I’d also like to thank the docents and all of the people who were able to help Loren out through the whole process. How I wish I could have done so too, but living in Japan doesn’t allow too much other than moral support (and I hope the coelacanth figurines I sent have found a prominent place somewhere amid all of the wealth of displays ). The docents Loren had helping him seem like good people, and the opening would not have been possible without their generosity.

Sorry for the long note, but I am truly pleased about how things have turned out. I am sure I speak for everyone here when I say congratulations Loren. You have truly earned this.

Best,

Brent

Yep, we do need more female Cryptozoologists.

Would take the discipline in new and exciting directions.

And WELL deserved congratulations it is indeed.

May the museum endure.

Although I didn’t know Dr. Rines personally, I feel like I have lost someone in my life.

Once I was enchanted by his “flipper” photo, and spent many pleasant hours questing in my mind and imagination for Nessie.

Thanks for the memory, Dr. Rines.

Congratulations, Loren!

Steve Busti

I also wanted to add a little to what ctinn said about people seeing canines as our “buddies.” This is a very true statement. People are inclined to try to approach them or feed them, thinking “hey their dogs,” without realizing the danger they are in. There is a lack of understanding that feral dogs can be every bit as dangerous as a wild animal. In fact, they are perhaps even more dangerous simply because they are numbed to any innate fear of us, which can make them very bold and likely to exhibit unprovoked aggressive behavior. It has been shown that the degree of domestication in an animal does little to stop its potential for reverting to a feral state, and in the case of dogs that prior domestication merely negates their shyness towards us. Furthermore, they know that humans mean food. No, I don’t mean humans as food :), but there is an association. Feral dogs are a big danger in many areas due to this sympathetic attitude towards them coupled with their lack of fear and potential aggressiveness. It’s a bad combination.

The feeling of these feral dogs as our buddies also can cause a pain when trying to manage their populations. It’s difficult to gain public support for a program that may entail eradicating these animals because people are still seeing them as pets and “buddies.” So whereas it might be Ok in many people’s minds to get rid of some wild animal pests, there is a soft spot towards dogs, and it can cause people to get upset when the dogs are destroyed. People don’t want to see dogs treated badly or killed, so there can be quite a bit of public resistance against any such management approach. What they don’t realize is that these feral dogs are a very real threat, to both humans and wildlife. The same sentiment can be seen towards efforts to eradicate feral house cats in some areas.

Anyway, yes, the lack of respect towards and knowledge of the natural world people can exhibit is unfortunate. This and the skewed image and misconceptions people have towards familiar animals, such as dogs, is not only misguided but dangerous as well.

Yes, indeed, all the permits for the Green Hand Bookshop space came in this afternoon, so after the Grand Opening tonight, regular hours will be in play.

Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11 am to 6 pm. Sundays, Noon to 5 pm. Admission is $5.00 for everyone, no matter the age, and is cash or check only. There is an ATM next door in the convenience store if you need one for cash.

Onward…come visit.

Loren