On Oct. 28 last year, President DonaldTrump tweeted a photo that quickly went viral. It showed an adorable snapshot of a bright-eyed Belgian Malinois, tongue lolling, still wearing its camo military vest. In the caption, PresidentTrump explained that the pup, Conan, was a national hero who was instrumental in taking down ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. With four years in special operations forces and roughly 50 missions under his collar, Conan was selected to be part of the team that pursued al-Baghdadi through a network of underground tunnels in northwest Syria, where the terrorist ultimately died. It’s unclear whether Conan was there to track al-Baghdadi or to spot improvised explosive devices that may have been planted on the route, but either way, he performed well. According to NBC News, Conan was injured by some live electrical cables during the mission, but he recovered quickly and was back on duty within the week. Meanwhile, PresidentTrump invited the brave pup to theWhite House and tweeted out a doctored photo that showed him awarding Conan a Medal of Honor. THE DOG WHO HELPED TAKE DOWN AL-BAGHDADI Meet Conan
PresidentTrump captioned the photo “AMERICAN HERO!” and he’s not alone in his appreciation for the hardworking dogs that have been helping our military since World War II. “To me, they’re the first line of defense,” United StatesWar Dogs Association President Ron Aiello told Vox after the news about Conan came out. “They’re such a great asset to our military today.” Military dogs are put up for adoption after 6–8 years in the service, which means a lucky civilian could take Conan in as early as 2022! Meanwhile, dozens of other smart canine heroes are looking for homes.To learn more about military and other working dog adoptions, visit MissionK9Rescue.org.
Let’s Have Some Fun This Winter!
Get Out of the House and Into the Cold
February means we’re now in the middle of the winter season, and despite what some may say, it’s one of the best times to get outside. It’s easy to stay indoors to avoid the cold, snow, and ice, but it’s important to get outside every now and then for some fresh air. Here are a few ideas to help you out of the house. INTOTHE SNOW One of the best ways to have fun with family and friends is playing in the snow. Head to the nearest park to build a snowman, make a few snow angels, or have a snowball fight. Challenge yourself by building an igloo, either for cover from the elements or just for fun. SLEDS, SKIS, AND SNOWBOARDS — OH MY! Another way to enjoy the snow is to head to the nearest slopes with your sleds, skis, and snowboards. Pack the car with your loved ones and spend a day with your favorite winter activity on your nearest hill or mountain. Alternatively, grab your skates and visit the nearest ice rink for a few hours of skating.
BUNDLING UP FOR A SHORTWALK Winter is beautiful, but the cold often keeps us from enjoying it.This year, wrap yourself up in a few layers and head out for a short walk to really appreciate the beauty of the season. Spring is just around the corner, and a walk will give you a firsthand view of early spring. Keep an eye and an ear out for chirping birds and early spring buds. HEALTHYTIPS While you’re out having fun, remember to dress appropriately for the weather and drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important, especially during the winter because our body works harder to keep us warm, meaning we become dehydrated faster. Even though winter is here, there is plenty of time to get outside. Winter has a lot to offer all of us; we just have to make the most of it. Let’s get out and have some fun!
www . southwindsorsmiles . com
2
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator