Wednesday 24 December 2014

#SaveBela dog will not be killed





  • #SaveBela started after the public learned a healthy Indiana dog might be euthanized

  • In her will, Bela's late owner asked that the dog be put to sleep and laid to rest with her

  • A Utah animal sanctuary has agreed to take the dog




(CNN) -- The Internet got its Christmas wish to #SaveBela.


Bela is now being sent to live at a Utah animal sanctuary. The Indiana German shepherd tugged at collective heartstrings last week when it was revealed he could be euthanized due to a stipulation in his late owner's will.


But Bela will go to Best Friends Animal Society, the group revealed on its blog Tuesday.


Read: #SaveBela campaign may spare dog's life


"We are thrilled to announce that Bela has been released to Best Friends Animal Society and we are currently arranging his transport to our sanctuary in Kanab, Utah," wrote Francis Battista, vice chair of Best Friends.


People across the country learned of 9-year-old Bela's story through media reports last week that emphasized a provision in the will of his owner, Connie Ley, that said the dog should be put to sleep and his ashes placed with Ley's ashes if a suitable home couldn't be found for Bela.


The social media hashtag #SaveBela was born after the public expressed outrage at Ley's request to put down a healthy dog.


"Add me to the list of people who would gladly adopt Bela and give her a happy home. Please #SaveBela from her dead owner's stupidity," one woman wrote.


However Doug Denmure, Ley's attorney, said outsiders didn't know the whole story. Before her death on November 25, Ley worried that Bela's aggressive behavior could pose a danger to other people.


"He could cause damage and inflict bodily harm on strangers, in particular, children," Denmure told CNN affiliate WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. "When (Ley) died, she died at her home and the dog was in there. No one could enter the house because they were concerned the dog would attack."


The dog was housed in a special kennel at PAWS of Dearborn County Humane Center in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, until a decision could be made.


Ley's will left the option to send Bela to the Utah animal sanctuary or to put him to sleep up to a close friend. Ley stated that if it was cost prohibitive or otherwise impossible to send the dog to the shelter, he should be put down and laid to rest with her, according to her attorney.


"Denmure and her designated friend, charged to decide what was best for Bela, were unaware of Best Friends experience in providing appropriate care for dogs like Bela," Eric Rayvid, a shelter representative, told WCPO after it was revealed that the dog would be saved.


Before the decision was reached, Denmure maintained that everything about Ley's request was legal.


"The dog was being owned by my client and now it's part of her estate," he told WCPO. "And those are her wishes, as far as the future of the dog is concerned. Outsiders don't have the grounds to rewrite the provisions of my client's will and impose what they want."


The case has raised ethical questions about how much control the deceased should have over the lives of their pets.


"On the whole, we don't allow people to euthanize healthy pets," said Edward Queen, a professor of ethics at Emory University. On the other hand, he said, it's not uncommon for unwanted pets to be euthanized.


"As a matter of policy, do we really want people to control the life of a healthy pet on a whim?" he pondered. "Assuming the dog is healthy and will be cared for, I'm not sure we want to encourage this."


Best Friends Animal Society said in its blog post that it's time for a new hashtag: #BelaIsSafe -- but he isn't out of the woods yet.


"Of all those party to the unfolding events following Connie Ley's passing, Bela has experienced the trauma of losing his life-long companion and his home. Our first priority is to do everything we can to make Bela's life whole once again in keeping with Connie Ley's wishes for her beloved dog."


CNN's Brandon Griggs contributed to this report.



5 takeaways from Jeb Bush emails





  • Bush personally responds to hundreds of constituent emails and personally answering job applicants

  • He also takes a casual approach with plenty of smileys and expressions like "chill out" and "my bad"

  • The emails also show he's remained consistent on Cuba, and isn't a big campaign finance reform advocate

  • And the emails give some insight into the conservative backlash he could face in a 2016 GOP primary




Washington (CNN) -- A trove of emails from former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's time in Tallahassee reveal a hands-on chief executive who was a prolific Blackberry user.


Bush, who is considering a 2016 presidential run, planned on releasing the tens of thousands of emails next month. But the Washington Post got out ahead of him, obtaining the emails through a public records request and publishing them late Tuesday.


While Bush was clearly aware that the emails could go public one day, the notes offer an insider's perspective on Bush's time in office and his dealings on issues ranging from land disputes to funding for a military base in Florida and the state's citrus industry.





