Lilly, 15, is caring and funny
She also enjoys journaling as a way to reflect and unwind. Lily has a sharp sense of humor and loves engaging in playful banter with those around her.
She's a confident self-advocate and often steps up to support others as well. With her strong voice and take-charge attitude, it's no surprise that Lily dreams of becoming a teacher one day.
Can I adopt?
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If you're at least 18 years old, have a stable source of income, and room in your heart, you may be a perfect match to adopt a waiting child. Adoptive parents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ+ singles and couples.
As an adoptive parent, you won't have to pay any fees, adoption from foster care is completely free in Massachusetts.
The process to adopt a child from foster care includes training, interviews, and home visits to determine if adoption is right for you. These steps will help match you with a child or sibling group that your family will fit well with. To learn more about adoption from foster care visit www.mareinc.org. Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) can give you guidance and information on the adoption process. Reach out today to find out all the ways you can help children and teens in foster care.
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Buzz Feed
8 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
39 Ridiculously Effective Kitchen Products Under $25
A storage container designed to give your deli meats and cheeses a place to call home. It has an air-tight seal to keep your items fresh *and* you can write on it with a dry-erase marker, so you can remember what you bought at the store when you're bleary-eyed and whipping up a quick sandwich before the workday. An expandable colander that'll fit snugly inside your sink to clean fruits and veggies, drain pasta, *and* dry dishes while also bringing some life to a typically boring area of the kitchen. Or a game-changing Snap N' Strain you can use with any pot or bowl. Just think of how much space you'll save in your already-crowded kitchen cabinets! Reviewers use it to strain a variety of things (not just pasta!). A dishwasher-safe silicone soup cube tray complete with a lid, a must-have for anyone who fully embraces soup season but has no use for a giant vat of soup — you can freeze these in individual portions. As TikTok says: gorgeous, gorgeous girls love soup! A pack of oven liners to protect the bottom of your oven from any overflow/oozing and let you continue pretending you're competing on The Great British Baking Show worry free. A handheld garlic press you'll be ready to *rock 'n' roll* with right out of the package — don't plan to invite any vampires over for dinner. A vertical pan handle attachment that'll make it easier than ever to lift that adorable cast-iron skillet you just HAD to have in a fun color to match the rest of your kitchen. A set of heat-safe microwave bowl holders so you'll never have to hear your roomie exclaiming "ow, ow, ow!" while taking their leftover pasta out of the microwave. Using these you can both happily eat your favorite meals in-hand on the couch while watching yet another season of Love Island. A Crack'em egg cracker and spoon rest to ensure your scrambled delights will be shell-free every single time — and how cool will you look cracking eggs open singlehandedly??? Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray, which smells so freakin' good you might just get distracted from how wonderfully it works! All you'll have to do is spray it onto caked on food and grease, wait a lil', then rinse or wipe it away to reveal a perfectly clean pan. An easy jar opener — because you are Independent with a capital "I" and simply don't need *anyone* to help you open the jar of sauce you so graciously purchased for your "Girl Dinner." Or an under-cabinet lid opener that'll help pop open that jar of salsa in a snap so you can get back to more important things — snacking and watching Love Island. A jar of internet-beloved The Pink Stuff, which is an all-purpose cleaning paste that'll help you tackle all of your messes but make it *~pretty in pink~* at the same time. A rapid egg cooker with the ability to make hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, scrambled eggs, and omelets — which is about two more kinds than I know how to make on my own. Shh, don't tell anyone I'm about to rely on this gadget to make it seem like I know how to cook. With over 102,000 5-star reviews, you certainly can't go wrong. A set of adjustable mug organizers