nb45bs-
so, based solely on my post, what exactly makes be an unfit pet owner again?!

oh yeah, way to form your own opinion after reading mine to "Justamom", such hypocrisy! lol.

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cynicista08,

I have a heart. I'm just not like probably 90% of the posters here that can't wait to write about their overwhelming sense of sorrow for some "make believe" tragedy.
Based solely on your post, I would say you are one of the many pet owners that aren't fit to own a pet, but think you are a great pet owner. I wish your nieghbors good luck!

I'm still waiting to read about the dogs that were ordered to attack this pepper guy.

Justamom - Your post was hideously judgemental. Here is a hot tip for you. If you are going to tell people about Judgement, don't judge anyone in the same post.
Example: Those people are stupid. Don't judge or you to shall be judged in Heaven.

It's really pretty simple and I can provide other examles.

Carpenter- I can not speak for MW but I would imagine that they were speaking about a few individuals not the entire police force...

I would hope anyhow.

I have had bad run ins with both VPD and VCSO but I am not putting down either department as a whole...

When you have a large group of people, there are always going to be a few bad apples in the bunch.

That usually makes people form opinions about the entire force, which is unfortunate, but the actions of a few effect many.

And what makes matters worse is when you actually get to experience this first hand and by "higher ranking" officers....because then the officers that rank under them think they can get away with acting just like them, that it's "OK" to try and hide behind the badge.

And that is wrong on so many levels. It basicly perpetuates more wrong doing, and these departments have to work even harder to maintain respect once these stories get out to the public.

Notice I say once they get out to the public....the last incident I was involved in was swept under the table, I went down and filed a complaint and have never been contacted. The form is so generic you fill out for a complaint, name ,address, telephone number. No where does it ask for the officers' name or reason for complaint.

I have the potential to face FELONY charges for defending myself against a higher ranking officer for the pure fact they are a public servant.

How sad is that?

So..do I make a stink about it and hold him accountable, and face Federal Pen time for being in the right, or do I do like everyone else and be afraid of that fact and keep my mouth shut and enjoy what freedom I have while this same stuff gets to continue happening to someone else?

Even though our departments in general are some of the best around....remember this one awful FACT...

They protect their own!

So to those officers that witness the wrong doing and have not been swayed in your values and morals about right and wrong and still do your jobs with courtesy and respect to the best of your abilities....

My hat goes off to you...and thank you for remaining upstanding individuals of the community you swore to protect and serve.

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I might not agree with N45BA all the time but MW0705
You sure seem to be spoutin off a whole lot with no back-up.. The VPD are a great bunch of folks and they are the best deal in town. Even if they knew who you are, they would do the right thing and protect you from the bad things spoke of tonight even after your negative feelings towards them.. I got a lecture from some "person" today about how I feel towards Poor Pepper.. So maybe you need to lighten up on how other folks feel on issues that are not the same as yours..

Truely Twisted- I know for a fact law officers have been violent with innocent people VICTORIA PD! I KNOW FOR A FACT! i guess thats ok with you though! If this had been a child or elderly person would that be glorifing their celebrity? Get over it!

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N45BA said
"I can't get over that picture. Is that what this guy looks like all the time?

Sorry to sound crude, but it is still freaking me out."

You live in the streets for as long as Pepper has and see how you look. Pep may not be all there but he is still a person, and a pretty good one at that.

wasn't pick'n, just tease'n a little..lol....but see there you admit it...it's the little ones you have to watch..lol...I have known of many small child bites from those small dogs, me included(rat terrier)but I'm not bias against them. My boxer dislikes weenie dogs, dont know why, but she cant stand them...can get along with a cat,so go figure that one.

and yeah..lets evaluate the theft level on the "south side" of town where all these evil dogs are...v.s. north side where most all thefts are and where ADT and Triple D and VCS along with other security systems are.....those just let you know you stuff is gone and your house is wrecked, your dogs make sure things stay put. so I guess having a high fear level applied to them isn't "really" a bad thing....just gives them a bad rep on how they got it.

education is the key to everything though.

ok, time for lunch! have a great day everyone!

OK, fedupwithhype

Pick on me--lol--I can take it. From what you post, we both have the utmost respect for our dogs, and treat them this way, so they are not the aggressors.

I have a 4-pound dog, and she thinks she is meaner and bigger than my 64-pound show, but her bite sure hurts less---lol.

In addition, I have to agree, what good is ADT, give me a few dogs in the house any day.

Footnote: I have known Pepper for a while, and I have never known him to attack unless he was cornered, just as I would do. The man had no right to put his dogs on Pepper. That man needs to be charged.

I'm sorry, I cant resist that statment from:

Redneckgirl----->"they can be trained easier"

is that why it costs over 40thousand ($40,000+) to train a police dog?

hahah...just say'n.

side note...when you mix and match statistics it really looses it's value as creditable evidence.

but I understand the point you are trying to make, now if people wouldnt feel so ashamed about reporting these tiny dog attacks we could work with real numbers....

and Twisted, one for you too.....

ADT wont keep your T.V. where you left it!

My dogs are on duty 24/7 and they work for food!
Also...ADT wont stop an attacker inside your home, but they will make the phone call for the cops to come tag your toe and haul you away.

You stick with ADT, I'll hang with my dawgs! RUFF RUFF partn'a

Take'n a bit out of crime one mouth full at a time!

I can't get over that picture. Is that what this guy looks like all the time?

Sorry to sound crude, but it is still freaking me out.

Ok, I'm done with this, Mr.Adams is a good human being, he has served this country, and has been respectful to many here.

Just because he didn't fight in the current war shouldn't make his sacrifices any less worthy than any other soldier's.

He did his duty and this is his thanks?

just remember folks...Karma <--- it's real.

anonymoustroublemaker <-- you deserve a high five for your statement! you couldn't be more right.

Mr.Adams....you can bum a smoke from me anytime- this whole quitting thing isnt working for me anyhow..haha!

Get well soon!

Despite all the ignorance on this thread, you do have friends here. Don't let negativity bother you a bit!

Twisted---I have been violent toward "officers" in this town...especially when they act like bully's and don't stay with in the law them selfs ....

