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How food binds us all together in good times and bad

How food binds us all together in good times and bad

By Jessica Domel

I’ve decided, after much consideration, that food has the ability to bring families, friends and foes together, brighten someone’s day and sustain our lives. That’s a pretty big responsibility for anyone or anything.

The healing power of food stuck in my mind as I was thinking about a friend of mine who is going through a pretty difficult time. I was dwelling on my lengthy list of things to do when I saw a note on Facebook about her troubles.

In that instant, my to-do list faded to the background and I began to contemplate how I could best get a casserole or plate of cookies to her home. We live hours away from each other, and while I can’t be there for her in person, I knew that a plate of my chocolate chip cookies or my King Ranch Chicken casserole would let her know I’m there.

Food can have such power in our lives.

Texas Asthma Camp for Kids offers one week-long session of fun from June 23-28

Texas Asthma Camp for Kids offers one week-long session of fun from June 23-28

From UT Health Northeast:

Children with severe asthma will have an opportunity to have fun while learning more about their disease during this summer’s week-long Texas Asthma Camp for Kids, held from Sunday, June 23, through Friday, June 28, 2013.

Children whose asthma is severe enough to prevent them from attending a regular summer camp will have priority in registration, Camp Director Rhonda Scoby said.

During the annual camp, children learn what triggers their asthma, how their medications work, and how better to manage their asthma.

“We rely on physicians and school nurses to help us identify the sickest kids, those who will benefit the most from attending asthma camp. We want kids whose experience at Texas Asthma Camp will make a real and positive difference in their lives,” Scoby said.

3 homeless pets need a family - can you help?

3 homeless pets need a family - can you help?

Gayle Helms with Pets Fur People shared with us that these three animals need a home, and we certainly hope that someone in East Texas will be the one to provide that for each of them.

First, this is  Duke, a handsome 2-year-old male Labrador Retriever mix that is available for adoption at Pets Fur People (formerly the Humane Society of East Texas) in Tyler.   

Duke has a very sweet disposition and is very well-mannered.  He would be a good fit with any family - labs are America's favorite dog! 

Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month with these unique recipes

Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month with these unique recipes

If you are like most of us, you are a fan of the grilled cheese sandwich! To celebrate April being National Grilled Cheese Sandwich month, try out Mama Steph's farmers market grilled cheese sandwich! You can customize it to your liking, so give it a try this weekend and enjoy!

Mama Steph’s farmers market-grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients

After 5 years in shelter, Lassiter is ready for a home of his own

After 5 years in shelter, Lassiter is ready for a home of his own

From Pets Fur People:

Poor Lassiter has been at Pets Fur People since 2008 through no fault of his own.  He is a big, sweet black lab that gets overlooked by adopters.  He is available for adoption at Pets Fur People (formerly the Humane Society of East Texas) in Tyler.

This sweet, gentle guy walks on a leash and is fun loving and playful.  He likes other dogs and needs a country home with kids to play ball with.  Won't you please open up your heart to Lassiter?  He deserves a loving family.

Lassiter has been neutered and is current on starting vaccinations including rabies. He has been microchipped for identification purposes and when adopted will receive a free gift of 30 days of free pet health insurance.  For additional information call 903 597-2471 or check the Pets Fur People website – petsfurpeople.org.

SPCA of ETX: 'We are hoping to give abused animals a second chance at life'

SPCA of ETX: 'We are hoping to give abused animals a second chance at life'

From the SPCA of East Texas:

The SPCA of East Texas is seeking loving and safe homes to take care of the dozens of homeless and abandoned animals that are waiting to be adopted by their forever family. “The individual love and care you provide gives these animals an opportunity to flourish,” said Deborah Tittle-Dobbs, SPCA of East Texas Board President. “Foster periods may vary from a couple of weeks to several months – but the impact on the person and pet last a lifetime.”

Being a foster parent for homeless animals is a rewarding and gratifying experience. With the extra attention and socialization, animals that are fostered are more likely to be adopted into permanent, loving homes. Thanks to volunteers, we have temporarily housed over 125 animals including dogs, cats, horses and donkeys.

KLTV Pet Patrol: Family searching for lost dog 'Samson'

KLTV Pet Patrol: Family searching for lost dog 'Samson'

A Tyler family is searching for their lost pet who they say he is a very important part of their family. Needless to say, they are extremely sad and are searching for their dog, Samson.

Samson is a black Lab. He's 5 1/2 years old and his chin has some graying now.

Samson was wearing a red collar with a silver tag imprinted with his name.

He was last seen on Saturday, March 16, in the area of CR 2661 and Highway 31 West, near Chandler.

If you've seen this dog, please contact Tom at 903-258-7240. Samson is his son's dog, and they are working hard to be able to reunite them.

Thanks, neighbors!