that'll ensure you make the most out of your limited kitchen cabinet space *and* keep your precious collection of quirky cups at the same time. A trio lasagna pan, so you can happily (just this once) cater to every member of your family's specific preference and have a peaceful dinner. No more sacrificing your love of spinach lasagna for your kid's distaste. Reviewers also use it to make different flavors of brownies at the same time! A colander spoon to let you scoop food straight out of the pot and onto your plate without the need to break out a full-size colander. Deliciousness awaits! A 12-oz bottle of Mike's Hot Honey that'll help take the flavor of your boring weeknight recipes to the next level with just a drizzle. As the voices of our generation, the Spice Girls, once said, "Every boy and every girl spice up your life!" Or a truffle-infused honey you won't be able to resist adding to everything and anything. It'll make all of your Plain Jane meals feel fancy schmancy with the least effort possible. *Chef's kiss* A manual food chopper to make prepping fruits, veggies, and herbs feel like a treat instead of a chore. A microwave pasta cooker that'll provide you with perfectly al dente noodles with the least effort possible — add some butter and parm to those babies, plop yourself in front of the couch, tune into The Real Housewives, and dig in. 🍝 A meat thermometer so you'll never have to guess "is my steak cooked?" again. You can grill with confidence! Some slow-cooker liners because who wants to ruin the warm, cozy day they've curated with the unpleasant task of cleaning out their Crock-Pot? With the addition of these lovely liners you can simply toss it, wipe down your appliance, and get back to enjoying your evening. A slim cutlery organizer to keep utensils in order so you won't find yourself fumbling through a disaster zone in an attempt to find a serving spoon. Pre-made simmer sauces that'll make you feel like a professional chef — dump it over that chicken breast you picked up at the supermarket, cook it in the pan, and get ready to eat! *Reusable* toaster bags to help you craft a flawless grilled cheese time after time while sparing your toaster from a mess of crumbs. An excellent chef's knife you can use to beautifully cut up ingredients in a way even the most scrutinizing of chef's would praise and without a hefty price tag. A handheld knife sharpener that'll bring your most used kitchen utensils back to life in a flash without destroying your countertop or cutting boards. A dishwasher magnet so your roommate can stop shouting your name and asking you "IS THE DISHWASHER CLEAN OR DIRTY?" before every meal. A stuffed burger press will help you craft the burger of your dreams — fill it with cheesy goodness, bacon, mushrooms, whatever! I'm salivating just thinking about the options. A handheld veggie spiralizer that'll grate cheese, juice fruits, cut ribbon, and *so* much more. Rumor has it this is the gadget that inspired the *~twist and shout~* movement. A silicone sink strainer for anyone who absolutely detests cleaning the gunk out of their sink (it really is gross, isn't it?) This one is flexible and will make that grime-filled task a bit more bearable. A garbage-disposal foaming cleaner to scrub away the stinky grime that builds up on the blades and in the pipes. Definitely add this to your cart if you've never lived with one of these babies before and are likely to get overexcited and dump EVERYTHING and ANYTHING down there. Stainless-steel-effect contact paper you can use to give your outdated appliances a Cinderella-like makeover., Bibbidi, bobbidi, BOOM: fresh and modern kitchen at your service. A tea bag organizer to essentially add more storage to your pre-existing cabinets — next time a guest asks you for a cuppa you can quickly share all the delectable flavor options you've got on hand. A couple of pot minders for anyone that is such a bad cook they truly cannot even boil water without incident (ahem, me). A set of stove burner covers to catch the inevitable splash of sauce the always finds it's way out of your pot — it'll also help cover up some chipped the burners you unfortunately inherited from the previous owner. A personal blender that'll make make whipping up your favorite morning treat easier than ever. Toss those fruits and veggies, blend, and take the cup with you — no transfer needed. A faucet splash catcher to absorb the excess water that typically makes its way around your sink while you're mindlessly washing dishes and thinking about how nice it would be to *not* be cleaning.
USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Watch this five-pound Pomeranian chase a black bear out of its home
An intruding black bear was chased out of a house in Canada by an unlikely hero: a tiny Pomeranian. Security footage captured from the incident shows a black bear casually entering and strolling around the Vancouver home Aug. 4 when the feisty little Pomeranian, Scout, barges in from a side door and fearlessly chases the bear out of the house and into the yard, where he continues to run after it as his owner calls him back. Watch: Tiny Pomeranian chases black bear out of Vancouver home Kayla Kleine, Scout's owner, told Global News that she had the door open to let in some fresh air because of the heat when a bear casually walked inside. She shared with Storyful that the bear, which frequently visits their yard, had earlier taken the breakfast meant for her 3-year-old dog. This may have annoyed her pet, who weighs only five pounds Kleine told the Canadian media outlet that she was surprised by her pet's actions, but she also said he can be 'scary when he's mad.' 'He just likes to assert his dominance, or like we'll call him the alpha dog,' Kleine told the outlet. Kleine also posted a follow-up video of the pooch feeling proud of himself on TikTok with the caption: 'He's been like this ever since he defeated the bear.' Scout was also treated to his favorite foods as he watched himself appear on television as a hero, according to another video Kleine posted. How to keep bears from entering your home British Columbia is home to a sizable population of black bears, and while these animals are typically solitary and shy, they can be a nuisance to humans and can cause human-bear conflicts. Wildlife agencies, including those in the U.S. such as the National Park Service, advise residents to be more 'BearWise' and take 'reasonable corrective measures' to avoid encounters, including: Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Gen Z Woman Chooses Labrador Over Career, Here's How It's Going
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Generation Z woman has explained why she quit two jobs because they weren't suitable for her dog's needs, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Ever since Samantha, 27, brought home Betty the black Labrador puppy in 2023, she's heard countless times about how she goes "above and beyond" as a dog owner. Whether it's moving house so that Betty could have a garden, or giving the pup her very own bedroom, Samantha is undoubtedly a doting dog mom. But she told Newsweek that she to center big life decisions on her dog before she even brought Betty home. After years of working in real estate and doing a job she loved, she made the decision to leave and find something that would enable her to give more time to a dog. "In October 2022, I left my job in real estate which was fully office-based to find something more flexible, knowing I wanted a dog," Samantha, from the UK, said. "I was in that role for around three years and progressed quickly within the company. Samantha and Betty pictured together during a vacation. Samantha and Betty pictured together during a vacation. @bettyscountrytails / TikTok "I loved the work and the people. It wasn't an easy decision to leave, but having a dog was a lifelong dream and I knew I needed a job that gave me more flexibility." After telling her friends and family, Samantha said they weren't surprised because they all knew just how much having a dog meant to her. Instead, she got a job with an animal pharmaceutical company that was hybrid and allowed dogs in the office. For Samantha, it seemed like the perfect fit, and she loved the idea of having Betty by her side all week. Unfortunately, the office environment just wasn't right for young Betty. She only wanted to play with the other dogs and run around—not exactly conducive to a productive work environment. "Betty is from a working line, so she has lots of energy and needs stimulation. The office environment was too quiet and restrictive for her. She cried, wanted to play with the other dogs, and didn't settle," Samantha continued. The Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) owner tried to help Betty relax in the office, but she was "clearly unhappy" in that environment. After several months, Samantha knew it wasn't going to work, and she made the decision to leave that job too. The Covid pandemic changed the global workforce in unprecedented ways, giving workers a whole new outlook on what they want from a job. This led to what's been dubbed the Great Resignation of 2021, when the rate at which American workers quit their jobs reached a 20-year high, according to The Pew Research Center. The top reasons for leaving a job included low pay, lack of advancement, and feeling disrespected. But for many people, pets are also a big factor. A 2024 survey by OnePoll on behalf of Vetster highlighted that 7 percent of pet parents have left a job in order to find one that allowed them to better care for their pet. An additional 24 percent have considered doing so, while 60 percent would think about leaving their job if it conflicted with their ability to look after their pet. After all, pets are part of the family and owners want to ensure their lives are just as fulfilling. Samantha during the second job before quitting, and Betty in the office environment. Samantha during the second job before quitting, and Betty in the office environment. @bettyscountrytails / TikTok Leaving two jobs wasn't an easy decision for Samantha, but she wouldn't change a thing. Since leaving the pharmaceutical role in 2024, she has set up her own marketing agency, Shropshire Marketing, which supports small businesses across the country. It's a role she loves, and the company is thriving, as Samantha told Newsweek that she has "Betty to thank" for the career change. Samantha said: "This genuinely feels like a dream come true. Being able to structure my life around Betty, go on long walks during the day, work flexibly, and prioritize her wellbeing, is everything I hoped for. I know I'm in a privileged position, but it hasn't come without its risks and sacrifices." The proud dog mom recently took to TikTok (@bettyscountrytails) to share some of the "extra" things she's done. Aside from quitting her jobs, the list also included giving Betty Egyptian cotton bedding, buying a bigger car, and selling her house after a year. The post certainly captured attention online, leading to over 83,400 views and 8,400 likes on TikTok at the time of writing. While some people still react negatively, Samantha's been blown away by the positive responses she's received on social media. She's connected with plenty of likeminded dog owners who support her decisions. "I know Betty's very lucky to have the life she does. Most people, especially other dog lovers, totally understand and support it," Samantha continued. Many TikTok users took to the comments section to praise Samantha for putting Betty first, while others shared their own experiences. One comment reads: "This is how all doggies should be treated, you're a queen." Another TikTok user wrote: "This SHOULD be a tutorial on how to be the best dog parents." While one person replied: "Same, glad I've found my people." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
