thedenverpost--2020-01-08--The Colorado Horsecare Foodbank once saved struggling horse owners with free hay but it closed Jan.

The Colorado Horsecare Foodbank once saved struggling horse owners with free hay but it closed Jan. 1 after its founder retired

Chief , a massive Belgian/quarter horse , made a prime candidate for a slaughterhouse after he bucked his owner and showed fear of anyone but his trainer , Cheyenne McCann .
McCann , desperate to find a home for the horse , turned to the Colorado Horsecare Foodbank for hay to help cover Chief ’ s expenses until he could be relocated .
“ I felt like I was between a rock and a hard place , ” McCann said .
“ They had hay right when I came back with him .
They did that for anybody.
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners in need has come to an end .
After 10 years as an emergency equine food bank , the nonprofit based in Evergreen closed its barn doors on Dec. 31 .
The Colorado Horsecare Foodbank provided horse owners with three to six months of hay while they got back on their feet .
The food bank galloped to the rescue in 2013 when horse owners needed help after the Black Forest Fire in El Paso County and floods that ravaged Boulder County and other parts of the Front Range .
It served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowed in 2017 .
Juliana Lehmanfounded the organization after the 2008 recession when other horse owners struggled to keep their animals after losing jobs .
With the help of a handful board members and volunteers throughout the state , she ran the food bank .
“ No one should have to send a horse away forever because of a temporary problem , ” Lehman said .
Now , though , Lehman is ready to retire .
And there ’ s no one else willing to take over the food bank .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into this but it ’ s time , ” Lehman said .
“ I ’ m 67 years old and my husband and I are traveling.
” Liza Jackson was another owner who was helped by the food bank .
Veterinarians told Jackson , 60 , she should put down her chocolate-brown quarter horse , Nash .
He is diabetic and had bone chips in one of his knees , Jackson said .
Nash had two surgeries to remove the chips but one was botched .
A shard was still in his knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for a third surgery .
“ I sold everything for Nash .
By then , I was broke , ” Jackson said .
“ Someone told me about the Food bank and they gave us hay while I saved up for his surgery.
” The operation was successful and Nash went back to being a therapy horse for special needs children .
“ Their help meant the world to me , ” Jackson said .
“ He ’ s like a giant dog .
He ’ s kind and he loves to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than anything.
” Alternatives to the food bank exist .
Owners can get hay from the Dumb Friends League but not at the same scale .
Lehman is frustrated that no one has taken over the organization from her .
She understands that it seems daunting but doesn ’ t think that ’ s a reason to let it die .
“ I ’ ve called individuals , other organizations .
No one ’ s interested , ” Lehman said .
“ Why has no one bought it ?
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know if you have an answer .
”

Chief, a massive Belgian/quarter horse, made a prime candidate for a slaughterhouse after he bucked his owner and showed fear of anyone but his trainer, Cheyenne McCann.
McCann, desperate to find a home for the horse, turned to the Colorado Horsecare Foodbank for hay to help cover Chief’s expenses until he could be relocated.
“I felt like I was between a rock and a hard place,” McCann said. “They had hay right when I came back with him. They did that for anybody.”
But that option for Colorado’s horse owners in need has come to an end. After 10 years as an emergency equine food bank, the nonprofit based in Evergreen closed its barn doors on Dec. 31.
The Colorado Horsecare Foodbank provided horse owners with three to six months of hay while they got back on their feet. The food bank galloped to the rescue in 2013 when horse owners needed help after the Black Forest Fire in El Paso County and floods that ravaged Boulder County and other parts of the Front Range. It served around 300 clients per year until operations slowed in 2017.
Juliana Lehmanfounded the organization after the 2008 recession when other horse owners struggled to keep their animals after losing jobs. With the help of a handful board members and volunteers throughout the state, she ran the food bank.
“No one should have to send a horse away forever because of a temporary problem,” Lehman said.
Now, though, Lehman is ready to retire. And there’s no one else willing to take over the food bank.
“I’ve put my heart and soul into this but it’s time,” Lehman said. “I’m 67 years old and my husband and I are traveling.”
Liza Jackson was another owner who was helped by the food bank.
Veterinarians told Jackson, 60, she should put down her chocolate-brown quarter horse, Nash. He is diabetic and had bone chips in one of his knees, Jackson said.
Nash had two surgeries to remove the chips but one was botched. A shard was still in his knee, and Jackson needed $15,000 to pay for a third surgery.
“I sold everything for Nash. By then, I was broke,” Jackson said. “Someone told me about the Food bank and they gave us hay while I saved up for his surgery.”
The operation was successful and Nash went back to being a therapy horse for special needs children.
“Their help meant the world to me,” Jackson said. “He’s like a giant dog. He’s kind and he loves to play with cattle. I love him more than anything.”
Alternatives to the food bank exist. Owners can get hay from the Dumb Friends League but not at the same scale.
Lehman is frustrated that no one has taken over the organization from her. She understands that it seems daunting but doesn’t think that’s a reason to let it die.
“I’ve called individuals, other organizations. No one’s interested,” Lehman said. “Why has no one bought it? That’s the million dollar question, let me know if you have an answer.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-08--San Diego State coach Rocky Long retiring, AP source says

