Category Archives: Euthanasia

Before you pick up How High We Go in the Dark, a buzzy debut novel by Sequoia Nagamatsu, be warned: This book is bleak. In a collection of interconnected stories, Nagamatsu follows the discovery and aftermath of a 30,000-year-old virus unearthed by the melting permafrost an Arctic plague that threatens and then reshapes the entire universe.

In the opening scene we meet an archaeologist grieving the loss of his daughter, a climate scientist who died while studying the remains of a girl that appears to be part Neanderthal, part alien life form. An ancient pathogen is unleashed, and from there the novel explores humanitys approach to sudden, overwhelming death. In an early and especially terrifying chapter, a young man takes a job at a euthanasia theme park where terminally ill children are put onto a roller coaster designed to kill them before the virus does. The desolate landscape of death and mourning takes off from there. We meet a scientist who raises pigs for transplant organs, an artist who crafts ice sculptures from the liquified remains of plague victims, a suicidal man who escapes into virtual reality. Each story relates something about how humans deal with loss and grief, and Nagamatsus writing is brilliant.

The novel has been compared to Emily St. John Mandels Station Eleven, and in fact, a display at my local bookstore drew a firm line between the two: If you liked that, youll like this. Im not sure I agree. Both novels portray a post-pandemic apocalypse. But while Station Eleven crafts an arching narrative focused on resilience, this one is often disjointed and confusing. Characters come and go so quickly, with only minor tie-ins to previous chapters, that its hard to elicit an emotional response to the overall story.

Fans of dystopian sci-fi may appreciate some of the world-building here, as will those wanting to dig into pandemic fiction. But I came away wanting more.

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'How High We Go in the Dark' explores a desolate but disjointed post-pandemic world - KMUW

Rare Disease Day is an annual event celebrated on the final day of February to promote awareness about rare illnesses and to increase access to treatment and medical representation for people living with rare diseases and their families. Bollywood films are often entertaining, including music, dancing, explosive climaxes, and combat situations. But every now and then, audiences get to encounter a film that tries to educate us alongside entertainment and makes us think hard about varied real life situations.

Take, for example, films about certain diseases or illnesses or physical conditions. Showing a rare ailment in a film necessitates extreme care, from writing the script to perfection to the actors portraying the characters to perfection onscreen.

Today, on the occasion of Rare Disease Day, lets go down memory lane and revisit some films of this century that made us aware of rare illnesses and helped dispel varied myths and stigmas that had been attached to them for years at a go.

This is yet another Amitabh Bachchan film that has made critics stand and applaud. In this Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, Rani Mukherji plays a deaf-mute-blind girl who is taught how to speak by Big B's severe taskmaster character, who subsequently develops Alzheimer's disease. This innovative short depicts two people teaching one other that life is full of possibilities if we are ready to perceive them.

The numerous problems that dyslexic youngsters encounter were concisely addressed in this Aamir Khan film. Learning and reading problems define the disease.

Ajay Devgn and Kajol played real-life couple Ajay and Kajol in the film U, Me, Aur Hum, which dealt with the theme of Alzheimer's illness.

This vengeance drama starring Aamir Khan was well received by moviegoers, but it also drew attention on anterograde amnesia, which causes short-term memory loss.

Amitabh Bachchan's performance as a 13-year-old boy rocked audiences to their core. In this R.Balki film, they also discovered the presence of progeria, an incredibly uncommon condition that causes youngsters to mature fast.

In this film, Shah Rukh Khan plays an Asperger's Syndrome sufferer. This condition has an impact on a person's capacity to socialise and communicate effectively.

Hrithik Roshan portrays a paraplegic patient in this Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. Because the injured spinal cord can't convey messages from the brain to the body, the patient is paralysed from the shoulders down with this condition. The documentary also addressed the question of euthanasia.

Karthik, played by Farhan Akhtar, is an introvert, and is often mocked by his employer and has had several disappointments in his life. However, one day he receives a phone call from an unknown person who offers to change his life. The film deals with the issue of schizophrenia which is eventually found out.

Priyanka Chopra plays an autistic girl in this film. Anurag Basu directed the film, which starred Ranbir Kapoor as Barfi, a deaf and mute guy who understands and cares for her. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with neurological development and results in situations in which the patient has difficulty speaking and socialising. It is frequently diagnosed in childhood.

