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Advertisement Claire Koch is a 7-year-old from Clearwater, Florida who has captured a lot of hearts when she did something very special at her school’s Christmas concert. Although Claire was blessed with all five of her senses, she was born to two deaf parents, Lori and Tom. As a result, she’s had the unique opportunity to grow up being proficient in two different languages – English and American Sign Language (ASL).  In 2013, her parents had been invited to attend her Christmas concert and the couple were proud to be there, getting seats in the front row so they could be close to the interpreter. What they didn’t know was that Claire had a very special surprise for them: Jackson Sun/USA Today Yep, that’s right. Clair took it upon herself to learn the signs for all of the songs she sang that day. She not only belted out classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Jingle Bells” and more, she also signed them at the same time so her parents wouldn’t miss a single thing! Her mother, Lori, says that neither of them had asked Claire to do it or discussed it previously with her. “It wasn’t expected,” she says, “it was just a surprise.” Advertisement Watch the original video of Claire’s performance below: Lori Koch Read more: http://www.wimp.com/girl-signs-christmas-concert-for-deaf-parents-asl-sign-language/

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Just when we thought we’d finally gotten “Let It Go” out of our heads for good, this video emerges and brings it right back. Granted, it’s the Japanese version, and the choreography is way better than Elsa’s dance moves. Speaking of Elsa, you haven’t truly seen the famous ice queen until you’ve seen her played by a high school boy. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/japanese-high-school-boys-water-ballet-performs-let-it-go/

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There are so many dogs that are just begging for homes; shelters and rescues are full of them. They might not be fancy dogs with papers, but they have so much love and friendship to give. Sometimes, though, those fancy dogs need rescuing, too. Such was the case for little Willow, a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy. Born to a breeder along with healthy brothers and sisters, Willow could fetch a price of up to $3,000 … if it weren’t for a birth defect. While her siblings were up and walking by about three weeks of age, Willow couldn’t get on her feet. Willow’s inability to stand was caused by Swimmer Syndrome, a condition that results in weak development of the limbs. The name of the disease comes from the fact that affected pups look as though they’re swimming when they move their limbs while lying flat on their stomachs. There is hope, however; normal movement can be achieved through a regimen of physiotherapy to help the limbs and joints fully develop. Because of this, euthanasia is not recommended for pups with Swimmer Syndrome. While Willow’s breeder was ready to throw in the towel rather than dealing with what could be extensive veterinary bills, Jennifer Decker Williams was ready to step up and take care of the pup. Williams founded 2nd Chances Rescue, an organization in Norco, California dedicated to rescuing dogs from the streets and shelters and rehoming them safely. Since she was rescued, Willow’s recovery has gone absolutely swimmingly!  H/T: PAWsitive Read more: http://www.wimp.com/willow-neapolitan-mastiff-puppy-swimmers-syndrome/

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Survival is the name of the game. It has permeated our culture, from movies to reality shows to how-to books. Whether you’re a fan of Bear Grylls or The Walking Dead, you’ve wondered if you could make it out there. If you’re into being prepared, then this is just the video for you.  Our survivor begins by chopping down trees using a stone ax that he made himself. Using only sticks and stones he shaped beforehand, this architect begins by framing a roof. He then does something odd, poking holes in a piece of clay and leaving us to wonder what he’s up to. It turns out he has built a kiln, an oven that can reach high temperatures for the hardening of clay.  Next, he painstakingly crafts molds from branches and fills them with clay. These he dries around a fire before removing the molds. Then, it’s into the kiln to bake the tiles. Here, we learn why he crafted tabs onto each tile as they help him layer the tiles, while keeping them in place. Even with video editing, it is clear this is a time-consuming process. Once the roof is complete, our primitive builder firms up the foundation of his house. Then, he digs a trench through the floor, and, again, we’re left to wonder if this will turn out well. When he finishes, he has created a heated sleeping platform! How’s that for technology? He finally begins on the walls, adding layers of stones and clay to complete this sturdy structure. This is no simple lean-to or tarp tent that most of us would construct. This is a lasting testament to man’s ingenuity and know-how, and now, you know how, too. Although, you can wear shoes while you make your hut … if you like. Be sure to SHARE this incredible video with your friends. H/T: Primitive Technology Read more: http://www.wimp.com/how-to-build-a-hut-like-our-ancestors/

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Dog owners do a variety of activities with their furry friends. They play with them, talk to them, snuggle up next to them and walk them on a regular basis. These are all great ways to improve your relationship with your dog, bonding the two of you for many years to come. There’s one activity, however, that many people wouldn’t normally associate with their dogs: dancing. That’s right, freestyle dog dancing is a very real and very beautiful sport that’s taking the canine community by storm.  With origins dating to the early 1990s, dog dancing has actually been going on for quite a while. The Canine Freestyle Federation (CFF) was founded in 1995 and is still the world’s oldest active organization for canine freestyle. Freestyle dog dancing is essentially highly choreographed tricks set to music. Trainers are part of the dance as well, guiding their pooch through the moves to ensure they hit all the right beats.  This video shows trainer Sandra Roth and her dog, Lizzy, as they compete in the 2014 Open European Championships. This routine has been viewed over six million times on YouTube for a good reason. If there is a single performance that highlights everything canine freestyle is about, it’s this one. If you’re interested in trying it out with your own dog, check out this great article about the history of the sport. All it takes to get started is a determined trainer, the right song and a canine who isn’t afraid to dance. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/dog-dance-freestyle-sandra-lizzy/

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As someone great once said, “There’s never such a thing as too much pizza.” OK, that might not be an actual quote, but that doesn’t mean its any less true. When this American couple was on vacation in the town of Sorrento, Italy, they came across something that amazed them even more than the beautiful sites and sounds of the Mediterranean coast. This vending machine actually bakes a full pizza right in front of you and delivers it in less than three minutes.  Unfortunately, if you’re hoping to see one of these machines in your hometown you might be out of luck. According to the Daily Mail, the machine in Sorrento is the only one of its kind and because of its price, there are no plans to expand. So if you want to take a pizza pilgrimage, Sorrento is the place to go. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/pizza-vending-machine-italy-vaction/

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