What Are Those Mysterious Drones Doing in Colorado?

What Are Those Mysterious Drones Doing in Colorado?:

The swarm appears to be practicing a search for … something.

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New York Jews scared, defiant as mayor decries anti-Semitism 'crisis'

New York Jews scared, defiant as mayor decries anti-Semitism 'crisis':

At a Hasidic synagogue in Brooklyn, police, state troopers and civilian volunteers stand guard as Orthodox Jews mark the end of Hanukkah under heightened security following a spate of attacks. New York, home to the largest Jewish community outside of Israel, had long been a place where Jews felt safe.

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Abducted Sri Lanka journalist's wife: Military derails case

Abducted Sri Lanka journalist's wife: Military derails case:

The wife of an abducted Sri Lankan journalist is accusing the military of trying to derail a court case in which nine soldiers have been charged with her husband’s abduction and enforced disappearance nearly 10 years ago. Prageeth went missing in 2010 during the presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa, the brother of current President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Prageeth, an analyst and cartoonist, wrote against alleged corruption, nepotism and Rajapaksa’s conduct during a military campaign against ethnic Tamil rebels in ending Sri Lanka’s long civil war.

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Raging wildfires trap 4,000 at Australian town's waterfront

Raging wildfires trap 4,000 at Australian town's waterfront:

Wildfires burning across Australia’s two most populous states Tuesday trapped residents of a seaside town in apocalyptic conditions and killed at least two people while more property along the country’s east coast fell victim to a devastating fire season. About 4,000 residents in the southeastern town of Mallacoota in Victoria state fled toward the water Tuesday morning as winds pushed an emergency-level wildfire toward their homes.

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Democrats rip McConnell after he vowed 'total coordination' with Trump White House on impeachment trial

Democrats rip McConnell after he vowed 'total coordination' with Trump White House on impeachment trial:

Over Sen. Mitch McConnell’s “total coordination” with the Trump White House, Rep. Val Demings, said the Kentucky Republican “must recuse himself.”

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Churchgoers kill gunman who shot two during Texas service

Churchgoers kill gunman who shot two during Texas service:

Worshippers in the US state of Texas shot dead a gunman who opened fire during a livestreamed Sunday service, ending an attack that killed two parishioners, authorities said. The latest US shooting at a house of worship took place in the suburban Fort Worth community of White Settlement on Sunday morning when the gunman entered West Freeway Church of Christ, officials said. “A couple of members of the church returned fire, striking the suspect who died at the scene,” White Settlement Police Chief J.P. Bevering told reporters.

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Iraqi protesters breach U.S. Embassy complex in Baghdad amid anger over airstrikes

Iraqi protesters breach U.S. Embassy complex in Baghdad amid anger over airstrikes:

Anger over U.S. airstrikes Sunday against Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah boiled over in Baghdad on Tuesday as militia supporters broke into the U.S. Embassy complex and set fire to a reception area, The Associated Press reports. Iraqi officials say the U.S. ambassador and other staff evacuated the embassy as militia supporters started gathering outside, but the security forces who remained fired tear gas at the dozens of protesters who breached a side gate. AP reporters at the scene also heard sounds of gunfire and saw U.S. troops on the embassy roof with guns pointed at the attackers.Leaders of several Iran-backed militias were in the crowd at the embassy shouting “Down, Down U.S.A.” and “Death to America.” Sunday’s airstrikes killed 25 Kataib Hezbollah militants, a response, U.S. officials said, to an attack Friday that left one U.S. contractor dead. The attack on the U.S. Embassy followed funerals for the militants in a Baghdad neighborhood. Before breaking down the side gate, protesters smashed security cameras, torched three empty trailers used by security guards, and spray-painted “Closed in the name of the people” on the embassy gates.More stories from theweek.com The Obama legacy is not what many liberals think Trump’s scandals will haunt America for years The first decade in history

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Hanukkah Attack Suspect’s Lawyer: Cuccinelli Immigration Comments Are ‘a Disgrace’

Hanukkah Attack Suspect’s Lawyer: Cuccinelli Immigration Comments Are ‘a Disgrace’:

After a leader in the Trump administration came under fire for seemingly trying to turn the latest violent anti-Semitic attack in New York into an anti-immigrant parable, the target of his smear responded Tuesday, calling his comments “a disgrace.”Ken Cuccinelli, the acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, claimed in a Monday morning tweet that 38-year-old Grafton Thomas, a U.S. citizen who allegedly stabbed five people at a Hanukkah party over the weekend, was the “son of an illegal alien who got amnesty under the 1986 amnesty law for illegal immigrants.” “Apparently, American values did not take hold among this entire family, at least this one violent, and apparently bigoted, son,” Cuccinelli wrote.Thomas’ attorney, Michael Sussman, said Tuesday that Cuccinelli’s remarks “are a disgrace and akin to blaming the parents of a mentally ill child for conceiving him or her” and that “such comments have no place in a rational debate about national immigration policy, a debate which is long overdue and long delayed by those currently holding executive office in our nation.“My client’s parents migrated to the United States and were granted legal status in 1986,” said Sussman. “My client was born in the United States and is an American citizen. His immigration status appears totally unrelated to his mental illness and the circumstances which caused the events of last Saturday evening.” Cuccinelli has pushed for aggressive anti-immigrant policies since his time as a state lawmaker in Virginia. For the Trump White House, he has argued against birthright U.S. citizenship for children of undocumented parents and suggested the words on the Statue of Liberty were only aimed at European immigrants.After several people called out Cuccinelli’s tweet and its apparent condemnation of a Reagan-era bipartisan immigration law, the post was either deleted or otherwise removed from his Twitter page.Further on the right, white supremacists celebrated Thomas’ race on 4chan and Telegram, where they discussed pushing anti-Semitic conspiracy theories that they hoped would inspire violence against Jews by black Americans, whom they described with racist slurs.Thomas, who is black, allegedly burst into the home of Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg in the New York suburb of Monsey on Saturday night around 10 p.m., as dozens of guests were celebrating Hanukkah.He allegedly stabbed and wounded five people with a machete, and he was charged with five counts of attempted murder and one count of first-degree burglary. All of the victims survived, but one is said to remain in critical condition with a skull fracture.Federal prosecutors on Monday also filed federal hate crime charges against Thomas and said in court documents that he had expressed anti-Semitic sentiments in hand-written journals.The patrol officers who arrested Thomas discovered him “covered with blood,” The New York Times reported. Thomas pleaded not guilty to all charges on Sunday morning at his arraignment in Ramapo, New York.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has called the attack a “blatant act of domestic terrorism that sought to inflict violence, incite hate and generate fear” and ordered the State Police hate-crimes task force to investigate.Hanukkah Stabbing Suspect Caught With Bloody Machete in His CarThomas’ family told CNN he had no history of anti-Semitism, violent behavior, or prior convictions. They said he is “not a member of any hate groups” and have reportedly asked Sussman to request a mental-health evaluation for Thomas, who has “a long history of mental illness and hospitalizations” and “was raised in a home which embraced and respected all religions and races.”United Methodist Church Pastor Wendy Paige said that she has known Thomas for 10 years and that he is “not a violent person.”“Grafton is not a terrorist, he is a man who has mental illness in America, and the systems that be have not served him well,” Paige told the New York Post. “I have been his pastor for a long time and I have seen him, he is not a violent person, he is a confused person.”“We apologize to the families for him,” said Paige. “We apologize because we know this was not him, this was an action out of mental illness, please understand… Please let’s work on our systems for mental illness.”After a deadly anti-Semitic shooting at a kosher market in Jersey City this month and an “alarming” surge in anti-Semitic violence in the New York area, police have said they stepped up patrols in at least three Brooklyn neighborhoods.—Staff writer Kelly Weill contributed to this report.Read more at The Daily Beast.Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast hereGet our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now!Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more.

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Powerful winter storm lingers in Upper Midwest

Powerful winter storm lingers in Upper Midwest:

A fierce winter storm that created blizzard conditions in parts of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota shut down interstates, led to hundreds of vehicle crashes and brought a metropolitan area of more than 200,000 people to a standstill on Monday morning. Residents in the Fargo and Moorhead, Minnesota area who are used to snowstorms were told to stay home after a foot of heavy, wet snow made that fell on top of a sheet of ice made travel difficult and stoked early fears about spring flooding. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning in northeastern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where periods of heavy snow and gusty winds were expected to create difficult travel conditions.

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Warren Assails Lobbying Against Her Health Plan: Campaign Update

Warren Assails Lobbying Against Her Health Plan: Campaign Update:

