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Excerpts Lee Mandelo Read an Excerpt From Lee Mandelo’s The Woods All Black An Appalachian period piece that explores reproductive justice and bodily autonomy‚ the terrors of small-town religiosity‚ and the necessity of fighting tooth and claw to live as who you truly… By Lee Mandelo | Published on February 28‚ 2024 icon-comment 0 Share New Share Twitter Facebook Pinterest RSS Feed We’re thrilled to share an excerpt from Lee Mandelo’s The Woods All Black—a novel equal parts historical horror‚ trans romance‚ and blood-soaked revenge‚ all set in 1920s Appalachia—out from Tordotcom Publishing on March 19. Leslie Bruin is assigned to the backwoods township of Spar Creek by the Frontier Nursing Service‚ under its usual mandate: vaccinate the flock‚ birth babies‚ and weather the judgements of churchy locals who look at him and see a failed woman. Forged in the fires of the Western Front and reborn in the cafes of Paris‚ Leslie believes he can handle whatever is thrown at him—but Spar Creek holds a darkness beyond his nightmares.Something ugly festers within the local congregation‚ and its malice has focused on a young person they insist is an unruly tomboy who must be brought to heel. Violence is bubbling when Leslie arrives‚ ready to spill over‚ and he’ll have to act fast if he intends to be of use. But the hills enfolding Spar Creek have a mind of their own‚ and the woods are haunted in ways Leslie does not understand. KENTUCKY‚ 1929 I. The passenger train heaved to a stop at Hazard station. Coal smoke from its stacks silted the muggy air. Leslie Bruin took his cap from his knee and his travel bag from beneath his seat‚ tucking the former over a crop of wavy hair and the latter over a ride-sore shoulder. The train car‚ sleepy throughout the trek from Louisville‚ now bustled: girls laughing‚ bags thumping floorboards‚ the cigarette man calling out to disembarking passengers. Leslie traded a quarter for two packs as he stepped onto the platform. The end-of-summer heat hadn’t cracked in the eastern counties‚ and a small crowd loitered in the station house shade eyeing the new arrivals. Porters offloading luggage hollered directions down-platform. With a sigh‚ Leslie turned toward the clamor to rescue his saddlebags. “Miss Bruin‚” called a tall‚ sun-worn gentleman across the way. Miss was far from his preferred form of address‚ but Leslie pasted on a smile regardless‚ as he recognized the speaker. “Good to meet you again‚ Mister Hansall.” “Jackson is fine‚ ma’am‚” he said‚ convivial grin creasing his face. “There’s a car ready to drop us at the travel post. You need any refreshment before we hit the road?” “I could use a sip of water‚ once I’ve collected the bags. Shall we?” Leslie gestured to the porters. “Don’t worry yourself‚ I’ll carry those‚” Hansall said. The nurses of the Frontier Service had no trouble lugging around their supplies‚ or else how would the work get done‚ but rather than kicking up a fuss Leslie smiled and nodded—amiable‚ businesslike. Hansall returned the sentiment with a tap to the brim of his hat and set off to make himself useful. A squat‚ glittering geode propped open the station house door; the stenciled glass announced “Whites Only.” South of the Ohio River those signs fruited like fungus on rotten wood. At least a quarter of the ladies whose drinks he’d stood while traipsing across Chicago on leave would be banned from stepping over the threshold—but in need of a piss and a cold drink‚ he crossed unimpeded. A ceiling fan stirred stale air. The solitary girl at the counter squinted at his trousers and cotton shirt then said‚ “Good afternoon‚ Nurse.” “Am I so obvious?” Leslie asked. She rolled her eyes. “Would any other woman wear pants and boots in this weather?” “Then I’m caught out‚” he said. “A soda‚ please?” “Comin’ right up.” As she bent to open the refrigerator the loose collar of her dress flashed silk brassiere and cleavage. Leslie stuffed his hands in his pockets‚ wrenching his gaze away. The clerk sat a perspiring bottle of Coca-Cola on the countertop. He swigged a mouthful of syrupy fizz and she watched silently with arms crossed under her breasts. In a city whose rules he understood‚ he might’ve chatted to her‚ but out here the risks outweighed the rewards considerably. Buy the Book The Woods All Black Lee Mandelo Buy Book icon-close The Woods All Black Lee Mandelo Buy this book from: AmazonBarnes and NobleiBooksIndieBoundTarget When a family came through the door with one caterwauling babe in arms‚ Leslie set his Coke aside. Given he’d already been read by the clerk he ducked into the ladies’ restroom to do his business‚ emerging to find Hansall by the station entrance: hip cocked and cap beneath his arm‚ short sleeves cuffed nigh to the shoulder. His maleness carried such ease. “Ready whenever‚” he said. A dusty Ford awaited‚ its driver hanging an arm out the window. Leslie boosted himself into the truck bed beside his saddlebags. It was twenty-five miles of paved road in the Model A‚ then another fifteen on horseback before reaching Spar Creek—ideally ahead of nightfall. The isolated mountain town was Leslie’s farthest post since rostering on with the FNS in ’25‚ as well as his first without a partner‚ but Breckenridge’s orders were clear. With luck Leslie would see babies birthed‚ children vaccinated‚ and adults’ ailments resolved in record time; without luck‚ he’d be wintering in the hills. Hansall thumped the quarter panel like a mare’s flank and asked‚ “Mind if I ride in the cab?” “Suit yourself‚ I’ll rest back here‚” Leslie answered. “You army girls are too tough for me.” His chuckle was fond and dismissive. The automobile creaked when Hansall clambered in. Leslie dropped his head against the wooden rail. Sunlight beat down meanly‚ so he dragged his cap over his face‚ breathing in the funk. Sweat prickled beneath his armpits and breasts. No worse than silent afternoons spent on the front by the River Marne‚ rotating rest shifts on the ambulance cot with a fellow nurse‚ their once-starched uniforms limp with the sweat of terror and exhaustion. Nothing‚ ever again‚ could possibly be so bad as the terminal months of ’17 and the gore-fetid soil of Champagne—the brief season of life from which he was sometimes unsure he’d returned. Frontier nursing might not fit his unsettled spirit‚ but it was the closest he’d found to meaningful labor in his decade stateside. At least delivering infants and stitching up farm accidents provided his trained hands with work while his agile‚ ugly brain strayed‚ and strained‚ and gnawed upon itself. The Ford rattled out of the gravel lot‚ breeze nipping through the buttons of his shirt. The ride steadied as they reached the road‚ and as green foothills rose around them—the spurs of mountains older than time—Hazard fell away from view. Anticipating long hours on horseback‚ Leslie coasted into the twilight place ahead of sleep: arms crossed loose over his belly‚ chin drooping‚ leg notched over his pack. When a letter had summoned him back from leave he’d expected an assignment to the newly christened Hyden Hospital. Instead‚ the note informed him that the minuscule town of Spar Creek had requested a nurse—with Leslie’s own name already appended by a local‚ Jackson Hansall‚ whom he’d met during a previous rotation at the coal mine another town over. He’d been considering quitting the service to see if this time he could wedge himself into the role expected of him in the city: nightshift at a factory‚ an apartment safe enough for his girl to bring clients around‚ and constant vigilance against nosy neighbors ratting them out. He’d almost resolved to turn down the assignment. Then he’d come home from the bars to find another Dear John missive neatly folded on his bedside table‚ sealed with a mauve lipstick print and telling him what a sweet husband he’d make for some other girl‚ some other time. The FNS summons that arrived on its heels at least offered the comfort of orders to be followed. The truck jounced to a halt‚ rousing Leslie from his stupor. He tucked his cap through his belt and mopped his face dry. A traveler’s stable large enough to house twenty horses awaited them‚ its barn doors open wide. Manure and hay stink merged with the verdancy of the woods. Hansall rounded the backside of the truck at the same moment Leslie hopped down from the tailgate. “If there aren’t problems on the trail‚ we’ve got about five hours’ ride ahead‚” he said. Raspy with road dust‚ Leslie said‚ “Then let’s get to it.” Bidding their driver farewell‚ supplying two fresh horses‚ and heading out along the dirt  track toward Spar Creek took less time than expected. Old-growth trees rose around the trail and its hewn guide fence. Cicadas and birdsong clashed with the steady clop of hooves. Hansall led their expedition in companionable silence‚ his back an easy straight line used to the seat. Leslie looped his reins around the saddle knob‚ and the chestnut mare simply followed on. The last vestiges of his metropolitan life sloughed away as natural isolation arose. Traversing the five-hundred-mile stretch between his northern city and a counties assignment transformed Leslie into a simpler thing‚ someone whose worries were limited to saddle-soreness and the pinch three centimeters beneath the shrapnel scar on his thigh—either nerve damage or a metal sliver. The nursing service patch on his jacket emptied his body of its contrary desires and replaced them with a set of