A man is appealing for advice online after his parents demanded he take on a parental role for his younger sister following a kitchen fire in her college housing.
The 24-year-old man turned to Reddit, as user Magic_Window_8161, to describe a family row over independence, responsibility and expectations about adulthood.
The original poster (OP) works in IT support at the same university his 20-year-old sister, Cleo, attends. She moved three hours away from their parents’ home to live in a house share near campus.
He wrote that their folks asked him to keep close watch over her, fearing riskybehavior, but he resisted acting as a monitor. He checked in occasionally and encouraged their parents to speak to her directly.
Kitchen Fire
That changed after Cleo accidentally caused a kitchen fire while trying to launch a TikTok-based cookiebusiness. She fell asleep with cookies in the oven, leading to firefighters being called.
No one was hurt and the damage was covered by insurance and her deposit. The brother helped her contact the landlord and said the incident deeply upset her.
When their parents learned what happened, they insisted Cleo could no longer live independently and demanded she move in with her brother and his fiancée. The couple is expecting their first child and the OP said taking in his sister would add pressure and would not help her mature.
The argument escalated when his parents said it was his duty as an older sibling. He refused, writing that he would not, “parent my adult sister.”
Responses from fellow Reddit contributors were largely supportive amid 460 comments in eight days.
“She is not your responsibility,” reassured one on behalf of many.
“Yes, the thing with the cookies wasn’t good, but she’s hopefully learned her lesson. You are having a baby and that should be your focus. Not your sister.”
Another supporter called the OP a, “great brother for all you’ve already done to help her. Your parents seem to be helicopter parents and might be part of the reason she’s as irresponsible as she is.
“Adding another grown adult to a house expecting a child is not the answer. Allowing her to either flourish or flounder is the only way your sister will truly grow.”
Identifying Toxic Behavior
Experts who study adult sibling connections often point to the tension that can arise when roles blur later in life.
“Sibling relationships are some of the most important relationships you’ll have,” wrote Ilene Strauss Cohen, Ph.D., in a Psychology Today article about adulthood and family roles.
She noted that shared history and differing views of independence can fuel conflict when expectations are not aligned.
Guidance from mental health professionals also stresses limits when family behavior begins to overreach.
In a Newsweek report on handling difficult relatives, psychologist Chloe Carmichael described toxic behavior as coming from, “someone who clearly shows an extreme amount of disrespect or actual malice towards you, and someone whose level of disrespect and malice towards themselves causes them to disrupt the lives of everybody else around them.”
In this case, the brother wrote that he still cares deeply about Cleo and believes the fire served as a wake-up call rather than proof she cannot live on her own.
His parents remain fearful she will repeat the mistake, while he insists adulthood includes learning from errors without being taken over by family.
Newsweek has reached out to Magic_Window_8161 for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case.
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
Winter brings colder weather, shorter days, and more time spent indoors, all factors that can chip away at social routines. Even older adults who typically stay active and engaged may find it harder to connect during this season. Limited daylight, mobility challenges, and reduced transportation options can quickly lead to increased isolation.
Photo Courtesy of Seniors Helping Seniors Credit: Photo Courtesy of Seniors Helping Seniors
But staying socially connected in winter doesn’t require big plans. Small, intentional habits make a meaningful difference. With the support of a Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver, older adults can maintain those habits more easily, whether through companionship, help coordinating calls, or reliable transportation for outings.
Below are five simple ways seniors can stay connected when temperatures drop.
1. Schedule Recurring Calls with Loved Ones Instead of waiting for conversations to happen, put them on the calendar. Weekly phone or video calls, like a Monday morning “coffee chat” or Friday afternoon “catch-up call”, give seniors something predictable and positive to look forward to. Caregivers can assist by setting up devices, managing reminders, and ensuring calls go smoothly.
2. Join a Virtual Class or Group Winter is an ideal time to explore online activities from home. Virtual yoga, book clubs, faith-based discussions, crafting groups, or memory-friendly programs help seniors stay mentally active and socially engaged. A caregiver can help register, log in, adjust audio or video settings, and provide support during the session.
3. Start a Monthly Letter Exchange Handwritten letters create meaningful connections across generations. A simple routine — sending and receiving one letter each month, can strengthen relationships with grandchildren, siblings, or friends. Caregivers can help gather supplies, write or dictate messages, take photos to include, and handle mailing. This personal tradition becomes a warm, ongoing connection.
4. Plan Short “Social Errand” Trips Everyday errands offer easy opportunities for social interaction. A quick trip to the pharmacy, post office, or local store can lift a senior’s mood and break up routine. A Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver can provide transportation, assist with mobility or navigation, and ensure the outing feels relaxed and enjoyable.
