Deadspin: the miniature horses of twistwood ranch

Duck Day Afternoon

rickchand — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:15:29 EST

As we learned on Sunday, Barbaro has suffered a rather serious setback. But here's some good news. If Big Boss Horse should, you know, not make it, there is another brave animal fighting for life which could use your prayers. Meet Perky the duck.

The duck — now grabbing world-wide attention — was shot in the wing and leg by local hunter Dale Tadlock on Jan. 15 but was rescued a day and a half later by his wife, Pamela Tadlock, who found it still alive when she went to check on it in the fridge.

The duck was rushed to the vet where it received emergency defrosting, but was at one point declared dead. And then, like that scene in E.T., a miracle occurred.

Beck said she walked out of the room sobbing and called Goose Creek treasurer Susan May when it happened. Ten to 15 seconds later, the duck perked up from her death bed. "I started crying 'she's alive!," Beck said.

Tallhassee.com is, of course, providing daily updates on Perky's condition. Which means that somewhere, in a dimly-lit room with a dog curled at her feet and about 12,000 collectible teddy bears looking on, a 40-year-old woman in a unicorn sweatshirt types earnestly on an early-model PC:

Rainbows, swamp. Feathered ass pointing to the sky.Seasoned buckshot, a tasty treat for all well wishers. Daffy, Donald, my sentimental friends. Affirmed. All my love, Dee Mirich.

Duck Watch Day 10, Still Flapping [Tallahassee.com]
Duck of Destiny [Tallahassee.com]
Perky's One Lucky Duck [The Sydney Morning Herald]
Barbaro Being Sliced Open Again [Deadspin]

Cancel Those Reservations, Ladies

rickchand — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 11:45:37 EST

First O.J.'s television interview is canceled, and now this. Remember how Mike Tyson was supposed to be all set to go to work for Heidi Fleiss at her new stud farm in Nevada? Turns out, evidently, that it's not true. And our Wednesday just got a little bit sadder. From ContactMusic.com:

British newspaper Daily Star reported last week that Fleiss had asked the convicted rapist to work as a gigolo in the brothel once it opens. However, Fleiss' publicist Charles Lago tells the Las Vegas Review Journal the report is "a ridiculous hoax".

On the bright side, this does open a spot on the roster for Rich Kotite.

Fleiss Slams Tyson Prostitute Reports [ContactMusic.com]

Your Barbaro Holiday Gift Giving Guide

rickchand — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 11:45:07 EST

As the holidays draw ever closer, it's time for us to address the serious issues; such as what should we get Barbaro for Christmas? You really should start shopping now to beat the rush. Perhaps Barbaro would like to learn a foreign language, so that he can enjoy all of his fan letters from Mexico. Or, you know, a wallet might be nice. Hmm. Framed photo of Dale Evans?

Oh, we know! You really can't go wrong with a loving tribute from Hoofbeats In Heaven, just in case — well, you know. While you're there you might want to purchase a nice print of Barbaro galloping with other horses in the afterlife (you don't want to stand under that flying one, believe us).

But enough gloomy talk. Word has it that Barbaro continues to improve, as is reflected in his latest fan mail.

• After the weekend most talk about current events, some talk about the game, and others talk about you - Oh Barbaro. Are we all crazy? No, for you see, we all are in love with you and you my prince bring out the best in humanity. — Terri Cole, 31; Braceville, OH, USA The Midnight Horse Show

• Hi Beautiful Barbaro, you are a VERY smart horse. You are a very special horse and my prayers continue for you, your family, Dr. Dean and all who love and care for you. Love, Jill XOXO —Jill Srncik, 51; Green Valley, AZ, USA

• My one & only Bobby: So I heard that you had a special visitor, Edgar, & that you are back to nipping—you naughty boy! I'm so proud of you—you just keeping munching on the apples & grass. Everyone loves you-we'd like to be nipped, too! — J Bell, 53; Pulaski, VA

• My Wonder Boy-Sleep well? Pray for ACD w/graze./ sun/treats 4 u. Am going 2 Horses Haven 2day! Will tell u about it 2nite. Wear.ur bracelet & shirt! Take care,My Warrior.Luv u-xo-'Talk'in PM — Peggy; MI

And while you're shopping, why not pick up a miniature horse or two for the kids?

Barbaro Message Board [Penn Veterinary Medicine]
Hoofbeats In Heaven
Twistwood Ranch