An ode to Lady Liberty by Sandra Boynton and Keith Boynton - writer and filmmaker (words & video attached in next post). My son Keith wrote this powerful sad strangely inspiring poem this morning, and it completely upended me. I asked him to record it so that I could offer it to others.

Just not in the celebratory mood this year. Text reads: "July 4th this year feels like attending a birthday party for someone in hospice."

This text reads: "The tools of conquest do not necessarily come with bombs and explosions and fallout. There are weapons that are simply thoughts, attitudes, prejudices, to be found only in the minds of men.

Denham Springs, Louisiana - AKC registered German Shepherd, 8 y/o, trained by a military police veteran who has now passed away. He is not a pet. He was trained to guard the veteran's home like a military complex is guarded during times of war. He cannot be untrained to not use that level of force.

In Macoupin County, Illinois protesters were out on their weekly demonstration when they were met with a prank by MAGA. The MAGA folks parked a flatbed truck and two trailers full of manure in front of the protest area. So, what did they do? They flipped the script!

Zen Dog CT (dogs reside in Litchfield, CT area) - Haley (white), spayed Berger Blanc Suisse shepherd, 6 y/o, vaccines UTD, calm, gentle, affectionate. ShayShay (black & tan), 4 y/o spayed female, vaccines UTD, health issue w/meds (seizures), affectionate, loves to play ball in the yard.

No King's protest in Newton, North Carolina. ❤️❤️❤️

😮😢🤬 A real “threatening breach” was January 6. Letting that veteran sit down would’ve been the respectful thing to do. He served this country letting him sit peacefully should be the bare minimum.

No Kings Day in Laurinburg, North Carolina, photos by Mathis Photography. First photo sign says, "Ants are NOT here to serve GRASSHOPPERS - 'A Bug's Life'. Second photo sign says, "Elect a RAPTIST Expect to Get FUCKED." Just saying like it is. ❤️❤️❤️

❤️❤️❤️👍👍

I stand with Greta and all the other activists that are now under arrest. ✊

Actually totally on brand.

Today's positivity! What a talented guy and wait to see the whole video with a major surprise at the end. Hint: More cowbell! LMAO! ❤️🐾🐾

👍👍

Melanie Metz Storm Chasing in Arnett, OK 5/18/25 While part of me wishes I had decided to drive East a little sooner to stay under the mesocyclone and closer to the tornado, I am also elated to have captured such a rare moment of Nature's beauty! As a photographer, this is a dream come true.

Excellent video and a - f'n - men! ✊❤️👍👍 📢 We Are Outnumbered—And We Need More Messengers www.newsletter.peoplepowerunited.org/p/we-are-out...

Triangle Beagle Rescue of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC - Rusty, young adult male, 17 lb. love bug, house & crate training (in progress), loves cuddles and a good beef bone to chew. To learn more about Rusty, click here: www.tribeagles.org/product/rust...

Regional Animal Services of King County in Kent, WA - Bella & Mia (adopt together or separately). Bella & Mia are spayed & 10 y/o. Bella, 74 lb German Shepherd-gentle soul & low energy. Mia, 56 lb Pitbull-affectionate & moderate energy. Both UTD vaccines. Info: www.petfinder.com/member/us/wa...

Vintage Pet Rescue in Rhode Island - Tina, 10 y/o, spayed 13 lb Min Pin mix, UTD vaccines, dogs-yes, loves walks & cuddles. Website: www.vintagepetrescue.org?fbclid=IwY2x...

Pink Heart Rescue (fostered in Cincinnati, Ohio) - June, 12-week-old, 18 lbs (50lbs full grown) spayed Aussie Poodle mix, health issue (deaf & blind), vaccines UTD, house & leash trained (in progress), dogs & kids-yes, cats-?, benefit from an active (and patient!) home.

Perfect Imperfections in Connecticut - Dette, Lab mix female puppy, health issue (cerebellar hypoplasia-a part of her brain is damaged affecting her motor skills). She is the sweetest girl, dogs, cats & kids-yes. www.perfectimperfectionsrescue.org/adopt-foster

Almost Home Dog Rescue NC in Cedar Mountain, North Carolina (Transylvania County) - Xena, German Shepherd female puppy, health issue (megaesophagus—she eats and drinks in a special chair that keeps her upright so she can digest food). A goofy, happy-go-lucky personality, vaccines UDT, dogs-yes.

Disaster Distress Helpline - If you're struggling with difficult emotions 14 years after the tragic tornado in Joplin, Missouri, you're not alone. If you or someone you know needs emotional support today or any day, call or text 1-800-985-5990. bit.ly/3Ld2QQ9

Please read more about joining our network of homes: olddoghaven.org/how-to-help/... Once you have read through the information, please email us at: [email protected]

🚨 Urgent Call to Action 🚨 The need for food aid to Gaza is dire. Human rights groups estimate over 930,000 Palestinian children are at risk of starving in this manmade crisis.

