By Anna Holton-Dean

Just days after the devastating tornado ripped through Joplin, Mo., on May 22, extra help showed up in the unlikely form of circus elephants. The Picadilly Circus was scheduled to perform at a venue which was being used as a makeshift hospital. Instead of hitting the road for the next destination, the circus workers decided to use their strongest performer to lend a helping hand. Instead of performing tricks, the elephant hauled debris from devastated areas.

While some residents weren’t too thankful and claimed it was animal cruelty or a publicity stunt, most tornado victims were grateful for help in any and every form. According to TIME News Feed website, one Joplin resident said, “They were here to help, their heart is in the right place.”

With an average elephant weighing anywhere between 4 and 6 tons, it most likely was not harmed or mistreated by hauling limbs and vehicles. Upon watching the elephant work, one young tornado survivor said, “I haven’t smiled like this in a long time.”In the end, what the elephant accomplished that day wasn’t too far off from his day job, making children smile.

By Anna Holton-Dean

Sooner or later, the question will come. “Can we get a dog?” Maybe your kid will ask for a cat or a guinea pig. Whatever the chosen pet, the most important question will be whether or not your child is ready for the responsibility of caring for another living thing. Since there’s more commitment involved than mere hugs and kisses, you don’t want to make an impulse decision under the influence of big eyes staring up at you (whether from your own cutie or the animal in question). Before taking the step toward pet ownership, Thriving Family magazine suggests considering these four questions.

Is his/her interest real?

Sometimes a child’s interest in a pet isn’t genuine but temporary, based on a recent encounter with a lovable pooch or kitten. Perhaps your child recently saw an animal movie that may have tugged on his heartstrings.  Only time will tell if it’s a fleeting desire or a more serious one.

How is your child with present responsibilities?

Does he perform simple tasks when you ask, like picking up toys or brushing his teeth? If he can prove himself in small responsibilities, he may be ready to take on bigger ones.

Is your child pet-friendly?

A child who treats his stuffed animals lovingly and carefully may be ready for a real pet. If he is rough with them, he may need a few lessons in gentleness before bringing a pet into your home.

Does a pet fit into your family’s lifestyle?

Depending on the type of pet you choose, it may need to be walked, bathed, groomed, fed and cleaned up after. Carefully consider whether or not you and your child have enough time in your lives for a furry family member. If the answer is no, it might be best to start with a goldfish.

by Anna Holton-Dean

It pays to be ugly.  At least it did for Yoda, a 14-year-old Chinese-crested Chihuahua mix who was recently crowned the 2011 World’s Ugliest Dog at the Sonoma Marin Fair in Northern California. While there were many worthy entrants, Yoda seized the title and $1,000 prize with her spiky patches of unruly hair, protruding tongue and hairless legs.  

Her appearance may sound unappealing, but it didn’t deter her owner Terry Schumacher of Hanford, Calif., from rescuing the abandoned pooch from behind an apartment building. According to huffingtonpost.com, Schumacher thought Yoda was a rat on first glance. Upon closer inspection, she discovered the tiny ball of wiry fur was a dog and carried her home to safety, where she was appropriately named Yoda for her striking resemblance to the Star Wars character.

Aesthetically pleasing or not, Schumacher sees the beauty inside her canine companion and bestowed a big kiss and hug on her when she was named the 23^rd winner of the annual contest.