Welp, I got scammed.
Swindled.
They say a sucker’s born every minute, and well, that sucker…was me.

*Sigh* I am not proud of this. But alas, here goes…
Ever since my mom’s stroke, I’ve always thought that it would be a good idea to get a dog. A little source of positivity running around at our feet. A little therapeutic nugget for my mom to nurture and take care of.
So I did what any good millennial would do — and shopped for one on the internet.
And let me tell you — I found the cutest teacup poodle. Yes, teacup poodle…as in, it fits…in a teacup. It only gets to be about 3 pounds. More squeak toy than ferocious fido, but the perfect little bundle of canine joy.

I was in contact with the seller. Made travel arrangements. They had a beautiful website. I had read the reviews, seen multiple photos of this dog, talked to the guy on the phone. Even had a tracking number for little Gabanna’s flight.
Complete. Scam.
And as if the humiliation of my stupidity wasn’t bad enough…I had already paid. In full. In cash.
If you hear that, it’s the sound of my stomach dropping and splattering on the floor. That and the shattering of my dignity.

The company was called “NewLife Poodles” — so just a heads up if you’re in the market for a glorified hamster. Beware.
But as I was putting away the dog crate and chew toys, and returning the puppy food and leash to the pet store, I couldn’t help but reflect back on the lesson I learned here.
And I’m not simply referring to the fact that one should not buy a dog on the internet.
[[ I know that now…]]
Driving around, feeling really bummed out, having gotten my hopes up about this dog, I just couldn’t stop thinking about one thing — what type of person would make a living lying to people about puppies??

I mean, how does that person sleep at night? How can that person look in the mirror, knowing that they’re just blatantly taking advantage of people’s hearts and wallets.
What do they do, wake up and think, Who’s the sucker gonna be today?

And after a quick little stint of being angry, I began to feel sorry for that man.
And, maybe I should’ve been a little more angry, but really, my heart just broke for that man, thinking…how did he get there? How did things get so bad that he had to resort to being a con artist, scamming innocent people about puppies, no less.
It’s a sad, sad thing.
Thinking about it more, I realized that I’m passing all this judgment on this man, and the fact is, I am really no “better” than this con artist.
Granted, I might not be scamming people on puppies, but I’m guilty of my fair share of horrible things too.
How many times have I thought a judgmental though about someone? Lost my patience or had a quick temper? How many times have I been passive aggressive or said something hurtful, that I knew would hit in a particularly sore spot.
The answer? More than I’d like to admit.
I mean, look at the manipulation and lying and hurtful words I spewed during my anorexia.
I am no better than that puppy scammer.

Who’s to say that the crap I’ve done in my life is any “better” or any “worse” in God’s eyes.
I think it’s really timely that this came to a head on Easter weekend.
Because the fact is, Jesus took on it all.
The puppy scammers, and bedroom door slammers, the gossip slanders. Everything.
In the grand scheme of things…it’s just a dog.

Sure it makes me mad, and it’s unfortunate, but I’ve got to just keep things in perspective: no one had a stroke. No one died.
And even though I want to rip that guy a new one, I know that what I should do is pray for that man.
I’m not there yet…
But, if Jesus can die on the cross for those who put him there, then I can let this go.
Perspective, Caralyn. Perspective.

[And yes, I did report it to the Better Business Bureau.]
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You’re already there more than you think. I can learn from your example of humility. God bless.
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Thanks John. That’s nice of you to say. I still have A LONG way to go in that department hah One day at a time 🙂 thanks for stopping by and for your encouragement. big hugs xox
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Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me
We all get scammed every now and again but not with the same scam if we learn from it. The internet is an easy way to scam others. But its not the only way and not everyone is deceptive. Some people may not even know they are being conned.
One thing ive learned about online shopping, I only use credit cards or a legit online service such as PayPal. That way if someone were to scam me, there will definitely be some kind of investigation and I would get my money back. Never pay in cash. The idea of using cash as a form of online payment is pretty sketchy anyway, with the modern world. The days of dial up internet and Windows 95 it would most likely be common but if any site asked for cash, id close the page and clear my internet history but not before reporting the site as hinky.
