Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Age, Dogs and Pomagranates

Three good things happened yesterday.

1. The New York Times reported that 60 is the new 40 (in terms of age, that is). Since I will turn 60 in a little over three months I am happy to know I am still 39! Better yet, I might actually accomplish what I now know I want to do when I grow up.

2. Ratchet, the mongrel befriended by Army Spc. Gwen Beberg, 28, of Minneapolis, was picked up Sunday by an animal rescue group and will be re-united with his human companion back in the states. The story underlines the special role dogs play in preserving the mental health of soldiers in combat. It also points attention at the military policy against keeping pets.

According to the AP story, "Baghdad Pups has brought 56 dogs and six cats to the U.S. to be with their owners since February. The group says it is both rescuing animals who face abuse in Iraq, as well as helping soldiers who benefit from the bond developed with the animals."
You can learn more about Baghdad Pups at: http://www.baghdadpups.com.

And, if you care to comment on the military's policy towards keeping pets in combat zones you can learn more about it at: http://info@mars-savehaven.net.


3. Pomagranates are in season...healthy, delicious additives for salads, yoghurt and muffins!

2 comments:

Katie Alender said...

Hi, Jacqueline! (I followed you here from the Debutante ball.)

I produce dog shows for TV, and for one of our shows a while back, we featured a soldier who had to fight to bring her dog back after they were both catastrophically injured. I just can't believe that the people who are serving our country are having to battle on their home soil for something as precious as a pet that was with them during such a traumatic time in their lives.

Anyway... you don't look anywhere near 60! So if 59 is the new 39, I'd say you look like the new 29.

Jacqueline Carney said...

Thanks Katie, I don't know what it should feel like to be 60 but I don't feel any different than when I was 39 so maybe that is a good thing!
Please fill me in on your next dog show. I belong to a number of dog-related groups and could spread the word!