Cerebral palsy is caused by faulty brain development and results in muscular movement disorders that impair the patient's ability to maintain balance. Kalki Koechlin is the protagonist in this Shonali Bose film, who has cerebral palsy but is determined to find the truth about her sexuality.

A lady, Rani Mukerji, with Tourette syndrome gets a position as a teacher at an exclusive school after repeated interviews and rejections. She quickly does all she can to help her rebellious and troublemaking kids realise their full potential.

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Rare Disease Day: Films That Dealt With Some Of The Rarest Of Illnesses - Outlook India

Heres everything you need to know about episode 83 of Attack on Titan, the eighth episode of the second half of The Final Season, Pride.

The first half of the episode focused on Annie whose hardening crystal was undone by Erens Founding Titan power telling her life story to Hitch. The second half of the episode showed some dissension between the remaining of the core four (now three) with Armin, Mikasa, and Jean. Mikasa implored Armin to stay rather than chase Connie who abducted Falco to feed to his mom in Ragako Village while Jean yelled at Mikasa to think for herself.

Connie was shown riding with Falco on horseback, telling Falco hes taking them to a special hospital to treat his amnesia. Connie steeled himself to his self-imposed task. As the episode ended, Hange, with an injured and mangled Levi in tow, approached Pieck and Magath.

The episode opens with a flashback of a Survey Corps soldier running toward his fallen comrade named Oliver only to be shot down himself. The shooter is shown to be Hange, with tears running down her face for killing her former comrades. Hange then uncovers Levi, stitches his face up some more, and begins talking to herself, wondering if the two of them should just stay in the wilderness.

Suddenly, theyre taken to the Coordinate. When they return, Levi raises himself and laments his failure at killing Zeke, saying he didnt notice Zekes resolve to die for his cause. He then asks Hange what they would have left if they continue to run, saying he must have been listening to her talk to herself as she smirks at his antics. She also tells him its been half a day since Zeke left with the Jaegerists.

They cut back to the present, where Levi tells Pieck and Magath his goal is to kill Zeke and as such, their goals align. Magath marvels that Levi, one whose skill rivaled even that of the Nine Titans, can be so easily shot down in this state, asking what Levi would do to dodge the bullet. Levi replies he cant dodge, but hes presented himself to his enemies in this miserable state and its up to Magath whether to shoot or listen.

Magath asks if he intends to kill Zeke, then where is Zeke? Hange surmises that Zeke has been absorbed by Eren to use Zekes royal blood to activate the Founding which Ymir bequeathed to Eren instead of using the power to enact Zekes euthanasia plan. Hange says she knows that the Founding is extremely large and seems impossible to beat, which is why she implores them to join forces just before the opening credits play (Rumbling, Rumbling, its coming!).

After the intro, the Rumbling is shown at night as Jean and Mikasa wait it out in separate rooms. Annie watches the Rumbling as Hitch sleeps peacefully in a bed beside her. Reiner is still unconscious after the battle with Eren and his hardening being forcefully undone, but this time there are two apples shown next to him, presumably from Gabi, who is shown riding to Ragako Village on horse, Armin leading the way.

Connie is then shown next to a campfire, Falco sleeping against a tree. Connie plots the best way to feed Falco to his mother. He then has a moment of moral anguish as he says Falco is a good kid and may actually trust a guy like me. He speaks out for Sasha, asking if she would understand his feelings.

The next scene is in the morning as Connie and Falco stroll through the village. They stop in front of Connies house, which has big white coverings over it, and Falco asks if this is Ragako, which shocks Connie. He asks how Falco knows and Falco responds he heard Connie talking to himself during the night. Falco asks if Sasha is the one who Gabi killed on the airship, then asks if this is all so Connie could get his revenge.

Connie responds hes not here for revenge. He removes the coverings to reveal his mother staring right at Falco (upside down). Falco asks what Connies intentions are in showing Falco the Pure Titan, and Connie responds with a humorous expression change that he wants Falco to help him brush her teeth. Connie adds its not an experience you have every day. He gave Falco a long brush and told him to climb up on the plank above to start brushing.

Suddenly, Armin and Gabi ride in and yell for Connie to stop. Gabi yells to Falco that Connie is going to feed him to the Titan, so Connie grabs Falco and uses his sword as leverage. He begins climbing up the ladder, telling the two not to move or hell kill Falco. Gabi yells for Falco to use the power of the Jaw Titan, but a confused Falco just asks about Galliard.