Anyway as others have mentioned if you are looking for a dog check the animal shelters, they need the most help. I had gotten a cat from there, but he passed but later on found a kitten wandering my old apt complex, shes now 12 still a handful but shes in a good home.
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You’re so right! this was definitely a learning opportunity. Yeah, the cash should have been a big red flag from the get go. Looking back, I can’t believe how dumb I was about that…And you’re right…the animal shelter will be our next bet 🙂 aw, I’m glad your cat found a good home 🙂 thanks for stopping by! big hugs xox
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First, I love the new cover shot of you on the street. It’s very good! Of course my response is at Patreon. I trust you’re back safely in your apartment. Feels good, I imagine. Be well!
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Thanks Jeff! That’s nice of you to say 🙂 yes…back in the ol’ diggs 🙂 falling asleep to sirens and street noise…ahhh home 🙂 haha hugs xox
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As long as you’re SAFE in your apartment!! 🙂
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oh yes! 🙂 Always! thanks Jeff! happy tuesday!
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Happy Tuesday! Arrived here safe in Kansas City with my boss and another manager. A meeting in the morning, take them to the airport, hen book it home!
I hope you’re getting back into your manuscript! Replied to you on Patreon.
Have a great evening!
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Oh good! Hope you enjoy the sunflower state! 🙂 good luck and safe travels 🙂 hugs xo
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So sorry you had to run up against something like this. I hope there’s still a lil’ yapper in your future. They truly do bring joy.
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Thanks friend. Yeah, definitely still hoping for that little yapper 🙂 hehe hugs xox
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Sorry you got scammed, it happens and you have a heart of gold for being so forgiving any way you want to call it. Some people learn to just let go, I am one of those people but it takes work, lots of work. I want to say that I follow your blog and the truth is I am not a believer but you seem to have a way with your words that holds me there. Great spirit! I really admire the strength shining trough!
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Thanks Hector 🙂 Yeah, major bummer. And thank you for saying that! I’m so glad that my words resonate with you 🙂 sending massive hugs xo
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I really like your new avatar photo. It is great. I am sharing a comment I intend to use in an article later, so please don’t quote me just yet. I am not finished with the idea so far.
“Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one’s self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily; and why older persons, especially if vain or important, cannot learn at all.” – Thomas Szasz
Maybe he had some sense if he led a movement against the shrinks. Humility is willingness to be depressed—children, like he says, don’t have a reputation to uphold. King Saul was like a child before he was given a position of honor. He learned to like the honor of men, which destroyed him. King Saul is not the only one that has fallen to that temptation.
The quote looks super. I looked him up, and he was Humanist of the Year for 1973 or something like that and a professed athiest. He fought the psychology establishment because he thought that they were bogus and controlling everybody just by pretending to be scientific and using scientific-sounding names (you can’t argue with THAT!), and that just because they “got there first” to define conditions or words, it didn’t make them right or a valid authority. He said you can’t prove mental “illness” as an actual illness, since it didn’t appear on a cellular or biological level, and that the psychology establishment should not be allowed to hospitalize people, even schizophrenics, without their consent! But he did believe that mental “illness” was a moral aberration, not physical, and that a mental illness should never be allowed to be an excuse for a crime. He thought everybody alike should be punished if they did something wrong, even schizophrenics. (In that belief he was unlike most Humanists, who think there is no right and wrong.) He believed suicide should be legal, but not euthanasia or assisted suicide, (if I remember correctly) since there might be abuses. No kidding! In other words, he may have been true to his beliefs by taking them to their logical conclusion, but his beliefs were pretty far out there for his time. Some of his quotes about the non-scientific nature of psychology, for future use and reference. They’re delightfully incriminating. (-;
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Hi Beth! thank you so much for sharing that! wow, it really is such an interesting perspective. very powerful. Delightfully incriminating is right! hugs xo
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My dear friend,