SAN DIEGO — Rocky Long is retiring as San Diego State ’ s football coach after taking the Aztecs to nine straight bowl games , a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday .
The person spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move hadn ’ t been announced .
The school has scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. PST to make what it said was a major announcement .
The Aztecs were 10-3 last season , capped by a 48-11 victory over Central Michigan in the New Mexico Bowl .
Many observers expect Brady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ball State , SDSU and Michigan , to replace Long , although the person who spoke with the AP said that wasn ’ t a certainty .
Hoke hired Long as his defensive coordinator at SDSU in 2009 .
Long replaced Hoke as head coach after he took the Michigan job before the 2011 season .
Hoke was fired after four seasons at Michigan and returned to SDSU last fall as defensive line coach .
Long was 81-38 and took the Aztecs to a bowl game in all nine seasons .
That extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took them to the Poinsettia Bowl in 2010 .
SDSU won 10 or more games in four of the last five seasons , and also won three Mountain West Conference championships under Long .
Long was 65-69 in 11 seasons as head coach at New Mexico .
There were reports Monday that Long was looking for a job as a defensive coordinator at a Power Five school , including Syracuse .
He also reportedly was under pressure to fire offensive coordinator Jeff Horton .
SDSU issued a statement saying Long was simply visiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defensive schemes and to solicit ideas he could implement .

SAN DIEGO — Rocky Long is retiring as San Diego State’s football coach after taking the Aztecs to nine straight bowl games, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday.
The person spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move hadn’t been announced. The school has scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. PST to make what it said was a major announcement.
The Aztecs were 10-3 last season, capped by a 48-11 victory over Central Michigan in the New Mexico Bowl.
Long turns 70 on Jan. 27.
Many observers expect Brady Hoke, a former head coach at Ball State, SDSU and Michigan, to replace Long, although the person who spoke with the AP said that wasn’t a certainty.
Hoke hired Long as his defensive coordinator at SDSU in 2009. Long replaced Hoke as head coach after he took the Michigan job before the 2011 season. Hoke was fired after four seasons at Michigan and returned to SDSU last fall as defensive line coach.
Long was 81-38 and took the Aztecs to a bowl game in all nine seasons. That extended the school-record streak to 10 after Hoke took them to the Poinsettia Bowl in 2010.
SDSU won 10 or more games in four of the last five seasons, and also won three Mountain West Conference championships under Long.
Long was 65-69 in 11 seasons as head coach at New Mexico.
There were reports Monday that Long was looking for a job as a defensive coordinator at a Power Five school, including Syracuse. He also reportedly was under pressure to fire offensive coordinator Jeff Horton.
SDSU issued a statement saying Long was simply visiting other schools to talk about his 3-3-5 defensive schemes and to solicit ideas he could implement.


thedenverpost--2020-01-08--Suspect fired more than 50 rounds at a Greeley police officer in November shootout

A Greeley police officer will not be charged after engaging in a November shootout with a 40-year-old man who later killed himself inside his home .
During the shootout , the suspect fired more than 50 rounds at the officer , who was wounded when a bullet struck his arm .
The officer is recovering , Greeley Police Department Chief Mark Jones said in a video message about the shooting .
Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke determined the officer — who the DA ’ s office declined to name — was justified in shooting Russell Cooley in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a letter to Greeley Police Chief Mark Jones .
The Greeley police department also released body camera footage Wednesday from the officer who was shot in the incident .
Around 9:25 p.m. on Nov. 14 , police received reports that someone had shot at a vehicle but when officers attempted to contact Cooley ’ s car , he fled .
Cooley fired over 55 rounds at the officers who were in pursuit , the DA letter said .
Body camera video shows an officer in his police cruiser taking heavy gunfire for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The officer , who was shot in the right arm , can be seen exiting the car with blood on his uniform , asking other officers for a tourniquet to stop the bleeding .
Cooley and a female passenger fled into a house at 3610 Marigold St. , where he fatally shot himself , the district attorney said .
The passenger , identified as Maria Lerma , was shot by police and transported to the hospital .
She survived her bullet wound .
Police found a rifle and revolver with Cooley ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DA ’ s office said .

A Greeley police officer will not be charged after engaging in a November shootout with a 40-year-old man who later killed himself inside his home.
During the shootout, the suspect fired more than 50 rounds at the officer, who was wounded when a bullet struck his arm. The officer is recovering, Greeley Police Department Chief Mark Jones said in a video message about the shooting.
Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke determined the officer — who the DA’s office declined to name — was justified in shooting Russell Cooley in order to defend himself and others, Rourke wrote in a letter to Greeley Police Chief Mark Jones.
The Greeley police department also released body camera footage Wednesday from the officer who was shot in the incident.
Around 9:25 p.m. on Nov. 14, police received reports that someone had shot at a vehicle but when officers attempted to contact Cooley’s car, he fled. Cooley fired over 55 rounds at the officers who were in pursuit, the DA letter said.
Body camera video shows an officer in his police cruiser taking heavy gunfire for several minutes, shooting back at Cooley. The officer, who was shot in the right arm, can be seen exiting the car with blood on his uniform, asking other officers for a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
Cooley and a female passenger fled into a house at 3610 Marigold St., where he fatally shot himself, the district attorney said. The passenger, identified as Maria Lerma, was shot by police and transported to the hospital. She survived her bullet wound.
Police found a rifle and revolver with Cooley’s body inside the house, the DA’s office said.


thedenverpost--2020-01-08--Colorado to host congressional hearing on online market competition

Top executives will have the opportunity to talk to lawmakers about growing concerns about competition in the online marketplace next week , U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse ’ s office announced Wednesday .
Speakers at the Jan. 17 event will include Sonos CEO Patrick Spence , PopSockets Founder and CEO David Barnett and Tile Vice President and General Counsel Kirsten Daru .
“ Through the Subcommittee ’ s investigation , it has become clear that the dominant online platforms have tremendous power to shape and influence online commerce , ” wrote subcommittee Chair David Cicilline in the release .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a diverse group of innovative companies that are forced to rely on these platforms as gatekeepers to reach consumers and the online marketplace.
” The hearing is hosted by the House Subcommittee on Antitrust , Commercial and Administrative Law .
Neguse serves as vice chair for the committee and U.S. Rep. Ken Buck also sits on the committee .
“ The state of Colorado — and the 2nd Congressional District in particular — is a hub for tech innovation and ingenuity , ” Neguse said in the release .
“ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlight Colorado on the national level and bring my congressional colleagues to learn about the growing vibrant and strong tech community in our district.
” The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. at the Whittmyer Courtroom at the University of Colorado Law School in Boulder .
This event is open to the public and will be livestreamed here .

Top executives will have the opportunity to talk to lawmakers about growing concerns about competition in the online marketplace next week, U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse’s office announced Wednesday.
Speakers at the Jan. 17 event will include Sonos CEO Patrick Spence, PopSockets Founder and CEO David Barnett and Tile Vice President and General Counsel Kirsten Daru.
“Through the Subcommittee’s investigation, it has become clear that the dominant online platforms have tremendous power to shape and influence online commerce,” wrote subcommittee Chair David Cicilline in the release. “This hearing is an opportunity to hear directly from a diverse group of innovative companies that are forced to rely on these platforms as gatekeepers to reach consumers and the online marketplace.”
The hearing is hosted by the House Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law. Neguse serves as vice chair for the committee and U.S. Rep. Ken Buck also sits on the committee.
“The state of Colorado — and the 2nd Congressional District in particular — is a hub for tech innovation and ingenuity,” Neguse said in the release. “I’m proud to secure this opportunity to highlight Colorado on the national level and bring my congressional colleagues to learn about the growing vibrant and strong tech community in our district.”
The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. at the Whittmyer Courtroom at the University of Colorado Law School in Boulder. This event is open to the public and will be livestreamed here.


thedenverpost--2020-01-08--Colorado sheriff’s office rolls back alert about a drone “command vehicle”

The Phillips County Sheriff ’ s Office on Wednesday abruptly pulled back from a previous claim that authorities were looking for a “ command vehicle ” that might be controlling the drones witnesses have reported flying nighttime patterns in Colorado and Nebraska , saying in a Facebook post that the command vehicle information was no longer “ pertinent or relevant.
” “ The Phillips County Sheriff ’ s Office is not the task force and our jurisdiction does not extend past Phillips County , Colorado , ” the statement said , before adding that the office would no longer be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The saga has been going on since mid-December , when residents in several counties began reporting that large drones were flying grid patterns at night , and local authorities said they didn ’ t know who was flying the drones .
Phillips County Sheriff Thomas Elliott did not immediately return requests for comment Wednesday .
The office posted the original message about the command vehicle on Monday , hours after a meeting about the drones in Brush attended by about 75 people from a wide variety of agencies .
In that message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the task force was asking the public to be on the lookout for a “ closed box trailer with antennas or a large van.
” On Tuesday , the Morgan County Sheriff ’ s Office said in a Facebook post that the “ vehicle description and trailer descriptions ” about a possible command vehicle were based on “ pure speculation.
” “ It may be accurate ; but there is no information , at this time , that supports it , ” the post said .
A member of the task force who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with The Denver Post on the condition of anonymity said Wednesday that the task force never decided to search for a command vehicle .
“ The working group was never looking for a ‘ command vehicle ’ as described in a recent social media post , ” the person said .
Lincoln County sheriff ’ s Capt .
Michael Yowell said Wednesday that the topic of “ command vehicles ” was discussed at Monday ’ s meeting as sheriffs compared notes about various reports they ’ d received .
“ It was brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlling these drones , ” he said .
But he said he can ’ t speak to what the task force decided to pursue , because after the initial general meeting , members of the newly formed task force stayed in the room while the rest of attendees left .
The Phillips County Sheriff ’ s Office is not part of the task force .
Ian Gregor , spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration , said Wednesday that authorities have still not figured out the source of the drones .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what exactly it is that people are reporting seeing , and if it ’ s drones , who the operator is , ” he said .

