A Fluffy Guardian Angel How a Dog Saved Its Foster Family From Disaster
When a Virginia family of five decided to temporarily foster a dog in 2023, they weren’t expecting it to be a life-changing event. But they might not be here today if it weren’t for the Great Pyrenees named Moose that they took home for the weekend. Christopher Cushna and his partner, Sheila Janes, were looking for something fun and unique to do with their three children when they learned about the Paws Around Portsmouth program. This program
their daughters, Anya. Though everyone figured the energetic dog wanted to go outside, he was persistent, and they quickly noticed a neighboring houseboat engulfed in flames. As the fire began to spread, the family evacuated safely just minutes before the fire reached their boat.
“If Moose hadn’t gotten Anya and Chris up, we would not be here, as we were all sound asleep, and the fire spread very quickly,” Sheila said.
allows people to foster dogs from the local Humane Society for a short time. They fell in love with big, fluffy Moose and decided to take him on a field trip around town. The family visited their own music shop, where Moose met potential adopters at an event sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard. The friendly dog later accompanied them to a farmers market, a community band concert, and a flea market, where they met a woman who wanted to adopt him. Moose returned to the family’s houseboat for the evening since the adopter could not bring him home that day. As everyone slept, Moose suddenly woke Christopher and one of
The family lost their houseboat and everything inside, but thanks to Moose’s heroic act, they are alive and grateful today. “What I like to think about is that we saved Moose from the situation Moose was in, and Moose saved us on the boat,” Christopher said. Moose’s life-saving actions made big news, and a local woman adopted him. Now, the hero dog is living his best life on a 5-acre farm, complete with a swimming pool. For this family, who had no idea just how transformative a doggy day out could be, Moose will always be their knight in fluffy armor.
Start the School Year Right!
Transform Back-to-School Blues With Creative Summer Traditions
As summer’s lazy, hazy days begin to wane, the buzz of back-to-school preparations starts to fill the air. This can be a bittersweet time for kids and parents alike — excitement mixed with a touch of end-of-summer blues. To make this transition smoother and even fun, why not start a back-to-school tradition? These rituals can set a positive tone for the upcoming school year and create lasting memories for you and your children. THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL COUNTDOWN CALENDAR Who says advent calendars are only for December? Create a back-to-school countdown calendar that builds excitement as the first day of school approaches. You can fill it with small treats, inspirational quotes, or fun school supplies. Each day, your child can open a new compartment, counting down the days with a
bit of surprise, making the impending school year feel like a celebration rather than a chore. SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA DAY Make back-to-school shopping a special event rather than a stressful errand. Dedicate a day to shop for school supplies and clothes, but do it with a twist. Perhaps end the day with a favorite meal or treat, or let your children choose a special new outfit or backpack. This makes the shopping trip more exciting and gives children something to look forward to using in the new school year! DECORATE THE WORKSPACE PARTY Another fun tradition is to have a “Decorate the Workspace Party.” Before school starts, set aside a day to organize and decorate where your child will do their homework. Let them choose new items to personalize
the space, such as colorful organizers, fun pens, or decorations. This gives them a sense of control and pride over their study area, which can be incredibly motivating. BACK-TO-SCHOOL BREAKFAST On the first day of school, wake up early and prepare a special breakfast. Pancakes, waffles, or even a DIY breakfast sundae bar can start the day on a high note. You can make this an annual tradition where the kids decide the menu, giving them something exciting to wake up to on a potentially nerve-wracking morning. Starting back-to-school traditions can transform the end-of-summer blues into anticipation and excitement. It’s about building joy and making memories your children will carry with them long after the school year begins.
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