It is great that you could give understanding to that scammer. Normally we judge and handle people as if we were better – but according to Jesus story: “The was a prositute Magdalena and people wanted to stone her. Then Jesus Christ came and and asked them: Who is free of sins may throw the stone first…” – noone threw the stone… It is compassion with our fellow-human beings when seeing them committing bad deeds – therefore to pray for them, to have good thoughts for them is the answer, should be our reaction. This is another lesson you could pick and learn from… My full appreciation for that, dear friend 🙂
hugs
Didi
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That is my all time favorite story in the bible. I feel such a connection with Mary Magdalene. I love Jesus’s compassion with her. There’s hope for us all! haha 🙂 hugs xox
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Yes, there is hope for everyone, even for the worst sinner, dear friend:
It is also said: “Saints have their past and sinners their future…”
All the best
Didi
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Amen to that!! 🙌🙌🙌🙌
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Oh my gosh, I love the way you write. Mainly because I feel so many times you are writing exactly what I would say or think. But you say it better and much clearer. I hope to get to that place where I can express my feelings on paper the way I think them. But for now, I think you’re saying them for me ha ha😊
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Thanks again my friend. Haha that’s really kind of you to say. Sending so much love and hugs xox
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Ouch!
But you are right. You are only out some money. That poor Bast@#D is losing his soul. You may suffer some financial pain for a while but he will suffer unimaginable pain for eternity unless he repents and changes his ways.
I have often thought that part of hell may really be like the spirits Charles Dickens wrote about in a “Christmas Carol”. (This was the best ghost story ever written.) The spirits of the damned floated above the earth, observing people like those they could have helped during their lives but were now, in their ghostly state, they are powerless to help. In their ghostly state they could only look on in misery at people whom they longed to help but could not.
I hope that you alerted the police or the FBI (interstate crime?) about this scam. Perhaps they can prevent others form suffering your pain.
Forgive but don’t forget. Don’t become bitter but learn from your error. Never buy anything over the internet with cash. Use a credit card and you will have some protection. Vet small business the best you can. Use Pay Pal, eBay, Amazon, and other places that have reputations to protect, whenever possible.
None of us are better than the puppy scammer but that doesn’t mean we should lie down and roll over and play dead while they rob us.
He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” Luke 22:36.
Jesus knew that there would be a time that His people would have to defend themselves. So don’t seek vengeance (that is for the Lord); but, seek justice.
He hath shown thee, O man, what is good: and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6: 8
Justice is a command. But so is mercy. Pray humbly that God would reveal to you how to act justly in this situation and how to show mercy.
Do not seek vengeance; but, rather seek justice and show mercy where it is appropriate.
God Bless.
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Thanks so much. Yeah I did report them to the Bette business bureau. And you’re right- the fact that they wanted me to pay in cash should have been a humongous red flag. Ah well we live and learn. Great passages. Thanks for sharing them with me:) justice and mercy – two sides of the same coin. Hugs and love xox
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Hi
Another sensitive post and looking at Jesus role in our redemption certainly adds a levelling perspective. None of us deserve to benefit from his sacrifice because we all sin however knowing we sin and showing repentance means that we do have the chance for salvation.
All of us daily start in the same place, just as the robber executed with Jesus repented and received the promise we can all do the same, however we still have to face the consequences of our past today. Your account of the scam tells us that you have reached a place where you leaving judging to others. Remember harsh words and intolerance are not criminal but scamming is, so perspective is we hate the action but not the person. The warning shared is a great gesture.
MP
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Thanks so much MP. I really appreciate that. you’re right – love the sinner, hate the sin. So very very true. Thanks for this powerful reminder 🙂 big hugs xo
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Oh no! Well, we all learn everyday. Hold on to the lesson you just learnt. Sometimes, the still, calm voice cautions but we may feel “what can go wrong? Everything seems so right” Let it go. I’m sure that you will get a cute puppy at the right time.
