CHIHUAHUA VS. CONDO BOARD: Featured on FOX 61 News

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My Chihuahua vs. Our Condo Board: HELP US SAVE GEORGIE!!

DANBURY -- Georgie Banks, 5, is loved by the three women he shares a condo with on Triangle Street in Danbury.

Georgie, a 3-pound chihuahua, spends his days playing with his chew toy, curled up on the couch next to his owner, Jean Banks, 45, or doing his duties outside -- which are always scooped into "the blue poopie-scoopie," Jean Banks said.

But despite Georgie's demure size and gentle ways, the Lions Condominiums owners' board of directors has decided he must go.

In a meeting Monday -- that Jennifer Banks, 25, said she and her mother, Jean, and grandmother, Beverly, 77, were not allowed to attend -- the board's decree was handed down: Georgie goes or the entire Banks family goes.

"We rent from our condo's owner, Jason Martin. Only condo owners were allowed at the meeting," Jennifer explained. "We're tenants, so we couldn't attend. Jason gave us the news. It was the first we'd heard about any of this."

The Banks have lived at the Lions complex since 1998. They adopted Georgie two years ago to keep him from going to a shelter, Jennifer Banks said.

Calls to Martin on Friday were not returned, but letters he sent the Banks about the situation were forwarded to The News-Times.

The storm over Georgie was brewing for two years, according to letters to Martin from Scalzo Property Management . Other condo owners had seen Georgie "being walked" in November 2010. Georgie had been "heard barking" in September 2011.

The condo rules changed in 1999, and only dogs "gandfathered in at that time" are now allowed on the premises, the letters read.

Fines were imposed on Martin amounting to $2,350, according to a Dec. 29, 2011, Scalzo Property Management letter. And Monday's meeting was called.

Phone calls to Jay Metcalf and Travis Hyatt, community association managers for Scalzo Property Management, who handle the Lions Condominiums, were not returned Friday.

"We don't know where to turn," Jennifer Banks said. "My mother has a learning disability and medical problems. Georgie calms her. He's calming for my grandmother. We all love him."

"He's Georgie Banks," said Beverly Banks, "one of the family."

Jean Banks agreed.

"If I didn't have Georgie, I really don't know what I would do," Jean said, choking back tears. "When Geogie's around, I feel I have a friend."

Dr. Mary Blackman, of Primary Care Danbury, has intervened on Jean and Georgie's part. In a letter dated Feb. 22, she wrote:

"Unfortunately Jean has several chronic medical conditions (and) numerous medications ... Her dog provides tremendous psychological/emotional support for the patient (Jean). On behalf of my patient, I am asking you to make an exception to allow my patient to keep her dog at her current location."

Christine DiCarlo, a Lions condo owner, said she "just went through the courts" because the condo board was fining her $5,000 for having a small dog in her condo.

"They're over the top," DiCarlo said of the condo board. "When I bought here, dogs were allowed. That's why I bought here. Then the rules kept changing on dogs. I had to give my dog to a friend."
DiCarlo, who is a dog trainer, said Georgie is "a very well-trained dog. He's a sweet little dog. The Banks are a great family. They've been here for years."

stuz@newstimes.com; 860-255-7322


Read more: http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Chihuahua-vs-condo-board-3359692.php#ixzz1nLhS7DEZ

Empty beginnings, and uncertainty.

If its the right thing to do then why does it feel so lonely and shitty and why does it feel like a bad idea? I should be happy to close this chapter of my life but I'm not sure how to feel. I just wanted you to fight for me but I'm sure that was too much to ask for. I've waited for you for too long. At the end of the day I want you to be happy but not at the expense of me watching you care about someone else. You deserve to be happy but I'm too jealous to watch. I wish you the best and pray this was the right way to go.

Throwback Thrursday V.1

I know it's a little late but...

Drowning In Overdrive

Ever feel like its just too much sometimes? Sometimes and lately I've felt like I want to pause everything, delete everything or forget everything. Sometimes the responsibility doesn't quite measure up to the reward. In that case you just got to stop for a second and look at the value. Sometimes you have to reevaluate the circumstances. Sad to say but "What's in it for me?"

Fully Leopard

I finally managed to design all my fingers with the leopard print! So excited to share!

Leopard Nails

So excited! I just had to share.

A Girl Can Dream, Can't She? My Top 5 for Christmas 2011

Giving gifts for the Holiday season can be tired some, annoying and sometimes just plain tricky. There is always a chance that someone won't like what you've picked out. I know it is rude to complain about what gifts you get but face it, we've all gotten the crappy end of the deal at one time or another.

I'm not saying that just because I don't like a gift that the other person didn't spend time or effort on it. What really bugs me is the person who intentionally buys you a gift because they are forced to and randomly puts together a whole bunch of junk that not even THEY want. ::COUGH COUGH::. That's what really irks me.

I also noticed that there is always that one person from your Secret Santa who puts their name in knowing that they will get a great gift no matter. Then they totally flop on their end of the bargain. Aren't there rules about that? I say if you don't want it, chances are they don't either. Unless of course you know for a fact, and without a doubt they are into that kind of stuff. Whatever that "stuff" might be. 

I know it's a little late to beg and plead for a say in what my gifts are this year but it doesn't hurt to share either. Maybe my list is similar to yours? What do you have on your Top 5? Obviously not all of mine are realistic but a girl can dream can't she?

1. Bundle Monster Pro 20pc Nail Art Set - $14.99 @ Amazon.com

2. Picture Polish Nail Polish - $15.00 @ Harlowandco.org

3. Tasha Black Suede Over the Knee Black Boot - $68.50 @ Torrid.com


4. iPad 2 - Starting at $499 @ store.apple.com

5. 2012 Subaru Legacy - Starting at $19,995 @ subaru.com

OOTD: Rebel with a Cause

I loved my outfit today! I threw it on last minute before I went to work and it ended up working together. I got a lot of compliments so that was nice! Here is where I pitched these pieces. Enjoy!

Blazer: Torrid
Jeans: Virtual Wisdom at Torrid
Graphic Tee: Target
Sneakers: Nike at DSW

Self Respect Starts with Myself

I have been going to the gym now for the last few weeks. I've been loosing weight, having a great time doing it, feeling great and eating well. I noticed that even though on the outside and in my physical state was great, I still felt like I was missing something. I like myself but I don't love myself. I need to learn how to love myself. Once I do I think my circle will be complete. Especially when I'm at my goal weight and my braces are off. It's gonna be awesome! Anyway, just a thought. It will come soon <3