Fight Over Capt. Jay's Dog
Concerned citizens are donating money for medical care and offering to buy Dreamer. Capt. Jay says Dreamer is part of his family and he shouldn't be forced to give him up.
John Burki, better known as Captain Jay, just wanted to live with his dog and cat aboard his boat, "Promise," in Boca Ciega Bay, at least for now.
But when Tropical Storm Debby beached his boat, she made a dent in his plans.
"If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans," Jay said.
The community even rallied to help the 66-year-old Navy Veteran remove it from Gulfport Beach, but it wasn’t until he became the victim of a random attack, and his pets were left in the care of a friend while Jay was hospitalized, that his 5-year-old American bulldog became the sudden center of community concern.
Several Gulfport residents who claim Capt. Jay's sea-faring lifestyle left Dreamer neglected and absent medical care, moved quickly while he was hospitalized to find another home for the dog.
Concerned Citizens Step in to Help
John Burki, a.k.a., Capt. Jay, left Dreamer and his cat, Cocina, in the care of friend, Seth Meinders, so he could recover at the VA Hospital, after he was assaulted on Gulfport Beach Sunday, July 29.
Trace Taylor, a Gulfport resident and Local Voices blogger, says she and other residents got involved because they're concerned about Dreamer's health and living conditions on the sailboat. Taylor’s concern grew because of a visible skin and eye condition.
Taylor says the boat is no place for a dog, adding that it wasn't clean or kept up. “I have nothing personal against Jay. I just want to save the dog,” she said.
It was on Monday, Aug. 6, Trace Taylor called Capt. Jay, while he was in the hospital, to ask if she could have the dog taken to Gulfport Veterinarian for a checkup.
Although hesitant, he agreed. That’s when Taylor called Dreamer’s temporary caretaker, Seth Meinders, and had two men pick the dog up at his home.
During Dreamer's visit, a fund was set up to help pay for his medical care. To date, more than $300 was donated.
By the following day, Taylor and a group of community members were offering to buy Dreamer.
"The new adoptive family that was lined up was willing to give it a happy, stable, forever home," Taylor said.
A Good Prognosis for Dreamer
Dreamer had a skin infection, also known as a staph infection, and a congenital eye defect, commonly known as a "cherry eye," says Dr. Brook Ohman with Gulfport Veterinarian.
Ohman says they sent the dog home with antibiotics for the staph infection and trifexis, which prevents heartworm disease, kills fleas and prevents infestations and treats and controls intestinal parasites.
Dreamer is also receiving medicated drops for his "cherry eye" and for both ears. Ohman added that although Dreamer's "cherry eye" looks bad, it's not causing him any pain and the condition is common with his breed.
"There's no ill harm to the dog. He can live with that," Ohman said.
Ohman said they can easily remove the "cherry eye" after the staph infection is treated.
Ohman said contact with bacteria likely caused the infection.
Taylor says the dog also had a urinary tract infection, ear infections in both ears and thickening of the dog's rectum.
Officials at Gulfport Veterinarian estimate medical costs to reach $400 for everything: medicine, surgery to remove the "cherry eye" and to neuter Dreamer.
Ohman said overall Dreamer is a well socialized dog. He was described as being in "good body condition," a little dehydrated, but happy.
Authorities Not Concerned Yet
The Gulfport Police Department contacted officials with SPCA Tampa Bay and alerted them of the community's concerns following Dreamer's initial vet appointment.
Jill Purl, Humane Officer with SPCA Tampa Bay, contacted the Gulfport Veterinarian and offered to board the dog. Purl said officials told her they were not concerned and that the dog was staying with a friend of Capt. Jay's. Purl said that was the last she heard from the Gulfport Veterinarian.
When asked about the community's concern for Dreamer, Purl said she would revisit Capt. Jay and Dreamer if people contacted her.
"If the community wants us to follow up, by all means, when he returns, we will," Purl said.
As of Monday afternoon, Purl received at least one formal complaint.
Chief Robert Vincent of the Gulfport Police Department said that if the SPCA felt charges were appropriate or if they were seizing the dog, they would contact local authorities. As of Monday, Vincent had not heard back from anyone with the SPCA.
Vincent explained that the department works with SPCA Tampa Bay concerning complaints about animal abuse or neglect on a regular basis. In any event, if an arrest is made or charges are filed, the animal and any other pets in potential danger will be confiscated.
Capt. Jay Says Dreamer Is His 'Godsend'
Captain Jay took Dreamer home when he was just 7 weeks old.
"He was this big," Jay said as he cupped both hands together.
Burki says Dreamer was born deaf and was raised with hand signals. Since then, he’s been the old man's best friend and companion on his sailboat.
“He is family,” he said.
Jay says Dreamer gets along with everyone and loves attention and playing ball.
He believes people are overreacting to his dog's medical issues and that he was going to take Dreamer to a vet in Pinellas Park before Tropical Storm Debby hit. He also says Dreamer's skin infection is an allergic reaction to food he was not supposed to eat.
He is thankful for all the community help and outreach, but feels people are targeting him on several online forums, including the commenting section of this website.
He turned down citizens' offer to buy Dreamer from him.
He said Dreamer was raised on a boat and understands that not everyone agrees with his lifestyle. He also disputes claims that he rarely brings Dreamer to shore.
“I take him two to three times a week,” Burki said.
"To me, it would be cruel to separate him from the life he knows," he added.
He’s also changed his mind about fixing up his boat. Now he would prefer to sell it and buy a motor home.
