Cute
The Dog That Loved Going Shopping at Target
Target is well-known for being more than just a consumer store. For many, it can even be a bit of an escape from regular life. Whether it’s the stress of work or just wanting to get away from frustration in the house, or even to just meet friends for socializing and cup of coffee, Target is very much a modern-day marketplace and town square for a lot of folks and a lot of neighborhoods around the country.
Granted, not every Target store is in a wonderful location or conveniently located. Folks find this out all the time when they move to a new town but discover the local Target is in actually pretty far away or in a not-so-wonderful part of the community. But if one can find away around obstacles, getting inside the Target can be a bit of a Shangri-La.
Interestingly, it’s not just humans that love being at Target. Apparently, dogs love it too. That was at least the case with a 4-month-old Corgi-Aussie combo named Zira. That dog went bananas in her first visit to a consumer store, and the video of it hit the classic viral response on social media. Everybody found about Zira’s reaction when her mom-owner put her personal filming of Zira’s experience online via Twitter via photos and images. Jesse Donavan posted the quick story and experience back in 2018, but it’s still pulling down traffic and Internet demand because Zira’s expressions, even with a dog face, are so comical.
However, with anything good there’s a bit of a monkey wrench in the story. And in this case the monkey wrench is the store itself, Target. The fact is, Target does not allow dogs, or other pets for that matter, in the store under its policy. And once Jesse found out that Zira’s presence never should have happened any return visits were pretty much nixed. This clarification became very apparent after Zira’s experience got so popular, everybody started asking if they could bring their own dog to the store. Granted, Target loved the exposure in the marketing department, but they lawyers probably went bananas themselves thinking about the risks of dog bites among other things. The one exception to the rule is generally service-dogs.
Zira wasn’t too heart-broken about the whole matter. In fact, like most dogs, she probably forgot about the experience in about two minutes. Being one of two corgi mixed dogs in her household, Zira has a half-sister to compete with for attention every day. And both put on the cute factor charm heavy. No surprise, Jesse puts both of them on the Internet on a regular basis because they’re just so lovable. And if both dogs had the chance to go back to Target again, everything would just go double-bonkers, not that Jesse is even thinking about sneaking the dogs in this time.
And all the popularity is driving all sorts of other dog examples online as well. Dozens of owners are showing off their furry friends and family in all sorts of poses and stores as well in responses to Jesse’s Twitter feed. That includes stores like Home Depot, Bass Pros and Bed & Bath as well. Again, the marketing people are just loving all this free exposure, so it is a bit of a win-win for dog owners and businesses alike.
So, if you’re interested in bringing your dog shopping like Jesse did, do everyone a favor and cover a few steps ahead of time. Call the local store manager and make sure your dog is allowed, avoiding a disappointment and fast return home being barred from the store. Additionally, if your dog isn’t the friendliest with strangers petting and attention, skip the visit. Your dog doesn’t need the stress and you don’t need the potential snip or snap on another person due to your dog. But, if everything is a go, then bring your canine buddies and have fun shopping!
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Vermont lies a unique and heartwarming attraction that’s capturing the hearts of visitors from near and far: a Golden Retriever farm. This charming farm, dedicated to one of America’s most beloved dog breeds, is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for dog lovers and tourists alike.
The farm is home to a joyful pack of Golden Retrievers, known for their friendly demeanor and beautiful golden coats. Visitors to the farm are greeted by wagging tails and warm, furry welcomes, making it an instant hit for anyone looking for a dose of canine affection.
The idea for the farm stemmed from the owners’ love for Golden Retrievers and their desire to share the joy these dogs bring with others. They started with a small group of Goldens and soon realized the potential for a tourist attraction that combined the natural beauty of Vermont with the appeal of these friendly dogs.
The farm offers a variety of experiences for visitors. Guests can take part in guided tours where they learn about the breed’s history and characteristics, as well as the farm’s operations and breeding program. But the highlight for most is the opportunity to play and interact with the dogs. The farm has open fields where visitors can throw balls, frisbees, and engage in playtime with the energetic retrievers.
In addition to the fun and games, the farm also provides educational workshops on dog care, training, and health. These sessions are led by experienced dog trainers and veterinarians, offering valuable insights for both current and prospective dog owners.