(Bloomberg) – Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren assailed the clout in Washington of billionaires and large corporations that have lined up to fight her calls for a wealth tax and Medicare for All.“Many corporate executives and career politicians and billionaires on both sides of the aisle want to keep their influence and their wealth,” Warren, a U.S. senator from Massachusetts, said in a speech in Boston Tuesday. “And they are already deep in the fight to do so.”Warren said that industry interests were lining up to stifle many of the more ambitious initiatives of her campaign, including the swift creation of a government-run health-care system that would cover all Americans and eliminate private insurance – a proposal also offered by her rival for the party’s nomination, Bernie Sanders.“Americans overwhelmingly believe that health care is a basic human right,” Warren said. “But the private health insurance industry is dumping millions of dollars in false TV ads to scare people away from any change.”Medicare for All remains popular with the Democratic base, yet some have worried that it could hurt Democrats in the general election against President Donald Trump. Union members and millions of other Americans who have health insurance are reluctant to give it up.Biden Holds Narrow Edge Over Trump in Florida Poll (6 a.m.)Joe Biden holds a narrow edge over Donald Trump in a head-to-head match-up in Florida, the only leading Democratic candidate currently presenting serious competition to the president in the crucial 2020 swing state, according to a poll released Tuesday.The former vice president is backed by 47% of Florida voters, while 45% say they support Trump, according to the poll by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy conducted Dec. 11-16. The result is well within the survey’s 4 percentage point margin of error, and 8% of registered voters remain undecided.By comparison, Trump leads Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren 51% to 42%, and has a five-point advantage over Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, 49% to 44%. Against South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Trump leads 48% to 45%. Trump won Florida’s 29 electoral 2016 by just more than 1 percentage point.A Mason-Dixon poll of Virginia registered voters showed Biden with a 49% to 45% lead over Trump. But as in Florida, Trump leads Warren, Sanders and Buttigieg in the state, which has been trending toward Democrats over the last several elections. – Joe SobczykCOMING UP:Warren will deliver a New Year’s Eve address from Boston’s historic Old South Meeting House on fighting corruption.Five Democratic candidates – Warren, Sanders, Biden, Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar have qualified for the next debate, on Jan. 14, in Iowa.Trump is scheduled to hold a campaign rally in Milwaukee on the same night as the debate.(Michael Bloomberg is also seeking the Democratic presidential nomination. Bloomberg is the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News.)--With assistance from Joe Sobczyk.To contact the reporter on this story: Misyrlena Egkolfopoulou in Washington at megkolfopoul@bloomberg.netTo contact the editors responsible for this story: Kevin Whitelaw at kwhitelaw@bloomberg.net, Michael Shepard, Elizabeth WassermanFor more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com©2020 Bloomberg L.P.

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Best Dog Friendly National Parks in the US

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Best Dog Friendly National Parks in the US

For Americans and their pups, visiting a pet friendly national park is a great vacation. Unfortunately, finding national parks where our furry travel companions can have fun too is ruff!

Many national parks have strict pet policies, limiting pets to the most developed areas. But there are a few that make it easy to bring Fido. Let’s take a look at our country’s best pet friendly national parks!

 

*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you!*

Best Pet Friendly National Parks

Acadia National Park

Ty and Buster on Cadillac Mountain – Pet Friendly Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia is a pet friendly national park on the coast of Maine, and it’s an absolute gem! Pets are welcome on nearly all 120 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads within the park. The only exceptions are a few trails that require climbs using iron rungs or ladders.

Dogs are also allowed in most of the public areas at Acadia. The only places your pup can’t go are Duck Harbor Campground, Wild Gardens of Acadia, and Echo Lake Beach and Sand Beach during high season (mid-May to mid-Sept). Everywhere else your dog is welcome to join you – even on the free shuttles that run around the park!

READ MORE ⇒  Maine’s Top Pet Friendly Attraction: Acadia National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Arched Bridge in Pet Friendly Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

A more recent addition to the national park collection, the pet friendly Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Cleveland, Ohio was designated in 2000. Following the Cuyahoga River, pets are welcome to join you on all of the 125 miles of trails in the park.

Passing though woodlands, wetlands, and old fields, some trails require stream crossings with stepping stones or log bridges. Others, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, are nearly level and easily accessible to all visitors. Check with the rangers to determine which trails best suit your hiking style.

For the best scenery, head for Bradford Reservation. This five-mile trail offers views of the Tinkers Creek Gorge, Ohio’s most magnificent canyon. Short spurs off the main trail will also take you to Bridal Veil Falls and the Hemlock Creek Loop Trail.

 

Grand Canyon National Park

Buster and Ty – Pet Friendly Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

By any measure, the Grand Canyon is a pet friendly national park! Located in northern Arizona, you and your pup are welcome to enjoy all 13 miles of the South Rim Trail trail at the Grand Canyon.

Skirting the edge of the canyon, the path is easy to navigate, but remember that the high elevation and dry climate can lead to dehydration. Even if you’re only planning a short stroll, bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl.

READ MORE ⇒  Arizona’s Top Pet Friendly Attraction: The Grand Canyon

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Pet Friendly Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

If we were giving awards for pet friendly national parks, Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado would definitely be in the running! These are the tallest dunes in North America, set in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra.

Pets are welcome up to the top of the first tall ridge of dunes, between High Dune and the Castle Creek Picnic Area, and throughout the adjoining Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. Remember that the sand here can be hot, so pack an old towel to dry off and enjoy a splash in Medano Creek with your pal!

READ MORE ⇒  Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park with Pets

 

Hot Springs National Park

Buster, Rod, and Ty – Pet Friendly Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

Pet friendly Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas may not be on your radar, but if you’re looking for a gorgeous setting with a plenty of places to enjoy with your pooch, it should be! Popular for the steaming water that seeps from the lower west slope of Hot Springs Mountain, people have been visiting this location for centuries.

