Latest news with #Josie
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Traveling or flying with a pet? Here's what you need to know before you go
We Americans love our pets — so much so that in 2024, we spent $150.6 billion on them. About half of us have a dog, and more than a third have a cat. I've had a dog most of my life, but I never considered traveling with one until early 2024 when my husband, Otis, asked whether I wanted to spend the summer in Massachusetts. That was a no-brainer. 'Absolutely!' I replied. I wanted to see where he had spent his summers growing up, meet his best friend, eat 'lobstah' and check New England off my bucket list. Then, reality struck. What would we do with Josie? More from Alessi: Retiring Palm Beach County teacher reflects on cellphones, testing frenzies, tardies and more Josie, a Morkie (Maltese/Yorkshire terrier mix), has lived with me since 2018, when my niece Hillary had her second baby and said, 'Aunt Janet, I can't take care of two kids and a dog. Would you like Josie?' I'd been dogless for six years, so that, too, was a no-brainer. When I drove to Naples to meet Josie, she (Josie, not Hillary) wouldn't stop barking and leaping from one piece of furniture to another. I'm pretty tranquil, so her crazy energy concerned me. Thankfully, I brought her home anyway. After figuring out my doggie door, she burst through it like a bat out of hell to run laps around my fenced-in backyard. She only stopped long enough to dart into my house for water. Then, she bolted out to continue chasing an imaginary mechanical rabbit around what she was claiming to be her personal racetrack. Seven years later, Josie still has that crazy puppy energy, but when she wears herself out, she squeezes between me and the armrest of my couch. When I recline, she sprawls out on top of me and rests her head on my chest while gazing up at me with big, brown eyes that exude love and devotion. If I dare take a break from patting her head or rubbing her tummy, she squirms and whimpers. How could I leave her for two months? Short answer: I couldn't. But, wouldn't traveling with her be complicated? Yes! Yet, after doing so last summer, I can tell you it is so worth it — as long as you're sedated. Here are five lessons I learned: Since Josie would have been stressed without me for the two months we'd be gone, boarding wasn't really an option. Still, I researched it. In Palm Beach County, prices range from $44 to $66 per day, with additional fees for bedtime biscuits, story time, and personal playtime. We would have spent at least $3,000 for Josie's stay! Driving would have been the least expensive way to travel, but a 3,000-mile, 44-hour round trip was out of the question. A previous near head-on collision had given me PTSD. Since driving wasn't an option, we looked into flying. Delta — which charges $95 per pet per flight — was our best choice. But flying with a pet also meant more expenses: a vet fee (for a health certificate and sedatives) and an airline-approved pet carrier (soft-sided, ventilated, leak-proof, and 18 by 11 by 11 inches) — which I purchased from Amazon for $46. I also had to buy a dog bed in Massachusetts. Josie stayed for free at the house we rented, but we took several short trips. One hotel didn't charge for her, one charged $100, and another $125. The hotels had a weight limit (for Josie, not us), barking restrictions (again, for Josie), and legal paperwork with too much small print to read — placing the financial burden on us should one of us leave fleas behind or destroy property. And if anyone complained about barking, we could be asked to leave and would not receive a refund. As we signed on the dotted lines, we begged Josie not to make us regret bringing her. Once we decided on flying, the real fun began. Delta allows 20-pound-or-under pets to fly under the seat in front of their person. Fortunately, Josie had been dieting for a year and weighed 18 pounds. Before purchasing airline tickets, I called Delta to reserve a spot for Josie, as they limit the number of dogs per flight. My greatest fear was that Josie wouldn't let us stuff her into her carrier. So, Otis began Operation-Acclimate-Josie-to-Her-Kennel-by-Putting-Her-Favorite-Treat (Popcorn)-In-It on a daily basis. My second greatest fear was that she wasn't — as stipulated — 'small enough to fit comfortably' in her carrier and didn't have 'the ability to move around without touching or sticking out from the sides.' I wondered whether they cared that at 6-foot-2, I don't fit comfortably in my seat, can't move around, and stick my legs out when I can. In case Josie didn't cooperate, or Delta said she was too smooshed and wouldn't let her fly, we came up with Plan B. After dropping us off at the airport, my stepson would circle around waiting