Dog day in court
By Phil Ray, pray@altoonamirror.comArticle Photos
Until now, Steve and Lori Arnold of East Freedom have said little about the controversial case surrounding their dog, but as the trial for Grimes began Tuesday, the Arnolds took the stand.
On Sept. 11, 2006, Grimes of Bellwood and founder of Dogs Deserve Better, took Jake from his outdoor ‘‘box,’’ and after having him examined by a veterinarian, kept the dog until its death in March.
The dog is buried on the Arnolds’ property.
Grimes faces charges of theft and receiving stolen property.
Blair County District Attorney Richard Consiglio said the case is about more than the theft of a dog.
‘‘We are here because of vigilantism,’’ Consiglio said.
Grimes set herself up as ‘‘judge, jury and executioner. We cannot have that in this country. ... If it happens, it leads to anarchy,’’ he said.
Defense attorney Phil Robertson said Grimes was a last resort to the Arnolds’ neighbor Kim Eicher, who witnessed Jake lying on the cold ground for three days without food and water.
Eicher, who is expected to testify during the three-day trial, called 911 and was referred to the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society. Calls Sept. 9, 10 and 11 brought no results.
Steve Arnold said Jake suffered from arthritis of the hips and had his good and bad days.
On the bad days, the Arnolds mixed aspirin in Jake’s food to ease the pain and gave him puppy food mixed with his dry dog food to save his teeth.
The dog was losing his eyesight and hearing, and Arnold and his wife talked about euthanizing Jake.
However, they hesitated because it ‘‘was one of the hardest things you ever have to think of,’’ Steve Arnold said.
He said he believes he took good care of Jake, adding, ‘‘He lived to [be] this old.’’
Paul Gutshall, a humane society police officer, said he began to investigate Eicher’s complaint Sept. 11, and he caught up to Tammy Grimes at the office of a local veterinarian.
Gutshall testified that Jake was ‘‘a very old dog,’’ but he did not appear neglected — only a little dehydrated.
He assisted Grimes in taking the dog into the vets’ office, and then he left on another call. He said he told Grimes to not take the dog, but to leave it at the vet’s office.
‘‘She took the dog even though I told her not to,’’ Gutshall said Tuesday.
The charges against Grimes have caused controversy with her supporters. They are critical of her arrest and say she was attempting to save a life.
About 25 supporters held a rally on the courthouse steps Wednesday.
‘‘I am here in of support the action Tammy Grimes took,” said Carole Graffius of Hollidaysburg, who stood in the cold rain. “Tammy did something to preserve a life. ... I am happy I live somewhere where someone will stand up and take action to right a wrong.’’
Mirror Staff Writer Phil Ray is at 946-7468.
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veteran
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02-27-08 12:26 PM
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correction: There is a psychopath named petlover that is posting multiple copies of nonsense that should be removed so others can persue a constructave discussion. He really needs to see a doctor right away.
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veteran
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02-27-08 12:23 PM
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There is a psycopath named petlover that is posting multiple copies of nonsense that should be removed so others can persue a constructave discussion. He really needs to see a doctor right away.
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petlover
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12-16-07 12:12 PM
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The topic here is TAMMY GRIMES WAS FOUND GUILTY OF BEING A THIEF!!!!!!! I know you want to change the focus to anything else but it's on YOU AS A THIEF, A CONVICTED THIEF!!!!!!!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!!!
TAMMY GRIMES IS A CONVICTED FELON!!!!
SHE'S A THIEF AND A CRIMINAL AND AN EXTREMIST AR NUT JOB!!!!!!!!!!
GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!!!
TAMMY GRIMES IS NOW A CONVICTED FELON!!!!
SHE'S A THIEF AND A CRIMINAL AND AN EXTREMIST AR NUT JOB!!!!!!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!!!
TAMMY GRIMES IS A CONVICTED FELON!!!!
SHE'S A THIEF AND A CRIMINAL AND AN EXTREMIST AR NUT JOB!!!!!!!!!!
that's the truth that hurts doesn't it THIEF/CRIMINAL! the "AR lobby" wants traditional humane values replaced with animal guardians and animals having their own rights.
