FROM POLICE ACADEMY DROPOUT TO RESCUE HERO THE PLAYFUL PUP WHO BECAME A BEACON OF HOPE
He may have flunked out of school, but that didn’t stop Roger from being a hero! This golden retriever has been vital in digging under the rubble of Taiwan’s catastrophic earthquakes, but he didn’t have the best start. Deemed too friendly and playful to work as a drug-sniffing dog, Roger failed his police academy exams. Of course, this rambunctious pup wasn’t calling it quits just yet. Instead, he became a certified rescue dog and showed his true talent and courage when a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan in April 2024. As part of the Kaohsiung Fire Bureau, Roger saved lives and recovered those lost under the wreckage. It wasn’t long before Roger became a national symbol of hope. After his hard work, a local reporter interviewed Roger, and his playful antics stole the whole world’s heart. From taste
testing the reporter’s microphone to tearing apart a stuffed ice cream toy on camera, it was clear Roger deserved all the praise in the world for his efforts. According to Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-Mai, Roger and his other rescue pup pals earned themselves plenty of treats and toys after the incident. The mayor told ABC Australia, “After receiving the ice cream toy, he didn’t mind messing up his appearance while enthusiastically chewing on it.” Still, he didn’t mind Roger’s goofy nature and unique interview skills as the canine brought “smiles to everyone despite their exhaustion.” While he may be full of energy, Roger is actually nearing retirement. At the seasoned age of eight, plans are in place for him to retire and hang up his vest by the time he turns nine. His post- service life will be one of leisure and love, filled
with endless days of playing and relaxation, a fitting reward for a dog who has contributed so much to his community. Roger’s story is a powerful reminder of the unexpected paths our lives can take and how our unique traits can lead us to fulfill roles we never imagined. From a playful pup deemed unsuitable for police work to a hero who rose to the occasion when disaster struck, Roger exemplifies how perseverance and adaptability can carve out a legacy of heroism and hope. Yes, a golden retriever can teach us all that.
SUDOKU
EATS WITH ELLIE
BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES
These fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with nutrients!
INGREDIENTS •
2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• • •
1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Salt and pepper, to taste
• •
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Place sweet potato wedges in a large bowl and add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. 3. Arrange the sweet potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. 4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
3
614-334-4649
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator