What an amazing legacy this little guy has left behind. Such a heart warming, yet heart wrenching story….

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For three years, Moko was a familiar sight around the beaches of New Zealand’s eastern coastal city of Gisborne, where he swam among beach-goers stealing balls and surf boards. In 2008, he gained international fame after successfully guiding two stranded pygmy whales to safety after human attempts had failed. His actions probably meant the difference between life and death for the whales. Moko was found found dead on the beach at Matakana Island near Tauranga on July 8th. The cause of death has not been determined, but postmortems have ruled out deliberate violence or a boat collision.
(Pictures are click-able for larger view)

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Moko plays fetch Mahia style ↓

Moko plays ball with beach goers ↓
(video picks up at about 38 seconds)

Hundreds of mourners marked the death of the bottlenose dolphin who won hearts and sometimes annoyed New Zealand swimmers and surfers with his antics. Moko’s body was placed in a blue coffin covered with flowers and was carried through a seaside town last Friday. After the ceremony with over 400 admirers present, his casket was loaded on a charter boat that toured his favorite bays. He was buried privately on Matakana Island, where his carcass was found.

Mascot, friend, lifesaver and entertainer, Moko was definitely a cherished member of this community.
You’ve touched a lot of hearts little buddy…may you rest in peace!

Couldn’t resist…

So for the next day or so I’m having a party, a big ole’ party and you are all invited! It’s not my birthday, I didn’t win Mother of the Year Award, (oh wait, yes I did) I’m not graduating from a prestigious college with honors, nor am I moving far, far away.
I am having a “Pity Party!”
I feel like all I do is complain anymore, but friends, this past week takes the cake. Without going into too much detail, I spent 5 nights sleeping upright in I.C.U., I became a full time nurse, and spent endless hours praying… I am also still in the process of trying to move as well! (= gifts x 2?) I deserve this party, this “Pity Party” Care to join me? To better serve my guests, I have compiled a small gift list…in no particular order;

•A weeks vacation to the Galapagos Islands
•A full body massage, daily, for a year. (Alright, a month)
•My own male harem to fan me with ginormous leaves and hand feed me grapes, and Froot Loops.
•A top notch team of packers, movers, unpackers and organizers.
•A large beach front house to enjoy the sounds of the waves as I receive my massages. (oh…and to house my harems)
•A new attitude.
•An endless supply of patience and understanding.

Drowning in sorrows for everyone. Tissue will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

Yoo hoo…did I mention I was also hit by a car while walking through a parking lot? You might want to bring a friend or two, I have a feeling it’s going to be a doozy! See you there…
Cant. Friggen. Wait.

I can’t believe we are already in July, this past month has been eventful to say the least! A few ups & downs, a lot of tears and some incredible memories. I have mastered the art of being on top of the world, to hanging on for dear life in 7.432 seconds. As new doors open, I gently close and secure old ones. There have been moments I have never felt more loved…or so alone. It’s all about life. I know without experiencing the dark, I would not have such an appreciation for the light.
Did I mention I also found a new favorite vodka?

Incredible memories…there have been many of them, some of which may continue to grow, others that may happen only once twice three four times. I have shared the stories of Ace V., Buenaventura and Oscar, I now introduce to you, Cleo.

When Cleo first appeared on the beach, he had a very bloated tummy and was pretty lethargic. My peers friends at the rescue thought he had probably just eaten something that didn’t agree with him and was sleeping it off. By the following morning, the bloating had subsided but he still appeared to be a sick little guy. The fear now was he had been exposed to Domoic Acid. Barricades were set up, and before rescue left a neighbor and myself agreed to rotate every other hour sea lion sitting.

At least I will not be 1) alone in the ocean 2) in the middle
of the night 3) sitting waist deep with a sea lion on my lap. Long story kinda short, by the following morning Cleo had made a remarkable recovery, yet refused to return to the water.

He spent the days soaking up the sun and any and everyone’s attention, the evenings frolicking on the beach and back to the barriers by sun up…for 4½ days.

As exhausting and overwhelming as it was, he was an absolute joy and inspiration. Although bonding with these animals is discouraged, it was inevitable.

There were several times Cleo toyed with the idea of going home but in the end, he always chose his new found home, the barrier.

On day 4 we were told arrangements were being made to relocate Cleo to the Channel Islands. It was obvious he was content where he was, just a little too content. As happy as I was he was one of the few success stories, the news really tugged at my heart strings. A few hours later, I learned Cleo would be leaving the next morning.

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I walked out to say my good-byes the following morning, as I sat down in the sand, Cleo waddled over to me. Deanna joined us shortly after and snapped a few pictures with my cell phone.

“It’s all good buddy…you will be with your friends…”

“…I will?”

*sniff* “Good bye and good luck my little friend…” ♥

That was the last time I saw Cleo. I was fortunate enough to had been able to spend time with Oscar as he ended his journey and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to be there as Cleo prepared to begin his new journey.  These are memories I will forever hold close to my heart, memories I will always cherish. These are incredible memories….

Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation

Orange County Court records show there has been recent movement in the case of GRETCHEN ROSSI VS. JAY PHOTOGLOU. A 24 page SLAPP Motion was filed by Photoglou on June 29th. There were an additional 449 pages filed that same day…are these related to the SLAPP motion, or are they something completely different?  Jay is represented by Bryan Freedman with Freedman & Taitelman, LLP.

California’s statute defines a SLAPP suit as: a lawsuit brought primarily to chill the valid exercise of the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and petition for the redress of grievances.
The Law Office of  James J. Moneer, who does not represent either party, has a primary emphasis in handling SLAPP motions and appeals. In The POWER of SLAPP, he explains “8 Reasons to take SLAPP very seriously.” Definitely worth the read!
WOW!
Stay tuned…