tasks: no longer a person‚ but a purpose. Survival was simpler that way. Light slanted through the canopy at strange low angles‚ and toads began to croak from the shadows. Suddenly aware of encroaching night‚ Leslie asked‚ “How much further?” “Maybe thirty‚ forty-five minutes‚” Hansall said‚ unperturbed. A brief time later they arrived at a fork in the trail and turned left. The path crested the belly of a hill then pitched downward‚ widening to funnel them into a protective holler. Underneath twilight stillness‚ water babbled over stones. Stands of oak and beech‚ sycamore and dense honeysuckle amplified the sound until it enfolded them. The orange sunset burned on the horizon through a break in the foliage and fireflies dazzled in the air. Leslie kneed his mare to trot up alongside Hansall’s. The gloom appointed both their faces with carnival masques of shadow. Hansall gestured ahead‚ his no-doubt-welcoming smile reduced to a slash of teeth. “That’ll be us through the clearing‚” he said. The nape of Leslie’s neck crawled. He slapped at it and his palm came away smeared with the corpse of a fat black spider. His thighs clamped‚ but the mare ignored him; he wiped the remains on her flank. Unease wriggled its nasty legs around inside him. Somehow‚ despite all his years in one form of service or another‚ Leslie never noticed the boundary for too late to turn back now until he’d already gone and crossed it. The trail mouth spat them out right on Spar Creek’s doorstep. The town filled a bowl made by three steep‚ converging hills. Dual rows of clapboard buildings flanked the dirt-and-shale center lane. Farther down stood the church‚ homesteads with sleeping dogs on their porches‚ one large barn‚ and a schoolhouse. Beaten grass paths led into the night‚ ranging toward fields‚ animal pens‚ cabins and maple shacks and hunting blinds. The distant sound of workmen singing—part cow’s bellow‚ part melodic shout—floated on the air. Leslie wheeled his horse to a stop. Light glowed behind thin curtains in all the breeze-gapped windows. One matronly woman cast them a blank glance while locking her shopfront‚ but otherwise the lane stayed empty. A frontier nurse’s arrival usually provoked far more curiosity. “We’ll be putting you up in our back cabin‚” Hansall told Leslie. “Sarah should have it all readied.” “Thank you‚” he said. They rode on past the general store and a smattering of homes. Near the community barn‚ drying tobacco scented the air. A two-horse cart with lanterns hung fore and aft bounced up the perpendicular trailhead‚ stacked with fresh leaves to be hung. Four men on the cusp of adulthood walked alongside. The leading pair were clearly related‚ both towheaded and farm-stock broad. The two lagging behind were just as clearly not: one barrel-chested and bald-shaven aside from his ginger beard‚ the other wiry-slight with a gathered knot of long dark hair. The youthful softness of his cheeks was offset by a flat and flinty scowl‚ which caught on Leslie then flinched aside. Leslie fought the urge to raise an eyebrow. One of the blonds hollered‚ “Home again‚ Jackson?” “Home again‚ and with a nurse to show for it!” he replied. Leslie waved off their hellos—as well as their notice of his riding trousers‚ his army boots and cap—but Hansall didn’t pause‚ so they cantered on away. “Who’s the kid with the attitude?” Leslie asked. “Oh‚ that’d be our Stevie Mattingly‚” he said in a tone of tolerant amusement. Several yards past the main thoroughfare‚ nestled in a copse of trees‚ sat a yellow-painted house with its own well‚ outhouse‚ barn‚ and back cabin. Hansall swung down from the rented horse and walked her across the lawn to the front post. He had built himself a comfortable life down a coal chute drawing lifeblood out of the hills‚ and it showed on his well-appointed land. Leslie scrubbed a thumb over his teeth‚ clearing grit from the ride‚ and hitched his mare as well. The front door opened on a woman wearing a brown skirt and white shirt belted at the waist. Her long‚ sandy hair hung loose. “Sarah‚ meet Miss Bruin‚” Hansall said. “Pleased to meet you‚” Sarah replied coolly. “Would you mind showing her back to the cabin while I get the horses in?” “Of course.” Leslie dipped a bow as Sarah descended from the porch. Bare feet and ankles flashed beneath her hemline. With his travel pack swung over one shoulder‚ Leslie followed her around the backside of the house. The westernmost hill swallowed the lingering sun and night spilled across the holler. Sarah pointed him to the cabin. “There’s a washbasin ready for you‚ and leftovers from dinner. We share the same outhouse. Knock on the back door if you’re needful.” “Thank you—” Leslie began. Sarah turned heel and strode away. A handsome married woman