Free Republic

Kyler Bourgeous, 30, spent the first Saturday of June like many before—out on the trails, running the peaks and slopes, and enjoying the day with his parents, who came to visit and see the wildflowers in bloom this time of year. He took his parents to the Frary Peak trail on Antelope Island State Park in Utah, a trail he runs at least once a week. An avid trail runner, Bourgeous laces up 3 to 5 times a week, totaling about 50 miles. Usually, Bourgeous will get in his own workout before hooking up with his parents, going for a...

An enormous number of defensive shootings are not included in the data about defensive gun use.  These are the shootings of animals, not in defense of people; those are often reported.  No, they are defensive shootings of animals in defense of other animals, and often crops or other property.  In defense of animals, the species most often shot are dogs. There are occasional cries of outrage when someone has to shoot a dog in order to save another animal.  They usually come from people who have no conception of reality outside their apartment or suburban home.  These people seem...

A jogger suffered numerous scratches and wounds after she was attacked by a family of raccoons in Lakewood that may have been startled by her dog. An animal control officer was called to a home near Fort Steilacoom Park at 1:30 p.m. Monday where medics were treating the woman for about 28 marks on her body that were a combination of scratches and about six bite wounds. The woman, Michaela Lee, said she had been jogging near the edge of the park with her dog when it got away from her and may have gone after a family of raccoons....

The cute chimp attacks its owner’s best friend and eats her face and hands off. The primate’s owner calls 9-1-1 and cries for help that, as always, comes much too late. A 9-year-old girl takes a 160-pound bull mastiff for a walk and loses control. The giant dog clamps down on her head, and all people can do is scream and yell. Another little girl steps off the school bus in rural Michigan and is instantly attacked by a pack of dogs, all wearing collars. Again, all anybody can do is scream as the girl’s face is ripped to shreds....

An Australian woman from Brisbane has been killed in a shark attack at a popular beach near the city. Ambulance workers said the 21-year-old suffered extensive injuries, losing both arms below the elbow and sustaining deep wounds to her leg. Police suspect that several sharks carried out the attack, which happened on North Stradbroke Island. The victim was thought to have been swimming in shallow water with a local church group when she was attacked. Friends carried her from the water and she was quickly flown to hospital by helicopter.

A California author and filmmaker who became famous for trekking to Alaska's remote Katmai coast to commune with brown bears has fallen victim to the teeth and claws of the wild animals he loved. ...The fearless former drug addict from Malibu, Calif. -- who routinely eased up close to bears to chant "I love you'' in a high-pitched, sing-song voice --

The Other Side Hollie L. Moody (August 18th, 2002) I was in the Spirit and found myself with the Lord beside a large body of water. The sun was shining and I felt that it was the middle of the day. There was a small, but sturdy looking, wooden ship pulled up on the sand next to the Lord and I. I watched as the Lord pushed the boat into the shallows and stepped into it. He then held His right hand out to me. "Come with Me to the other side," the Lord said to me. I placed my...