I am no bodies chump...and just because you wear a badge does not give you super powers and nor should you belive your self to be a God.

Approach me with violent intent and you will be met with the same.

And if you are the type of person to let everyone run you over just because they "THINK" they can...well, poor you.

You don't know the details, unless you are one of those officers, or if you have gone to the Police station and PAID for copies of the reports.

Shouldn't blab word of mouth.

Maybe he had a reason to be upset, maybe he didn't....but to MANY MANY others in this town--as well as many law enforcement officers...he has been polite and respectful.

Go ask a cop! or better yet, put your money where your mouth is and buy the reports and post them. That could be interesting.

Untill then....thumbs down to you my friend.

money, property....these are "things" people....what you own or how much money you have shouldn't be the basis of self worth...

a person is defined by his actions, not by possessions!

Mr.Adams is a nice person. Where he lays his head every night should not be the basis of his value as a decent human being !

Winning the lotto shouldn't make us form an opinion of him ( other than, lucky him-wish I could! )

We should all take a lesson from Mr.Adams.
We should also take lessons from our neighbors here in Victoria and how their attitudes about other humans are. Scary I share the same town with some of you.

Just what is human value to you?

The house you live in but dont own, you borrowed money for and it's called mortage.

or the car you dont own, that you are paying off cause you couldn't afford to buy it outright?

or how about the clothes you wear, sport'n some name brands?

any of you with student loans? guess you couldnt afford school either then...wow,I guess this makes you all pretty worthless if this is the case...huh,guess you are no better than anyone else then if you cant afford to live in million dollar homes and drive $80thousand dollar cars....

where are your priorities at?

Mr.Adams makes due with what he has, and he seems to always be in good spirits.

Read and take note to how many people comment GOOD things about Mr.Adams.

these are people who know him and have met him.

everyone else has just "seen him around" and want to feel special to make rude remarks about him.

It's appalling how grown adults can act like spoilt little children at times.

I bet none of you would have the nerve to say these things to Mr.Adams personally...

And if you did, then a majority of us would stand with him and run you outta this town.

Give this man the same respect he would show you.

and he's not always "just" wanting a cigg, a polite conversation will make his day just as it will yours.

keep that in mind.

I'm not bashing the homeless, so get off your high horse. My beef is with the media glorifying vagrants/streetwalkers and elevating them to hero status. Pepper has walked up to me at Long John Silver's several times and asked for money and I have obliged, despite him spitting all over my food when he talked. Still, vagrancy is a blight to the community. I know for a fact that Pepper has been violent to law officers when they have forced him to leave abandoned buildings.

As far as our local animal control, I speak from personal history. Several dogs were roaming our neighborhood, digging into trash cans and chasing children. I called animal control, hoping he would try to capture these animals, but he told me he couldn't take them away until they bit someone.

So why do we have a leash law? As far as the pit bulls, they are the ghetto ADT security systems. Just drive around the south part of town and try to count the pit bulls leashed in front yards.

Also, If Shepherds are ranked number 3, then WHY ON EARTH DO POLICE USE THESE HIGHLY TRAINED DOGS ???

And, the answer is, they are fearless but have more disicpline that the other breeds, so they can be trained easier. I had my dog trained in Houston by a trainer who trained dogs for the police.
And, I got my stats from lots of different areas, from this trainer, the police, the hosptials, AKC, etc. .

Now, this said, I own chows, they are up there in the four most dangerous dogs, behind the Shepherd, so far not one bite. So, I do agree that it is a lot in the way the dog is treated and the owners, but it is still facts that Pit Bulls stats for attacking are first and formost.

TrulyTwisted It is not the Advocate who has caused Pepper to rise to as you state: to celebrity status, it is us who keep posting on this site, me included---lol.

i guess some of us dontknow that pepper won over a million dollars in the lotto a few years back.

STOP KICKING THE HOMELESS GUY!! WHAT A BUNCH OF SELF-RIGHTEOUS HYPOCRITES!!

Not true Twisted...Animal Control does the best job they can...they lack personnel to cover the entire Victoria area.....maybe you should go apply. Just a thought. And it sickens me that you have such an attitude, stories were run on both these issues, we the people are the ones, not the advocate placing the comments here. And this is an article about Mr.Adams. so that should be case closed with the issue.

Have some respect, is all I'm saying. If you would like to comment and place your condolences with the Green family, then please do.

here is the link to the page.

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/...

And to top it off the blue healer we have now is more aggressive toward people than any pit or rottie I've ever owned.

The stats come from numbers of dogs that have been trained for fighting or people that have mistreated them. The pits are selected for their locking jaws, determination and strenght and Rotties are used for their strength. If you really research Rotties they are originally from greece and were used as cattle dogs. They can be very intelligent. Mine was super smart and very mild tempered and loving. She was one of the best dogs I ever owned, but very very protective of the kids. They are very intemidating because of their size and willingness to protect their home and family.

Two problems here.
1) It sickens me that the Advocate continues to elevate this person to celebrity status especially when an area soldier died for his country, instead of going around town asking for handouts, and gets only equal coverage.
2) The so-called "Animal Control" department in this city is a joke. Dogs wander all around town despite the leash law. Call animal control about a loose dog in your neighborhood and see what happens. They will tell you the dog has to bite someone before they'll do anything.

These are just two more examples of why this city is consistently ranked as one of the worst places to live in the U.S. It's going to the dogs and vagrants.

thank you JR74.....gotta make one more quick blab...

If you do not have first hand knowledge of taking care or owning any of these breeds you have such high opinions of...you really have no room to talk.

Thats about as valid as me saying that a lamborghini is the worst and slowest car in the world.....

Great point Fedup

Its all in what you do with the dogs. I've had both Rottis and Pits and neither were a problem. I had my pit for 3 years before I ever heard him bark. Both were very protective of the family and house. Both dogs stayed inside and in the back yard and they never bit anybody. The rotti had to be put down due to a medical condition and the pit was just getting old.

oh and I'm sorry,but since we are still on teh bash a pit issue....Mike Vic ring a bell? his dogs were trained to fight, now they are rehab dogs and visit hospitals and things of the such....havent heard anything bad about any of those dogs since they were rescued.....

justamom..thank you for being one to pay attention that Pepper also served our great country, and yes,not negating the fact that we did have a local boy perish as well serving his country, and yes everyone, our prayers do go out to him and his family, so lets not continue to make this an issue when this is article is about Mr.Adams. Did y'all mother never teach you if you didnt have anything nice to say to keep your mouth shut? just a question, seems morals got lost somewhere down the line....

Redneckgirl....my I inquire on where you got this numbers from....I can play statistics all day long...it's all in how many reports and how many they collected to make these numbers.

I own pits, I own boxers...I have owned Rotties Arkansas Giants, Great Danes, and Dobs....

my pits are big babys, my boxers are so loving it's out of this world, the Giant was a foot warmer, the rottie was a 185pound lap dog that was dumb as a brick but sweet as the sun is bright...the two worse ones were the dob and the great dane...the dane was shifty and unpredictable after about 3 years and the dobs tend to go crazy after about 6years....but thats just been the ones I've had...My aunt has had decent luck with those breeds.

Also, If Shepherds are ranked number 3, then WHY ON EARTH DO POLICE USE THESE HIGHLY TRAINED DOGS ???

You need to stop looking at the breeds and start looking at the OWNERS !!!!

wanna know dogs with bad attitudes?

poodles- chiuauas - rat terriers - spits....most of your SMALLER BREEDS that tend to think they are big ol' monster dogs...

how many children have you had to stitch up cause some old ladies chiuaua went shred happy on their hands and legs?

ok, back to the question...source of info?

N45BA- that was an observation from when my husband worked as animal control. Not a judgement. An opinion formed from what I have seen and heard from first hand experiences.

Archibonkers2- You make a valid point. Bless the Green family. Truly tragic.

dollysdad

So with your note on my wall, I expect to read in the Advocate that some private citizen went to the hospital and payed for all of Peppers care.

ANSWER: Well, the fact is; Pepper has no address so he cannot get Medicaid like all the rest of the people who do not pay their medical bills, but they all have jobs, lie about a live in boyfriend, have baby after baby, drive new cars, and wear name brand clothes. So, what do you have to say about this? In ER, I saw a lot of these kinds of people, but the person without an address cannot get help. There are reasons why Pepper is the way he is, and it is not your place to judge him. However, I feel we can judge the people who cheat the government every day by falsely getting food stamps, free housing and Medicaid.

AND TO:
archiebonkers2
No, I did not forget about the young man who died for our country. He and his family are in my prayers every day. My adopted son, 21, was just shipped off to Afghanistan and I will live in fear the year he is there.

And I'll ask again....WHAT PROOF IS THERE THAT SOMEONE SENT THOSE DOGS AFTER HIM? Or that they were even pit bulls?

ANSWER: The proof is Pepper's word that this man put these dogs on him, and I would believe him before I would believe the owner who may face charges.

ANSWER AND FACTS: And, as for the number of dog bites, of course since I worked in four different ER's, not all in Victoria, I would not have the exact number, but the greatest number was pit bulls, Rottweilers 2nd, German shepherds 3 rd and so on. . In addition, of course we knew what type of dog bites they were, because we had to report the bites and the police then came and toke that part over.

Fact: Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are the top two most dangerous dogs, but the Pit Bull out ranks by far. Out of the estimated 53 million dogs in the United States 92 fatal attacks are contributed to Pit Bulls or Pit Bull Mixes. Pit bull terriers and Rottweilers together appear to commit about two-thirds of the reported serial attacks on humans. Combined, pit bulls and Rottweilers had committed 72% of all the attacks, 45% of the attacks on children, 77% of the attacks on adults, 58% of the fatalities, and 67% of the maimings and disfigurements.

Among the 59 dogs who flunked a second chance after biting a person or killing a pet were 28 pit bulls (48%), 10 Rottweilers (17%), and 21 dogs of 10 other breeds.

Rampage attacks are defined as instances of a dog attacking multiple people or animals during a single incident. About 10% of the dog attack cases in the ANIMAL PEOPLE files involve rampages in which a person is killed or maimed, and/or the dog is shot by police. Of the 153 dogs who rampaged, 89 (58%) were pit bulls; 32 (21%) were Rottweilers; and 32 (21%) were representatives of 14 other large breed.

I REST MY CASE!

Matthew 25:45

I just couldn't resist... Great post justamom!

Qoute #1) My thoughts were, in queen city, given the type of people who live there, I am sure the dogs were used for fighting or were neglected and only used for breeding. Hence them attacking.

and from the same post...
Qoute #2) Don't judge or you to shall be judged in Heaven

I guess Pepper's story makes us forget about the terrible tragedy of a local hero's death! His death is what allows all of us these freedoms which we have!
Everyone enjoy your bickering back and forth about these petty issues! There is a family hurting in Yorktown! Their hurt is my hurt too! God Bless the Green Family!

The problem with pit bulls is that they are unpredictable. Their feral instincts are always just below the surface, and no one knows what will trigger them to attack.
We hear on TV all the time how a family pet attacked one of the children in the household...a seemingly nice, tame, dog, that never hurt a flea...before the attack. Parents who buy pit bulls for their children, or have them in a household that has children, are just plain taking a chance with their childrens lives. I don't understand it at all.
There's too much evidence that pits are unpredictable.
Anyone who buys a pit, and lets them run free is negligent, and anyone who owns a pit and decides to abandon them, is criminal.

Like I said before, it's all in the way the dog is treated as to how it's going to act. I've know pepper awhile and he keeps us laughing everytime we see him. He never askes us for money but we give it to him anyway. Alot of people look after him, even after he whooped the guerilla in front of Toms Vaccumes. lmao

Fedup- I agree, it is the owners. I have a friend who ownes a pit bull and that is the sweetest dog ever. He is also spoiled by his owner and treated like a King.
My thoughts were, in queen city, given the type of people who live there, I am sure the dogs were used for fighting or were neglected and only used for breeding. Hence them attacking.
I am not from Victoria, however, I have known Pep for awhile and I have also known MANY MANY war vets from VT that are living in DT Houston. They fought and served for us and when they got home we turned our backs on them. Leaving PTSD and other diseases untreated and then left on the streets. We did this to some of them, we should help if we can. Look down your nose if you like, but I once met ahomeless guy who was a staple on Wall Street. We can all end up like him one day,,,,especially with King O in charge now. Don't judge or you to shall be judged in Heaven.

There will be proof one way or the other when the investigation is complete. No sooner. It takes time to gather information, to talk to witnesses gather evidence etc....Then it goes through the proper channels.

MW: So with your note on my wall, I expect to read in the Advocate that some private citizen went to the hospital and payed for all of Peppers care.

And I'll ask again....WHAT PROOF IS THERE THAT SOMEONE SENT THOSE DOGS AFTER HIM? Or that they were even pit bulls?

And I will also ask that everyone not bash the specific breed of dog that attacked him. Pit bulls have a very bad reputation due to ignorance. The fault is the owner of the animals. There are mean dogs in every breed. Domestic animals are just like people, most are nice and friendly, unless abused or taught to be mean animals. I do expect the owner(s) of said animals involved in this attack to be held accountable....and not just a fine if this story is correct...criminal charges to anyone who intentionally makes their animal attack someone, or to anyone found negligent in respects to containing or restraining a vicious animal-REGARDLESS of breed.

There is no need for pet owners to be irresponsible.

To those unknowing few, Mr.Adams (aka. Pepper) is a war veteran. He served his time in Vietnam. So yes, Mr.Adams is a hero as well. If you must complain about giving someone a dollar or two then you probably aren't in the best of positions your self and should really curb any trash talking. Mr.Adams is a very respectful person and very polite. Sure, we all have our bad days, but that does not give anyone the right to bash on someone because they don't meet some fictitious standard you may have. Everyone that said it is right, this day and age YOU may be one paycheck away from the life style of those you spit on. A little respect for a human life goes a long way.Get well soon Mr.Adams!

To all the negative things being said about homeless and beggers get a grip a large percentage of people are one pay check from being there. I for one am not wealthy but I do reach out and help those in need. I treat them the way I would like to be treated if I was in their position. My prayers go out to the Green family and to Pepper. I have known Pepper for a while he is a character, he is not out there hurting anyone, but it seem a lot of haters have come out with their two cents worth. Like it was said before thank you Victoria for still not changing and still maintaining that small mind attitude. With this type of thinking Victoria will always be know as a Hick Town.

There should also be no pets returned to those irresponsible owners once the animal has been captured.
If the loose animal should injure someone the owner should serve time in prison and pay "all" bills associated with the injuries.

Let's make the owners of these animals be responsible and we won't see this kind of crap happening.

Every person in this country can own a pet. I would say greater than 90% of them cannot handle the reposibility of making sure their pet doesn't bother any one else. The problem is...because they think their pet is so wonderful, it doesn't matter what it does. People are fairly stupid when it comes to stuff like this.

Stepping off of soap box now.

You folks should Pray for Pepper and praise the folks who help him Thats God's way

larza, I couldnt agree more. those who are throwin the first stone are probaly not sin free. and im sure they are playing with a deck of 52, where pepper is and has been for the almost 25 years of my observence, not with a complete deck! what a shame

I believe any "pet" that is not on a leash or in a backyard should be fair game. That especially includes cats.

Pet owners love their pets and do not realize the problems they cause by letting them run wherever they want. For the most part, pet owners are a completely irresponsible lot.

Now don't confuse what I said with a 5 year old playing with a small puppy in a yard.

I want our city to have a team of animal controll presonnel out 24/7 searching for loose animals. If they find one, they can use whatever means necessary to capture or kill it. Lure it in, trap it, shoot it, whatever.

I have no tolerance for pets running loose. Not just the Pit Bulls either.

Thank you for mentioning Gabe Green. I flew my flag for him today. God bless his family. Seems like our tax dollars are taking care of Pepper. Military death benfits I hear are marginal. I have the support of local news, and maybe we might put our energy to his family. How could we help them.
Carpenter, thank you. And your right.

like I said before you can trust pepper wouldnt rob or still from you...he'd ask you if he was in need matter of fact the first time i encountered him he offered to buy a cigarette from me..i said "no its okay here ya go" b/c i appreciated the way he approached my, with sincerity...all of you are entitled to your own opinions of him but trust me God dont like ugly and i would say he will be sittin in heaven one day while your ass is on fire lol

November 45, I assume that's an FAA assigned number. always enjoy your posts, but I respectfully admonish a tornado strike for real news. Pepper's in good care. The safe streets on halloween night is my priority. It would break my heart to hear of a child being mauled by a loose pit. Your thoughts.

I'm sorry, but I agree with N45. While all of you worry about a panhandler, a funeral march was lead through town today. Anyone notice?

Redneckgirl: Since you asked the question, no. I don't know how many PIT BULL BITES happen in Victoria year. Please enlighten us. Let me guess. You don't know either. If you respond, please cite your sources.

BTW: I do not like beggars. I do not like being harassed by homeless. I like it even less when someone feels threatned. I contribute to Salvation Army, a couple of churchs, and pay my taxes. I provide the "safety net". So get off my back (and all the rest of the posters not declaring fuzzy and warm feelings).

To Carpenter: You said it! Most of these people bickering back and forth, making crude comments about Pepper, could be one paycheck away from being homeless themselves (along with no medical insurance). Get a grip. Let's see some comments on Sgt. Gabe Green, a true American hero! It was an honor today to stand on the street while his body and family passed by. I do wish Pepper well, but I also pray for the strength and courage Sgt. Green's family will need in the days ahead.

God Bless Pepper and God Bless Sgt. Green.

N45BA I've said it before.. With all due respect. They drove an AMERICAN HERO (Gabe Green) thru town today from the airport to Yorktown and I have seen little or no response to that. This guy (Pepper) and his bad luck are receiving so much attention and is it really warranted?
There was an oppertunity to show our support for a true American Hero today. I only wished so much attention was given to him and the family left behind.
You folks really have to get a grasp of what really counts...