The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday abruptly pulled back from a previous claim that authorities were looking for a “command vehicle” that might be controlling the drones witnesses have reported flying nighttime patterns in Colorado and Nebraska, saying in a Facebook post that the command vehicle information was no longer “pertinent or relevant.”
“The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office is not the task force and our jurisdiction does not extend past Phillips County, Colorado,” the statement said, before adding that the office would no longer be making public statements about the drone situation.
The saga has been going on since mid-December, when residents in several counties began reporting that large drones were flying grid patterns at night, and local authorities said they didn’t know who was flying the drones.
Phillips County Sheriff Thomas Elliott did not immediately return requests for comment Wednesday. The office posted the original message about the command vehicle on Monday, hours after a meeting about the drones in Brush attended by about 75 people from a wide variety of agencies. In that message, the sheriff’s office said the task force was asking the public to be on the lookout for a “closed box trailer with antennas or a large van.”
On Tuesday, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that the “vehicle description and trailer descriptions” about a possible command vehicle were based on “pure speculation.”
“It may be accurate; but there is no information, at this time, that supports it,” the post said.
A member of the task force who attended Monday’s meeting and spoke with The Denver Post on the condition of anonymity said Wednesday that the task force never decided to search for a command vehicle.
“The working group was never looking for a ‘command vehicle’ as described in a recent social media post,” the person said.
Lincoln County sheriff’s Capt. Michael Yowell said Wednesday that the topic of “command vehicles” was discussed at Monday’s meeting as sheriffs compared notes about various reports they’d received.
“It was brought up that someone has got to be controlling these drones,” he said.
But he said he can’t speak to what the task force decided to pursue, because after the initial general meeting, members of the newly formed task force stayed in the room while the rest of attendees left. The Phillips County Sheriff’s Office is not part of the task force.
Ian Gregor, spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, said Wednesday that authorities have still not figured out the source of the drones.
“We are still working together to try to determine what exactly it is that people are reporting seeing, and if it’s drones, who the operator is,” he said.


thedenverpost--2020-01-09--Ask Amy: Prospective dad should consider being a “big”

Dear Amy : I ’ m a man in my 30s .
Ever since I was a young-adult , I ’ ve wanted to have a family of my own .
I grew up an only child .
When I got older , I decided that whether I got married or not I would adopt a child .
The only problem with this plan was that I was young and was still getting my career going .
I ’ m now in my mid-30s .
My ex-girlfriend and I had talked about possibly adopting a child , but unfortunately that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still want to adopt .
The only problem is , I don ’ t know if I should try to adopt now — or wait .
I have a job , but that job only pays me when I am needed ( which is rare ) .
I have my own home and own my own vehicle , etc .
I don ’ t know how to bring this up to my family .
I wonder what their reactions will be .
I ’ m sort of afraid to say anything to them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I saw the problems he faced , and I just don ’ t know what to do .
Dear Prospective : You seem to have put a lot of thought into this , but you don ’ t seem to have done any research about adoption ( other than writing to me ) .
Becoming a parent ( especially a single parent ) is a heavy lift .
It is emotionally , physically , and financially taxing .
It is also the greatest and most important thing you will ever do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is calling to you , and hope you will answer the call .
Start right now — by researching your options .
Your local office of Family and Children ’ s Services would be a good first stop .
Make an appointment to talk to a social worker .
Ask any and all questions and take careful notes .
You might be a good candidate for fostering a child .
Becoming a foster parent would give you the opportunity to see if full-time parenting is something you can tackle .
You will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and you would be supported through your efforts .
Many prospective parents enter the parenting journey through the foster-to-adopt program .
This effort requires both fearlessness and faith .
I hope you will also consider becoming a “ Big Brother.
” The Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program ( bbbs.org ) is a wonderful way for adults to connect with kids who are looking for a positive adult role model in their lives .
Do you have what it takes to be a “ big ?
” Check their website .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ marriage , I recently learned through a good friend that my husband , “ Charlie , ” dated my daughter ’ s longtime travel soccer coach for three years , prior to he and I getting married .
I was told the relationship was so serious that they had discussed marriage !
I couldn ’ t understand why my husband would keep that information from me all this time .
Charlie confirmed that this was true , but said he didn ’ t feel it was necessary to tell me .
I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost all trust in him .
Dear Upset ?
: If you are upset and questioning or wanting permission to feel your own honest emotions , then you have some work to do , You have the right to your feelings .
And yes , if I were you , I would be bewildered and upset .
I ’ m going to assume that your daughter might be older — and that you are not encountering this coach regularly , and so there is no personal overlap between the three of you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ took so long to get to you .
A three-year serious relationship is a major life-event not to disclose , but I don ’ t think it is necessarily a total trust-breaker .
You should ask your husband what other minor details he neglected to share with you , pre-marriage .
Does he have children you don ’ t know about ?
Was he in the military , the seminary , a boy band ?
Dear Amy : If the man who signed his letter “ Love Story ” truly wants to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but wants to leave “ gracefully , ” why doesn ’ t he let his wife and children stay in their home ?
He should accept his responsibility for his children ’ s well-being and leave the house to his wife and kids , if he must move on to chase happiness .
Dear Disheartened : I agree .
This man ’ s “ Love Story ” spelled heartbreak for others .

