(via Clarissa's House Of Cats)
Bears on the attack in Russia
Russia’s bears have traditionally been a national symbol of pride and potency, mythologized in fairy tales and depicted in advertisements and on the flag of Russia’s top political party. They are as hallowed in Russia as the bald eagle is in the United States.Today, however, Russia’s bears are on the attack.
Some thirty gigantic and ravenously hungry Kamchatka brown bears have already killed and eaten two men at a platinum mine in Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka region and appear to be hunting for more. People in the region have been forced to cower in their homes waiting for hunters to dispose of the animals, which can stand 10 feet tall and weigh up to 1,500 pounds.
The bears are generally peaceful and feed on salmon in Kamchatka's rivers. Environmentalists argue that widespread poaching has caused a fish shortage, prompting the starving bears to become aggressive as they seek out food close to human settlements.
Source: New York Times
44 Pound Cat Found In New Jersey
Talk about a fat cat story.
This 44-pounder was found roaming the streets...with no collar or tags.
How does this compare to other fat cats? A 46 pound tabby was listed in the Guinness Book of Records, but the Guinness World Records has since dropped the category, fearing cat owners might harm their animals in an attempt to break the record.
How do you lose a 44-pound cat?
Meet Princess Chunk, a 44-pound hunk of feline flesh, a cat so big that she needs a bathtub for a litter box.Volunteers at the Camden County Animal Shelter in New Jersey are trying to find a new home for the corpulent kitty - a really big home.
Officials at the shelter say they received the cat Saturday from Animal Control after she was found wandering around outdoors with no ID tags.
As hard as it is to fathom, volunteers think her owner might have lost her, which is as difficult a possibility to imagine as, well, as a 44-pound cat.
"I mean, how do you lose a 44-pound cat?" said shelter volunteer Deborah Wright.
Source: New York Post
Saudi religious police ban pet cats and dogs
Saudi Arabia's religious police have announced a ban on selling cats and dogs as pets, or walking them in public in the Saudi capital, because of men using them as a means of making passes at women, an official said on Wednesday.Othman al-Othman, head of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice in Riyadh, known as the Muttawa, told the Saudi edition of al-Hayat daily that the commission has started enforcing an old religious edict.
The reason behind reinforcing the edict now was a rising fashion among some men using pets in public "to make passes on women and disturb families," he said, without giving more details.
The 5,000-strong religious police oversees the adherence to Wahabism -- a strict version of Sunni Islam, which also forces women to cover from head to toe when in public, and bans them from driving.
Graphic: Cartoon Stock
Source: AFP
Scooby Snacks
Since I've been trying to eat healthier, I'm constantly searching for ways to satisfy my sweet tooth, while still not eating too much fat and too many calories. My new favorite snack, which is actually not strictly diet food... is Scooby Doo baked Graham Cracker Sticks. I had to double check the package-- in the people food aisle--to be sure it wasn't a misplaced box of dog treats. But to be sure, Scooby snacks are delicious. They taste like those Bit-O-Honey candies. And it's great if you're in need of something crunchy after eating all that yogurt and salads.
At first I thought I was eating something fairly healthy. Baked...good. Graham crackers are generally low in fat... good. The front of the box says "good source of calcium." Sinc
e I drink much more Diet Coke than milk, I could use calcium. But in checking the side panel, I see that a serving contains 10% of your daily needs of calcium. Is that "good"? Then, as I read on, I notice first on the list of ingredients is "enriched wheat flour" which sounds good (enriched...must be better, right?) but I've learned that enriched actually means they've taken out all the good stuff and added in artificial vitamins and minerals. That's a disappointment.Overall, one serving (9 crackers) is 130 calories (about as much as a bowl of cereal) and 4g fat. If I stopped at 9 crackers, I suppose that wouldn't be bad. But who can stop, when mindlessly munching a bite-sized tasty dog bone shaped treat? Throw me another Scooby Snack, Shaggy.
A 400-year long wait
Captured on camera as they swim in a lake, drag pieces of wood to make their dens and play with one another, these are the first beavers to be born in Britain in 400 years.The enchanting scene is a heartwarming sight for animal lovers as the species was previously extinct in Britain.
The 12 baby beaver ‘kits’ – all from the same mother – were born at the 550-acre Lower Mill Estate near Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
Jeremy Paxton, owner of the estate, brought three pairs of beavers – named Tony and Cherie, Gordon and Sarah and John and Pauline – from Bavaria in 2005.
He has spent almost £1million on the project.
He said: ‘I have always wanted to bring an extinct indigenous species back to Britain.
Source: The Daily Mail
Crucified frog creates controversy
An ongoing row over a sculpture of a crucified frog on show in a Bolzano, Italy, museum gained momentum when a Catholic politician reported the work to the police for public obscenity.The sculpture, which depicts a warty, pop-eyed amphibian nailed to a cross with a frothing mug of beer in one hand and an egg in the other, has been at the center of furious polemics ever since it went on display in May.
But the row has heated up after Pope Benedict XVI's arrival in the nearby town of Bressanone for his summer holiday.
Right-wing separatist party the Union for South Tyrol said Wednesday it had collected 10,000 signatures supporting the removal of the work, while the president of Trentino-Alto Adige regional council, Franz Pahl, entered his eighth day of a hunger strike in protest over the frog.
Local bishop Wilhelm Egger - a strong critic of the work from the start - said on Tuesday that he had discussed the sculpture with the pope, although he would not comment on the pontiff's views on the matter. "The crucified frog has shocked many visitors to the Museion and has hurt their religious feelings," Egger said.
Source:ANSA.it
Dogs in the News-- PetsCell
I can't live without my cell phone--seriously, I tote it around with me everywhere, even in the house. And I'll even admit to leaving a message for Kelly once or twice on the home answering machine--to be clear, I don't call specifically for her. Yet, the thought has never, ever crossed my mind to pay Verizon to get Kelly her own cell phone. But that's exactly what some people are doing now, as PetsCells bring new meaning to the phrase "calling your dog."
PetsCell, produced by Petsmobility, measures 5 inches by 3 inches, and is shaped like a bone. It's designed to be attached to the dog's collar. The owner dials the dog's phone number (I'm serious!) and the phone automatically connects. A small speaker in the device allows the dog to hear his owner's voice. Some owners feel that this may help reduce anxie
ty for their pets when they are away. Perhaps, however, this would confuse the dog and send them on a frenzied romp throughout the house, searching for Mom or Dad.If so inclined and the dog barks back a message, the owner will hear that too on their own phone. I can only imagine the curious looks of co-workers as Mom sneaks a personal phone call home to Buster from her cubicle at work.
PetsCell inventor Cameron Robb says he imagines applications for the doggy-phone in search-and-rescue, military, guide dog or even potentially patient and elderly care, to name a few. Current PetsCell come with a GPS for tracking lost pets.
New Rare Lemur Group Found
A new population of wrinkly-faced, bamboo-eating lemurs has been found in a swampy region of east-central Madagascar—more than 240 miles from the other only known group of the primates, listed as critically endangered by the World Conservation Union.Scientists suspect that 30 to 40 of the lemurs—known for cracking open giant bamboo with their powerful jaws—live in the wetland, where bamboo is still their main staple.
The new group joins another population of about a hundred animals in the island's northern bamboo forests, which are under threat from illegal logging and habitat destruction, according to Conservation International.
Source: National Geographic
Pet Theft On The Rise
Dognapping is on the rise as thieves are looking to turn a quick profit by stealing your pet.
The frequency might not be up there as property theft, but the occurances are growing.
Police reports don't make a distinction between pet theft and other property theft, so there's no way to pinpoint the exact number of stolen pets each year, but anecdotally, officers say that pet theft is increasing this year.
Toy breeds, puppies, and purebred dogs that look expensive or unusual are most vulnerable. Among the stolen breeds tracked by the AKC in 2008 are Yorkshire terriers, poodles, Pomeranians, shih tzu, bulldogs, corgis, a Norwich terrier and a mastiff.
Plus, people increasingly view their pets as members of the family and are willing to cough up big rewards if they go missing.
It's such a sick crime...and there was also an increase around Valentine's day, where it seemed people were stealing dogs so that they could bring a puppy home to their loved ones...but yet they took a loved pet from someone else.
The frequency might not be up there as property theft, but the occurances are growing.