Bath houses sprung up to allow visitors to take advantage of the “healing waters,” and this unique national park protects the geothermic spring water and historic structures of the early resort town.

Your pet is welcome to join you for a half-mile stroll down Bathhouse Row and along the Grand Promenade. Once you’re warmed up, hit the 26-miles of inter-connected trails flanking the city. Many of the trails were originally created for spa guests, who were encouraged to exercise daily to maximize the health benefits of the baths.

READ MORE ⇒   Visiting Pet Friendly Hot Springs National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

Ty and Buster – Pet Friendly Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana

Cool breezes off Lake Michigan. Caribbean blue waters rolling up on the shore. And a beach that stretches for miles. These are the things you’ll find at pet friendly Indiana Dunes National Park!

It might sound like a tropical island, but the 15-mile stretch of sand is just the beginning. This dynamic landscape, formed by retreating glaciers, includes the lake and beach, but also dunes, ponds, marshes, creeks, prairie, and forests. The variety of habitats makes this one of the most botanically diverse of all the national parks.

Leashed pets are welcome on the beaches east of Indiana Dunes State Park, in the picnic areas, and the campground. They can also explore all trails, except Glenwood Dune, Great Marsh and Pinhook Bog. At nearby Indiana Dunes State Park leashed pets are welcome on all trails, in the picnic areas, campground, and on the beach east of the life-guarded area. Pets cannot go on the swimming beach in the State Park.

READ MORE ⇒  Visiting Indiana Dunes National Park With Pets

 

Mammoth Cave National Park

Buster and Ty – Pet Friendly Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Naturally, the attraction at pet friendly Mammoth Cave National Park is the 336 miles of underground passages. But with over 70 miles of pet friendly trails, it’s a great choice for dogs who love the outdoors!

Though pets aren’t allowed below ground, you’ll find several short trails around the Visitors Center. Check out the Green River Bluffs Trail, which winds through the hardwood forest and ends with a nice overlook of the Green River. If you’re looking for a longer trek, the North Side Trails provide some good options that meander past waterfalls and cut through one of the last remaining old growth forests in Kentucky.

National Mall and Memorial Gardens

Buster & Ty at the U.S. Capitol – Pet Friendly National Mall and Memorial Gardens, Washington, D.C.

There are few places in the United States more inspiring than the pet friendly National Mall and Memorial Gardens in Washington, D.C. Our country’s history and future hang in the air, monuments commemorate celebrated visionaries, and memorials stand in silent remembrance of the many who’ve given their lives to preserve our freedom.

The National Mall and Memorial Gardens stretch from the the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and, while pets are not allowed inside most of the monuments, they will enjoy admiring some of the most famous structures in the world with you!

READ MORE ⇒  Washington, D.C.’s Top Pet Friendly Attraction: The National Mall

 

Natchez Trace National Parkway

Pet Friendly Natchez Trace National Parkway, Alabama & Mississippi

Before highways were constructed, trails marked the passage between places, and few were as well-traveled as the Natchez Trace. Now the pet friendly Natchez Trace National Parkway preserves sites of archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic significance along its 444-mile route.

The Trace is the perfect pet friendly road trip, because there’s something to sniff around every bend! Pet are welcome at the more than 100 exhibits, but not inside the buildings. And when it’s time to really stretch your legs, 28 hiking and self-guided trails are just steps away.

READ MORE ⇒  Mississippi’s Top Pet Friendly Attraction: The Natchez Trace

Padre Island National Seashore

Pet Friendly Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Protecting 70 miles of coastline, prairies, dunes, and tidal pools along the Gulf of Mexico in southern Texas, Padre Island National Seashore is also very pet friendly. Leashed pets are welcome almost everywhere in the park – including 60 miles of beaches!

Padre is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, and the diversity of wildlife found here is stunning. A number of rare, threatened, and endangered species make their homes in this environment, so it’s extremely important that pets remain on leash at all times.

Padre Island provides two established campgrounds and more than 64 miles of beaches open to primitive camping, so pack your bags and plan to spend a few days exploring this incredible setting!

 

Petrified Forest National Park

Pet Friendly Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

From the deposits of petrified wood that give this park its name, to the colorful badlands, the pet friendly Petrified Forest National Park is truly a wonder to behold. Located in eastern Arizona, Route 66 runs through the park, and the northern border extends into the fabulous Painted Desert.

Dogs on leash are welcome on all the parks trails, but the Petrified Forest is well-known for its fossil deposits. So don’t let your pooch gnaw on any bones he finds!

READ MORE ⇒   Petrified Forest National Park Is Truly Pet Friendly

Shenandoah National Park

View from Skyline Drive – Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Skyline Drive may be the most famous attraction at pet friendly Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. But you’ll definitely want to stop the car and get out for hike!