Armin, with anguish in his eyes and a flashback of Erwin Smith in his mind, asks Gabi to forgive Connie before taking off, looking like he was going to attack Connie. Instead, Armin lands on the plank just above Connies moms mouth. He stares into the abyss, then with tears in his eyes, says hell show Connie through his actions. He begins falling toward the mouth. In slow motion, Connie realizes whats happening, tosses Falco aside, and saves Armin just before his moms mouth clamps shut.

The next scene shows Gabi consoling Falco as she informs him of Colts fate. Connie asks Armin what he would have done if he hadnt saved him, and Armin coolly responds that Connies mom would become human. Connie says he should have known it would make her suffer more. Connie adds his mom sent him off to be a good soldier, yet her son was so close to killing children and his own friend. He says thats the type of soldier hes become. Armin adds he couldnt be a replacement for Commander Smith. Connie says he wants to be a soldier his mom can be proud of, one who helps those in need.

The mid-episode infographic was on Ragako Village.

Mikasa is shown visiting Louise in a medical ward. Louise is wearing the red scarf Mikasas had since Eren wrapped it around her entire head when he saved her from her parents killers. Louise says she met Eren once, who told him to toss the scarf, but Louise kept it because she wanted to be closer to Mikasa. Mikasa takes back the scarf, then Louise adds that a piece of Thunder Spear is in her gut, unable to be removed. The only thing she regrets is not being able to see the free world that Eren Jaeger will make.

Floch is then shown presiding over the remaining military members, all Jargerists, basically as pseudo-commander. Jean is shown behind him, but Mikasa is shown in the back of the crowd. Floch gives a fiery speech about the century of Eldian persecution being over all thanks to Eren. One Jaegerist asks Mikasa if she will join Floch as a commander and be a ruler, but she says bluntly shes not interested. The Jaegerist points to Jean, saying Jean seems up to the cause.

With the last of the Colossal Titans gone, the remaining people in Paradis celebrate with drinks and food. Armin, Connie, Gabi, and Falco are shown eating some savory pies. Armin mentions that Annies hardening was undone, and the person sitting next to him chokes on their food; its Annie, furiously eating a pie! Connie bursts into laughter at the sight. He calls her a sloppy eater, but Armin comes to her defense saying she hasnt eaten one in four years.

Hitch approaches the table where Annie was only to find her gone. She reads a note from Annie, saying she met up with Armin and Connie unexpectedly while eating and decided to go with them. She thanks Hitch for keeping her company for all those years. Hitch grabs a slice of pie, takes a bit, then asks how she is supposed to eat the whole thing herself.

Floch is shown with Yelena and Onyankopon on their knees, surrounded by Jaegerists, as he and Jean stand behind them with guns. Floch says they will execute the two and carry forth Erens plans. Floch says Yelena is a criminal who worked with Eldians only as a cover to help Zeke enact the euthanasia plan. The crowd lobs insults at her as she wonders aloud why Floch hasnt shot her already.

He turns to Onyankopon. He says Onyankonpon was ignorant of Zekes ultimate plan, but refuses to live in the Eldian empire. Onyankopon turns to the crowd and says he wanted to help his people, but now, his homeland and everyone he loves will be trampled. He says because of that, the only people left are a bunch of pathetic, xenophobic scoundrels! He asks how they, of all people, cant see how unreasonable it is to be killed in such a sudden, indiscriminate manner.

Jean then points his gun at Onyankopon. Four shots ring out, then its shown that Jean shot four bullets into the ground between the two captive. When Floch asks what happened, Jeans simply responds, Oh shoot, I missed. Suddenly, Pieck in her Cart Titan form charges in, bashing Jaegerists aside. She opens her mouth and Jean pushes Floch out of the way. Jean, Yelena, and Onyankopon are gobbled up by Pieck as she escapes the fort.

Floch yells for everyone to go after the Cart and to find Mikasa. He says to find Mikasa, then in a sudden shock of realization, asks, Where is Mikasa? Mikasa is shown with Connie and Armin loading food and supplies into two separate horse-drawn loads, Annie, Gabi, and Falco beside them. They say four shots is the signal from Jean and that everyone should have their attention drawn to the other side of the fort. They leave from the other end, but Annie notices someone watching them in the window. Armin says they have to continue on as they look back at the shadowy figure in the window.