Have any of you noticed how any incident that happens in this city, is a tragedy beyond human comprehension. Every injury that happens is not a tragedy.

This guy's life isn't a tragedy, nor are his dog bites. He isn't an icon as someone said earlier.

I think the most accurate post in this thread is from sickandtired.

This is recieving more coverage than the chupacabra's, which is almost impossible to imagine.

I find myself hoping a tornado hits the city so there will be some real news to read about.

Was at a public restroom about 1 yr ago when Pepper came in and started washing his hands. I walked up to wash my hands and said "Good morning, how's it going"? He didn't say anything or acknowledged me. When he was thru -as he walked out he cut the lights off on me.

Icitizen, I am sure that Pepper didn't mean nothing by it. My husband does that to me, or he forgets to turn the lights out. I think it is the old age sneaking in. Or his mind is else where, as Pepper could of been thinking about something else, and not heard you speak. My husband does that a lot. So it's either they don't want to talk, or they really don't hear you.
Oh well your not scared of the dark are you? You survived.

Hey man, hey you have $2?

Nah Pepper, I'm a little short now.

Hey you got a cigarette?

Sure, here ya go.

If I had $2 more dollars I could buy my own pack.

LOL, well pepper ya got a cigarette now take care, later.

And that's about my experience with Pepper, of course it has happened about 20 times.

Anyway, best wishes to you Pepper, get well soon.
Catch them D&%& dogs and get them off the street along with there owner.

Was at a public restroom about 1 yr ago when Pepper came in and started washing his hands. I walked up to wash my hands and said "Good morning, how's it going"? He didn't say anything or acknowledged me. When he was thru -as he walked out he cut the lights off on me.

Pepper my be a free spirit but, he lives like he does cause, he is rejected so much by those that choose not to understand him.
Maybe the drugs he takes is prescribed to him. Most that have problems dealing with life, or even have a medical problem take a drug that a doctor writes up for them.
So leave him alone. He is sweet, and he don't bother you. You just have a low tolerance for caring for people that have problems, and it scares you to be around them. Most people with a mental problem are harmless. Maybe those that don't understand need to study up on mental health. And hey maybe even ask for a heart, and help out others in any way you can. If you even gave Pepper a hug, I bet it would feel like a million dollars to him.
A person that don't want to live with someone else, even if you begged them to, is their rights as a citizen.He is not hurting anyone living on the streets. But, loose dogs that bite, attack, and that can kill, is a problem. I bet the police are looking into it all. We just haven't hear nothing yet.
I remember a guy just out of pure meaness that lived on the same street I did as a child. Would release his dog, and tell it to attack us kids. This is the same thing, and if that dog would of biten me or my siblings, my parents would of took them to the cleansers. Releasing a dog on a person, is being a bully, and we do have alot of those in Victoria.
But thank God we got more with caring, loving hearts, that care about others. One day to all of you that don't like Pepper, and choose to pick on him. Well one day you just might need all of us that care, and love our fellow human beings. And guess what, we will even be there for you.

dollysdad---------what a ? comment. The dogs need to be on a leash, from what I know of Pepper he has not bitten anyone yet. And, you took the statement out of context. I did not mean he is wild in the way you took it. No, he is not the same as the pit bulls. As stated I worked for years in ER. Do you know the big % of pit bulls bites there are every year? I would guess not.

Thank you John123. I know his past also, and the reason he chooses this life. I am a nurse and have had the honor of talking with Pepper when he would sit outside the hospital. People should not be so quick to judge, as they or a family member could be walking in Pepper's shoes someday. And, from some of the mean insentive comments made on here , I surely would trust Pepper more than most of you who made those comments. As for as him not paying his medical bills, I worked ER in 4 different hospitals, and there are a lot of people who drive up in a new fancy car, are dressed in name brand clothes, but had Medicaid, or did not pay their bills either.

MW: You're letting your emotions cloud the facts. I don't know Pepper, am sorry he got dog bit, and wish him a speedy recovery. Quit being such a knee jerk.

Redneck girl: So, Pepper is "wild and free" just like he wants to be....would that apply to the dogs that bit him as well?

Is there a witness in the house?

Wishing Pepper a speedy recovery!!
May the owner of the dogs get caught, fined and made to pay for Pepper's medical bills!!

For those who love to hate on Pepper, karma is a b!tch!!

Pepper is wild and free, just the way he wants to be. I feel a lot of you would like to live that way also, no house payments, no utility bills, no taxes, etc. :),but you might just be afraid someone will look down on you as you look down on Pepper. Also, as someone else posted, Pepper does not take goverment handouts. And, if you want to say he takes other handouts, he also works for food and other things he needs. One of my family members lives in a townhouse in Victoria. Pepper mowed and raked her yard. When she would go out of town for her job, Pepper would watch her house, he would sleep in a lounge chair under her carport. Well, guess what? She was not missing one thing when she came home, and surely no one tried to break in her house with Pepper guarding it. She paid him to do these things, sometimes he did not even want to take money, but she would insist. I am a nurse, and I have had the honor of meeting and talking with Pepper on more than one occasion, he is a very interesting person. God Bless you Pepper.

dollysdad- yes homeless people are at greater risk but he was in an area ANYONE could've been. EVEN PEOPLE WHO HAVE HOMES INFACT PLENTY OF PEOPLE HAVE HOMES RIGHT IN THAT NEIHBORHOOD are u going to shrugg you shoulders if they are injured too? thats "wtf"

ugotbkidin---as i stated pepper wouldnt stay with them if they begged him to! Why do people keep saying that???! Just because you feel badly for someone doesnt mean you have to invite them to live with you- get real!

DOLLYSDAD- like i said i would rather pay for his legit injury- than for those who go to ER so they can get a sick note for work when they really just want to stay home...or the drunks who injure THEIRSELVES because they are too dumb to stop drinking. Have a heart. Most of us pay taxes and I don't mind my money going to that.
----N45BA- seriously that picture freaks you out? look in the mirror much? Don't watch the news or go out you'll have a heart attack!

