... continued from Cover
might start saying it to my friends next time they gripe about their responsibilities and bad backs holding them back in life!
as he had neither a passport nor money. When Mayor George Christopher heard what he had done, though, he gave Horie an honorary visa, and he became a mini-celebrity.” Apparently, his boat from that journey is still on display at the National Maritime Museum in California 60 years later! Between his two record-breaking voyages, Horie crossed the Pacific many more times. He has achieved the feat in boats made from all kinds of things, including recycled materials. Sailing is his way of advocating for environmental protections for the ocean, and he plans to keep going
Horie is far from the only senior citizen who holds a world record. According to Insider, 68-year-old George Hood holds the record for assuming the plank position for the longest time (over eight hours), Albert Hughs Jr. is considered the world’s oldest boxer at 70, and 84-year-old Shirley Curry (aka “Grandma Gamer”) is
tearing it up as the oldest video game player on YouTube. Senior citizens have set records for their work on the flying trapeze, dancing acrobatic salsa, and performing on the bodybuilding stage.
until he’s 100 years young. This is a man who truly doesn’t believe in the concept of being “too old.” Ever since I first read Horie’s story on CNN, something he said has stuck with me: “Don’t let your dreams just stay as dreams. Have a goal and work toward achieving this, and a beautiful life awaits.” I just
Next time you catch yourself thinking you’re “too old” for something fun or challenging, remember Horie. If an 83-year- old can spend two months alone in a boat setting a record on the Pacific, you can do that TikTok dance with your grandkids or take your first bite of sushi. I promise
it’s not too late.
Eva’s Stand-Off With a Mountain Lion This Belgian Malinois Needs a Cape
rocks in an attempt to break its hold. When that didn’t work, she ran back to her truck and managed to wave down a passing motorist. With their combined efforts — and a crowbar and lots of pepper spray — they were able to scare the mountain lion away. Wilson, though wounded, managed to carry Eva back to her truck and raced her to an animal hospital. Thankfully, Eva didn’t need surgery but still had some extensive injuries. Wilson said she would do anything for her dog, and that day, Eva proved she would do the same for Wilson.
A commonly uttered phrase among dog lovers is that we don’t deserve them. This comes from the fact that dogs often give their all to protect their owners, even if that means putting their own lives at risk. Dogs seem to be instinctively wired to protect their humans — and it’s more proof they really are our best friends. In May 2022, Erin Wilson pulled off at a roadside picnic area and headed down a path toward the Trinity River in California with her Belgian Malinois, Eva. As Wilson walked down the slope, the dog ran ahead. Suddenly, Wilson turned around and realized she was being cornered by a mountain lion. These attacks are incredibly rare due to the mountain lion’s reclusive and shy nature. In fact, since 1890, California has recorded only six fatal mountain lion attacks. However, recent drought conditions have made food scarce in some areas. Their preferred prey is deer, but these conditions probably made the sudden appearance of a slender woman look like an attractive option. The mountain lion growled and took a swipe at Wilson’s left shoulder. As it lunged at her, Wilson screamed and shouted for Eva. At the distressed call of her owner, the dog came running back to Wilson’s aid. Without hesitation, Eva leapt between Wilson and tackled the wild cat. During the short tussle, the mountain lion managed to get its jaws around Eva’s head, but Wilson fought to free her dog by throwing
2 • swbwlawfirm.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator