November 19 2014 Issue
Dog attacked in Steiner Ranch, Family pet killed in backyard
Allie, a Welsh corgi, was the Mullen’s family pet for nearly a decade before it was attacked and killed last week at their Steiner Ranch home by what their veterinarian suspects was a large wild or exotic cat such as a mountain lion or puma.
By KIM ESTES, Four Points News
A family dog was killed Thursday in the Hills of West Ridge subdivision of Steiner Ranch. Residents are warned it appears to be the work of a wild or exotic big cat.
Doug Mullen, owner of a 9 ½-year-old Welsh corgi named Allie, says, “My daughter found her savaged in our backyard early Thursday morning.”
“The main thing now is to get information out, especially to parents of small children as well as all pet owners. It appears the attack was by a big cat — a mountain lion or puma.”
Janet Roush, DVM, owner of Stay at Home Veterinary Care, examined Allie’s body and reports, “The width between the fangs was about four-and-a-half to five centimeters, proving the predator to be very big. Coyote fangs are about two-and-a-half centimeters apart.” Coyotes have been seen and heard often in Steiner Ranch.
Furthermore, Roush said, the incision was at the ribs and into the chest and abdomen. Coyotes attack at the hind end and in packs, leaving more wounds.
Mullen’s 17-year-old daughter, Lauren, let Allie out at about 6:15 a.m., Thursday. She called for her minutes later, but the dog did not come. Lauren got a flashlight and went outside to bring her in, but instead found the slain animal two feet from the back wall.
VHS motivational speaker offers advice to parents & students
Motivational speaker Mike Donahue spoke at area schools on the topic “Talking to Brick Walls – Really Understanding Today’s Youth Culture”. Photo taken at Canyon Ridge MS by Cheryl Kleffner.
By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News
The Vandegrift High School PTA hosted motivational speaker Mike Donahue on Oct 28 who covered the topic “Talking to Brick Walls – Really Understanding Today’s Youth Culture”.
The presentation was also presented at Canyon Ridge and Four Points middle schools during the same week.
Donahue is a youth minister of 18 years and professional public speaker uniquely suited to addressing the challenges kids and teens face today. With his own personal history as a troubled teen — and as a father of four — Donahue spoke as much to the students in attendance as to parents.
His message? That kids today are under enormous pressures, unfamiliar to their parents, having to do with the constant presence of their peers through technology.
Phones = pressure
“That five minutes it takes to get from math to English — they’re being judged,” Donahue told parents. “They’re constantly being judged. And they’re not being judged on their real life, like what kind of person they are, their character. They’re being judged on a slice of their life,” like an event at school or their peer relationships. Continue reading
VHS graduate joins U.S. Marine Corps, Visits SRE after boot camp
Zach Becker, a 2014 Vandegrift HS graduate, is now a United States Marine Corps Private.
By VAL OLIVAS, Four Points News
Zach Becker, a 2014 Vandegrift High School graduate, finished his 13-week United States Marine Corps boot camp last month with a graduation on Oct. 10. The Steiner Ranch resident returned home for a few days before heading back to San Diego for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to complete his second stage of training in the School of Infantry.
“I like to be challenged,” said Becker. “I chose the Marines because they hold themselves to a higher standard. Everything they do, they try to do ten times better than other [military] branches. When you join, you join for the chance to be a Marine and earn the title.”
Becker notes it’s not necessarily the tangible benefits of the military that he found attractive. “I already feel like a better person. It’s a chance to hold myself to a higher standard.”
Britteny Clifford’s 2nd grade class at Steiner Ranch Elementary sent letters and pictures to Becker during boot camp and offered their support. Private Becker went to thank them when he was in town last month.
Britteny Clifford’s 2nd grade class at Steiner Ranch Elementary sent letters and pictures to Zach Becker to offer support while he was at U.S. Marine Corps Boot Camp. Private Becker went to thank them last month.