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Dear Sir,
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, help me to find my stolen dog! You won't even begin to believe the story that I am about to tell you, but it is all true and a living nightmare.I am 39 years old and HIV+. 3 years ago I was lonely and very depressed and I had not much to live for. Out of the blue, a wonderful little abused puppy came onto my porch and into my life. He was an angel to me and gift from God and thanks to him, I had a reason to get up every day and to live again. He is so lovng and smart and we took very good care of each other. He would go with me EVERYWHERE. He would pull me on my skates and skateboard and ride upon the gas tank of my motorbike and love every minute of it as well as I enjoyed watching him have fun. It also brought a smile to all the people who saw us.
Well, this all came to an end this last Saturday [Sept. 12]. We were in the French Quarter in Jackson Square. A street punk asked me for some money and so I gave him a dollar even though I don't have much money to give. In the process of giving him the dollar, a five-dollar bill fell out of my pocket. There were five of them there and I asked for the five back which they refused. I walked over to a pay phone in order to call 911 to get the police to help get my money back. This made them very unhappy and they started to come at me and circle me and to verbally threaten me with physical violence. They got too close to me and I became frightened for my life. I pushed one with my leg and started to run for my life. I heard footsteps behind me and ran faster. The next thing I know I am being tackled and brought to the ground. It turns up it is the police that I had called but I didn't know it was them because they never identified themselves.
I am next handcuffed and thrown into the back of their police car with a hurt head and leg. I explained what happened and that I was sorry to run from them, but I did not know it was them. Instead of letting me go and arresting the ones who stole my money, they hauled me off to jail. I begged, cried, pleaded for the police to get my dog that the street punks now had, but they didn't care. They drove off with me crying and yelling my dog's name and all I can remember is the look on my dog's face as we left. The police should have taken the dog with us and also taken the street punks so that we all could have been questioned. I spent 4 days in jail and my hurt leg is now infected thanks to the crabs from the jail cell. I asked 4 times for them to look at my leg and no one ever did.
I finally got out of jail and the street punks are still around, but no sign of the dog. I keep getting different stories from them. The last story is that this punk Michael sold the dog to someone for 5 dollars. I have been crying since the Saturday that I was arrested and I will cry everyday until I get my dog back. Without my dog, I have no reason to go on living, and things like this should not happen. I called 911 for help and all I got was arrested and the street punks got 6 dollars and my dog!
I am here at Kinko's making flyers to find my dog, but I do not know where to begin looking. My car also got towed away while I was in jail and now I have to walk around with a hurt leg to look for my dog. PLEASE help me to find my dog so I can get on with my life and stop crying! He means the world to me and this is the third time that I have had a dog stolen from me, but this dog is the most important one since he was sent to me from God and I will never be able to replace him or fix the broken heart that I have right now. I have been crying the entire time while I have been writing this letter. I know that you can help me to find my dog and I will do anthing that you want to repay you for your help. Thank you very much!
--Dale Keeney
[Ed note: The dog, which answers to the name "Bandit," is a medium mix, mostly white, with greyish spots. His blackish head is broken by a white stripe that runs from the top of the head to the tip of the nose. If you see this animal, please call 504.362.1704 or 504.524.6238.]Dear Editor:
Let me begin writing that my letter to you is a painful one, that I am in tears as I try to find the words to tell you the story I knew some day I would have to write.I have been a volunteer at the Lesbian & Gay Community Center for nearly five years, and I hope during that time I have helped people.
A few months ago I referred at 19 year old Louisiana youth to Covenant House. He presented himself to me in a mature adult manner and explained he was homeless and seeking shelter. He was forced to leave his home because of his "coming out." He told me he was hesitant about going to Covenant House because of stories he had heard on the street concerning acceptance of his sexuality. I told him that I, too, had heard rumors but assured him he had nothing to fear.
A few weeks later he returned to the Center beaten, bloodied, distraught, bruises over most of his body. His eye was blackened and swollen shut, victim of an attack by an estimated 5-10 residents.
The victim of the attack related the beating he experienced in a very calm, methodical, timely manner. His accounting of the beating was disturbing to me because it took place around noon in full view of staff, security and medical personnel. None of these observers came to his assistance.
I am the volunteer who called the police that day. The victim filed a report with the First District station.
I am particularly grateful for Toni Pizanie's articles about recent hate crimes. Her reporting is first rate and her concern for our youth is inspiring.
It is comforting to know as Toni wrote in her column that Rev. Dexter Brecht conducted sensitivity training for the staff at the Drop In Center. I am also grateful for the letter you published from Covenant House Executive Director Maudelle Cade. I am confident that these dedicated individuals will do all the good work they are imminently capable of.
The victim of the beating is well on his way to a lasting recovery, being self sufficient and assisting others. He does remain homeless, attends Mass every morning at St. Louis Cathedral. He continues to volunteer his time at the Center. I have admired the work of Covenant House of the years, especially, the changes brought about by Sister Mary Rose McGeady. Providing a safety net for our youth and a chance at salvation is a challenging and rewarding mission for all of us. Sincerely,
--Jim HildebrandDear Rip,
Just recently, Ms. Pizani [sic] in her column had a few words to say about tales of misconduct at Covenant House in regards to youngsters.First I must make a disclaimer. Many may know my name, and are aware that I am a board member of a couple of organizations here in N.O. So I wear a couple of hats. But this letter has nothing to do with these hats. At this time I am wearing my own hat. (my Ma-Ma bonnet). These words are from me only. I express no other groups feelings.
In reading Ms. Pizani's [sic] column a couple of times all I saw was a reporting of facts and concern as were relayed to her. Was she making any direct accusations at any one? I think not. She was just bringing to light some things that I myself have heard on the street since I have been involved with the community. I passed them off for lack of solid proof. We must remember when there is smoke there can also be fire.
I have always felt that Ms. Pizani [sic] is a very caring person that has our whole family at heart in her endeavors, whatever they may be. She brings light to what she hears. I find that very important. We need to know the truth about what is happening and also need to know the stuff that is rumored. So that facts may be looked into.
Ms. Cade from Covenant House paints a very glorious picture in her letter about the way Covenant House is run. I also put my fate and trust in places such as these Shelters. It is most sad that there is ever even any such rumors of things not being right at any place whose job and concern are youngsters. Thank you for your time.
--Crystal Little[Letters and Comments should be sent to Ambush Letters, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; or, E-mail to webmaster@ambushmag.com]
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