5. Participate in Library Events or Educational Programs Local libraries often offer accessible, low-cost social activities such as lectures, craft circles, film discussions, or reading groups. A caregiver can check schedules, help register, provide transportation, and join the activity if the senior prefers extra support.
How Caregivers Add Warmth and Support All Winter Long Winter creates real barriers to connection — weather, safety concerns, reduced sunlight, and fewer community events. For many older adults, these changes increase feelings of loneliness. Seniors Helping Seniors® caregivers help maintain social connections by offering companionship, conversation, safe transportation, help with technology, and gentle encouragement to stay engaged.
Regular interaction is essential for emotional well-being, cognitive health, and overall quality of life. With the right support, even the quietest months of the year can feel meaningful, connected, and full of positive
If you’d like to learn how a caregiver can provide warmth and steady support this winter, we’re here to help. Contact us today. (404)793-0677 or (404)779-5517 or visit our website at SHSAtlantaSoutwest.com.
Related
[ad_2]
Sponsored Content Provided By Seniors Helping Seniors
A toddler from Mississippi has broken hearts across the internet for what he said during what would have been his brother’s third birthday.
In a clip on TikTok (@presleykloac), parents Presley and Wes Kloac sing “Happy Birthday” with their 4-year-old son, James Barrett “Bear,” in honor of their youngest, Bowen Rhodes—“Bo”—who passed away shortly after birth.
After they finish singing, Wes tells Bear to make a wish. “I wished that Bo would be down here forever,” Bear said.
Presley, 28, told Newsweek that it was a moment mixed with joy, sadness and grief. “We are so happy that Bear knows and loves and remembers his little brother…but it also causes great grief and sadness knowing that we aren’t able to bring him back,” she said. “There is such great sadness in seeing your child hurt and experiencing pain and knowing that there is nothing that you are able to do to fix it for them or make it better.”
Bowen was diagnosed in utero with bladder outlet obstruction—a rare, often fatal condition that blocks urination and leads to severe, irreversible organ damage.
Presley remembers her 20-week anatomy scan—a day that should have been filled with happiness and excitement for the parents—when the mood shifted.
“‘He looks like he needs to use the bathroom!’ our ultrasound tech said, giggling in a joking way but instantly, everything changed,” Presley said.
After another doctor confirmed Bo’s diagnosis, Presley and Wes were on their way to specialists in Jackson, four hours away from their home city in Saltillo.
Eventually, after six months of weekly “viability” checks for their baby’s heartbeat, the parents had to prepare for the possibility of losing him at any moment.
“Each visit we went in, I would hold my breath as he stuck the machine to my stomach, anticipating the worst news any parent could possibly get, wondering each time, would this be the day they tell me that my baby is gone?” Presley said.
But Bowen held on. Presley said she felt him move while teaching, tiny rolls and kicks that became bittersweet reminders of milestones she knew she’d never witness.
Against all odds, he made it to delivery day. And then he stunned doctors a second time—surviving not minutes, but two full hours in his parents’ arms.
“We told him that it was OK to let go and that we didn’t want him to be in pain or suffering,” Presley said. “We wanted him to know that we would miss him each and every day of our lives, but that we would be OK until we saw him again in heaven.”
The fact that Bowen lived is what makes the Kloac family’s yearly ritual so special. Presley explained that singing “Happy Birthday” isn’t about marking his death, but acknowledging his birth.
Navigating grief has required the kind of teamwork that ebbs and flows with each parent’s strength. Some seasons, Presley said, Wes carries more of the emotional load; in others, she steps in when he can’t.
“We have had to take turns carrying the weight and being a pillar of strength for each other,” Presley said. “But always both being there for our oldest and staying strong as a united front for him.”
Presley’s clip has gone viral on TikTok, amassing 2.7 million views. Users in the comments were heartbroken by little Bear’s wish.
“This brought tears to my eyes. Thinking of y’all today,” one user wrote, while another said, “The look between mom and dad. So much love, so much sorrow in a simple glance.”
Many others shared photos of loved ones who said were with Bowen in heaven too.
Now on what would have been Bowen’s third birthday, Presley said their grief is softer around the edges but never gone. She still catches herself looking at her nieces—born just after Bowen—and thinking, he should be toddling around like them.
“We also think of Bowen a lot when on vacations or family events or holidays,” Presley added. “How technically we are a family of four, when only three of us are here and in pictures.”
