[2022-09-10] Saturday Synopsis #8
Story of the week: Canine lifeguards to the rescue
For this week's story, I turned to good news stories compiled by Readers Digest Canada. My favourite was about the Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs, which trains dogs and their handlers to rescue sailors, divers and swimmers off the Italian coast. The school uses the "dolphin system" whereby the handler holds onto the dog's harness while the dog swims out to the person in distress. "The Milan organization has been patrolling Italian beaches for more than 30 years, with about 400 fully trained and certified 'lifedogs'—Newfoundlands, primarily, but also Labrador retrievers and German shepherds—who save about 30 lives a year." According to school founder Ferruccio Pilenga, "Newfoundlands and other water dogs are especially good at this work...because of their power, water-resistant coats and ability to navigate currents."
Quote of the week: Dogs have given us their absolute all
In keeping with this week's theme, today's quote, by Roger A. Caras, is about dogs:
Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.
Freddie asked for so little from us: play time at the Bruce Pit off-leash dog park, a comfy bed on the floor of our room and another in front of the fireplace, afternoons on the lawn in the cool shade, visits to the farm, and a week or two at the cottage every summer. In return, he was a faithful companion for 15½ years.
Video of the week: Storm the weather dog looks for snacks
I love this video of Global News chief meteorologist Anthony Farnell and his dog Storm: Weather reporter's hungry dog interrupts live TV report looking for treats. While Farnell delivers the weather update, his mini-Goldendoodle, Storm, roams around the set, searching for snacks. Miraculously, Farnell keeps it together, delivering his report almost without missing a beat.
Recipe of the week: Dog treats
Rather than share one recipe, I provide a link to 25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes Made With 5 Ingredients or Less.
Song of the week: Hold on to memories
In honour of Freddie, this week's song is "Hold on to memories" by Disturbed. The song reminds us that our loved ones are never really gone as long as we hold on to memories of them.
Take the ones you love
And hold them close because there is little time
And don't let it break your heart
I know it feels hopeless sometimes
But they're never really gone
As long as there's a memory in your mind...
And hold on to memories
Hold on to every moment
To keep them alive
The world's greatest tragedy
Souls who are not remembered
Cannot survive
At lunch today, Chris, Shane, Mel and I shared memories of Freddie. It was a healing get-together in his memory.
Photo of the week: Are you my mother?
This week's photo is a favourite from the day we brought Freddie home, way back in 2007. The expression on Freddie reminds me of the baby bird in the book Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman. In that story, a newly hatched baby bird goes off in search of his mother after emerging from the egg and finding himself alone in his nest (his mother had left to find food for the little bird). In the same way that the bird asks each of the animals and objects he meets, "Are you my mother?" Freddie seems to be asking that of me in this photo.
