It took a couple of days and heartbreak before Maria Medina realized this was her dog that had become so famous. On the day of the big storm both of her dogs had escaped her yard. Her Lab was found by animal control officers and returned to Medina. But, she had no idea where “Spikey” her German Shepherd had gone.

Then her kids saw video of the rescue on the Web. The family has since gone down to identify Spikey who was overjoyed to see his family again.

Currently, he is in quarantine. Once that is over, he will be taken home to be reunited with his family.

Terry learned a thing or two from Louis Armstrong.  He feels strongly that he should give back to the younger musicians coming up.  He’s taken Shpak under his wing and will introduce him at the Grammy’s.

Shpak has talent.  He’s been named to the Contra Costa County and All Star Honor Jazz Bands.

Here’s a short video about Josh:

Thanks for your patience!

His parents supported him, though they weren’t sure he was capable of meeting his goal.  Children come up with lofty goals.  They like big numbers because they sounds big.

Two years later, Justin has completed 2000 bears.  He takes pride in individualizing each one and he gets to see the happiness they bring when he hands them out.

Watch the video and meet Justin:

Operation Consideration

Elizabeth Vargas was at home when heard about the gang rape going on at her school from her brother-in-law. She did not remain silent. She called 911 and reported attack.

This young woman stood up against community ambivalence. She knew the rape was wrong and she didn’t stand by and let it happen. Because of her, the police got to the high school and have six suspects under arrest.

Vargas is a brave woman. And, she makes us all very proud!

I remember this time very well. I had pen pals living in East Germany and West Germany at the time. I had one pen pal who lived in the East Germany side of Berlin. I remember how my friend would talk about taking trips to Poland but never to the other side of the city he lived in. How hard it must have been to live with a wall between family and friends.

And then a movement started. On November 9, 1999, the Berlin Wall was conquered by the people of Berlin. Millions of people were there to celebrate. They took sledgehammers to the wall and painted it with graffiti.

I imagine the emotions are pretty high in Berlin and in Germany today. They are once again a united country. Free of the boundaries forced upon them by the Cold War.

Berlin Wall Slideshow

As the poor 15 year old girl was being raped, several people stood around treating it as entertainment. They laughed and joked. They even took pictures and video.

The community is trying to repair itself as it tries to deal with this terrible crime. They held a vigil on Tuesday, November 4th, to show the victim that she does not stand alone. They victim did not appear at the event. But, she shared these words through her church pastor, “”We realize people are angry about this. But let the anger cause change, change that is necessary to keep our children, our neighbors and our friends safe…violence is always the wrong choice”.

Her story has touched the very soul of this nation. Cards, letters, and donations have been pouring in from all the country as people show this young woman that she is not alone.