giving him the cold shoulder wasn’t entirely a surprise. He muttered‚ “Well‚ all right.” The single-room cabin contained an iron stove with a pipe through the roof; a brass bedframe topped by mattress‚ quilt‚ and pillow; a desk with water basin and lantern; a scuffed cedar cabinet; and a swinging pane-glass window‚ left open. Moths fluttered around the lantern. Lowering the latch behind him‚ he unfastened his boots then stripped to boxers and undershirt. Muggy night air meant mosquitoes‚ so with a groan he swung the window shut. He had a number of interlocking tasks he’d need to start first thing on the morrow: secure a location to run services from‚ determine the receptivity of the townspeople to nursing‚ count the children and pregnant or aiming-to-be-pregnant women‚ diagnose any parasitic infections or other health troubles‚ and ultimately establish himself as an authority… but never too much of an authority‚ lest the local doctors or aunties sense a threat to their monopolies. And lastly‚ though the FNS would turf him if word got ’round‚ he had to keep an eye peeled for those secret‚ vital needs. Wives tired of childbearing but unfamiliar with preventatives; young men clueless on how to please their paramours; girls whose bodily education began and ended in the church pew; fellows who weren’t quite fellows‚ and ladies who weren’t quite ladies: once he’d integrated into town life‚ the whispers would start to arrive at his ear‚ and he could apply the sexological knowledge he’d gathered in Europe. He’d grown proficient at pursuing his own crosswise labors from within the troubled system he served; that was the real reason he’d stuffed himself back into a nurse’s role. In the meantime‚ he collapsed onto the creaking mattress and drew a book from his pack. Orlando: A Biography‚ which he’d secured from a city shop during his preparations for Spar Creek. Novels had always supplied him with the comfort‚ understanding‚ and indulgence life otherwise lacked. Swaddled by fantasies of being elsewhere or else-when‚ plied with a woman’s tender kisses and safe from harm—during those psychic travels he could be free‚ and desirable‚ and whole. Thumbing to his dogear‚ he read‚ Nature‚ who has played so many queer tricks upon us‚ making us so unequally of clay and diamonds… A tree limb cracked like gunfire‚ too close for comfort. Leslie smacked the book closed and shot bolt upright. His reflection flickered in the window’s black glass‚ hollow-eyed and broad-shouldered‚ staring reproachfully. Though he sat rigid waiting for another noise‚ none came‚ aside from the distant creek murmuring through the eaves. Excerpted from The Woods All Black‚ copyright © 2024 by Lee Mandelo. The post Read an Excerpt From Lee Mandelo’s <;em>;The Woods All Black<;/em>; appeared first on Reactor.

In the world of music‚ drummers seldom get the recognition they deserve. Vocalists and lead guitarists‚ front and center‚ usually steal the spotlight from their percussive partners—the poor‚ forgotten bassists and drummers. Yet these last two are crucial elements in musical composition‚ and their importance cannot be overlooked. There have been some truly amazing drummers […] The post Top 10 Best Drumming Performances of All Time appeared first on Listverse.

“Give me your tired‚ your poor‚ Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free‚ The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these‚ the homeless‚ tempest-tost to me‚ I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” –Emma Lazarus‚ “The New Colossus” (1883) And come they did in their millions from across the ocean‚ seeking to enter […] The post 10 Ungilded Realities of Life in the Gilded Age appeared first on Listverse.

The parade sequence from the original Final Fantasy 7 has been greatly expanded in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth‚ allowing you to customize your parade formation with troops that you find throughout Junon. To earn the highest possible score for your performance‚ you’ll need the best combination of troops. You only need to recruit five different troops to begin the parade in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth‚ but collecting them all will give you the most freedom when it comes to creating formations. Different troop combinations can unlock harder formations and‚ in turn‚ earn you more points‚ bringing you one step closer to the Presidential Commendation (and a missable trophy). Which Parade Formation Should You Choose in FF7 Rebirth? Screenshot: PC Invasion While you can mix and match Seventh Infantry units to create a wide variety of formations‚ the absolute best combination is two Riot Troopers‚ two Grenadiers‚ and one Flametrooper. Placing the Flametrooper in the center of the grou...