Of the more than 500 miles of trails in the park, only 20 miles are off-limits to dogs because of rock climbs or difficult passages. The stunning views, peaceful wilderness, and cascading waterfalls are all accessible to your pup. It’s the picture of serenity, just 75 miles from Washington, DC!

 

White Sands National Park

Buster and Ty – White Sands National Park, New Mexico

The name “White Sands” may be misleading, but that doesn’t make this pet friendly national park any less impressive! These shimmering dunes are actually made of gypsum – not sand. Thanks to an ancient sea and some very fortunate geography, this gypsum dunefield the largest in the world, covering 275 square miles!

You and your pet can explore the entire park together, and there are plenty of trails to check out. The Playa Trail, Dune Life Nature Trail, and Interdune Boardwalk all have interesting exhibits about the geography and plant and animal life. For some lighthearted fun, bring a sled (or buy one in the visitors center) and scoot down the dunes. Or, if you want to experience the vastness of the dunefield, hike the Alkali Flat Trail. Be aware that this trail is not flat. The 5-mile loop runs up and down dunes the entire way, which can make the hiking strenuous, but the views are priceless.

 

Other National Parks

We’ve visited a number of other national parks, monuments, and seashores on our travels. Even at those that were less pet friendly, we found a way to enjoy each one with Buster and Ty!

If you’re planning a trip to one of these parks and are curious to see what we thought of it, click the name below.

Assateague Island National Seashore – Maryland

Badlands National Park – South Dakota

Big Bend National Park – Texas

Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah

Buffalo National River – Arkansas

Carlsbad Caverns National Park – New Mexico

Colorado National Monument – Colorado

Crater Lake National Park – Oregon

Effigy Mounds National Monument – Iowa

Glacier National Park – Montana

Grand Tetons National Park – Wyoming

Joshua Tree National Park – California

Northern Cascades National Park – Washington

Olympic National Park – Washington

San Juan Islands – Washington

Theodore Roosevelt National Park – North Dakota

Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming

Zion National Park – Utah

 

Looking for more pet friendly adventures? Find out which national parks allow your dog to become a BARK Ranger!

 

DO MORE TOGETHER

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Community Finds Missing Golden Retriever After Rollover Accident

A family from Woodhaven, Michigan had a string of back luck recently. But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. The Stevensons were on their way to spend Christmas morning with their family. Unfortunately, they hit a slick spot on the interstate which resulted in a rollover accident. The slick spot sent their car flying as it flipped a few times before coming to a stop.

With The Good Comes The Bad

The silver lining is that nobody was hurt. Wade Stevenson, Ruth Stevenson, and toddler Hazel were left unharmed. 

“Just a couple scratches to be honest. Even the Christmas presents didn’t get scratched. I don’t understand,” Wade Stevenson told lex18.com.

There may have been no injuries but the fourth member of the family went missing. The family’s 1-year-old Golden Retriever, Red, darted into the woods immediately after the accident.

@RuthieStevenson/Facebook

In addition to the Stevenson family, local animal control, the police department, and dozens of volunteers searched high and low for Red. Three live traps were set up and baited with food and clothing from Red’s family, hoping that the scent would lure him in. Several nearby businesses reported sightings so the family wasn’t losing hope. 

It Takes A Village

The Stevenson family was overwhelmed by the support they received from the community. Residents joined forces nearly instantaneously after the accident to bring Red home.

“We just want to thank (everyone) from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have done to help us. We still have not found red but we are doing everything we can to find/get him,” Ruth Stevenson wrote on Facebook.

@BringRedHome/Facebook

The family started a GoFundMe which was able to raise enough money to pay for a search done by drones. Unfortunately, this search did not help them find Red.

“We reached a point in the funding to where we have covered the drone expenses from yesterday’s operation. While the operation did not find Red, the thermal visioning did show that he does not appear to be in the area,” Wade Stevenson posted to Facebook.

A Happy Ending To Close Out The Decade

Nearly one week after he went missing, Red was found safe and sound! He was reunited with his family just in time to celebrate the new year! The good news was announced on the “Bring Red Home” Facebook page. It’s unclear how exactly he was found.

@BringRedHome/Facebook

It may not have been the ending the Stevensons expected for this decade, but it sure is a great one!

h/t: lex18.com
Featured Photo: @BringRedHome/Facebook

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Guide Dog Dropout Becomes ‘Custody Canine’ For UK Police Station

River, like so many other 5-year-old Labs, loves to chase squirrels. For most dogs, this personality trait is a mere inconvenience; but for River, it resulted in her removal from a guide dog training program.

This gorgeous gal wasn’t cut out for work with the blind, but her calm, gentle nature made her the perfect choice for a new form of police service.

