Top California officials misled a federal judge about policies that hide students’ so-called “gender transitions” from parents at schools, bombshell documents uncovered by a legal firm appear to show. On Monday, California officials will appear before U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez for a show cause hearing to provide evidence on why they shouldn’t be sanctioned for attempting to mislead the court about state policies that would prohibit parents from being informed about their children’s supposed “gender identity.” The hearing is the latest saga in a multi-year challenge to school policies adopted in California that teachers say would force them to lie to parents about students suffering from gender dysphoria.  “We now have irrefutable evidence that the [California Department of Education] covertly moved these unconstitutional gender secrecy directives inside a password-protected training hidden away from public view, and distributed them to school districts statewide,” said Paul Jonna, a lawyer with the Thomas More Society. Jonna is representing two teachers, Elizabeth Mirabelli and Lori West, who sued the Escondido Union School District in 2023 over a policy that kept parents in the dark about their children’s so-called gender identity.  The California Department of Education has argued that it should not be a party to the case because it claims not to have mandated parental exclusion. They claim that a frequently-asked-questions page posted by the department has been edited to show that they do not mandate parental exclusion, and so there is no more cause for complaint. The FAQ page included a line that said “with rare exceptions, schools are required to respect the limitations that a student places on the disclosure of their transgender status, including not sharing that information with the student’s parents.” While that guidance was deleted, policies that kept parents in the dark about their children were still promoted in state-wide teacher trainings. Lawyers for the Thomas More Society obtained training materials developed by the state that appear to prove just that. The materials were found in California’s PRISM framework, which describes itself as “a six-course online training for certificated educators that provides resources to support LGBTQ+ youth.” Currently, the materials are unavailable on the state’s website, but the Thomas More Society included them in a court filing. They can be viewed on a video uploaded to YouTube.  Inside those materials is a section on “School Legal Responsibilities,” which it says includes mandates for “inclusive policies, respect for gender identity, anti-discrimination protections, and privacy rights.” It recommends and links to guidelines from the Our Family Coalition that say parents should be kept in the dark if they are not supportive. “School staff must respect students’ right to privacy and may not affirmatively disclose a student’s LGBTQ status to others without the student’s permission,” the guidance from the San Francisco-based LGBT organization says. “Students have a right to privacy in personal information about their sexual orientation and gender identity, and outing students both at school or at home violates this right and also risks exposing students to harassment. If a student is not out at home, schools should offer them support for working towards family acceptance.” Our Family Coalition. The official teacher training also links to recommendations from the ACLU of Southern California that outline similar standards.  “Generally, school staff cannot share information about your gender identity and sexual orientation without your permission, except under very limited circumstances, such as in case of an emergency,” the guidance says, adding that only in “limited circumstances” can school staff tell parents about their child’s gender identity.  The PRISM training also linked to policies from the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network that stated, “School staff shall not disclose any information that may reveal a student’s transgender status to others, including parents or guardians.” Jonna said the evidence that California officials attempted to mislead Benitez is damning.  “The State claimed in court that it had rescinded the gender secrecy directives we are challenging,” he said. “But we now have evidence of a coordinated, statewide campaign to enforce Parental Exclusion Policies. The State Defendants are attempting to knowingly mislead a Federal Court in order to evade judicial review and prejudice Plaintiffs and the Certified Class. This is one of the most egregious attempts I’ve seen—if not the most—to mislead a Court, and it warrants severe sanctions.” Benitez will also consider the constitutionality of “parental exclusion policies” on Monday. He has certified the case as a class action lawsuit, meaning that it will apply to any parent or teacher who objects to California’s policies. Those policies were put forth in California Assembly Bill 1955, which was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, and appears to require teachers to hide their students’ “gender identity” from parents.  Benitez, an appointee of George W. Bush, already granted an injunction to Mirabelli and West back in 2023, protecting them from having to abide by the policy.  Defendants in the case include Newsom, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and gubernatorial candidate and California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. Bonta sued the Chino Valley Unified School District in August 2023 over a policy it implemented protecting parental rights to know how their children are identifying.  Greg Burt, the vice president of the California Family Council, said that it appeared that the state was “scrambling” to hide its policies and that it looked like parents in the Golden State were going to pick up a win. “We are very excited these two teachers, down in the San Diego area, stood up to the state and instead of just following what they were saying about keeping secrets they said they couldn’t do that,” he told The Daily Wire. “Their decision to be brave is going to have a positive, hopefully a positive effect on the entire state.”

