s Ruin Your Holiday Cheer
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 A DOG’S INTUITION: HOW BABU SAVED HER HUMAN FROM A TSUNAMI
OT A NEGLIGENT DRIVER
Pull over safely. If the negligent driver’s actions are putting you or others in immediate danger, consider pulling over to a safe location, such as a parking lot or rest area. This will allow the reckless driver to move ahead without putting you at risk. Call 911. As soon as it’s safe, call the police to report the reckless driver. Provide them with the information you gathered, including the license plate number and vehicle details. Be sure to accurately describe the driver’s behavior and location. Encountering a negligent driver during the holiday season can be unsettling, but your safety and the safety of others should always be your first priority! For more information on negligent and reckless drivers and how to spot them, scan the QR code!
Stay safe and happy holidays!
No need to make rolls from scratch this season. Instead, dress up store-bought rolls with delicious everything bagel seasoning! Everything-Seasoned Dinner Rolls
Ingredients • Cooking spray
• 20 frozen dinner rolls • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 1 tbsp honey • 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
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.
Directions 1. Coat a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and arrange frozen rolls in the pan to thaw according to package instructions. 2. Preheat oven to 350 F. Then, melt butter and honey together in the microwave or on the stove. Once the rolls thaw, brush butter mixture over the rolls and sprinkle seasoning on top. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden, and serve these tasty rolls straight out of the oven!
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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