Image c/o Kent Police

The “Custody Canine” pilot project at Maidstone Police Station in Kent, UK utilizes River’s unique skills to help soothe stressed detainees.

“We are often dealing with people in crisis and although their behavior has resulted in arrest, they could be suffering with depression, anxiety or mental illness,” says Sergeant Ian Sutton, coordinator of the program. “Young people may find themselves in custody too and in some cases they are scared and daunted by the experience, whilst others may have difficulty in communicating.”

“Being detained can exacerbate these issues and we are committed to ensure that police custody is a safe and supportive environment for both police, staff and detainees. We are always looking for new or innovative ways to achieve this,” Sutton adds.

Image c/o Kent Police

After her removal from the guide dog program, River went on to receive her certification as a therapy dog. She worked in a special education school comforting and supporting the children.

The school was so impressed with River’s work, they went on to purchase their own therapy dog. River was out of a job, but ready for a new challenge.

Trainers at Kent Police’s dog unit assessed River’s temperament and found her to be a perfect fit for the unpredictable custody environment. She went to work at the beginning of December, and has been regularly supporting detainees at Maidstone Police Station ever since.

“River has joined the team to offer emotional support to people who are experiencing difficulties, she provides a therapeutic benefit to those in crisis and helps to counter some of the negative behavior we sometimes experience in custody,” Sergeant Sutton reports. “Since beginning work with us she has had a notable positive impact on those she has spent time with, and the atmosphere in custody improves when she is on shift. This allows staff and officers to use their time more effectively rather than diffusing situations.”

Image c/o Kent Police

Those concerned about the potential dangers a “Custody Canine” may face can rest easy. A press release assures there are procedures in place to ensure River’s safety as she performs her duties.

“Her handler is always there watching over her, she has access to fresh water and food, and she is also taken out for regular breaks,” the release states.

What do you think of the “Custody Canine” pilot project at Maidstone Police Station? Would you like to see your local police initiate a similar program? Let us know in the comments!

 

Featured Image via Kent Police

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Boy’s “Tearjerker” Letter Earns Him An Autism Assistance Dog

Children and dogs go together like peanut butter and jelly — especially when the child is on the Autism spectrum, and the dog is trained to keep him safe!

10-year-old Lewis Millar faces daily challenges stemming from Aspberger’s syndrome. After four years on a waiting list with Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland (ADNI), the boy’s heartfelt letter helped make his dream a reality.

A Black Lab named Jade joined the Miller family just in time for the holidays!

Photo via Danielle Cooper

“It was the most emotional assessment I’ve ever done. It was a tearjerker,” ADNI’s Geraldine McGaughey told BBC News.

Lewis’ mother, Danielle Cooper, encouraged him to write a letter to help the assessors understand just how much an assistant dog would change his life for the better.

Photo via Danielle Cooper

Lewis has trouble regulating his emotions and reading other peoples’ reactions, meaning he sometimes comes across “rough” to other children.

“He loves movement, swings, running, jumping, anything that is aggressive exercise. He would play football for hours,” Danielle says. She adds that at home, Lewis often has trouble sleeping. “He has very high anxiety. He hears noises at night that aren’t there.”

Photo via William Millar

ADNI Autism dogs are trained to keep children safe outside the home as well as provide emotional support. When Lewis is out and about, he will wear a backpack with a tether connecting to Jade’s collar or harness.

Should he become frightened or overwhelmed, Jade will sit down, preventing Lewis from running away and getting lost.

At home, Jade’s calming presence will help reduce Lewis’ anxiety and improve interactions with his four siblings. Best of all, Jade will be Lewis’ best friend, something he greatly needs after the recent death of a close school friend.

Photo via Facebook/ADNI Assistance Dogs Northern Ireland

If you are wondering what Lewis wrote to help sway the ADNI assessors, here is an excerpt from his letter:

“I would feed it and care for it because I would love it more than anything. If it was with me it would be like Superdog to me. I probably wouldn’t even be scared to go to the forest. I love dogs more than anything.”

He added that if he had an assistance dog he wouldn’t be scared to go upstairs at bedtime, to come downstairs to get his cereal, or to watch TV.

Jade hasn’t been with the family long, but Danielle reports, “it’s been going really well. It’s been like an early Christmas present. To get lying on the sofa with your son beside you and the dog in the middle is amazing.”

Photo via Danielle Cooper

According to research from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine,having a dog helps improve social skills in children with Autism. Just imagine what a difference a dog like Jade can make!

H/T to BBC.com
Featured Image via Danielle Cooper

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Survey Reveals All The Ways Our Dogs “Ruin” The Holidays

Now that the holiday season is coming to a close and we’ve said goodbye to visiting family members, there’s time for a little pause and reflection. Time to think back on the thoughtful gifts, delicious meals, and of course all the ways your mischievous dogs and cats made a horrible mess of the season.