I cannot believe the cold heart of some of the people who have posted here. Pepper is a Victoria Icon and I can't think of many who have lived here as long as I have who have not helped him in some way at some time. The Bible says that what we do for the "least among us"....we do for Jesus. Not that Pepper is in any way the "least among us", but he is a child of God and did not deserve to be harmed in what appears to be an obvious "assault". Why are the police not questioning the person with the dogs. Thank God there are people like Emil and Gidgett Ganem in this world who care for others more than themselves. That is the love of God at its very best.

Dear Dumbblonde, Don't believe everything you read, no chickens were ever used. But rumor has it they still use bat guano to make eyeliner. Now there's a cause you can get behind and proliferate forward. Best of luck to you.
Yours truly,

ED

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I don't know about the rest of you but that picture is freaking me out.

There's a few points that well educated people are missing. And think about this before you turn your kids loose for trick or treating on Halloween. Take a census on the pit bull population in Victoria and say a prayer that one doesn't dig a hole under a fence, or slip out of it's collar and get loose. Pepper lives and breathes just as your children do too. Nobody deserves that except . . . maybe Mike Vick

wow, my post was taken down, what a surprise. must have hurt the feelings of some stellar minds at the avocado. for the record i am upset that he was attacked, those responsible should be held accountable to the fullest extent. Get well pepper, see ya at whatabags when your back on your feet. I just wonder if it had happened to any one else hangin out in queens if it would have made the cover, thats all, i was criticizing our media, not the man or the incident....

Hey! I don't think anyone is advocating someone being injured or hurt, but WTF is the big deal about? A homeless person is at risk beyond those of an average citizen, and this Pepper character ran into a problem.....the taxpayer will pay his tab, and it's likely he'll be back to pestering passerbys shortly.

And just who, or whom are the witness to this dog attack? Are we taking the word from a mental defective?

GEt well soon Pepper cant wait to see you danceing around in the streets again... As for the man that turned his dogs out Shame Shame on you!!!!!!!!!JERK FACE!!!!

If you say Pepper is such an outstanding and homeless individual, why don't you go ahead and invite Pepper to stay with you And your family?????? Better hurry and get your name on the list......

One of the more interesting phone calls I received today was from a gentleman inquiring if The pumpkin cannon would be available for a fundraiser for Pepper. Politics and all B.S aside, if it would help a person in need I would be happy to haul it to Victoria. It's too interesting to ignore and donations for Pepper would surely help. If someone has any ideas, I would be glad to help a person in need. And if people complain about launching pumpkins, claiming it's a food source, I will bring a barbeque pit and slow roast and smoke the pumpkins to their satisfaction. I don't know where pumpkins fall in the food chain, but I will take the lumps and criticism if it helps another person, How about you Dumblonde, and Suzy, can give me some suggestions to marinade the pumpkins with. How do you like your pumpkin? Well done, medium, or rare. Several parents thanked me so much for the great time their children had. That was good enough for me.

KCi - hville is absolutly right about the "provking" if you were a defense attorney you should understand that. Not saying he's perfect. But he isnt intrested in going to jail I've encountered him many tmies so have my family and friends- and never any problems.
Like Briget says - he's not micheal myers!

well news about Pepper is news about Victoria we don't care for world news here this is a local newspaper! Give us news about Victoria good and bad!
Pepper's story brings out the good things that some people are capable of! it gives this forum a different feel instead of all the trivial nitpicking about everything discussed on here!

sickandtired...Pepper is a sorta celebrity; a character who's been around Victoria for a long time. Oh, and yeah, it's a slow news day. Of course, the Advocate front page is always reserved for stories like this or a high school band. The taliband might attack Paris, but the Advocate would put international news on page 6.

raven...Crimeny! Is there anything that WON'T provoke a sermon?

Get well Pepper!!
To all the negative comments about him, GOD see's all that is hidden. To the non belivers, well, good luck.

5THGENTXN- wow! it's not the "crackhead" we are debating over it's the crime. Nothing has been done with these animals- should it just be let go because of who the victim is?? Are you serious? Lots of people walk in that area, kids, people visiting their families and people who live there- is that the consequence they pay for their choices aswell??? Get Real it's not the victim it's the unpunished crime! That's whats so "SAD"- how is that hard for ya'll to understand?
KCi- no one is trying to get you to "forgive" I simply said let it go! Obviously its not healthy for you to hold onto. I'm not aware of your personal situation but it seems you are putting Pepper in your offenders shoes.
Pepp is not by any means my favorite person, or someome that I even like. But when anyone walking by minding their own business not on anyones property but the city's - and is attacked by vicous animals (by what seems to be) on purpose YES as a citizen I will make a complaint.
5THGEN- do you honestly think we are concerened with if he reads this??? Really? You think that? That is Sad.
I hope none of you or your families ever have to go through this. And if they do I hope citizens don't try to convince other citizens that it's not an issue of concern.

It amazes me at how heartless and cruel some people are. How they just spread ugliness without actual facts. Yes, Pepper has had problems in the past and yes he has been arrested. He looks for places to sleep and gets in warm places or out of the rain and gets arrested for it. There are 2 local business's that allow him to stay there for shelter and he has never harmed anything or stolen from them when left alone. People drive down the street and some stop to lend a hand some are just pure evil and provoke him. Sure he has problem's but he has no home to go to. He does read and does know a lot more than people think. My ex-husband was a Captain at the Sheriff's Dept. and a former VPD Officer. Yes there have been issues but he also helped Pepper out. Not a thing has been done to try and find out where the viscous Pitt Bulls are that attacked him nor the man who put them up and left Pepper laying there without medical attention!. Let's hope it's not a white man or child that this happens to again. That's the issue here! Pepper is a human being too not a Michael Myers psych patient. My father has been watching after him on the streets since I was 9 years old. We would go find him and make sure he had food for Thanksgiving and anytime we saw him he would stop to help him. He calls my dad Grandpa and Don from the boot shop Daddy. He has never harmed any of them. He is a real person and deserves to be treated as a human being not a bum on the street. When the attack happened he came to the boot shop with his face bitten, side bitten, and his tendon torn to shreds. He has no use of his hand. He said "Mr. Ganem some man let his dogs out on me, he put his dogs up and left me laying there Mr. Ganem please can you and daddy help me. I'm hurting Mr. Ganem". Thank God for my my dad and Don and all the other people who are willing to help Pepper. Chase Brown has gone to the hospital and taken him clothes and read all the well wishes to him. He knows there are people who actually care and want him off the streets. I have had actual violence done to my child and to family members. Three were brutally murdered 4 years ago in Ft.Worth. Pepper cannot even be put in that category. He's not a celebrity he's a human being who deserves to be treated as a victim of a cruel crime. Who deserves to have a shelter. He does not receive food stamps and doesn't live in a government housing project! He lives on the street. If you people want to debate something then find out why the owner and dogs have not been found! The fund set up for him is to help him so he can be safe from cruel people that let their dogs tear him up!

