South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem recently came under fire for her admission in a forthcoming book that she once euthanized her “untrainable” puppy, Cricket. The 52-year-old politician addressed the criticism head-on, stating that she stands by her decision and explaining her rationale in a post on social media.
In her book, titled “No Going Back,” Noem recounts the story of Cricket, a hunting dog that she described as “less than worthless” for her intended purpose. The governor emphasized that her book is a collection of honest and personal stories from her life, including challenges, painful decisions, and lessons learned.
Noem went on to express her belief that authenticity is an important quality in a leader. Drawing from her experience leading South Dakota through the COVID-19 pandemic, she stated that people want to be led by individuals who are unafraid of challenges and willing to learn from the past. She hopes that readers of her book will gain an understanding of her commitment to making the best decisions possible for the people in her life.
Addressing the controversy surrounding Cricket’s euthanasia, Noem pointed out that South Dakota law permits the euthanization of dogs that attack and kill livestock. She explained that Cricket had displayed aggressive behavior by biting people, which ultimately led to her decision.
Noem made a point to emphasize that she takes her responsibilities seriously, both as a rancher and as a politician. Regardless of the difficulty or pain involved, she believes in personally handling her duties and following the law. She acknowledged that the decision was not an easy one but emphasized that sometimes doing what is right is more important than taking the easy way out.
The excerpt from Noem’s book, published by The Guardian, describes Cricket’s unruly behavior during a hunting trip, where she ignored commands and chased after birds. The situation escalated when the dog attacked and killed chickens belonging to locals. Realizing the severity of Cricket’s aggressive nature and the potential danger she posed, Noem made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize her.
While facing criticism for her actions, Noem defended herself by explaining that tough decisions are a sad reality on a farm. She shared that her family recently had to euthanize three horses that had been with them for 25 years. The governor also hinted that her book will contain more “politically incorrect” stories like this one.
As the controversy unfolds, Kristi Noem remains steadfast in her belief that making difficult choices is an integral part of leadership and responsible pet ownership. Although not everyone may agree with her decision, she hopes her forthcoming book will provide readers with insight into her values, experiences, and personal growth.
