Did You Know? ~ Part 2

Mama always said, "Life is like a box of chocolates ~
you never know what you're gonna get"  (from Forest Gump)

There are many things we hear...gossip is something to which we listen...it may be true or false; it is for us to determine its validity. What we hear and read from the media (newspaper, television, radio, magazine, etc.) is usually the truth (and facts upon which we can assert are truthful.)

Easy it is, for people to overlook facts and points of interest...their mind-sets are grooved in channels of personal likings (certain movies, specific books, special hobbies, attending chat meetings over coffee, a walk to the local groceteria). FYI today, I list some factual information that may surprise you.

Highest Paid Stars: Here are some of the world's top-earning TV entertainers in 2017, according to Forbes Magazine. The annual earnings (in U.S. dollars) may include income from additional activities such as endorsements and merchandising. Dr. Phil McGraw ($79 million); Ellen DeGeneres ($77 million); Jerry Seinfeld ($69 million); Gordon Ramsay ($60,000); Ryan Seacrest ($58 million); Louis C.K. ($52 million); Judge Judy Sheindlin ($47 million); Kim Kardashian West ($45.5 million; Simon Cowell ($43.5 million); Steve Harvey ($42.5 million).

Painting a Bathroom Increases Your Home's Value: Colour psychology probably doesn't affect your life on a day-to-day basis ~ unless for personal desire or trying to sell your home. The colour of your walls can actually raise or lower the value of your property, a dollar amount that changes annually along with the year's colour trends. Zillow recently examined over 32,000 photos of sold homes...dissecting how certain colours impact their closing price. Keep it light. Painting walls in fresh, natural-looking colours, particularly in shades of blue and pale grey, not only make a home feel larger but also to help buyers envision themselves living in the space. Painting the house's front door is inviting for future home buyers...together with a few potted flowers along the walkway to its entry.

City Rejects Developer's Appeal: Upset Scenic Drive residents complained in late March after Valery Developments Inc. cut 106 trees...a few days before the city formally denied the developer's permit request. The city had an illegal tree-cutting charge under Hamilton's woodland protection bylaw against the developer this week. The maximum fine for a first offence is $5,000 per injured tree.

Antarctica Fruitcake 'Almost Edible': (published by the New York Times News Service) In one of the most hostile regions to humankind, conservationists for the New Zealand-based Antarctic Heritage Trust have unearthed an ice-covered fruitcake they believe once belonged to British explorer Robert Falcon Scott. The age of the fruit cake: 106 years old was in excellent condition...and almost edible. The cake was found in Antarctica's oldest building which was built by a Norwegian explorer's team in1899. The dessert, found wrapped in paper and in its original 'tin-plated iron alloy tin' container was made by the British biscuit company Huntley & Palmers. The fruitcake was an ideal high-energy food for Antarctic conditions...and still a favourite item on modern-day trips to the ice.

Maybe Crocodiles are the Answer: Ruth Best's opinion was published in Readers Write of The Hamilton Spectator. “As a resident living across from Webster's Falls park, I suggested topping the fences with razor wire. Failing that, electrifying the fence could work...or if all else fails...a moat filled with circling crocodiles would be a solution!”

Beluga Whale Dies at Marineland: Marineland issued a statement Monday morning saying the whale named Gia died suddenly...and that preliminary results of a necropsy indicate the cause of death was a twisted small intestine that resulted in a fatal blockage. Gia was born at Marineland and had appeared to be healthy. The young whale will be sadly missed by everyone at Marineland.

B.C. Bans Trophy Hunting of Grizzly Bears: The British Columbia government is ending 'trophy hunting' for grizzly bears and hunting for them in the Great Bear Rainforest. There are an estimated 15,000 grizzlies in B.C...and 250 are killed by hunters every year.

Weatherman Finds Scorpion with Bananas: A weatherman says he got more than he bargained for during a recent trip to a Costco in Halifax after finding a live scorpion in a bag of bananas. Nathan Coleman, a reporter for The Weather Network, says he was unloading groceries when his 11-year-old daughter spotted something squirming in a plastic bag. He says he double-bagged the arachnid and drove to the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, where it has been jarred for observation.

Rochette, Spectator's Milton in Skating Hall of Fame: Figure skater, Joannie Rochette, who captured the hearts of Canadians when she competed at the Vancouver Olympics just days after her mother's death, is headed to Skate Canada's Hall of Fame. She will be joined in the class of 2017 by The Hamilton Spectator's Steve Milton...long regarded as an international expert on figure skating and coaching several Canadian participants. He also covered this sport at the Olympic Games in Calgary, Albertville, Lillihamer, Nagano, Salt Lake City, Vancouver and Sochi.

Still the King of Kale Eaters: When it comes to chewing down kale, Gideon Oji is once again the top dog, beating back a challenge from hot-dog-eating champ Joey Chestnut. Oji gulped down 22 1/2 16-ounce bowls of the leafy green vegetable in eight minutes during Sunday's Kale Yeah! Competition at the Erie County Fair in New York. The kale was served raw with oil and vinegar. The contest is billed as 'the world's healthiest eating competition.'

Shipping News ~ Hamilton Harbour Traffic July 30 to August 5: ( Domestic 7, U.S.A. 5, Overseas 6.)

8 vessels handled bulk material related to the steel industry; 3 handled petroleum product; 3 handled agricultural product; 1 handled aggregate; 3 handled finished steel cargo. Weekly estimate 291,829 metric tons. Export 61,315...Import 230,514. The vessel Volgaborg was at Pier 12 with an import of ferro-manganese, an iron alloy used in steel production. Approximately 15,000 metric tons of ferro-ma ganese are handled through the port each shipping season. This ship sails under the Netherlands flag.

Firefighters Conduct Rope Rescue at Albion: Wednesday afternoon, the hiker injured herself on Wednesday at the bottom of Albion Falls gorge. Due to the terrain, the responders used a rope and basket to bring the woman up the side of the falls. The city has bolstered safety features at the park, including adding $75,000 worth of fencing. Bylaw officers are also handing out $130 penalties in an effort to step up enforcements. Yet, still...several ignore all the signage!

Thank You, President John Kelly: (re Trump appoints John Kelly as Chief of Staff)

Robert Miller of Hamilton responded to “Readers Write”...It has only been a few days since you 'took office' but already we see signs of normalcy and sanity returning to the White House. I hope you are able to get rid of more of those 'alligators' that have populated the Washington 'swamp'!

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...August 15, 2017

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Myths and Truths

Ten Things About Animals You Thought Were True:

Myth: Dogs can see only in black and white.

Truth: Dogs see other colours...but not as many as humans do.

Myth: Bulls react aggressively to the colour 'red'.

Truth: Bulls attack because of movement.

Myth: Ostriches bury their heads in the sand when they are scared.

Truth: What they actually do...is run away!

Myth:Touching a toad, can give you warts. (as my mother told me)

Truth: Toads don't cause warts.

Myth: Chameleons always change colours to blend in with the environment.

Truth: They change colours to reflect their mood.

Myth: Though you may stomp like an elephant...

Truth: Elephants actually walk quietly.

Myth: The blue whale can swallow a car.

Truth: A grapefruit is the biggest thing this whale can swallow.

Myth: Moles are blind.

Truth: Moles can see...but their eyesight is poor.

Myth: Fish are mute.

Truth: Fish make sounds similar to the noise on a busy farm.

Myth: In winter, animals hibernate because they get cold.

Truth: They hibernate because of scarce source of food.

Several things one states are often untruths!

Be honest always, friends....not unscrupulous!

Mysteries

Halton Police say Case of Missing Burlington Senior is Still Open!

It's been more than 13 months since Helen Robertson went missing...

nearly four months since the last solid clue in the case...

and Halton police appear no closer to solving the mystery of the senior's disappearance.

The 79-year-old was last seen just before 1 p.m. on July 5, 2016 at her Millcroft Park Drive home.

“Police have followed up more than 80 leads and possible sightings ~ stretching from Niagara Falls, the greater Hamilton area, Burlingon, Keswick and Richmond Hill,” said Det. Joe Bar of the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau.

“Our search incident and rescue team (SIRT) has conducted extensive searches throughout the greater Burlington area...throughout Millcroft, Headon Forest, Bronte Creek and North Burlington. Our searches have had help from uniform patrol, investigative support members, the marine and canine units of Halton police...and other police agencies.

“Helen Robertson had been suffering from Alheimer's

for about 3 to 4 years before her disappearance.

She and husband, Don, a retired doctor, have lived in the Millcroft community

for about 17 years.”

“In April, a wallet a boy found while fishing with his father at Bronte Creek was determined to be hers. Beyond some personal effects of Ms. Robertson's found in April, our search, unfortunately, has yielded no other evidence,” Barr said.

Police in Barrie are Trying to Find Whoever Set Baby Raccoon on Fire

Jennifer Cheng, yesterday reported in The Canadian Press:

“Police are looking for whoever was responsible for burning a baby raccoon...calling the treatment of the animal, senseless and an inhumane act. Barrie police said a severely injured raccoon was found in a park on Sunday afternoon. The service believed a flammable liquid had been thrown on the animal.

“It is unacceptable,” Constable Sarah Bamford said on Friday.

“If the person is caught, they can face criminal charges and cruelty.”

The raccoon was taken to Procy-on Wildlife Centre in Beeton after a woman found the animal. It is being treated for burns to its face, arms, belly and one side of its body; and given ointment for burns.

The raccoon was avoiding confrontation...but now holding her own.

“No raccoons have had such 'dramatic' injuries.” said the veterinarian.

She reported that she has received nearly 20 emails since 11 a.m. Friday
 to notify her about donations to support the raccoon.

Mystery Solved: Foster's Odyssey Has Happy Ending

Jon Wells from The Hamilton Spectator reports: “Foster the rescue dog covered a lot of ground wandering in the Red Hill Valley...but in a sense , it's just a blip in an odyssey

that saw him travel 12,000 kilometres from Taiwan four months ago.

“The black-and-white Australian cattle dog mix, who is between 2 and 3 years old, was captured at 10:30 Thursday after an exhaustive 12-day search that saw about 16 volunteers working shifts around the clock to find and secure him. The rescue team knew he had been hanging around King's Forest Golf Club in the valley, but catching him was the challenge. Two traps were set up to catch Foster...but the runaway dog ignored them when golfers offered him food and water.