Police reports don't make a distinction between pet theft and other property theft, so there's no way to pinpoint the exact number of stolen pets each year, but anecdotally, officers say that pet theft is increasing this year.
Toy breeds, puppies, and purebred dogs that look expensive or unusual are most vulnerable. Among the stolen breeds tracked by the AKC in 2008 are Yorkshire terriers, poodles, Pomeranians, shih tzu, bulldogs, corgis, a Norwich terrier and a mastiff.
Plus, people increasingly view their pets as members of the family and are willing to cough up big rewards if they go missing.
It's such a sick crime...and there was also an increase around Valentine's day, where it seemed people were stealing dogs so that they could bring a puppy home to their loved ones...but yet they took a loved pet from someone else.
Just hangin' around
These two-week-old triplet lemurs are the star attraction at Folly Farm, in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire.The gorgeous threesome are the second set of triplets born to resident lemur Kirindy, who is said to have bonded marvellously with her litter.
Source: The Sun
(via Zooillogix)
The pride of Britain
Six adorable white lion cubs – born to two different mothers – help form the world’s largest pride of this striking species in captivity. The cubs take the number of white lions at West Midland Safari Park in Worcestershire to 19.
The park’s white lion collection has grown from four animals who were introduced in 2004.
The lions are not albino but are a rare mutation of lion found in a 200-square-mile area called Timbavati, in South Africa’s bush country.
According to African folklore, once every hundred years, magical white lions will be born bringing joy to those who witness them.
Source: Mail online
The park’s white lion collection has grown from four animals who were introduced in 2004.The lions are not albino but are a rare mutation of lion found in a 200-square-mile area called Timbavati, in South Africa’s bush country.
According to African folklore, once every hundred years, magical white lions will be born bringing joy to those who witness them.
Source: Mail online
Ultimate Dog Lover
I just learned that one of my stories was accepted in The Ultimate Dog Lover book, published by HCI, and will appear on the bookstore shelves this November. I'm thrilled to be in a book among other amazing dog lovers!
Book description:
"Are You Crazy About Your Dog?
From their life's work as a veterinarian, a pet-care columnist, and an animal rescue volunteer respectively, Marty Becker, D.V.M., Gina Spadafori, and Carol Kline have been privy to some incredible stories about dogs and their humans—psychic dogs, heroic dogs, and therapy dogs who have healed their owners physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They've also fielded just about every question under the sun pertaining to our furry friends' health, wellness, training, and behavior: 'Why doesn't my dog come when I call him?', 'Why is she being aggressive at the dog park?', 'Will my house ever be free of tumbleweed hairballs?'
These esteemed experts have compiled a winning mix of heart-tugging, tail-wagging stories about some of the world's most endearing and amazing dogs with essential expert information in the areas of behavior and training, sports and leisure activities, and preventative care and health issues. With comprehensive facts, stunning four-color photography, and awe-inspiring true stories, this is the 'ultimate' book for ultimate dog lovers."
My story is not about Kelly (sorry Kelly!) but about my childhood compani
on, Happy. Our neighbors had found Happy, skinny and mud-covered, abandoned in the woods. My mom describes him as the homeliest, scroungy bag of bones she ever saw but I took one look at him, threw my arms around his neck and said "He's beautiful!"We were unseparable from when I was in kindergarten all the way through high school. The story, Happy Together, tells of a time when my mother, borthers and I were staying at a summer camp, and my father wanted to take Happy back home with him for protection. I won't give away the ending, but it seems the bond between girl and dog just couldn't be broken.
Cute or not? Baby colobus monkey
This baby's mother, the Oregon Zoo's adult Colobus, Molly, was chosen as the 2008 mother of the year!
Watch the video
Elephants: traumatized by humanity
According to researcher Gay Bradshaw, "There are things about elephants that seem so similar to us. Their family life, their emotional life, the fact that they grieve. They stand out from other animals." Elephants are able to recognize themselves in a mirror, a trait shared with humans, apes and dolphins.Field scientists have studied the special bonds of elephant herds for decades. Family members mourn their dead, even gently caressing the jawbones of their ancestors during grieving rituals.
"I think the real shock right now, in terms of the mirror self-recognition tests and their intelligence and their emotions is, they're like us. It's not that they're way up there. It's that they're on level footing with us," said Bradshaw.