Dear Amy: I’m a man in my 30s. Ever since I was a young-adult, I’ve wanted to have a family of my own.
I grew up an only child. When I got older, I decided that whether I got married or not I would adopt a child.
The only problem with this plan was that I was young and was still getting my career going.
I’m now in my mid-30s. My ex-girlfriend and I had talked about possibly adopting a child, but unfortunately that relationship broke up.
However, I still want to adopt. The only problem is, I don’t know if I should try to adopt now — or wait.
I have a job, but that job only pays me when I am needed (which is rare). I have my own home and own my own vehicle, etc.
I don’t know how to bring this up to my family. I wonder what their reactions will be. I’m sort of afraid to say anything to them about it.
My dad was adopted, and I saw the problems he faced, and I just don’t know what to do.
— Prospective Dad
Dear Prospective: You seem to have put a lot of thought into this, but you don’t seem to have done any research about adoption (other than writing to me). Becoming a parent (especially a single parent) is a heavy lift. It is emotionally, physically, and financially taxing. It is also the greatest and most important thing you will ever do.
I applaud the fact that parenthood is calling to you, and hope you will answer the call.
Start right now — by researching your options. Your local office of Family and Children’s Services would be a good first stop. Make an appointment to talk to a social worker. Ask any and all questions and take careful notes.
You might be a good candidate for fostering a child. Becoming a foster parent would give you the opportunity to see if full-time parenting is something you can tackle. You will be interviewed and educated about what is required, and you would be supported through your efforts.
Many prospective parents enter the parenting journey through the foster-to-adopt program. This effort requires both fearlessness and faith.
I hope you will also consider becoming a “Big Brother.” The Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program (bbbs.org) is a wonderful way for adults to connect with kids who are looking for a positive adult role model in their lives. Do you have what it takes to be a “big?” Check their website.
Dear Amy: After 13 years of marriage, I recently learned through a good friend that my husband, “Charlie,” dated my daughter’s longtime travel soccer coach for three years, prior to he and I getting married.
I was told the relationship was so serious that they had discussed marriage!
I couldn’t understand why my husband would keep that information from me all this time.
Charlie confirmed that this was true, but said he didn’t feel it was necessary to tell me.
I feel I have been lied to and have lost all trust in him.
Should I be upset?
— Upset?
Dear Upset?: If you are upset and questioning or wanting permission to feel your own honest emotions, then you have some work to do,
You have the right to your feelings. And yes, if I were you, I would be bewildered and upset.
I’m going to assume that your daughter might be older — and that you are not encountering this coach regularly, and so there is no personal overlap between the three of you. This might account for how this news took so long to get to you.
A three-year serious relationship is a major life-event not to disclose, but I don’t think it is necessarily a total trust-breaker.
You should ask your husband what other minor details he neglected to share with you, pre-marriage. Does he have children you don’t know about? Was he in the military, the seminary, a boy band?
Stay calm. It’s time to talk.
Dear Amy: If the man who signed his letter “Love Story” truly wants to leave his wife for his lost love, but wants to leave “gracefully,” why doesn’t he let his wife and children stay in their home?
He should accept his responsibility for his children’s well-being and leave the house to his wife and kids, if he must move on to chase happiness.
— Disheartened
Dear Disheartened: I agree. This man’s “Love Story” spelled heartbreak for others.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-01-09--Bulldog crushed to death by PetSmart groomer’s table, pet owner says

LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas woman has said her bulldog was crushed to death by an electric grooming table at a pet store .
Vikki Seifert told KVVU-TV this week that she dropped off her 2-year-old dog named Minni for a grooming appointment at a PetSmart store in North Las Vegas last month and noticed the appointment was taking longer than usual .
Seifert said she then saw employees run to the grooming area and followed them , discovering her dog crushed under a grooming table .
“ They said that they had listened for her heartbeat and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Store workers could not explain what happened , Seifert said .
She said she ’ s waiting for an autopsy report and wants to see surveillance video .
“ People ’ s pets are their family members , ” she said .
“ She wasn ’ t just a pet.
” “ There ’ s nothing more important than the safety of the pets in our care , and we immediately launched a comprehensive investigation into how this type of unprecedented event could have possibly happened , ” the statement said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in constant contact with the pet parent since this occurred and will continue to do everything we can to help support her during this difficult time .
”

LAS VEGAS — A Las Vegas woman has said her bulldog was crushed to death by an electric grooming table at a pet store.
Vikki Seifert told KVVU-TV this week that she dropped off her 2-year-old dog named Minni for a grooming appointment at a PetSmart store in North Las Vegas last month and noticed the appointment was taking longer than usual.
Seifert said she then saw employees run to the grooming area and followed them, discovering her dog crushed under a grooming table.
“They said that they had listened for her heartbeat and she was gone,” Seifert said.
Store workers could not explain what happened, Seifert said.
She said she’s waiting for an autopsy report and wants to see surveillance video.
“People’s pets are their family members,” she said. “She wasn’t just a pet.”
PetSmart in a statement called the bulldog’s death a “tragic accident.”
“There’s nothing more important than the safety of the pets in our care, and we immediately launched a comprehensive investigation into how this type of unprecedented event could have possibly happened,” the statement said.
The statement added: “We have been in constant contact with the pet parent since this occurred and will continue to do everything we can to help support her during this difficult time.”