“Appearing hungry, having visibly lost a few pounds, he let volunteers get close and he lay down on the 16^th green at the golf course, where he allowed himself to be held and petted once again.

“There is a difference between smart dogs and intelligent dogs.

Smart dogs will listen to commands and respond to them.

Intelligent ones will listen to you, but think about it before they react.

In the end, a strategy of patience, giving Foster the freedom to feel safe...and come to the team on his own, paid off. One of the volunteers estimated that from interest in the search expressed on social media, perhaps 1,000 people were keeping their eyes open for the dog.”

In the dark of the evening, Foster who still had his collar around his neck,

posed for a colour photograph with 9 happy volunteers.

“He's ~ he's a good dog.”

Compliments to all...especially Ken Price of Dream Team Search and Rescue!

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...August 12, 2017

Respond to: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Collectable Photo ~ a Reality?

For a few years, while my son was working by assignment

at a bank in Manhattan, I created a scrapbook of local pictures...

depicting scenery, animal & bird life, and events occurring
 in and about Hamilton and Burlington. His office cohorts
 were astounded at the beauty of 'Canada'
since most could not relate to southern Ontario, 
 or the Golden Horseshoe.

Although, now working locally as a computer analyst (and how could I exist without his knowledge and skill assistance?), I've continued my collection with pics of interest: scenery plus, harbour activities, wildlife, the RBG's floral displays and home gardens. My favourite animals are cats (especially the tigers, leopards, lions and jaguars), dogs, horses and deer...the latter two, in my heart and soul, are the most graceful 4-leggeds on our planet...should also include Panda Bears and Koalas.

Recently, I snipped a dramatic photo from an advertisement in a local newspaper ~ he was a majestic, stately lion sprawled across a wooden wall ~ regal beyond imagination! He spoke to me!

My Burlington home is nestled in Escarpment country, close to the shore of Lake Ontario...adjacent to Hamilton's 2-tier city which features over 100 waterfalls within its region...Couttes Paradise (a nature water gem of aquatic significance). Burlington North is loaded with 'escarpment's green rolling hills, winding streams and rock formations'...one being Rattlesnake Point, near Milton. Its panorama is one of treed beauty across the broad nature-blessed valley...and from where, on a clear day, one can see the CN Tower in Toronto. Many locals, tourists and rock climbers ascend to this Nature gem to explore.

A year ago, in early October, I drove through our autumn-hued countryside to photo-record Jack Frost's transformation of greens to golds and reds. Partway up the escarpment toward Rattlesnake Point, I stopped to admire the 180-degree scenic panorama enfolding before my eyes. Then, at the Point, parked my car...trail-walking to the rocky precipice to savour Nature's extensive view. Returning to my vehicle, I was followed by an adorable tawny-coloured lion cub...or was it a lynx? He stopped as I searched for my key...and waited.

Where did he come from?

Where was his family...his Mom? (and Dad was nowhere to be seen!)

How could anyone not LOVE him?

Still, he sat like a small statue before me. Kneeling before him, I held popcorn in my open hand. With roughness of tongue, he licked it firmly. His chocolatey-brown eyes haunted me. Should I report him...or should I feed and protect him? The little guy must be hungry.

Needing a name...I called him Zeke.

He yawned...his eyes dreamy...wanting to lay down and curl himself into a cub-ball. Unable to resist, I cuddled him in the crook of my left arm...and drove him to my abode.

After the demise of my 'Maine Coon”, Sheba, I'd kept her toys, her sleeping mat and some cat 'kibble'...the latter I placed on a saucer in front of Zeke who quickly gobbled all of it...then drank water from a bowl (lapping as though from a woodland stream) to quench his thirst. Zeke curled on the mat beside me feet...quickly drowsed into more than a cat-nap...and dreamt he was in paradise.

Decisions! Decisions! Awakening, Zeke was frisky, wanting to play.

Like Sheba, he brushed past my right leg...looking enquiringly into my eyes.

At that moment, he won my heart.

As a cat, he'd leap to the sofa cushions, then to the top...sprawling his lean body, stretched head to tail along this upper edge for a cub-view of the room. “Well, Zeke, as a child-lion, you must learn some manners...and household regulations.” Locating Sheba's blue collar and leash, I introduced him to this 'control measure' and taught him to walk on my left side at all times.

Zeke quickly learned that there was a time to play...and a time to learn!

Zeke was an intelligent lion cub...one who'd say, he was a 'quick learner'!

Zeke Was a Good Boy!

* When he needed to 'relieve himself' (if in the house), he'd look for me...then head for the door...sit and and wait for his exit to the back corner of the yard.

* Bursting with wake-up energy, he'd look for food and water to sate his voracious hunger and thirst...then wait at the patio door for his outside romp and play. If I failed to respond to 'his signals', he'd locate the leash, then drag it and place it at my feet.

* As his 'protector' he lavished on all attention I gave him; daily I'd hold him on my lap and brush his teeth by holding his jaws open...he seemed to enjoy the minty-taste; then cuddling him on my lap, I gently combed and brushed his mane as it steadily grew in. In appreciation, he licked my hands.

* Neighbours became intrigued with my 'household kitty' as daily I'd walk, trot and run along the sidewalks with Zeke...while all passer-bys were confounded by this energetic pet.

