The Guardian obtained a copy of Noem’s soon-to-be released book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.” In it, she tells the story of the ill-fated Cricket, a 14-month-old wirehaired pointer she was training for pheasant hunting.
On the way home from the hunting trip, Noem writes that she stopped to talk to a family. Cricket got out of Noem’s truck and attacked and killed some of the family’s chickens, then bit the governor.
“At that moment,” Noem writes, “I realized I had to put her down.” She led Cricket to a gravel pit and killed her.
She writes, according to the Guardian, that the tale was included to show her willingness to do anything “difficult, messy and ugly” if it has to be done. But backlash was swift against the Republican governor, who just a month ago drew attention and criticism for posting an infomercial-like video about cosmetic dental surgery she received out-of-state.
I agree. There is no good way. I chose the way where he was comfortable at the home he knew with the people he loved. I absolutely 100% ride or die loved that dog. He was my bestest boy. I made a choice, and I stand by it.
Edit: If I had a choice about the way I was going to die, this is the way I would choose. Surrounded by family, everyone telling me I did a good job and it’s time to go, then I slip into unconsciousness and then I’m gone. Hell yeah.