for a thumbs-up text. If need be, he'd take custody of Josie until he could hand her off to my daughter, who — with a baby and two dogs of her own — would be less than thrilled. At the airport, we took Josie to the Special Service Counter, where an agent made sure she and her kennel met Delta's requirements, and I paid the fee. This was also where Josie demonstrated her best problem-solving skills by nudging the zipper open in a thankfully-thwarted attempted escape. With Zipper Security in place, we passed inspection. We were so thrilled and relieved that we forgot to send a thumbs-up text. My stepson is still circling the airport. At home, I walk Josie a few times a week for exercise, but she mostly takes care of her business in my backyard. With no doggie door and fenced-in yard at our place in Massachusetts, I was in charge of her potty breaks. I made a shocking discovery. Josie goes. A lot. Translation: I needed a lot more poop bags than I packed. For future trips with Josie, before booking a hotel, I'll check out its surrounding area. When we stayed in Boston for a few days, we had to walk three blocks to get to a grassy area. Three blocks probably seemed like 3 miles to poor Josie, who'd been holding it for hours in our hotel room. Something else we didn't anticipate? Finding ticks on all three of us after a hike. We responded the only way we could. We researched Lyme disease, freaked out, and bought tick spray. Oh, and removed the ticks. On the first leg of our journey, Otis carried Josie in her carrier. But, for our return flight, Josie and I were on our own. I soon learned that carrying 18 pounds of a squirming fur baby while pulling a suitcase isn't easy, so I now have wheels for her carrier for future trips. At security, I felt like a single mom with a squirming infant — except my 'baby' had four legs and a tail, and the rules seemed to change every five minutes. 'Take her out of the kennel. Don't take her out. Put her on a leash but hold her. Put her down. Don't take her through the scanner with you.' Oy vey. Josie may be a Florida girl, but I'd never taken her to the beach. Her reaction to her first ocean encounter in Brant Rock was priceless: Barked at the waves. Sampled the salt water. Swore off salt water. For life. We often went on long walks along the ocean, and others almost always stopped to talk to us because of Josie. She also befriended our next door neighbors' dog Bentley, even though he was four times her size. Josie never had any idea where we were going in our rental car, but she always wanted to go. If begging didn't work, she tried reverse psychology. To try to trick us into taking her, she'd lie in bed and pretend she didn't care if we left without her. But, when we tried double reverse psychology and feigned that we didn't care that she didn't care, she let us know there would be consequences to pay if we left her behind. This was her vacation, too, darn it! In the evenings, most of our neighbors sat in rockers on their front porch. We were happy to adopt this lifestyle and enjoyed watching Josie go nuts because we wouldn't let her out of our screened-in porch to chase the bunnies hopping around our front yard. My husband's BFF offered to keep Josie when we went on overnighters, but the truth is we would've missed her. We'd learned that we enjoyed traveling with her. Because our kids were grown when Otis and I married in 2020, his kids don't think of me as their stepmom, and mine don't think of him as their stepdad. This trip was the first time he and I felt as if we were co-parents. At the end of our trip, my husband — who had only owned big dogs — said, 'For a small dog, Josie's not bad. She's not yappy, and when I talk to her, she looks me in the eye.' In March, he stayed with her for a week while I visited my son in Georgia. When I returned, Josie made sure I noticed that she was snuggling next to him, not me. A couple of days later, Traitor Josie — as I started calling her — must have forgiven me because, once again, she's a mama's girl. Despite the challenges, traveling with Josie made our trip unforgettable. And she was so good that on both flights, the person whose seat she was under didn't even know she was there. She will definitely be coming with us on our next adventure. After all, she's part of our family. Janet Meckstroth Alessi is a frequent contributor to Accent. She can be reached at jlmalessi@ This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Traveling with a pet? Here's what you need to know before you go
India.com
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Sweet & Stylish: Must-Have Perfect Dresses for Little Girls