Overnight, he'd sleep on a mat beside my bed...mornings he'd waken me with gentle paws.

• In early December, winter arrived with a 6 to 8 inch snowfall. Letting Zeke outside, he was stunned, lifting a front leg to shake off the snow, then the other front leg (as my Sheba did)...then with his back legs, he playfully kicked off the white stuff...and Oh, What Fun it was, to Dash Through the Snow!
• Through constant effort, he learned to Sit..Stay...and Come, upon request; and he learned not to jump at visitors with his outlandish enthusiasm.

Always, I praised him for good behaviour...patting the side of his neck...and looking into his golden-brown eyes, I'd tell him: “Good Boy!”

Dependent on me as his saviour, when showing his affection, he'd stand on his back legs...place his front paws on my shoulders (claws withdrawn)...and as I bent, he'd lick my face. This action reminded me of the Husky Dog Teams (each of 16 dogs) in Alaska's annual Iditirod race of about 1,000 miles over 8 to 15 days in early March. Siberian Huskies love to run...and they loved their 'mushers'...and often, one of the team dogs would stand on back legs and with front paws on the master's shoulders, would 'kiss' the human face at day's end.

Quickly growing was Zeke...and soon I realized that I could not forever keep him...he needed to return to a lion's life. I called my friendly veterinarian who advised me to prepare for Zeke's return to a habitat replacement for wild animals; a few contacts he gave me: Ontario Wildlife Rescue...The Wildlife Centre for Rehabilitation...even the African Lion Safari based in rural Cambridge.

Saddened to consider this dilemma, I knew it was necessary for Zeke's livelihood to engage in LION LIFE with fellow pride members. Occasionally I returned to visit Zeke...who'd always meet me with his Husky-Dog-Hug and Kiss!

* * * * * * *

Lauren Hill states, “The strong mother doesn't tell her cub,

“Son, stay weak so the wolves can get you.”

She instructs, “Toughen up! This is the reality we're living in!”

Composed by Merle Baird-Kerr...August 29, 2017

To comment: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.ca

Today's Greatest Road Danger!

It is not the 'potholes' that are created and deepened after winter's deep freeze.

It is not the 'sink holes' that suddenly & mysteriously appear.

It is not the 'stop and go lights' that fail to function.

It is not the 'fog' that rolls in off the lake...obliterating drivers' vision.

It is not the man 'imbibing himself' enroute home to still his depression.

It is not the woman who 'consoles herself' with just 1 or 2 drinks...

then carries out wifely duties to drive her kids home from school.

It is not the guys who 'open a case of beer' to enjoy

while driving to a 'wild weekend' of.....?

It is not the teens who 'risk all just for the fun of joy-riding...or daring themselves'

while driving with the mentality that it'll never happen to me/us!

It is not the driver who continually travels exceedingly over the speed limit.

It is not necessarily the daughter who 'steals mother's car' just for revenge...

or for the simple joy of doing so...or with friends to arrive at prohibited

destinations unacceptable to parents' decrees.

Have You Guessed ~ What is Today's Greatest Road Danger???

It is the 'Stupid Individual' (whether man,woman, teen or under-ager)

who gets behind the wheel...and as part of the ritual, needs his CT

to forever be in communication with his friends!

Their morale? Oh, What Mocking Fun it is ~ to do as he/she pleases...or just to prove that they are invincible and beyond judgement of Road Regulations while driving! The RISK is DARINGLY FUN!

The second most danger...is the person(s) who ride with these carelessly ignorant drivers!

They're just as NUTS to do so! The drivers' hand-held damn phones, to them,

demand immediate attention...ignoring all safety measures as required by law!

From my writings to you, my dear readers, you're aware I've driven thousands of miles...whether country roads, paved secondary roads, highways, thru-ways and Interstates. I've only had 2 FEARS:

a speeding reckless driver who unable to 'cut in' is forced, himself (or me) to take to the ditch...or be involved in a head-on collision! The second fear is that an inebriated driver is under no control.

Today: I have a Third Fear ~ thanks to Technology!

Those drivers who have that 'inert drive' that they cannot live without...hand-held telephones! It's a phobia that THEY MUST USE and MUST RESPOND TO...in order to be sociatal in today's lifestyle!

They RISK their lives...they risk YOURS and MINE!

My Third is: I FEAR FOR MY LIFE on today's roads!

Distracted Driving...

In a Special to TORSTAR on September 8/17, Larry Lantz, president of

The Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, previously appealed to drivers who continue to engage in activities that divert their attention from driving (by talking and texting on their mobile phones, reading, shaving, applying makeup, combing hair, tending to other dash gadgets, etc.) To that article, Louis at age 81, responded: “It is not the end of the world if you pick up your phone while driving, but it could be the end of your world. Is it worth the risk? Don't be tempted! Put your phone on the back seat before you drive. Be safe and stay alive. He signed it: A Concerned Grandfather.

In another letter from Chris, a road safety advocate, thanked President Larry for his taking a position of zero tolerance on dangerous driver behaviour. Chris commented that despite all of the current efforts to curb Distracted Driving ~ increased driver education, redesigning roads, lowering speed limits, enhanced police enforcement, automated speed and red light enforcement, harsher fines, etc. ~ we are not making much progress. Many of the proposed solutions require government legislation.

Technology has contributed to the problem...

and it can also be a huge part of the solution.

Larry Lantz further wrote: The common message from his reader audience was that “Distracted Driving reinforces the seriousness of this issue...and highlights how widespread 'distracted driving' has become. It now contributes to more deaths on Ontario roads than any other driving offence. In 2016, 65 deaths were attributed to 'distracted driving' ...more than one death per week. We need drivers and passengers to call out others who are talking and texting while they are driving...and we need to ramp up the intolerance of this type of activity.”

My Simple Abbreviated Solution to passengers: Refuse to Ride with a Distracted Driver:

SS: R2R with a DD!

Cliches Garnered from Observers

In the late 1990's the following were quotes on the Web about driving safely...

which started out mostly “dont' drink and drive'.

Today it includes 'texting and cell phone use while driving...

(driving while “intexticated”, as they say)

and other destructive decisions!

Please be responsible and cautious out there! Many lives are at stake!

“Drinking and Driving: there are stupider things...and currently, the stupidest is Distracted Drivers!!!

No person should suffer the tragedy of losing someone as a result of any of these 3 offences...which claim the lives of thousands of people both in Canda and United States. Let us all pledge to always drive sober and always be alert to avoid distractions behind the wheel.

Baseball is like driving ~ it's the one who gets home safely that counts.

(Tommy Lasorda)

It takes 8,460 bolts to assemble anautomobile...and one nut to scatter it all over the road.

(Author unknown, as seen on a bumper sticker.)

American Proverb: A tree never hits an automobile except in self-defence!

Texting while driving increases the risk of accidents 23.2 times over unimpaired driving.

A legally drunk driver needs four additional feet to begin braking;

whereas, a 'texting driver' needs 70. (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.)

Recklessness is a species of crime...and should be so regarded on our streets and highways. (Marlen E. Pew)

The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it.

(Dudley Moore)

Robbins B. Stoeckel states: “Automobiles are not ferocious...it is the driver who is to be feared!

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...September 10, 2017

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Saving Lives ~ Part 2

Many animals are very intelligent and have sensory and motor abilities that dwarf ours. Dogs (even cats) are able to detect various diseases and can warn humans of impending heart attacks and strokes. Elephants, whales, hippos, giraffes and alligators use 'low frequency sounds' to communicate over long distances. Bats, dolphins, frogs, birds and various rodents use 'high frequency sounds' to find food, communicate with others and navigate.

Many animals display wide ranging emotions...

joy, happiness, empathy, compassion, grief...even resentment and embarrassment.

Androcles and the Lion

(Said to be written by Aesop ~ the great Greek storyteller always summed up his stories

from the animal kingdom with a moral.)

The lesson in this tale: “Gratitude is the sign of a noble soul.”

It happened in ancient times that a slave named Androcles escaped from his master and fled into the forest...and wandered there for a long time until he was weary. Just then, he heard a lion near him moaning and groaning and looking at Androcles, who saw that the lion was holding out his right paw, which was covered with blood and very much swollen. Looking more closely at it, Androcles saw a great big thorn pressed into the paw, which was the cause of all the lion's trouble.

Plucking up courage, he seized hold of the thorn and drew it out of the lion's paw, who roared with pain when the thorn came out, but soon after, found such relief from it that he rubbed up against Androcles and showed that he knew, that he was truly thankful for being relieved from such pain.

One day, a number of soldiers came marching through the forest and found Androcles. They took him prisoner and brought him back to town...and he was condemned to death because he had fled from his master. Now, it used to be the custom to throw murderers and other criminals to the lions and on the appointed day, he was led forth into the arena.

The Emperor of Rome was in the royal box that day and gave the signal for the lion to come out and attack Androcles. But when it came out of its cage and got near Androcles, what do you think it did?

Instead of jumping upon him, the lion rubbed up against him

and stroked him with its paw.

It was of course the lion which Androcles had met in the forest. The Emperor summoned Androcles to him. When he told the Emperor how the lion was showing gratitude for his having relieved it of the thorn, the Emperor pardoned Androcles and ordered his master to set him free...while the lion was taken back into the forest...and let loose to enjoy freedom once more.

True Stories of Animals Rescuing People from Certain Death

Dog Protects Little Girl: A mother in Florida was tending to her garden which backed on one of the many inner canals. Her dog, Chico (a Lab Retriever) lay nearby while the small girl played with her colourful ball. A lengthy poisonous snake lay coiled in the morning sun. As Janie ran to retrieve her ball, the snake hustled into 'strike position' to immobilize 'the prey' (his venom of modified saliva delivered through its fangs). Chico, sensing harm to Janie, put himself between the reptile and her...and he was 'fanged' with poisonous venom. Chico was rushed to the local veterinary clinic for serum injection.

Gorilla Saves 3-Year-Old Boy: In zoos, gorillas are enclosed in a space that they can call their own...they are happy to eat, frolic and mate for the entertainment of gawking onlookers. But that territorial bubble was popped by a small boy at the Brooklyn Zoo in Illinois...he was right over the gorilla enclosure when he fell over the fence. The 18-foot drop left him unconscious and with a critical head injury. Binti Jua stepped in...one of the zoo's gorillas who came to the boy's aid by cradling him in her arms and then bringing him to the enclosure door where paramedics could get to him. The police and staff were quick to note that the situation could have been much worse without Binti's assistance.