To any of you who judge Pepper, walk in his shoes before you judge. I do know why Pepper is the way he is, and it is not a pretty picture from his childhood. Pepper's life is worth as much as any of you spouting your mouths off and putting him down. He is one of God's children.

In addition, the man who had his dogs attack Pepper should be charged with a crime. What right does he have to do this? Pepper does not react violently unless he is provoked in some way, as any of us would.

and as far as your comment on "forgiveness" Im sorry but little minor things like drugs, assult and tresspassing yes i do believe they should be forgiven. those are minor things that we all have done at lease once in our life. Can you really say you have never gotten in a fight not once in your life not even with your brother or sister. Can you really say you have not once in your life have tryed some kind of drug raither its tynole, tobacco, a beer or if you around for the 80s a little green. Can you honestly say you have never gone somewhere you werent suppose to like sneaking in the movies, or cow tipping, or even jumping in a neighbors backyard to get a football. All those have to deal with assult drugs and tresspassing raither it legal or illegal. Sometime in your life you have done something some place some where. Just because you didnt get caught doesnt mean you didnt do wrong. Maybe peppers luck just anit as lucky as yours. Should we judge and not forgive you. Now as far as killing someone , rapping, molesting and beating someone on intention yes they should be punished lock up and it is up to the victimes and god to forgive. But that is something that can distroy someone life and emotions. Something as stupids as far as oh i went on someones property or i got in a fight with someone is really not a reason to not forgive someone. try thinking about what you have done.

sounds like a HATE CRIME to me...they just didn't use a pickup or chains.

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actually i have to agree with hvilletx. Most of the charges toward pepper are for tresspassing drugs and some assults but only due to the fact he was provike or assulted himself. I use to live in a apartment complex that my bosses owned and we would have problem of other attendents complain about him asking for money or sleeping on the side ways where people walk and my boss had to put a tresspassing against him. But he never tryed to harm anyone other then some kids that where throwing stuff at him rock sticks stones and so on but when he did it back it was call the cops cause pepper hit me with a rock and I witness the whole thing. Most of his charges other then the drugs and trespassing are because he was provike by people being ugly and mean to him and i dont really blame him for losing it. Are you really gonna say kci that if someone was talking s*** to you calling you names throwing stuff at you, threating you that you in your defense am not gonna take up fo your self. I know i would! You only judge pepper because he is in comptent, has a mental illness and am homeless. If he was rich man with wife and children you would not so easly judge now would you. There are always two sides of the story have you reallly heard his. It makes me wonder from your so judgement against him do you judge him as well cause he's black? please name one thing pepper has done so wrong other then drugs, bug people for money or sleep somewhere he wasnt suppose to, to make you have no compassion of what has happen to him . I dont rember him killing someone, raping or molesting, beating the hell of someone other then a stuff gorilla. if he did dont you think he would be in jail or we would of read about it in the paper. He has done nothing that serious for u to judge him.

So...the victims of Pepper probably "provoked" him???? C'mon hville...really???? Are we supposed to buy into that? If I was defense attorney I would certainly want people of your mentality on the jury.

I have seen pepper's criminal history and of the charges it holds are probably b/c others have provoked pepper... he never killed or shot anyone so whats the problem? Do you think he has an easy life? I sure would like to see some of your criminal records lol....always quick to talk down on others...know your place first KCi...before you judge others

It's funny how some people preach the concept of "forgiveness". Are there any limits to that forgiveness? Do you pick and choose what law-breakers to "forgive". Are there certain categories of people who deserve "forgiveness" and others who do not? And who makes that distinction?

Should people who are charged with minor offenses...assault, criminal trespass, drug possession..be forgiven? What about murderers? Sexual predators? Child molesters?

Where is the line drawn as to who should be forgiven and who should not?

It seems that people are selective in their forgiveness. I don't remember very many people "forgiving" Ratcliff or Grimsinger or Michael Maples for their crimes.

If you are going to call people out...and tell them to be forgiving and quote the Bible to them...then let's see the same type of support given to murderers, child molesters, rapists, etc.

The Bible does not make distinctions...why do so-called "Christians"?

why was my comment about sickandtired being truely sick or tired because he/she is speechless about a homeless man being attacked by dogs, erased? How is that a violation of agreement? Something fishy going on with Victoria Advocate! That was not a violation several other people feel the same way!

OMG!Some of you really need to grow up. I have delt with pepper on serveral occasions and know his past history but really no human being deserves to have a pack of wolves sent on them. I dont care if they are the grench or the scrooge. Is our society really becoming so heartless. Thank god the man was not killed. I hope they put those dogs down and for the owner so our tax payers dont have to pay they make the man responsible for the dogs be fined and responsible for the medical bills if not put in jail for intent assult on another person. People what if this was you or one of your family member. It is sad to say we only get angry or have compassion intill that happens. I have two little girls 5, and 4 and just the other day I pulled out of my driveway to see a huge rotweiller just walking down the road. Now what if my childen and I were outside in our yard and that dog would of decided to attack. With the speed of that animal one of my girls or I would of been seriously injured or even killed. I immendetly called animal control for fear of the children that walk to school on that road or the people that do there everyday jog of getting injured. If you see a animal loose like that please call someone. Do not wait till someone gets hurt. I know i would of felt responsible just as well if that dog would of bite someone and I did nothing to stop it. Yes pepper is a nutcase, yes he gets a check, yes he won the lottery. But peper is a harmless nutcase, his family from my understand took his lottery money and has control of his check cause he is not comptent to control himself with it from his mental illness so whos fault really him living the way he does. Still his life style has nothing to do with the fact of these beast attacting them. And he surely didnt dersve it. for the cold hearted people who believe he dersves this only rember god will judge you as you judge others and there is a heaven and there is a h***.