thedenverpost--2020-01-09--PHOTOS: Pete Buttigieg makes fundraising stop in Denver

Supporters take photos of presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg as he addresses thousands of people during his grassroots event in the @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 in Denver .
Behind them are photos of musicians who have performed at @ @ @

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
Supporters take photos of presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg as he addresses thousands of people during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver. Behind them are photos of musicians who have performed at the auditorium.


thedenverpost--2020-01-09--In Denver, Pete Buttigieg calls for action on climate change and gun violence: “This can’t wait four

In Denver, Pete Buttigieg calls for action on climate change and gun violence: “This can’t wait four years”

Presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday in Denver that the scale of the country ’ s challenges surrounding gun violence , climate change and economic inequity cried out for widescale changes that Donald Trump is ill-suited to deliver .
“ We ’ ve got to get to work because we can ’ t wait .
This can ’ t wait 10 years — this can ’ t wait four years , ” Buttigieg , who ended two terms as South Bend mayor this month , told about 2,500 people who paid $ 25 or more to attend a fundraising event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
About climate change , he said : “ If the science tells us that the deadline , scientifically , to do something drastic is 2030 , then the political deadline is 2020 , because we ’ re going to need a president who believes in climate science.
” The event was Buttigieg ’ s first in Colorado since he joined the still-crowded Democratic race last April .
At the time , he was a little-known mayor of a small Indiana city whose last name most people couldn ’ t pronounce .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join the front pack of candidates in Iowa and New Hampshire , the early states where he ’ s spent much of his time .
Nationally , though , his polling average is closer to 7 percent , well behind a handful of bigger-wattage names .
For attendees searching for a standard-bearer who can beat Trump in November , Buttigieg ’ s well-spoken polish offered a welcome contrast .
“ I really appreciate that he ’ s smart and confident — I have just have a really good feeling about him , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sylvia Wieba , 50 , an unaffiliated voter from Boulder , before the event started .
“ Of all the candidates for the Democratic ( nomination ) , he resonates with me the most .
I think he could bring people together.
” She liked that Buttigieg has appealed to more moderate positions on some issues , including health care .
Lisa Bao , 32 , a Denver resident , called the well-spoken , even-keeled manner of the military veteran “ refreshing.
” “ I ’ ve been supporting Mayor Pete for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a marriage and family therapist from Louisville .
“ Last round , I supported Bernie ( Sanders ) , but I ’ ve really liked how pragmatic Pete is .
He ’ s level-headed.
” Buttigieg hasn ’ t hired any staffers in Colorado , but he ’ s got an active volunteer network .
He spoke Wednesday about his plan for “ Medicare for all who want it , ” in contrast to more liberal candidates who want to replace private insurance with a universal Medicare expansion .
He cited the recurring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an example of an issue crying out for attention from the gridlocked government on the first day Trump ’ s successor takes office .
For Buttigieg , that means support for more gun control .
“ We ’ re going to need a president ready to get big things done , with bold ideas that meet the moment for those issues , ” Buttigieg said .
“ And one who is determined to do it in a way that will actually have our country be more unified — and be ready to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans who want progressive change.
” After the event , Buttigieg was headed to a private fundraiser in Denver .
Earlier Buttigieg took questions about his handling of police tensions with South Bend ’ s black community in a live Facebook interview with Denver community activist Jeff Fard , also known as Brother Jeff .
Buttigieg , who would be the first openly gay president if elected , also met with a 13-year-old transgender girl named Jude who fought for years to allow changes more easily to names and gender designations on @ @ @ @ @ @

Presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday in Denver that the scale of the country’s challenges surrounding gun violence, climate change and economic inequity cried out for widescale changes that Donald Trump is ill-suited to deliver.
“We’ve got to get to work because we can’t wait. This can’t wait 10 years — this can’t wait four years,” Buttigieg, who ended two terms as South Bend mayor this month, told about 2,500 people who paid $25 or more to attend a fundraising event at the Fillmore Auditorium on Colfax Avenue.
About climate change, he said: “If the science tells us that the deadline, scientifically, to do something drastic is 2030, then the political deadline is 2020, because we’re going to need a president who believes in climate science.”
The event was Buttigieg’s first in Colorado since he joined the still-crowded Democratic race last April. At the time, he was a little-known mayor of a small Indiana city whose last name most people couldn’t pronounce. He’s risen in the polls to join the front pack of candidates in Iowa and New Hampshire, the early states where he’s spent much of his time. Nationally, though, his polling average is closer to 7 percent, well behind a handful of bigger-wattage names.
For attendees searching for a standard-bearer who can beat Trump in November, Buttigieg’s well-spoken polish offered a welcome contrast.
“I really appreciate that he’s smart and confident — I have just have a really good feeling about him, that he could be great,” said Sylvia Wieba, 50, an unaffiliated voter from Boulder, before the event started. “Of all the candidates for the Democratic (nomination), he resonates with me the most. I think he could bring people together.”
She liked that Buttigieg has appealed to more moderate positions on some issues, including health care. Lisa Bao, 32, a Denver resident, called the well-spoken, even-keeled manner of the military veteran “refreshing.”
“I’ve been supporting Mayor Pete for some time,” said Joe Saavedra, a marriage and family therapist from Louisville. “Last round, I supported Bernie (Sanders), but I’ve really liked how pragmatic Pete is. He’s level-headed.”
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg high fives Austin Garner-Wells, 4, after addressing thousands of people during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver. Austin was sitting on his father Garrett's shoulders to see better in the crowd.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, left, waves to supporters with his husband Chasten, right, after addressing thousands of people during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Supporters take photos of presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg as he addresses thousands of people during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver. Behind them are photos of musicians who have performed at the auditorium.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post People wait below the neon sign outside of the Fillmore Auditorium announces presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg who will be addressing supporters during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg addresses thousands of people during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Austin Garner-Wells, 4, sits on the shoulders of his father Garrett holding a sign as they watch presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg addresses thousands of people during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg addresses thousands of people during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post The neon sign outside of the Fillmore Auditorium announces presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg who will be addressing supporters during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg addresses thousands of people during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver.
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg addresses thousands of people during his grassroots event in the Fillmore Auditorium on Jan. 8, 2020 in Denver.
Buttigieg hasn’t hired any staffers in Colorado, but he’s got an active volunteer network. He spoke Wednesday about his plan for “Medicare for all who want it,” in contrast to more liberal candidates who want to replace private insurance with a universal Medicare expansion.
He cited the recurring mass shootings at America’s schools as an example of an issue crying out for attention from the gridlocked government on the first day Trump’s successor takes office. For Buttigieg, that means support for more gun control.
“We’re going to need a president ready to get big things done, with bold ideas that meet the moment for those issues,” Buttigieg said. “And one who is determined to do it in a way that will actually have our country be more unified — and be ready to galvanize, not polarize, the majority of Americans who want progressive change.”
After the event, Buttigieg was headed to a private fundraiser in Denver. Earlier Buttigieg took questions about his handling of police tensions with South Bend’s black community in a live Facebook interview with Denver community activist Jeff Fard, also known as Brother Jeff.
Buttigieg, who would be the first openly gay president if elected, also met with a 13-year-old transgender girl named Jude who fought for years to allow changes more easily to names and gender designations on identity documents under Colorado law.
Staff writer Linnea Lipson contributed to this story.


thedenverpost--2020-01-09--Nikola Jokic nails game-winner in thriller over Mavericks

DALLAS — If Wednesday night ’ s thriller was a referendum on where the NBA stands , the league is in exceptional hands .
Emerging superstars Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic went right at each other , trading huge second-half buckets before Denver ’ s franchise player ultimately served the knockout .
“ Maybe it seems like ( we ’ re trading baskets ) , ” Jokic said , when asked about the theater between him and Doncic .
“ He ’ s playing on a really high level .
His ability to influence his teammates in the game , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seconds remaining , Jokic bullied his way against undersized Dallas forward Dorian Finney-Smith before laying in the eventual game-winning basket .
The Nuggets survived 107-106 at the American Airlines Center to improve to 26-11 and end their extended road trip at 3-2 .
“ He ’ s our go-to player .
He ’ s an MVP candidate for a reason , ” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said .
“ End of the games , the ball will be in his hand to make the right play , and tonight it was to score @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory , the Nuggets met the moment on defense .
Multiple defenders flew around on the final possession , switching and charging before the Mavericks ultimately turned the ball over as the clock expired .
Jokic finished with 33 points , seven assists and six rebounds , while Doncic managed 27 points , 10 assists and nine rebounds .
Neither team conceded anything in a white-knuckle fourth quarter when the Nuggets barely outscored the Mavericks , 21-17 .
“ Guys cared , ” Malone said .
“ They played hard .
They played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quiet first half , the Nuggets force-fed Jokic in the third quarter for 21 points .
He dug in his heels in the paint and then connected on four 3-pointers after barely missing his first two attempts .
Jokic kept the Nuggets within striking distance as Doncic imposed his devilish will on the game .
Doncic sliced through double-teams , navigated rangy defenders and swerved to 12 points of his own .
By the end of their riveting personal battle , the Mavericks had a thin 89-86 lead heading into the fourth quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tremendous depth has been both a blessing and a curse this season .
On Wednesday , the Nuggets comfortably played 10 guys , which included starters Jerami Grant and Torrey Craig filling in for usual starters Paul Millsap ( knee ) and Will Barton ( personal ) .
Craig drew the primary defensive matchup on Doncic and Grant was a menace around the rim , on both ends .
He finished with 15 points , five rebounds and three blocks .
In addition , both Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including one during a pivotal fourth-quarter run .
Wednesday marked the finale of a five-game , 10-day road trip that tested the Nuggets ’ mettle .
There were highs — Michael Porter Jr. ’ s career-high 25-point game at Indiana — and frustrating lows , defined by their tough loss in Washington .
By the end of it , Malone did his best to gauge the pulse of his team .
“ We ’ re semi-galvanized , ” he joked .
“ We ’ ve had galvanizing moments and other moments were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life in the NBA , on a serious note .
… We have a pretty connected group .
I think the biggest challenge was , not the loss , but after the disappointing way in which we played in Washington , how do we respond to that ?
Can we be honest with each other , can we be honest with ourselves ?
The Atlanta game led me to believe that we ’ re moving in the right direction.
” Wednesday ’ s test was all about Doncic , who has lit up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through his second season .
“ He keeps the defense on edge at all times , ” Malone said .
“ You want to be up .
You want to show him a crowd .
You want to have high , active hands , try to get the ball out of his hands at time , and hope that other guys are missing shots.
” Malone ’ s preparation for the Mavericks only reaffirmed his opinion on Doncic .
“ When you get ready for certain teams , on one hand you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are we going to stop this guy ?
’ ” Malone said .
“ Then , on the other hand , as a coach and a fan of the game , I ’ m saying , ‘ Man , this guy is special.
’ ” The Nuggets did the best they could with Craig draped all over Doncic for the majority of the first half .
He managed a game-high 15 points and seven assists to grant the Mavs a 59-56 lead going into halftime .
Denver was led by Grant , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one rebound over the first two quarters .
Jokic finished the half with seven points and five assists following his offensive explosion Monday night .