Perry talks Jeb Bush, 2016




Biggest news yet in the race for 2016?

Here are the top 5 takeaways:


1. A personal touch


Bush exchanged emails with hundreds of constituents sharing their advice and concerns on specific issues -- with such high-level discussions even including a quick reply to a woman asking for the date of his wife's birthday.


Bush even personally responded to job applicants, revealing what the Washington Post called an "intense, detail-oriented engagement" as governor. On one of his top issues, for example, Bush received a "daily immigration update."


2. "Awesome" emails


The former governor also took a casual approach in his emails, which he peppered with words like "my bad," "chill out" and "awesome."


And Bush was also apparently a big believer in the power of the smiley face.


As staffers exchanged emails about vacation time, Bush suggested that "you guys h that you guys have a verbal conversation about it rather than create a public document. :)"


But he also used them to reply to angry emails, like when one man wrote him that "politicians make me sick, you make me sick."


"I am truly sorry you feel that way. Have a nice day," Bush said, throwing in a smiley face.


3. Cuba


Bush slammed President Barack Obama's decision last week to normalize relations with Cuba, and it's clear from the emails that he's remained consistent on that issue.


In a 1999 email, Bush pledged to stand for a tough policy on the island, telling then-Rep. Lincoln Diaz Balart that "forceful diplomacy can make a difference."


That stance hasn't kept Sen. Marco Rubio, a Bush mentee and potential 2016 foe, from stealing the spotlight last week as he jumped in front of the cameras to become the GOP's leading voice on opposing Obama's engagement with the Cuban regime.


4. Campaign finance reform -- and a brother's shadow


One email exchange with a top GOP donor, Al Hoffman, gives a candid glimpse at Bush's stance on campaign finance laws.


In the email, Hoffman encourages Bush to support a campaign finance reform law working its way through the Florida legislature, but the governor balks, explaining that he's only in favor of "campaign finance reform that doesn't put us at a disadvantage." And the bill in question, "would do just that," Bush wrote.


The exchange also reveals an interesting angle the GOP donor uses as he looks to secure the governor's support.


"Your brother thinks it's the right thing to do," Hoffman writes.


5. Conservative criticism


Lauded by many in the GOP establishment as a smart, fiscally conservative governor who delivered economic gains for his state, the emails also reveal a challenge from the party's most conservative members that Bush is likely to face in an eventual GOP presidential primary.


He received one email branding him as "NO CONSERVATIVE" and regularly took flak from activists who wanted more right-leaning policies out of the governor's mansion, according to the Post.


One pro-life activist attacks Bush in an email for appointing a lawyer who represented the owner of an abortion clinic.



Fitness buff helps disabled find strength






Ned Norton works with a woman at his gym in Albany, New York. For the past 25 years, Norton has provided free and low-cost strength training for people living with disabilities.Ned Norton works with a woman at his gym in Albany, New York. For the past 25 years, Norton has provided free and low-cost strength training for people living with disabilities.

Norton trains more than 120 people every week through his nonprofit, Warriors on Wheels.Norton trains more than 120 people every week through his nonprofit, Warriors on Wheels.

Norton works with people whose disabilities include spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.Norton works with people whose disabilities include spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

"I'm building them up, building them stronger, so they can go out and live life like they're supposed to," Norton said."I'm building them up, building them stronger, so they can go out and live life like they're supposed to," Norton said.

Norton poses with some of the program's participants in October.Norton poses with some of the program's participants in October.

One of the program's participants exercises at the Albany gym.One of the program's participants exercises at the Albany gym.

Norton's strength-training equipment is specially adapted to fit his clients' needs. Most of the people he trains are in wheelchairs and rely on their upper body strength to get around.Norton's strength-training equipment is specially adapted to fit his clients' needs. Most of the people he trains are in wheelchairs and rely on their upper body strength to get around.

Norton is the only trainer in the facility, which was donated to him by the city.Norton is the only trainer in the facility, which was donated to him by the city.

Participants often form friendships and motivate one another. They also become resources for each other, providing advice and references. "When they come here, they get a network of people going through the same challenges," Norton said.Participants often form friendships and motivate one another. They also become resources for each other, providing advice and references. "When they come here, they get a network of people going through the same challenges," Norton said.

