Latest news with #BostonTerriers
Time Out
2 days ago
- Time Out
Local Intel: Carl Wastie
Pipe Track and Newlands Ravine I love a good hike, and Table Mountain offers several paths of tranquillity and unmatched views of the city. The Pipe Track is a great starting point for any hiker, and it can be lengthened or shortened depending on your available time or how much you want to challenge yourself. Newlands Ravine is much the same – just as beautiful – but it's perfect for taking the dogs on what I like to call 'walkies on steroids.' I'm a dog dad to four Boston Terriers, so this is essential. City Sightseeing A trip on the Cape Town City Sightseeing bus is one of the best ways to feel proud of the city I live in. It offers the opportunity to see many places I can check off my bucket list, and the Hop-On Hop-Off feature makes it a full day of fun and connection with loved ones. A little-known fact is that I'm the voice of the City Sightseeing bus, so I literally get the chance to practice what I preach through those earphones. Spier This place will always be special to me and my family. It offers picnics with friends, which lead to games of 30 Seconds and snacks on the lawns. Their restaurant, Vadas, serves the best Pastéis de Nata I have ever tasted, along with Smokehouse offerings one can only dream of. Who would've thought a head of broccoli could be so good? I'd highly recommend it. R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch Epice One of my favourite places in the world is Franschhoek. It is brimming with amazing restaurants and truly incredible experiences. The chef at the helm here is Charne Sampson (Mouton), who is a genius when it comes to mixing lekker Cape Malay flavours with French techniques. When you're there, snap as many pics as you can, especially of the ice cream cart that swings by for dessert. Beau Constantia I love this spot – it's fine dining, but it never feels inaccessible. The menu changes beautifully and often, not just seasonally, thanks to the experimental mind of my friend, Chef Ivor Jones, who just scooped Chef of the Year at the 2025 Eat Out Awards. 1043 Constantia Main Rd, Constantia Salsify Clearly, I'm a restaurant guy, but this place is one of those spots where your phone constantly comes out to snap pictures of the décor, graffiti, and preserved history. The menu is always fresh and creative, and the chef, Ryan Cole, is a humble, talented guy who makes you feel like you've been invited over to his place for some though it's a multi-award-winning, must-see restaurant. Tulbagh Recently, I was invited to experience Tulbagh, just a little over an hour outside of Cape Town, and I was highly impressed with the incredible places one can explore there. This included a stay at Rijk's Wine Estate as well as Manley Estate, where I was thoroughly impressed with the culinary team, made up of trained local women from the area. I'm also booked to stay at the Geodome accommodation soon, something I've wanted to do for the past few years.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
If you see a dog in a hot car in Florida, can you break the window? What to know
Florida is a great place for dogs, with several beaches that welcome your best friend to roam around and dog cafes, bars and parks in many coastal towns and cities. But while you're traveling with your furry friend, do not leave your dog locked inside a vehicle in the Florida sun, even for a short period. "When it's 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside," the Humane Society of America said, "the temperature inside your car can heat up to 116 degrees within an hour." Even sitting in a hot vehicle for a short time could mean irreversible organ damage or death. Last year, when the New Smyrna Police Department cracked the window of a U-Haul truck to rescue the heavily panting pit bull dog trapped inside, the temperature outside was 86 degrees, but "the temperature inside the vehicle was likely 100 degrees or more," the NSBPD's Facebook post said. This weekend, temperatures in the Sunshine State are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s across most of the state. What if you spot a dog trapped in a hot car? Are you allowed to smash a window? Here's what to know. Dogs regulate their body temperature by sweating through their paws and panting, and neither is effective in a hot metal box. Heatstroke in dogs is especially dangerous for breeds with short noses and flat faces, according to the American Kennel Club. That's pugs, boxers, bulldogs, Boston Terriers and French bulldogs (and pit bulls, although the AKC doesn't recognize that as a breed). "Due to their unique anatomy, these breeds are not able to cool themselves as efficiently because of inefficient breathing and panting," the AKC said. "Dogs that have had heatstroke before, obese dogs, and those with dark coats are also at higher risk for heatstroke." Have outdoor weekend plans? Expect heat, high heat. See the forecast across Florida Florida's animal cruelty definition also applies to anyone who "carries in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner." Violations mean first-degree misdemeanor charges, penalties and/or fines up to $5,000 for the first offense. Second and subsequent offenses get a mandatory minimum fine of $5,000 and at least six months in jail without the option of parole or any form of early release. If a dog is overheated and left untreated, it can be fatal. These are the signs of heat stress and heatstroke in dogs, according to the AKC. Heavy, frantic panting Dehydration