Jean and Onyankopon are shown in a stream, Jean letting out a continuous stream of vomit. He says hes never getting into a Titans mouth again as Hange asks if Pieck brushes her teeth after being able to stay in the Cart form for months. Pieck responds thats a very rude question to ask a lady. Onyankopon asks Jean when he partnered with Marley, to which Jean says last night. Onyankopon says Jeans position was secure, but Jean says if he just stayed on, the burnt ashes of the dead would never have forgiven me. Yelena, in shock, asks why she was saved, and Hange says they wanted her to survive. Yelena turns to find Magath staring daggers at her.

A boot kicks Reiner in the head quite a rude alarm for someone whos been unconscious for days and he awakes to see Annie. In shock, he turns to then see Gabi and Falco, along with the others, as the two reassure Reiner theyre all on the same side and to relax. Connie says theres no time and they need to go. When Reiner asks where, Connie responds, To save the world. The episode ends.

She is saying basically that Zeke is now absorbed into Eren Jaegers body and mind. Because he used Zekes royal blood to not only reach the Coordinate, but then convince the Founder Ymir to bequeath the Founding to him, Eren gained all of the power even without royal blood. As the Founding manifested from Erens severed head to save him, which was in Zekes hand, this was the moment that Eren absorbed Zeke and, by extension, the Beast Titan to himself, though it should be said that Zeke is still the Beast Titan and not actually dead.

The next two sentences will contain spoilers from the manga, so read at your own discretion. In the final battle in the manga, Zeke does appear from one of Erens extensions, though Zeke appears as a human. He show up just to say his last words to Levi, who swiftly decapitates Zeke, thus ending the Beast Titan. It remains to be seen how the final battle will play out in the anime and if Levi will get his ultimate revenge.

The figure is presumably Floch after realizing that Mikasa was nowhere to be found. However, it is also very likely his comments were placed as a red herring to distract you from who is actually watching from the window. The identity of the individual should be revealed next week.

As far as it can be surmised, the person appeared to have the sharp shoulders indicative of someone wearing a military uniform, so while Floch is a safe bet, it could be any number of named characters still left.

Simply put, they now have one overarching common enemy: Eren Jaeger. Eren is the person responsible for the oncoming mass genocide of the human population. For Levi, Eren is also the vehicle to reach his ultimate foe, the man responsible for many deaths in Levis core squad, Zeke Jaeger. Further, for Marleyan soldiers like Magath and Pieck, they feel utterly betrayed by Zeke, the man they placed their utmost confidence, respect, and trust. They also know the best people to bring down Eren Jaeger are the ones who have been working with and fighting him most closely.

It remains to be seen why Magath and Pieck wanted Yelena alive as she was working closely with and tied everything she had to Zekes euthanasia plan. Magaths glare is one of fury, but in this time of cooperation, Yelena may yet survive.

The next episode, number 84 titled Night of the End, seems to revolve around the new cooperating faction sitting around a bonfire. It seems to suggest they will discuss their plan of attack and what roles each should play.

Catch Attack on Titan on Crunchyroll.

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Attack on Titan Episode 83 Pride: Episode Synopsis and What You Need to Know - Outsider Gaming

Jesus before the high priest (Jn 18), as rendered by Jos de Madrazo y Agudo (c. 1803) [Wikipedia]

Readings: 1 Sam 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 Psa 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13 1 Cor 15:45-49 Lk 6:27-38

The Thomistic philosopher Josef Pieper, in Abuse of Language, Abuse of Power, wrote, It is entirely possible that the true and authentic reality is being drowned out by the countless superficial information bits noisily and breathlessly presented in propaganda fashion.

An example of reality being destroyed by relentless propaganda can be found in the state of Oregon, where Ive lived since 1991, where euthanasia, or assisted suicide, is commonly referred to as being merciful. Indeed, the culture of death insists that abortion and euthanasia are instruments of mercy.

Todays readings do not directly address these issues, but they emphatically present a different understanding of mercy. The biblical view of mercy, contrary to the contemporary counterfeit, is rooted in both reality and the mystery of Gods boundless love. First, in the dramatic story from 1 Samuel, there is the concrete example set by David, who has the opportunity to kill the jealous King Saul. Theres no doubt that if the tables were turned, Saul would have swiftly ended Davids life. But the future king, anointed by the prophet Samuel and recognizing that Saul, however evil he was, was also anointed, spared his enemy. Having shown mercy, David states, The Lord will reward each man for his justice and faithfulness.

That linking of mercy and justice is significant, especially since it has become common today to divorce the two, as though true justice has no place for mercy, and mercy is a willful rejection of justice. In Dives in Misericordia, his great encyclical on mercy and justice, Pope John Paul II noted that although mercy differs from justice, it is not in opposition to itif we correctly understand the two in the light of Gods love (par 4). As todays Psalm declares, The Lord is kind and merciful, for He is as a father who has compassion on those who fear him.

Lukes gospel is sometimes called the Gospel of mercy because of the emphasis placed on this aspect of Jesus teaching. In todays reading from that Gospel, Jesus speaks of a love that is not humanly possible: love your enemiesbless those who curse you. There is also His famous and radical declaration, To the person who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other one as well. Whatever does this mean? Should we, regardless of the situation, never respond to violence or violation except through pacifism?

Saint Thomas Aquinas, in his commentary on Saint Johns Gospel, pointed out that Jesus, when brought before Annas (Jn 18:22f) did not offer His other cheek to be struck. What Jesus refers to, Saint Thomas wrote, was your interior disposition; that is, if necessary we should be ready not to be intolerant of anyone who hurts us, and we should be ready to put up with this kind of treatment, or worse than that.

Saint Thomas then points to Christs example, when he surrendered his body to death. Supernatural love, which goes beyond human affection, is sacrificial and life giving. Mercy is the gift of that love to thoseall of us!who do not, according to the standards of justice, deserve it. As Jesus explained, anyone can love someone who loves in return. But to love our enemies and expect nothing in returnthat is an act of mercy. Mercy, wrote the late Holy Father, has the interior form of the love that in the New Testament is called agape. This love is able to reach down to every human misery, and above all to every form of moral misery, to sin. (DIM, par 6).

What about Jesus condemnation of judging others? This is sometimes twisted to mean that we must make no judgments at all about the actions of others. Of course, that is not only incorrect, it is impossible; we constantly make decisions, big and small, based on our judgment of others actions. Jesus condemned making judgments that are not only unjust, but dare to assess what God alone can judge: the inner heart and motives of others.

However, the Catechism states, although we can judge that an act is in itself a grave offense, we must entrust judgment of persons to the justice and mercy of God. (CCC 1861). Which is why we can rightly condemn euthanasia as an objective evil, while extending love and mercy to those choosing to commit suicide.

(This Opening the Word column originally appeared in the February 18, 2007 edition of Our Sunday Visitor newspaper.)

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Mercy, justice, and offering the other cheek Catholic World Report - Catholic World Report

San Antonio Pets Alive! shared information on the dogs, who desperately need a warm place to stay outside of the shelter.

SAN ANTONIO Several litters of puppies and their mothers are at risk of being euthanized if they can't find fosters by Monday, San Antonio Pets Alive! said.

The kennels are a loud and dangerous environment for the young puppies, who are all at risk of being exposed to contagious diseases. Fostering is free, and San Antonio Pets Alive will provide food, crates, and other supplies. If you can give these pups a warm place to stay, please email foster@sanantoniopetsalive.org by noon Monday.

"Chocolate is the momma to 11 pups," the organization said in an email. "They're still very young."

"Hazel is the momma to 8 pups," they said. "They are around 5 weeks old. She's very sweet and active. She kept jumping on staff for pets and attention!"

"Sunkist and her 8 puppies are looking for a quiet home! The kennel is very stressful for her and her babies," they said. "She takes treats gently from your hand. She is a little protective of her pups and likes to bark at you when you talk to her!"

"These six puppers are about four weeks old and eating wet food. They CANNOT have paws on the ground right now. They will need to go in groups of two or three."

"Being a pet foster family has rewards beyond the essential value of helping a pet in need find a new home," SAPA! says on their foster page. "For some, it is a chance to have an animal companion without a lifetime commitment, or to try new companions for an existing pet. For others, it is the special challenge of helping an animal recover from an illness or injury, the trauma of losing a beloved owner or home, or to decompress."

For more information, click here.

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Fosters urgently needed to help puppies and their mothers avoid euthanasia - KENS5.com

Animal shelters getting overcrowded during pandemic

As folks return to work after spending months working from home, more pets are being sent to animal shelters.