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A new tranche of records relating to the 1937 disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart was released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) on Friday. The new documents include 4,624 pages related to Amelia Earhart, including filings from the U.S. Navy recording the search for Earhart, documents detailing preparations for Earhart’s […]

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Professional grooming costs can reach $100 per session, but safety scissors dog grooming at home offers a budget-friendly alternative. Many pet owners feel intimidated by the prospect of trimming their dog’s fur themselves. We at DogingtonPost believe that with the right tools and techniques, you can safely groom your dog at home. The key lies in using proper safety scissors and following proven methods that protect both you and your pet. Which Safety Scissors Do You Actually Need Blunt-Tip Scissors Protect Sensitive Areas Blunt-tip scissors represent the gold standard for trimming sensitive areas around your dog’s eyes, ears, and nose. These scissors feature rounded ends that prevent accidental punctures, which makes them indispensable for facial grooming. The American Pet Products Association provides leading research on pet industry statistics, yet most pet owners use regular household scissors that pose significant injury risks. Professional groomers consistently choose 4-6 inch blunt-tip scissors for precision work, as longer blades reduce control in tight spaces. Curved Scissors Shape Your Dog’s Natural Lines Curved scissors excel at creating smooth, rounded cuts that follow your dog’s body contours. These specialized tools work best for trimming around paws, shaping leg hair, and creating natural-looking curves on the chest and hindquarters. Professional-grade curved scissors with 6-inch blades provide optimal control for most breeds under 50 pounds. The curve direction matters significantly – right-handed groomers should choose right-curved scissors, while left-handed users need left-curved options for proper cutting angles. Thinning Shears Prevent Harsh Lines Thinning shears have teeth on both edges and are the best choice for bulk thinning dogs coats and removing hair close to the skin. These scissors remove approximately 40% of hair with each cut, which makes them perfect for reducing bulk in thick coats and softening harsh scissor lines. Quality thinning shears cost $50-80 but last years with proper maintenance (when you clean and oil them regularly). Use them sparingly on double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, as over-thinning can damage the undercoat’s insulating properties. Sharp thinning shears prevent hair pulling, which causes discomfort and makes dogs resist future grooming sessions. Once you select the right scissors for your dog’s specific needs, the next step involves preparing your pet for a stress-free grooming experience. How Do You Set Up Your Dog for Safe Grooming Create a Stable Work Surface With Proper Lighting Set up your station on a sturdy table with a non-slip mat to prevent your dog from sliding during the session. Professional groomers use tables 30-36 inches high to reduce back strain and maintain better control over the scissors. Position your workspace near a window or use bright LED lighting with at least 1,000 lumens to see hair growth patterns clearly. The Journal of Veterinary Behavior research shows that dogs experience 40% less stress when you groom them in familiar environments rather than new locations. Keep treats within arm’s reach and place scissors in a shallow container to prevent accidental drops that could startle your pet. Apply Gentle Control Methods That Work Hold your dog’s paw firmly but gently with your non-dominant hand while you trim, never grip tightly around the neck or muzzle. For anxious dogs, wrap them loosely in a towel with only the area you plan to trim exposed – this technique reduces movement as a less restrictive alternative to full-body restraint by providing control of the head. Start sessions when your dog is naturally tired (such as after a walk or play session). Dogs under 25 pounds can be held securely on your lap for facial trimming, while larger breeds should remain standing on the surface. Complete Pre-Trimming Preparation Steps Always brush your dog thoroughly before you pick up scissors, as matted hair can pull painfully and cause sudden movements that lead to cuts. Check for skin irritations, cuts, or unusual lumps during this inspection – note any abnormalities and avoid them during trimming. This preparation phase sets the foundation for the actual scissor techniques that will transform your dog’s appearance safely and effectively. How Do You Execute Each Cut Safely Master the Eye Area With Micro-Movements Hold blunt-tip scissors parallel to your dog’s face, never point them directly at the eyes. Cut only 2-3 hairs at a time with tiny snips rather than long cuts – this prevents accidental overcutting that creates uneven patches around the sensitive eye area. Professional groomers at the National Dog Groomers Association recommend the scissor-over-comb technique for dogs with thick facial hair: hold a fine-tooth comb flat against the skin and trim only the hair that extends beyond the comb’s teeth. This method maintains consistent length while it protects the skin underneath. Position your dog’s head at eye level to avoid awkward angles that reduce precision. Dogs with protruding eyes like Pugs need extra caution – work in 30-second intervals with treats between cuts to prevent head shaking that could cause injury. Execute Paw Trimming With Strategic Positioning Lift each paw and spread the toes gently to expose the hair that grows between pads – this overgrown hair traps dirt and moisture that leads to bacterial infections. Cut this interdigital hair flush with the pad surface with straight scissors angled away from the skin. The hair around nail beds requires curved scissors to follow the natural toe shape without harsh straight lines. Pododermatitis is inflammation of the paw skin, including interdigital spaces, footpads, nail folds, and nails, which makes this trimming step essential for health rather than just appearance. Trim the hair on top of each paw to match the surrounding leg length, work against the grain for cleaner cuts. Hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle when you shape leg hair to create natural tapers that blend seamlessly with the body coat. Inspect your dog’s paws for existing cuts or cracks before you begin trimming. Shape Body Hair With Proper Angles Position curved scissors to follow your dog’s natural body contours when you trim chest and leg areas. Cut with the hair growth direction on the body, but cut against the grain on legs to achieve better definition. Professional groomers use the “point cutting” technique – they hold scissors at a 45-degree angle to the hair shaft rather than cutting straight across (this creates softer, more natural-looking edges). Work in small sections no larger than 2 inches at a time to maintain control and consistency. Check your progress frequently by stepping back to view the overall shape – uneven areas become obvious from a distance but remain hidden during close-up work. Final Thoughts Safety scissors dog grooming becomes second nature with consistent practice and proper technique. Always sanitize your scissors after each session and store them in protective cases to maintain their sharpness. Sharp tools reduce the risk of hair pulling and skin irritation that makes dogs resist future sessions. Professional groomers handle complex cuts, severely matted coats, or aggressive dogs that pose safety risks. Seek expert help when your dog shows signs of extreme stress (such as excessive panting or attempts to bite during sessions). Breeds with specific coat requirements like Poodles or Cocker Spaniels benefit from professional shaping every 6-8 weeks. Start with short 10-minute sessions and gradually increase duration as your dog becomes comfortable with the process. Most pet owners achieve competent trimming skills within 4-6 sessions when they follow proper techniques consistently. The Dogington Post provides comprehensive resources for responsible dog ownership, including expert advice and product reviews.

