Hello and welcome back to the Dogpound surrounded by hurricanes. Well, at least it feels that way. Texas got slammed by Hurricane Harvey, and now Hurricane Irma is going to run all over Florida. I lived in Houston for almost three years…never saw a hurricane…there were storms of course but we had more issues with heat waves and freezing weather [yes…freezing…three days of below-freezing weather, and pipes were busting everywhere]. Houston is barely above sea level, and many of the freeways actually dip down to go under another road [some areas have like five layers of highways all crossing in the same area…something to see!] There was one hotel where they put in a new highway, and when they finished you could look out the fourth story window and see the cars driving right by the window [Amazing!]. Anyway…being relatively flat and with no ground to absorb the water, the dips would quickly fill with water and many a driver not realizing how deep it was got stranded in 4-5 feet of water. As with many storms there comes the rainbow and in this case we get to see the “real” America at work. Neighbors helping neighbors…strangers helping strangers…no matter race, color, or religion, every news story showed one American helping out another American…as it should be. There was one funny moment; one of the reporters was riding in a helicopter on a rescue mission and he was narrating their efforts, blindly…since he could not actually see what was going on beneath the helicopter. First to come up in the basket was a mother and her daughter. Then the basket went back down …and through the loud roar of the propellers it sounded like they were seeking the rescue of their family dog. Sure enough, as the basket came back up there was her son, and in a little pet carry-all was a cute little chihuahua. This is the part I got a chuckle out of…you would have thought the dog was a long-lost son…the mother paid more attention and loving care to her dog than to her son and daughter, who were sitting right next to her. Even when they finally brought dad up, he got nary a nod as momma kept taking the dog out of the carry-all, checking him to make sure he was ok, giving a kiss and a hug, before tucking him safely back in his little pouch.Hello and welcome back to the
Dogpound surrounded by hurricanes. Well, at least it feels that way. Texas got slammed by Hurricane Harvey, and now Hurricane Irma is going to run all over Florida. I lived in Houston for almost three years…never saw a hurricane…there were storms of course but we had more issues with heat waves and freezing weather [yes…freezing…three days of below-freezing weather, and pipes were busting everywhere].
Houston is barely above sea level, and many of the freeways actually dip down to go under another road [some areas have like five layers of highways all crossing in the same area…something to see!] There was one hotel where they put in a new highway, and when they finished you could look out the fourth story window and see the cars driving right by the window [Amazing!]. Anyway…being relatively flat and with no ground to absorb the water, the dips would quickly fill with water and many a driver not realizing how deep it was got stranded in 4-5 feet of water. As with many storms there comes the rainbow and in this case we get to see the “real” America at work. Neighbors helping neighbors…strangers helping strangers…no matter race, color, or religion, every news story showed one American helping out another American…as it should be. There was one funny moment; one of the reporters was riding in a helicopter on a rescue mission and he was narrating their efforts, blindly…since he could not actually see what was going on beneath the helicopter. First to come up in the basket was a mother and her daughter. Then the basket went back down …and through the loud roar of the propellers it sounded like they were seeking the rescue of their family dog. Sure enough, as the basket came back up there was her son, and in a little pet carry-all was a cute little chihuahua. This is the part I got a chuckle out of…you would have thought the dog was a long-lost son…the mother paid more attention and loving care to her dog than to her son and daughter, who were sitting right next to her. Even when they finally brought dad up, he got nary a nod as momma kept taking the dog out of the carry-all, checking him to make sure he was ok, giving a kiss and a hug, before tucking him safely back in his little pouch.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Kindness…”One of the greatest gifts you can bestow upon another. If someone is in need, lend them a helping hand. Do not wait for a thank you. True kindness lies within the act of giving without the expectation of something in return.” – Dogpound Wisdom
CUPCAKESA young man was visiting his brother and sister-in-law for Christmas dinner. As he arrived at their house he found his young nephew, Mikey, helping them bake some cupcakes. After they were done, his sister-in-law allowed Mikey to put the icing on. When the boy had finished, he brought them to the table. “The cupcakes look delicious, Mike.” his uncle said. He took a bite and said, “Mikey, these are sogood.”As he finished cupcake and took another, he again complimented his little nephew. “The cupcakes look beautiful, Mikey,” his uncle said. “How did you get the icing so neat?” His nephew replied, “It was easy. I just licked them.” The uncle turned pale. He pointed to the plate of cupcakes. “You licked all of these?” Mikey replied, “Well, no. After a while my tongue got tired, and I got the dog to help.”The pack sends its thoughts and prayers to all who have been impacted or will be impacted by the mighty forces of nature. As always, be good, do good, play safely, and remember to help one another. JR
