A recent social media post by Governor Kristi Noem featuring her new hunting dog, Foster, on X (formerly Twitter) has unexpectedly brought renewed attention to a past controversy detailed in her 2024 memoir. On Saturday, Governor Noem shared a photograph of herself alongside Foster, marking the opening of pheasant hunting season. Her accompanying message emphasized the cultural significance of the activity, stating, "Pheasant hunting is part of who we are, and it’s a tradition worth passing on to our kids and grandkids."
"This poor dog is staring at the camera like he’s on death row." Tommy Vietor, Former National Security Council staffer under President Barack Obama
However, the celebratory post quickly drew a wave of critical comments from online users, who referenced a different dog from Noem's past: Cricket. Many replies urged Noem not to harm Foster, reflecting a controversy that first garnered national attention earlier in 2024 following the publication of her book, "No Going Back." The book included an account of Noem shooting and killing Cricket, a 14-month-old dog she described as "untrainable" and dangerous.
The incident involving Cricket, which Noem stated occurred approximately two decades prior to her memoir's publication, detailed a series of behavioral issues. According to her account, Cricket was taken on a pheasant hunt where the young dog failed to behave as expected. Subsequently, Cricket reportedly killed a neighbor's chickens during this period. Noem also wrote that the dog attempted to bite her when she tried to restrain it. Following these events, Noem recounted driving Cricket to a gravel pit and shooting the animal. She justified the action by characterizing Cricket as beyond training and a threat.
The revelation in "No Going Back" sparked widespread outrage among animal welfare advocates and the general public, leading to significant national media coverage. The controversy emerged at a time when Noem was frequently discussed as a potential running mate for President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. The incident became a notable point of contention in public discourse regarding her suitability for a national political role.
In response to the initial backlash in April 2024, Governor Noem publicly defended her decision. She framed it as a difficult but necessary choice faced by those living on a farm, asserting that she was tired of politicians who pretend to be something they are not. On X, she acknowledged the public's reaction, writing, "I can understand why some people are upset about a 20-year-old story of Cricket," while reiterating her stance.
The recent X post featuring Foster, intended to highlight a family tradition and a new addition to her life, inadvertently refocused public attention on the Cricket narrative. Reactions included comments from prominent figures such as Tommy Vietor, a former National Security Council staffer under President Barack Obama, who remarked on the new dog's appearance. "This poor dog is staring at the camera like he’s on death row," Vietor posted on X. Another user further amplified the sentiment by sharing an artificial intelligence-edited version of the photo, which depicted Foster with an exaggerated expression of concern. The renewed online conversation underscores the enduring impact of the story from Governor Noem's memoir on her public image and political standing.