DALLAS — If Wednesday night’s thriller was a referendum on where the NBA stands, the league is in exceptional hands.
Emerging superstars Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic went right at each other, trading huge second-half buckets before Denver’s franchise player ultimately served the knockout.
“Maybe it seems like (we’re trading baskets),” Jokic said, when asked about the theater between him and Doncic. “He’s playing on a really high level. His ability to influence his teammates in the game, it’s crazy.”
With eight seconds remaining, Jokic bullied his way against undersized Dallas forward Dorian Finney-Smith before laying in the eventual game-winning basket. The Nuggets survived 107-106 at the American Airlines Center to improve to 26-11 and end their extended road trip at 3-2.
“He’s our go-to player. He’s an MVP candidate for a reason,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “End of the games, the ball will be in his hand to make the right play, and tonight it was to score.
With a chance to seal the victory, the Nuggets met the moment on defense. Multiple defenders flew around on the final possession, switching and charging before the Mavericks ultimately turned the ball over as the clock expired.
Jokic finished with 33 points, seven assists and six rebounds, while Doncic managed 27 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds.
Neither team conceded anything in a white-knuckle fourth quarter when the Nuggets barely outscored the Mavericks, 21-17.
“Guys cared,” Malone said. “They played hard. They played for each other.”
After a relatively quiet first half, the Nuggets force-fed Jokic in the third quarter for 21 points. He dug in his heels in the paint and then connected on four 3-pointers after barely missing his first two attempts.
Jokic kept the Nuggets within striking distance as Doncic imposed his devilish will on the game. Doncic sliced through double-teams, navigated rangy defenders and swerved to 12 points of his own. By the end of their riveting personal battle, the Mavericks had a thin 89-86 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Nearly everyone would acknowledge that Denver’s tremendous depth has been both a blessing and a curse this season. On Wednesday, the Nuggets comfortably played 10 guys, which included starters Jerami Grant and Torrey Craig filling in for usual starters Paul Millsap (knee) and Will Barton (personal).
Craig drew the primary defensive matchup on Doncic and Grant was a menace around the rim, on both ends. He finished with 15 points, five rebounds and three blocks.
In addition, both Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez served valuable minutes. Beasley buried two 3-pointers, including one during a pivotal fourth-quarter run.
Wednesday marked the finale of a five-game, 10-day road trip that tested the Nuggets’ mettle. There were highs — Michael Porter Jr.’s career-high 25-point game at Indiana — and frustrating lows, defined by their tough loss in Washington.
By the end of it, Malone did his best to gauge the pulse of his team.
“We’re semi-galvanized,” he joked. “We’ve had galvanizing moments and other moments were not so galvanizing. But this is life in the NBA, on a serious note. … We have a pretty connected group. I think the biggest challenge was, not the loss, but after the disappointing way in which we played in Washington, how do we respond to that? Can we be honest with each other, can we be honest with ourselves? The Atlanta game led me to believe that we’re moving in the right direction.”
Wednesday’s test was all about Doncic, who has lit up the league a third of the way through his second season.
“He keeps the defense on edge at all times,” Malone said. “You want to be up. You want to show him a crowd. You want to have high, active hands, try to get the ball out of his hands at time, and hope that other guys are missing shots.”
Malone’s preparation for the Mavericks only reaffirmed his opinion on Doncic.
“When you get ready for certain teams, on one hand you’re scared, saying, ‘How are we going to stop this guy?’” Malone said. “Then, on the other hand, as a coach and a fan of the game, I’m saying, ‘Man, this guy is special.’”
The Nuggets did the best they could with Craig draped all over Doncic for the majority of the first half. He managed a game-high 15 points and seven assists to grant the Mavs a 59-56 lead going into halftime.
Denver was led by Grant, who poured in 13 points but only had one rebound over the first two quarters. Jokic finished the half with seven points and five assists following his offensive explosion Monday night.