The $1,200 she paid was "the best money I ever spent," Aleshire told Clackamas County Circuit Judge Ronald Thom. "I still make monthly payments on the best friend I will never see again."
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| Kaylan Aleshire (right) and her mother with Max |
Max died in Aleshire's arms shortly afterward as she and her boyfriend rushed from their Government Camp home to a veterinarian.
Cliff admitted he booted Max. He even demonstrated by kicking a heavy duffel bag, Aleshire said.
"He did a back flip," Cliff told her.
Aleshire called the cops. Cliff, 20, pleaded guilty to first-degree animal abuse this week. Judge Thom sentenced him to 30 days in jail, five years on probation and ordered him to complete an anger management program. Cliff also has to reimburse Aleshire for the purchase price of the dog.
Aleshire tearfully recalled the last time she saw her dog alive. "I returned home a little while after Chuck kicked my little Max in the side of his face with deadly force ... snapping his neck and breaking his little back."
She said she later discovered photos and other information showing that Cliff had tormented the dog: Putting the animal in the refrigerator, blowing marijuana smoke in his face, holding the dog as it dangled over a second-floor balcony and hanging Max on the wall by placing a hook through the dog's sweater.
Cliff said he was surprised to see Aleshire in the courtroom. He apologized.
As Judge Thom spoke, Cliff interrupted him. Judge Thom cut him short.
"Shut up," the judge said. "I don't think you have a clue what you have done here."
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| Charles Joseph Cliff III |
"I wouldn't be going there," he cautioned the lawyer.
Animals bring us joy and they help us, Judge Thom said. In return, we are their guardians.
After Max died, Cliff moved to Pennsylvania. He will return there when he is released next month.
"I have no qualms about him leaving the state," Judge Thom said. "In fact, I wish he would."
(The Oregonian - June 29, 2012)
