Little known facts......

[malthumb]

OK, I recognize that there is a similar thread out there somewhere, but lacking PHBrown's skills for resurrecting dead-threads, I'm starting a new one.  I backed into these facts today because one of my kids is reading "The Miracle Worker" for a class.

• Helen Keller was not BORN deaf and blind.  She was stricken with scarlet fever or meningitis when she was 19 months old
• Her teacher / confident, Anne Sullivan, had been blind early in her life but regained some sight after a number of surgeries
• Actress Patty Duke played the part of Helen Keller in the 1959 Broadway play and the 1962 movie "The Miracle Worker".  She played Anne Sullivan in the 1979 remake of the movie.
  
• Helen Keller is credited with introducing the Akita breed of dog to the US.  She was given an Akita as a gift by Japan after she visited Japan in 1937.   By 1939 Akita was a recognized breed and participated in dog shows
• Helen Keller's interest in Akita's was driven by the true story of Hachiko, an Akita that showed up at a train station every day at the same time to meet his owner's train.  The dog showed up at the same time every day until he died in 1935,  9 years after the owner died

Hachiko, the loyal Akita, waiting for the train and as displayed at the National Museum of Japan.  At one point he was one of only 30 known Akitas in existence until they became popular in the US.  Now there are three on my block.

[LaylaMonroe]

I hate Japanese Akitas. My (paternal) grandmother had one (she bought it after my grandfather died) and he was very mean and aggressive (just like my grandmother).

She kept him on a heavy link chain that extended from the left side of the house where he usually chilled out to the front yard, which was like 300 ft away. My parents and aunts/uncles always told her she needed to shorten that chain, but she refused, swearing that the dog is friendly and always wags his tail when he's barking (which is evidence that he's not attacking, but wants to play). WHATEVER.

One Thanksgiving, we went over there for dinner. I was about 9 years old and wore a brand new turquoise knit sweater and skirt set. I felt so pretty and girly in that outfit. My mom had done my hair all pretty, and I had pretty turquoise ribbons with purple barrettes and a pretty purple and turquoise necklace and earrings. I was too adorable that day. Anyway, we were going through the right side door, since I didn't like that stupid dog. We get in the gate, and the dog somehow broke free from the chain and went past my father and mother, my sisters, and my cousin, and went straight for me.

I hate those dogs.

[musicbishop]

I hate Japanese Akitas. My (paternal) grandmother had one (she bought it after my grandfather died) and he was very mean and aggressive (just like my grandmother).

She kept him on a heavy link chain that extended from the left side of the house where he usually chilled out to the front yard, which was like 300 ft away. My parents and aunts/uncles always told her she needed to shorten that chain, but she refused, swearing that the dog is friendly and always wags his tail when he's barking (which is evidence that he's not attacking, but wants to play). WHATEVER.

One Thanksgiving, we went over there for dinner. I was about 9 years old and wore a brand new turquoise knit sweater and skirt set. I felt so pretty and girly in that outfit. My mom had done my hair all pretty, and I had pretty turquoise ribbons with purple barrettes and a pretty purple and turquoise necklace and earrings. I was too adorable that day. Anyway, we were going through the right side door, since I didn't like that stupid dog. We get in the gate, and the dog somehow broke free from the chain and went past my father and mother, my sisters, and my cousin, and went straight for me.

I hate those dogs.

I'm over here carcking up at how you told that story, lead off hating Akita's, closed out hating Akita's and never mentioned Helen Keller LOL Classic

[phbrown]

Akita's are very protective. And most are not friendly towards strangers like Hachiko was. That is the main reason I plan on getting one for my son once he gets older.

And in the case of Layla's grandmother. She did a poor job of training her dog. Being chained 24/7 like that messes up an Akita's mind and you need to be dominate to control that type of behavior.


but wow, I didn't know all those facts about Helen Keller.

[LaylaMonroe]

I just need to stress (again) that this was my PATERNAL grandmother (who is now deceased). My other grandmother, who is still alive, is the love of my life, the light of my world, and the apple of my eye... and she would never do such a thing. She actually LOVES her grandchildren.

(And btw, after the attack, my uncles insisted that Grandma get rid of that dog. And still, she refused. She just increased her insurance in case he attacked someone else and got sued). He didn't bite me, so it's possible he was really just trying to play, but he tackled me to the ground, scratched me terribly from my face down to my thighs, ripped my clothes off and even ripped the slip and tights I wore underneath. Pulled some of my hair out. There was blood everywhere, and worst of all, from that day on, I was terrified of dogs.

[sjonathan02]

I actually knew these facts minus the stuff about dogs (because dogs don't interest me at. all.)

[phbrown]

I just need to stress (again) that this was my PATERNAL grandmother (who is now deceased).

My bad I should've said that also ... but me no pay ...

[malthumb]

I just need to stress (again) that this was my PATERNAL grandmother (who is now deceased). My other grandmother, who is still alive, is the love of my life, the light of my world, and the apple of my eye... and she would never do such a thing. She actually LOVES her grandchildren.

(And btw, after the attack, my uncles insisted that Grandma get rid of that dog. And still, she refused. She just increased her insurance in case he attacked someone else and got sued). He didn't bite me, so it's possible he was really just trying to play, but he tackled me to the ground, scratched me terribly from my face down to my thighs, ripped my clothes off and even ripped the slip and tights I wore underneath. Pulled some of my hair out. There was blood everywhere, and worst of all, from that day on, I was terrified of dogs.

He wasn't playing.  He wasn't trying to kill you (thus no bite) but he was clearly telling you to get the heck out of HIS space.  When you put territorial dogs on a chain, they become more focused on protecting that territory.

[phbrown]

which reminds me

Malthumb what type of Dog is Nemo?

[sjonathan02]

He wasn't playing.  He wasn't trying to kill you (thus no bite) but he was clearly telling you to get the heck out of HIS space.  When you put territorial dogs on a chain, they become more focused on protecting that territory.

See, this is why I don't have time for dogs.

[LaylaMonroe]

He wasn't playing.  He wasn't trying to kill you (thus no bite) but he was clearly telling you to get the heck out of HIS space.  When you put territorial dogs on a chain, they become more focused on protecting that territory.

That's a mess.

See, this is why I don't have time for dogs.

Same here. Except my Vannah, who is saved, and all of 7 lbs.

[phbrown]

Same here. Except my Vannah, who is saved, and all of 7 lbs.

O Rly?

I bet if the right stud comes along you wouldn't be able to tell ... ROFL!

[LaylaMonroe]

O Rly?

I bet if the right stud comes along you wouldn't be able to tell ... ROFL!

She's happily celibate. I've had her for entire life (almost 8 years) and not once have I had to keep an eye on her. When dogs try to holla at her, she either growls or toots her butt in the air as she walks away from them. She's a trip. But she's saved. And sanctified! lol

[phbrown]

Chinese numerology and Feng Shui for 2011 This year we are going to experience four unusual dates: 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11, and that's not all; Take the last two digits of the year you were born and the age you will be this year and the result will add up to 111 for everyone!!!! This is the year of MONEY. Also, this year, October will have 5 Sundays, 5 Mondays & 5 Saturdays. This happens only once every 823 years. These particular years are known as Moneybag years.

[phbrown]

She's happily celibate. I've had her for entire life (almost 8 years) and not once have I had to keep an eye on her. When dogs try to holla at her, she either growls or toots her butt in the air as she walks away from them. She's a trip. But she's saved. And sanctified! lol

ROFL!!!

[sjonathan02]

Chinese numerology and Feng Shui for 2011 This year we are going to experience four unusual dates: 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11, and that's not all; Take the last two digits of the year you were born and the age you will be this year and the result will add up to 111 for everyone!!!! This is the year of MONEY. Also, this year, October will have 5 Sundays, 5 Mondays & 5 Saturdays. This happens only once every 823 years. These particular years are known as Moneybag years.

[LaylaMonroe]

11/11/11 is going to be an exciting day for me (which, btw, is also Britt's birthday)! That's the day I'm counting down to... the day when everything (for me) changes.

12/12/12 is also going to be an exciting day for me (my birthday and other huge things).

(Oh, and 12/12/12 is the last date in our lifetime that will have the triple numbered date).

Yayyyyyy for numerology! LOL

[nessalynn77]

This is the year of MONEY. Also, this year, October will have 5 Sundays, 5 Mondays & 5 Saturdays. This happens only once every 823 years. . .

  And yet only two paydays.  *writing a letter to the governor* apparently he doesn't know what year or month it is, lol. 

[malthumb]

which reminds me

Malthumb what type of Dog is Nemo?

German Sheperd......which brings us to another little known fact....during BOTH World Wars, the world harbored so much resentment of anything German, German Sheperds were not called German Sheperds.  They were called Alsatians. because they originate from the Alsace region which is along the French / German border.  Prime wine growing region.

...Vannah, who is saved, and all of 7 lbs.

Nemo is all of 98 lbs and saved.............unless he sees a squirrel......then he loses his religion    

[LaylaMonroe]

OMG I just saw what you did with that quote! Hilarious!!!