LOS ANGELES - They're our best friends. They know when we're sad and are always loyal and happy to see us.

Now, these adorable fur babies need our help more than ever.

"Were facing a crisis in Americas animal shelters because there are 100,000 more cats and dogs sitting in Americas shelters right now compared to the same time last year," said Holly Sizemore, the chief mission officer with Best Friends Animal Society.

The reason more pets are going into animal shelters and not as many coming out. On top of that, shelters are suffering staffing shortages and adoptions are down.

"Now everybody is thankfully back to work and sort of back to real life and I think a lot of people realize they cant handle the commitment of having a pet. So a lot of animals are going back to the shelters unfortunately, and were there to pick them up and help get them a different home," said Lesley Brog, the chief animal lover and founder of Wags and Walks.

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Best Friends Animal Society says last year, U.S. shelters euthanized nearly 350,000 dogs and cats, simply because they didnt have a safe place to call home.

Volunteers are now urging people to step up and save a life.

"Two cats are being killed for every dog in Americas shelters. So our pitty friends and our kitty friends need all the support they can get," Sizemore said.

For more information on Best Friends Animal Society, click here. To learn more about Wags and Walks, click here.

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100,000 dogs and cats facing euthanasia as people return adopted pets to animal shelters - Q13 FOX (Seattle)

In the first three months after it became legal, at least 28 New Zealanders have been assisted in dying.

After two-thirds of Kiwis (65.1%) voted it through in the 2020 referendum, the End of Life Choice Act went into effect on November 7, allowing qualified terminally ill New Zealanders to choose to end their lives.

In the three months since assisted dying became legal, there have been more than two dozen assisted deaths, according to Ministry of Health data as of January 31.

Because the data is updated every week, it's possible that more people have been helped to die since that figure was released.

Also read | 'Assisted dying' comes into force in New Zealand

A person (over the age of 18) must have a terminal illness that will end their life within six months to be eligible for assisted dying under the Act.

They must be experiencing significant and ongoing physical decline, as well as unbearable suffering that cannot be alleviated in a way that they find acceptable.

So far, the registrar has not received any objections from the End of Life Review Committee, which investigates every death.

Also Read:After euthanasia and marijuana, New Zealand targets smoking

The public had lodged "a very limited number of complaints," according to the Registrar, but the ministry stated it couldn't disclose any additional information at this time.

It may also be unable to provide information on the fatalities, such as age, medical problems, or ethnicity.

Patients must be evaluated by two doctors, with a third opinion from a psychiatrist required if the doctors have any reservations about the patient's competency.

Also Read:Portuguese parliament approves euthanasia law

According to the Ministry, none of the 56 people who had two assessments needed a third.

In New Zealand, 130 medical practitioners have signed up to participate in assisted dying.

(With inputs from agencies)

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`End of life choice act`: 28 assisted deaths in first three months of new law - WION

Rescue

Savannah Young / February 3, 2022

Valentines Day is approaching, and while many use the holiday to celebrate love with their human counterparts, we celebrate by giving the gift of love to animals in need, who dont have a family of their own.

We were honored to donate veterinary supplies to Oklahoma Humane Society, a non-profit in Oklahoma that works to eliminate euthanasia in the community and find every pet the home they deserve. OK Humane operates a Spay + Neuter Clinic in southeast Oklahoma City, as well as a Neonate Nursery for animals who were orphaned from their mothers as infants, among other programs. The Zoetis products we provided to OK Humane will be used to provide critical care for both cats and dogs in the shelter, and in the community.

We also recently provided a grant to BC SPCA in Vancouver to support their crucial efforts to help pet guardians and their animals impacted by the devastating floods in British Columbia. The flooding displaced thousands of people and caused widespread destruction to the region. BC SPCA cared for animals affected by the floods, provided free emergency boarding for animals throughout the Interior, the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, and provided free crates, pet food, leashes, collars and other needed supplies.

The grant was given through our Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund, which continues to feed and care for animals as the pandemic rages on.

As we kick off the month of February, we are giving the healing gift of love to animals in need, paving the way to help them live happy and healthy lives. To support our efforts, provide a gift at http://www.AmericanHumane.org/Donate.