When you reach Junon in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth‚ you’ll need to collect members of the Seventh Infantry to participate in the parade so Cloud and the party can get closer to Rufus Shinra. The troopers are scattered throughout Junon‚ however‚ so completing the “No I in Team” quest can be tricky. You only need to find five of the 10 Seventh Infantry groups to begin the parade and continue with the main storyline‚ but you will unlock different parade formations based on the troops that you recruit. If you want the best chance of receiving the Presidential Commendation (and snagging a missable trophy)‚ you’ll need to find all of them. All Seventh Infantry Locations in Junon Screenshot: PC Invasion Most of the Seventh Infantry troops can be found inside the shops in Junon’s shopping center‚ but a few of them are taking photos outside or taking in the sights outdoors. It’s easy enough to find five of them‚ but finding all 10 of them can be hard...

President Joe Biden’s decision to float a possible two-state solution in the aftermath of Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7 incentivizes terrorism and may inspire radical Islamist terrorist attacks in the U.S.‚ a member of the Knesset‚ Israel’s parliament‚ tells “The Daily Signal Podcast.” Ohad Tal‚ a member of the Religious Zionist Party and part of the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus‚ responded to the Biden administration “basically resurrecting the idea of the two-state solution.” “We do not think that this is a solution. We think this is a huge problem‚” he says. “Especially after October 7‚ it sends a message that terror‚ that’s the path to go‚” Tal adds. “If you want to get achievements? Use terror. You’ll get what you want.” “That’s a horrible message in the Middle East‚ it’s a horrible message for Israel‚ but it’s a horrible message also for America‚” he warns‚ “because radical Islam‚ when they will get that this is the way to move forward‚ you will meet them here in America. You will meet them in Europe.” Tal is suggesting that rewarding the Oct. 7 attacks—in which Hamas terrorists slaughtered and raped more than 1‚200 Israelis‚ including civilians‚ women‚ and children—will incentivize terrorism across the world‚ including in the U.S. He recommends a different approach. “I think we should send the opposite message—that terror cannot be rewarded‚ that terror cannot be the right path to go‚” he says. Biden’s national security adviser‚ Jake Sullivan‚ said the U.S. would link any potential normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia with a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. Biden later insisted that a two-state solution remains possible‚ though he demurred on saying what sort of two-state solution Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might support. Tal says that Israel must fully defeat Hamas in order to obtain peace in the region. “This time it has to be for good. We have to complete the job‚” he tells “The Daily Signal Podcast.” “Hamas are just a proxy of the octopus‚ of which the head is Iran‚” he warns. Tal urges Christians to stand with Israel. “We have to stand together and protect our Judeo-Christian values together‚” he says. He also notes that “Israel is serving America’s interests‚” because Iran is attacking American troops in the region “every single day.” Listen to the interview with Knesset member Ohad Tal below. Have an opinion about this article? To sound off‚ please email letters@DailySignal.com‚ and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state.  The post Biden Floating of 2-State Solution After Oct. 7 May Inspire Hamas-Style Terrorist Attacks in US‚ Knesset Member Warns appeared first on The Daily Signal.

The winter season isn’t all about cold weather that brings freezing temperatures. In many areas‚ it also dumps loads of snow on the road which immobilizes motorists‚ especially those using small vehicles. Getting stuck in a mountain of heavy snow is an absolute dilemma for motorists. More often than not‚ the easiest and fastest way... The post Amish men spot SUV stuck in a snowy ditch and show the driver the meaning of “horsepower” appeared first on Animal Channel.

