I felt duped. I fell for her poor me, please help me twice, and I was a stay at home mom, with no income coming in so I put it on my credit card. It was a small amount both times, but I thought I was helping someone who really needed it. Then the veil was lifted and I feel sick that I ever fell for her poor me routine. It is routine now. A sick routine. I had bought her first three books, which I either threw away or gave away.
That money that I spent on her books and donated would have better spent on diapers which collect shit than spent on a person who shits on everyone, never says thank you, and demands more and more without lifting a finger to help a slowly dying sheep while looking for her next toy (example, looking for a hawk while the lamb suffered or writing about Maude dying instead of helping her beloved sheep to garner more sympathy funds).
I rarely read her anymore, but like many, I can't seem to look away from the train speeding down the rails about to crash. I just can't believe it hasn't crashed already.
Also, I am so tired of the smirks. It's just another way of her saying, ha ha i play so you can work..and then i can cut on you for working in an office, but please donate to save my farm, truck, tooth, etc. It is just really sickening, and I am sad I fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
I'm SO sorry. Don't feel sick. She is a master manipulator and a con artist scammer. I bet she will smirk reading the comment rather than change her ways. It is not your fault, your heart was in the right place.
If you ever need anything I can post something on this blog if you find yourself in a pinch. I bet you are raising compassionate kids! :)
"AnonymousJuly 4, 2015 at 11:13 PM I donated for a specific purpose, vet bill and animal feed. I'm retired, worked really hard at a "poodle" job for over 30 years. Yeah, not much play time. Jenna's hobbies are not interesting to me now, nor would they when I was younger. I regret making the donations, since I have no idea if the money was used for the purpose I intended. There will be no more. I worked hard and paid my bills on time and never anyone for a donation in my life. As I've said earlier I got caught up after reading Barnheart. Now I know there is no plan for a sustainable future for CAF. I would ask one question to the readers of this blog. I know that Maudes ewe lamb died, does anyone know what happened? Thanks. Again Meredith, I appreciate you hosting this blog."
I was stunned that I misread someone so terribly! I am usually really good at seeing through people, but I missed it. I even met her in person and went to her farm. I truly believed she was a young woman who got in over her head. Now I am even more careful about people b/c she is scamming people. It even took me years of reading this blog to really believe I got THAT duped. But, I did. I want to scream at those new followers and commenters who are writing comments like what I used to write to her. They are about to donate....then eventually they will figure it out and get to here. I'm just....embarrassed at how stupid I was.
I don't know about FB but she only allows "certain" kind of responses/comments on her website. She allowed one of my comments, that put me in a bad light, so her crazed fans could tell me how stupid I was for saying her beloved horse needs shelter in winter when he had a thick layer of ice/snow on his back. But when I wrote back to defend myself she omitted my comment, and I stand by what I said, and sometimes you need to be the smarter one and lead the horse into the barn, instead of thinking he will do it on his own accord. Maybe the barn stinks to high heaven, so he doesn't want to be in there, but would be better off than in freezing temps with ice on his back. But that is just me and I care for my animals.
I forgot to add that I would make sure my animals were in a well ventilated, clean, and safe barn, because even if some are food they deserve a good life.
Yeah, I tried to post to her blog, but she never published my comments and she ignored my emails. I don't do facebook. Plus, at this point, I just want to move on, but I hate to watch other people in her comments section fall for her ploys like I did.
I never donated to Jenna. I started reading her blog not long before she got Merlin. I emailed her privately to raise some questions she should think about before making such a large purchase. We all know how that went. Then she quit working, and I emailed her again. That was an alarmingly stupid decision. Sure enough, she started posting about sleeplessness and panic attacks once a month, about the repo man coming for her truck and being behind on her mortgage. A couple of times it was so painful reading those posts that I really wanted to send her some money, but I emailed her first to ask if she had considered various sources of help for her "emergency " and if she was finally willing to get a job. She impolitely told me to shut up, she knew what she was doing and that she found my email scary, and told me not to contact her anymore. Shortly after that I came here. It's entirely her own fault that she has so many "mean girls" being critical of her.
I never donated to Jenna. I started reading her blog not long before she got Merlin. I emailed her privately to raise some questions she should think about before making such a large purchase. We all know how that went. Then she quit working, and I emailed her again. That was an alarmingly stupid decision. Sure enough, she started posting about sleeplessness and panic attacks once a month, about the repo man coming for her truck and being behind on her mortgage. A couple of times it was so painful reading those posts that I really wanted to send her some money, but I emailed her first to ask if she had considered various sources of help for her "emergency " and if she was finally willing to get a job. She impolitely told me to shut up, she knew what she was doing and that she found my email scary, and told me not to contact her anymore. Shortly after that I came here. It's entirely her own fault that she has so many "mean girls" being critical of her.
I sent her a private email too after one of her panicky, breathless posts about wolves at her door. I laid out some practical suggestions for getting herself back on her feet.
She sent me a calm and polite reply, saying she was just fine and was actually making more money than when she was working at Orvis.
Huh? Then what was the panicky post about? Now I know it was to garner sympathy and more donations. She has no intentions of getting a job and supporting herself. Ever.
I never donated to her because I was busy working to fund my own life, but I have a story to share. I was appalled during her Kickstarter campaign when several people said they would like to donate but money was tight. Instead of telling that it was ok not to donate, she actually encouraged them and cheered them on, telling them they could pledge now and pay later.
WTF? How could she live with herself? I guess when you are a narcissist you don't have a conscience either.
I saw those comments, too--- I was repulsed by her behavior. I had a low opinion of her already but seeing her actively extracting money from people who clearly didn't have it to spare was mind blowing. She's really that awful.
I came SO close to donating, literally about to hit the button and send a generous donation, when I realized that by donating to her, I was putting our hard-earned money someplace other than the rural property my husband and I were trying to buy for ourselves at the time. Once the fund-drive was over, she blogged that she'd not only raised her goal, but had money left over to get started fixing the place up. Then she bought the puppy, and I thought that was probably where some of the extra money had gone -- money that she could have put towards fixing up the house or saving for a new roof or whatever. Listen, when you make your own money, you can spend it how you like. But once you accept money, be it from friends or a family member, they will constantly be looking over your shoulder to see how you're spending it and letting you know if they approve or not. Others who who didn't give you any are ALSO watching you and deciding if you are spending wisely now that you have other people's money. It's no different whether its a family member who takes a loan from daddy or a televangelist asking for donations for the poor. So when the televangelist gets donations and coincidentally at the same time buys a private jet or lake house, there is a backlash. When Uncle Larry borrows 10 grand from dad to stop his house from being repossessed and drives up in a sports car the following week, there is a backlash. No different here. D.
I donated several times, years ago, when I found her inspiring and thought that there was sincere need and real hard luck. I foolishly thought of it like a neighborhood "benefit" (still common here in the Midwest), when you have a potluck, raffle, get-together for a family that's down on their luck, everyone chips in and all the proceeds to the family.
Boy, was I wrong.
Shortly after I donated, along came the horse, more animals, lots of bourbon consumption, then more tae kwon do lessons, constant commentary on Game of Thrones (HBO subscription is required!), Outlander (pretty sure this is also a premium cable channel!), dinners out at restaurants, new accessories, now a new imported puppy, the list goes on and on and on.
At first I was annoyed, then furious, and then finally I decided to let it go, and move on. I've become very skeptical now of people asking for help. In the future, when I don't know all the details, I've decided that I will donate useful *items* - food, animal feed, etc. instead of *money*, that can be sneakily used for whiskey, unicorns, wizard costumes, or who knows what else.
She's no different from the "homeless" person begging for money for "food" on the street corner. You know, the ones who have been exposed as the scam artists they really are. They're either going to spend the money on drugs or alcohol, or they're the kind who do that as their day jobs, because it makes more money than actually *working*.
She's the bum on the (internet) street corner. Don't make direct eye contact, and lock your doors!
We had a guy in my old town who begged outside the local shopping center every day, with a small dog to help generate sympathy. Once I just happened to drive in as he was getting off work....he was talking on his cell phone and then got into a Lexus and drove away. Yes, a Lexus. That was the day I stopped giving to individuals, and started giving to vetted charities instead. You just can't always believe the yarn that someone's spinning about their life.
^ Yes, this. Another reason to donate physical, useful *things* - food, cleaning products, etc. to persons in need, or charities. There was a similar scandal a few years back, where a chunk of cash donated to an animal rescue was spent on wine-and-dine events instead of food, vetting, and litter.
If they are authentic, they'll be grateful for food or helpful items. If they're a scam artist, at least they can't turn a casserole into a 40oz malt beverage.....
I felt duped. I fell for her poor me, please help me twice, and I was a stay at home mom, with no income coming in so I put it on my credit card. It was a small amount both times, but I thought I was helping someone who really needed it. Then the veil was lifted and I feel sick that I ever fell for her poor me routine. It is routine now. A sick routine. I had bought her first three books, which I either threw away or gave away.
