“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.
Fiction Favorites 
Heartwarming stories John. I hope you have a wonderful weekend with an exciting menu for your Sunday adventure.
Hugs
LikeLiked by 3 people
I am searching out the menu and I hope it will be exciting, David. Hugs and have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you, Harmony. Have a super weekend too. 😁. I can imagine Wally was a pain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice news stories. Hope the manatee is okay. Remember all the warning signs about boats and then down in Florida.
LikeLiked by 2 people
He seemed to be fine according to the naturalist. Thanks, Charles.
LikeLike
Thank you for the good news post. Much appreciated!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Gotta keep our eyes on beauty. Thanks, Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John. We certainly do.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing these stories with us, John. We need all of the good news we can get. Happy Friday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree, Jill. Thanks. 😁
LikeLike
I love these stories, John. Can’t go wrong with posting about animals.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Animals do take center stage when they are featured. Thanks, Joan 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice to see some good news for a change. Most media these days are full of bad news – many of doubtful veracity or authenticity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Keith. I’m totally fed up with it. Thanks. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pet Friday, dear John! Even the picture of Lucy & Twiggy seems to be optimistic: the hope is overthere. 🙂 I wish you a wonderful barbeque week-end!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Maria. We need more hope for sure. Have a great weekend. 🥂🍰 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John, I needed that. Politics monopolizes everything – and is very boring.
LikeLiked by 4 people
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. 🙈 🙉
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s my plan!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
We could start the Ostrich Society
LikeLiked by 2 people
Or the Earmuff Clan.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That might look better on a T shirt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And us wearing them? Oh jeez, what a sight that’d be!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love a good heartwarming animal story – thanks, John.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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… 🤗
LikeLiked by 2 people
Butterflies are great reminders and they can tell you a lot if you listen to them. Thank you, Gwen. I’m glad you like the stories. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love these feel-good stories, John. What a lovely way to start the day and end the week. Thank you. And Happy Friday.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Staci. Glad you liked them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love the refill idea. Thanks, John. I’ll show this to The Producer when I requsition my second three fingers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never knew there were manatees in Texas until now, John. Have a good weekend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They are rare here too. Thanks, Guy.
LikeLike
Extra kibble causes me to lose my memory, too, John. 🙂 And thanks for sharing these heartwarming stories. Loved your Ku and Happy Friday. Cheers! 🍷
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lauren. I’m glad you liked the stories. 😁
LikeLike
The stories started my day with a huge smile. Thanks, John 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad Denise.. Thanks for letting me know.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing, Michael.
LikeLiked by 1 person
With a great pleasure, John! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Enjoy your weekend! xx Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
What heartwarming stories. A old cat eating like a horse. lol Wait, John! If the both are getting a little bit older the neighbors have to put the fridges into the basement, behind heavy closed doors. Lol Have a beautiful weekend! xx Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Michael.
LikeLiked by 1 person
:-))
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love the idea of sharing good news. It’s easy to be transfixed by a car wreck but humanity deserves the positive…more than ever these days. Bless you-hope you have a pawsitive weekend “Papa Bear.” 🐻😆
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Monika. You as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Debbie. You as well. I totally agree with you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful way to end the work-week, John. Two lovely stories (I, too, believe the manatee is going to be fine!)
Happy Friday, John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Dale. I think it will be fine too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is good news about the manatee. I wish there were more of them.
Good for the cat too. We had a cat that lived to 19 too. Still my favorite cat.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Bob
LikeLike
I remember that manatee being here. One cannot go wrong with animal stories with happy endings! Bad news is everywhere and easy to find. Thanks for taking time to find these and share! TGIF to you!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I agree, Jo. Thank you and have a great weekend.
LikeLike
How great that Penny found her match. And a manatee in Texas? What will they think of next?
Thanks for sticking with the upside of the news Boss, have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Marc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a heap, John. It’s good to have something positive in this day and age. As far as all the craziness in the “news,” I’ve decided to stick empirical evidence.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I don’t blame you. 😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
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!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Mae.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Jan 😊
LikeLike
Ah, nice to get a break from the usual nonsense in the world. I especially liked the first story. They were the perfect match.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Made in heaven as they say. Thanks, Pete.
LikeLike
Those are wonderful and uplifting stories, John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Deborah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful point of view for the week. I love the animal tales, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Craig.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Terrific post, John!
I adore the animal stories.
Perfect JohnKu.
Missed Twiggy and Lucy.
Tell them El Kabong was by!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Twiggy wants to be Baba Looey. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay! Who will Lucy be? Boo Boo?
Or they could mix it up! Yosemite Sam? Just throwing names out there. Ohh Tasmanian Devil!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lucy might enjoy being Porky Pig
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay!!! Can she grunt?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good start! How about squealing?
This is fab! Dog fantasy auditions! Where am I?
LikeLiked by 2 people
She can squeal. She also can play the trombone and bass guitar.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OMG!
She’s the next Piggy Lee!
.. and if that doesn’t work, she can get work in a rock or jazz band.
LikeLiked by 2 people
For sure. Thanks for the audition Miss Resa.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Make that Twiggy Lee!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Has a nice ring to it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love this one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Billy Ray
LikeLike
I agree – finding the good is easier. Love that manatee!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes it is easier. Thanks, Barbara.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two good news stories, and I for one feel good having read them. Thanks, John.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Excellent. That was the intent.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for the breath of fresh air, John.
LikeLiked by 3 people
😁
LikeLiked by 2 people