The Golden Retriever farm has also become a popular spot for photo shoots and special events. Its scenic landscape, combined with the photogenic dogs, makes it an ideal location for family portraits, engagement photos, and even small weddings.
As the farm’s popularity grows, the owners are committed to maintaining the well-being of their dogs and ensuring a positive experience for all visitors. They limit the number of guests per day to prevent overwhelming the dogs and preserve the tranquil atmosphere of the farm.
In the cozy town of Burlington, Wyoming, winter has become a season of joy thanks to the creative efforts of one remarkable woman. Meet Pauline Parker, a Burlington resident with a heart as warm as the cocoa shared during chilly evenings. But what sets her apart is not just her warmth; it’s the 400 personalized snowmen she has crafted, turning the town into a winter wonderland.
It all began in July when most folks were dreaming of sunshine and barbecues. Not Pauline. She set out on a mission to create a special snowman for every household in Burlington, a charming town where the first thing you’ll notice is a towering 27-foot snowman. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll find nearly 400 more, each one unique and personalized.
“I think snowmen bring joy to you,” Pauline shared, reflecting on her cheerful creations. But she doesn’t stop at just one per family; she crafts a snowman for every member of each household. That’s dedication! Interestingly, this surpasses the official population sign, proudly stating Burlington’s count at 314. Pauline chuckles, revealing that her last count exceeded 316.
Word of Pauline’s heartwarming snowmen quickly spread beyond Burlington’s borders. Neighboring towns like Otto and Emblem wanted a taste of the joy too. Now, snowmen surround the baseball field in Otto, while Emblem, a town with a population of 10, received their own personalized snowy surprises.
In Emblem, where everyone fits in one snapshot by their town sign, Pauline replicated the picture with snowmen for each family member. High school student Cailee Degstein praised Pauline, saying, “(Pauline’s) a super great person. She’s super nice.”
To add an extra layer of fun and community spirit, Pauline organized a snowman scavenger hunt throughout December. Residents of Burlington, Emblem, and Otto can embark on a delightful adventure, searching for different snowmen while answering 20 questions. Completing the sheet not only promises a sense of accomplishment but also a sweet treat from Pauline.
“It just brought us all together, so we’ll do it again,” Pauline expressed, highlighting the unifying power of her snowy creations. In a world that sometimes feels chilly, Pauline Parker’s warm-hearted endeavor has turned winter into a season of shared smiles and community spirit in the snow-covered town of Burlington.
Meet Peanut, the extraordinary chicken from Chelsea, Michigan, who, at 21 years old, holds the title of the world’s oldest living chicken according to the Guinness World Records. Peanut’s remarkable journey from a tiny abandoned egg to a celebrated poultry celebrity is not only shows her resilience but also a heartwarming tale of love and companionship.
Peanut’s story began in May 2002 when owner Marsi Parker Darwin discovered a small cheep coming from an abandoned chicken egg. Initially considering discarding the eggs due to the mother’s neglect, Darwin’s attention was caught by a faint sound within one of the shells. Peeling back the shell, she uncovered a tiny chick, later named Peanut. Over the years, Peanut grew into a healthy bantam hen and became the star of a children’s book titled “My Girl Peanut and Me — On Love and Life From the World’s Oldest Chicken,” self-published by Darwin.
In her early days, Peanut faced challenges, notably missing her egg tooth, a crucial part of a chick’s beak used to break out of its shell. Despite this, Peanut thrived under Darwin’s care. Initially hand-raised in the living room, Peanut later joined the flock on the 37-acre farm known as “Darwin’s Eden,” where various animals, including corgis, parrots, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, and peafowl, call home.
Living in a coop for 13 years, Peanut produced chicks, many with her favorite rooster, Lance. Although Peanut is now too old to breed, a one-eyed rooster named Benny has been her loyal companion in recent years. Darwin recalls how Peanut decided she had enough of coop life about six years ago and made herself at home in the porch, eventually moving inside the house.
Now, Peanut resides in a wire coop in the living room, along with her 15-year-old daughter, Millie. The duo enjoys a comfortable life with food, water, and straw, and Peanut has a special perch near the window to gaze outside. Peanut’s days are spent cuddled up on Darwin’s lap while watching TV, tucked inside Darwin’s jacket during farm chores, and scratching around in the dirt outside on warm summer days.