"I'm not a genius. I'm not a miracle worker," Norton said. "But I do know what I'm doing in the gym, because that's what I love doing and that's what I have to offer to people.""I'm not a genius. I'm not a miracle worker," Norton said. "But I do know what I'm doing in the gym, because that's what I love doing and that's what I have to offer to people."









  • Word spread after Ned Norton devised a workout program for a man with a spinal cord injury

  • Soon patients from a rehab center sought Norton's help, and he trained them for free

  • Norton is dedicated to providing free or low-cost strength training for the disabled




Albany, New York (CNN) -- Ned Norton was working as a fitness trainer for Olympic athletes and bodybuilders when a young man with a spinal cord injury asked him for help.


"At first, I had no idea what to do with him," said Norton, who managed a health club in Albany, New York.


Together they developed a workout program, and the young man made great strides.


"Even (his) doctors saw the physical and psychological improvements we were able to make," Norton said.


It didn't take long for word to spread. Patients from a rehabilitation center sought out Norton's help, and he began training them for free. After a newspaper published an article about Norton's workouts with the disabled, his phone rang off the hook.




Ned Norton trains more than 120 people per week through Warriors on Wheels.

Ned Norton trains more than 120 people per week through Warriors on Wheels.




"So I opened a gym designed to fit their needs," he said.


For the past 25 years, Norton has dedicated himself to providing free and low-cost strength and conditioning training for hundreds of people living with a variety of disabilities.


"They can't move, they can't be independent. They can't live their lives," said Norton, 55. "I'm building them up, building them stronger, so they can go out and live life like they're supposed to."


Bodybuilder with a big heart


Norton trains more than 120 people every week through his nonprofit, Warriors on Wheels. His clients' disabilities include spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.


"I never worry about what they can't do," said Norton. "I worry about what they can do, and make them as independent and capable as possible."


Participants come to the gym twice a week for one-hour sessions. Norton's strength-training equipment is specially adapted to fit his clients' needs. Most of the people he trains are in wheelchairs and rely on their upper body strength to get around.





They compete 'for the rest of their life'




Top 10 Hero: Ned Norton




CNN Heroes: Warriors on Wheels

"The world is more accessible now for people with wheelchairs," Norton said, "but you've got to be strong to be in a wheelchair."


Tom Clement knows that first-hand. About 40 years ago, he fell off a roof and severed his spinal cord. He has been in a wheelchair ever since.


"When you lose (the use of) your legs, your arms become your legs. So upper body strength is key," said Clement, 65.


Clement has worked out at Norton's gym several times a week for the past 15 years. He says it's helped him live independently.


"My activities in the gym have increased my ability to maintain the stamina of everyday work," said Clement, who runs a frame shop and art gallery with his brother. "Thanks to Ned, I've been able to live a full life."


For those who can afford to pay it, Norton charges $25 a month. Most of his clients are living on disability income and Social Security, and he says less than half can afford to pay the fee. He never turns away anyone who has a disability.


Strength in numbers


Norton is the only trainer in the facility, which was donated to him by the city. Participants often form friendships and motivate one another. They also become resources for each other, providing advice and references.


"After an accident, people are devastated. Their family and friends have no clue what they are going through. They are out there on their own," Norton said. "But when they come here, they get a network of people going through the same challenges."


Kathleen Lane has been coming to the Warriors on Wheels gym for about 15 years to help with her multiple sclerosis. Lane, who is in a wheelchair, also benefits from the social aspect of the program.


"I come out of here feeling better than I do when I first come in," said Lane, 51. "It changed my life. ... Ned's unbelievable."


Norton says many of the people he has worked with have gone on to drive again, gain employment and pursue their interests without letting their disabilities get in the way.


"I'm not a genius. I'm not a miracle worker," Norton said. "But I do know what I'm doing in the gym, because that's what I love doing and that's what I have to offer to people."


Want to get involved? Learn more about Warriors on Wheels at http://ift.tt/1CKYcNo and see how to help.



First photos of royal Monaco twins






Monaco's newborn royals, Princess Gabriella and Crown Prince Jacques Honore Rainier, posed for their first official photos with their parents, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene. The twins were born Dec. 10, 2014.Monaco's newborn royals, Princess Gabriella and Crown Prince Jacques Honore Rainier, posed for their first official photos with their parents, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene. The twins were born Dec. 10, 2014.