In discussing how Univision reports on immigration‚ we often point out the differences in how they cover the issue versus how immigration is covered on other networks. We’ve often characterized Univision as an activist network. And recently‚ the network aired some of its most egregious pro-immigration propaganda to date. Take notice of this exchange between a Univision producer and three unaccompanied minors who had just arrived at Sasabe‚ Arizona: REPORTER: Are you taking care of them? ALAN PONCE: Yes. REPORTER: Why are you taking care of them? PONCE: Because they told me to. REPORTER: And do you think you're old enough to take care of them? PONCE: No. VILCHEZ: At six years old‚ little Ashley told us how she felt. ASHLEY PONCE: My mother left and the one she left in charge of us was my brother. I obey him a lot. Because he is my brother - I obey him a lot because he is very big. REPORTER: Do you love your brother very much? PONCE: Yes. REPORTER: We must pay attention to him. Do you want to see your mom now? PONCE: Yes. REPORTER: What do you want to tell your mom? PONCE: That I love her. She had never broken my heart. REPORTER: Did she break (your heart)? Why? PONCE: Because she left. VILCHEZ: Is there some quote from your daughter that touches you most deeply? JIMENEZ: Yes. That I broke her heart by leaving them. Heart-rending stuff. This is what Univision viewers are shown when immigration is discussed. Cute kids coming unaccompanied across the border‚ or intact families. You NEVER see‚ except for that one time where Univision reported on the ongoing influx of Chinese migrants‚ coverage of the legions of single‚ fighting-age men coming over the border. Also‚ it is worth noting the conveniently-placed news crew at the border. Pair that with the correspondent sitting in the living room with the children’s mother‚ and a reasonable person can infer that this was staged and not at all organic. The story itself is pretty straightforward. Mom in Mexico leaves her children behind‚ tried sending for them‚ entrusted them to her mother who refused to send them over‚ then handed them off to a cousin. Who fell ill and handed them off to coyotes or something. So these kids are floating around the border badlands and they’re about get a TV camera shoved in their faces.  Meanwhile‚ mom is sitting in her living room in New Jersey with a correspondent who is showing her fresh video of her kids at the border. Ergo‚ the “broken heart” moment. This manipulative migrant storytelling‚ intended to generate sympathies towards migrants and support of the current policy‚ is designed to conceal what actually happens at the border‚ and aired at the expense of actual news.  Rather than news‚ our communities are subjected to propaganda. Click “Expand” to view the full transcript of the aforementioned report as aired on Noticiero Univision on Monday‚ February 26th‚ 2024: ELIAN ZIDAN: We begin this evening with an exclusive. This weekend‚ in Arizona‚ three minor siblings were found walking alone along the southern border after being abandoned by a coyote who also helped them cross into the United States. ILIA CALDERÓN: And Univisión‚ Elián‚ was the only media that spoke with them and was able to accompany them until the Border Patrol arrived. Blanca Rosa Vílchez contacted the children's mother in New Jersey and through tears told her that she’s counting the hours until she sees them and hugs them. ADELFA JIMÉNEZ: Not having come without them. That's what I would have changed. Not having come without them. BLANCA ROSA VÍLCHEZ: It was a decision she will always regret‚ says Adelfa Jiménez‚ to let her children‚ ages 9‚ 6‚ and 3‚ cross the border alone to join her and her husband in the United States. Why did they cross alone? JIMENEZ: Because in Mexico‚ my mother is elderly. I told my mother: “bring my children. I will support you- we’ll support you with money.” Bring my children. My mom said no. VILCHEZ: So after not seeing them for a year‚ they decided to have them brought over by a cousin. JIMÉNEZ: He hurt his foot and returned to Mexico‚ and just left them in the care of a group. VILCHEZ: Adelfa lost contact with them… Let's watch it together then... …until this video recorded by the Univision team at the border allowed her to see them in Sasabe‚ Arizona. REPORTER: Are you taking care of them? ALAN PONCE: Yes. REPORTER: Why are you taking care of them? PONCE: Because they told me to. REPORTER: And do you think you're old enough to take care of them? PONCE: No. VILCHEZ: At six years old‚ little Ashley told us how she felt. ASHLEY PONCE: My mother left and the one she left in charge of us was my brother. I obey him a lot. Because he is my brother - I obey him a lot because he is very big. REPORTER: Do you love your brother very much? PONCE: Yes. REPORTER: We must pay attention to him. Do you want to see your mom now? PONCE: Yes. REPORTER: What do you want to tell your mom? PONCE: That I love her. Shehad never broken my heart. REPORTER: Did she break (your heart)? Why? PONCE: Because she left. VILCHEZ: Is there some quote from your daughter that touches you most deeply? JIMENEZ: Yes.That I broke her heart by leaving them. VILCHEZ: During the last conversation with her eldest son three days ago‚ he told her that they were with immigration agents. Customs and Border Protection told us they cannot comment on specific cases. JIMENEZ: (holding items of clothing) I'm going to see them wearing this‚ that's what excites me the most. VILCHEZ: For now‚ the only thing that encourages her is the hope of preparing for the reunion. JIMENEZ: (praying) what I ask of you‚ I have always asked you for my children. VILCHEZ: And to have faith that she will see them soon. JIMENEZ: I'm going to cry a lot‚ but with joy‚ because I know that they are going to be with me because we are going to form the family that they deserve. VILCHEZ: In Manahawkin‚ New Jersey‚ Blanca Rosa Vílchez‚ Univision.  