“We take comfort in knowing that our sweet baby boy is…no longer suffering,” Presley said. “We also take comfort in knowing that he was met by our friends and families that have passed and that they are with him as well.
“My family and I also hope to continue to be an inspiration to other families who have experienced something similar and be able to support them through their trials, knowing we have been there.”
The best of friends. Frenemies at best. Our relationships with siblings are some of the most complicated we’ll ever have. Stuck With You is a HuffPost series that explores the nuances of sibling relationships.
Technically, if you share only one parent, you’re half siblings. But many siblings who fit the bill find the phrase insulting. They don’t use it in their families, but other people ― those who can’t seem to comprehend that family is much more than 100% shared biology ― bring up the distinction often.
“I remember learning about the term in school and going home and asking my mom if my sister and I were half siblings, and she was not pleased,” said Carla Zulli, the editor and founder of an online magazine who lives in Manchester, England. “She told us that we were not halves as we were both birthed by her.”
Now a parent herself who has children with different dads, Zulli stands by the idea that if you have the same mom or dad, you’re siblings. Period.
“My three kids are simply my children and each other’s’ siblings,” the mom said.
“They have very distinct personalities, and I love it; it makes their sibling dynamic very interesting,” she said. “The boys are super close, my oldest and youngest are always bickering, but my daughter and older son are extremely close.”
But Zulli said one thing is clear: “Do not try to mess with any of them because the other two will not stand for it.”
“Half but wholly sibling” experiences like this are incredibly common. According to a 2020 census report, 1 in 6 children younger than 18 lives with a half sibling. It’s more common for children living with a single mom to have at least one half sibling present (32.5%), the researchers found. Only 7.6% of children living with a single dad had at least one half sibling. Among children living with two parents, 12.8% had one half sibling or more living with them.
Halfpoint Images via Getty Images
“Generally, what determines how close half siblings are going to be is proximity,” said Geoffrey Greif, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and co-author of “Adult Sibling Relationships.”
While half siblings and blended families are common now in the U.S., most academic research on family dynamics still tends to focus on siblings of the “full” variety, according to Geoffrey Greif, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and co-author of “Adult Sibling Relationships.”
“Half siblings have been the stepchild ― joke intended ― of sibs research because they are a more complicated topic to pursue in an already complicated topic,” he told HuffPost.
When you’re studying siblings, you have to account for gender, birth order, number of siblings and age gap, he said. When you add half siblings to the mix, it gets all the more complicated.
“You may have folks who live together, who have never lived together, people who just met each other or are born years apart,” Greif said. “It’s a complex picture, sometimes with few commonalities.”
Indeed, it’s true that for some half siblings, the “half” part of the equation is very much felt; maybe their divorced parents didn’t encourage integrated lives, or the siblings didn’t know the other existed until much later in life.
“Generally, what determines how close half siblings are going to be is proximity,” Greif said.
Michael E. Woolley, also a professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and co-author of “Adult Sibling Relationships,” thinks that there’s something special about how bonds between half siblings are forged.
He told HuffPost the kind of relationships that develop over time with half siblings has more to do with who they develop to be as individuals rather than what their parents want, how long it took for them to meet or even whether they shared a bedroom growing up.
“Full siblings who live together all through their childhood can have conflictual relationships and conflict that lasts into adulthood,” he said. “Half siblings can form strong bonds that last a lifetime whether they live together growing up or just see each other during ‘visits,’ such as holidays and summer.”
When half siblings choose to see each other as “full” family, it’s a true buy-in, a show of love and real kinship beyond anything the same two parents could encourage.
Woolley knows this firsthand: “I have two full siblings and three half siblings, and I am closest to one of my half brothers, who is much younger than I am.”
Both he and Greif hope there’s more research on this type of sibling dynamic. Until then, though, we decided to ask people who are technically “half” siblings what it was like growing up and how they feel about the divisive term.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
‘It never even crossed my mind that my littlest sisters were anything less or other than siblings.’
Josh’s family in 1999. From left, Leah, Ali, Josh, Jessie, Nick and Kacie.
“I’m the oldest brother of six. The two youngest are my half sisters, Kacie and Ali. I’m in my late 40s and they are in their late 30s, and they still call once in a while to lean on their big brother for support. It seems weird to refer to them that way, but they do have a different dad. It never even crossed my mind that my littlest sisters, or, as we used to call them, ‘the little girls,’ were anything less or other than siblings.