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thanks so much Nkeoma. yeah, definitely a learning opportunity. you’re right – gotta let it go! thanks for the encouragement! hugs xox
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Whom do I need to beat up, slap, or otherwise seek for justice in? Grrr. God says to forgive, but also allows me to help others learn their lesson. 😡
BBB
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You know how I am when you make beautiful faces like that too, uggh!
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hahah thanks
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hahaha thanks 🙂 yeah, this was a pretty crummy turn of events. thanks for that 🙂 hope you’re having a great Tuesday! hugs xo
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Good insight and application of the fact that all of us are sinners for whom He died. 🙂 Hope your Mom is on the mend and finds a good puppy to keep her company.
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thank you so much for your kind words. yeah, my mom is doing great! we’re so encouraged. thanks for that 🙂 hugs xo
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I am so sorry this happened to you. Contact the FBI cyber crime unit and file a report.
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Thank you so much 🙂 yeah definitely! i contacted the better business bureau, but i should also send out one to them too! hugs xo
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I’m really sorry to hear that you got scammed in this way. I had heard of this type of thing going on but never first hand. I’m in the market for a dog too and spend a fair bit of time looking at images of sheer cuteness which come at great expense, but this has confirmed my decision to visit a rescue centre and see who picks me.
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thanks friend. Yeah, I think you’re right – adopting a rescue is really the way to go. i should have looked there in the first place! thanks for stopping by! hugs xo
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I’m sorry you got taken. It happens to us all and you have a great perspective on it.
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thanks Mark, yeah total bummer. I appreciate your kind words. have a great tuesday! big hugs x
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Oh, that is terrible. Sorry for your disappointment. But so beautiful that you can see it as a lesson in forgiveness.
I hope that God finds you the most adorable puppy dog ever …
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thank you so much friend 🙂 Yeah, major bummer, but yes! I hope He has a four legged friend in my future 🙂 thanks for your kind words 🙂 hugs ox
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If you’re really serious about having a dog, go to a local shelter and see what they have, in rescuing one you are giving each other some love! And this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY
Love from Anna and Swingle!
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Thank you so much Anna! you’re right – the shelter is where I should have gone in the first place! thanks for sharing that. big hugs xo
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Whao! Your site is looking simple but more beautiful!
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thanks so much! glad you like it! hugs xo
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Wow such a great lesson in life. Way to look at things! We all have offended others in so many ways. When we look in the mirror we don’t always like what we see. I know I have had a hard time looking at things I’ve done in the past. Knowing how wrong I have been and knowing the forgiveness I have received from Jesus gives me patience with others and compassion. Matthew 4:44 says that we should love our enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Knowing how much I have hurt others in the past helps me to appreciate the love I now feel towards others, and receive from others. I can see the same thing in your heart. Luke 7.47 says we can tell who has been forgiven of allot, because they love allot. It takes allot of love to look into someone else’s heart and see that they are lost and pray for them when they have just taken advantage of you, and mislead your trust. Peace and Grace be multiplied to you my sister, in Jesus name.
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thanks so much for this thoughtful reflection. you’re right — 4:44 is definitely easier said than done, but it is what we’ve got to do! That’s definitely an area of work for me 🙂 thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
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So sorry you were scammed but so glad you are using having been scammed to deepen your Christian life. When you can forgive and move on go to a shelter and let one of the homeless dogs choose you. You’ll be glad you did.
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thank you so much 🙂 Yeah, that’s definitely the way to go. should have started out there in the first place! hugs xo
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This is terrible! Yes we all think things or make judgements about things or people, part of our humanness, but that doesn’t make you a scammer, sociopath who steals money from people who are expecting a dog to add to their family. There are many people who need dogs (or cats) in their lives for various reasons and this person or people have learned what emotional buttons to push to steal money from unsuspecting people. I know someone who was hurt by an internet romance scam, and she began to say the same things about herself. (What makes me different than that person, etc) You, would never intentionally hurt someone or steal from someone. If you are truly judging someone or gossiping in a hurtful way, thats something you can check yourself doing and make changes, but please dont be too hard on yourself about being scammed. Let the people who stole from you keep the burden of what they did. Your anger is very appropriate. Thanks for letting us know this is happening out there. Big huge hugs!!
