SUDOKU
The tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011 was unimaginable; the natural disaster killed nearly 20,000 people in minutes. But amid the chaos, there was at least one tiny miracle: an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Babu. Tami Akanuma, an 83-year-old woman living in the coastal city of Miyako, had her typical morning interrupted by a 9.0 earthquake that shook her house roughly 200 yards from the coast. When it stopped, she breathed a sigh of relief, but Babu became extremely agitated. The small dog began frantically pacing around the living room, moaning, and jumping at the door. Though it was early for Babu’s morning walk, Akanuma decided to appease her. Sources differ on what happened next. Some say officials broadcast a tsunami warning, and Akanuma realized she must evacuate, while others state she knew nothing of the impending disaster. But everyone agrees that Babu jumped into action. She instantly headed for a large hill near Akanuma’s home — the opposite direction of the pair’s usual walk. Akanuma did not dismiss the dog’s instincts. Babu tugged urgently at her leash, running as far as she could before turning to her owner. Akanuma said Babu seemed to be encouraging her to move faster, and the dog ran ahead every time Akanuma caught up. Akanuma later estimated they walked more than half a mile in a few minutes. Only moments after the duo finally reached the top of the hill, they watched an enormous wave wash over their home. The house was destroyed, but Akanuma and Babu escaped with their lives. How did Babu do it? People have long suspected that animals can predict natural disasters, but the truth is elusive. Scientists agree that animals aren’t psychic but disagree on whether something else might be at play. Some attribute the supposed phenomenon to the “psychological focusing effect,” or a human tendency to emphasize one detail in our memories while discarding others. But others point to dogs’ heightened senses of hearing and smell, suggesting animals may be able to detect small atmospheric changes that humans can’t. A DOG’S INTUITION: How Babu Saved Her Human From a Tsunami
Solution on pg. 4
Bert’s Italian Pignolata Recipe! It’s not Christmas without this Southern Italian classic: pignolata! For a larger serving, adjust this family recipe as needed. Simple and delicious, these tiny treats will be devoured in no time! Ingredients
• Honey • Sprinkles
• 1 egg • All-purpose flour • Vegetable oil
Directions 1. In a bowl, beat egg, and add flour until the dough won’t take anymore. 2. Pinch off a bit of dough and roll it between your hands to form a long snake-like rope. Start at one end of the rope and cut into tiny ‘pinon’ looking pieces. 3. Heat oil in a saucepan and fry the pieces a few at a time until they are golden and float at the top of the oil. Scoop them out of the oil and drain on paper towels. 4. When all pieces have been fried, heat honey in another saucepan and dip the fried pieces in the hot honey quickly and take out, put on a paper plate, and top with sprinkles!
No matter the explanation, Akanuma credited her dog with saving her life, and the two gratefully celebrated Babu’s 12th birthday from an evacuation shelter only weeks later.
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