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American Humane Gives the Gift of Love - American Humane - American Humane

Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation released a barred owl in front of nearly one hundred people at the Botanic Garden of the Ozarks Saturday.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. On October 4th, 2021 a family discovered a small owl that appeared to be in distress. Later that day, the owl was taken into care by the Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation where it was discovered the barred owl had a broken leg and severe trauma to the right side of its head.

He wasnt supposed to be here. We were not supposed to release him, said Madison Kennedy the Medical and Outreach Coordinator for Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation.

Initial tests showed the owls right eye was completely blind due to the trauma. After surgery to place pins in the broken leg, tests showed the owl was also showing blindness in its left eye. For birds of prey, blindness typically leads to euthanasia or long-term care in specialized facilities. Nearly two weeks after surgery veterinarians discovered the owls left eye began to regenerate sight.

As time went on, the owl continued to rehabilitate and grow stronger. Saturday, 128 days after the owl was brought to Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation, the barred owl was released back into the wild at the Botanic Garden of the Ozarks in front of nearly 100 people. Due to the anatomy of owls, sight in one eye is not detrimental to their ability to thrive in the wild on their own.

After months of care, the release was bittersweet for Kennedy who even helped bottle-feed the owl after it first arrived at the center. I did just love him, but at the end of the day, the goal is to get these birds released and back into the wild where they belong, said Kennedy.

Before releasing Little Guy, the nickname Kennedy gave to the barred owl, Kennedy spoke to the crowd about the journey to recovery. Kennedy also spoke about the centers success rate for rehabilitation and release. In six months of operation, the center is a little over halfway to the national average of a 40% success rate, and Saturday brings them one step closer.

For one mother at the release, she believes seeing this will be a memory that sticks with her two young daughters for a long time.

I just know its something thats going to stick with them, especially because they love owls so much anyway. I think it will be a lasting memory that they have, said Leslie Massey.

Little Guy was successfully released in front of the crowd. Before taking refuge in a nearby wooded area, Little Guy perched on top of the pergola where the event took place. With a glance back at his caretakers, it felt as if Little Guy gave a moment of appreciation for his new lease on life back in the wild where he belongs.

Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation is a 501c3 non-profit. They are currently looking for volunteers and donations as they look to expand their operations and care for injured birds. If you would like more information on ways to get involved or to help, click here. You can also visit their social media pages at @nwbrehab on Instagram or on Facebook.

On Thursday, Feb. 10 from 6-8 p.m. Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation will be hosting a Valentines Day event for the birds and are looking forward to seeing the community there for support.

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Barred owl gets new lease on life following months of rehabilitation - 5newsonline.com

In something that feels straight out of a nightmare, the world once had to deal with a cult that proposed every man, woman and child on Earth should kill themselves.

The Church of Euthanasia, which still has a running website, was founded in 1992 by software developer and DJ Chris Korda.

Korda said the idea for the church laid itself out to her in a dream, where she was confronted [by] an alien intelligence known as The Being who speaks for the inhabitants of Earth in other dimensions".

The Being warned that our planet's ecosystem is failing and that our leaders deny this," she explained.

"The Being asked why our leaders lie to us, and why so many of us believe these lies.

The twisted cult of the 1990s would often march carrying grotesque props including a stick with a bloody baby doll and American flag attached, a pro-abortion symbol.

They'd also swing around a huge abortion pill while chanting "Save the planet. Kill yourself."

The church believed that Earth was at a huge risk of overpopulating, and Korda was inspired by the news of irreversible climate change.

As the cult began to gain traction, they organised increasingly high-profile and outlandish situations to get their twisted message out.

Motorists driving on the Massachusetts Turnpike on September 1993 were met with a huge billboard for the Museum of Science in Boston covered with their classic slogan Save the Planet - Kill Yourself.

Following on from this, members appeared on the notoriously wacky Jerry Springer Show and described the Churchs four pillars.

Those four pillars are suicide, abortion, cannibalism and sodomy.

Korda, who also had a career releasing techno music, was criticised by Springer for comments where she suggested a depressed teenager thinking about suicide should be offered assistance.

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And the cult didnt just lead to on-screen entertainment. In a serious turn of events in 2003, a woman in Missouri was found dead lying next to a printout from the Church of Euthanasia site.

The lead prosecutor for the city of St. Louis at the time, Jennifer Joyce, publicly threatened the church with manslaughter charges which led to the online instructions being removed.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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Twisted cult campaigned for all humanity to kill itself and provided instructions online - Daily Star