Governor Kristi Noem’s recent book, ‘No Going Back,’ has drawn attention for its politically charged anecdotes, including her account of shooting a family dog and a goat. The Guardian, which obtained a copy of the book, reports that Noem describes growing angry with Cricket, the nearly 14-month-old wirehair pointer, during a hunting trip. She says the dog ruined the hunt by chasing birds instead of staying focused.
On the way home, Cricket escaped her truck and attacked a local family’s chickens, killing them one by one. When Noem attempted to grab the dog, it turned to bite her. She writes that she compensated the family for the chickens and helped clean up the remains.
Noem describes Cricket as untrainable, dangerous, and worthless as a hunting dog, leading her to the decision to shoot it in a gravel pit on her property. She acknowledges that it was an unpleasant task but maintains that it had to be done.
In another incident, Noem recounts killing a ‘nasty and mean’ male goat that emitted an unpleasant odor and chased her children. It took two attempts to successfully shoot the goat.
Noem includes these anecdotes to illustrate her belief in taking difficult actions when necessary and her willingness to do what she deems necessary, even if it’s ‘difficult, messy, and ugly.’ She acknowledges that construction workers witnessed her killing both animals but notes that they resumed their work before her children arrived.
Noem’s book has generated reactions from both supporters and critics. In a tweet, she confirmed the story and hinted at other politically incorrect tales in the book. The Hill has reached out to the publisher and Noem’s office for further comment.
