from an East Freedom home in September 2006.

Grimes’ attorney said the Internet order is in violation of his client’s First Amendment rights and plans an immediate appeal.

The Backyard Hell

As I lay dying in a pool of dirt and mud
I felt a hand touch my matted fur
My old eyes looked up and saw
An angel with sad eyes staring down at me

The hands stroked my fur and the unfamiliar
touch puzzled, yet comforted me
Can it be that I have already died,
Released from the never-ending agony
of chains, neglect, bones grating cold ground?

Yes, my rescuer has picked me up from this backyard hell
And bathed my skinny, dirty, bony body
Released me from the heavy chains and the fleas
whose bites I long ago became accustomed to

I have little time left
But in a dog's world, a hint of kindness,
a soft touch, a kind word and a warm blanket
overshadow the years of suffering when no one cared
Can you see the love and gratitude in my eyes?

As I lay dying, I looked up
and saw kind eyes looking back at me
An angel rescued me from backyard hell
And paved my way to eternity.

For Tammy
Who gives me the strength and courage to rise above my own fears and limitations—Patti Ragsdale

Thank God for angels like Tammy Grimes.

I T-O-O-K T-H-E D-O-G.
Throw me in jail.
I will not pay you a dime.