ReplyDeleteThat money that I spent on her books and donated would have better spent on diapers which collect shit than spent on a person who shits on everyone, never says thank you, and demands more and more without lifting a finger to help a slowly dying sheep while looking for her next toy (example, looking for a hawk while the lamb suffered or writing about Maude dying instead of helping her beloved sheep to garner more sympathy funds).
I rarely read her anymore, but like many, I can't seem to look away from the train speeding down the rails about to crash. I just can't believe it hasn't crashed already.
Also, I am so tired of the smirks. It's just another way of her saying, ha ha i play so you can work..and then i can cut on you for working in an office, but please donate to save my farm, truck, tooth, etc. It is just really sickening, and I am sad I fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
I'm SO sorry. Don't feel sick. She is a master manipulator and a con artist scammer. I bet she will smirk reading the comment rather than change her ways. It is not your fault, your heart was in the right place.
DeleteIf you ever need anything I can post something on this blog if you find yourself in a pinch. I bet you are raising compassionate kids! :)
Thank you Meredith.
DeleteI copied and pasted this from a previous thread:
ReplyDelete"AnonymousJuly 4, 2015 at 11:13 PM
I donated for a specific purpose, vet bill and animal feed. I'm retired, worked really hard at a "poodle" job for over 30 years. Yeah, not much play time. Jenna's hobbies are not interesting to me now, nor would they when I was younger. I regret making the donations, since I have no idea if the money was used for the purpose I intended. There will be no more. I worked hard and paid my bills on time and never anyone for a donation in my life. As I've said earlier I got caught up after reading Barnheart. Now I know there is no plan for a sustainable future for CAF. I would ask one question to the readers of this blog. I know that Maudes ewe lamb died, does anyone know what happened? Thanks. Again Meredith, I appreciate you hosting this blog."
I was stunned that I misread someone so terribly! I am usually really good at seeing through people, but I missed it. I even met her in person and went to her farm. I truly believed she was a young woman who got in over her head. Now I am even more careful about people b/c she is scamming people. It even took me years of reading this blog to really believe I got THAT duped. But, I did. I want to scream at those new followers and commenters who are writing comments like what I used to write to her. They are about to donate....then eventually they will figure it out and get to here. I'm just....embarrassed at how stupid I was.
ReplyDeletewhy don't you post this on her fb or website?
DeleteI don't know about FB but she only allows "certain" kind of responses/comments on her website. She allowed one of my comments, that put me in a bad light, so her crazed fans could tell me how stupid I was for saying her beloved horse needs shelter in winter when he had a thick layer of ice/snow on his back. But when I wrote back to defend myself she omitted my comment, and I stand by what I said, and sometimes you need to be the smarter one and lead the horse into the barn, instead of thinking he will do it on his own accord. Maybe the barn stinks to high heaven, so he doesn't want to be in there, but would be better off than in freezing temps with ice on his back. But that is just me and I care for my animals.
DeleteI forgot to add that I would make sure my animals were in a well ventilated, clean, and safe barn, because even if some are food they deserve a good life.
DeleteYeah, I tried to post to her blog, but she never published my comments and she ignored my emails. I don't do facebook. Plus, at this point, I just want to move on, but I hate to watch other people in her comments section fall for her ploys like I did.
DeleteI never donated to Jenna. I started reading her blog not long before she got Merlin. I emailed her privately to raise some questions she should think about before making such a large purchase. We all know how that went. Then she quit working, and I emailed her again. That was an alarmingly stupid decision. Sure enough, she started posting about sleeplessness and panic attacks once a month, about the repo man coming for her truck and being behind on her mortgage. A couple of times it was so painful reading those posts that I really wanted to send her some money, but I emailed her first to ask if she had considered various sources of help for her "emergency " and if she was finally willing to get a job. She impolitely told me to shut up, she knew what she was doing and that she found my email scary, and told me not to contact her anymore. Shortly after that I came here. It's entirely her own fault that she has so many "mean girls" being critical of her.
ReplyDeleteI never donated to Jenna. I started reading her blog not long before she got Merlin. I emailed her privately to raise some questions she should think about before making such a large purchase. We all know how that went. Then she quit working, and I emailed her again. That was an alarmingly stupid decision. Sure enough, she started posting about sleeplessness and panic attacks once a month, about the repo man coming for her truck and being behind on her mortgage. A couple of times it was so painful reading those posts that I really wanted to send her some money, but I emailed her first to ask if she had considered various sources of help for her "emergency " and if she was finally willing to get a job. She impolitely told me to shut up, she knew what she was doing and that she found my email scary, and told me not to contact her anymore. Shortly after that I came here. It's entirely her own fault that she has so many "mean girls" being critical of her.
