On assignment

A dog's best friend...

...seems to be its vaccinations right now.

As a "momma" to that bundle of chaos in the picture above, I can't tell you how heartbroken I am over the possibility of a second distemper outbreak at the Horry County Humane Society.  After hearing how many dogs lost their lives the first time around -- I can't imagine any more being put to sleep.

That's why this week, as you watch our coverage on the latest developments in this story, you ask yourself if your dog is up to date on its vaccinations. 

Sometimes you think that your dog will be ok without one or two of its yearly shots, but as one vet explained to us tonight, dogs are just like humans.  If their immune systems are not built up to fight viruses like distemper, it's only a matter of time when they'll be exposed to it and contract the illness.

Next time you adopt a puppy, buy one, or even take your pet to the vet, please make sure you ask if its up to date on its vaccinations.  Even if its a simple lyme disease shot... spending that extra cash to protect your pet against disease will be worth it in the long run.

Meghan Miller

My New Puppy!

Hi all,

You know those moms that sit at the bus stop on the first day of school and cry when their little one jumps on the bus? I never understood that...I mean weren't they excited to have the day free of kids?! Well, I should have had more sympathy! Last week, my boyfriend and i drove 5 hours to Staley, North Carolina to pick up my new German Shepherd puppy. We had a couple days off to hang out with him and play with him on the beach, but this week it was back to work. Now I feel so guilty leaving him...worried that he thinks I'm not coming home! Yesterday, fellow WMBF staffer Rebecca Ryan played with him all day so I felt a little better (thanks Becky!), but today the guilt is back! Better get some work done so I can get out on time! Here's some pictures of little Idaho!

 Kerri O'Hara |  kerriohara@wmbfnews.com

   

It's Paczki Day!

South Carolinians... I want to open your eyes to something that is a wonderful tradition where I come from: Paczki Day.  Now, you're probably saying "What's Paczki Day?"  Let me fill you in:

First, I'm sure you called it "Patch-Ski Day".  Actually, it's pronounced "Poonchki" or "Ponchki".   Paczki are deep fried pieces of dough filled with sweet jellies or cremes.  You're probably saying "Sounds like a jelly donut to me..."  Well, let me inform you these are no jelly donuts!  They are made from a much sweeter dough and usually include lard, eggs and Milk.  If you haven't figured it out yet, they are a Polish tradition.  I am not Polish, but the Paczki-Fat Tuesday tradition is celebrated from New York to Chicago.

It is not uncommon to see people lining up before the sun rises to get a fresh Paczki on Fat Tuesday, or even put in an order for their whole office or classroom.  The idea of the Paczki stems from the old days (at least what I'm told) when the women would clean out the cupboards of all the fattening ingredients... in order to prepare for Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season.

This blog originates from a personal experience.  One I had this morning, on WMBF News Today.  See, I told everyone to enjoy their Paczki on Fat Tuesday.  And in television, just like in comedy, you know when something you said falls flat.  The air is stiff, people (i.e. your co-workers...) are staring, waiting for you to say something that makes sense.  So, as fast as you can, you mumble something about weather and let the weather people take over.  But I couldn't help explaining myself later on, to let everyone know that I don't spew out Polish words for no reason.

There is a tradition out there you guys are missing out on.  If I had known I couldn't get a Paczki down here, I would have had an order sent down to us!  I guess there's always next year...

      Paula Caruso | pcaruso@wmbfnews.com

Community comes together in tough times

I had a pleasure to visit Sandy Island on Friday and was able to see the family of the vicitms in last week's boat tragedy near the island. A horrible story, and one that will weigh on the hearts and minds of those who live there for years to come. 

While I was on the island I did get a quick look at why this place is so special to those who live there. They are one big happy family. Everyone was so caring for the family bringing food and other items while they dealt with their mourning. 

But one of the things that I know as a native makes this area so unique is how everyone comes together. We had people from Conway, Pawleys Island and beyond on our boat with us. They had brought food, drinks and other items the family might need.  That is a sign of what this area is all about. Coming to gether when people need help.  That is why so many have called this area home all these years. And that is why many of us hope to always do. We have a wonderful community of caring people.

What's the Best Way to Spend St. Valentine's Day?

Why a Monster Truck Show, I tell ya!  And lucky for me, there just happened to be one in Florence on Saturday.

Actually, it was the Monster Truck Winter Nationals... complete with dirt bike, ATV and monster truck racing.  And of course, my favorite part, the crushing of cars by Monster Trucks!

I'm happy to report that my pick to win... Hot Tamale... did just that... WIN!  The grand finale left another truck upside down.  A standing ovation was in order for the driver... who crawled out and walked away.

If you're headed to Florence but Monster Trucks aren't in your plans... you should have dinner at Miyami Japanese Steakhouse.  Part of it is hibachi style, where a comedic chef prepares dinner for you on a grill at your table... Flying food and everything!  The service is great, the wait not too bad.

All in all... a Valentine's spent in Florence...quite a nice idea:)

Hope you all enjoyed yours!

Paula Caruso | pcaruso@wmbfnews.com

Good luck, Rob!

 We're gearing-up this morning for the big Myrtle Beach Marathon. Thousands of runners from across the country will be taking part this year. Among them will be our friend Rob Hatchell, WMBF News's chief meteorologist.

He's usually leaving the newsroom as I come in. And he's been telling me about how much he's been training --- even when it's cold and rainy.

So we wish Rob the best of luck --- along with all of the people who will be competing in the marathon either to prove something to themselves or to raise money for charity.

It's going to be quite an accomplishment for you all.

Matthew Nordin | mnordin@wmbfnews.com

Gas Prices Jump

There's a gas station on my way to work with a sign that always catches my attention. Lately, the price of regular has been pretty stable. But then the other morning --- wow. It had shot up about twenty cents to $1.91.

This is strange because we recently reported on WMBF News Today about how people are driving less and that's causing the demand for gasoline to fall.

But it turns out, according to CNBC, oil refineries are switching over to a different blend of fuel for our cars (different blend for different seasons) so the supply is actually tighter right now.

Whatever the reason, it caused me to head over to one of the discount wholesale stores after work to fill-up. Thankfully, they were still offering it somewhere in the $1.60's.

Score one for me.  :-}

 Matthew Nordin | mnordin@wmbfnews.com