“I can still travel, just in a different way,” he said.
Last Wednesday, Captain Jay told Gulfport Patch that he dreamed of getting back in the open water. However, he said, reality is setting in and it’s going to be too difficult to get "Promise" sea ready. He may sell the boat as-is or fix it up a little in an effort to make enough money to buy a motor home.
And once he gets back on his feet, he wants to take Cocina and Dreamer with him.
"He's my companion. He is a godsend to me," he said, while patting Dreamer on the head.
Where is Dreamer Today?
As of Monday, Aug. 13, Capt. Jay told Patch that Dreamer is temporarily living with Seth Meinders in St. Petersburg; however, he is making arrangements for Dreamer to stay with another friend in Gulfport.
Capt. Jay said he signed over temporary ownership of Dreamer last week to Meinders. He feared that the group of citizens or police officers would come and take his dog away without him knowing.
Lynda
9:53 am on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
I am glad people are concerned about Dreamer. And whatever else happens, Dreamer should be neutered. Frankly, failure to neuter/spay a dog (especially a dog of that size) is abuse to the dog and to the community. I have another concern none of these stories have addressed. What about the cat, Cocina? Spayed or neutered? Up to date on shots? Licensed? Cats have a long history of living on boats, and can be very self-sufficient, however Cocina deserves attention as well as Dreamer.
Gina Burke
2:33 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
We tried to get info from the caretaker about Cocina. All he said that that she was fine and assimilating into his home on her terms and very nicely. He could not confirm shots, nor spaying.
Lynda
7:39 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Thanks so much, Gina. I just wouldn't want Cocina forgotten.
CJ
10:55 am on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Thank you Cherlene for these pictures and what you have done to aid them. There have been in some rough debates with a few people the last couples days about Jay and his dog. How can anyone seriously want to step in between Jay and Dreamer? These pictures were right on time and so good to see. It really is true that pictures can speak a thousand words. Many will only see a dog they perceive as abused. It is a hard call for anyone to dismiss those concerns, but many others see a pirate like man and his sea dog, and it looks really cool. What a trip it must be to be out sailing with them during their adventures. To someone like me, it is only a dream to see what they have seen. Those two are mean't to stay together. What great pictures of them!
Phil
11:17 am on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
The so called captain does not sail, he lived in terrible living conditions with dog feces all over the deck. Photos are deceiving.... have you seen the ones of the dog with the sores? The man needs to learn how to live cleaner and become responsible for himself and his dog.
Gina Burke
2:33 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
I appreciate the fact that Captain Jay may love his dog, but not enough to take care of him. He was in pain and discomfort, he was STARVING due to a long term of living with worms. He was very thin and his ribs were showing, and this was after he had been with the caretaker for several days. I saw the sores in person. The worst sores were hidden and underneath the colar. I am an animal lover. How can anyone LOVE an animal and allow it to live that way. What Captain Jay did was get others involved to again pay his way or at the least provide for HIS dog instead of taking responsibility himself. THAT IS NOT LOVE! And not having money is no excuse either. If you can't afford a pet, then please allow someone who can to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY!
J Marie
10:55 am on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
I have a comment about the Captain himself and he overall outlook. One day I was posting for the American Stage and he publicly yelled at me and accused me falsely of littering. He made me angry, and I don't anger easily. I believe us old folks should have our own way to live or not, but I question his mental ability. It would be sad to take the dog, but.....
CJ
11:38 am on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
It is bad if he falsely yelled at you for littering...no doubt about that. But, a man yelling at people for littering...''is a bad thing''? I wish there were more people who would have the fortitude to challenge others publicly if they see them littering,etc. Yes, in this day and age it can be dangerous to confront people in public about bad behavior..but thank God there are still many around who have the courage to do it. Those kinds of people are deminishing, and it is too bad they are. Too many people want the police to do all the enforcing. Police will actually be less help if they know the bulk of the citizens in a specific area simply could care less about crime.
Phil
10:55 am on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Let the guy leave in his motorhome...oops I should say without the dog, it is very clear the dog has been neglected and the Captain should of taken the do ashore daily for exercise and to get off the rat infested boat. From what I have heard the boat is a disaster and not a living place for dog,cat, or human. If the captain gets a motorhome I am almost sure it will end up un the parking lot at Gulfport Beach and he will not have money to pay for gas or upkeep let alone food for his pets. Times are tough these days, maybe someone should rent a room to him on land and maybe he should try to get a job of some sorts. Please don't let him end up in the parking lot, there are enough people living in their cars or vans there now. Why cant Gulfport charge these people for parking overnight and for mooring in the bay. To me there are just a bunch of freeloader living on their boats for free and not helping our community what so ever. The bay is like a homeless camp on water, most from what I understand don't pump their waste instead they just dump in"Our Bay" one of many reasons why I don't swim here. So now what will the Captain get his dog back and continue to not care for the dog or will the Gulfport Police or SPCA do something about this mistreated dog? sad story and it sickens me to hear things like this.
CJ
12:05 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Phil, I know you probably think I should say this by email (sorry, I could not resist saying that), and you would be right in this instance..but did you get the comment I gave you offering some help about your stolen bike? I have had similar problems and passed on some info I had to you.
Gina Burke
2:33 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
There are specific laws regarding parking at the beach and you need a permit to park any recreational vehicle overnight. The City will not tolerate it...
Philip Penrose
10:12 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
CJ....you have the wrong Phil. When I comment it is under my full name: Philip Penrose, not Phil. That is another person.