“We grew up in the Pacific Northwest in the Cascades east of Tacoma in a little town called Bonney Lake. We played in the woods a lot and ate berries, and we walked to the store for candy together, we made forts and played war. We are still strong as a group and rely on each other. I was 24 when our mother died of cancer, and my littlest sisters were 13 and 14. They lived with our aunt and uncle until they moved out on their own. I had moved away after our mother passed, but I’d come pick them up and have them stay with me for spring break and Christmas break and summer. We all grew up as Jehovah’s Witnesses. I got out of that religion as soon as I turned 18, but both of the little girls are still practicing. That difference alone should be a huge gap in our status as siblings, but it isn’t.
“No job title on earth compares to the simultaneous cruelty, honesty and protectiveness as the title of ‘big brother.’ They call on me because they know they will receive the truth and as honest guidance as they can find anywhere. They know that I know their full potential and that I don’t even question their ability to live up to it. I even express a brotherhood between myself and their husbands. They include me and I include them as though we had known each other our whole lives. I’ve seen how safe and sound my little sisters are with them. That makes them brothers.
“I know how lucky I am to have spent my childhood playing in the woods and eating berries with my siblings. That’s where I was able to watch them and see for myself how powerful and amazing they are.” ― Josh, 49, who lives in Pendleton, Oregon
‘I never considered her anything other than my sister.’
Courtesy of Da’Janea Holmes
Da’Janea Holmes (front) and her older sister.
“I have three siblings on my father’s side that I am aware of, and with my mother, just one who I consider my sister. I am the youngest out of the two of us. We grew up in the same household. My mother had her when she was a senior in high school, and I came seven years after that.
“My older sister is seven years older than me; she was born premature and was smaller than most small children at that age. Our mother would dress us alike, and people would think that we were twins by the time I was 3 years old. While we were similar in build for a good part of our lives, there was a huge age gap between us.
“We are very different people personality-wise, and I feel like she wanted to distance herself from being associated with me. In turn that created an even larger gap in our relationship. I oftentimes felt left out when she would go do things with her father. When I was 10 years old, she graduated from high school and moved away, so I spent the rest of my formative years alone. For a major chunk of my life, I felt like an only child.
“I do remember being in the third grade and a kid on the bus tried to explain to me how my sister wasn’t really my sister because we had different dads. But because we both lived with my mother full time, I never considered her anything other than my sister. We definitely grew apart as we got older, because we were physically apart once she became an adult. I am now 23, and this is the first time it feels like we are actually building a relationship outside of being siblings. I know a lot of kids that come from same-parent households, they didn’t get along half as well as my sister and I do. I love my sister, and I wouldn’t change anything about her.” ― Da’Janea Holmes, 23, who lives in Dallas
‘Our sister is our sister. Full stop, and woe to the person who claims otherwise.’
Robert, his brother Chris and his sister Sabrina.
“I have two siblings, both younger. I am the oldest. My brother, Chris, is fully biologically related. Sabrina, our sister, is our sister. Full stop, and woe to the person who claims otherwise. I’m absolutely the protector of us kids. We grew up in an Air Force family. There was a very, very tumultuous time of the divorce and subsequent remarriage.
“Today, Sabrina’s own family is quite similar to ours growing up, in terms of makeup: She has two kids with her first husband and two more with her current husband.
“She is remarried to an absolute gem of a man, but the first husband is a total piece of work. He slapped my sister once. I was there in under 10 minutes after I was told. The way I see it, she is my sister, those are my nieces and nephews, and I would kick in the gates of hell for them.
“As far as viewing her as a half sibling? Not a chance. My brother, Chris, or I would come in like a one-man army if she was in danger.” ― Robert, 44
‘My sister didn’t even flinch at the idea of raising me.’
“I have three siblings. One brother that is fully related, and the other two, a boy and a girl, are my half siblings. I consider them all siblings because we all share the same mom. My mom made sure we didn’t see each other as anything less than full siblings, as it shouldn’t matter.
“My older brother and I grew up together until I was 13. When my sister was 27, she adopted me. My parents gave her parental rights when they found out I’m gay. My sister didn’t even flinch at the idea of raising me. I’d be nothing without her in my life. It was weird growing up in my teen years with her as my guardian. It was like I had a mom and a sister, which made fights really weird. But as I grew up, our relationship only grew stronger. Given our age difference, though, people often think she’s my mom. I don’t really bother correcting them. What’s the point in that? She has a daughter now that’s 3, and even though she’s my niece, it’s like she’s my sister in a way. It’s odd, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“To show how close my sister and I are, here’s a story: I was fired from a job once. My mental health was just in the garbage and on fire. My sister pulled out all the stops to help me: Lending me money for rent, calling or texting every day, just making sure I felt loved. My ‘half’ sister loves me more than my real parents ever did.