Body temperature over 105.8 degrees and your dog feels warm to the touch Excessive drooling Bright red gums Rapid or irregular heart rate Vomiting Seizures Muscle tremors Lack of coordination (ataxia) Unconsciousness If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, get them somewhere cool, provide cool water and call your veterinarian immediately. You can run cool water over them or put a cool wet towel on their body. If you see a dog locked inside a car, check first to see if it is in distress. Is the air conditioning on? Just a cracked window may not be enough in Florida. Is the driver nearby, or can they be quickly found? Has the dog been there for longer than a few minutes? Don't immediately assume a dog in a car is in trouble, the owner might already be running back. If the dog is clearly suffering and the owner cannot be located, call 911 or a nearby law enforcement officer for help and forcibly enter the vehicle if instructed to do so. Be sure to have a leash, belt, purse strap, or other way to secure the dog once you've freed it. Florida law protects people who break into vehicles to rescue pets or vulnerable people from harm from liability for damages as long as: There's no way for the pet or person to get out They have a reasonable belief that the pet or person is in imminent danger of suffering harm They have contacted law enforcement or 911 either before or immediately after breaking in They use no more force to do so than is necessary to remove the pet or person They remain with the pet or person in a safe location near the vehicle until law enforcement or a first responder arrives This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida heat: Law allows you to break windows to rescue dogs, sometimes
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Boston Terriers compete for top spot ahead of derby weekend
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — At the Owensboro Convention Center, hundreds of Boston Terrier owners are competing for one of the most prestigious titles in the country. The Boston Terrier Club of America's National Specialty is drawing in visitors from all over the world. It's a five-day competition of who can put their best paw forward. The Boston Terrier Club of America welcomes over 200 dogs to Owensboro for the first time. EPD and VCSO confirm ICE operations taking place in Evansville Officials say hosting the 130th National Specialty in Owensboro helps handlers with travel time, as its more centrally located. ''…Oregon. I know several people from California. I believe we have entries from overseas,' says Dominic Koon, the President of the Boston Terrier Club of America. This year's competition is called 'Run for the Rosettes' … A tribute to the host state's derby week. Competition judges analyze each canine what they define as the standard. 'Does the Boston Terrier have a square head? Does it have smaller ears? Does it have a level top? Is it square?,' says Koon. Officials say pedigree matters, but a dog's good condition could make room for a higher score. It features everything from obedience to agility trials. For those under 18-years-old, there's a junior competition. 'They're learning how to care for a dog. They actually get graded differently in the round. They're graded on how they handle the dog,' says Koon. Darlus Gerson has over 25 years of experience competing and says the junior competition is what kicked it all off for her family. It was a way to bond with her youngest daughter , who was 12 at the time. 'Our other two daughters that were older were in the malls. We decided to do something that the family could participate in together. It keeps you outside in the park with your dogs and your family. [Boston Terriers] excel at being your best friends,' says Gerson, a competitor from California. She and her husband traveled from the west coast for a chance at a first place ribbon in the bred-by-exhibitor competition 'We started on Friday night, and it took us about 24 hours worth of plane flights and everything,' says Gerson. Officials say competition will close with the Boston of the Year competition. It's only open to those who have scored in the top 20 throughout the year. Each competitor gets 3 minutes to showcase their dog with a song of their choice and develop memories for a lifetime. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Diversity in Appalachia: A personal journey through education and experience
Sunrise over the Appalachian Mountains. (Stock photo from Getty Images.) This commentary originally appeared in The Athens Messenger. By Victoria LaPoe, Ph.D., Ohio University Professor, E. W. Scripps School of Journalism Recently I began typing, 'Whereas, DEI is Appalachia and rural Ohio' for a resolution. How did I know this? Well, my storytelling can be long-winded, but I'll sum it up quickly for digital attention spans. First Lesson: Quiet, Humble, Hardworking Appalachian In 2009, I met a quiet, humble Ph.D. student at Louisiana State University's Manship School of Mass Communication. He was sandy-haired, reserved, and from Core, West Virginia — deep in the heart of Appalachia. He was shy, humble, and quiet; when he spoke, I listened. The day before I started my Ph.D. program, I was still working at an ABC television station, surrounded by outspoken quick storytelling personalities. Yet, this quiet soon-to-be scholar could hold his own when discussing gender issues. I was in my 30s, I felt well-versed in theory and research, and here was this guy who could match me in conversations about women's issues. I thought, 'Who is he?' He had graduated from West Virginia University. He later told me when I began my program, he could see I had my guard up, a necessary skill honed from years as a producer in television news. If I hadn't, I would have been run over by anchors who had been there since my childhood. But as time passed, he started talking to me more about our shared research interests. I started trusting him. Later, we got married. Grew up in a Trailer Park, Hunted to Survive, and Limited Medical Care Through Ben, I learned about Appalachia. During our first winter together, I visited the mountain trailer park where he grew up. There was no cell service, but my Boston Terriers were thrilled, finally having space to run free. I can still picture Bruno, the more bulldog-like of the two, cheeks flapping as he chased after a deer downhill. Inside the trailer where Ben grew up, I found myself hesitant to use the bathroom under the gaze of a mounted deer head. I learned deer weren't just eyeballs to frighten me but a necessity — a crucial food source for many families in Appalachia. Without it, there would have been nothing to eat. I learned he had collected cans as a kid for money. As far as medical care growing up, that meant butterfly bandages and dunking yourself in watered-down Clorox if you swam in something questionable. Instilled with Grit, Dedicated to Family, and Stood Tall When Hard Times Hit West Virginia was different to me as I wasn't from there and I loved my visits because it was something I had with Ben. The simplicity, the absence of pressure, the joy of eating pepperoni rolls, and being surrounded by nature offered a sense of peace from our Ph.D. program. And Ben had grit. I liked to think of him as a clutch. When things got tough, he could help get us through them. When we didn't have enough money for rent in the summer during our Ph.D. program, he took a yellow book (yes, when people used to use those) and said I won't be back until I have the rent money. When I was in a car accident because of the ice this winter, he put the pieces of my car back together himself in three days, while watching a five-year-old. He can fix anything. For example, a garage door piece needed replaced suddenly on his February birthday. It was single-digit temperatures, the wind whipped through the house because repair people couldn't show up due to the snow. Along with this, he can Tetris anything into the car or other spaces and when things are really against the wall, he remains calm and figures it out. I attribute that to his Appalachian character. Second Lesson: From LSU to Ohio U., Dr. Ralph Izard My second lesson in Appalachia came from Dr. Ralph Izard, former director of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University; however, he was my professor at LSU. He founded the National Media Diversity Forum, and with a handshake, I promised to contribute to it forever. He taught me about the First Amendment, and I loved peeking into his office, where he would be eating his lunch — whatever he had grabbed from the fridge, including, on one occasion, a raw turnip. Dr. Izard became my dissertation area head for diversity — another West Virginian who broadened my understanding of interconnectedness, philosophy, and policy. He encouraged me to question how people were affected and to engage closely with communities when seeking answers. Diversity wasn't just a buzzword — it was a commitment. While at LSU, the Manship School was the first recipient of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Equity & Diversity Award in 2009. Third Lesson: Ohio U. Students Who Have Walked the Bricks Since 2017 My third lesson in Appalachia has been taught at Ohio University since 2017, my fourth university. Until I arrived, I hadn't heard 'food insecurity' used so frequently. Here, I saw firsthand how deeply poverty affects students and residents. When I read about Ohio Senate Bill 1 and its potential impact, I think of Dr. Izard, Ben, and my students. Ben has taught cross-cultural communication, advocacy, and issues of gender, race, and class. Dr. Izard taught about the First Amendment and the philosophies that shape these conversations. Both are white, male Appalachians who have positively impacted lives — mine included. There are countless student letters to prove it. If the resistance to diversity means that someone like me will never learn about Appalachia — if these experiences never influenced my understanding of rural poverty, resilience, and identity — then Ohio politicians are acting against the very people they profess to represent. Because of these diverse experiences with Appalachians, I am a better person, researcher, and professor. The funds that won't be allocated to scholarships will directly affect Appalachian students. The opportunities that will vanish due to decisions made by those unfamiliar with higher education will only reinforce stereotypes about gender, race, and class in Appalachia. In the end, it is Appalachian students who will suffer the most. At a time when the university adopted an interim policy to recruit (and I assume continue to maintain) those with disabilities and veteran status is essential to think who is impacted by DEI. As this interim policy adopted on Feb. 26, 2025 states: 'In compliance with requirements as a federal contractor, Ohio university will make lawful efforts to recruit persons with disabilities, veterans, and Vietnam era veterans, for position openings. In accordance with federal law and Chapter 124 of