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Bruce, an 85-Pound Lap Dog With a Big Job
What an Unexpected Rescue Taught Our Family About Comfort and Consistency
Some of the most meaningful lessons in patience, comfort, and joy come from places we never planned for, and in our case, they came with four paws and an 85-pound presence. April is Dog Appreciation Month, and every year it reminds me of a truth I didn’t fully understand until Bruce came barreling into our lives: Sometimes what we need most arrives disguised as something unexpected … and oversized. In early 2021, our world had shrunk to the size of our home. Like many families, we were suddenly together all the time. We had three young kids, busy work lives, and for years, we had talked ourselves out of getting a dog. It always seemed impractical, even unfair. We worked too much and were gone too often. But COVID-19 changed that equation. We were home-based, the kids were older, and for the first time, the idea of rescuing a dog didn’t feel reckless. It felt right. That’s how we met Bruce. He was one of five puppies rescued from Mississippi and transported to our local shelter. The story was familiar: found outside a restaurant, too young and too vulnerable. When we met the litter, Bruce looked a little different than the others, but we didn’t think much of it. The shelter staff estimated he’d grow to be about 30–40 pounds. That sounded reasonable.
Bruce, as it turns out, had no interest in being reasonable.
can slip through the cracks when life feels so uncertain. Legal guidance is essential, but so is the reminder that comfort still exists, even when circumstances are heavy. Bruce offers that reminder daily, without words or conditions. He shows us what consistency looks like, what it means to show up fully, even on bad days. He doesn’t need explanations or timelines. He simply reminds us that being present matters. Our family has learned something important from him: Joy doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Sometimes, it looks like an 85-pound dog insisting on lying too close. Sometimes, it’s the quiet comfort of being greeted like you matter every single time you walk through the door. Bruce may not be the dog we planned for. But he has become exactly the dog we needed. And in his steady, affectionate way, he reminds me of something I try to share with my clients:
We stayed in touch with the families who adopted his siblings. Their dogs grew steadily, but Bruce grew … enthusiastically. Before long, it became clear that our “medium-size” puppy was actually an 85-pound black Lab mix. Suddenly, our house contained a very large dog who hadn’t gotten the memo that he was no longer small. What Bruce lacks in spatial awareness, he makes up for in heart. He is wildly, unapologetically affectionate. Bruce does not love from a distance. If there is a way to be touching you (leaning, pressing, draping himself across your feet), he will find it. Personal space is not a concept he respects. Our living room has become a shared orbit, and Bruce is always at the center. He wants to be where everyone is, soaking up connection. No matter how chaotic the day has been, no matter who is tired, frustrated, or overwhelmed, Bruce greets us like we are the best thing that has ever happened to him. Every day. Without exception. In my work, I sit with people during some of the hardest chapters of their lives. Their health may be failing. Their finances are often unraveling. The process is long, confusing, and emotionally draining. I see how easily hope
Even in the most difficult seasons, it’s worth finding that one source of safety, comfort, and connection that helps you keep going.
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If you’re applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you might not realize that technology plays a bigger role in how your claim is reviewed these days. The Social Security Administration (SSA) now uses advanced AI systems to help process applications more efficiently. While this can speed things up in some cases, it also comes with some challenges, so knowing what’s happening behind the scenes is vital. How Computers Can Quicken the Process Some claims are now screened using programs that compare new applications to millions of past cases. If your condition is one typically approved and your medical records are clear, your claim may move more quickly. Severe life-threatening conditions may also be flagged for quick review, which can save valuable time. Other AI tools scan medical records for key information, like lab results, diagnoses, and treatment notes. Instead of a person having to read hundreds of pages, these systems can highlight the most relevant details right away. Some software can even draft decisions to catch mistakes or missing information before a case is finalized. SSDI IN THE AGE OF AI Making Sense of Artificial Intelligence in Your Disability Claim
Where AI Can’t Do It All Even with all this technology, computers can’t fully understand what living with a disability is like. Conditions like chronic pain,
fatigue, mental health challenges, or autoimmune diseases aren’t always easy to see on tests, but they can completely affect daily life. These “invisible” disabilities can be overlooked by AI systems, which are better at spotting clear, predictable patterns.
That’s why having a human review your case carefully is still essential. Your story, how your disability affects your life, and what you can and cannot do needs to come through clearly. Why Legal Guidance Matters More Than Ever Technology may help organize and flag information, but it can’t advocate for you. An experienced Social Security Disability attorney knows how to make your medical evidence and your personal story as clear as possible. We can work with your doctors to properly document your limitations and make sure nothing important gets missed, even by AI. At the end of the day, computers are tools, but your claim deserves human attention, understanding, and guidance. If you’re navigating the SSDI process, having someone on your side who knows the system can make a real difference.
DREAM DAYS, GOLDEN YEARS PEACEFUL PLANS FOR A PROSPEROUS RETIREMENT
What are your personal growth goals? Have you long dreamt of a fun hobby that your work schedule prevented you from pursuing? Would attending art classes broaden your creative side? Are you interested in doing more volunteer work in your community? Retirement can afford you these opportunities, but only if you budget for them now . Whom would you like to spend time with? If you can’t wait for a chance to finally spend every major holiday with your grandkids who live 3,000 miles away or join that book club, you’ll soon have time to spend with loved ones and even make new friends. With careful planning, you can devise a worry-free plan for more precious moments with the people who matter most to you. Where would you like to live? This question is the most significant of them all. Is a multistory home becoming less desirable as aging impacts your mobility? Are you looking for a sunnier climate after spending way too many decades shoveling snow? Our address can have a significant impact on our attitude, so consider your retirement home base carefully and explore ways to ensure your retirement cash flow can support it.
