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Bringing Puppies home for the holidays!

Latest Stories, Local People

The Cloherty Family’s Holiday Puppy Fostering Adventure

This holiday season, the Cloherty family of Coastal Georgia has turned their home into a bustling haven of holiday cheer and puppy love. While many families might be content with the traditional holiday activities, the Cloherty household has added a heartwarming twist to their festivities by becoming a foster family for a litter of puppies in need through Renegade Paw’s Rescue. https://www.facebook.com/rprsavannah

The Cloherty’s are known in our community for their generous spirits and love of animals. They have 3 dogs already but they decided to open their hearts and home to these furry bundles of joy during a time of year that’s all about giving. “We wanted to give back in a way that would involve the whole family,” shares Andrea Cloherty, “and fostering puppies over the holidays seemed like the perfect way to spread some extra joy. “

Their home, usually adorned with holiday decorations, now also features playpens and puppy-proofed spaces designed to give their temporary four-legged guests a safe and loving environment. Amid the twinkling lights and garlands, the sounds of playful barks and the pitter-patter of little paws add to the family’s holiday soundtrack.

For Michael Cloherty, the experience is about more than just the fun and playtime. “It’s an opportunity to teach our children compassion and responsibility,” he reflects. “These puppies rely on us, and it’s our job to give them the care they need until they find their forever homes.”

Follow Andrea Clohertys on social if you would like to follow the puppies on their journey to their fur-ever home! “If our story can encourage even one more family to foster, ” says Andrea,”then we’ve helped create another miracle this holiday season. ”

As the Clohertys look forward to their holiday season filled with laughter, warmth, and the occasional chewed-up slipper, they’re reminded of what the spirit of the season is all about. “Fostering these puppies has given us the chance to pour out the love we feel during the holidays,” Andrea muses. ” And in return, we’ve received so much love and happiness from these little guys.”

As the puppies grow and thrive under the Cloherty’s care, each family member knows that this unique holiday memory will be cherished for years to come. The Clohertys aren’t just celebrating traditions; they’re creating new ones, one wagging tail at a time, and showing that the gift of kindness is the most precious gift of all.

Our Favorite Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Recipe

Recipes

This Thanksgiving, we’re paying homage to the flavors that define our Southern heritage with an invitation to the Johnson Group community. We’re collecting your most treasured Thanksgiving recipes that echo the essence of the South.

We’re kicking things off with a classic—Sweet Potato Casserole, a dish that’s been a staple on Southern Thanksgiving tables for decades. We’ll share the backstory of this beloved recipe, its significance, and, of course, the secret to making it just right.

But the heart of Thanksgiving is sharing, and that’s where you come in.
We want to know: What’s your favorite Southern Thanksgiving dish? From your grandmother’s famous cornbread stuffing to your own spin on sweet potatoes, we’re eager to hear what makes your family’s Thanksgiving spread uniquely Southern.

Share your recipes and the stories behind them, and let’s create a collection that celebrates our rich culinary traditions. It’s your contributions that will make this Thanksgiving truly special, as we gather around the virtual table to exchange recipes that are close to our hearts.

Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces
  • 3/4 c. brown sugar
  • 1/3 c. half and half
  • 1/4 c. butter, melted
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble Topping:

  • 3/4 c. brown sugar
  • 3/4 c. chopped pecans
  • 1/2 c. flour
  • 1/4 c. butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
  • Pecan halves (for garnish, if desired)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium baking dish, spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Wash, peel, and boil the sweet potatoes, over medium high heat. (Depending on how large or small they are cut, this takes 14-18 minutes.) To test the potatoes for doneness, pierce with a fork or knife. If the potato piece breaks apart easily, they are done.
  • Transfer the cooked potatoes to a mixing bowl, and add the brown sugar, half and half, butter, egg, vanilla and salt.
  • Using a potato masher, combine the ingredients and mash until mostly smooth. Small lumps are okay. Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir together to combine.
  • Pour the melted butter into the brown sugar mixture, and stir until crumbly. Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the top of the potatoes, covering completely.
  • Garnish with some pecan halves, if desired. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.
  • Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to allow the pecans to toast. (Total bake time is 45 minutes.)
  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

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