In a world that is becoming madder by the day it’s good to read such stories!
The news from many quarters is increasingly alarming.
For example, I was reading in a recent issue of Science magazine about the Antarctic. From page 1331:
The Antarctic Ice Sheet is losing mass at an accelerating pace, and ice loss will likely continue over the coming decades and centuries. Some regions of the ice sheet may reach a tipping point, potentially leading to rates of sea level rise at least an order of magnitude larger than those observed now, owing to strong, positive feedbacks in the ice-climate system.
One can easily read many other stories of doom and gloom.
So what about this for a change? From The Dodo.
ooOOoo
Little Girl Joins Her Dogs Every Day To Get A Treat From The Neighbor.
“She just trots on over to the fence to line up with the dogs.”
Sometimes you just want to be part of the pack. And the fact that Ramona is a toddler and her brothers Zeus and Blue are dogs makes no difference.
The pups are happy to include her and are always gentle and relaxed around her.
Ramona loves hanging out with them, though she hasn’t learned how to be gentle yet: “She loves her big puppies and is always trying to give them kisses,” Mike Whalley, Ramona’s dad, told The Dodo. “She also often finds them hilarious, frequently having giggle fits about something they’re doing like chasing their tail or jumping around for toys or snacks.”
So when Ramona realized that her brothers were getting treats each day from their neighbor — she had to be involved.
“[Our] neighbor, Gary, originally shared a bologna sandwich with Zeus one afternoon. He asked us if it was all right and then he started buying boxes of dog treats to offer,” Whalley said. “At first, it was just Zeus, then we got Blue and he joined in.”
As soon as Ramona was able to eat solid foods, the neighbor offered her a freshly baked oatmeal cookie and Ramona quickly realized how good her dog brothers had it. “Now that she’s walking and mobile she just trots on over to the fence to line up with the dogs so she can get her ‘treats’ too,” Whalley said.
Of course, their generous neighbor gives the dogs a few more treats each day than Ramona. “They get their breakfast treat, lunchtime, coffee break and their bedtime snack,” Whalley said. “For bedtime, they get their bigger bone to ‘brush their teeth.’”
“Ramona usually joins in for the afternoon treats and it’s usually a cookie or some Ritz crackers,” he added.
Zeus and Blue have Gary on a strict schedule, and if he misses their treat time they make sure to let him know. Now that Ramona is part of the pack, Gary never lets them down.
ooOOoo
It takes such stories as this one to keep us all on the straight and narrow, so to speak, and not to worry too much about the future.
I loved that story. Ramona is a smart little gal.
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That’s true, Susan. But it is more than just Ramona being smart. It is also because Ramona is small, less height than the dogs, and not a threat to the dogs, and also because Gary, the neighbour, is kind and attentive. Well that’s my idea.
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Thank you for the “lift” Paul! I suspect many of us need to spend less time immersed in information about our current challenges, and more on the good things that continue to be around us every day. I certainly need to do that! Best – Paul
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Paul, it’s a balancing act most of time. I totally agree that our own individual mental health must rely on the good things locally in our lives. Yet we also have a responsibility to the broader issues surrounding us. Trying to steer the right direction is challenging and I, for one, frequently get it wrong.
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You are absolutely correct in my opinion. Balance is key. We need to focus on defeating Covid-19 while at the same time appreciating the positive things that still surround us every day.
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Well then, it’s not just our first names we share!
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Feel good stories are definitely welcome anytime, but especially these days. Thank you for sharing.
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My great pleasure, Monika. We must all keep our peckers up, as we say in the old country!
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Needed this today. Thanks for finding it. Hope you are all doing well.
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Hope your day is brighter now, Marlene. We are doing well, thank you!
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We all need these smiles Paul… Especially when its becoming more obvious we can no longer share them in public places..
Sending love and hugs to you both ❤
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Sue, keeping ourselves bright and hopeful is very important. Fondest wishes from us.
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💕🙏😘
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