Being a reporter, I should have done my research ? but when I saw that little face, our bond became an instantaneous love. It was a love that I cannot begin to describe; however, I have to dig deep into myself and explain to everyone my latest story. This is the story of Christina and Sasha.
I have wanted a Maltese puppy since I was a little girl. We were never allowed to keep animals in the house so I finally grew up, saved up and brought one of my dreams to life ? I brought home my one-pound, white-haired baby Maltese and I called her Sasha.
This is where I find trouble writing, because this is where the trouble began.
I picked her up on March 10, and just two short hours later, Sasha stopped breathing and almost died. Thankfully, a dog trainer was present and he performed CPR on her. After a couple deep breathes, Sasha came to, I was fast off to the Animal Emergency Hospital.
To my surprise, Sasha had been mistreated from the breeder. She was not properly taken care of; resulting in a sugar level drop 60 points below average ? she was hypoglycemic. Also, she was sold to me too young, and she was stressed without her mother.
I was beside myself. I kept thinking, what type of person does this? Who, in their right mind, would sell a puppy to someone, knowing she came with health issues? If she had been breeding for years, as she said, then she would be an honest person and not sell a sick puppy to another. There is not only the attachment, but also the emotions gained.
I did what any person would do and contacted the breeder, who in turn wanted nothing to do with me. She even had the audacity to blame Sasha’s condition on me. A few days had passed and I took Sasha into the vet for her follow up. Again, I became surprised.
Sasha had an open fontanelle, or soft spot. This is normal for puppies; however, for an eight-week-old puppy, the fontanelle should have been a great deal smaller, or completely closed. This problem would eventually lead to other problems: Sasha could develop water on the brain and suffer from seizures.
All of this information hit me hard. I had to deal with a puppy that suffered from hypoglycemia, and now her beautiful little head had problems.
Now, the day is April 5, and my puppy was put to sleep. Her condition had worsened and her time was near. The vet advised me that this was the best thing for Sasha, and even though I have never felt this type of pain, I agreed for her sake.
She looked at me with confusion and began to lick my face. To date that was the hardest moment in my life. I told her I was sorry, kissed her as many times as I could before handing her over to the doctor.
I am emotional, but even more, I am an angry person right now. I will do whatever it takes to assure the breeder returns my $1,000.
I want to be very clear, I am not after the money; the principle is at hand, and I will not walk away and allow such a person to sit pretty while tears flow from the other side. I do not care what it takes or how much it will cost; I will resolve this.
I cannot seem to get one thing out of my head though. The vet told me that if the breeder had ever taken Sasha to the vet, they would have put her out of her misery in the beginning. Sadly, this is something that happens.
Unfortunately, it happened to everyone who ever met Sasha and to myself.
To the person responsible for hurting Sasha and myself: I tried very hard to find the words to describe your actions. . . there are none. The only thing I can come up with is that your actions were unacceptable, unethical and everything but humane.
Will I get a new puppy, absolutely. Anyone know a good and honest breeder? This is my reality.

Summer is a word that I have used a few times.
With it comes joy, smiles, no crimes.
People are happy and helpful and free.
Summer brings out the best in me.
I remember a day when the sun was shining and everything was bright.
There was not an unhappy per- son or frown in sight.
With that day came many won- derful things.
I would like to share with you the joy summer brings.
I love to wake up with birds sing- ing near my window pane.
Drinking my coffee on the porch is none other than insane.
The cement is warm and the neighbors so kind.
This thing called summer brings many things to mind.
At night when the sun finally stops shining.
A good night sleep and dream I will be finding.
I wake in the morn to quite a surprise.
The sun is gone and snow covers my eyes.
The gusting wind has blown over everything.
The plows I hear, no more birds to sing.
I will be late to my meeting and everything that day.
Arriving in one piece is something I pray.
People are rushed and everything seems blue.
Winter has put a toll on me, this statement so true.
I will retire my heels and go for the boots.
This winter causes crisis, my fashion no longer suits.
Things are much different when winter is here.
I can’s wait until it’s warm, until the skies are clear
That word, summer, means so many things.
Sadly we don’t experience the pleasure it brings.
Winter is our reality and will continue that way.
Summer can not arrive fast enough, nothing more to say.