You're an extremist nut and your sudden appearance makes it look like you're the convicted thief.
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petlover
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12-16-07 12:05 PM
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The topic here is TAMMY GRIMES WAS FOUND GUILTY OF BEING A THIEF!!!!!!! I know you want to change the focus to anything else but it's on YOU AS A THIEF, A CONVICTED THIEF!!!!!!!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!!!
TAMMY GRIMES IS A CONVICTED FELON!!!!
SHE'S A THIEF AND A CRIMINAL AND AN EXTREMIST AR NUT JOB!!!!!!!!!!
GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!!!
TAMMY GRIMES IS NOW A CONVICTED FELON!!!!
SHE'S A THIEF AND A CRIMINAL AND AN EXTREMIST AR NUT JOB!!!!!!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!! GUILTY !!!!!!!
TAMMY GRIMES IS A CONVICTED FELON!!!!
SHE'S A THIEF AND A CRIMINAL AND AN EXTREMIST AR NUT JOB!!!!!!!!!!
that's the truth that hurts doesn't it THIEF/CRIMINAL! the "AR lobby" wants traditional humane values replaced with animal guardians and animals having their own rights.
You're an extremist nut and your sudden appearance makes it look like you're the convicted thief.
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petlover
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12-16-07 12:02 PM
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It is terroristic to attempt to cause normal, law abiding citizens to be afraid that their pets can be stolen if some animal rights whacko gets to decide whether they are taking proper care of their pets. That's why we have laws, those are things things we as a society 'agree' on and must live by. That's the benchmark, not what some nut that thinks all pets must live in the house, etc wants to push on others. It's one of the problems in society today that too many people have moved into cities and no longer have a grasp on the reality of country living and personal fredom, everyone wants to tell others how they should handle their pets. All of you worrying about dog kisses and wagging tails oughta think about how cows do those things too and you eat them. maybe farmers should all have to keep their cows inside too. lol The woman is no hero, she's a nutty, criminal terrorist in my eyes.
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veteran
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12-15-07 3:26 PM
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Wednesday was a day of shame for the people of Blair County. The DA and the puppy mill & dog fighting ******** do not see a dogs suffering as a problem. Their conserns are only for profit, they are emotional cripples. A great hero (Tammy) has shown the way for all who believe in justice. All the cowards and perverts can walk away and do nothing to help those who suffer injustice.
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Sammy12
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12-15-07 8:57 AM
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Pardon me, Arnolds.. if I don't shed any tears for you. I hope you don't have an elderly relatives.
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Bennett
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12-15-07 4:40 AM
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Why does the DA not discuss the interaction he and his fellows have had with the breeder/puppy mill lobby? The breeders admitted that they were smearing Grimes and working with the DA and police to harass Grimes and "teach her a lesson." The puppy millers often keep their dogs outside 24/7. Hence, they oppose antichaining laws and harass people who support humane regulations. (As do the dog fighters.) It's all about the money for the puppy millers.
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HPlainsD
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12-14-07 1:19 PM
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Dogs were man's creation to be a companion to them. They were domesticated from wolves. It is now man's responsibility to take reasonable care of them. If this does not happen and all avenues have been exhausted, it is a citizen's duty to do something. Have we all gotten so jaded that we should now look the other way way? By the way, cows were never domesticated to be companions to humans.
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petlover
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12-14-07 12:13 PM
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It is terroristic to attempt to cause normal, law abiding citizens to be afraid that their pets can be stolen if some animal rights whacko gets to decide whether they are taking proper care of their pets. That's why we have laws, those are things things we as a society 'agree' on and must live by. That's the benchmark, not what some nut that thinks all pets must live in the house, etc wants to push on others. It's one of the problems in society today that too many people have moved into cities and no longer have a grasp on the reality of country living and personal fredom, everyone wants to tell others how they should handle their pets. All of you worrying about dog kisses and wagging tails oughta think about how cows do those things too and you eat them. maybe farmers should all have to keep their cows inside too. lol The woman is no hero, she's a nutty, criminal terrorist in my eyes.