the Revised Code it is the policy of the university to engage in recruitment practices that yield the best applicants for vacancies. This policy covers all faculty and staff positions at Ohio university. This policy also establishes an official diversity statement to be utilized as appropriate during recruitment activity: Ohio university is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.' Diversity isn't a threat to Appalachia. It is Appalachia. By Leanne Chrisman-Khawam, M.D., Family Physician and Assistant Professor Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Cleveland Campus, Medical Director Doctors on the Street Recently, I started typing, 'Whereas, the healthcare sector relies on DEI initiatives to cultivate a workforce capable of addressing the needs of diverse populations, and the prohibition of such initiatives may worsen existing health disparities among the elderly, rural and urban underserved communities, racial minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, food-insecure families, and women, thereby reducing healthcare access and quality of care.' How do I know this? Well, I'll sum it up as best as I can. I grew up in a small town in Oregon. My dad was a seasonal entrepreneur who worked in construction — mainly paving. My mom stayed at home. My school didn't offer many advanced courses, AP classes, or college credit programs. As a low-income white family, I benefited from DEI initiatives. A summer work program provided grants for employers to hire students like me. I worked with my family doctor, who introduced me to medicine. Without that experience, I might never have attended college, let alone medical school. Despite my good grades, becoming a doctor wasn't something my family considered possible. But here I am, 30+ years later — having spoken nationally and internationally, trained hundreds of medical professionals, and recruited students like me to address the shortage of primary care physicians. Do I recruit them because they are DEI hires? No. They are bright, hardworking medical students. Do I prefer them because they remind me of myself? No. I prioritize them because research shows that when doctors share a background with their patients, health outcomes improve. Why representation in health care matters Building strong doctor-patient relationships leads to better care. I've seen this firsthand with my husband's medical journey. He suffered a spinal cord injury ten years before we met, and three years ago, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. His condition has led to complications — pressure sores, infections, and worsening mobility. When people first meet him, they love his warm smile and long, flowing white hair. (He's often mistaken for Robert DeNiro — a compliment I take to heart!) But as soon as they see his confusion and inability to speak, they dismiss him. That is, until I share his story — how he lovingly cared for his mother, was an amazing father and respected disability advocate, and always supported my career. Suddenly, hospital staff treats him with the dignity and respect he deserves. He is not alone in needing that dignity. Throughout our careers, we have worked to advocate for the forgotten — the poor, the immigrant, the disabled, the rural worker, and the veteran struggling with PTSD. Together, we created Doctors on the Street (DOTS) — a student- and resident-run program that provides medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness. These patients are often dismissed because of their appearance, yet they are people who have faced immense hardship—accidents, job loss, mental illness, or economic downturns. Personal struggles and the bigger picture Now, at the end of my husband's life, I feel the weight of financial stress. His care is expensive, not covered by insurance, and I struggle to pay our bills. I may have to take out a mortgage to afford a new furnace and property taxes. I grew up in poverty, and I may return to it — not because of poor choices, but because of circumstances beyond my control. Our government was created to serve its people. This country was built by immigrants, farmers, and laborers seeking freedom — of speech, of religion, of opportunity. My family came as those farmers and laborer and has fought to protect those freedoms in every American war since the Revolutionary War. This is why I'm deeply concerned about Ohio Senate Bill 1. It does not protect freedom of speech, it limits it. DEI programs have been falsely portrayed as only benefitting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. In reality, diversity programs support everyone who lacks a voice — veterans, rural white communities, disabled individuals, and those facing food and housing insecurity. Rather than focusing on what higher education shouldn't do, our government should focus on what it can do to help people. When we invest in inclusion, we all do better. I have seen it firsthand. We may not be able to fix everything, but we can each do something. That is far better than standing by and shouting at others about what not to do. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Family of 5 barely escapes wildfires, finds shelter at Payne County Expo Center
