Long Live the Liv The Christmas Tree’s J When does the Christmas season truly begin? While the excitement for this time of year may strike people at different times, the most significant sign that Christmas has arrived is when their beloved Christmas trees go up! A perennial symbol of festive cheer and cherished moments, the modern Christmas tree has a rich and intriguing history spanning centuries. From Solstice to Contemporary Celebration Long before Christmas became an annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, this time of year was widely marked by another seasonal event: the winter solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year. Celebrants observed the occasion with feasts, bonfires, and — perhaps most significantly — tree decorations. While solstice revelry eventually gave way to Christian observances as the centuries unfolded, decorated trees survived the transition, charming and delighting merrymakers to this day. Does your office turn away calls about “long-term disability insurance” claim denials because you don’t handle administrative appeals or “ERISA litigation” in federal court? We want to hear from you! We happily share fees on referred ERISA long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death insurance denial cases. Send us an email at BriefRecess@jpricemcnamara.com or call (225) 201-8311 to start the referral process! WE VALUE YOUR REFERRALS! Germany’s Green Gift The modern aesthetic of a Christmas tree adorned with lights can be traced all the way back to the 1500s, when German Christians would bring trees into their homes and decorate them to honor the birth of their Lord and Savior. German theologian Martin Luther is believed
Golden retriever Samson takes his job as a medical service response dog very seriously, 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. HOW A KITTEN HELPED SAMSON UNLEASH HIS INNER PUP A PURR-FECT MATCH
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. 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 .
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“It shows that friendship has no bounds,” Lea said. “Anyone can be friends.”
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