CJ
11:15 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
I mean't to call you Phillip. Sorry I shortened it. I thought I had the right one. A short while back..if mjy memory is correct...there was a Patch article about the police chase and the fuss over a cop car chasing someone out of their jurisdiction, and it resulted in a crash. During the comments on that story, I thought it was you who made a comment that mentioned you had a bicycle stolen. That is what I was referring to. That was not you? The ''Phil'' of Phillip who works with computers? I am slowly starting to get familiar with a few names, but I guess I got you mixed up.
CJ
11:12 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Phillipe. Why did you just say I had the wrong person? I just clicked on your name and it bring up Patch blog history data...and it very clearly indicates you indeed are the one I was referring about the bike. It has the story listed right there in black and white. Doesn't matter. Was just trying to offer some tips I discovered on protecting bikes. Strange.
CJ
11:12 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
It was the article about the RNC Event Zone..not the police car chase..my bad.
CJ
3:41 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
OK ''Phillipe''...sorry I am slow on this, but I fialed to see both you ''and Phil'' replied here at the same time. Excuse me, but it was a little confusing. Right? And yes...you are right...I aksed the wrong Phil the bike question. The thing I now don't understand is that you were right hear seeing me ask the qustion to phil about the bike when I should have been asking you. Couldn't you have simply responded back about the bike? Are you just blowing me off, since you don't like my opinion on the dag? Even thoughI was nice enough to send you some help about your stolen bike?
Lou
12:05 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
All of you so-called concerned citizens...leave the dog alone. You site his medical condition as reason to take him away. Why not sit in front of the vet's office and demand to take away every animal that comes in with a medical condition? Demand to have every owner investigated by the SPCA and the police to determine how their pets came to be this way. Dig into every owner's background and living conditions. Tell everyone you are a concerned citizen. Give us a break. If you had any understanding of the relationship between a dog and its master, you would make every effort to keep them together. Many who understand this have donated to take care of Dreamer's vet bill and do not expect anything in return...like ripping him away from Burki. Burki may be just a few steps from living on the street, but you can bet it's that dog and his cat that keep him just this side of going crazy. Sure he needs some help, maybe that's where your great concern should be. Help Burki get his life together. He's got an income..VA, SS...and probably drinks too much. Who wouldn't when life deals you such a lousy hand. But I would bet you self righteous, self appointed concerned citizens won't lift a hand for Burki. No, no, he's too icky, too grungy looking, too much of a looser. Look up the word "phoney" in the dictionary. You'll find your name in the definition.
CJ
12:27 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Yes !!!
Tell them all again, Lou !!!
Well said !!!
Faun Weaver
6:10 am on Monday, August 20, 2012
Whoa!! Lou and CJ, were either of you there for 4 days dealing with getting his stuff off his boat so it would be light enough to move? Were either of you dealing with litteraly flicking roaches and feces off your feet? How about when we had the pleasure of moving all of it to the storage facility and the thrill of unloading it after it had sat in the FL heat for over 24 hours? Did you buy the bug bombs? Did you buy the garbage bags, the water, the cleaning supplies? Did you make the phone calls to get UHaul to give a discount or GP storage to give him 30 days free? Did you help push the damn boat back out to the bay? All of us gave time and money for someone we hardly know because it was the right thing to do and yet, according to you, that makes a large chunk of the GP community self righteous. Because we give a damn about 2 abused animals and didn't think that silence about it was the correct action. I lifted a hand and a wallet for Burki. Did you?
CJ
10:37 am on Monday, August 20, 2012
Fraun,
''damn''?
Do you think cussing, and using words like that will make you look like a better person? Frankly, I wish you would not use words like that. It can get you deleted...and I hate censorship. I think it ''is a good thing'' to see first-hand comments like yours to show how low down and dirty people will get.
As a matter of fact we (myself and my Eagle Scout son, thank you) ''did'' help get the boat back into the water...
and we ''did'' donate money. To be fair, our help was modest compared to many. I am glad you helped with the other things you listed, but now you taint your help. A volunteer who helps with disgruntled feelings, such as you...should have stayed home and kept their help and their money. All you have donated, in the end, is a big mouth. It is real easy to see ''exactly'' the kind of person you are...and it is not a pretty picture...but all too familiar, here.
''So''...you get aboard the man's boat under the false pretence that it's heartfelt...and you now come forward to blab your trap about things that are personal and private to Jay.
That is not what you call ''help''...it's called ''low class''.
I thought I had read the worse comments about Jay that anyone would stoop to print, but you are the current leader in smutty talk.
Your words should shock even the eyes of your peer group in this matter.
CJ
10:37 am on Monday, August 20, 2012
Fraun, I also brought $300 worth of rope that will never be seen again...nor did I look for it..nor do I care if I ever see it again. It was our only rope we had, and we are not wealthy. I did not even see it used. It probably got stolen by one of your friends. I've had that rope 40 years, and it belonged to my deceased WWII S Pacific Navy Veteran Dad, and he would be so proud to know how it was used. A fitting end to it, I think..to help a fellow Navy Vet, Jay.
Tell me...how can someone like you make such a fuss over dealing with the obvious mess you would have on a capsized/beached ship? You claim, to be such an animal lover? And feces and some roaches make you rant like that? Last I checked, caring for pets requires quite a bit of close encounters of the poop kind.
mtober
9:09 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Faun - thanks for your efforts to move the boat. THose of us that know of you know it is not uncommon for you to assist in such ways.