Searching for trendy and comfortable dresses for your child? We have compiled a list of the best picks that combine fashion and usability. From whimsical print to classy embroidery, these dresses are ideal for any event. For a normal day or a ceremonial event, these choices guarantee your child will look her best. Check out these spots on online sites like Zalora and make shopping an enjoyable and fashionable experience. 1. Cotton On Kids Frankie Flutter Sleeve Dress Image Source- Order Now A Cotton On Kids Frankie Flutter Sleeve Dress adds charm to a little girl's closet. The flutter sleeves and stretchy bodice give it some elegance, so you can either wear it to parties or for some fun everyday times. The midi length provides ease of movement, perfect for active children. Key Features: 100% cotton fabric to keep you comfortable Flat flutter sleeves for style Mid-length provides freedom of movement Available in many bold shades Size limitations can restrict options for older girls. 2. MINI PINK Kids Girl Zalia Puffed Sleeve Dress – Shimmer Blue Gold Dust Chiffon Image Source- Order Now MINI PINK's Zalia Puffed Sleeve Dress is a lovely gem. Its blue gold dust chiffon material is so elegant, perfect for the occasion. The puffed sleeves and flowing design give an air of fairy-tale beauty, making your little princess a real princess at every occasion. Key Features: Breathtaking blue gold dust chiffon cotton material Fashionable puffed sleeves for a timeless look Lightweight and easy to wear for long hours Perfect for celebrations and parties Simple to match with accessories Lightweight fabric needs careful handling and maintenance. 3. MANGO KIDS Frills Embroidered Dress Image Source- Order Now MANGO KIDS brings the Frills Embroidered Dress, which blends class with simplicity nicely. With 100% cotton fabric and thoughtful embroidery and frills, it helps fashion-conscious kids look stylish. Loose dresses feel good when moving around, and that makes them suitable for both daily chores and special events. Key Features: Made of light, soft 100% cotton Elegant embroidery adds sophistication Ornamental frills beautify the overall look Easy fit for everyday wear Flexible style for different events Light fabric color may allow stains. 4. Cotton On Kids Josie Woven Long Sleeve Dress Image Source- Order Now The Josie Woven Long Sleeve Dress from Cotton On Kids can be worn when it is cold outside. Long sleeves and woven fabrics keep you warm, and a loosely fitting jacket is more comfortable. Because of its simple style, it is a must-have for days at school and family events. Key Features: Long sleeves provide additional warmth Woven material ensures durability Relaxed fit to ensure additional comfort Timeless design suitable for most occasions Easy to layer with cardigans or jackets Dark colors fade with heavy washing. It's very easy to give your daughter a fashionable and cozy outfit with these dresses. Swinging sleeves, light embroidery, and shiny details make every item special and unique in your child's wardrobe. You can be comfortable and trendy, whether you go back-to-school shopping, choose a party girl dres, or meet up for a playdate. Zalora is a great place to find name brands in kidswear, which makes it easy to know what your child will like. Browse these fashionable outfits today, and your little one will look great, feel comfortable, and gain confidence for the whole day. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
High School Student Surprises Choir Teacher with Tattoo Tribute, Leaving Him Speechless (Exclusive)
A Michigan high school student named Josie, 16, went viral on TikTok for getting a tattoo in honor of her choir and theater teacher, Jacob Salisbury Josie tells PEOPLE she got inked after learning that Mr. Salisbury would be leaving his job to go back to school She tells PEOPLE about their close bond and the meaning behind her tattoo In a small town in Michigan, high school choir and theater director Jacob Salisbury has been forming something special with his students, one of whom he affected so greatly and positively that she decided to get a tattoo in his honor. Josie, 16, recently went viral on TikTok for sharing that she had gotten a tattoo in honor of the teacher she says "practically saved" her mental health just by allowing her the freedom to be unapologetically herself. The pair met when Josie was in seventh grade before she joined Salisbury's class. Their friendship eventually blossomed into something transformative and beautiful for the teenager, as she tells PEOPLE, he encouraged her to be herself and helped her through some tough times. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! "Sal [Josie's nickname for Mr. Salisbury] and I have an awesome bond. We eat lunch together, I do voice lessons with him and we spend countless hours after school for theater productions. He's such an influence on me because he isn't afraid to be himself. He had a large impact on my mental health because, without him, I wouldn't have joined choir and become myself," Josie tells PEOPLE. As she reflects on how much she's grown, Josie says without Mr. Salisbury's guidance, she "would still be the anxiety-filled and depressed" person she felt she was in her younger years. "Choir made me want to come to school, helped me find amazing friends, and [encouraged me] to be who I am today." When Josie found out Mr. Salisbury — who went viral on TikTok back in 2024 for reacting to his chorus' musical rendition of the "Crazy? I was Crazy Once..." meme — would be leaving his job to go back to school, she wanted to commemorate their time spent together with a tattoo. "I always want to be reminded of him and how proud he is of me, so I figured I would get it." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In a follow-up video to her first TikTok post, which has over 1 million likes as of writing, Josie shared a close-up look at the fresh ink on her wrist, which depicts a treble clef and bass clef coming together to make a heart, just like the earrings Mr. Salisbury wears to "every concert." "I was very nervous to show him because I had no clue how he would react," Josie admits of how she was feeling before the big reveal. But, Mr. Salisbury's wonderfully shocked expression proves he felt otherwise. "I think it went really well. I will truly never forget Mr. Salisbury, and I hope he knows how much of an impact he had on my life," she adds. Read the original article on People
Powys County Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Flamenco Origenes: Josie Sinnadurai returns to Brecon
A Powys-born woman turned professional flamenco dancer is bringing her hit show home for one night only. Josie Sinnadurai will be performing Flamenco Orígenes at Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon on Sunday, September 21. Josie first performed a solo flamenco piece at the theatre at the age of just eight years old and made multiple appearances throughout her childhood with the Westenders' yearly pantomimes, Brecon High School productions, and local ballet school Mid-Wales Dance Academy's end-of-year shows. More recently, she performed professionally as a flamenco soloist in Brecon Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker. Josie, who is now based in Spain, said she is delighted to bring her own full-length flamenco production to the theatre that has meant so much to her throughout her dance life. Flamenco Orígenes takes audiences on an epic adventure spanning multiple continents and hundreds of years, in search of the origins of flamenco. Josie co-choreographed the show together with Madrid-born dancer Lourdes Fernández, and the two perform together in a high-intensity duet full of electrifying footwork, passionate twirls and Spanish flare that ignites the stage. They are accompanied by a four-piece band of Spanish musicians led by Barcelona native and virtuoso flamenco guitarist Adrián Solá.
Glasgow Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
ITV's This Morning star wowed by Glasgow hotel
Josie Gibson stayed at the AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow and toured the hotel's brand-new luxury wedding and event venue The Collector's Hall. She said: "I have never, ever stayed in anywhere like this in my life." The Liberty Suite, a two-bedroom residence with a living area, dining space, and kitchen, offers stunning views and elegant interiors. Josie with Craig Munro (Image: Supplied) Josie visited Glasgow to get a first look at The Collector's Hall, AC Hotel's new venue designed for weddings, private events, and gatherings. She joked with general manager Craig Munro about her own romantic aspirations, saying: "Can I get married here? "Can you imagine walking down the aisle to a hunky Scotsman… I've just got to find him first." Craig said: "It was an absolute privilege to have Josie stay in our Liberty Suite. "This two-bedroom suite, with its unique layout and high-end finishes, complements our new wedding and event space perfectly. "We're thrilled she enjoyed her time with us and would be honoured to host her big day - when that hunky Scotsman comes along." The AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow is a restoration of Glasgow's 120-year-old Grade A-listed former Parish Halls. As part of the £100 million Love Loan development, the project has transformed an entire block off George Square into a leisure and residential neighbourhood. The hotel's heritage suites, including The Liberty Suite, showcase original features such as a sweeping stone staircase, period cornicing, a glass ceiling dome, and a stained-glass window depicting Glasgow's famous coat of arms inspired by the legend of St Mungo. The Collector's Hall is now open for bookings.