“I’m not surprised that people think of half siblings as nothing more than a sort of ‘guest’ in the family. But I roll my eyes at that. My ‘half’ sister is amazing.” ― David, who lives outside of Boston
The best of friends. Frenemies at best. Our relationships with siblings are some of the most complicated we’ll ever have. Stuck With You is a HuffPost series that explores the nuances of sibling relationships.
Your birth order can shape your childhood in ways that follow you into adulthood. While not every oldest child grows up the same way, there are certain similarities in terms of personality and life experience that you tend to see among firstborns.
A large 2015 study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that “the importance that is generally attached to sibling position in shaping one’s character is exaggerated,” according to Scientific American. However, anecdotally speaking, firstborns are thought to be independent individuals, perfectionists and high-achievers who sometimes struggle with parentification and may have trouble asking for help when they need it.
We asked HuffPost readers to share some of the truths of being the oldest sibling that stand out in their minds. Read on to see what they had to say.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Your parents relied on you — sometimes too much — to help take care of younger siblings and other household duties.
“The oldest is held to a higher standard. Parents just want you to ‘grow up,’ so your childhood is shorter. I was expected to be the best all the time, so there was a lot of criticism. I was also given more chores and responsibilities at an earlier age than my sibs, even as they got older. As the unpaid babysitter for my two younger brothers, I missed out on opportunities to socialize with my peers.” — Becky
As an adult, you are often in charge of caring for your aging parents.
“I am more responsible for parental caregiving than my three siblings.” — Melissa K.
You’re responsible and independent as a result of your upbringing.
“Having everything thrust upon me as the oldest child made me fierce. Most people compliment me and say they have never met anyone like me. I laugh it off and say it’s firstborn syndrome. Our parents expected the most from us and it forced us to be reliable, responsible and independent. A lot of firstborns I know are go-getters, as am I. I am supportive of my siblings like a parent and a sister. I will get on them where my mother won’t, yet I am their biggest cheerleader. The dynamics of the firstborn are amazing and if the firstborn is a girl, sky’s the limit!” — Samaya B.
Your parents were a lot harder on you.
“I’m the oldest of three. Parents were much stricter with me. My youngest sibling could’ve set the house on fire some days and my parents wouldn’t have blinked. But I was terrified to bring home a C [grade].” — Olivia H.
“I had chores and curfews and expectations, and my younger two siblings had a free-for-all. My parents were better off financially when they were raising the younger two and I think that somehow relaxed them? They had more time, more money — and that lessened their anxiety maybe?
No curfews or ‘groundings’ for the younger siblings because they had access financially to do things that us older sisters did not. Maybe it was easier to say that I couldn’t go because I didn’t get my chores done in time than it was for my mother to say that we couldn’t afford for me to go bowling or to the movies that weekend. Or maybe the younger siblings had more freedom because my mom was tired. I don’t know. These are the things I tell myself though.” — Jessica S.
Ramiro Olaciregui via Getty Images
Firstborns share the pros and cons of their birth order.
Sometimes it feels like you had a completely different upbringing than your siblings.
“It was like I had different parents than my brother and sister did. My parents were much freer and happier around them, and complete anxiety and rigidity with me. In fairness, we grew up in a trauma household because our father is a Vietnam vet with PTSD so it was tough on me because I spoke up for myself. The other two just kept their mouths shut to keep the peace. That said, the resilience and independence I have are huge assets to me as an adult so I’m grateful now.” — Christine D.
You got a lot of attention from your parents and relatives, at least early on.
“You were the most doted on by the whole family until the next child or grandchild came along.” — Ash L.
“I am sure I received more one-on-one attention up until the age of three than my brother did when he came along. There’s nobody to blame of course, but when you have two children, you obviously have to split your time. Attention was also a con as I grew up because there are standards I was held to that my younger brother was not.” — Gini H.
You were the ‘first-draft’ kid.
“You are basically the experiment, so you get all the big reactions and punishments, then watch them handle things differently with your siblings.” — Melanie H.
“Oldest of four. All of the younger sibs are overachievers. I was the wonky pancake. You know when you make pancakes, and you’re trying to get the heat and the pour right and the first one is always…wonky. Not bad, just not right. The one for all the mistakes and test runs and the learning curve for the parents. Add in being a completely undiagnosed neurodivergent girl in the late 70s and 80s — forget it. Still the wonky pancake, just on my own terms at 51.” — Tara W.
As a kid, you were told you were wise beyond your years.