CJ- Faun (not Fraun) didn't say anything about the condition of the boat that hadn't already been made known by the media as well as others that had seen it firsthand including the leader of the refloat effort. Please stop your yammering.
CJ
4:26 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
mtober..keep your spelling lesson..it's a blog..and it's called a typo. Whatever rules are followed here certainly are not your rules. It's you that is yammering, along with the others who have taken the side to shame Jay. I can live with myself coming to his defense, and putting people first before animals. I have never once thought anything bad about you in the past, but on this issue....If you can't stand the heat ges out of the kitchen. Stop your attack on this man, and you won't hear me reply back. In some of my more recent replies I have tried to ''give something back'' as a gesture to cool this topic down. For example, I have already conceded the fact that I now think if Jay would ''willfully'' give up Dreamer, it would be a good thing...but ''taking'' his pets..''is wrong''. I had hopes some of the rest of you would ease down on Jay, also. You, and your buddies here have simply taken time to resharpen your sticks so you can poke him some more. I have been around a long time in this world, and been a lot places... rarely have I seen such a public stomping of a man who clearly has his hands full of trouble. The display you and your coherts have done here rates right up there with the most heartless thing I have ever seen. You rant on about his dog, but the actions your little click has done are far more cruel than ''anything'' he ''ever'' did to his pets.
''Several'' of us are ''yammering'', but are all pale in compared to your degree of it. You're as bad a ''JohnE''.
CJ
7:40 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Trace. I thought my computer was not working right. The reply above (..it is wrong...) was made ''before'' the one above it (..nobody lured me..) Evidently, The Patch was taking a rediculously long time to post...so my comments are not in the order I made them. I regret this last post listed, and wanted to make amends. I went to a low place and wish I had not. It made me realize that two wrongs don't make a right, and even if I disagree with you...I should not have said what I did above. We are not as different as you may think, but we do have a different opinion of what constitutes infringing on others privacy. Dogs involved or not. That said, I can easily see your heart is in the right place and your intentions are good for Dreamer. Maybe not for Jay, but that is your right. I am sorry for predicting your fate after your demise and the one thousand ways I called you mean. I'd be glad to be both yours and Jays friend. Sometimes on blogs people say things that strike a nerve and we initially react incorrectly. After helping with this noble effort, it bothered me to see it end up like this for Jay and his dog. Let's also hope that Jay is inspired to change and maybe a happy ending for all.
katherine oliver
7:39 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Has anyone stopped the bickering long enough to ask where Jay is staying or how he is coping with his fractured jaw? I am a firm believer that animals are people too, but so are people.
Pat M
7:39 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
I agree with Lou. The Vet said the infections should be ok after the meds & the spca found no abuse of the animal. Does Ms. Taylor have a pristine life? Has she ever had to live on a very limited income? How would she feel if someone wanted to tear her family apart? Do you know the meaning of a "busy body"?
Nettle Greenman
7:38 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
We are a culture that euthanizes thousands of healthy dogs and cats every day without being concerned about their "best interest," and we seem to have limited concern for people's "best interest." Is it really necessary to take this one dog away from the person he is bonded with? If you could ask the dog and cat's opinions, do you think they would say, "Oh, yes, please uproot my life and take me away from the human I love?" If the cat gets removed from Mr. Burki, will it end up in a kill shelter? How is that going to be in the cat's best interest? I am fanatic about my pets' care, personally, but I also think looking at the sanity of the overall picture might be helpful here.
mtober
8:59 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Lou - You stated ..... "Many who understand this have donated to take care of Dreamer's vet bill and do not expect anything in return."
Sir /madam - please don't make assumptions. $200 of the bill plus a large bag of dog food (at Seth's request) and $70 worth of medicine was paid for by one person/family. Another person, a friend of the first donated $100. Another family donated $45. I am sure there are others that also donated. However, the majority of the expenses were covered by three families, who do not expect anything in return. However they are all in agreement that Burki is NOT capable of providing adequate care for the dog.
What will happen when the funds stop flowing? As Trace mentioned, Burki was hesitant to have the dog treated until she told him someone else would pay the bill.
I think my biggest issue with Mr. Burki is that he expects someone else to carry his load. We've heard all about how down and out he is and he has a donation site to collect funds to refloat/repair his boat. Someone else is paying for Dreamer's care. However we never hear Burki say what HE WILL DO to earn money to care for himself and his pets. My parents taught me that the good Lord helps those that help theselves. I just don't see that happening in this case.I will help anyone that is truly in need, but I think in the case of Jay Burki it is all about what is good for him. Sorry.
mtober
8:58 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Cherlene - Thanks for the update.
To my knowledge Brook Ohman is not a vet. She may own the clinic but I believe the vets are her daugter Taylor and Dr. Talman.
Yet again you, IMO, missed the tough questions...Burki diagnosed Dreamer as having an allergic reaction to food yet the vet says it is a staph infection--is that one in the same?
You speak of Jay's sea faring ways? What does that mean? How can you be a sea farer when your boat has no motor, and no sail and hasn't gone anywhere in forever and you have another stranded nearby?
Did you ask Burki why he allowed the dog to live in his own feces?
There are pics on line that show Dreamer's bare flesh around his neck. Why wouldn't you hve provided updated pictures of that? Is that from tethering or is that the skin condition?
Last, what exactly did Burki mean when he said "what his good for me is good for "Dreamer." Did you ask him? That , to me, speaks volumes.
Cherlene Willis
9:17 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Margarete,
As always we appreciate questions from our readers. Here are a few answers to your questions.
