ANOTHER REWARDING BOND Grateful for Yo
HOW DIFFERENT CULTURES CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR BEYOND THE BALL DROP
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We love getting to know you and your animals. One of those prized relationships we have built over time is with Jeff and Julie Streeter and their four dogs, Bones, Koda, Bear, and Nimrod. “We’ve been in the area and have been going to the clinic for four years,” Jeff says. “We have three Labradors — Koda (12), Bear (4), and Nimrod (2). We also have 2-year-old Bones, who is a black-and-tan hound dog.”
Jeff says his son works for a hunting guide in Idaho who had Bones as a puppy.
The New Year is a time for celebration, reflection, and new beginnings. While many of us are familiar with the ball drop in Times Square or the clinking of champagne glasses at midnight, exploring how different countries and cultures ring in the New Year is fascinating. Let’s journey outside the United States to discover a few unique New Year’s traditions from around the world. Spain: Eating 12 Grapes at Midnight As the clock strikes midnight in Spain, people eat 12 grapes — one for each clock chime. This tradition brings good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The grapes are usually eaten in public squares and plazas where crowds gather to celebrate. It’s a race against time to eat all 12 grapes before the last chime, as failing can bring in bad luck. Japan: Joya-no-Kane (Bell Ringing) The Japanese celebrate Joya-no-Kane, where temple bells ring 108 times: 107 times on Dec. 31, and then the 108th ring at midnight on the New Year, bridging the old and new year. This practice is rooted in Buddhist beliefs and is thought to cleanse the 108 worldly desires that cause human suffering. Denmark: Breaking Plates The Danish have a unique way of showing affection to their friends and family. On New Year’s Eve, it’s customary to break plates and dishes against the doors of loved ones. The more broken pieces you find at your doorstep, the more popular and loved you are. Brazil: Offerings to Iemanjá
“One day, Bones didn’t come back after a hunt. But they found him. He had been attacked by coyotes,” Jeff remembers. “He had some damage to his throat and ears. We took him to the clinic, and they got him stitched up right away.”
Jeff is usually accompanied by Bear. It’s not uncommon for them to go out together on hunting or fishing excursions.
“I don’t go anywhere without him. This past summer, Bear had a big seizure. I was distraught and thought he was a goner. We got to the clinic when they opened. By that time, Bear had started to rebound,” Jeff remembers. “But they dropped everything, and they got him in right away. They addressed what was going on. Even though they were busy, they made it happen.”
Through time, we’ve been honored to get to know the Streeters and each of their four wonderful dogs.
Is your furry friend bouncing off the walls? Try these soothing yet tasty treats to calm your dog! Scrumptious Stress-Re
Ingredients
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1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
In Brazil, particularly in coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro, people make offerings to Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea, on New Year’s Eve. They gather at the beach dressed in white and send small boats filled with flowers, candles, and gifts into the ocean as offerings. Scotland: First-Footing In Scotland, the first person to enter a home after midnight is called the “first-footer” and will bring good luck for the year. Traditionally, the first-footer should be a tall, dark- haired male who brings gifts like coal, bread, and whisky to symbolize warmth, luck, and good cheer.
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1/3 cup milk
3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce 1 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 tbsp baking powder
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3 tbsp oats
1 tbsp edible lavender buds or chamomile powder
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