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petlover
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12-14-07 12:11 PM
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Many of you humanize dogs as a sad imitation of/substitute for the love from humans you're lacking in your lives. the alleged fact that some nosey neighbor didn't SEE them feed their pet doesn't mean they didn't prove that they had to the PROPER AUTHORITIES. Old people sometimes look very ill and frail and even groan in their sleep sometimes, it doesn't mean they're being mistreated, in unreasonably ill health (for their age) or otherise abused, it means they're old and dying! They also have some good days and some worse days. I hate to draw analogies to humans in this but maybe you soft and fuzzy humaniacs can get that. The darn dog was almost 20 years old. Dogs don't live that long if they're poorly treated their whole lives and nothing lives forever. I hope they throw the book at this woman. If someone really thinks an animal is being mistreated there are proper channels to go through. If you want to be a vigilante, you do the time.
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petlover
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12-14-07 12:10 PM
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It's one of the problems in society today that too many people have moved into cities and no longer have a grasp on the reality of country living and personal fredom, everyone wants to tell others how they should handle their pets. All of you worrying about dog kisses and wagging tails oughta think about how cows do those things too and you eat them. maybe farmers should all have to keep their cows inside too. lol
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SAVEtheKIDS
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12-14-07 8:35 AM
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accomplishing something....Thats sad!
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SAVEtheKIDS
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12-14-07 8:30 AM
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Petlover, have you ever heard of "Compassion" and "Empathy"? Look it up! You might learn something! It sounds to me like you are the one lacking in all areas of your life. Tammy Grimes did what she did out of compassion for another.I think we need that more in our lives. She knows what she did and is excepting any punishment she is given. But the Arnolds are being aloud to run free like they didn't do a thing wrong. And they need to be punished for their actions as well. And NO I do not know Tammy Grimes, or anyone she knows, and never had any kind of run in with her. And its people that think like you, calling a dog rescuer a criminal terrorist that don't even take a good look around and realize that money is being spent on this case that could be put to better use. Instead people like you and the DA are trying to make the "little person" look big, so you can have an excuse for not catching the the real criminals..I guess it makes you all feel like your
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HPlainsD
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12-14-07 7:58 AM
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petlover, You seem to be the one lacking in love and attention, as you continue to repeat the same explanations over and over again. It doesn't matter if Doogie lived to be 3 or 20, the fact of the matter is that he lived his life on a chain. Let's see you live by yourself chained up 24/7, for even a few days, and see how you like it. The laws need to change and it takes people like Tammy Grimes to start a movement for change. Come to your senses and truly think about what you are saying.
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SAVEtheKIDS
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12-14-07 7:53 AM
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I agree with you "happytonotliveinpa" , I am happy I got out of PA. I moved out of there almost 4 years ago and believe me when I say it was the best thing I could have done for my two beautiful daughters. We are animal lovers. We have 2 dogs and a cat. Someone on here said we try to humanize dogs as a sad imitation of substitute for the love they are lacking in our lives. Well the way I see it is, I have a lot of love in my heart, Plenty enough to go around for my husband, my daughters, my family, and friends. Even my dogs and cat. They are little people in my home. They have names, they eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have blood running through their veins and a beating heart just like we do. And they have feelings as well. And they feel pain. And when they feel pain, a loving compassionate person would seek help for the animal rather it be theirs or someone elses.
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HPlainsD
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12-14-07 7:51 AM
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petlover, That is a funny name considering that you obviously don't know much about animals and you also obviously don't care much either. I don't see anyone humanizing animals, but people trying to treat them as a living being. I wouldn't chain anything up 24/7, animal or human. Just think about what is right. Tammy did and she is willing to accept whatever sentence is handed down. The sad thing is that the Arnold's were never charged and they should have been.
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happytonotliveinPA
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12-13-07 11:46 PM
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"judge, jury and executioner" ; anarchy??? For rescuing a dog??? Huh? And this is your DA? Next there will be flying saucers raoming the skies. Is this guy for real?
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happytonotliveinPA
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12-13-07 11:33 PM
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Since this case came about, I wake up every morning thanking god that I don't live in Blair county. The fact that the prosecutor chose to move forward with this case really shows it must be a "good ole boy" kind of place. Whether you're for or against the rescuing of the dog, county $$$$$ is being and has been spent on this ridiculous prosection. What is the matter with you folks in Blair County? If this was my hometown, I'd be raising hell! Simply put, the dog was rescued from a miserable existence. The "owners" recognized the dog was in dire straits but couldn't bring themselves to do anything about it. Heeelllloooo ..... that is neglect. Where is your so-called prosecutor on that one? For all of you that think it's ok for a dog to live on a chain for its entire life, it's too bad you couldn't be ordered to do so for one day. It's a living, breathing creature and I'm tired of the useless phrase "it's just a dog". Maybe someday you'll evolve like the r
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petlover
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12-13-07 10:50 PM
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Many of you humanize dogs as a sad imitation of/substitute for the love from humans you're lacking in your lives. the alleged fact that some nosey neighbor didn't SEE them feed their pet doesn't mean they didn't prove that they had to the PROPER AUTHORITIES. Old people sometimes look very ill and frail and even groan in their sleep sometimes, it doesn't mean they're being mistreated, in unreasonably ill health (for their age) or otherise abused, it means they're old and dying! They also have some good days and some worse days. I hate to draw analogies to humans in this but maybe you soft and fuzzy humaniacs can get that. The darn dog was almost 20 years old. Dogs don't live that long if they're poorly treated their whole lives and nothing lives forever. I hope they throw the book at this woman. If someone really thinks an animal is being mistreated there are proper channels to go through. If you want to be a vigilante, you do the time.
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HPlainsD
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12-13-07 10:08 PM
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Dogs were man's creation to be a companion to them. They were domesticated from wolves. It is now man's responsibility to take reasonable care of them. If this does not happen and all avenues have been exhausted, it is a citizen's duty to do something. Have we all gotten so jaded that we should now look the other way way?
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petlover
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12-13-07 9:56 PM
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It's one of the problems in society today that too many people have moved into cities and no longer have a grasp on the reality of country living and personal fredom, everyone wants to tell others how they should handle their pets. ALl of you worrying abotu dog kisses and wagging tails oughta think about how cows do those things too and you eat them. maybe farmers should all have to keep their cows inside too. lol
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petlover
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12-13-07 9:55 PM
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It is terroristic to attempt to cause normal, law abiding citizens to be afraid that their pets can be stolen if some animal rights whacko gets to decide whether they are taking proper care of their pets. That's why we have laws, those are things things we as a society 'agree' on and must live by. That's the benchmark, not what some nut that thinks all pets must live in the house, etc wants to push on others. It's one of the problems in society today that too many people have moved into cities and no longer have a grasp on the reality of country living and personal fredom, everyone wants to tell others how they should handle their pets. All of you worrying about dog kisses and wagging tails oughta think about how cows do those things too and you eat them. maybe farmers should all have to keep their cows inside too. lol The woman is no hero, she's a nutty, criminal terrorist in my eyes.
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appalledinVA
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12-13-07 9:20 PM
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petlover, I think you might have a problem. What's missing in YOUR life that you have to troll forums like this and hit the post button numerous times for the same thing? Since you think that chaining dogs is ok, I'm wondering if you have a chained dog. If you do, I would sincerely like to know why you have a dog at all. I've always wished somebody could give me an answer that made sense. Dogs are supposed to be companion animals. If you get a dog and chain it outside, and all you do is give it food and water, why get one and what do you get out of it? It is certainly not going to protect your home from anything, it's on a chain for crying out loud. And you certainly get no companionship from the animal. So what's the point really? I just don't get it.
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petlover
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12-13-07 7:45 PM
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It is terroristic to attempt to cause normal, law abiding citizens to be afraid that their pets can be stolen if some animal rights whacko gets to decide whether they are taking proper care of their pets. That's why we have laws, those are things things we as a society 'agree' on and must live by. That's the benchmark, not what some nut that thinks all pets must live in the house, etc wants to push on others. It's one of the problems in society today that too many people have moved into cities and no longer have a grasp on the reality of country living and personal fredom, everyone wants to tell others how they should handle their pets. All of you worrying about dog kisses and wagging tails oughta think about how cows do those things too and you eat them. maybe farmers should all have to keep their cows inside too. lol The woman is no hero, she's a nutty, criminal terrorist in my eyes.
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