(Side note: There are lots of great rescue dog organizations.)
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Thank you so much Alexis. Yeah this was a major bummer. Thanks for saying that. And you’re right! I should have looked for a rescue dog in the first place! thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
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What matters most is that you don’t blame yourself for being scammed. ❤
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very true. It was a pretty slick job!! xox
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Wonderful that you can see the lesson for yourself and a way to grow spiritually through adversity at such a young age. I was bordering on geezerdom before I realized that unbridled anger and fury was not a constructive response to being cheated or treated badly.
Thanks for sharing!
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thanks so much Mike! geezerdom…haha you’re funny. you’re right, definitely are better ways to handle that!! thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
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I’m sorry you got scammed! I had a similar situation when trying to sell a refrigerator (Craig’s list was a new thing at the time). My bank caught the scam before I wired them money that they were going to “give back” to me. What was I thinking?! Anyways, I’m sorry about the obstacle in getting an adorable dog. Are y’all still looking for one?
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Hi Meg, oh no! I’m so sorry you can so personally relate. getting scammed is no fun at all 😦 No, we’re kind of taking a break from looking, and reevaluating the decision in the first place… haha thanks for stopping yb! hugs ox
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That sux! Hmm, besides learning, and which is important… yada yada; I suspect there is more grace ready to be bestowed on you.
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oh gosh, thanks David. That is definitely an exciting thought to think about! thanks for that encouragement ! big hugs xo
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You nailed it. I may not be an outward murderer or adulterer but my inner man needs cleansing as much as the vilest sinner. How many drops of gasoline is acceptable in a bowl of soup? How does one lustful or judgmental thought defile a person? God looks at the hearts of people and from that viewpoint we are all on a common level, our only hope is grace. Thanks for sharing!
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that’s so so true. I’ve never heard that saying about gasoline in soup but my oh my is that true! thanks for stopping by and sharing your powerful perspective! hugs ox
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That is so kind of you to think about that person instead of just being angry. That truly shows how sweet of a person you are. I would still report them and comment on any sites they have just so people are aware. Someone could be saving up their money like a little kid and end up swindled.
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I’m so sorry about that situation happening to you. The way that you are handling the situation is very inspirational. Blessings.
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aw, thank you Tameeka. that’s kind of you to say. big hugs xo
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I’m so sorry that you fell to this. But blessed that you shared your unique perspective. Thank you! -Mark
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Thanks Mark. Yeah major bummer, but just trying to learn from it! thanks for stopping by! big hugs xo
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😦 aw this is awful, I’m so sorry for the upheaval it caused you. I love your take on it. When you can’t forgive – putting it into God’s hands to forgive and judge the person is a great idea! You don’t have to shoulder it all – that is what trust and faith are in our lives for 🙂 thanks for reminding me! However, I’ve worked in a lot of animal shelters in my time and there are always dogs there in need of loving homes so don’t give up on finding that little packet of love and joy yet! Puppies are heart-melters and always bring warmth to our hearts but I always also ask people to consider adopting an adult or older dog too. When you adopt an adult dog you know what personality the dog has and often the dog is already house-trained and has a calmer, steadier temperament 🙂 maybe there is a local rescue near you? x best wishes and hugs xx Em
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Thanks so much Em! You’re so right – i’ve gotta put it in His hands! and you’re so right – adopting a dog is definitely what i should have done in the first place! hugs xo
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You have such a good heart.
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aw you’re so kind to say that! thank you so much!! hugs x
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What an inspired perspective. Very wonderful to read. 🙂
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aw, thanks Leigh! glad you enjoyed it! have a great afternoon! hugs xo
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I am sorry to read about this terrible scam incident. I too have had my fair share of being swindled. It is not fun. Praying for your mom, I hope she improves.