Whale Saves Drowning Diver: The Polarland Aquarium in Harbin, China held a free diving contest in their 20-foot-deep, Arctic-temperature whale tank with 7 divers who were not allowed to use breathing apparatus. The winning prize was to apply for a job as a whale-trainer. Yang Yun, 26 years old, when reaching the bottom of the pool, her leg cramped and prevented her from swimming which would have led to imminent drowning...that is, if Mila, one of the 2 beluga whales in the tank, didn't see the trouble and swim to her rescue. Mila grabbed Yang Yun's leg with her mouth and started forcefully pushing her to the surface. The diver survived...and would not have, without Mila's help.

Lion Saves Girl from Kidnappers: These 300-pound, 6-foot-long cats can look at you as nothing more than a delicacy at a fancy restaurant they like to call Africa.` Lions also have a softer kitten center that leads them to care for some unlikely creatures. In this instance, it's a 12-year-old Kenyan girl who had been missing for a week. She had been abducted by several men who were trying to force her to marry one of them. But when the authorities found her, the kidnappers had fled. Instead she was surrounded by 3 lions that had scared away, and hopefully maimed her captors. The police said the lions had been guarding her for about a day when they got there...and ensuring that nothing else got close to her.

Cat Saved Family from House Fire: Dianne Busscher was wakened at 4:45 a.m.by the cries of the family cat, Oreo, coming from the garage. Going downstairs, she saw smoke and flames. She quickly grabbed the cat and rushed back inside to waken her husband and their 5 children. The fire destroyed the garage and a bedroom. None of the family was harmed...thanks to Oreo's startling cries.

Elephants Paid Their Respects to Late “Elephant Whisperer” Lawrence Anthony: (1950-2012):

A legend in South Africa and author of 3 books, including the best seller, “The Elephant Whisperer”.

He bravely rescued wildlife and rehabilitated elephants all over the globe from human atrocities, which included the courageous rescue of Baghdad Zoo animals during US invasion in 2003.

On March 7, 2012, Lawrence Anthony died.

He is remembered and missed by his wife, 2 sons, 2 grandsons and numerous elephants. Two days after his passing, the wild elephants showed up at his home led by two large matriarchs. Separate wild herds arrived in droves to say good-bye to their beloved man-friend. A total of 33 elephants walked patiently over 12 miles to get to his South African Wildlife Conservation house. Witnessing this spectacle, humans were obviously in awe...not only because of the supreme intelligence and precise timing that these elephants sensed about Lawrence's passing... also because of the profound memory and emotion the beloved animals evoked in such an organized way: Walking slowly, for days, making their way in a solemn one-by-one queue from their habitat to his house.

These elephants had not been to his house prior to that day for well over 3 years.

The elephants obviously wanted to pay their deep respects, honouring their friend who'd saved their lives...so much respect that they stayed for 2 days and 2 nights. Then one morning they left, making their long journey back home.

SOMETHING IN THE UNIVERSE IS GREATER & DEEPER THAN HUMAN INTELLIGENCE!

Merle Baird-Kerr...written August 14, 2017

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Saving Lives

Trust instinct to the end...even though you can give no reason.

(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Millions of species communicate using body language and instinctive 'calls' to another. Humans have instinctive calls too ~ our distress scream, laughter and crying. All humans and animals are deeply intertwined. Several animals contribute to the survival of other species, including humans. Often overlooked, they pollinate crops to cleaning of oceans...so many roles animals play in preserving the existence of the human species and the planet.

Soccer Player Makes Life-Saving Play on Hamilton Field

Joe Sterrazza was supposed to be driving a Hamilton Street Railway bus on the night he almost died of a heart attack. But his shift was called off, so the West Hamilton dad headed to his weekly soccer game with friends at Mountain Sports Complex. On the way, he picked up Bruno Bombardieri, who was also supposed to miss the game on January 23, 2013, but changed his plans at the last minute.

Halfway through the game, Sterrazza, a fit 40-year old, collapsed on the field with no warning. He had no vital signs after collapse. Bombardieri immediately came to his rescue, performing CPR for an agonizing 12 minutes until paramedics arrived with an automatic external defibrillator.

“You have a very good friend,” Sterrazza remembers a doctor saying

after he was saved. She told me straight out, 'if he wasn't there, you wouldn't be here!'

He tells his story now to illustrate the importance of a national foundation bringing its CPR and defillibrator training program to Halton's 28 high schools in the Public, Catholic and French boards.

Other players felt so helpless that one organized a CPR training session so they'd never be caught not knowing what to do in a life-and-death situation again.

Joe stated, “I had no signs and I never felt anything.

I was playing soccer and I made a pass and then I woke up at Juravinski Hospital.”

Man Who Saved Girl from Fire: “I'm Not a Hero!”

Posted in the Toronto Sun February 14, 2017... Jack Boland from Brampton reported...”Sheldon Teague

doesn't want to be known as a hero after valiantly rescuing a young girl from a house fire that claimed the lives of her mother, father and sister. 'Im just a regular person who did what needed to be done in the moment,' the 19-year-old said. Staying with a friend and her dad, watching a movie, they smelled smoke and saw it coming out of the vents around 3:30 a.m. in a neighbouring home.