A family of five with their five dogs clustered in a corner of the Payne County Expo Center on Saturday. It was quiet, except for the murmur of Red Cross volunteers and a few families sitting on cots. Robert Hand and his family – which included his mom, Kimberly Gibson, his brother, Daniel, his brother's girlfriend, Jennifer and his nephew, Jeremiah – had been trapped in their mobile home as winds whipped flames in a nearby field across from their home Friday. The displaced family – along with three Boston Terriers and two Pit bulls – eventually found transportation to the Red Cross shelter set up at the Expo Center. About 115 displaced people found a place to stay overnight Saturday after winds nearly 70 mph combined with low humidity resulted in wildfires that destroyed 170,000 acres across Oklahoma on Friday. The family, other than Jeremiah, declined to be photographed. Robert told the News Press he didn't know how or where the fire started, but when the family woke up Friday, he opened up all the windows. Their mobile home was part of a small trailer park not far from Wellston, where State Highway 105 and Logan County intersect. 'I started smelling smoke,' Robert said. A huge tree line blocked their view, with a wildlife refuge park behind it. 'You could see the smoke coming up over (there) ... the wind was so intense,' he said. The family doesn't have a vehicle. No fire map was relaying accurate information, so they were going only by what they could see. 'We started trying to get our to-go bags together, but with no vehicle, it was all the way down to the last minute where there was fire on both sides of the road,' Robert said. 'And we were driving through the columns of fire just to get out. That's how last-minute it was.' Deciding what to take with them was tough. 'Everything seems important, everything,' he said. The family never received fire alerts on their phones, until they looked out the window and saw the flames. A shadow passed over the window as they discussed what to do, and when they walked outside, it was black and they could feel the heat – it was no longer wind. 'At one point, we're looking out there, like, 'Should we dig a hole that we could all (get in)?' Robert said. 'We did not know what we were going to do.' By the time they could see the flames, they didn't know they were the last people in the neighborhood. Luckily for them, he said, Charles, a friend of the family, came to check on their neighbors. They had packed their bags earlier, but by the time they caught a ride out, they were piling dogs in and were only able to grab one or two bags. The embers and smoke even singed one of their pit bull's fur coat. Jeremiah, Robert's nephew, said one minute he was on a call with friends, waiting for a new video game update. 'Next thing we know, it gets all dark, the power goes completely out because the fire chewed through one of the power lines,' Jeremiah said. 'We had to leave a dog behind because we couldn't get her in the car in time.' He said that was around 2:30 p.m. – which he knew because that's when his game was updating. His grandma, Kimberly Gibson, said he was crying because they had to leave the dog, Missy, behind. The ride out was harrowing. 'When we started pulling away, we noticed that right around the bend, right there, I mean, no more than 100 feet was the flames,' Robert said. 'That 100 feet disappeared real quick.' They left their home around 3 p.m., but sat up at the end of the road waiting for about six hours. The alerts on their phones told them to go to the Iowa Tribe Community Center that had been designated as a shelter. They found an empty building with chairs and water, nothing more. At one point, they were in two vehicles and were separated for about an hour – not sure if they'd see each other again. The Red Cross eventually directed them to the Expo Center. When they returned to their home that evening to see if there was anything left, the scene was 'post-Apocalyptic,' Robert said. Of the 12 trailers in the mobile home park, none were left. 'It just didn't feel real, like the trees all burned from the inside and leveled as far as you could see,' Robert said. 'Somewhere where, you just got out of bed – to walk up and see it just totally gone. … Nothing but the frame on the ground.' Jeremiah said the ruins looked like 'old abandoned ruins from medieval times. … It was really pretty and it was scary at the same time.' Kimberly said her biggest fear was seeing the trees which looked like a 'haunted forest.' 'As we're driving by, some of the trees are starting to fall,' Kimberly said. 'I kept thinking … it's going to fall to the road.' They did find the dog that had been left behind. Safely back at the Expo Center finally, they tried to process what they had just been through. 'It's sinking in,' Robert said. 'It's very surreal.' He said his brother's girlfriend, Jennifer, has a rental home, but they don't know if it's available right now. Robert, originally from California, had been living and working in Texas and had just moved to Oklahoma two weeks ago to be with his family, bringing his dog with him. 'I was moving out here to start anew,' Robert said. Growing up in California, Robert was used to preparing for natural disasters like earthquakes. But he said that Friday, no one had a 'bug out bag,' or a three-day disaster survival kit, prepared. Robert had been on the search for a job. In the rush to leave, his birth certificate and drivers license had been left behind, and he'll need to start the process of replacing them so he can find employment. 'Now, I've just got to take it one problem at a time and see,' he said. Robert said he was thankful for the Red Cross and their assistance. 'Otherwise, I don't know what we would have been doing,' he said. 'I'm not huge on handouts … but I can see it as necessary for some people,' which now included his family.