I spoke with Karen (a staff member) and Brook Ohman. The questions I asked were double checked with the Vet and relayed to me in the front office. Here are a couple of questions I asked specifically:
1) Did Dreamer look like he was abused or neglected? Brook Ohman said "no."
2) Could the staph infection be caused by food allergies? Brook Ohman said that it's "possible," however it was likely caused by bacteria.
3) How long do you think he had the staph infection? "it's too hard to tell."
4) How was his condition when he was brought in? "good body condition," "a little dehydrated," "a happy dog," "well conditioned."
I'm sure you are more than welcome to stop by the Gulfport Vet and ask for more information. They are located at 5621 Gulfport Blvd. S.
Furthermore, if you have questions, concerns, issues concerning my reporting, you can contact Associate Regional Editor Linda Hersey at linda.hersey@patch.com.
Thanks everyone for sharing your comments, questions and concerns. And, I will take this time to remind everyone to respect our terms of use while commenting on the website. Here is a link: http://gulfport.patch.com/terms - Thanks, Cherlene
mtober
9:34 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Thanks Cherlene.
Tracey
11:12 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
There are many other issues that need addressed in this area!
People need to find a new hobby and take a minute to look in the mirror, before you judge anyone...are you perfect? Lend a helping hand to those in need, quit causing so much grief! Captain Jay may not live what most consider a conventional life, but he deserves to have the companionship and love that pets have to offer.
Mind your own business and if you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing at all!
Lynda
11:19 pm on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
So many of us prefer to rescue animals because rescuing people is so complicated. I really admire everyone who has invested effort and energy (and money) into helping all the creatures in this story including Mr. Burki with all his flaws. Certainly not a wasted investment even if the outcome is not the happy ending we all wanted. I hope Dreamer and Cocina will be safe in whatever future they are given. Since state laws consider animals "property" it is extremely difficult to separate any owner from an animal even when the abuse is more obvious than the neglect these animals experienced. However good Mr. Burki's intentions were to take care of them, he didn't use common sense to provide needed vet care. Also it is a community problem when animals aren't given rabies shots or aren't neutered. It is too bad Mr. Burki refuses to sell the animals to volunteers; that was a creative approach to solve a difficult situation. I do hope he will be required to neuter Dreamer and get care for Cocina before he is given full custody. His friends should encourage that, at least.
john miller
9:39 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
you'll have to much time on you hands mind your own business.
Jerry R
9:39 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Does anyone else out there feel as if we have given to much attention to this man and his dog. And that maybe he likes it. I think what people did for him and his dog is a true picture about who this community is and I am glad to be a part of it, however - TIME TO MOVE ON! He is eating all this up. Let us move on with our lives and let him move on where ever that is, and I think many of us agree, it is time for him to move on and LEAVE Gulfport. P.S. To the few family's that have donated to the dogs care - according to this article it sounds like Jay was FULL responsibility of his dog, maybe that should include any further VET bills. We have provided him with enough charity. He looks to me like he is doing just fine, and according to the comments from the VET so is the dog. Come on Gulfport - I am tired of hearing about all this. Let us all go on with our life, and lets encourage Jay to move on with his as he wants to leave Gulfport.
CJ
3:41 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
uh...there ''are'' other Patch articles to read..why not just go to them? Hmmm...just wondering...are you one of the volunteers who showed up just for any of the free food and/or beer offered by some of the local establisments? I think I heard about a few places that did that. When my son and I showed up, we came because we read the Patch article, and helped as long as we could, but had to leave and go straight to an appointment we had to go to at 11am for my son to get enrolled in college. We went to the apppoinment in our swim suits. The point is...why show up to help and then afterwards show malice? Maybe you should not even bothered to come. A volunteer is a better one if he is not disgruntled. If your heart was with helping Jay right his ship, then it only stands to reason you would have his back on the rest of his problems. I still think this dog matter is his own business, but I have changed my position slightly in order to show a willingness to listen to others. I now wish Jay would see this is a great opportunity for him to see his beloved elderly dog have it's remaining years under the care of someone who would give it a good home. Afterall, Jay, there are other dogs in the world that need a home also. A dog that lives the lifestyle Jay has for it needs to be a young dog. There is no shortage of dogs who need a home. That said, Jays choice should be respected. Anyone who has lost a well loved dog and then got another one knows how quickly you love each other.
sarah gardner
9:39 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
If anyone sees Seth, please tell him Sarah Gardner wants to get in touch with him, after so many years, a good ole' friend I miss. sarahvan@verizon.net
carol allard
9:39 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The man is a Navy veteran and has served his county. He deserves respect. If his animal must be surrendered, We Care For Paws Foundation will take it and encourage the man to visit it even if we must bring it to him. Money should not dictate if a person has an animal. There is and should be assistance out there. For those of you who want to take the animal--where should it go? To its death? That is probably the ultimate end if it is removed. We are a no kill others who have been called are not. Ask how may bully breeds are killed at these facilities then rethink your suggestions. If the animal is not in danger it is always better to keep it with the people who love it and have bonded with it.
Tracey
11:21 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
AMEN!
mtober
11:41 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
I am very grateful for those that serve and have served in the Armed Forces and local police, fire, EMT, schools, etc. However, there are responsible and irresponsible people in all walks of life including these. Serving in one of those occupations does make one immune to bad decisions and bad behavior. That is unfortunate but it is also reality.