“I’m the oldest of three girls to a single mum. I can take on too much, feel guilt if I don’t step up enough and am super responsible and reliable. My mum always said I was an old soul.” — Deb F.
“Being the oldest meant maturing earlier than you think you should be, learning things that most people learn later on in life and feeling the need to be rational and wise beyond your age. Always feeling the need to fit in with the older crowd.” — Chloe L.
You got to witness your younger siblings grow up.
“A pro is getting to watch your siblings grow up and vividly remembering all those special moments. Also learning responsibility, empathy and creativity while helping watch and raise the younger kids. A con: Feeling responsible for much more than a kid should be. Feeling responsible for younger children’s mistakes (because I didn’t teach them, watch them, correct them well enough). This carries into adulthood as well.” — Lindsey T.
Or, if there was a large age gap, you may feel like you missed out on their childhood.
“There is a 9-year age gap between my younger sister and me. We get along great, but we definitely both see the world differently from one another. I definitely feel like I missed out on my younger two siblings growing up. I was a young adult establishing myself in the workforce while also trying to attend college. Sometimes, visiting around the holidays felt awkward because I didn’t seem to know my little brother and little sister completely.” — Elizabeth S.
You pine for an older brother or sister yourself.
“It’s lonely at the top. I always wished I had a sibling to look up to.” — Kim T.
You’re a people pleaser.
“As the oldest child, my parents’ grip was tightest on me. There was no space to become my own person when everything I did was to earn their approval. My siblings had more freedom to rebel and make mistakes and grow from them. They’re better for it, and I’m still an anxious people-pleaser. I know my parents did their best with what they knew at the time, but sometimes it’s hard to be the first-draft kid.” — Lizz A.
You felt a lot of pressure to impress your parents and set a good example for your siblings.
“I’m the oldest of four and the only girl. I took to the pressure well — at least, I can say that now — but my siblings struggled living up to my parents’ expectations based on me as the example. According to my brothers, my parents put me on a pedestal. I could do no wrong. They suffered as a result.” — Sindie K.
“Being the oldest child, I always felt pressure — mostly internalized — to set a good example for my siblings.” — Jessica I.
Since the inaugural season in 2021, Austin FC and Austin Pets Alive! have partnered up to showcase eligible dogs as honorary Austin FC mascots at each regular-season home match.
The first-of-its-kind partnership features APA! dogs through social media outreach and in-venue activations during each match at Q2 Stadium, all in support of Austin’s status as the country’s largest “no-kill” city and the promotion of APA!’s rescue, adoption, foster, and volunteerism efforts through this unique community platform. Last year, all 18 of the honorary mascots were adopted into loving homes, and many more will be adopted this year!
Quinn – ADOPTED
Quinn and his siblings came to Austin Pets Alive! when they were just three months old. They had been in the care of another Texas shelter, where Quinn tested positive for parvovirus. Quinn and his siblings were transported to Austin Pets Alive! because their first shelter did not treat puppies with parvovirus. National statistics show a 90% death rate for parvo positive puppies, if left untreated. Fortunately, Quinn and his siblings were treated in our Parvo Puppy ICU. Quinn was quickly adopted and lived in a home for about five years but was returned last month to the nonprofit animal shelter because his owner was moving. We are happy to report that following Quinn’s appearance as an Honorary Mascot, he was adopted!
Introducing the Honorary Mascot of the Match: Jennifer! Jennifer is a senior lady (8.5 years old) who loves people. As much as she enjoys taking walks and playing in the yard, she also enjoys snuggling up on the couch. Her former foster calls her a ‘marshmallow’ and she is a staff favorite at APA!.Jennifer came to APA! from Austin Animal Center back in 2017. She prefers people to other pets and would like to be the only pet in your home.
Dos – FOSTER TO ADOPT HOME
Dos is a mixed breed pup, but his foster is pretty sure he’s at least 50% North American Snugglehound. “He is the snuggliest boy ever. He’s loyal to his friends and never wants to let them out of his sight,” says his foster. He loves to cozy up next to you with his head on your lap or doze on your feet. If you’re not quite ready to get up when the alarm goes off in the morning, Dos is happy to keep you company for some extra cuddles. Dos knows his basic commands and enjoys training because it means treats! He’s smart and playful. walks nicely on a leash (no barking or chasing squirrels!), and is fully house-trained. He is currently in a foster home.
Batty – ADOPTED
Batty was named for his bat-like ears. This perfect pup was abandoned and hit by a car in a parking lot in Houston. Three shelters said they would euthanize him so the person who found him raised funds so Batty could have surgery on his pelvis. He was taken to Austin Pets Alive! to meet his future adopter. We are happy to share that Batty has been adopted!
