SLINGING JUSTICE How a 13-Year-Old Stopped a Kidnapper
In the quiet city of Alpena, Michigan, a young hero emerged on a sunny May afternoon. Owen Burns, a 13-year-old with remarkable courage, became the talk of the town after he used a slingshot to save his 8-year-old sister from a suspected kidnapping. Owen’s sister was in their backyard when a man emerged from the nearby woods. The man approached the little girl, covered her mouth, and held her tightly to his chest. He didn’t know Owen was watching and ready to act in his sister’s defense. Owen recounted the chilling moment, saying, “Her mouth was closed, and he was hugging her on his chest. My sister kicked him, and then he started running after her.” Owen didn’t hesitate; he sprang into action with his slingshot. Owen loaded marbles and rocks into his slingshot and aimed at the assailant. He fired three precise shots, hitting the suspect in the head and chest, causing the assailant to flee the scene. The shock of the incident left Owen’s parents, Andrew and Margaret Burns, in disbelief. Margaret recalled the chaotic scene, saying, “They were in a state of panic and screaming, and she was crying, and the only word I could make out of the whole conversation was ‘kidnap.’”
Owen’s heroic actions were crucial in bringing the suspect to justice. Lt. John Grimshaw, Alpena post commander, commended Owen, stating, “What he did helped us identify who the suspect was because, obviously, he had injuries from getting hit with a slingshot. To see that and pop into action that quickly is extraordinary, and he should be commended for it.”
The suspect, a 17-year-old from Alpena, was eventually located by state troopers, thanks in part to the slingshot injuries. He now faces charges of attempted kidnapping, assault, and battery. He was charged as an adult due to the severity of his actions. Owen’s bravery left his parents feeling “extremely proud and forever grateful.” Andrew Burns reflected on the gravity of the situation, saying, “Once it all set in, it kind of hit pretty hard
because it could have been a whole different outcome.” Owen made it clear that he would not hesitate to protect his sister again, saying, “If it does happen again, I’ll do it again.” Enhancing Your Relationship With Your Dog
5 Simple Steps to Strengthen Your Bond
No. 2: Practice thresholds. Dogs, especially puppies, like to run around. They’ll run through a doorway and out into the street before you can close the door. To prevent this, you should start daily threshold training. Leash them up and stand next to an open door. When they try to walk through, apply some pressure until they stop. When they look at you, release the pressure and give them praise and pets. Lastly, say, “Let’s go!” and head out. They love to make you happy. No. 3: Give commands before attention. Dogs live for attention. Before giving them what they want, provide them with a command beforehand. It doesn’t need to be complex; just the word “Sit” will do. If they have bad habits like jumping on people, this technique is excellent for halting bad behavior; you just have to be consistent and work with it.
No. 4: Exercise often. Most dogs need regular exercise, especially young and high-energy canines. Don’t just take them to an empty lot to run around — let them explore and sniff new places. Quality time strengthens the bond between you and gives you both a chance to get some exercise. There’s a reason dog owners have a lower risk of high blood pressure. No. 5: Enforce post-play naptime. When you’re trying to relax, study, or do any other sedentary activity post-exercise, make sure your dog is sedentary, too. It teaches them to match your behavior. Then, they won’t steal food, cause household chaos, or do anything else that could disrupt you. If you stay with it and adhere to these tips, you can dramatically improve your dog’s life. Both you and your pet can bring out the best in each other. A dog can be the perfect companion if you give them a chance.
Dogs are man’s best friend, but developing that relationship takes a little effort. They need some time, training, and care to foster a strong bond with you. These five tips will ensure you create a lifelong connection. No. 1: Make eye contact. Your pup should associate you with everything fun. Make eye contact when giving them a treat, holding the leash before going for a walk, or any other situation that benefits them. They’ll be more inclined to pay attention to you and view you as the gatekeeper to the “finer things” in life.
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