CJ
4:20 pm on Sunday, August 19, 2012
OK. Now you have gone too far mtober. I know you have many supporters here..but you can all go jump in a lake together. You are suggesting you can easily come up with an excuse to not give a veteran his due respect. I basically agree with you, but onlyu if the veteran has engaged in some horrible crime, etc. Obviously you are implying that the misdeeds Jay has done warrant you right to diss him. I humbly disagree. Jay has not even come close to that, and with men and women presently engaged in conflicts, it is deplorable of you to even remotely speak unhonorably of veterans. Disputes of opinion between individuals and enforcement gruops, indiviidual animal groups, citizens (you), etc, etc in no way are enough basis for trying to imply it is legetimate grounds to not be cautious in how you speak of a veteran. After all, it's not like Jay was beating his animals,chopping them up to eat, etc. Your direction you are taking here to justify your attack on Jay is weak. You ought to try apologizing to him. I keep trying to turn away from this blog, and yearn to hear some of you soften up, but I see waitng for some of you to take the high road is not going to happen.
CJ
12:17 am on Monday, August 20, 2012
(con't of reply to mtober) Many of you have gone way past intervention. It's amazing how so many of you are hanging tough to crucify this man. I have something inside me that requires that I intervenme in his behalf and defend him. I know it is the right thing to do. I am absolute positive it is. Lay off Jay and his Dog. Look at Cherlenes pictures again if you need something to concvince you. Those pcitures are real. If you can't see that, then you are not even one fouth the animal lover you pose to be...and the rest of you as well. This is sickening to observe how easily many of you are turning on this man. Yes, his animal problems are bad, but it is soundly unquestionable as to whether it deserves the witch hunt many of you are on for this man. Stop it. It is embarassing to all of Gulfport. Maybe if many of you would somewhat reverse you tactics on him and this issue, it might not offend him so much...and posssible one of you could convince him to release to dog to a new home. It's no wonder he is holding tight to his stance to keep Dreamer. It ''is'' his right, but if more kindness were used...then maybe somebody could ease his defensiveness that he justifiably has towards your offers to help. You people ae not trying to ''help'' the man...you are trying to ''make'' him give Dreamer up. Who on earth would want to cooperate with a beehive of women acting like yellowjackets. You are all your own worst enemy for your cause. Nobody want to be treated like that.
Nancy Kelley
9:39 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can. And the wisdom to know the difference. Amen
CJ
12:17 am on Monday, August 20, 2012
..to continue (ran out of Patch words..lol)..As I said...now they have 4 dogs and they have only lived by us for about 3 months. Now...I have my own opinions about how many dogs a person should have...and as far as that goes...so does the city. I just don't share those opinions with these neighbors. Obviously these young people's love for dogs is admirable...but I know there are many people who would stick their noses into their lives and try to get the city, the SOCA,Trace,mtober, etc,etc, etc, whatever....
...to go on, there are those who would try to get some of these dogs taken away from them.
Are people like that good people and do we need them?
Absolutely.
I just can't be one of them.
Some people can be cops, tax collectors, dog catchers, utility shut off people, etc...and some can't.
It take all kinds of people to keep each other in check, but there is a place we ''all'' generally fit in. Including Jay, homeless people, alcoholics..you get the idea. As the wonderful country we are, we make reasonable efforts to care for people with ''issues''. This city started something here helping Jay..now let's stick with it. I hope he realizes how lucky he is to have been so chosen. This world does not be this kind that very often to someone like him. It is a sight to see and witness. If this city could be instrumental in making a true ''permanent'' change in Jay...how great would that be?
Think about ''this'':
IRONICALLY, only a ''DREAMER'' would understand :)
katherine oliver
3:41 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
AMEN!!!
CJ
4:20 pm on Sunday, August 19, 2012
Live local dog story: We had 3 younger people move next door 3 months ago. we have made great friends with them, and treat them like our kids. They had 2 cute dogs. One was a pit mix that was like ''A Marmaduke'', that was 8 years old and raised from a pup. Needless to say, they loved it very much. A really excellent dog it was. The second day they live here, it wondered off and got lost. They did everthing you can imagine to find it..it is too many things to list. All of them cried and cried ...and we cried also for them...over a 3 week period. Still, the dog remained lost. The moved past it, and obtained another similar dog (Tara) and it became an instant hit. They save it from a kill pound. A week after they had it, the police called to tell them they found the other dog dead from getting hit by a car 7 miles away. It was hard news to take, but it offered closure. ''Now''...2 weeks ago they obtained ''another'' dog from a rescue group probably very similar to what is trying to be done for Dreamer. With me so far? They now have 3 dogs. Last night while we were all BBQ' n...''another dog'' wondering in among us and acted like it had lived with all of us 20 years. It was amazing. You guess it...now they have taken it in and using the usual channels people use to try and get the dog back to who lost it...or possbily help use the rescue groups to find a home for it. They have 4 dogs now. I would bet money they keep it. They are my neighbors, and it's their business.
CJ
4:20 pm on Sunday, August 19, 2012
On a more light hearted subject related to this dog story:
I know some reasons why we get male dogs nuetered. Obviously, it helps reduce the amount of homeless dogs (except for the kind who sleep in parks, lo). I am glad I am not a dog. This is coming from a man who named one of his son's ''Duke''...lol!
But why is it so important that a dog that spends virtually all it's time on a boat NEED this done? Am I missing something? Somebody fiil me in why it has been mentioned a million times about Jay's dog that ''they hope his poor dog can get nuetered, blah, blah, blah...