Mindy was hit by a car when she was brought into Austin Animal Center. The municipal shelter asked us if we could help Mindy and she now has a team of friends who help her with her wheelchair and take her to playgroup! Mindy is a 3 1/2 year old labrador retriever. She is ready to meet her adopter and people can apply to adopt her here.
Apollo, Atlas, Hoku, Nyx and Supernova – ADOPTED
These seven week old siblings are the perfect Austin FC Honorary Mascots! Their good looks are only matched by their superstar personalities. Apollo, Atlas, Hoku, Nyx and Supernova have all found their new homes!
Ikea – FOSTER TO ADOPT HOME
Austin FC and presenting sponsor StoryBuilt introduce the one thing every home needs: Ikea! This pocket pittie is two and a half years old and loves people. She is looking for someone to adopt her from Austin Pets Alive!…could that be you? This best part about this Ikea…no assembly required! You can apply now to take her home tomorrow: austinpetsalive.org.
This sunny pit bull mix dog is 3 1/2 years old and was found by an animal protection officer. Austin Pets Alive!’s lifesaving clinic has taken great care of her and now Solterra is ready to be adopted! If you are looking for a snuggly pup, this could be the dog for you! You can find out how to adopt Solterra at austinpetsalive.org.
Margie came to APA! pregnant and was a great mom to her puppies. This girl is so smart and curious and affectionate. She’s ready for a foster or adopter to take her home and show her the good life. Interested in fostering or adopting Margie? Apply here.
May – ADOPTED
May is thrilled to be selected as the Austin FC Honorary Mascot. Another Texas shelter did not have room for May and her siblings, so Austin Pets Alive! took them in and they have been cared for in a foster home. May was adopted after the Austin FC match and she’s hoping everyone who met her at the Q2 Stadium will consider adopting, fostering volunteering or donating to their local animal shelter!
Tonight at the Q2 Stadium, Austin FC, StoryBuilt and Austin Pets Alive! introduce four adoptable puppies sharing names with some of the most iconic characters from the Apple TV show, Ted Lasso! Here, tonight, we introduce eight week old shepherd mix puppies: Ted Lasso, Rebecca Welton, Roy Kent and Jamie Tartt This litter of puppies was born in the shelter’s care and just like the famous characters, they are resilient and WE BELIEVE they will be the perfect pets in the homes of the Austin FC fans! If you would like to adopt one of these puppies from the nonprofit animal shelter, go to their website, austinpetsalive.org.
DOHA, Qatar — Joy for the Williams family of Spain on Wednesday at the World Cup. Then despair for the same Williams family, who are also of Ghana, on Thursday.
Williams brothers Iñaki and Nico have managed to mark both sides of their family’s heritage in the most incredible way at this World Cup in Qatar by playing for two different countries. They were both born in Spain but their parents are from Ghana.
Nico was part of the Spain team that beat Costa Rica 7-0 on Wednesday in the tournament’s most compelling performance so far. He came on as a second-half substitute to make his World Cup debut in Spain’s record win at the tournament.
A day later, big brother Iñaki played his first World Cup game for Ghana, a 3-2 loss to Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.
That meant a complicated 24 hours in the family home back in Spain with celebrations for 20-year-old Nico no doubt swiftly followed by commiserations for 28-year-old Iñaki. The same for the two brothers, who Ghana coach Otto Addo said both feel as Spanish as they do Ghanaian.
“I know that they both have a good strong relationship with their mother and their fatherland,” was how Addo put it.
Because of his love for his parents’ country, Iñaki’s integration into the Ghana team has been very easy, Addo added, even if he was born in Bilbao in raised in the Basque region.
Iñaki, a forward just like Nico, played the whole game for Ghana against Portugal and stood in the center circle at the end of the game looking bitterly disappointed with the loss.
“Maybe for some it’s difficult to understand but I think it’s really possible to have two countries in your heart,” Addo said of Iñaki. “And surely he has Ghana in his heart from day one. But also Spain.”
The story behind the situation is inspiring, and it involves their parents’ decision to leave Ghana nearly 30 years ago to find a better life in Europe.
Never could Felix and Maria Williams have thought they would end up with two sons playing at the World Cup when they trekked barefoot through parts of a desert and climbed a fence to get into Spain in the early 1990s. Maria was pregnant with Iñaki at the time.
They settled in Bilbao and both boys grew up to be soccer players. They still play club soccer together for hometown team Athletic Bilbao.