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco welcomed twins Crown Prince Jacques Honore Rainier and Princess Gabriella Therese Marie in December 2014. The couple married in 2011. Prince Albert, Monaco's reigning monarch, is the son of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, who was formerly known as Hollywood actress Grace Kelly. Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco welcomed twins Crown Prince Jacques Honore Rainier and Princess Gabriella Therese Marie in December 2014. The couple married in 2011. Prince Albert, Monaco's reigning monarch, is the son of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, who was formerly known as Hollywood actress Grace Kelly.

Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, shown here in November 2014, is King of Bahrain. Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, shown here in November 2014, is King of Bahrain.

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, shown here with his wife, Queen Jetsun Pema, is known as the "Dragon King." He became king of the South Asian country after his father abdicated in 2006. Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, shown here with his wife, Queen Jetsun Pema, is known as the "Dragon King." He became king of the South Asian country after his father abdicated in 2006.

Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth II have been married since 1947. Her coronation was held in June 1953 at Westminster Abbey.Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and Queen Elizabeth II have been married since 1947. Her coronation was held in June 1953 at Westminster Abbey.

Charles, Prince of Wales and heir to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II, speaks to guests during a reception to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Duchy originals products at Clarence House on September 11, 2013, in London.Charles, Prince of Wales and heir to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II, speaks to guests during a reception to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Duchy originals products at Clarence House on September 11, 2013, in London.

Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, married in 2011 and welcomed their first child, George, in 2013. William is second in line to the throne after his father, Prince Charles.Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, married in 2011 and welcomed their first child, George, in 2013. William is second in line to the throne after his father, Prince Charles.

Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world's longest-reigning monarchs, salutes during a ceremonial guard of honor to mark his 68th birthday celebrations in Bandar Seri Begawan on August 14, 2014. Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world's longest-reigning monarchs, salutes during a ceremonial guard of honor to mark his 68th birthday celebrations in Bandar Seri Begawan on August 14, 2014.

Brunei's Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah Bolkiah and his new bride, Sarah, pray during their wedding banquet at the Nurul Iman Palace in Bandar Seri Begawan in September 2004. Brunei's Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah Bolkiah and his new bride, Sarah, pray during their wedding banquet at the Nurul Iman Palace in Bandar Seri Begawan in September 2004.

Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni succeeded his father, who had retired, in 2004. In the years before taking the throne, the king served as a professor of classical dance and artistic director of a ballet company, among other positions, <a href='http://ift.tt/1x4MFrA' target='_blank'>according to his website</a>.Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni succeeded his father, who had retired, in 2004. In the years before taking the throne, the king served as a professor of classical dance and artistic director of a ballet company, among other positions, according to his website.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, seen here with her husband, Henrik, Prince Consort, <a href='http://ift.tt/1zidXHX' target='_blank'>succeeded her father on the throne</a> in 1972. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, seen here with her husband, Henrik, Prince Consort, succeeded her father on the throne in 1972.

Prince Frederik, seen here with his wife, Princess Mary, is the heir to the throne of Denmark.Prince Frederik, seen here with his wife, Princess Mary, is the heir to the throne of Denmark.

Japan's <a href='http://ift.tt/1x4MFrM'>Emperor Akihito</a> and Empress Michiko married in 1959. He became emperor in 1989.Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko married in 1959. He became emperor in 1989.

Prince Naruhito, seen here with his wife, Princess Masako, is heir to the imperial throne of Japan.Prince Naruhito, seen here with his wife, Princess Masako, is heir to the imperial throne of Japan.

Jordan's King Abdullah and Queen Rania on March 12, 2013, in Amman.Jordan's King Abdullah and Queen Rania on March 12, 2013, in Amman.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has been Emir of Kuwait since 2006. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has been Emir of Kuwait since 2006.

King Letsie III, seen here with Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, has twice become king of Lesotho -- first in 1990, when his father fled the country for five years, and again in 1996 after his father's death. Then-South African President Nelson Mandela spoke at the king's 1997 coronation.King Letsie III, seen here with Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, has twice become king of Lesotho -- first in 1990, when his father fled the country for five years, and again in 1996 after his father's death. Then-South African President Nelson Mandela spoke at the king's 1997 coronation.

Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein and Princess Marie-Aglae married in 1967. The prince assumed the regency of the small European nation in 1989.Prince Hans-Adam II of Liechtenstein and Princess Marie-Aglae married in 1967. The prince assumed the regency of the small European nation in 1989.