Sometimes, the strongest preretirement plans are the ones that don’t prioritize financial necessities.
As the adage suggests, you don’t live to work; you work to live . Your later years should be a season of well-earned happiness and contentment, not a period of denying yourself things that bring you joy. Successful retirement planning combines living well with living richly , prioritizing peace of mind over pinching pennies. Your retirement plan shouldn’t just be a financial blueprint; it should also serve as a lifestyle guide. Contrary to popular belief, “living comfortably” doesn’t just mean having the ability to pay your bills each month. Research suggests that although 77% of U.S. retirees succeed in accumulating enough money to manage ongoing living expenses in their older years, only 43% of them considered their emotional health when building their retirement plans. Considering these figures, it’s safe to say many Americans achieve retirement only to discover they’re too constrained financially to pursue their desired pastimes, personal relationships, or purpose in later life.
To best prepare for a happy retirement, ask yourself these key questions.
• 1-800-776-2929 • KeefeLaw.com
We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Griffin once again! Since his last feature Into Positivity (and Proposal Plans!) Intake, Impact, and ‘I Do’ How Griffin Is Turning Paperwork
Spinach Artichoke Pizza
INGREDIENTS •
1 loaf frozen bread dough
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7 oz artichoke hearts, chopped Several handfuls of fresh spinach
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2 tbsp garlic herb spreadable cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
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Pepper, to taste
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DIRECTIONS 1. Thaw dough according to package directions and let it rise for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 450 F. 3. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray, then gently stretch dough to fit. 4. Spread garlic herb cheese evenly across the entire dough layer. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses evenly over dough, reserving a small amount of each. 6. As the topping, scatter chopped artichoke hearts, followed by a layer of torn spinach leaves, and then the reserved cheeses. Add black pepper to taste. 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
last year, Griffin has been making big waves here at Keefe Disability Law, not just in his role, but in life, too. As one of our top-notch intake coordinators and paralegals, Griffin consistently serves as the first friendly face many clients encounter, guiding them through the sometimes complex world of Social Security Disability claims with warmth, clarity, and care. But he hasn’t stopped there! He’s also been lending his creativity to our digital marketing, keeping our emails and online presence fresh and up to date with all the latest changes. Life outside the office has been just as exciting for Griffin. In the happiest of news, Griffin recently got engaged! He and his fiancée, Celia, have moved into their first apartment together in Plymouth, leaving his childhood home behind and stepping into this new adventure hand in hand. We couldn’t be more excited for him as he celebrates this joyful milestone and begins a new chapter with Celia by his side. What Griffin loves most about his work hasn’t changed one bit, and that’s making a difference. Every day, he meets new clients navigating some of the most challenging moments of their lives, and he takes pride in helping them find answers, even when a case isn’t something we can take on. “I enjoy being able to make a living helping people and not having to justify our work to myself,” Griffin says. “I can say with confidence our work helps a great many people every day.”
Inspired by BlueBowlRecipes.com
His dedication, compassion, and genuine care shine through in everything he does, and it’s clear our clients notice and appreciate it.
Looking ahead, Griffin’s goal is refreshingly straightforward: to live a happy and fulfilling life. With his energy, positive outlook, and heart for helping others, we have no doubt he’s well on his way. Griffin is a reminder to all of us that at Keefe Disability Law, it’s the people behind the work who make the real difference, and we’re lucky to have him on our team, making life brighter for both clients and colleagues every day.
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Share Your Story! Do you want to share a story about your disability claim, experience with Keefe Disability Law, or just a funny story in general? Contact Andrea at 1-800-776-2929 or via email at Patrick@KeefeLaw.com, and you could be featured in our next newsletter!
inside this issue 385 Court St., Suite 210 • Plymouth, MA 02360 1-800-776-2929 • KeefeLaw.com
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The Dog We Didn’t Expect and the Joy We Didn’t Know We Needed How Social Security’s New AI Review Could Affect Your Claim
Happy Horizons in Later Life
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Griffin’s Big Wins: From Office Impact to Life Milestones
Spinach Artichoke Pizza
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Find Their Fun Without Forcing It
When Grandkids Grow Up WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED THROUGH THEIR TEENAGE YEARS
Many grandparents know the feeling all too well: Grandchildren who used to love spending time with you now seem distant, grown up, or too busy for family time. It’s normal for this special relationship to
ways to stay connected with them is to explore their new interests. Find out what they love to do and start learning more about it. If your granddaughter is a budding artist, consider taking her to an art gallery or signing up for a pottery class together. Read up on your grandchild’s favorite sports team or watch their favorite movie
person they can call when they just need someone to listen. As they share what’s going on in their lives, ask them questions and wait until they ask you what you think before you start to guide them. Make moments that matter. You don’t have to spend the whole day with your grandchildren to make meaningful memories. Teens are always on the go with after-school activities, hobbies, and time with their friends. Aim to spend at least a few hours with them every few weeks or once a month, and ensure it’s something they genuinely want to do. Attend their events, whether a basketball game, school play, or concert. It can be difficult watching our grandchildren grow up, but remember, you are still an important part of their world. Walk with them through these teenage years, and the memories will last a lifetime.
drift a bit when children become teenagers and start to explore their independence. This is not the end of your bond; it’s just a break that comes with the territory of teenagers. The good news is that there are ways to stay engaged and enjoy time together with your older grandkids. Step into their world. Your grandchildren have not
so you can have great discussions together.
Share your wisdom wisely. Your grandchild’s teenage years can be
a confusing time as they take their first true steps toward adulthood. You have important wisdom, advice, and
outgrown you; they’re simply maturing in their hobbies and pastimes. One of the best
guidance you can share with them, but only if you do it at the right time. Be the
• 1-800-776-2929 • KeefeLaw.com
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