News Mutt’s Battling Back

HYANNIS- Despite feeling a bit weary, the old gal was out riding shotgun with her muzzle in the wind today!

“Bustin’ Out!”  (a short bio) -

News Mutt first met Publisher Rob Bastille eleven years ago on death row at a local dog pound. Apparently, News Mutt was abused by her previous owners and had developed a bad attitude and distrust towards just about everything on two to four legs. The people in charge of the kennel had her marked to be “put down” and separated in a back room away from the other dogs- a hopeless case. Bastille still insisted on seeing her for a one-on-one interview. “She’s the most cranky, ornery, mean, suspicious, hateful, belligerent creature I’ve ever seen, but she’s a sweetie compared to my wife! How much you want for her?” Like Bonnie and Clyde, it was love and treachery right from the start. After signing the appropriate forms and waivers, forking over bail, saying farewell to several others stuck doing time, News Mutt and Bastille hit the road together and never returned.

News Mutt is the main inspiration behind Hyannis News.  For years Editor Rob Bastille and News Mutt have successfully battled boredom by patrolling downtown streets in search of decent coffee, riveting scoops, and free drive-thru dog biscuits. 

News Mutt, also known as “Chacha,” is currently fighting a rare blood condition that was originally discovered about ten years ago after an ignorant and malicious neighbor poisoned her just for being a “pit-bull.”   Dispite never causing any problems, Chacha was just a puppy when the neighbor publicly threatened to poison her because he thought she did not belong in that particular “family neighborhood.” 

One morning, about a week later, Chacha came in from being tied-up in the back yard spitting up blood.  She was taken to a local animal hospital but they were unable to control the bleeding.  Near death, she was then rushed off Cape to a hospital near Boston where the veterinarians told Bastille that there was little they could do.  They recommended putting Chacha “down” in order to avoid paying thousands of dollars when it was very likely she would die anyway.

Bastille did not give up on her.  He had rescued Chacha after returning to the area from living overseas in Bangkok.  Bastille had been living outside the U.S. for 5 long years and had dreamed of returning "home" someday and owning a puppy.  He would not abandon his new friend and the money came second to his dream.  Everyday he would ride his motorcycle off Cape and crawl into Chacha’s tiny kennel just to keep her company.  To make a long story short, News Mutt miraculously recovered to the point where she was able to return home after a lengthy hospitalization.

On the way home, Chacha suddenly made a noble effort to struggle to her “feet” in the back seat, managing to kiss the back of Bastille’s ear while he drove.  It was her way of saying thanks.  An indescribable bond had developed between the two.

The ignorant creep that had poisoned her was investigated by the MSPCA Law Enforcement Division.  They talked about setting up cameras in the house but Bastille chose to move to another neighborhood instead.  It was one of many lessons in patience that both Chacha and Bastille would endure together over their many years as friends.

News Mutt has soulfully repaid Bastille countless times with loyalty and companionship.  Every story they cover together is a priceless gift.