I mean, sure ...it does not seem like it does a male dog any harm...but we ''again'' are in an area that is ''private (excuse the pun) business'' of Jay's. If the man does not want to get his darn dogs gonads cut off, then leave him be!!
Somehow, though, it really does not surprise me that Trace and others would like to see male goands removed. I'm just sayin'....and I mean that candidly and harmlessly.
We can use some jokes here.
If the poor old dog has had them this long, then what's the harm leaving them? It's not like somebody is gonna give it viagra or something and let it loose in the neighborhood. Is there a health reason that would make the dog better off? I dunno...but it seems werid how many times I have read how many want this done to Dreamer. Poor dog. God help me if I ever come back into this world as a dog and have a woman raise me. Give me somebody like jay.
john miller
10:32 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
i guess none of you have had a dog or cat that you have lost , or has died . think about what you want and how it would make him feel to lose his animals.
CJ
9:13 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
So true, John. I can't imagine how these forces in play here could break Jay's heart like that. To ''take'' Dreamer from him could destroy the rest of Jays life, and cause him (a human being) unthinkable depression at his rather old age of near 60 years old. On the other hand, if Jay could be convinced ''by his own decision'' to donate Dreamer, then he might find comfort in that. Jay could get another young dog....one that is better able to share the life of a crusty old seaman. That scenero is a pretty good one. It not only give good ol Dreamer a way to finsih up his older years...but it could also help another dog in need a home. Two birds with one stone used to be considered a successful day.
CJ
10:32 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Looks like censorship and deletions are taking place. Not because of any curse words. etc...but evidently simply because someone is hitting the ''flag as inappropriate'' simply because they don't ''like'' a comment. Censorship of this nature is the very worse kind. I prefer to read all comments on a blog. Not one that is tainted by unecessary deletions. It turns it into a blog seen through rose colored glasses. Dissapointed to see this happen. I can guess who is hitting the ''flag as inappropriate''...so it does not surprise me of a low blow like that. All some people have done here is show just dirty they will play.
CJ
12:16 am on Monday, August 20, 2012
Mtober, Trace, etc...all of you here aiding to rip Jays dog from him...I hope you are pleased with yourselves. I have had respect for the Gulport Patch Blog. I tried to keep my language clean, etc...the type of things you feel won't get you deleted. My respect has somewhat deminished now, due to the un-noted censorship. At least in the past, when deletions took place...they were noted. Without them being noted, then you simply have a ''tainted blog'' , in my opinion..and one that artificially displays the true comments. Someone needed to stick up for Jay, and also some very sour comments about Veterans...so I tried. I have had some comments removed that I simply don't understand how they could possibly violate The Patch rules...''then''..it comes to me...afterall...The Patch is also part of Huffington Press...and then it all makes more sense. HP is widely known for it's random deletions, often with a liberal spin. I have seen that happen less ''here'', but not in regard to defending Jay. I say: ''foul'', Patch. That's not playing fair. I will leave it at that and move on to future debates. Win some , lose some..right? The fact is, there is the usual bunch here that sling so much mud...it is hard to beleive how ''anyone'' else could ever write ''anything'' worthy of deletions when you see what comes out of some of their minds and keyboards. Jay has not had a level playing field here. He literaly was ''dogged''.
mtober
10:37 am on Monday, August 20, 2012
CJ - you' re all over the board here. One minute you agree and the next you do a 360. Why do you continue to belabor the topic? Appears your goal is simply to argue. I made no sour comments about Veterans. My comment above was very straightforward. If you think being a Vet makes one perfect and immune to error and poor judgement then so be it, but I suspect most people would disagree.Read the comment again please.....
"I am very grateful for those that serve and have served in the Armed Forces and local police, fire, EMT, schools, etc. However, there are responsible and irresponsible people in all walks of life including these. Serving in one of those occupations does not make one immune to bad decisions and bad behavior. That is unfortunate but it is also reality."
CJ
11:45 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
yeah...I read it..and thanks for repeating it..and I know exactgly what you were saying..and the sneaky way you were doing it. Your type is quick to pounce on people when they are down. As a Vet myself, it would be hard to miss the underhanded way you were futher insulting Jay. Try and convince otherwise all you want..I was not born yesterday. Unlike you, I ''will'' grant a fellow Vet resepct due beyond what I will do for non vets. I may be somewhat ''all over the place'' in my efforts to give in on some issues here for the sake of toning down the anger, but your path is straight and true...and it is a back stabbing path. You don't waver much from that. You evidently think you can say anything you want about people. I can remember several other Gulfport Patch blogs where you so so innocently toss out people's dirty laundry. I read you loud and clear...and you will defintely stoop to low ground. It is obviously you don't like what has happened to the area in the last 10 years or so because of the economy, housing situation, and over all decay of the quality of life in Gulfport and South St Pete, etc, etc. I am surpised yoy have not moved from the area, considering your disgust you display towards things.
Faun Weaver
9:09 am on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
CJ, so the word damn offends you but mistreatment of a dog and cat doesn't. Hmmm... And interesting that my post for MTober was censored. Sorry MTober, had your back.