KCi- yes i have been a victim- and it didn't turn me into a "bitter" person. Sorry for your issues or whatever happened to you. I think his victims SHOULD be christians so if you ACTUALLY know any of his victims then YOU can tell them what I said because I don't know any! (I was talking about your tax payers comment) And honey anyone who KNOWS Pepper knows he wouldn't live with me if I begged him to! Sorry, throw your negativity somewhere else! :)

No Leslie from Austin hasnt died, he has suffred a major head injury which he is slowly recovering from, they say he will be fine but most likely not back to his old self and wont be able to live on the streets any more.

In regarsd to Peper, I'm from Vic and it saddens me that the heartless people in Vic havent found a heart YET! This is a human life regardless of how your opinions filter it. He should be given care, at least we know our dollars are being put forth to human beings and not just pot holes!! I would much rather know that if I should find myself in the same shoes as Leslie or Pepper that the American dollar I have shelled out would some how come back to me too help save my life.

I think what Victoria needs is a bunch of HUGE mirrors so the haters and heartless folk can take a good damn look at themselves and see past the fake BS they put forth for others to see.

We all have masks, skeletons, secrets, pasts, regrets, if we all held that against each other we might as well all burn in hell! forgive and forget for the only perfection is GOD himself.....

Sat Nam

MW0705...I never suggested he deserved to be attacked by dogs. My posting was in response to hville's comment that "he wouldn't hurt a soul". I think his past victims would disagree with that assessment. Perhaps you should direct your "be a christian" vitriol to them.

Have you ever been a victim of a crime? I have...it ain't so easy to forgive and forget. And if you are such a Christian...why don't you open up your home to him...bring him to live with you and your family? Yea...didn't think so.

It's easier to say "be a christian" than to actually act like one.

John123 KCi and JD- are wrong! He still a person, John123 I know his past- everyone has one SO WHAT he deserves to be attacked by dogs?? And KCi - as a tax payer I'd rather foot the bill for a legit injury rather than those punks who take a trip to the e.r. just to a have a sick note for work! Seriously GET OVER IT! Has he ever done anything to the 3 of ya'll? Didn't think so! And if so, be a christian and let it go! PatB there are a lot of homeless people who receive gov. checks doesn't mean they can afford rent- or maybe they can but no one will rent to them- you know how victoria is! :)
My first comment got erased! Obviously SOMEONE can't handle the truth!

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Pepper is not homeless, he chooses his lifestyle, the man has money from a lotto he won years back

Pepper might have a bad past, but who does not! We all have done things that we are not proud of. It says in Proverds 22:24 "Donot Exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court for the Lord will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them. Before any one judges a soul check you soul first. You might have good reasons to warn people of Pepper but do you know his soul? God does and he sends his people to look after his ones in need even when we dont' think they deserve it. We are not the judge of other people. We are hear on earth to help and serve God and maybe be a part of his work. God bless you Pepper and his freinds.

John123 and KCi are correct about Pepper. People shouldn't be mislead by the demeanor they see.

When will someone do something about the dogs? When someone, perhaps even a child is killed!
Get well soon Pepper.

Homeless? I was told that he was getting a disability check from some government agency. Anyone know anything about this?

hville says "He wouldnt hurt a soul". hville apparently does not know Pepper very well. Check his criminal record.

And do people beleive Pepper is one of the "most fascinating" in the Crossroads? That he deserves to be ranked among the ones who have already been profiled? Again, check his past.

That being said, hope he has a speedy recovery...taxpayers are footing the bill.

Pepper is sweet, and he don't deserve to be picked on. Remember it could be you in his shoes, or one day one of your family members could walk the life he has walked. So be careful in your judgements. Life is harder for others sometimes.And everyone can not make it on their own in life. So we are to watch out for those that can't. Be it a friend, or family member, or even a stranger.
Get well Pepper, know a lot in Victoria care about you,and so does God.

In the words of Pepper..."Hey, say hey man" why didn't VPD investigate this an an assault? He said a man set the dogs on him on purpose!

As I've said before, you would all think differently of him if you knew his past. Be careful guys.

gabe- you had him as a nominee of one of the most fasinated people in the area nominees I think.

This story would be a great human interest. Did they find the dogs? Was the owner fined? Where did it happened? I cant believe we have wild dogs running around.

Pepper heal fast.

I am not even from Victoria and I know Pepper, he is nothing but a special person to all who have come in contact with him....those who would speak ill of him has a problem. He wouldnt hurt a soul and doesnt deserve this, but I think it is sad for a tragedy like this to happen before the victoria citizens would begin to realize he needs a place to stay. God bless you Pepper, hope to see you up and about next time I come to Vic.

"hey man, come here come here" won't hear that for awhile I guess.

I did read if I am correct the "Leslie" the famous pepper-fame of Austin has died. Is that true????

Sickandtired- I am speechless, this is a local newspaper and he is a local staple. He is a kind man who has entertained Victorians for years. Everyone knows him and everyone who has a ounce of heart would feel bad for him. Do not judge until you walk in anothers footsteps. I am speechless at how cold hearted you are. If you didn't think this is news worthy then why did you read it and then comment? Spew the hatred somewhere else. I have enjoyed Peppers singing and have helped him before he is always respectful and kind.

I am also speechless that the jack nut who ownes the dogs is not sitting in jail.

I hope nobody in your family, let alone anyone gets attacked by a pit bull. Pepper is a person. Sickandtired is a negative handle in any dictionary. Sorry I disagree but really, do you have a heart.

Hope you feel better pepper!!!

I'm speechless. Is Pepper really a celebrity or is there a lack of news today?

Wishing you a speedy recovery Pepper..get well soon and can't wait to see you back up and at 'em ! Gonna miss ya @ Downtown Grill .God Bless ya Pep!