But even as science holds a mirror to our similarities, in recent years researchers have observed a violent change in elephant-human relations after decades of peaceful coexistence.
"Humans are regarded as the enemy. You must never, ever be cruel to an elephant because they have an amazing memory. They will remember that for life. And they bear grudges," said Daphne Sheldrick, a renowned wild elephant expert and director of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Creatures who seem to share the best of what makes us human are now revealing they are also capable of the worst.
Source: ABC News
Sun protection for pets
Animals can and do get sunburned!Animals with very little hair covering, light-colored animals, newly shorn sheep and other animals that are clipped can suffer from sunburn and the parts of animals that normally lack hair cover can be sunburned. The problem can be worsened because animals may be exposed to certain substances from their feed, medications such as antibiotics, and spores of certain molds, that can photo-sensitize them, making them more likely to burn; extreme sunburn and sometimes large open skin wounds can result.
Human sunscreens are not formulated nor are the prepared to be compatible with skin of pets.
Epi-Pet FDA Tested Sun Protector Sunscreen for Dogs and Horses blocks damaging UVA and UVB rays that cause cancer in the skin.
The Sun Protector spray is light and does not leave a thick oily residue on the skin and hair coat of the pet. It also leaves a pleasant vanilla fragrance. The can is designed with a unique bag on valve spray system which quietly releases a constant spray from any direction (even upside down) when pressed down. This spray system is environmentally safe since it releases no ozone depleting CFC's into the atmosphere.
$18.95 at VKRPets.com
Bow WOW! Great product for biker dogs
Road Hound pet carrier
For motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and bicycles. These trendy and durable pet crates are the perfect way to travel in comfort and style - for both you and your dog. Enjoy the great outdoors - and take your pet with you.
Priced from $299.00 to $399.00 at Moto-Pets Accessories, Inc.
(via Inventor's Spot)
It's Great to Have Pets
This is a neat little thing from the Are You Greatful Blog. Here is my statement of being greatful.
Not everyone can enjoy having pets and companions in their lives. I'm greatful that I can have friends, relatives, and of course, my pets, no matter how much they annoy me sometimes.
***Start Copy***
In order to be able to achieve and maintain happiness we need to, actively, be able to do two things:
Complain and then let go (Dump the baggage, the roadblocks to happiness.)
Openly Express Gratitude (The open expression of gratitude promotes happiness.)After all, everyone has something to be grateful for and/or something to complain about. If you would like to accept the challenge, please follow the appropriate link and do so: "Are You Grateful?", "Complain Complain Complain."Contributors to "Are You Grateful?" & "Complain Complain Complain" are: 1-Attitude, the Ultimate Power 2-Max 3-DianaCA's Metamorphoses 4-Mental Poo 5-My Thoughts 6-Baba Doodlius 7-Wake Up America 8-Life is a Roller Coaster 9-Life and Me 10-pinay mommy's love blog 11-My Happiness Haven 12-And Life Goes On for a Filipino Mom 13-Blessed Sanctuary 14-Expressions And