Itchpet recently performed some valuable research on this topic. A survey of 2,000 dog and cat people discovered a myriad of holiday “crimes” our furry friends commit each year. Whether it’s knocking over decorations or stealing figurines from nativity scenes, 53% of respondents indicated that their dogs or cats wreaked havoc over Christmas. 12% said their fur kids have embarrassed them in front of visiting guests.

To put it as Charlotte Harper, Co-founder of Itchpet did:

“Your cat or dog might be your best friend, but that doesn’t mean they can’t cause chaos from time to time.”

Most Common Dog/Cat “Crimes”

According to the survey, here are some of the most commonly reported ways furry family members drove people crazy over the holidays.

1. Damaged festive decorations
2. Climbed the Christmas tree
3. Knocked over the Christmas tree
4. Stole meat from a plate or counter
5. Damaged presents
6. Passed gas during dinner
7. Revealed his ‘lipstick’ in front of friends/family
8. Inappropriately sniffed a guest
9. Chewed up someone’s slippers
10. Brought a dead animal inside
11. Relieved themselves on the Christmas tree
12. Left their own little ‘present’ under the tree
13. Relieved themselves on a snowman/snowwoman/snowthing
14. Made a grandparent trip over them
15. Ate cookies left out for Santa
16. Chewed up gift cards with money in them
17. Stole a figure from the nativity scene
18. Destroyed the Fairy/Star from the Christmas tree
19. Stole underwear from visitors
20. Gave a relative or relatives’ animal fleas

Adrianna Calvo via Pexels

The 12 Naughtiest Breeds

The research also pinpointed a few breeds that are more likely to be on the naughty list than others. If one of these happens to be your little guy or gal, don’t say we didn’t warn you!

1. Jack Russell Terrier
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. Chihuahua
4. Labrador
5. Springer Spaniel
6. Boxer
7. Mixed breed
8. German Shepherd
9. Cocker Spaniel
10. French Bulldog
11. Cockapoo
12. Dalmatian

No, our dogs don’t exactly follow our sociocultural norms when it comes to holidays, but we forgive them. Maybe that has something to do with how adorable they look in Santa hats. Many people surveyed said their dogs don’t bother them any more than any other relative over the holidays.

Here’s a little holiday tip from Charlotte from Itchpet: keep your animals’ routines the same as usual to keep them calm. Avoid overfeeding them with festive treats and snacks and tell your guests to do the same.

H/T: Country Living

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Labrador Kicked Out Of Guide Dog Training Ends Up Shining In New Career As A Therapy Dog

They say when one door closes, another one opens. Well this saying proved true when an adorable Labrador named River was sacked from her training as a guide dog for her love of chasing squirrels, and in turn found her way to a new career.

While River appeared to be wonderful candidate for a career as a guide dog, she began to raise some eyebrows when her love of chasing squirrels was able to distract her from just about anything. While this is usually a harmless past time for most pups, it’s not exactly ideal when your given the important task of leading the blind.

KentPolice/Facebook

Though she wasn’t the right fit for a career as a guide dog, her sweet nature and kind heart pointed to another prestigious career in the dog world. She was exactly what the Kent Police Department was looking for in a therapy animal to help support vulnerable suspects and victims in their city.

When we see a suspect arrested, we don’t often think about the possible mental illnesses and complications that have led them down this road. A troubling past and possible mental distress is a huge factor in many crimes, and the Kent Police force understands this fact all too well.

KentPolice/Facebook

 “We are often dealing with people in crisis and although their behavior has resulted in arrest, they could be suffering with depression, anxiety or mental illness.Young people may find themselves in custody too and in some cases they are scared and daunted by the experience, whilst others may have difficulty in communicating.” – Sergeant Ian Sutton

Being brought into custody can be a traumatic event for the suspect, especially if the suspect is young or suffering from any kind of mental illness.

“Being detained can exacerbate these issues and we are committed to ensure that police custody is a safe and supportive environment for both police, staff and detainees. We are always looking for new or innovative ways to achieve this.” – Sergeant Ian Sutton

A custody canine’s job is to provide support for suspects during the custody process, and hopefully help to reduce stress for vulnerable suspects and ease the difficulty of communicating with officers. Since beginning her work with the Kent Police Department, officers have noticed a positive impact on the custody process when she is present.

KentPolice/Facebook

With dogs like River on board at the station, police officers can spend less time diffusing the situation, and more time on getting to the bottom of the crime. Custody canines can make a huge difference to staff and suspects involved in the custody process, and are beginning to be considered in police stations in other areas.

We’re so glad that River found the way to her perfect situation after her initial setback. Keep up the good work River!

H/T: tyla.com
Image Source: KentPolice/Facebook

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Compassionate Officer Drapes Coat Over Sad Dog Hit By Car

Dogs survive car accidents all the time (thank God.) But often injured and terrified dogs will wander from accidents, unknowingly denying themselves the care they need. That makes emotional support for canine car accident victims important too.