They brought in a kitten who had been found in a puddle and watched her blossom alongside a feline friend who matched her spirit. FallonKelseyA tiny kitten named Fallon arrived at IndyHumane, along with her two siblings, after being found in a puddle on a back porch.Cold to the touch, the kittens were rushed into an incubator. Despite tireless efforts to save them all, Fallon became the lone survivor, using every ounce of strength she had to hold on.At just 110 grams and roughly four days old, Fallon, a polydactyl kitten, showed remarkable tenacity and hints of tortitude. KelseyKelsey, a foster volunteer with IndyHumane, noticed that determination from day one. Tiny as she was, Fallon had the heart of a fighter."She immediately warmed up and took to a bottle with ease. I knew pretty quickly that she was going to be just fine, as she was truly the easiest bottle feeder. Maybe holding the bottle with her extra toes did the trick," Kelsey told Love Meow. KelseyOnce Fallon opened her eyes, she was ready for adventure. After each feeding, she toddled around with wide, curious eyes, eager to explore. Her extra toes seemed to help her with balance, and she kneaded her blankets enthusiastically with her oversized "mittens."As soon as her legs strengthened, she began hopping off small pieces of furniture, testing her limits, and attempting to climb anything she could get her paws on. KelseyShe zipped around the house like a miniature supervisor, watching her foster mom and the resident animals with fascination. "She thrived and just kept on growing."At only one pound, she sported a round belly, a mighty purr engine, and the confidence of a big cat. She greeted her foster mom with squeaky "roars" the moment she entered the room. KelseyAll that energy needed an outlet, and it soon became clear that Fallon would benefit from a friend. As a singleton, she still had to learn proper feline etiquette and how to play appropriately with other cats. "I always kept the idea of finding her a friend in the back of my mind."Tucker, a resident cat who typically wasn't fond of kittens, gave Fallon a warm welcome. "He sniffed her, then rubbed his head on hers." Fallon and TuckerKelseyStill, Fallon craved nonstop play and attention. She would spiral around the room, climb into Kelsey's lap, and roll around like a tiny whirlwind. She longed for a buddy to wrestle and tumble with.Meanwhile, another volunteer, Belinda, was fostering a little singleton of her own who could really use a playmate. KelseyIsla, a tiny tabby, arrived in foster care at two and a half weeks old. Belinda nourished her and watched her flourish. As Isla's playful streak emerged, her need for attention grew right along with her.Belinda's resident cat, Mia, wasn't so sure about the little dynamo, but Isla was determined to find herself a companion. Mia and IslaBelindaWhen Kelsey heard about Isla, she knew the two kittens might be the perfect match. "Their first introduction was interesting. Isla, being a week older, would swat and hiss at Fallon. Twenty-four hours later, they were besties. I think Isla is one of Fallon's favorite things."From that moment on, they explored the house together, leaping off furniture, chasing each other in playful bursts, and teaming up for every bit of mischief they could dream up. Fallon and IslaKelseyThough younger and smaller, Fallon keeps up with Isla's energy and holds her own during every play session. Both arrived as bottle babies and have since grown into boisterous, adventurous young cats."They love to play together and just be near each other. I'm so glad I was able to give Fallon a companion for the rest of her time in foster care." KelseyShare this story with your friends. More on Fallon, Isla, and Kelsey's fosters on Instagram @pennyandthefosters, IndyHumane @indyhumane, and Belinda's fosters @littlefostermeows.Related story: Woman Went to Shelter for a Kitten and Came Home with Little Guy Who Believes He Can Conquer the World

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