“Stepping outside, I could see fire coming out of the upper bedroom.”

He ran around to the front of the house, yelling for help...and started to kick in the door only to be met by a wall of flames. He then heard screaming coming from inside. Armed with only a flashlight, he quickly searched, yelling for somebody to come toward his voice. She made it about halfway down the hallway, at which point he spotted her legs under the heavy smoke.

“So then I ran towards her..picked her up and brought her outside.”

The girl is now at Sick Kids Hospital recovering from 3^rd degree burns.

Her family, sadly did not survive.

Teague said he was 'simply doing what he could do to help. He remained until Brampton Fire crews arrived to battle the blaze. “It was horrifying. I'm not sure how many voices I could hear.”

Ump Saves Woman on Bridge's Edge

As a Major League Baseball umpire, John Tumpane often has to defuse tense situations at the ballpark.

“None compared to the scene he came upon Wednesday as he walked across the Roberto Clemente Bridge in Pittsburgh around 3 p.m. on his way back from a run and lunch” reported Stephen J. Nesbitt.

A few hundred yards from PNC Park, he saw a woman climb over a railing and look down toward the Allegheny river below. “Obviously, that grabbed my attention,” Tupane said prior to the Pirates game against the Tampa Bay Rays, in which the 34-year-old Chicago native was the home-plate umpire. The bridge was mostly empty at that time of day. Tumpane rushed toward the woman, who appeared calm and asking what was going on. “I just wanted to get a better look of the city from this side,” she replied. “Oh, no,” Tumpane said, hooking his arm around hers. “You don't want to do that. It's just as good over here. Let's grab some lunch and talk.”

“No,no, no,” she answered. “I'm better off on this side...just let me go!” He said, “I'm not going to let you go. Let' talk this out. We'll get you back over here.” She replied, “No one wants to help me,” she repeated. “Just let me go!” “No, we're here to help you.” “You'll forget me tomorrow.” “I'll never forget you,” he said. “You can have my promise on that.” Tumpane mouthed to a passerby, “Call 911.”

As they spoke, the woman became more emotional. “She cried and tried to slip from my grip. I locked both my arms around her back. At times, she dangled both feet off the bridge's edge, putting her full weight in my arms. I was thinking, God, this has got to be a good ending, not a bad ending...and held on for dear life. She said, “I just want to end it right now. I want to be in a better place.”

One man helped grab the woman's arms...and another pinned her ankles against the bottom rail. Soon, a police boat arrived, then a helicopter, an ambulance, a fire truck and a police officer. They put a life preserver on the woman and handcuffed one of her wrists to the bridge. “I advised her, Look, all these people are here who want to help you for the right reasons. We want to get you better.”

Before she was whisked away, Tumpane knelt next to the woman and tried to comfort her.

He asked for her first name and she gave it to him....and he prayed for her.

John Tupane hopes to reconnect with her at the hospital

before he leaves Pittsburgh for his next series in another major city.

In the end, Tumpane said, “It was a matter of right place and right time.”

Human Chain Rescues

Only a few weeks ago, families and children were in danger of drowning in a sudden powerful riptide in the Gulf of Mexico near Panama City Beach in Florida. Due to extreme dangerous waters, at least 80 people formed a human chain to rescue a stranded group caught in the riptide.

(Reading this news item, I recalled when Roger and Deanne Woodward

were swept toward Niagara Falls' precipices when a family friend's boat overturned up-river).

The children wore the only 2 life-jackets on board.

Roger, only 7 years old in 1960, now says, “This water looks like it's as big as a house with waves and rocks...one minute you're pulled underwater...you can't breathe and wonder if you'll breath again. Then,

you're thrown off rocks as you're going through the rapids.” MIRACLE, it was when the blond, blue-eyed boy was pulled onto the Maid of the Mist tour boat after his plunge over the Horseshoe Falls.

Deanne, then 17 was rescued just before the brink: Two New Jersey tourists, John Hayes and John Quattrochi (one whom I recall was black) one holding the protection railing, the other stepping into the raging water, extended his hand which she was able to grasp...as the two men pulled her to safety.

I invite you to read Part 2 ~ Animals Rescuing People in next posting.

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...August 13, 2017

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

"Foster's Story" Prior to His Rescue

'Tis said that every house has a story'...and every human life has a story.

Many books and movies have been written and filmed

about animals...from horses to dogs to even lions.

Several weeks ago, we heard about Foster whose rescue was 'front-page-news' with his photo everywhere...and everyone in East Hamilton looking for him. Jon Wells researched this story which , on August 26 was published in The Hamilton Spectator. In case you missed it, here are excerpts from his writing:

Best Friends: Hamilton's Rescue Dog Culture

“The air in the valley was warm and still. Thunder boomed, darkness fell and it rained. It was the fourth day Foster was loose. He bit at the leash he was still dragging around, trying to cut it away. At one point, middle of the night, the black and white Australian cattle-dog-mix trotted down the centre line of a road. He might have been killed at any moment, but a truck followed close behind at low speed, his roof light on, warning cars to stay clear of the compact 38-pound canine.

“Foster picked the right city to go missing in.

The guy at the wheel, Ken Price, is part of Hamilton's crazy-dog community.

The sign on his truck says Dream Team Search and Rescue Tracking.

“He figures the volunteer group has helped find and catch 300 run-away dogs in the last couple of years in Hamilton and as far away as North Bay. But more than a dozen volunteers searching for Foster after he ran away Sunday, July 30, discovered that locating the dog was one thing ~ catching him another.

“He is a 'rescue' originally from the dog-hostile streets of Taiwan.

Rescue dogs ~ strays or dogs in poor living conditions

that otherwise would be euthanized ~ are resilient and sometimes fearful

which makes them the toughest to reel in.

“Eleven days passed. Still no luck despite near 24/7 surveillance, night-vision cameras and traps set with bait. Foster bounced around King's Forest Golf Course in the Red Hill Valley. When he started letting volunteers into his space without fleeing, Price knew this was the moment to 'play the ace card'. He called Brian who had been looking for a dog a few months ago. He is 30, lives alone in Kitchener, works at a software startup and wanted a companion, one he could take on runs.

A friend convinced him: “Adopt, don't shop ~ get a rescue dog.”

“Foster hailed from a rescue operation in Taiwan called Mary's Doggies, founded by a woman named Mary Christine Choi. The description on her website said Foster was a happy, playful goofy boy.

He arrived in Hamilton via the Etobicoke Humane Society. Jacklin adopted through Hammer City Paws Rescue and was introduduced to Foster at the dog-friendly Munchie's Coffee House and Bakery on Upper Gage Avenue. Jacklin held out his hand in the cafe...and Foster placed his paw on top. He called him nicknames: Oreo, Dingo, Fostie, Fozzie Bear. Loving him on-sight, Brian took him back to his home...however, apartment living did not agree with him....so felt he had to return him to Hammer City Paws Rescue. He talked to Foster...cuddled him...shed tears.

“Gila Pyke, a foster owner on the east Mountain agreed to take him. That same night when opening her car door, he bolted for the Red Hill Valley. She felt awful for not properly tethering his leash. His escape sounded the 'dog whistle' to the rescue community, including the Dream Team. One of the volunteers searching was Stephanie Baran, who when growing up was socially awkward says that a lot of people like her, gravitate to dogs...often they're easier to get along with than humans and 'Dogs are not judgemental and will love you unconditionally. It takes patience and intuition to live in harmony with a dog that cannot communicate in your language.

“The critical final step in finally catching Foster was when Brian Jackson returned to Hamilton on Thursday night, August 10. Price told him to bring clothes, pillow cases...anything with his scent on it. The items were laid out at the golf course to lure Foster. Jacklin called out, “Fostie! Fozzy Bear!”

Eventually, Foster walked to the 16^th green and sat on the grass.

Jacklin sat nearby. Foster ran and nearly bowled him over.

Jacklin drove home in his empty car...sad to leave the sweet boy, but believed he was safe; smudges from the dog's nose still dotting the window from 11 days earlier.

“Gila Pyke has Foster until a suitable home can be found to adopt him. He is the most anxious dog she has fostered, she says. When she got him home, he never left her side.

He even sat on her feet in the shower.

“A reporter visits and Foster is wary of the stranger...his tail curled between his legs, but he is also calm and gentle...and eats pieces of bacon tenderly off his hand. Eventually, Foster even offers his paw.

As for Foster, 'Who knows what's next for him? He is only 2 years old!

Distant rain is in the air. He is living entirely in the moment.”

Dogs are some of the most loyal creatures in the world;

there's a reason why they are known as 'Man's Best Friend.'

Dog Wears Her Owner's Pajamas: Molly has a habit of putting her folded pajamas under her pillow before making the bed. While she was still a pup, her dog, Abby, used to get really lonely and in her absence, so she'd often jump onto her bed...drag Molly's clothes out...and sleep on them in the hallway.

However, recently a career opportunity forced Molly to move to another town, so she left Abby with her parents. She visits frequently, but still misses her 4-legged friend dearly. Last week, her parents called to tell her how they came home from shopping, to be greeted by Abby wearing her pajamas!

Dog Saves Pet Tortoise: Last month, there was a fire at Sam's apartment. Thankfully, Sam, his family and their pet dog managed to get out in time. However, once safely outside, it occurred to Sam that they'd left their pet tortoise behind. Then Sam looked at his dog...and saw him holding the tortoise gently in his mouth. When it comes down to friendship, animals can teach us a thing or two.

Dog Buys Groceries at the Store for his Owner: Grant runs a small grocery shop; one of his regulars is a Royal poodle called Albert. He belongs to an old lady who finds it hard to walk. Every day, Albert trots into the store...gets in line...and waits patiently for his turn at the counter, holding a small package in his mouth. The package contains some money, a shopping list and a string bag. All Grant needs to do is take the money...fill the bag with goods...and give it back to the dog.

Dog Empathizes with Owner Who Lost Leg: Peter lost his leg in an accident a year ago. Right now, the best psychological support that anyone gives him is from his pet Labrador, Princess. Whenever they go for a walk, she deliberately bends one of her hind paws (periodically shifting from one to the other), hopping along on three paws instead of four. Clearly, she is doing this to show her empathy.

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...August 27. 2017

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com