Dog rescued from sea and returned to its family

Kayaker Rory O'Conner was peacefully fishing off Siesta Key, Florida, with his camcorder running, when in the distance behind him you catch a glimpse of something moving in the water towards him...it is a dog named Barney. This video is amazing footage of the actual event as it unfolded.

READ the STORY BEHIND THE STORY

A 53-year-old Sarasota woman, Donna Chen, was hit and killed by a drunk driver, while out for her morning jog with her dog Barney. An immeasurable tragedy for her family was turned into what the family called "a sign" when Barney was found. But, it wasn't just any find, Barney, bolted in terror following the accident and ran all the way to the sea. Not stopping there, he jumped in and started swimming out to sea.

Donna Chen's sister, Diane Eduardo states, "I think a higher power lead Barney to where he needed to be because out of this horrible tragedy there is something remarkable that happened. Her puppy is alive... We are focusing on Barney and appreciating his life and celebrating his life."

Daniel the Beagle Becomes a Poster Dog for the Homeless Dogs of Japan

DANIEL THE BEAGLE, the little Alabama dog that survived the gas chamber and found a new life through the ELEVENTH HOUR RESCUE with Author/Motivational Speaker, JOE DWYER, has been busy of late. Japanese television, ASAHI TV spent the afternoon with Daniel in New Jersey to film a segment for Japanese TV. The program will focus on Japan's overabundant homeless dog population. Daniel's story will bring attention to the dogs with the hopes that the Japanese will see the marvelous value of love that exists in what may be considered a throw-away-life.

Daniel Shares his Love with the Japanese Reporter

The Sanctuary of Creation 

~by Susi Pittman

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Do you look for God? Do you try to find Him in the world around you? Let Susi share with you where she finds Him....and also read her poem, WHERE JESUS IS.

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Father Ron reviews a book titled

PACHYDERMS: One Soldier's Experience of the Vietnam War. If there is one great virtue that Father Ron the military chaplain

shares with the world, it is his love of our American troops. He is devoted to them! His review of this noble book will remind you of the price another past generation paid for war and peace. The letter that Father Ron received from the author of the book will have you searching your conscience for a response.

A Sunrise Meditation 

~by Sister Marie Rene, S.S.J.

Helen Steiner Rice was Sister Marie Rene's meditation this week and she wants it to be yours too!

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Youth Meets Nature 

~by Frank Gromling

A youthful artist by the name of Kelly Kryspin has created a visually beautiful new entry into Frank's OCEAN PUBLISHING business. He is not only impressed with her talent, but feels that her gift in marine and wildlife artistry is one to be shared. Won't you join them both for an Artist Reception February 10th?!

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Every Life Has a Purpose 

~by Mary Galvano-Bajohr

 

EVERY life has a purpose! Mary is here because her mother refused to have an abortion. And now Mary is expecting her first child and reflects on the truth that EVERY life has a purpose!

The Top 10 Things I Heard in 2011

~Julie Filby

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Mary, Mother of the Church

~by Joseph Kaiser

Our resident theologian, Joe Kaiser speaks to the title Mary, Mother of the Church. "Mother of the Church" was formally bestowed on Mary by Pope Paul VI in 1964 at the conclusion of the third session of the Second Vatican Council. Do you know the biblical background that backs this up?

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January's Recommended Reads: Fiction Writers of the West

Two great Catholic mystery writers of the great American West are the topic of Michele's reading and research this month. One was a former president of the Mystery Writers of America and whose last novel in 2006 was the Shape Shifter. The other was an expert historian on the Arapaho people. Who are they?

NEW AFFILIATE SHOPPING for YOU!  

