A PURR-FECT MATCH A CAT’S NOSE KNOWS How a Kitten Helped Samson Unleash His Inner Pup
Golden retriever Samson takes his job as a medical service response dog very seriously,
While they were out traveling, Samson spotted a kitten in the window of a building and immediately wanted to play. It was an “aha!” moment that Samson could indeed make deep bonds; it just had to be with the right animal. A couple of months later, they brought home a tiny kitten named Cleo, and the instant friendship surprised everyone. They gently placed the backpack with the little kitten inside in the middle of the room, and Samson immediately sprung into excited barks and tail wags. Lea said they were never expecting him to be so excited about his new friend, and the two have been inseparable since. “It was so heartwarming to see him come out of his shell and immediately form a connection with Cleo,” Lea said.
Now, the pair spend every moment they can together, playing, napping, and enjoying each other’s company. Cleo has become an avid adventurer since the family started taking her on hikes. When the kitty tires out, she takes a ride on her older brother Samson, who looks so proud to be transporting his sister. Cleo, a tiny kitten with a big heart, allowed Samson, a workaholic looking for a friend, to break out of his shell and explore his world in ways his family never thought possible. Now, thousands of people worldwide watch their friendship and adventures on the animal-odd couple’s Instagram page @calvin.andco .
maybe even too seriously. For owner Lea Hendy, it became apparent quickly that the loveable giant didn’t know how to dog. On their days off at the dog park, Samson was the odd man out, sitting alone in the corner while the other pups played. It seemed like he couldn’t turn off work mode or form bonds with other dogs. Samson joined Lea’s family to train as a service dog. When she noticed his seeming lack of social skills with other dogs, she was determined to find a way to bring him out of his shell. Little did she know that a chance encounter with a cat would change everything.
“It shows that friendship has no bounds,” Lea said. “Anyone can be friends.”
FIGHT A TAILGATING CITATION AND WIN Beat the Rap
Keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and the truck ahead can be a challenge in heavy, fast-moving traffic. The vehicle in front may brake suddenly, shortening the gap. Or another truck may pass you and pull back into your lane with only feet to spare. Maintaining that space is essential, however, to avoid costly citations for following too closely. Nearly 5% of vehicle collisions involving commercial trucks are caused by one driver following too closely, according to a 2019 federal study of large-truck accidents. Regulators define following too closely as driving so near that a crash would be likely to occur if the vehicle in front were to brake suddenly. As a rule, commercial truck drivers should leave four seconds of distance between themselves and the vehicle ahead when traveling at 40 mph,
five seconds at 50 mph, and six seconds at the 55 mph statewide speed limit for commercial trucks. Drivers should also double that distance in fog, snow, or other hazardous conditions. While cars are advised to maintain a three-second gap between themselves and the car ahead, trucks’ heavier weight makes them harder to brake. Allowing a larger distance also gives the trailing driver more time to make wise decisions if the driver in front brakes suddenly, enabling them to change lanes if possible to avoid an accident. Tailgating carries a fine of about $240. However, state federal regulators regard following too closely as a serious offense. The state Department of Motor Vehicles assesses 1.5 Negligent Operator Treatment System points against a commercial truck driver found guilty of
following too closely. The points remain on a driver’s record for three years.
Many commercial fleet managers won’t keep a driver with a serious offense on the payroll, because doing so leads to higher insurance premiums and more frequent roadside inspections at open weigh stations, delaying deliveries. If the driver is convicted of another serious violation within three years, they will be hit with a 60-day suspension of their commercial driver’s license. A third conviction leads to a 120-day suspension. If you are cited for following too closely, be aware that traffic court judges have heard every argument you can imagine. An experienced traffic ticket attorney can explore all possible defenses and navigate the legal system on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.
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