What could make an American citizen want to betray her own country by aiding the enemy—Money? Mental illness? Religion? A depraved heart? Maybe a combination of factors?

Nobody can be 100% sure of the motivation, but the government has tremendous evidence of the crime: Monica Witt, a 39-year-old Air Force Veteran, has been charged with spying for Iran.

The Washington Post has detailed the case better than I ever could, discussing how she was turned from a (presumably) normal Texas girl into a radical Jihadist, who defected to one of the most oppressive nations on earth. I can follow their trail, but I will never, ever understand how someone can reject the West, reject freedom, reject all that is good for humanity, and adopt an ideology of hate, fear, misogyny and fundamentalism—especially a woman!

Shockingly enough, she is not the only American woman who’s done it. Marzieh Hashemi, formerly known as “Melanie Franklin,” may also be charged in the case and was recently held as a material witness. 

Add the Muslim convert son of director Oliver Stone into the mix—evidently he and Witt met in 2012 at an Iranian conference that denounced America and Israel—and it truly seems bizarre. (I’m not accusing Sean Stone of any illegal activity, but I am denouncing him for having zero sense, no integrity, and turning his back on the Jewish community.)

This is an odd case, for sure, but it’s not an isolated one. With a scary regularity, news stories air about US citizens and UK citizens, in particular, being lured to join ISIS and other radical Muslim groups. Even celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Sinead O’Connor have embraced Islam, wearing Hijabs and “Burkinis” in public, unable to see the irony. 

It should be obvious that there is nothing positive about espionage. I don’t care what excuse anyone makes, when you commit treason, you are a criminal. A crime that serious deserves to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Personally, I would sentence Monica Witt to life in prison. How many Americans and Israelis lost their life because of her crimes? How much closer to nuclear war are we because of her? The public may never know, but I guarantee people have suffered tremendously. 

I believe in second chances. I believe in the power of forgiveness. But I also firmly believe in justice and the rule of Law, which is clear that evil doers must be held accountable. This is a slap in the face to every American, every military member and vet, and all of the folks who were taken hostage and tortured by Iran. Monica Witt is a traitor and she deserves no sympathy. 

It takes a truly heartless and vindictive individual to file a false animal cruelty charge against someone who has done nothing wrong. While this particular incident doesn’t involve me personally, I am sharing because it’s so egregious. 

As most of you know, I am passionate about animals—both caring for mine and helping others in any way I’m able. I have been involved in fostering pets for a long, long time. I belong to a local group and I participate in Facebook groups, with folks from all around the world. Most of the time, these groups are productive and supportive. Unfortunately, when a bad apple gets in, it can ruin everything for the bunch.

Such is the case with two women who live in Nebraska. I believe they didn’t know each other in person prior to meeting through the Facebook group. Both of them are rabbit enthusiasts. (I have no personal experience with rabbits, but I do like them.)

Rabbits are much less common than cats and dogs and they’re rarely up for  adoption or fostering. When one was abandoned in their local area, they both were notified through the group, and that’s when the fighting started. Each one wanted this fur baby desperately, as in more than I have ever seen anyone desire a pet. It was extreme and the resulting behavior was so over the top, it’s hard to accurately describe.

To make this short and sweet, one lady got the rabbit—fair and square—and the other didn’t. The one who didn’t started a campaign of abuse and harassment that was movie-level crazy. It was in the group, by phone, by text, physical letters, showing up at her job, etc. The accusations were starving animals, beating animals, running a puppy mill 10 years ago in another state, cutting off a tail with a kitchen knife, and other crazy charges. 

Her campaign of terror was so fierce that the local animal control showed up unannounced and SEIZED not only the rabbit, but the family’s own dog as well. They are currently not being returned until the situation has been fully investigated. 

I am literally heartsick over this situation. I have been casually acquainted online with both ladies and neither seemed abnormal, mean, or abusive. Personally, I cant even imagine treating my worst enemy so cruelly, let alone a supposed friend!

To have such malice in your soul that you would falsely report animal cruelty is beyond contempt. Fur babies are part of the family! We love them like human beings. To have one ripped out of your arms, when you’ve done nothing wrong, is pure evil. 

I’m confident that if it goes to court, which is likely, the truth will come out. The rabbit was well fed, had his own cage with fresh bedding, and was attended to constantly. Yes, he was kept in a small basement, but that’s not illegal, nor is it immoral. Their dog also lived in the basement, in a separate area. I don’t see how that’s uncaring. They had food, water, and shelter.

Jealousy and anger are two of the worst emotions anyone can feel. They are corrosive. While it’s common to feel a little of each, having your entire brain overtaken by them is a recipe for disaster. 

Thanks to one crazy lady’s behavior, our Facebook group was shut down. It had been open for 6 years, without problem. Now, everyone is punished for no reason and I am so sad. 

A sweet rabbit and a cute dog need to be returned to their family. It’s a false accusation and they deserve to have their reputation restored. I’ve heard rumors that a GoFundMe may be set up and if it is, I will share the details. Until then, please pray. The rabbit’s name is Frosty and the dog’s name is Bailey. I don’t feel comfortable revealing the family’s names without permission, but God will know who we’re talking about.

I believe in the power of prayer. Let’s keep praying until these fur babies come home where they belong, to a family that loves them unconditionally. 

According to the ASPCA, approximately 1.5 million shelter pets are euthanized annually. Many of the 670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats have no health problems and could be saved if they only had a home to live in and a family to love them. 

It truly breaks my heart to think of these needless deaths. Instead of shopping for your “perfect pet” why not consider adoption and save a fur baby in need?

The time and money required for a traditional adoption can be off putting. Luckily, there’s a new and better way, an online adoption community where people who want to adopt a pet can connect with those who need to rehome a dog or cat.

Creating an account is free—for both Owners and Seekers. Search by pet type, gender, location, traits, etc. When you find someone who catches your eye, simply message the owner and go from there. 

My sister desperately wanted to find a German Shepherd, but was hesitant because she has little kids. (Her youngest is scared of some big dogs). Get Your Pet allows the whole family to meet with a prospective pet in person, with no commitment required. They were able to see him at the dog park, pet him, feed treats, play with toys, and judge if it would be a good fit all-around. 

His owner was super friendly, answering questions about the dog’s likes and dislikes and went over his background in detail. Because Miami has had an increase in anti-Semitic attacks, getting a guard dog is a wise idea. German Shepherds are a popular choice for home protection and tend to be very loyal. I adore little dogs, but they don’t offer the same level of protection that a big boy does!

After the meeting, the next step is a vet exam, which is available for no extra charge. (If you’ve ever been told that a fur baby was healthy and found out a week later that he needed a $5,000 surgery, you will understand how priceless this service can be).

Finish up by signing the adoption certificate electronically and paying the fee. The cost is $99 for a dog and $49 for a cat—less than half of what a shelter or rescue typically charges. 

Get Your Pet is a wonderful way to expand your fur family and reduce shelter deaths, illness, and occupancy—something we can all agree on. 

This post was sponsored by Nakturnal. All opinions are my own.

A precious baby rhino was born at Ramat Gan Safari zoo in Israel three weeks ago and is already walking. This little one is rhino #32 born at the zoo and her arrival is being celebrated around the world. Both mama and baby are doing fine, but I found it amusing that Daddy Rhino is being kept away because he’s too aggressive. 

No name yet and I’m curious what it will be. We do know that it will start with the letter “K” in the Swahili language (not sure why). 

I would love to see these adorable creatures in person on my next trip to Israel! Rhinos are one of my favorites wild animals.