The brothers careers have always been connected, even after Iñaki decided this year to switch allegiance to Ghana and go back his roots. Them playing for two different countries in the space of 24 hours was, incredibly, not the first time it has happened.
Iñaki made his debut for Ghana on Sept. 23 this year against Brazil, featuring first this time. Nico made his first appearance for Spain against Switzerland a day later.
———
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports
NEW YORK (AP) — The day after 34-year-old singer Aaron Carter was found dead at his home in Southern California, Nick Carter, the Backstreet Boys member, remembered his younger brother, saying that despite “a complicated relationship,” his love for him “never ever faded.”
In a posting Sunday on Instagram with photos of the two through the years, Nick Carter said his heart was broken after the death of the youngest of five Carter siblings, whom he called his “baby brother.”
“My heart has been broken today,” wrote Carter. “Even though my brother and I have had a complicated relationship, my love for him has never ever faded. I have always held onto the hope that he would somehow, someday want to walk a healthy path and eventually find the help that he so desperately needed.”
Deputies responded around 11 a.m. Saturday following reports of a medical emergency at Carter’s home in Lancaster, California. Authorities said a house sitter found a man in the bathtub in the home and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
Carter had struggled with substance abuse and mental health. In 2017, he attended rehab and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and marijuana charges. In 2019, Carter said on an episode of the talk show “The Doctors” that he was taking medication for acute anxiety, manic depression and multiple personality disorder. That same year, Nick and Angel, Aaron’s twin sister, said they filed a restraining order against Aaron.
In September, Carter said he went into rehab for the fifth time in the hopes of regaining custody of his young son, Prince, with his fiancé Melanie Martin. At the time, Prince was under the court-ordered care of Martin’s mother.
“Sometimes we want to blame someone or something for a loss. But the truth is that addiction and mental illness is the real villain here,” Nick Carter wrote in the post. “I will miss my brother more than anyone will ever know. I love you Chizz, now you get a chance to finally have some peace you could never find here on earth. God, Please take care of my baby brother.”
In 2012, their sister, Leslie Carter, died after falling in the shower in 2012 at the age of 25. Authorities said she had suffered an overdose from prescription medication. Carter once said he felt his family partly blamed him for her death.
Carter, a singer, rapper and actor, opened for the Backstreet Boys tour in 1997, the same year his gold-selling debut self-titled album was released. He reached triple-platinum status with his sophomore album, 2000′s “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It),” which produced hit singles including the title song and “I Want Candy.”
Carter’s acting credits included the television show “Lizzie McGuire” and an appearance on “Dancing With the Stars.” He starred alongside his brother, Nick, and their siblings B.J., Leslie and Angel Carter on the E! unscripted series “House of Carters” in 2006.
Hilary Duff, who starred in “Lizzie McGuire,” recalled Carter as having an “effervescent” charm, and said her “teenage self” loved him deeply. “I’m deeply sorry that life was so hard for you and that you had to struggle in-front of the whole world,” she wrote on Instagram.
Angel Carter, his twin sister, also responded on social media. “My funny, sweet Aaron, I have so many memories of you and I, and I promise to cherish them,” she wrote on Instagram. “I know you’re at peace now. I will carry you with me until the day I die and get to see you again.”
CYPRESS, Texas — A teenager who told Texas police that he and his twin sister were handcuffed and endured horrific abuse escaped their family’s home after he found a handcuff key and hid it in his mouth, authorities said in court records.
The twins, barefoot and holding handcuffs, were seen on doorbell video as they sought help in a Cypress neighborhood, just outside Houston. The video, obtained by Houston TV station KHOU, showed the teens walking door-to-door about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday as they sought help.
The boy was shirtless and the girl was wearing only a plastic grocery bag around her neck as a shirt, according to an affidavit.
Their mother, Zaikiya Duncan, 40, was arrested hours later in Louisiana after police issued a missing children alert for five other children. All seven children, including the twins, are now in Child Protective Service custody, authorities said.
The 15-year-old twins were severely malnourished and told police that abuse had been occurring for months, the affidavit said. They told police that Duncan handcuffed them, forced them to drink bleach and other household cleaners and also sprayed oven cleaner in their mouths “if they talked too much,” the affidavit said.
The twins also told authorities that they were forced to eat and drink feces and urine, according to the affidavit.
Duncan is jailed in Baton Rouge and awaits extradition on charges of aggravated assault. Her live-in boyfriend, 27-year-old Jova Terrell, also faces an assault charge. It wasn’t known whether either had an attorney and they are expected to be extradited to Texas within 30 days, Houston TV station KPRC reported.