CJ
4:26 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Faun. in regard to your question about dog mistreatment..we just have a different opinion of where you draw the line on that. I see lots of things people do with dogs I don't like, but I also think it's their business. I have already said that this issue with Jay is a hard call. It's the attacks you guys make on Jay that hurt your own cause here. I know you don't care about anything I say, but in one of my posts I shared a dog story about my neighbors. They took in a rescued Pit (Cowboy). Sad case..but we are all still trying to help the poor dog. It's been about 4 weeks, and the dog was so abused before from being beaten, that the dog has not cracked one single bit. It's still as afraid as the day the kill shelter took it in many weeks ago. We are not sure we can ever get this dog to be happy again. The fact is, the dog may be too dangerous to try much longer. At some point you have to worry about the very real personal safety issue. Pits can be deadly if they attack, and this dog is a bit scary. Despite that fact, we are making it a group effort to make him people friendly again. Considering how young the dog is, it's especially maddening to imagine what some SOB (another word like damn that can get you deleted...lol) has done to this poor dog. Very sad, but we have not given up. I go see it ever day and talk to it, pet it, etc. Wish us luck. The point here is that ''this dog'' has been abused by ''anyones'' defintion...Jay's pets have not.
CJ
4:26 pm on Tuesday, August 21, 2012
It has nothing to do with what offends me. I cuss way too much. I'd cuss plenty here if it were allowed. Are you really that dense you don't realize it violates the ''rules of whatever''...that Cherlene so kindly tries to keep all of us here reminded of? I have had enough comments deleted over time, that I try to make comments that don't violate Cherlene's patience. I am not always able to do it. Just goes to show what a ''me'' world you must live in to not realize I simply was trying to politely warn you that using some words may get you deleted. You can say damn as much as you want...I don't care. I was not aware you had a post censored, and I truly do not like to hear that. As I said, I like to hear exactly what people have to say..the way they want to say it. ''Then'' we can see people for what they really are.
mtober
3:40 pm on Sunday, August 26, 2012
http://www.thegabber.com/judge-says-boat-must-go-cms-1475
Steve Smith
3:59 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
All the line that was not used to anchor Jay's boat was collected and was brought back to my home. Some people have claimed their line but a fairly large pile still remains. The comment that it was stolen was reprehensible.
Please, if you are missing your line, contact me and if it's here, I and my wife will be happy to see it removed from our porch.
I do not want to post my phone number here, but I'm sure that you can get my contact information from the news stories or simply looking up Steve Smith in the yellow pages.
I must add that it saddens me to see the bickering and bashing that is going on. Something positive and good is being tarnished by all this negativity.
Steve Smith
Cherlene Willis
4:08 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
Hello everyone,
You can also leave Steve Smith a note on "The Board" on his profile: http://gulfport.patch.com/users/steve-smith-29a87152
Hope this helps, Cherlene
Steven Smith
3:59 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
"I also brought $300 worth of rope that will never be seen again...nor did I look for it..nor do I care if I ever see it again. It was our only rope we had, and we are not wealthy. I did not even see it used. It probably got stolen by one of your friends."
I find the above comment insulting.
All the line that was used in the effort to remove Jay's boat that wasn't used to anchor the vessel was collected and brought to my home. What hasn't already been reclaimed by it's owners still sits in a pile on my porch.
Anyone who wants their line back can simply contact me and make arrangements.
If it sits here much longer, I will donate it to anyone who needs it.
Steve
Steven Smith
3:40 pm on Sunday, August 26, 2012
Cherlene, I'm sorry. I had forgotten that I had already registered here when I submitted the comments earlier this morning so I used my wife's email to register when it wouldn't accept mine. I was not trying to get away with anything. I just have a poor memory sometimes. :)
Steve
CJ
11:45 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2012
OK Steve, I had that coming. I apologize for saying that, and you are right...it was reprehensible. I, too, was annoyed by the "Jay Bashing''. I got caught up trying to stand up for the man, and I stooped to a lower level than I normally would. In my attempt to reply back to insinuations made to me by someone that My son and I had not donated any of our time,efforts or money for this, the remark I made about the rope did not come out right. The only reason at all that I stepped into this squabble was becasue of the same reason you have mentioned...the way this unique and meaningful act was trashed by the tasteless manner that Jays personal life was exposed so unkindly. It tarnished the entire effort of getting the boat back in the water.I find it a bit odd that you would single me out as the one who has spoken poorly here. Frankly, in the week or so that has passed since all this fuss over his pets, I have often thought of his dog and hope that Jay has decided to let someone else give it a better home for it's golden years....and in light of the upcoming storm....I also have had a hard time to not be concerned that Jay was ordered to get his boat out of the area at a time when it could very dangerous to do so. It would have made more sense to simply impound and destroy his boat. Casting him out into the Gulf now is essentially making the poor man walk the plank. Again, I am sorry about what I said about the rope. At the time, I thought I was trying to make a valid point.
Steven Smith
3:40 pm on Sunday, August 26, 2012
No worries CJ. Emotions run high about issues like this. The only reason I singled your comment out was because, as a friend of Faun, I felt it was directed at me.
I am very grateful for everyone's help in getting the boat off the beach. No one person's contribution was less meaningful than any other's. Though Faun and some others went above and beyond in the effort. She was actually cut rather severely in the process unloading the U-haul and I am thankful that she didn't end up with complications from an infection.
We all had different reasons for helping. Some of us had numerous reasons for helping. That doesn't make anyone completely right or wrong. Just different.
Let's not dwell on our differences or on the past. Lets move forward with the encouragement of knowing that we can actually come together and do important things. Things that the local government seemed impotent to accomplish. Things that individuals with the best intentions can't accomplish alone.
I really think that after we state our respective positions and opinions, these kind of debates often devolve into unproductive discussions that only serve to inflame and cause animosity.
Let's not tarnish such a positive event.
Respectfully,
Steve