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg married in 1981. The grand duke has reigned since 2000. Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg married in 1981. The grand duke has reigned since 2000.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco sits with his wife, Princess Lalla Salma, at the royal palace on July 13, 2002, in Rabat, Morocco. King Mohammed VI of Morocco sits with his wife, Princess Lalla Salma, at the royal palace on July 13, 2002, in Rabat, Morocco.

King Willem-Alexander, seen here with his wife, Queen Maxima, succeeded his mother on the throne of the Netherlands. His mother, Princess Beatrix, was Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 to 2013, when she abdicated.King Willem-Alexander, seen here with his wife, Queen Maxima, succeeded his mother on the throne of the Netherlands. His mother, Princess Beatrix, was Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 to 2013, when she abdicated.

King Harald V of Norway and his wife, Queen Sonja, married in 1968. King Harald V of Norway and his wife, Queen Sonja, married in 1968.

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway is shown here with his wife, Princess Mette-Marit; son, Prince Sverre Magnus; daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra; and stepson, Marius Borg Hoiby. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway is shown here with his wife, Princess Mette-Marit; son, Prince Sverre Magnus; daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra; and stepson, Marius Borg Hoiby.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman salutes during a military parade in 2013. Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman salutes during a military parade in 2013.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani took over leadership of the Persian Gulf nation in 2013 after the abdication of his father.Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani took over leadership of the Persian Gulf nation in 2013 after the abdication of his father.

Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud speaks before a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at his private residence in 2014.Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud speaks before a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at his private residence in 2014.

Juan Carlos I reigned as King of Spain for 39 years until abdicating in favor of his son in June 2014. Juan Carlos, second from left, is seen here with his wife, Queen Sofia, son, the new King Felipe, and daughter-in-law, the new Queen Letizia. Juan Carlos I reigned as King of Spain for 39 years until abdicating in favor of his son in June 2014. Juan Carlos, second from left, is seen here with his wife, Queen Sofia, son, the new King Felipe, and daughter-in-law, the new Queen Letizia.

King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain

Mswati III was crowned Ngwenyama, or King, of Swaziland in 1986, when he was 18. He is shown here at the White House in 2014 with Inkhosikati, or Queen, LaMbikiza, one of his 15 wives. Mswati III was crowned Ngwenyama, or King, of Swaziland in 1986, when he was 18. He is shown here at the White House in 2014 with Inkhosikati, or Queen, LaMbikiza, one of his 15 wives.

King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia attend the 2014 Nobel prize award ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall on December 10, 2014. King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia attend the 2014 Nobel prize award ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall on December 10, 2014.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden attends the Nobel Prize Awards Ceremony at Concert Hall on December 10, 2014, in Stockholm. Princess Victoria is heir to the throne held by her father. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden attends the Nobel Prize Awards Ceremony at Concert Hall on December 10, 2014, in Stockholm. Princess Victoria is heir to the throne held by her father.

Key members of Thailand's royal family -- King Bhumibol Adulyadej (from left), Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Sirikit -- in 1999.Key members of Thailand's royal family -- King Bhumibol Adulyadej (from left), Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Sirikit -- in 1999.

In the Pacific Island nation of Tonga, Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, left, and his bride, Sinaitakala Tu'imatamoana 'i Fanakavakilangi Fakafanua, leave church after a wedding ceremony in Nuku'alofa on July 12, 2012. In the Pacific Island nation of Tonga, Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, left, and his bride, Sinaitakala Tu'imatamoana 'i Fanakavakilangi Fakafanua, leave church after a wedding ceremony in Nuku'alofa on July 12, 2012.








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(CNN) -- You can tell them apart by the color of their onesies, pink and blue.


Monaco's newborn royals, Princess Gabriella and Crown Prince Jacques Honore Rainier, posed for their first official photos with their parents, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene.


The photos were released Tuesday on the royal family's official Facebook account. They were taken at the Princess Grace Hospital, where the twins were born on December 10.





Monaco welcomes royal twins

"A beautiful Christmas gift to Monaco, friends of the Principality of Monaco and the royal family," said the post.


Royal twins born in Monaco


The twins are the first children born to Charlene Wittstock, the former South African Olympic swimmer who married Prince Albert II in 2011.


Even though Jacques was born two minutes after his sister, he will be next in line for the throne under Monaco law.


Prince Albert also has two children born out of wedlock in 1992 and 2003.