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thanks friend! yeah a bit of a crummy turn of events. thanks for your prayers. means the world 🙂 hugs xox
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On an aside, my parents raise and sell puppies. On the internet even. But they’re for real 😉 that being said and being familiar with the business, short of actually going to the farm and picking out a little fur bundle of joy I don’t think there’s any real, easy way to know when it comes down to it. So don’t beat yourself up too much about getting scammed.
My understanding of the cross has been totally shifting on me, and with it fresher and fresher revelation of Father’s love for people. We like to say there’s a special spot in a not so nice place for people like that but the reality is Jesus prayed for and blessed his enemies, which by the way, we all in our minds believed we were his enemy before he dealt with our adamic nature. The reality of Jesus dieing for the people who put him on the cross isn’t just the son of God begrudgingly going to die because he knows they might change their minds afterward, it’s Father and Holy Spirit and Jesus bundling themselves up in humanity to be with us and in us and adopt us, and be with and in and adopt people like that so on the note of hell (and I don’t believe there is or ever will be such a place as far as many Christians believe in, but that’s another story) there is a special place for people like that, and it’s in our Father’s heart longing for them to come home and join in the celebration. Someone asked incredulously if murderers would be in heaven to which I respond yes! But transformed by Father’s love, for we were all murderers, liars and theives.
Aaaaannyyywaayyyyyy (: Father’s love. I pray for the freedom to let Father be Father in our minds and to understand more and more the scandelous freedom that is His love for us, us being everyone and not only the select few who have all their ducks in a row and check the right boxes on the offering card. End rant.
Happy Tuesday Caralyn!
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Thank you so much for this thoughtful response, Carson. You’re so right – Jesus set the example. He loved His enemies and prayed for them and *died* for them. I mean, how much clearer could He get about the topic!Yes! Let Father be Father! amen to that 🙂 thanks for stopping by! and i hope you had a great Easter! big hugs to you xox
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The thing was, they were never *his* enemies, they were always sons and daughters desperately in need of salvation and a recreated nature, the only animosity was only ever in *our* minds as a result of sin, evil was an invention in the minds of Adam and Eve authored by the tree of knowledge, everything was good but as soon as we tasted the possibility of evil it twisted our whole perception to begin looking for things not good in a yet-perfect world.. oh to see the world as Father sees it with his eternal pronouncement of ‘good’ still echoing..
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That’s a really important perspective. Oh to see it that way indeed 🙂
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Buut anyway, haha, I always do this don’t I…. ‘okay, I’m done ranting..’ and then 20 minutes later it’s like ….oh yeah… haha. I had a lovely and exhausting Easter (: how about you?!
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Hahha no worries! It’s your best quality!! Lovely and exhausting as well! Haha
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Indeed, the REAL reason I have a blog; unlimmitted rant power!!!
Haha. Happy Wednesday! (:
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Hahahaha 👏🙌👏🙌👏
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Girl, God has literally been saying the same things to me about a situation this week! It makes me think of a phrase from a book I once read, “but for the grace of God that could be me.” *to clarify: not to say we’d be puppy scammers but that we are only righteous because of Jesus* Praise God for his perfect love ❤
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Hey friend! Amen to that – Jesus is what makes us right before God! I love that quote. Thanks for sharing it with me! Hugs and love xox
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This is a good reminder to this pastor that scoring sins isn’t how it works. It’s certainly easy to fall into that trap, isn’t it? The OT and the NT are pretty clear that no one is righteous but I still want to point at others!
This was the topic of one of the best conversations I ever had in a confirmation class. Surely the heinous sins are worse than stealing a paper clip from school! The results may be worse but the sin is still… sin. And we’re all guilty.
