Here’s one of those ‘Windshield Sunsets’ Mr. Aldean refers to in his song Fly Over States. Absolutely gorgeous!
I don’t know why this story has affected me so much. Maybe it’s because I am so softhearted when it comes to animals. Maybe it’s because of the cold, callous nature of the crime. Maybe it’s because I just don’t understand how someone could be so evil… or maybe it’s all of the above. Regardless of the reasons why, I have followed this story since first hearing about it back in November.
For those who aren’t familiar with the story, here is a little overview.
November 2nd, the Southern Arkansas Rodeo Team had 5 horses, a trailer, and some of their tack stolen. According to SAU Rodeo Coach Rusty Hayes, a dark-colored Ford truck was seen leaving the stables with a trailer belonging to a rodeo team member earlier in the day. The witnesses who saw the truck didn’t see any horses in the trailer, and didn’t see anything missing from the stables after checking. The thieves returned during the night to steal the horses and tack.
As anyone can imagine, the owners of these horses were frantically trying to get the word out in the rodeo community and in hopes of finding their missing horses. After searching over a period of 2 weeks, 4 of the 5 horses were found by Coach Hayes and a team member. The horses were found in a rural wooded area near Tom, Oklahoma tied to pine trees and in very bad shape. They hadn’t seen food or water since being taken 2 weeks prior. One of the horses had been spray painted and camouflaged, had lost 300 lbs, and was so thin that you could see it’s ribs and bones.
One of the owners of the recovered horses – DJ Dickenson said, “I was heartbroken when I saw him them. I would rather have had my horse running loose through the woods than tied to a pine tree.”
Though, 4 of the 5 horses had been recovered and the owners were overjoyed to have their horses back.. there was still one missing.
Credit Card’s remains were found November 25th. He had been shot, his throat had been slit, and his body quartered and scattered. There were no immediate leads in the case, but before long they came pouring in.
On December 5th, 2011 Jaci Rae Jackson of Broken Bow, Oklahoma was arrested for the crimes. She was a fellow SAU student and reportedly had 2 rodeo students show her around the stables, all the while taking notes in a pink notebook prior to the theft. She was also seen counting the stalls in the area where the horses were housed.
The affidavit shows that Jaci was believed to have had “some form of romantic problems with at least one of the owners of the stolen horses,” and had expressed to a fellow student that “some of the owners of the stolen horses had made her mad.”
A confidential informant spoke with the Sheriff’s Office of McCurtain County, Oklahoma and told them that Jaci had contacted them about assisting her move the horses. In another conversation, this time while it was recorded, Jaci stated that Credit Card was killed by an accomplice while she watched…. and that she “wanted the horse killed.”
There have since been other arrests made in the case.. two of them being Jaci’s relatives – Mickie Lynn Carter and Charles Tramble. They were charged with knowingly concealing stolen property. They have since been released.
Jaci is also out on bond, and is facing charges in Arkansas as well as in Oklahoma for these crimes. Other arrests will hopefully be made in connection to this crime, and I hope that everyone involved sees justice.
Me… being who I am, my first reaction is hoping they hang for what they’ve done.. treat them like we used to treat horse thieves. Actually, I have had a lot of things enter my mind as to what would be a ‘fitting’ punishment for these people… most are probably not appropriate to share here.
Again, can’t really explain why this story resonates with me the way it does… but it does. If anyone wants to follow this story and see how it all plays out, you can follow the story on Facebook through the Banner News Page or their website HERE.
I didn’t know at the time the story broke that Credit Card’s owner, Shaun Smith was participating in the reality show Sweet Home Alabama. He got the news about his horse while filming.
I tried to add the video to this post, but I can’t figure it out how to do it. So.. If you would like to see the interview and news story with Shaun click HERE.
CREDIT CARD by Kristi Skimehorn
They call me “Credit Card” that is my name
I was raised to rodeo that was my fame
Chasing some cows that run all around
As my owner ropes them and ties them down
I spent days and nights on the rodeo road
With one thing in mind and that was winning mode
My owner in college rodeo such a dream come true
Climbing the academic ladder things to pursue
Then sadly one day all things would change
Someone would steal me and leave my remains
Their heart was so cold with one thing in mind
All because they seemed second in line
They took away a life that was loved so much
Took me from rodeo and family and such
The things that they did I can not explain
The brutal emotions and all of the pain
But to all of my buddies and my master too
I hurt no more and my rodeo days aren’t through
I’m up here in Heaven doing what I do
With another young rider making dreams come true
In honor of 100 years of America’s Favorite Cookie, here are a couple of vintage Oreo commercials… the first is from 1986. I actually remember this one. 🙂
And here is another from 1959… I have no recollection of this one… a little before my time. 😉
Ok, I’m trying to add a ‘like’ button directly to my blog, but until I figure that out you can find me HERE. Thanks!
Today, I heard a friend of mine lost her dog. She had done everything to try and get him well. Countless sleepless nights and trip after trip to the vet. Sometimes, though, nothing is enough.. God has other plans. Those who aren’t ‘dog people’ or animal lovers just don’t understand the love we as humans have for our 4 legged friends and the love we get in return. Anytime we decide to share our lives with an animal, we know that, chances are, we will be faced with having to say goodbye at some point.. and regardless of the heartbreak we feel when that time comes, the joy they bring to our lives in the short time they are on this earth makes it all worthwhile.
The unconditional love we get from our pet… they don’t care how much money you make, what you look like… all they care about is a belly rub and a kind word. They would be happier with you on a cold street somewhere than by themselves in a mansion curled up by a fireplace.
Anytime I hear someone say “It was just a dog” I am reminded of Baxter Black and his thoughts on the matter.
I remember it like it was yesterday having to say goodbye to my Ladybug or “Bug” and “Buggers” as we affectionately called her. It felt like my heart had been ripped from my chest… and that is no exaggeration. If you have never experienced it, then you don’t know… and if you have, then you know all too well.
Rest in peace my sweet girl… dogs most definitely will be in ‘my’ heaven too, Baxter.
Ahh, Bud and Sissy.. white trash love at it’s best.
I know, I know… this movie oozes cheese. BUT, I love it. I own it.. and every time it comes on I absolutely have to watch it.
Some of my favorite lines:
Sissy: “My legs are sweatin’ Mama.”
Bud: “And the best thing about it is it’s got wheels. We can pick it up and move it if we want to!”
Bud: “I wanna apologize clear back to when I hit you the first time.”
Yep, doesn’t get better than that.
Next is…
What can I say? It’s George. Can he act? Well, no. Does he look good and is he absolutely awesome? Well, duh. The man could stand there doing nothing, and I would pay to watch. As long as I can remember I have loved George. He is the King of Country, just ask my son… I’ve taught him well. The movie is worth watching even if you mute it. Well, that’s not entirely true, the soundtrack is pretty awesome.. because of course it’s George. All hail the King!
Some of my favorite lines…
Lula: “If it wasn’t for me, you’d probably still be singing in some run-down rat hole for a bunch of fat girls from Iowa.”
Dusty: “Yeah, and if it wasn’t for me, you’d probably be a waitress there.”
Ernest: “The funny thing about that little white speck on the top of chicken s___ . That little white speck is chicken s___ too.”
These are just a couple of many, many cheesy movies I love. Television.. well that’s a whole other subject. Just wait until my Dallas obsession post…. because oh yes, there will be one. 🙂