Well, the Clarkston area has had its share of unhappy parents lately, greatly because of the redistricting of the elementary schools.
I have attended the board meetings and I have spoken with many parents on this issue, so I have heard both sides of the story. Now, it’s my turn to tell my side.
How it feels to be the middle man.
When this plan first came to my attention, I had to make certain I collected all the general information. As an education reporter, you would think I could find where the information without a problem.
That statement rings both true and false.
I started out practicing the normal techniques: attending the meetings and contacting the proper sources. And that is where my problem began.
I found it interesting when certain public employees were not very helpful; and in one case, wouldn’t even speak with me. I made several attempts to contact the director of elementary education, Geraldine Moore, but was denied that privilege. According to the director of communications, Anita Banach, Ms. Moore does not feel comfortable speaking with the press.
That said, maybe Moore should take a step back and consider her title and responsibilities.Who else better to learn why a decision was made than from the person making them? If she’s uncomfortable speaking with one reporter, how is she with a large group of parents whose children’s futures are being discussed?
In the end, I did receive the information I needed through an email from the director of communications. I also received generic quotes from Moore in the communication.
On the other side of the tracks in this issue are parents, and some are not happy campers. After speaking with a number of parents, it became clear that we shared a common problem; we were both left out of the communication loop.
Once I focused on their thoughts and views, I was able to understand their frustrations. The lack of communication between the school board and parents and the surprise many felt at the proposed redistricting of their elementaries. Also, the struggle to form some sort of involvement were some of the many obstacles these parents feel cannot be overcome.
I give these parents a lot of credit because they have definitely done their research. During my interviews, I was presented with visual aides and statistics. As a matter of fact, the board should ask to see this presentation.
Overall, my journey through the redistricting fiasco has been a bit frustrating. The plan itself is done very well, however, the parents? views, from what I’ve witnessed, were not considered. I believe school administrators hear what the parents are saying, but don’t know if they are necessarily listening.
For me, this issue is a story I must complete by deadline. For parents, it is their children and their children’s security. I never try to rub someone the wrong way, but I do have a voice and I have experienced the irritations first hand.
So there you have it, my side of the story. I am curious to see what happens at the Jan. 10 board meeting when the final decisions are slated to be made.
It’s not easy being the middle man, but someone’s got to do it.

I have been working in the real world for over a month now- and let me be the first to say, I am not in Kansas anymore. People to meet, places to go and stories to write sums up a day in the life of Christina Ulaj.
I think back to college, when I thought completing three stories a week was strenuous. Now, that number is in a place called fantasy land.
During school, all my sources were convenient, they were all under one roof; and I could find them by walking through the halls with a simple knock on the door. Now, because of people’s busy schedules, finding a source takes all my power and getting them to meet with me is a whole new problem. Whether the story is a faculty member who teaches classes, or a parent who is busy with her kids, I have to find some way to get my story. I have learned overnight that my job is very demanding.
Though demanding, I could not ask for a better bunch than the citizens of Clarkston. Every person I have come across has been ready and willing to help, and that puts a smile on my face everyday.
As the education reporter for Clarkston, I have my hands full- but, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
I have grown so much, not only as a writer, but also a person. I have the most rewarding job, and I have learned so much, so fast. I get to be around children and share in their excitement of winning a spelling bee or joining their classmates for a day of arts and crafts. Their expressions are captured through my lens so I can share with the community their joyous occasions.
Working with children, and the people involved, is like a breath of fresh air. I look at these kids everyday and I am being honest when I say, I am jealous. These children carry something that seems to be erased from a lot of people’s lives, and that is innocense. There are so many tragedies in the world, so much confusion and hatred. When I look to these kids, those factors do not exist in their lives. They are genuinely sincere, respectful and have the future in their eyes. In a way, these kids bring back memories of my carefree childhood. These children are what give me the strength and courage to wake up and go out there, despite my flustered thoughts.
I still have a lot to get used to. Deadlines and board members, parents and children-these are all parts of my job that I am attempting to conquer. With each day that passes, I am faster, stronger and aware of my surroundings.
I hate to use clich’s, but I believe the children are our future. I am thrilled that I am, in some way, a part of their accomplishments and successes.
So far, Clarkston has been good to me.