Thanks for the reminder (but sorry about the rip off)
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Thanks so much Lance. I like how you put that : scoring sins. So true – one is not “better” than the other. Jesus paid for them all! Thanks for your kind words and encouragement. big hugs xo
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Okie dokie then…i will not shop for my favorite ball of fur online. I live in Mexico and I want a docile doggie, one that does not shed, one that was bred for joy, a Bichon Frise. Sorry about your loss and thankful for your post. God bless you and your mother.
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Thanks Barbara! Yeah, just be sure it’s a legitimate source! I’ve learned my lesson for sure! thanks for kind words and prayers 🙂 big hugs xo
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Sorry to hear of the scam and rip off. Unfortunately it is becoming an all to often familiar story. I have not yet had the misfortune (and I pray I never do), even legitimate online vendors are many times to be taken with a grain of salt. Descriptions of items can be very misleading.
As for your reaction,I am a work in progress. I would be furious with myself but agree getting mad at them has no value. I often hear “Christian” comment ‘I can’t believe that person did that’. Really as depraved as the Holy Bible says man is apart from Christ, personally I can’t believe mankind does not do worse.
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Thanks friend! Yeah, major bummer. Gotta remember that the internet is the “wild wild west!” haha Thanks for your encouragement. big hugs xo
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So what I like about your posts is that they are honest and true and full of faith and hope and compassion. You look at all sides of a situation and opt to be a living testimony of forgiveness, of understanding, of faith. The beauty is knowing who you are on your journey.
I don’t know how you have not found someone to just love you for who you are. I enjoy the complexity of your posts, the emotional journey, the thought process and the subtle lesson of learning to be better at the end of them.
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Thanks Kobe 🙂 I really appreciate that. One thing’s for sure — I am on a journey!! hah And that’s really kind of you to say. thanks again 🙂 big hugs xo
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Caralyn, I am so sorry you got ripped off! However, I am not sorry that you love someone enough to try to help them by buying a dog, I am not sorry you gave of yourself for a gift. I am not sorry for the time you spent and invested in searching for the gift! I am not sorry for your excitement and doing something good for a fellow human being!
I am not sorry that you loved enough to take a risk. I wish you did not have to face all the feelings that you do of being scammed and disrespected. It blesses my heart when you said you should be praying for the person but you were not there yet! Loving your enemies is tough. You are a brave person you took a risk! You are on a pilgrimage to love that has many directions intended and unintended. Your love plan did not work the way you intended this time.
I encourage you to be brave, strong, and courageous, and continue to take risks to love. Maybe you should not listen to me either I am on the Internet too! A failed attempt at love is better than any success in protecting yourself from the risk of love.
This is written by one who is trying to make decisions on whether or not to engage in the love plan again, very cautious this time though. I hope you have learned some safeguards on the web, but I hope you Continue to wildly love In a Lavish Way, like Jesus loves you.!
Your web friend,
Denny
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Thanks so much Denny! Yeah it was such a crummy turn of events. Thanks for your encouraging words. I love the positive perspective 🙂 i needed that tonight! Thanks again for being such a source of light and goodness in my life! big hugs to you. God is good! hugs xox
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You’re right – the fact that someone feels the need to scam people about puppies, and is ok with scamming people about puppies, is sad. I honestly feel sorry for him and whatever is happening in his life that makes this a viable option in his opinion. Easy for me to say – I wasn’t scammed. Your ability to see past the fact he did it to you and still see the sadness in this speaks to how genuine you are.
Britt | http://alternativelyspeaking.ca/
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It’s SO sad!! thanks for this thoughtful response, Britt. I appreciate your encouraging words. Big hugs to you 🙂 xox
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Girl I had a similar story, no dogs involved but scammed none the less (https://jayblaise.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/my-major-mistake/)…..very crazy people are dishonest and deceitful! But I feel sorry for someone that seeks to “gain” by undermining others.
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oh man, i am so sorry to hear that, Jay. same here – that would be a very sad existence . thanks for stopping by! hugs xo
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Thanks for the love! xoxo!