Peanut’s unique diet includes blueberry yogurt mixed with crushed vitamin D tablets, along with occasional treats like bananas, grapes, and fresh vegetables. Despite chickens typically having a lifespan of five to ten years, Peanut’s remarkable age of 21 sets her apart as an exceptional and well-loved feathered friend.
In a heartwarming story from Suffolk, a Jack Russell named Teasel has taken on an unexpected role as a surrogate mom to six abandoned black kittens. The kittens were left without a mother when a feral cat decided to abandon them. Sue Stubley, a kind-hearted resident of Newmarket, came to their rescue.
Sue, who owns and operates the Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital from her home, took the kittens in when they were in need. Little did she know that her Jack Russell, Teasel, would step up to the plate in the most extraordinary way.
Teasel, a two-year-old Jack Russell, is already known for her caring nature at the Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital, where she coexists peacefully with the resident hedgehogs. When Sue brought the abandoned kittens home, something remarkable happened—Teasel began lactating.
“She’s very good with the hedgehogs. I’m constantly feeding tiny, baby hedgehogs, so I’ve taught her she doesn’t go for those,” shared Ms. Stubley. When a call came in from a volunteer seeking help for the abandoned kittens, Sue had initially planned to house them temporarily before taking them to a local cat rescue the next morning.
However, Teasel had different plans. “In the meantime, my dog decided that she was going to look after them. She was cleaning them, and within a few hours, was making milk,” Ms. Stubley explained. Although Teasel’s milk supply isn’t sufficient, Sue has taken on the role of feeding the kittens while Teasel does everything else.
The bond between Teasel and the kittens goes beyond just providing nourishment. Teasel has embraced her role as a surrogate mom wholeheartedly. Sue shared, “She stays cuddled up to them all night. If anybody comes in who she doesn’t know and the kittens have gone astray, she’ll pick them up and put them back into bed.”
This heartwarming tale demonstrates the incredible capacity for care and compassion that animals, like Teasel the Jack Russell, exhibit. In the Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital, a unique family dynamic has formed, proving that love knows no boundaries, even across different species.
In a fun and incredible journey spanning 1,500 kilometers and traversing eight countries, Italian cyclist Claudio Barchiesi embarked on an epic adventure that led him from Italy to England to visit his beloved grandparents. With determination in his heart and the open road ahead, Claudio’s journey took him through breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and heartwarming reunions.
Claudio’s incredible bike ride commenced in Italy and led him on an unforgettable path that wound through some of Europe’s most captivating regions. He tackled the formidable Swiss Alps, where he marveled at the majestic mountain vistas that stretched as far as the eye could see. The sense of accomplishment he felt at the mountain’s summit was undoubtedly a high point of his journey.
Continuing northward, Claudio pedaled along the picturesque banks of the Rhine River in France, meandering through charming towns and villages along the way. His route took him into parts of Germany and Luxembourg, where he encountered new landscapes and experienced the warm hospitality of locals.
As he cycled onward, Claudio’s journey led him through the enchanting country of Belgium, known for its rich history, culture, and delectable chocolates. Each passing mile brought him closer to his ultimate destination—England.
Finally, Claudio reached the shores of the Netherlands, where he boarded a ferry that would carry him across the English Channel. The anticipation of reuniting with his grandparents in England filled him with excitement and spurred him on through the final leg of his incredible adventure.
Upon his arrival in England, Claudio was greeted with open arms, hugs, and a feast of warm, home-cooked meals. His grandparents had prepared a heartfelt welcome, complete with balloons and banners to celebrate his triumphant journey.
“It was really nice to pull up round the bend and see everyone, quite emotional as well,” Claudio shared, his voice reflecting the joy and emotion of the moment. His tireless efforts and determination had led him to this heartwarming reunion with loved ones.
Throughout his journey, Claudio consumed a substantial number of calories to fuel his strenuous daily rides. He indulged in pain au chocolat and baguettes, savoring the culinary delights of each country he passed through. Yet, it wasn’t just the food that left a lasting impression on him.
Claudio’s voyage allowed him to relish the beauty of Europe, both in its natural wonders and the diverse tapestry of cultures he encountered along the way. “I tried to do 90 kilometers (55 miles) a day, so I got half a day to visit the place as well,” he recounted. “It’s incredible how after 90 kilometers, not only do the places change so much, but also the people and the languages spoken.”