Ear to the ground:
"Forgetfulness is a side effect of managing a dispensary."
– One of the more honest excuses we at the Telegraph have heard for missing deadline
It was a great day to be alive in the mountains of Colorado, let alone celebrating 100 years of them.
Under bluebird skies and prime November conditions, San Juan ski pioneer and one of Wolf Creek's founding fathers, Charles Elliott celebrated his 100th birthday – and 79th year on skis – Tues., Nov. 19 at Wolf Creek.
Elliott, a member of the Gray Wolves Ski Club and lifetime member of the National Ski Patrol, which he helped found, was joined by 150 or so of his closet ski buddies for a run or two. As a special gift, Elliott also was named an honorary member of the US Ski Team, which is currently practicing at Wolf Creek, and presented with an official team jacket.
When asked how he felt about his special day, Elliott replied with requisite wisdom. “I guess it is special, it only happens every 100 years," he remarked.
Elliott has skied every year since 1934, except for the five years when he served in the Air Force during World War II. He says he is looking forward to celebrating his 101st, on skis of course.
The dog ate my homework
We've all heard of dogs eating strange things, but how about a lunch of straight pins? Seems Reggie, a 2-year-old Labrador from Englewood, ingested more than 50 metal straight pins not to mention the chocolate and candy volcano they were attached to – a school project belonging to one of Reggie's human family members.
Fortunately, Reggie’s parents were quick to react, rushing him to a nearby veterinary hospital, where it took endoscopy (in which a magnet was used to remove some of the pins) and surgery to successfully remove all of the pins.
Reggie is now recovering and reported to be doing great. And while needle-swallowing dogs may be a rare breed, it is not uncommon for dogs to go nosing around for food in unusual places, especially given the ever-present goodies lurking around this time of year. As a result, vets warn pet owners to be on the lookout for other dangers, from low-hanging candy canes to gingerbread houses.
Here are some tips to keep Fido out of the ER this holiday season:
- Keep all chocolate out of reach. Dark chocolate is especially toxic.
- Do not feed your pet turkey bones and greasy leftovers. The bones could get stuck and require surgical removal and greasy and fatty food could cause severe digestive upset and pancreatitis.
- Keep human medication out of reach. When visitors come to your house, be sure to keep their purses and bags where pets cannot reach them.
- Some plants are toxic for pets. Keep your pet away from lilies, holly, mistletoe and poinsettias.
- Be mindful of holiday decorations such as tinsel, bows, ribbons and holiday lights.