Heartbroken: Harlso the Balancing Dachshund Passes

On October 25, 2024, Dachshund and other dog parents around the world were saddened and stunned to learn about the passing of "Harlso the Balancing Hound," a black and tan Dachshund (that looks like our Tyler). I've communicated with his parents before - through my role as an author, and have admired and followed Harlso's talent for years. His amazing balancing always brought smiles. Here's the post I saw on Oct 26, and it brought me to tears. Go back and check out his social media pages and you'll see how amazing this little dog was (link below) - Rob

Harlso the Balancing Hound 

Sotnsrdeop6hcfat70u5u6742i3ai6g8f0POSTED BY HARLSO's PARENTS, PAUL AND JEN:  Oct 26, 2024 9




  · 

Yesterday at 11.25am, at home, cuddled in his momma’s arms and surrounded by love, Harlso’s loyal soul left this earth to guide us from the stars. His health had deteriorated quickly, and he let us know that it was time. Our hearts are broken and life will never be the same.

Recognised by Guinness World Records as one of the world’s most amazing animals to his charity work, Webby Award and Social Media Personality of the Year title, Harlso’s accomplishments are nothing short of legendary.

Harlso’s balancing tricks amazed and brought smiles to millions, but his legacy is so much more—he showed us all the power of patience, trust, kindness and determination. He loved belly rubs, kisses, squeaky toys, cheese (god he LOVED cheese), sneezing in your face when he woke up, cuddles on the sofa, big stretches, tickles under his leg, getting spoiled by his granny and when ANYONE said the word dinner! He was our pride and joy, our purpose and our best friend. We also feel blessed to have shared him with the world. Nothing ever fazed him from appearing on TV shows, meet and greets, travelling, even appearing on stage. He was a born entertainer, a generational talent, a one in a million dog. It has been the honour and privilege of our lives to be his people. Fly high Harley but please do come visit us regularly in our dreams. There will always be room for you on the big bed between us. Mum and Dad loved you so so much. You were the greatest! ~ Paul and Jen

 WATCH HARLSO BALANCE: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/UnU5B6LYdYJaAwWA/

HARLSO's FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/Harlso

It was only back on Sept. 20, 2024 when there was a post when a mass was found.

Harlso the Balancing Hound  

 · ‘We have some difficult news to share

. A couple of weeks ago we found a mass in Harlso’s mouth. Following a biopsy, unfortunately he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of mouth cancer. After discussion with his vet we’ve decided that it wouldn’t be in his best interest to go down the surgical route. We’re working with some of the UK’s best holistic vets to keep him pain free and feeling his best for as long as possible. In the meantime, we’re focusing on making as many memories as possible with him. We’re obviously devastated but we’re focusing on making whatever time he has left with us the best time. Keep him in your prayers!’ ~ Paul, Jen and Harlso

******************************

My heart is broken, like so many around the world. I'm devastated by Harlso's passing. I'm typing through tears and appreciate Harlso and both of you for all the love and talent you have shared. As a dachshund dad of 3, I've loved and admired Harlso for his incredible talent, handsome looks and wonderful personality. I admire you both, too, so much for being amazing pet parents and gifting the world with Harlso. With love and sympathy from the U.S.

Idiot of the Week: Another Insurrectionist Caught

Another day, another treasonous insurrectionist captured and arrested. Another idiot that followed his "boss" to attack the U.S. Capitol. Meanwhile, we're still waiting for the "boss" to get arrested for orchestrating it. Here's the story about this week's idiot who had a good job in the federal government... until he became brainwashed.

 (Image: This image from video from the Justice Department in the statement of facts supporting an arrest warrant, and annotated by the source, shows Kevin Alstrup, circled in yellow, a U.S. State Department diplomatic security officer, entering the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (Justice Department via AP)

State Department diplomatic security officer pleads guilty to storming Capitol 

Associated Press, September 13, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — A man who worked as a U.S. State Department diplomatic security officer pleaded guilty on Friday to joining a mob’s attack on the U.S. Capitol over three years ago, court records show.

Kevin Michael Alstrup is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 12 by U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss.

Alstrup pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Both counts are misdemeanors carrying a maximum prison sentence of six months.

An attorney who represented Alstrup at his plea hearing didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

A State Department spokesperson said Alstrup was a contractor who worked as a uniformed guard for the State Department starting in 2010. He no longer works at the department, the spokesperson said in an email.

Alstrup admitted that he entered the Capitol building through the Senate Wing doors after other rioters had forced them open and broken windows aside them. He took photographs with a camera before leaving the building roughly 28 minutes after entering.

Alstrup was arrested in February in Washington, D.C., where he lived on Jan. 6. The judge allowed him to remain free until his sentencing.

Heroes of the Week: 2nd Week in a Row NH Fish and Game Rescue

For the second week in a row, the Heroes of the Week are the men and women of the NH Fish and Game Department who risk their safety to save stranded hikers.  Today's blog is about how 25 rescuers were needed to carry a hiker over 4 miles in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Massachusetts Hiker Rescued from Franconia Ridge

Press release from NHFG Oct 15, 2024

Franconia-- On Saturday October 12th, at approximately 1:45 PM, NH Fish and Game was notified of an injured hiker between Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette on the Franconia Ridge Trail, 4.2 miles from the trailhead. Conservation Officers and volunteers responded to the Old Bridle Path Trailhead in Franconia Notch. Rescuers had difficulty getting to the trailhead with traffic congestion on I-93 so the first rescuers didn’t start up the trail until after 3:00 PM.

The solo hiker had suffered a lower leg injury that was preventing her from continuing. Passing hikers had contacted 911 to report the incident, as the injured hiker’s phone had spotty service. The injured hiker was having difficulty staying warm with winds at 60-80 mph and temperatures in the thirties on Franconia Ridge. This placed the wind chill in single digits. An AMC crew of two was dispatched from AMC Greenleaf Hut and arrived with the hiker just before 5 PM. They were able to get her to a somewhat sheltered area and place her in a sleeping bag until the rescue team arrived at around 6:00 PM. By 6:20PM the 4.2 mile carryout commenced involving around 25 rescuers. The rescue team took a short break at Greenleaf Hut where they arrived at 9:00 PM and eventually arrived, without incident, at the trailhead at 1:20 AM on the 13th.

The hiker, identified as, 33 year old Anna Meier of Boston Massachusetts had planned a solo hike of the 9 mile Falling Waters/Old Bridle Path Loop. She had departed at 8AM and had summited Little Haystack and Mount Lincoln on Franconia Ridge. As she descended from Mount Lincoln towards Mount Lafayette she slipped causing the injury to her lower leg. She initially tied to hobble along the trail but soon realized that she would not be able to continue and complete the 4.2 miles to the trailhead. Anna was transported from the trailhead by personal vehicle for evaluation of her injury.

The public is encouraged to help support search and rescue activities in the state by purchasing a Hike Safe Card. New Hampshire Fish and Game also reminds hikers to prepare themselves before venturing out into the wilderness, including packing the ten essential items; map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets & pants, and a knife. For additional information, please visit www.Hikesafe.com

Debunking the latest 4 Dumb Conspiracy Theories!

  I don't understand what people who make up lies and conspiracy theories (lies) get out of trying to fool people. Today's blog provides the most recent disproven stupidity, thanks to Snopes. 

1) FACT: FEMA isn't running out of money because of undocumented immigrants

LIE:  "FEMA is Running Out of Hurricane Relief Money Due to Migrant Aid"

Some internet users further claimed victims of Hurricane Helene would receive only $750 because FEMA spent more than $1 billion on shelter and services for undocumented immigrants. The Truth:  It's another Republican scare tactic to make people hate immigrants. 

2) FACT:  Kamala Harris has Black Grandparents

LIE:  Conspiracy theorist Candace Owens claimed, "  I'm going to need proof that she's Black."  CLICK FOR SNOPES FACT CHECK  

3) FACT: TRUMP DIDN'T OFFER FREE LODGING TO HURRICANE VICTIMS

LIE:  The story said, "BREAKING: Trump offers free lodging at any of his timeshares (including Mar-a-Lago) to all displaced Trumpers as Milton approaches." CLICK FOR SNOPES FACT CHECK

4) FACT: TIM WALZ DID NOT SIGN A BILL TO KILL BABIES BORN AFTER ABORTIONS 

LIE: Tim Walz Sign Bill Allowing Babies Born Alive After Failed Abortion to Die Sen. JD Vance made the accusation of the Minnesota governor during the Oct. 1 vice-presidential debate. SNOPES FACT CHECK

5)  FACT: ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DIDN'T SLASH TRUCK TIRES FOR HURRICANE RELIEF SUPPLIES

LIE:  8 'Illegal' Immigrants Slash Tires on 51 Semitrucks Carrying Hurricane Relief Supplies 

SNOPES FACT CHECK

Musical Signs from Loved Ones - What's Your Spirit's Song?

Recently, while I was working at home, I received two musical signs from my mom in spirit. Spirits will use music to send signs to let us know they're around. In today's blog you'll see how my mother made me hear 3 of her favorites within 2 hours!

My mom passed in 2013. She loved music. Back in the 70s and 80s I used to play pop and country music for her and she had instant favorites. I put together a cassette tape (yes, a cassette!) of many of her favorites including 3 songs that played within 2 hours on one day recently.

When I first logged on to work from home, within the first hour I heard Dolly Parton's song, "Here you come again." That song brings back a fun memory I have with my mom. Shortly afterward, I had to reboot my computer, and logged into an "easy favorites" radio station where I first heard, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' "Islands in the Stream," followed by Fleetwood Mac's "Everywhere."

Three of my mom's favorite songs in 2 hours is NOT a coincidence. She was letting me know she's around. Why that day? It was the week of my aunt's birthday (her sister), and she wanted to let me know they're together in spirit, and they've made up from all the earthly issues they had.

What's YOUR loved one's musical sign?

To Learn how to recognize more signs from spirit, read "Lessons Learned from Talking to the Dead," "Ghosts and Spirits: Explained," or "Kindred Spirits: How a Medium Befriended a Spirit," by Rob Gutro.

I love this page! Chris Judge’s Daily Cloud Interpretations

I recently discovered an artist named Chris Judge, and I LOVE what he does. Especially because I'm a meteorologist... he makes doodles on photos of clouds to create whimsical artwork! A website called "Moss and Fog" presented some of his images- which are in this blog. As for the artist's site you can find Chris on Instagram at  "adailycloud."  Enjoy!

Chris Judge’s Daily Cloud Interpretations

• Moss And Fog
• September 7, 2024

We all see clouds in the sky. When you see them, do you ever imagine forms, characters, animals? We know Chris Judge does, and his series shows us a playful and charming collection that bring a smile to our face.

The story goes – Judge spent an evening sky gazing, and noticed that the clouds resembled a bear and a monkey. It gave him the idea to start a channel called A Daily Cloud.

Now at over a half million followers, the channel features charming interpretations of puffy clouds that he’s sketched into cartoon faces and characters.

Images © Copyright Chris Judge.