Ron Goings photo of some deer munching on cherry blossoms.

#FromtheFieldFriday 🐐🧀 In #Ukraine, #goatfarming is a path to recovery, resilience, & self-reliance. With support from VWB, local families received goats, training, and cheesemaking tools to rebuild their livelihoods in the face of war.  🔗 https://www.vwb.org/site/blog/2025/05/01/goats-grit-growth

🐾👪🌿 Healthy families start with healthy systems. At VWB, our #TheoryOfChange shows how investing in animal health strengthens families, food systems & futures. Every spoke in the wheel leads to well-being. 🔗 https://www.vwb.org/site/our-theory-of-change #OneHealth #InternationalDayofFamilies

🌾 From migration to #resilience—meet the #women transforming #farming in #Cambodia. #AGROW reached 21,360 people (59% women) through sustainable agriculture & #OneHealth. ✅ 300%+ income gains ✅ 42K+ animals treated ✅ 12 demo sites 🔗 https://www.vwb.org/site/blog/2025/05/15/agrow-program-impact

Animals in Ukraine are still caught in the crossfires of war. Vitalik, a senior dog, was rescued from the rubble, but many more still need help. Your gift will be matched to save lives. 🐾 Donate: https://tinyurl.com/255jb9kh #Ukraine #AnimalRescue #VetsWithoutBorders

Mosquito Bucket of Doom sidewalknature.com/2022/05/08/m... A “Mosquito Bucket of Doom” is just a bucket of water, a handful of grass, a stick (to allow friendly bugs to escape), a Bti dunk (a larvicide that kills the larval stage of mosquitoes—the hatchling) can be obtained in most hardware stores.

Create joy. Share joy.

If you are interested in learning more, please email [email protected]

More info & apply to adopt: www.vintagepetrescue.org?fbclid=IwY2x...

Kitsap Humane Society in Silverdale, WA - Coco (75 lb Chocolate Lab) & Liberty (46 lb Brittany Spaniel) are 11 y/o, bonded pair. Both have soft, gentle personalities, dogs-ok, Apply: www.adoptapet.com/.../44572443....

South Kingstown Animal Shelter in Wakefield, Rhode Island - Remi and Diesel (bonded siblings - male & female), 9 y/o, vaccines UTD, dogs-no, cats-maybe, fenced-in yard. Wonderful personalities, belly rubs are a must. More info: www.petfinder.com/member/us/ri...

Perfect Imperfections in Connecticut - Ranger, 5 mo German Shepherd mix, vaccines UTD, dogs, kids and cats-yes, only special need is his face is a little crooked, picked up on house training and crate training. Walks well on leash. www.perfectimperfectionsrescue.org/adopt-foster #shepherdmix

Vintage Pet Rescue in Rhode Island - Rocket, 6 y/o, 19lbs neutered Rat Terrier-Jack Russell mix, health issues (paralyzed in the backend & prone to UTIs), dogs-yes (but guards his food & toys), playful & friendly. Application at vintagepetrescue.org/adopt

We believe that beaches are for everyone. North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina believes that too and have taking a major step toward making our world a better and more inclusive place. Let's spread the idea of a radially inclusive beach access all over the world until the idea is normal!

Pink Heart Rescue (foster in Cincinnati, Ohio) - Benny, 12 weeks old, currently 20 lbs (50 full grown) neutered Aussie/Poodle mix, health issues (deaf, partially blind-can see light/shapes out of one eye), house & leash training-in progress, dogs-yes, cats-?, kids (age 8+), need an active home.

Perfect Imperfections in Connecticut - Rio, 5 months old, neutered German Shepherd mix w/docked tail, health issue (slight facial deformity-it's a bit crooked but his unique markings also give his face an endearing look), crate, leash and house trained. Dogs and kids-yes, cats-?

The ‘Freedom to Be’ quilt honoring trans voices was unveiled on the National Mall for the launch of #WorldPride in Washington, D.C #NOH8

A new vaccine for gonorrhea is to be rolled out by the NHS in England to tackle a rise in antibiotic-resistant “super” strains. The jabs will be available for gay and bisexual men, who are most at risk of becoming infected, while other high-risk people, such as sex workers can request it.

Free hot meals in London, KY. Rapid Crisis Response hopeforcrisis.com. w/ FREE Hot Meals, Volunteer Coordination, and supply logistics

Oh HELL NO! 🤬

The #NorthCarolina legislature will soon 🗳️ on a bill that would fast-track methane gas pipeline projects! SB 472 would require #NC regulators to act on a 401 💧 quality certification for fed approved projects w/in 5 days. Tell your state legislator to vote NO on SB 472! appvoices.org/actions/stop...

Triangle Beagle Rescue of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC - Booker, adult male, dogs & cats-yes, kids (8+)-yes, super friendly, easy going and calm, crate & leash trained. Check out my videos! www.youtube.com/shorts/lSX_D... www.youtube.com/shorts/RrIlL...

The way you would always want folks to be. ❤️👍👍