A police officer in New York knows that, and it’s a good thing he was there for a dog hit by a car this month. On Facebook, The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office shared a photo of Sergeant Chris Howlett and a dog on a roadside snowbank. The dog had just been struck by a vehicle and the deputy responded to a call.

A picture is worth a thousand words as we know, and this one definitely speaks volumes. The officer has his hand on the grim-looking dog’s head. His jacket is draped over the poor gal’s body. Howlett waited there with her for help to arrive. He let her know she wasn’t alone.

@Chautauqua-County-Sheriffs-Office/Facebook

Everything about this says true compassion. The Sheriff’s Office notes how infrequently this aspect of law enforcement circulates around the web.

“During times that there seems to be negative press towards law enforcement this shows a bit of compassion on the part of law enforcement and specifically our deputies.”

Commenters took the opportunity to show their appreciation for local law enforcement and first responders.

“Thanks to all law enforcement, first responders, and all people that put their life on the line to make the world a safer place.” -Roger Gould via Facebook

“Thank you for your service and thank you for being so very kind to a fur baby in the frigid temperatures. Above and Beyond Duty!!!” – Pat Belbot via Facebook

The Pup Is Recovering!

The dog eventually got reunited with her family, but in that time after the accident she was never alone. She had comfort and protection from Howlett. She was safe.

Naturally you’re probably curious about how the dog is doing now. The Sheriff’s Office provided an update through the pup’s family. For starters, her name is Rogue.

“…she is being evaluated by Veterinarians. She is doing well and hopefully we will back home by Monday. I am sure the family has greatly appreciated the outpouring of support from everyone.”

For now, Rogue’s family will be monitoring her condition. Despite sustaining minor injuries  from the accident, she should be okay. It’s a good thing someone was there from the start to convince her of that.

H/T: WKBW
Featured Image: @Chautauqua-County-Sheriffs-Office/Facebook

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Study Proves Kids Who Grow Up With Dogs Are Less Likely To Develop Schizophrenia

If you grew up with a dog by your side, you know what a rewarding experience it is. Having an adorable furry friend to play with is the dream for any kid. A new study suggests that there could be more benefits to dogs than just happiness. People that are exposed to dogs early in life are less likely to develop schizophrenia when they grow up. Having a dog during your childhood can keep you both happy and healthy!

Family dogs are one of the first living creatures children have close contact with. Kids can easily bond with a dog, which can affect their life in more ways than a parent could imagine. Serious psychiatric disorders are often linked to environmental exposures at a young age. So, it makes sense that exposure to an adorable furry friend would make a lifelong impact on a person.

What is the Study?

This study from Johns Hopkins Medicine looked at a total of 1,371 men and women between the ages of 18 and 65. Of those individuals, 396 had schizophrenia, 381 had bipolar disorder, and 594 had neither. Every participant in the study was asked if they grew up with a dog or cat in the first 12 years of their life. If they had a dog or cat in their family when they were born, they were considered to be exposed to animals since birth.

During the study, they paid close attention to the age that each person was exposed to a dog or cat. They carefully looked at the age ranges from birth to 3, 4 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12.

Study Results

There is still a lot more to research, but the results are good news for all dog lovers. This study revealed that people who were exposed to a dog before they turned 13 were 24% less likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia in the future. Of course, most dog lovers already knew that dogs were good for our health just based on person experience!

While there is still lots to discover, it’s clear that growing up with a dog can benefit you. So, make sure your kids get to spend plenty of time with dogs to make them happier and healthier. Dogs truly can change your life for the better.

H/T: sciencedaily.com

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Dog Who’s Scared Of Fireworks Wears Headphones & Watches Videos On iPad To Relax

Almost every dog is scared of fireworks. New Year’s Eve can be a fun time of the year for humans, but not so much for our canine companions. But if we think ahead for them, they won’t have to be  running around nervously and frantically trying to find a place to hide and feel safe.

Now this family ensured their dog is soothed and relaxed all throughout the holiday. This 6-year-old Golden Retriever dog named Joey is scared of fireworks. So to help him relax, his family had him wear headphones and watch videos on an iPad.

Joey’s human, a woman named Emily, posted a short video of him on Twitter while he’s wearing headphones and watching videos, and everyone melted for him. Check out the video below!

 

he’s scared of the fireworks so my mom put on some dog videos for himpic.twitter.com/VTjYa6YIcK

— emily (@spaghemily) July 5, 2016

Awww…

Everyone loved Joey. The video garnered over 120,000 retweets and 200,000 LIKES! The video even got featured on Today’s news!

Joey is lucky to have such a wonderful family who’s concerned about his well-being.

How about you? How did you make your dog feel relaxed during fireworks? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

 

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