We continue to build a small but, well focused group of vendors, offering products in line with stewardship of the earth and its creatures. By visiting these product sites from our page, you are helping to support our mission.

is a small batch coffee roaster operated by the Carmelite Monks of Wyoming through an online gourmet coffee bean store. Many consider their website the ultimate source for gourmet coffee where it is easy to buy coffee online. The monks carefully craft each freshly roasted coffee to perfection for dark roast coffees, espresso, ground coffees, whole bean coffees, single origin coffees, fair trade coffees, flavored coffees and especially the monks' special gourmet coffee blends. Try our special auto delivered coffee subscriptions also for the best coffee online.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS has always taken a formidable and uncompromising stand when it comes to the protection and sustainability of our natural world and the delicate systems which balance all life as we know it. This complex and venerable planet produces all of the products we share with you, and it is simply a matter of appreciation and respect that must be given. Not only do we lead the industry in environmental stewardship, we also adhere to strict principles and protocols that ensure fair treatment and compensation for the people involved with the production of our products; both domestically and overseas.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

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A Division of Engineering Services & Products Company, FarmTek was founded in 1979 with the purpose of bringing the highest quality products at the most competitive prices with exceptional customer service directly to the agricultural, horticultural, building and retail trade communities.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT FARMTEK

EARTH: Home or Hotel?

There has been a great deal of media hype regarding 2012-END OF DAYS. But, what should we really be focusing on in our stewardship call to action? Take a Catholic spiritual journey through the cosmos to earth and answer that question.

$25 per person in advance or $30 at the door.  

Includes Buffet Lunch, study materials, notebook, and two books, RENEWING THE EARTH-USCCB and THE JOY OF CO-OPERATING WITH GOD, by Susi Pittman. Just in time for spring, each reservation is entered into a drawing for 2 Free Passes on the Old Town Trolley Tour in St. Augustine, $46 value.

Robert Semrow the PAWTOGRAPHER ™

Robert Semrow is a renowned animal photographer known professionally as The Pawtographer™. He is known for creating elaborate and whimsical scenes that feature animals. His studio has been called a wonderland for pets and a dreamland for pet owners.

His creativity and passion for animals has earned him a tremendous reputation and much respect throughout animal loving communities. Celebrities, media, and anyone who loves animals have sought out his unique photography.

Robert will be releasing a book, "Life is Pawfect" in early 2012, featuring his photography and some of his animal tinged wit. Robert has a slew of new animal related projects in the works and continues to be deeply involved in the animal world. His new radio show on Petlife Radio, Animaltopia, is one of those inspired projects that has grown from one medium to another.

In addition to his award winning photography, he is currently filming a new television production call Pet World Insider TV. The show takes the viewer in to the Pet World and shines a light on those things that make the pet's life and the pet owning experience better. The show will feature everything from dogs, cats, reptiles and other household animals to lions, tigers, camels, alligators and other unique exotic animals. Robert is sure to share the funny stories as filming is ongoing.

Trouper: The True Adventures of a Blind Raccoon  

Kyle Miller, a Florida Author and friend of Susi Pittman has released a new children's book about a raccoon. And not just any raccoon, but one with an amazing "back story" to it that every animal lover should read!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE BACK STORY 

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Hands Across the Sands Coming to YOUR Beach June 25th  

FOR YOUTH: Adventures of Vermi the Worm  

Community Sponsored Agriculture: GREAT for FAMILIES  

For the last 20 years,Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.

• Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits
• Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking
• Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season
• Find that kids typically favor food from "their" farm - even veggies they've never been known to eat
• Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown

CLICK HERE TO FIND YOUR FARM 

Study shows how stress triggers immune system

A new study finds that parts of your immune system ramp up when you get into personal conflicts with others.

FIND OUT MORE... 

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: The last week in January, NASA honors the extraordinary sacrifices that have been made by our astronaut heroes whose lives have been lost in mankind's missions into space.

LUNA: Spirit of the Whale

Luna (September 19, 1999 - March 10, 2006) also known as L98 or Tsuux'iit, was a killer whale (orca) born in Puget Sound. After being separated from his mother as a toddler, Luna spent five years in Nootka Sound, off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Although Luna was healthy and his presence in the area delighted tourists and drew a large paparazzi, there were concerns that his behavior was endangering people. After years of debate, the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) authorized an effort in June 2004 to capture Luna and return him to his family. However, the plan was ultimately thwarted by the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations, who believed Luna was a reincarnation of a former chief.

(Our thanks to Father Ron Camarda for sharing this great story now available on DVD!)