Dog Dancing

There is a special bond between pets and humans. For some with physical, emotional or mental handicaps, a pet can help a person find a reason for getting up in the morning. After all, everyone needs to feel needed and essential. Friends and even family might forget you, but a pet never does. He might let you sleep in occasionally, but feed me, walk me, scoop my litter will get you out of bed and moving on even the worst of days.

And he'll make you smile - even laugh - when you don't think laughter is possible in your circumstances. He can be a dog, a cat, a guinea pig or another type of furball. He's your friend, your companion, and/or your exercise partner throughout his lifetime. At times he might be your patient, needing special care, as he ages or goes through an injury or illness.

Those who don't have pets don't understand this and they miss a lot of happiness.

Carolyn Scott not only knows about this bond, she exemplifies it. For a number of years, Carolyn danced in competitions with Rookie, her Golden Retriever. To watch one of their numbers is to marvel at the way they work together, Rookie's eyes continually on her as he leaps, wriggles and prances through their routines. His enthusiasm and love for what they are sharing is obvious. It's more than a well-trained dog performing. They are both having fun!

To watch them together, one would never guess Carolyn was paralyzed with childhood polio when she was four years old. Today, Rookie is 15 years old, retired from competition and battling cancer. Carolyn is no longer able to compete either, due to aftereffects of the polio and its treatments. Post polio sequelae (or the late effects of polio) has left her with diminished balance, which could cause her to fall.

Land of PureGold Foundation posted this video clip of Carolyn and Rookie in action on YouTube. In late 2008 they hope to have the full video "Gotta Dance" available. It will feature Carolyn's story in her own words, dance routines and commentary on what these two have accomplished. If you haven't seen them dance before, you are in for a treat.



Here are a couple of links for Carolyn and Rookie. Land of PureGold Foundation and Canine Freestyle.

Wafa Sultan Video

Many have seen this video of Wafa Sultan speaking out on the clash of civilizations. She is not a Christian; she is a secular psychologist of Arab-American heritage. This interview aired February 21, 2006 on Al-Jazeera TV.

If you haven't seen this before, it is well worth the time to watch and listen.

Christians in Pakistan

This is posted at the request of a Christian minister in Pakistan. It was delayed a couple of days because I wanted to be absolutely certain he wanted it posted here. Things are not going well in many places of the world and Pakistan is certainly one of the hot spots at present. Please read the following message and pray for Pakistan. There are devout Christians there.

Bhutto was assassinated on Dec. 27th in a suicide bombing and shooting. This has left Pakistan in a lot of political turmoil and unrest. Most of the cities in the country are burning. There have been at least 60 deaths reported as a result of the street violence and protests. There is chaos all around us.

Bhutto was the only politician who had a soft corner in her heart for the (Christian) minority. May God be with her family and give them strength, at this very difficult time of grief.

This has brought us to the point that we can not keep the office of the ministry, in the house.The upper floor of the house is being used as an office. According to the recent developments, we have to move it away for security reasons. We feel that it should be done soon.

We have visited some places in the suburbs that could be safe in the future during the street protests.

Please pray for this immediate move, and lift it before the Lord that he takes us to the right location. We believe, that the Lord will provide the required finances needed to buy the property.

Pakistan is 97% moslem and the 2.5% Christian is under persecution.

Blessings,

Altaf

ArkHaven,Pakistan

And blessings to you and your family, Altaf. Our hearts and prayers are with you.