Douglass & Runger - March 2024

3 FURRY HEROES

JACK, TOGO, AND BANDIT WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND

Sometimes, heroes come sans cape but with fur, paws, and a keen sense of smell. We’ve heard the stories of police dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, and the German shepherd Trakr, who found the last survivor on 9/11. But even untrained pets and strays can be heroic. Meet Jack, a stray dog in New York City known for scavenging through dumpsters. One early morning, his routine search for food took a life-saving turn. Behind one of these dumpsters was a baby, wrapped in a blanket, vulnerable and alone. Instinctively and with remarkable gentleness, Jack picked up the baby in the blanket with his teeth. Whether guided by fate, an extraordinary sense of purpose, or just because it was the closest open business, Jack took the baby to the hospital. The nurses tried to shoo him away when he first ran through the sliding doors. One nurse, noticing the bundle in the dog’s mouth, was able to get close enough

to retrieve the baby. Thanks to Jack, the baby received life-saving medical attention.

tugging at its owner’s blanket finally woke him. Then Bandit led his human downstairs to discover the attempted break-in, which also scared away the intruders. Bandit proved that size and species don’t matter in heroism.

In the 1920s, the remote town of Nome, Alaska, grappled with a deadly diphtheria epidemic. Children were dying, and the icebound city was inaccessible by plane or boat in the winter. The only way to deliver the needed antitoxins was by dog sled on the Iditarod Trail. Balto, a Siberian husky, received most of the fame, but Togo, another husky, led the team across the most treacherous part of the journey. These dogs delivered life-saving medicine in time and saved many of Nome’s children. Cats can be heroes, too, as proved by a calico cat who lived up to his name in the most unexpected way. One night in Mississippi, intruders were trying to break into a home. The house cat, Bandit, sensed the danger and sprang into action. The cat’s relentless scratching and

In moments of crisis, these four-legged heroes rose to the occasion, not for glory or reward but out of pure love and loyalty. They are potent reminders of the courage and selflessness that animals are capable of.

Steer Clear of Social Media Pitfalls PROTECT YOUR FAMILY LAW CASE IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

CHILD CUSTODY AND PARENTAL FITNESS Social media can also impact child custody arrangements. Posts that depict irresponsible behavior or an unsafe living environment can be used as evidence of parental unfitness. It’s vital to be mindful of the content shared and its potential implications. PROTECT YOUR CASE For those involved in family law disputes, we advise you to exercise caution with social media use. Consider the following tips: • Think before you post. Assume that the judge and the opposing party will see anything you post. • Adjust privacy settings, but remember that privacy on the internet is never guaranteed. • Do not under any circumstances make posts about your case or the other party on social media. • Consult with your attorney before making social media posts about your case or personal life. As family law cases unfold, the impact of social media cannot be ignored. Family law disputes are complex, and the advice and guidance of a knowledgeable attorney are invaluable in navigating these modern challenges. If you have any questions about your social media use amid a family law dispute, call our team at (901) 388-5805 .

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. But social media can play a pivotal and often underestimated role when navigating the turbulent waters of family law disputes, including divorce, child custody, and alimony cases. According to a 2015 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers survey, there was a 97% increase in evidence from smartphones, and apps like Facebook and Instagram made up 67% of that evidence. Social media use has only skyrocketed since then, so understanding the potential impact of your social media use in your dispute is crucial. THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF SOCIAL MEDIA Social media can serve as a double-edged sword in family law cases. On one hand, it provides support and connection with friends and family during challenging times. On the other hand, it can become a treasure trove of evidence that might be used against you in court. Posts, comments, photos, and even location check-ins can be misconstrued or used to challenge claims about financial circumstances, parental fitness, or personal conduct. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE AND LIFESTYLE In divorce proceedings, financial disclosure is a critical component. Social media can inadvertently reveal details about your lifestyle, expenses, and assets that contradict statements made in court or provided in written discovery responses. For example, posting photos of luxury vacations or new purchases can undermine claims of financial hardship or the need for support.

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