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Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Stitch Trial Update

All this fuss over lil ole me?

If you've been following this blog for a while, you know I don’t do anything small. So of course when I have a civil dispute over a dog, which no one believes could ever go to court, it turns into a three-day grueling “YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!” kind of theatrical trial, complete with fire alarms going off, plaintiffs break dancing and walking around on their hands…and then, this:
We have a video, and it’s incriminating, undeniable proof that the other side is lying, and this video which played fine the night before for some odd reason will not play in the court. The judge gets annoyed and says we have 2 minutes to figure it out. It was like one of those movies where the hero has 15 seconds to diffuse the bomb and you can see the clock ticking and your stomach is all twisted. In the last ten seconds the video finally pops up, we all breathe a sigh of relief, our attorney puts it in the witnesses face, we’re all on the edge of our seats then BAM- the computer crashes. 
Yeah. So that happened. 

It all came down to his word against ours. Oh and the fact that we had all the legal paperwork proving ownership of the dog, which you would think would be a slam dunk, right? Apparently not.

As we came to a close today, the judge pulled both attorneys into chambers. It seems there has never been a case like this on file, so our case will be the precedent-setting case. Yes, we will be the “Roe v. Wade” of dog ownership cases for years to come. Like I said…I don’t do anything small.

Having heard both sides, the judge now wants both attorneys to submit to him 10 page briefs stating their side’s adherence to known laws regarding animal ownership, which are wishy-washy at best.  These will be submitted by May 28th, he’ll take several days to review it, and will mail the decision to both attorneys. It looks like it will be June before we know anything.

I can’t say much more about the trial at this point except that it was more stressful than I ever could have imagined, and that we all fought so hard, and did everything humanly possible (including many of you) to save Stitchy.

The positives so far: Our attorney Jill Ryther kicked ass, and has become a wonderful new friend. We had premier animal attorney and activist Shannon Keith supporting us at the trial. Our witnesses did fantastic, and both Troy and I felt strong, even under cross-examination, which is like undergoing a route canal without anesthesia. Many friends showed up to support us, and that was an incredible gift that enabled me to buck up when the going got rough. Our attorney Jill was extremely happy with the way our case was presented, and so were we. And, the judge was a nice guy, and seems to be an animal lover, which really falls in our favor.

That’s all I can say for now. Maybe one day it will be a movie of the week. Or a book.
“The Stitch Conundrum”. What do you think?

So now we wait, and pray, and wait.

Thank you to everyone who has stood by us through this, who has contributed and supported, lent an ear, lent a hand, said a prayer. We felt you with us this week. With all of us invested in this together, the only possibility is a huge win, right?

15 comments:

  1. I just posted a comment on your wall which I can!!!! So I said more.

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  2. why didn't the judge just request a copy of the video ? this makes no sense. but you WILL win!

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  3. Oh my gosh Hollye....this really defies logic and common sense. I still think this is fodder for an Ellen show. You should call/email or whatever. I still wish I could have been there, but I was so with you guys in spirit. Keeping positive thoughts always.

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  4. Thanks friends!
    @ Lori L - we could only introduce the video as "impeachment" of their star witness. But it didn't work, then the witness was gone, and we had no other way to admit the evidence legally. There are so many legalities that end up working against you at times. I mean - we have the freekin proof on video but we can't get it admitted into evidence! Aaaaarrrgggh!

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  5. xoxoxo You did all you could and gave it all your hearts. xoxoxo

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  6. You can be so proud Dexter family. You did the absolute best anyone could have done to Save Stitch. I know your case was solid and I would like to think the judge would have done all the closings today and give his verdict within a week rather than letting you keep Stitch for another 3 weeks. That would be cruel and unusual punishment. I think you are all winners. You are moral human beings who speak the truth and the truth will set you free and allow you to keep Stitch. Love to you all. It was my honor to sit in the audience and support you.

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  7. I am so sorry that this is prolonged at all. It seems so completely ludicrous. Of course anyone who would lie and cause such heartache is an evil doer and doesn't deserve Stitch. We are chanting and praying that justice prevails. you are in my thoughts sweet friend.

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  8. You have a book here, Hollye...a book with a dog, a small child, AND a trial--that's a slam-dunk if I ever heard of one. Sending you much love and good wishes and poo on all the liars, and a hug to Stitchy for a very peacefuly doggy month before the verdict comes in. xxo

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  9. I love you all so much and appreciate your support more than you can imagine. @ Kristine- YES- it is ludicrous! But here we are...in the middle of it. @ Debra and Hope- if nothing else, a great essay for a dog lovers magazine! But I can't talk about it yet...so hard for me.

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  10. Stitchalicious will be yours!!!!! He must, how can the judge even think of taking a way litle Evan's pooch!!! He could NOT live with himself!!! I know I couldn't and that thing claiming to be the previuos owner is just plain disgusting. C'mon KARMA, kick some cosmic butt!!!! You and your family are in all my prayers, meditations and only good thoughts!!!!!
    Love U, Carol

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  11. And yes, an awesome movie, screenplay written by Hollye & Amy Ferris!!! About a family a little boy & a dog!!!
    :c) carol

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  12. The system the system....I am still amazed and will be for years to come. It's set up for attorney's to keep the wheels spinning and that's about it. You stood strong, you fought for what is right, and you will win. Love and karma are soooo on your side! Hugs and love....A.

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  13. We are all going to celebrate the victory together! Love you guys!
    Susie Foster

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  14. Fingers crossed in Budapest!

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I love hearing your point of view- thank you for taking the time to comment and be part of the conversation!
love,
Hollye