In the realm of politics, where image and perception matter, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has found herself embroiled in a heated debate over her unapologetic account of killing her dog. The incident, recounted in her soon-to-be-released memoir titled “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,” has sparked outrage and curiosity alike.
The Unpleasant Decision:
In her memoir, Noem candidly describes the events leading up to the fateful day when she decided to put down her dog, Cricket. According to Noem, Cricket was a 14-month-old wirehaired pointer who proved to be “untrainable” and “dangerous.” Faced with the difficult choice, Noem led Cricket to a gravel pit and shot her. She writes, “It was not a pleasant job, but it had to be done.” The matter-of-fact tone in her writing leaves readers with mixed emotions—some empathize with the tough decision, while others condemn her actions.
The Farm Life Perspective:
Noem, who dropped out of college at age 22 to run her family farm in South Dakota, argues that such tough decisions are commonplace in farm life. She asserts that while they love animals, the realities of farm work often involve making difficult choices. In her own words, “We just had to put down 3 horses a few weeks ago that had been in our family for 25 years.” The matter-of-factness with which she shares this information highlights the stark contrast between rural life and urban sensibilities.
The Escalating Situation:
The incident with Cricket unfolded during a pheasant hunt. Noem attempted to teach the dog proper behavior by exposing her to older dogs during the hunt. However, all attempts at discipline failed, including the use of an electronic collar. Cricket’s escape and subsequent attack on a local family’s chickens sealed her fate. Noem describes the gruesome scene: “She grabbed one chicken at a time, crunching it to death with one bite.” When Cricket turned on Noem herself, the decision became inevitable.
The Goat and the Second Shot:
But Cricket wasn’t the only challenge that day. Noem also faced a male goat that she deemed “nasty and mean.” The goat’s aggressive behavior posed a threat to her young children, knocking them down during its chases. In a parallel to Cricket’s fate, Noem shot the goat in the same manner. The goat, however, survived the first bullet, forcing her to retrieve another shell from her truck. The school bus dropped off her children shortly afterward, and her daughter innocently asked, “Hey, where’s Cricket?”
The Message Behind the Story:
Noem shares this story not to shock or provoke but to illustrate her willingness to tackle difficult, messy, and ugly tasks—both in politics and in life. She acknowledges that better politicians might shy away from such narratives, but she chooses transparency. As a potential vice-presidential candidate, Noem’s honesty resonates with some voters who appreciate authenticity over political correctness.
The Trump Connection:
Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, has hinted that Noem is on his list of potential running mates. Her unapologetic stance on tough decisions aligns with Trump’s no-nonsense approach. Whether this tale of farm life will enhance or hinder her chances remains to be seen.
In the end, Kristi Noem’s account of killing her dog raises questions about the intersection of personal ethics, farm realities, and political aspirations. It’s a story that invites reflection and debate—a glimpse into a world where difficult choices are made, even if they break our hearts. As the memoir hits the shelves, readers will decide whether Noem’s honesty is an asset or a liability in the high-stakes game of politics. Regardless, Cricket’s fate will linger as a haunting reminder of the complexities of life beyond the city limits