ReplyDeleteI sent her a private email too after one of her panicky, breathless posts about wolves at her door. I laid out some practical suggestions for getting herself back on her feet.
DeleteShe sent me a calm and polite reply, saying she was just fine and was actually making more money than when she was working at Orvis.
Huh? Then what was the panicky post about? Now I know it was to garner sympathy and more donations. She has no intentions of getting a job and supporting herself. Ever.
I never donated to her because I was busy working to fund my own life, but I have a story to share. I was appalled during her Kickstarter campaign when several people said they would like to donate but money was tight. Instead of telling that it was ok not to donate, she actually encouraged them and cheered them on, telling them they could pledge now and pay later.
ReplyDeleteWTF? How could she live with herself? I guess when you are a narcissist you don't have a conscience either.
I saw those comments, too--- I was repulsed by her behavior. I had a low opinion of her already but seeing her actively extracting money from people who clearly didn't have it to spare was mind blowing. She's really that awful.
DeleteOne of the key traits of a narcissist is the lack of empathy. Their brains just aren't capable of it.
DeleteI came SO close to donating, literally about to hit the button and send a generous donation, when I realized that by donating to her, I was putting our hard-earned money someplace other than the rural property my husband and I were trying to buy for ourselves at the time. Once the fund-drive was over, she blogged that she'd not only raised her goal, but had money left over to get started fixing the place up. Then she bought the puppy, and I thought that was probably where some of the extra money had gone -- money that she could have put towards fixing up the house or saving for a new roof or whatever. Listen, when you make your own money, you can spend it how you like. But once you accept money, be it from friends or a family member, they will constantly be looking over your shoulder to see how you're spending it and letting you know if they approve or not. Others who who didn't give you any are ALSO watching you and deciding if you are spending wisely now that you have other people's money. It's no different whether its a family member who takes a loan from daddy or a televangelist asking for donations for the poor. So when the televangelist gets donations and coincidentally at the same time buys a private jet or lake house, there is a backlash. When Uncle Larry borrows 10 grand from dad to stop his house from being repossessed and drives up in a sports car the following week, there is a backlash. No different here.
ReplyDeleteD.
Well, I can't say as I've ever been tempted to donate to her-- I'm of the opinion that she's obliged to earn a living like anyone else.
ReplyDeleteIf you did donate to her, you shouldn't feel bad-- it just means you're kind hearted and generous. Jenna is a very persuasive manipulator.
I donated several times, years ago, when I found her inspiring and thought that there was sincere need and real hard luck. I foolishly thought of it like a neighborhood "benefit" (still common here in the Midwest), when you have a potluck, raffle, get-together for a family that's down on their luck, everyone chips in and all the proceeds to the family.
ReplyDeleteBoy, was I wrong.
Shortly after I donated, along came the horse, more animals, lots of bourbon consumption, then more tae kwon do lessons, constant commentary on Game of Thrones (HBO subscription is required!), Outlander (pretty sure this is also a premium cable channel!), dinners out at restaurants, new accessories, now a new imported puppy, the list goes on and on and on.
At first I was annoyed, then furious, and then finally I decided to let it go, and move on. I've become very skeptical now of people asking for help. In the future, when I don't know all the details, I've decided that I will donate useful *items* - food, animal feed, etc. instead of *money*, that can be sneakily used for whiskey, unicorns, wizard costumes, or who knows what else.
~A
She's no different from the "homeless" person begging for money for "food" on the street corner. You know, the ones who have been exposed as the scam artists they really are. They're either going to spend the money on drugs or alcohol, or they're the kind who do that as their day jobs, because it makes more money than actually *working*.
ReplyDeleteShe's the bum on the (internet) street corner. Don't make direct eye contact, and lock your doors!
We had a guy in my old town who begged outside the local shopping center every day, with a small dog to help generate sympathy. Once I just happened to drive in as he was getting off work....he was talking on his cell phone and then got into a Lexus and drove away. Yes, a Lexus. That was the day I stopped giving to individuals, and started giving to vetted charities instead. You just can't always believe the yarn that someone's spinning about their life.
Delete^ Yes, this. Another reason to donate physical, useful *things* - food, cleaning products, etc. to persons in need, or charities. There was a similar scandal a few years back, where a chunk of cash donated to an animal rescue was spent on wine-and-dine events instead of food, vetting, and litter.
DeleteIf they are authentic, they'll be grateful for food or helpful items. If they're a scam artist, at least they can't turn a casserole into a 40oz malt beverage.....
~A