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🙂 🙂 🙂 xoxo 🙂 🙂 🙂
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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Wait, was the dog sent on United?
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Nope. They said it was delta, but there never was a dog…
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Seriously though, I’m sorry you got ripped off. I’ve been scammed to and it’s all sorts of awful. Kudos to you for moving towards forgiving. My scammers are still on my “Please smote” prayer list.
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haha please smote…thats funny. i’m sorry you can relate 😦
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First of all, contact the police on his end. Then, I believe it is the Secret Service that investigates telecommunications fraud, so give them a call. Now that you have been victimized it is time for you to take that away from him. Stand up Miss BBB and fight back. God Bless, Mark (I don’t give my name out a lot, but you should have a name to connect this advice to).
P.S. I worked in crime analysis for a long time and know about this crime. If you don’t get law enforcement after him, he’ll just change his business name and do it again and again. Also, if you have any emails from him, save them as the authorities can track the IP address.
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Thanks so much for this heads up, Mark. I am honored that you would share your name with me 🙂 you’re right- I’ve gotta stand up! I did contact the better business bureau, but I should also contact the police. Thanks for that. I will definitely take further steps. Hugs and love xox
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What a terrible thing to happen! I would also be angry with the dude and seek some kind of retribution even if it be in the way of reporting him to the tribunal who takes care of this business. I’m sorry that you didn’t get your puppy.
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Thanks So much Raegina. Yeah major bummer. Thanks for your kind words. Hugs and love xox
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That is rough…. you’ve taken a high road most wouldn’t have. Not only that, but you’ve put yourself out there by sharing your story. For that I am super grateful!!
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Thanks friend. I appreciate you saying that:) hope you’re having a great night! Hugs and love xox
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Sorry to hear that you got scammed, but do not give up on your dream of getting a dog. Have you considered a local animal shelter that you can visit in person? Giving a new home to an unwanted animal can be very special and rewarding in its own way. We have three pets, two of them from local rescues. They all bring us much joy.
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Thanks friend. You’re right, I should have just gone to the shelter in the first place. Adopting is a beautiful thing. Hugs and love xox
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Oh no, what a horrible experience 😦
I agree, who on Earth makes a living by promising someone a puppy and then taking their money?!
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I know!! It’s horrible!! Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
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I love this post, and how your feelings towards the perpetrator of this scam changed over time. It is something I try and work on when I feel or think a negative thing about another person. Having read a great deal about mindfulness and compassion over recent years I have been getting better over time appreciating that, at the end of the day, we are all just human beings who want to be free of suffering, who want to be loved and who want to be safe. Sadly circumstances make this harder for some people than others, and so I do try, really, really hard, to remember this when the mean thinking rises and try instead to feel compassion for their plight. This is not always easy, (I’m still just Hunan after all) but trying at every turn to be compassionate is definitely a better way than not. Thank you for sharing this important lesson 🙂
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Thank you so much! You’re right- compassion is tough, and easier said than done and definitely something that I have to work on. Thanks for your encouragement. Hugs and love xox
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I really wrestle with the notion that you suggest you are no better than the puppy scammer in reflecting on your struggles with anorexia. As an introspective person that tries diligently to understand others’ experiences and where they come from, I can understand your conclusion. Still, did you willingly take from others in a deceitful manner meant to rob them of their trust for you, their money, and their respect? I can see where you might answer yes, but I would suggest that your challenge with anorexia, whether it stemmed from self-image difficulties or something different (as I do not presume to know), I simply have struggle equating the two. Yet, what you have forced me to do is entertain the idea that our character is reflected in a multitude of ways, and we can begin to acknowledge how we may affect, even hurt, other people by the way we treat ourselves, feel about ourselves, and project our being into the world. Thank you again for a wonderful post, and I admire your vulnerability and willingness to share the inner-most of yourself.
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. You’re right, it’s tough to equate the two. And you’re right- our characters are multifaceted. Thanks for your kind words. It means a lot! Hugs and love xox
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