Not All News is Bad!

Jason Parker has shipped more than 100 wheelchairs to animals in need through his nonprofit, Gunnar’s Wheels Foundation.

Source: Gunnar’s Wheels aims to help injured dogs get wheelchairs – TODAY.com

As someone who’s had two dogs in “wheelchairs” over the years, I can tell you two things: the carts may not be inexpensive, but they can make a world of difference for the dog. In our most recent experience our dog Helen (far right in this photo) just got in the chair and walked on as if nothing special. It added quality years to her life. Gunnar’s Wheels is awesome recognition of this. I know that many breed-specific groups and organizations also often offer information, loaners, and financial support, to dogs and their owners in need.

BEL-RIDGE, MO (KTVI) – A police officer with an unusual pedigree is getting a second shot at life.K9 Officer Luke went from living in a shelter, just days away from being euthanized, to becoming a star crime fighter.The narcotics and tracking dog is newest member of the Bel-Ridge Police Department. And in a short period of time, the yellow-white Labrador is making his mark.

Source: From animal shelter to crime fighter, K9 officer gets second shot at life | FOX2now.com

Rescuing dogs is wonderful, of course, but it’s extra special when that dog goes on to play an even larger role – be it narcotics tracking, service dog, or even someone’s “one special dog”. (I particularly enjoyed watching his leaps and bounds of happiness on being rewarded for his ‘find’.)

Kathrine Switzer ran the Boston Marathon in the same bib number that a race official tried to rip off her in an iconic photo from the 1967 race.

Source: Boston Marathon 2017: 1st woman to officially run does it again 50 years later – CNN.com

Ground breaking at 20. Wonderful for so many reasons at 70. We’ve come a long way. (Though as Ms. Switzer herself says, we still have a long way to go.)

Eye surgeons Sanduk Ruit and Geoff Tabin, along with the doctors they’ve trained, have helped restore sight to over 4 million people and aren’t finished yet

Source: Restoring sight to over 4M people – CBS News

I love simple solutions that have such a dramatic impact on so many people…

The damage to this family’s home could have been much worse if it hadn’t been for this heroic driver in brown, finishing up his UPS route.

Source: Brave UPS Driver Rushes Into Burning Home to Save Family – Good News Network

Drivers often deliver much more than just packages.

As spring approaches, fields outside of Los Angeles debut a wildflower ‘super bloom.’ (The Washington Post)

Source: California’s wildflower super bloom is so prolific you can see it from space – The Washington Post

After the years of drought the before/after photos are pretty impressive.

An American Airlines customer service manager at Charlotte Douglas International Airport was honored Tuesday after officials said he saved two lives in one day.

Source: American Airlines customer service manager saves 2 lives in 1 day | WSOC-TV

Let’s just call this better airline-related news than we’ve been hearing of lately, OK? It’s much more common than all that other stuff.

Carsten knew he only had hours left to live – so he spent his final moments with his family in front of the sunset, with cigarette and wine in hand.

Source: Hospital Grants Dying Patient’s Last Wish For Wine, Cigarette – Good News Network

I’ve always been puzzled by restrictions placed on terminal patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other similar venues. It seems so inconsequential – and as we see here, potentially even a final gift – to allow the dying their vices on the way out. When my time comes, a little coffee vodka, please, or if available perhaps some Advocaat.

“Thank you for showing that football is not just football,” said one.

Source: Borussia Dortmund fans offer stranded Monaco supporters accommodation in classy #bedforawayfans gesture 

What makes the mainstream news, of course, are fights and ill-behaved fans and players. More common, I think, are the gestures of respect shown here. Doesn’t matter what sport, doesn’t matter what countries are involved,  good sportsmanship transcends all divides.

A cat rescued from northern Syria by a Turkish soldier during the Euphrates Shield Operation in February has found his new home: A bookstore in Istanbul.

Source: Cat rescued by Turkish soldier in Syria’s al-Bab finds new home in Istanbul bookstore – ANIMALS

Yes, there are horrors happening in Syria, and I don’t mean to diminish that at all. This story just put a smile on my face. There are animal lovers world-wide.