Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF – Friyay Good News

~ John W. Howell

It is Friday again, and time to prepare ourselves for the weekend. What better way than to have some good news to get us in the mood for fun.

Our first story is about a boy who cares.

Photo courtesy of the ASPCA

Evan Bisnauth lives in the Bronx with a primary passion for helping socialize adoptable dogs by reading to them regularly.

His favorite story to read to the dogs is “Belly Rubbins for Bubbins,” written by Jason Kraus.

Evan says, “The story is about a dog placed into the shelter and got adopted. I like reading that to the dogs because when I’m done reading the book, I’m like, ‘You will get adopted. Now I have hope for you’.”

The ASPCA announced the recipients of the 2021 Humane Awards, an event to honor people and pets from across the nation who have made outstanding contributions to animal welfare. Evan was named Kid of the Year. The good news here is even the smallest acts of kindness have significant results.

Our second story is about an 80-year-old guy with grit.

Photo courtesy of Norman Ruff / Photo: Ontario Provincial Police

Norman Ruff lives in a cottage near Port Carling in Muskoka, Ontario. Norman, an 80-year-old, and his wife Lois were awakened by a Black bear breaking through the kitchen window. The bear spotted Norman and stood up, and roared.

There was a disagreement about house ownership, and Norman punched the bear several times in the nose. The bear, not content to be bullied, slapped Norman several times and grabbed his hand in his mouth.

Finally, Norman managed to open the front door, and the bear eventually found his way out.

Norman was taken to the hospital in Bracebridge, where he became a celebrity among the staff for fighting a bear with his fists. The bear did not require medical attention.

On October 26, 2021, Bracebridge Ontario Provincial Police detachment commander Inspector Burton and Superintendent Houliston presented Norman with an award for bravery. There are no reports on the bear receiving an award as well. The good news here is both the bear and the man lived to meet again.

Today’s John Ku talks about kindness. I hope you have a great weekend.

Kindness is a gift,

That if shared unselfishly . . .

Will come back bigger.

98 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF – Friyay Good News”

  5. Dear John,
    the German writer Bert Brecht praised kindness as the most important virtue.
    Lovely stories, thank you for sharing them.
    Have a great weekend
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I love your haiku and stories, John. Kindness abounds but is so often overshadowed by its opposite. Thank you for this morning’s refreshment and reminder. 💗

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  8. Given how the animal would usually be killed, I’d say the bear won by surviving. Read recently that you have a better chance against a black bear than a brown bear. Former is not as aggressive and can be scared off.

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  11. I swear I’ve read somewhere that whacking a bear in the nose is the right way to send it off. In any event, it worked for this fellow, and all was more-or-less well. Great story!

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  17. What a beautiful JohnKu this week. Evan is a kind boy who will grow into a kind man. Norman sports the right last name! Ruff! I love that “There was a disagreement about house ownership,” What a feisty guy. I love that he was able to open the door and just let him out. My goodness. What a story! Those Canadians, eh? 😉

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  18. You’ve definitely made this a Friyay, John. I loved the story about the boy. And you slayed me with “The bear did not require medical attention.” So glad that one ended well.
    Have a wonder-filled weekend. Sharing. Hugs on the wing!

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  19. I can’t imagine tangling with a bear, but I love the story about the boy who reads to shelter pups. What a great way to show them somebody cares! Thanks for your upbeat Friday news, John — now, have a wonderful weekend.

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  22. Both of these stories brought tears to my eyes, John. To see a boy who has learned at such a young age what true kindness and caring is all about is truly a beautiful thing. And to see a gentleman of slightly more advanced years whose determination to protect his hearth and home from an apparently hungry bear is jaw-dropping. BOTH tales will keep me smiling all day long, while longing for more stories like these to uplift and inspire!

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing. You’ve made my whole day!! 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Oh, John, such good stories! I love the Evan story giving hope that these dogs find their forever homes. And that 80 year old is a fighter! Thanks for bringing us good stories. Have a good weekend. Good fall weather here. Christmas tree lighting tomorrow night in CC. Seems early, but bring it on. Cheers!

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  26. Such great stories, John, and love your JohnKu, also. That 80-year-old man, wow! He sure had some grit along with some luck. 🙂 Evan’s story is heartwarming. Have a good weekend! 🥰

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  27. I look forward to your good news stories each Friday. My favorite line was, “The bear did not require medical attention.”🤣

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  35. Two great stories, John. Kid of the Year – what a nice recognition. And I’ve never heard of punching a bear in the nose. Way to go Norman Ruff! I’m slightly obsessed about what to do if I ever encounter a bear. I knew I could punch a shark in the nose (I’d be way too afraid to carry that out), but I’ll work the bear-punch strategy into my survival skills.

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  38. What an great idea reading to dogs. But dont read them thrillers, or about local news. Lol
    The second story is as horrible as funny. Seems in Ontario are many fearless people. Thanks for sharing the news, John! Enjoy a wonderful week! xx Michael

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