Click Below to Skip Ahead Characteristics Temperament Intelligence Food &; Diet Exercise Health Training Grooming Fun Facts The Rott Pei is a relatively rare crossbreed that’s quickly gaining popularity. These large‚ imposing dogs are a mix of two of the most recognizable breeds in the canine world: the Rottweiler and the Chinese Shar Pei. The Rott Pei is an interesting cross between a dedicated working dog and a fierce protector‚ so it can be a gamble as to which temperament you’ll get from a puppy! However‚ with the proper training and socialization‚ this fascinating breed is one of the most handsome and loyal. Breed Overview Height:18–24 inches Weight:55–95 pounds Lifespan:10–12 years Colors:Almost always black and tan‚ but can be any color the Shar-Pei is found in Suitable for:Active families‚ those familiar with strong-willed‚ intelligent dogs Temperament:Loyal‚ intelligent‚ alert‚ stubborn‚ confident‚ protective The Rott Pei is a cross between the black-and-tan Rottweiler (which hails from Germany) and the Chinese Shar Pei. Both these breeds have strong characteristics that allow them to perform the jobs they were bred for perfectly‚ and many of those make their way into the Rott Pei. Loyalty‚ determination‚ and a unique look are all found in the Rott Pei‚ which is why the crossbreed is becoming increasingly popular. Rott Pei Breed Puppies View this post on Instagram A post shared by TAIL WAGS TRAINING LLC (@tailwagstraining) The Rott Pei is a relatively rare breed that is a mix of two more established ones. Because of that‚ there aren’t many breeders of Rott Peis around. Shelters may be a good place to find a Rott Pei‚ but you may have to wait a while for one to show up. Rott Pei puppies are as bold and rambunctious as any other puppies are‚ and they likely have huge paws to grow into! Because the Rott Pei is classed as a large dog‚ puppies will need large-breed puppy food to help them thrive and grow as they should. Image Credit: Left – NioleNina‚ Pixabay | Right – Natalia Fesiun‚ Shutterstock Temperament &; Intelligence of the Rott Pei The Rott Pei takes temperament and intellectual traits from both the breeds that go into making them. The Rottweiler is an intensely playful and incredibly vigilant dog‚ taking pride in their stalwart and calm demeanor when on the job. With their family‚ the Rottie is silly and incredibly loving; it’s safe to say the Rott Pei inherits their love of play and attention from their Rottweiler parent! The Shar Pei is an alert and very loyal dog that can be standoffish with strangers. They are highly intelligent and make excellent guard dogs‚ but they need early socialization and continued training to prevent them from becoming fearful or territorial. With their family‚ the Shar Pei is an affectionate and easy-to-train breed‚ but any dominance needs to be addressed early. The Rott Pei can inherit intelligence and a willingness to learn from their Shar Pei parent‚ but a streak of stubbornness can also remain. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The Rott Pei can be an excellent dog for the right family. They’re ideal for an active household with older children since they are big and powerful dogs that could easily knock down and injure a small child. The whole family must be involved in their training; once socialized and trained‚ the Rott Pei is a loyal and loving family dog that is a fantastic protector. Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? If socialized correctly‚ the Rott Pei can get along well with other dogs. Very small breeds (such as toy breeds) may feel intimidated by the Rott Pei’s size and playful energy‚ and they may get accidentally hurt. However‚ the Rott Pei will get along with any dog if they’ve had the correct socialization. The Rott Pei can also get along well with cats if socialized early‚ as neither the Rottweiler nor the Shar Pei have a high prey drive. Dog-savvy cats will likely show them who’s boss pretty quickly‚ and long-lasting friendships can form. It’s important not to leave a Rott Pei alone with other pets because of their size and powerful jaws. Smaller pets‚ such as rabbits‚ should never be left alone with a Rott Pei‚ and it’s unwise to introduce them as they are large and powerful dogs that could easily harm them. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kali (@the_world_according_to_kali) Things to Know When Owning a Rott Pei: As with any breed‚ the Rott Pei has requirements that you’ll need to know to care for them correctly. Food &; Diet Requirements The Rott Pei is usually a large dog. Because they are also energetic‚ they’ll need a high-quality diet that provides enough energy to keep them moving. However‚ it’s important not to overfeed the Rott Pei as they can suffer from joint problems exacerbated by obesity. Any food should be nutritionally complete and have at least 20% protein to fuel your Rott Pei’s antics! Exercise The Rott Pei is unfortunately prone to putting on weight‚ and exercise is vital. They’re active but not overly so‚ and they’ll need a large outdoor space to exercise in. The Rott Pei won’t be satisfied by a walk around the yard‚ and two long walks a day combined with play sessions can keep them fit. Intense exercise is sometimes detrimental to the Rott Pei since they’re more likely to suffer from joint problems than other crossbreeds. Keeping exercise engaging and regular is a better option than letting them perform jumps or high-intensity exercise. Agility training can be a good way to encourage the Rott Pei to exercise‚ and even the more stoic and lazy Rott Peis can be kept slim with at least an hour to 1 ½ hours of daily exercise. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jule und Daniel (@asko_the_rottpei) Training The Rott Pei is an intelligent dog keen to learn and follow instructions‚ but they can be stubborn and willful if the correct methods aren’t used. Finding out what motivates your Rott Pei is important since some dogs are not food or praise-oriented. Combined with short and regular training sessions‚ the correct motivation will keep your Rott Pei engaged and focused. Training and early socialization are very important; they’re powerful dogs with a protective streak‚ which can become problematic if left unchecked. The Rott Pei can benefit from obedience classes and competitions since they’re loyal and regimented if training is done right. Grooming The Rott Pei is an easily groomed dog‚ thanks to the short fur of their parents. They have an interesting coat‚ which is very coarse and almost sharp; in fact‚ the name “Shar Pei” translates to “sand skin”! Rottweilers sport a short but dense and shining coat that only needs weekly grooming. You should introduce your Rott Pei to nail clipping and tooth brushing as a puppy since it will make it much easier to trim their claws and brush their teeth as an adult. Because Rott Peis have floppy ears‚ ensure you clean them regularly to prevent wax buildup and keep an eye out for redness or signs of infection. Health and Conditions Because the Rott Pei is a crossbreed‚ they don’t usually have as many health problems. However‚ Rott Peis are still prone to issues thanks to their parents‚ as well as their size and stature. Minor Conditions Entropion Obesity Pododermatitis Skin fold infections Serious Conditions Hip dysplasia Dilated Cardiomyopathy Osteosarcoma Shar Pei fever Male vs Female There is little difference between male and female Rott Peis‚ but females are smaller than males. Other than that‚ the only differences are related to genitalia and hormones. Males can have behavioral problems related to testosterone‚ so neutering is advised to reduce undesirable behavior. Similarly‚ females can become agitated during the heat cycle‚ but spaying can help. 3 Little-Known Facts About The Rott Pei 1. Rott Peis Have Wrinkles Around the Muzzle Just Like Shar Peis! 2. They’re a Rare Crossbreed‚ but They’re Becoming Much More Common 3. Most Rott Peis Inherit the Black and Tan Coloring and Markings of Their Rottweiler Parent View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jule und Daniel (@asko_the_rottpei) Final Thoughts The Rott Pei is an interesting crossbreed of two loyal dogs with a powerful sense of protectiveness. The Rottweiler is stalwart but incredibly playful with their family‚ while the Shar Pei is more reserved and standoffish with strangers. The Rott Pei is usually a loving mix of the two‚ but early socialization is critical for their health and happiness. The protective and stubborn streak they inherit can cause lots of problems (and even make them dangerous) down the line. Ultimately‚ the Rott Pei makes a fantastic family protector with an adorable face and plenty of love to give their humans. Sources Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Breed Information Shar Pei – PDSA Shar-Pei Dog Breed Health and Care | PetMD Rottweiler Dog Breed Information Familial Shar-Pei Fever | PetMD What Motivates Your Dog To Work | AKC Featured Image Credit: Left – Serova_Ekaterina‚ Shutterstock | Right – Liliya Kulianionak‚ Shutterstock The post Rott Pei (Shar Pei Rottweiler Mix): Care‚ Pictures‚ Info &; More appeared first on Pet Keen.