Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell
“What is that. Lucy?”
“I’m not sure. It might be a bear.”
“No it’s Dad.”
“Don’t tell him I said that about the bear.”
“Extra kibble causes me to lose my memory.”
“Come to my dish later.”

 

Look at that. it is Friday again and time for celebration. (hold it until after five, though). Having given a lot of thought to what I want this Friday post to be, I have decided that posting the news of the day only causes us a little angst. After all, there is very little we can do about the craziness going on in the world.

I have decided to concentrate on the good news side of life. So today, I’ll be posting two stories that have to do with animals. I hope you enjoy them. Yes, the JohnKu will still be here.

The first story is about a 101-year-old woman named Penny and a 19-year-old cat named Gus.

Penny and Gus
Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Catawba County (HSCC) in North Carolina

Gus came into the Humane Society of Catawba County shelter, and after a complete physical, his age was determined to be 19 years old (about 133 in human years). Typically, shelters have a problem placing cats at this age. “Gus’ age was exceptional, but we see older pets on a regular basis. We are still committed to these animals and working to find a new home for them, regardless of their age,” Jane Bower, executive director of the Humane Society of Catawba County, told Newsweek.

Penny had recently lost her cat, so her family was on the lookout for an older kitten. They visited the shelter, and so the rest is history. The shelter describes Penny and Gus as a match made in heaven. Penny reports Gus has made her place feel like a home and eats like a horse.

Our second story is about a manatee that has ventured into the canal area of my old stomping grounds in Port Aransas, TX. Manatees are very seldom seen on the West Coast of Texas, maybe once every other year. This one was observed lazing around. He also was photographed taking a freshwater drink from a hose near one of the private docks.

The Manatee is drinking from a hose.
Photo courtesy of the South Jetty in Port Aransas.

Greg Stunz is a professor of marine biology and endowed chair for Fisheries and Ocean Health at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He reported the Manatee had some significant injuries but were not fresh. Capture and treatment were impossible since the 500-pound creature slipped away in the murky canal after about an hour. Looks like the Manatee knew what was best, which most animals do.

Today’s JohnKu talks about peace of mind. I hope you all have a peaceful weekend.

 

Good News by John W. Howell © 2021

In the whole picture,

Finding more good in the news . . .

Is way easier.

 

 

96 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF”

  2. Lovely stories. We had Wally the Walrus causing havoc around Cornwall recently. He would board boats for a rest and sink them. Eventually, they built him his own pontoon. Eventually, he took a swim to the Isles of Scilly and carried on his antics there. Thanks for sharing the smiles. Have a wonderful weekend, John and everyone 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I totally agree with you. I think the thing that bothers me the most is there are no unbiased media reports that could help clarify the issues. I for one am going to ignore them all. Thanks, GP. 🙈 🙉

      Liked by 3 people

  10. Thanks for sharing these stories, John. I think I like ending the week on an up-note. I can turn anywhere to find the bad stuff.

    I hope you have a great weekend. Don’t wait too long to start celebrating.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. I think your decision to change directions a bit was a good one. If I need to hear the bad again, I have an aunt I can call! Interesting about the manatee. There was one that made its way up the Houston ship channel a few years ago. I can’t remember the details now, except that it was fine (albeit with some of those prop scars) and eventually it went on its way. They’re such cool creatures! And of course I love the old lady/old cat story. Great finds.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. There was a Brewhaha raised about letting the manatee drink flouridated water. It makes them sick. The naturalist came out and said not to leave hoses dripping for it. I’m glad you liked the stories, Linda. Thanks for letting me know.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Heartwarming stories, John, thank you. We all need to pause and recognize the good, the beautiful around us. Even a butterfly will remind me. Sending hugs… 🤗

    Liked by 2 people

  15. A cat that eats like a horse ! ? ! Now that is a cat of a different color. How does that little old lady do it ? I think even Tiny would be reluctant trying to put a feed bag on a cat. Good stories. Good Ku. You have earned your three fingers sir. With a bonus refill. To a good weekend. Cheers John.

    Liked by 2 people

  22. I’m all for looking for the upbeat. It often takes a bit more digging, but putting a smile on people’s faces is way worthwhile! Enjoy the weekend, John.

    Liked by 3 people

  28. What a fabulous JohnKu and a fabulous post! I like the good news focus. Penny and Gus warm my heart and seeing that manatee brought a smile my face. Great job, John! Happy FriYay!

    Liked by 2 people

  29. Oh yes!! I love this post, John, and I completely agree with you. Good news is hard to come by these days, but both of these stories were amazing. Penny and Gus are two special souls and how wonderful that they found each other. Thank you for an uplifting post!

    Liked by 2 people

  30. Ah, nice to get a break from the usual nonsense in the world. I especially liked the first story. They were the perfect match.

    Liked by 1 person

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