Thoughts 15-Memories by Jenn 16-Reminiscence of My Adventures 17-In the Life of Mne 18-Juliana's Lair 19-Pinay Wahm 20-Lucid Creativity 21-Winged Words 22-Irresistible Fascinations 23-A Little Time 24-See Me For What You Will 25-Greatest Reviews 26-ETC ATBP 27-Gandacious 28-We Are Family 29-Journey to this thing called LIFE 30-www.rajeshrana.net 31-www.rajeshrana.com 32-BaReFooTeD Me 33-Uncomplicated 34-Points of View 35-Pride & Prejudice 36-Colorful World 37-Nora's Notes 38-A Daily Walk With Bill & Gina 39-Strange but True 40-Everything Under The Sun ( Beth Rebokon ) 41-Kaleidoscope 42-Fil-Oz Blog 43-By Osc@r Luiz 44-Comedy Plus 45-Blogging by Sandee 46-Soul Meets World 47-Mae's Memoirs 48-Beyond the Rave Reality 49-Amori, poesie, arte, chat by Hanna 50-Attached at the Hip 51-Carver's Sight or is that Site? 52-Empress Reviews 53-Simple Pleasures In My Heart 54-Lourdes' mia 55-A Grateful Heart 56-Majorsleepyhead 57-Scrappy n Happy in Ohio 58-CHOC MINT GIRL 59-Extraordinary Things 60-ZOOROPAZOO 61-BeNolSatuEm 62-As The World Turns 63-Your Caring Angels 64-Life Is Wonderful To Know Everyday 65-Sugar Magnolias 66-Little Peanut 67-Creative In Me 68-Me and Mine 69-Pea in a Pod 70-the diary of the Pink & Brown Wedding 71-good thoughts, good trades, good life 72-My Blog - all things me 73-Rainbows 74-Little Corner of Mine 75-Me, Myself and I 76-My Planet Purple 77-Amel's Realm 78-A Handful of Surprises 79-A Detour 80-Something Purple 81-Vanity Kit 82-Are You Grateful? 83-A Simple Life 84-BlogTips.Com 85-Balitang Kalye 86-Mariuca 87- Emila Yusof 88-A Total Blog 89-My Life in this Wonderful World 90-MommyAllehs 91-Things That Suck 92-A Mother's Stuff 93-Princess Vien 94-My Inner Thoughts Revealed 95-Roxiticus Desperate Housewives 96-Apples Of The Eyes 97-Nita's Random Thoughts 98-Nita's Corner 99-Thomas Digital Services 100-A Mother's Thoughts101-Meltwater. Torrents. Meanderings. Delta 102-My Perfect Escape 103-Vanidosa. Marie 104-Confessions of a Supermodel Wannabe 105-Lynda's Loft 106-Listening..Learning..Living 107-LadyJava's Lounge 108-The Painted Veil 109-Poeartica 110-Maryannaville 111-the life of a psychotic weirdo 112-CARPE DIEM 113-Turn-u-Off 114-asian mutt international 115-Petty Ramblings of a Petty Queen 116-LIFE IS A ROLLER COASTER 117-AZZY'S BLOG-A-ROONIE! 118-glad to be here 119-WilStop 120-Dare to Blog 121-WebGeek Journal 122-Foster Me Up 123-This is My Life 124-DaveylynneDR 125-Life Realities 126-aNgRiAniWorld Dot Com 127-All That Matters 128-My Inspiration Sharing Land 129-Hidup Biar Sedap 130-Mutiara Hati 131-EM Muhammad 132-I Digress 133-Mapped Memories 134-Working It 135-Startin' A New Life too, 136-Little Secret 137-FEEL FREE to Express Yourself 138-iAM-Mai 139-SOLOFLIGHT 140-BLACKNICKEL 141-NEUROPATCH 142-EMJEI SAYS 143-Big Money List 144-daily information 145-TRCoach 146-LOVE YOUR LIFE! 147- INSTANT MESSAGES 148-MEME ME 149-mEldita's untamed world 150-mEldita's uncensored life 151-i.MEL.dific 152-SNAPSHOT 153-DAILY STOCK PICKS 154- The Pet Haven
Not everyone can enjoy having pets and companions in their lives. I'm greatful that I can have friends, relatives, and of course, my pets, no matter how much they annoy me sometimes.
***Start Copy***
In order to be able to achieve and maintain happiness we need to, actively, be able to do two things:
Complain and then let go (Dump the baggage, the roadblocks to happiness.)
Openly Express Gratitude (The open expression of gratitude promotes happiness.)After all, everyone has something to be grateful for and/or something to complain about. If you would like to accept the challenge, please follow the appropriate link and do so: "Are You Grateful?", "Complain Complain Complain."Contributors to "Are You Grateful?" & "Complain Complain Complain" are: 1-Attitude, the Ultimate Power 2-Max 3-DianaCA's Metamorphoses 4-Mental Poo 5-My Thoughts 6-Baba Doodlius 7-Wake Up America 8-Life is a Roller Coaster 9-Life and Me 10-pinay mommy's love blog 11-My Happiness Haven 12-And Life Goes On for a Filipino Mom 13-Blessed Sanctuary 14-Expressions And Thoughts 15-Memories by Jenn 16-Reminiscence of My Adventures 17-In the Life of Mne 18-Juliana's Lair 19-Pinay Wahm 20-Lucid Creativity 21-Winged Words 22-Irresistible Fascinations 23-A Little Time 24-See Me For What You Will 25-Greatest Reviews 26-ETC ATBP 27-Gandacious 28-We Are Family 29-Journey to this thing called LIFE 30-www.rajeshrana.net 31-www.rajeshrana.com 32-BaReFooTeD Me 33-Uncomplicated 34-Points of View 35-Pride & Prejudice 36-Colorful World 37-Nora's Notes 38-A Daily Walk With Bill & Gina 39-Strange but True 40-Everything Under The Sun ( Beth Rebokon ) 41-Kaleidoscope 42-Fil-Oz Blog 43-By Osc@r Luiz 44-Comedy Plus 45-Blogging by Sandee 46-Soul Meets World 47-Mae's Memoirs 48-Beyond the Rave Reality 49-Amori, poesie, arte, chat by Hanna 50-Attached at the Hip 51-Carver's Sight or is that Site? 52-Empress Reviews 53-Simple Pleasures In My Heart 54-Lourdes' mia 55-A Grateful Heart 56-Majorsleepyhead 57-Scrappy n Happy in Ohio 58-CHOC MINT GIRL 59-Extraordinary Things 60-ZOOROPAZOO 61-BeNolSatuEm 62-As The World Turns 63-Your Caring Angels 64-Life Is Wonderful To Know Everyday 65-Sugar Magnolias 66-Little Peanut 67-Creative In Me 68-Me and Mine 69-Pea in a Pod 70-the diary of the Pink & Brown Wedding 71-good thoughts, good trades, good life 72-My Blog - all things me 73-Rainbows 74-Little Corner of Mine 75-Me, Myself and I 76-My Planet Purple 77-Amel's Realm 78-A Handful of Surprises 79-A Detour 80-Something Purple 81-Vanity Kit 82-Are You Grateful? 83-A Simple Life 84-BlogTips.Com 85-Balitang Kalye 86-Mariuca 87- Emila Yusof 88-A Total Blog 89-My Life in this Wonderful World 90-MommyAllehs 91-Things That Suck 92-A Mother's Stuff 93-Princess Vien 94-My Inner Thoughts Revealed 95-Roxiticus Desperate Housewives 96-Apples Of The Eyes 97-Nita's Random Thoughts 98-Nita's Corner 99-Thomas Digital Services 100-A Mother's Thoughts101-Meltwater. Torrents. Meanderings. Delta 102-My Perfect Escape 103-Vanidosa. Marie 104-Confessions of a Supermodel Wannabe 105-Lynda's Loft 106-Listening..Learning..Living 107-LadyJava's Lounge 108-The Painted Veil 109-Poeartica 110-Maryannaville 111-the life of a psychotic weirdo 112-CARPE DIEM 113-Turn-u-Off 114-asian mutt international 115-Petty Ramblings of a Petty Queen 116-LIFE IS A ROLLER COASTER 117-AZZY'S BLOG-A-ROONIE! 118-glad to be here 119-WilStop 120-Dare to Blog 121-WebGeek Journal 122-Foster Me Up 123-This is My Life 124-DaveylynneDR 125-Life Realities 126-aNgRiAniWorld Dot Com 127-All That Matters 128-My Inspiration Sharing Land 129-Hidup Biar Sedap 130-Mutiara Hati 131-EM Muhammad 132-I Digress 133-Mapped Memories 134-Working It 135-Startin' A New Life too, 136-Little Secret 137-FEEL FREE to Express Yourself 138-iAM-Mai 139-SOLOFLIGHT 140-BLACKNICKEL 141-NEUROPATCH 142-EMJEI SAYS 143-Big Money List 144-daily information 145-TRCoach 146-LOVE YOUR LIFE! 147- INSTANT MESSAGES 148-MEME ME 149-mEldita's untamed world 150-mEldita's uncensored life 151-i.MEL.dific 152-SNAPSHOT 153-DAILY STOCK PICKS 154- The Pet Haven
America's Next Top Model
Yesterday Kelly and I had our photo shoot for an article that will appear in Guideposts magazine in December. The photographer, Jennifer May, is quite accomplished in photography for magazines and book covers and she was fantastic at putting Kelly and I at ease. Posing can result in awkward, unnatural smiles, but Jennifer definitely made me (and Kelly) feel comfortable. Her work for my latest Guideposts article, Red Thumb (Guideposts August 2008) was fantastic, as you can see by the photograph she took of Mike and I at our dining table, surrounded by some of our tomato harvest.
Anyway, Guideposts wanted some outdoors shots and it rained nearly all day so we weren't sure that was going to happen, but right as the appointed time arose, the skies cleared and a bright sun came out. I had to work to keep Kelly out of the mud in the back yard, and keep her new haircut brushed and looking good.
Since the article is to appear in December, I was asked to wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt. So I pulled on some jeans and buttoned myself into a nice, toasty cardigan sweater and stepped out into the baking July sun for an hour or so of posing and running around with Kelly. By the end of it, her tongue was hanging down and she didn't want to move. She was supposed to be playful and energetic, and we could barely get her to feign interest in a tennis ball. Hopefully Jennifer got the shots she needed!
Then we came inside for some posed shots on the front porch. Kelly cooperated for a bit, then she decided she'd had enough. I kept arranging her into a standing position, and by the time I took my place she'd sunk down and was lying at my feet. An exhausting day being a doggy model!
I'll keep you posted when the article comes out. In the meantime, Kelly's glamor days are over and she's content rolling in the grass in the back yard again.
Don't squeeeeze too hard!
Did you ever wonder:
Why are humans born with eyes open and puppies are born with eyes closed?
Photo credit: custom875
Newspaper Won't Run Obituary
A grieving woman in Orange County, FL, says her loved one is being discriminated against by a local newspaper. She says the West Orange Times decided not to run an obituary after they saw the picture.
Kimberly DeWolf is so angry she is threatening to sue if Bailey is not given the proper farewell. She was preparing for a 13th birthday party next month.
"His birthday would've been August 18th. He's been the love of my life. My parents, their grandchild," she said.
But instead of a celebration, Kimberly was at a funeral service.
"He's actually buried at my parents house, has a gravesite," she said.
During a week off for bereavement, Kimberly wrote an obituary and wanted it placed in her local paper, the West Orange Times. But when editors saw the picture of Bailey, there was a problem in their eyes.
"He's not a dog, he's my child, he's never been a dog," Kimberly said. "They're discriminating against me because it's a dog in their eyes."
Source: WFTV.com
Kimberly DeWolf is so angry she is threatening to sue if Bailey is not given the proper farewell. She was preparing for a 13th birthday party next month."His birthday would've been August 18th. He's been the love of my life. My parents, their grandchild," she said.
But instead of a celebration, Kimberly was at a funeral service.
"He's actually buried at my parents house, has a gravesite," she said.
During a week off for bereavement, Kimberly wrote an obituary and wanted it placed in her local paper, the West Orange Times. But when editors saw the picture of Bailey, there was a problem in their eyes.
"He's not a dog, he's my child, he's never been a dog," Kimberly said. "They're discriminating against me because it's a dog in their eyes."
Source: WFTV.com
Is Your Dog Bored?
Are your dogs home alone all day? With little or nothing to occupy their time?
Many people leave a radio or television on for their dog when they leave. The "white noise effect" does seem to have a soothing effect and thus may have some redeeming features. Any lilting/melodic sound (not "heavy metal") or even just background music is probably better than the sound of silence or a clock ticking on the mantelpiece. Most animals seem to prefer seeing images of other animals or nature programs.
Another tip is to exercise your dog before you leave. My dogs go for daily walks both to calm them, and also so they can "do their business," so the exercise has a dual purpose.
Exercise generates serotonin in the brain and thus has a calming and mood -stabilizing effect on man and pet. A dog that has had a good run for 20 to 30 minutes before the owner departs will be less anxious, more composed, and prepared for a little R & R in the form of a good nap.
Many people leave a radio or television on for their dog when they leave. The "white noise effect" does seem to have a soothing effect and thus may have some redeeming features. Any lilting/melodic sound (not "heavy metal") or even just background music is probably better than the sound of silence or a clock ticking on the mantelpiece. Most animals seem to prefer seeing images of other animals or nature programs.
Another tip is to exercise your dog before you leave. My dogs go for daily walks both to calm them, and also so they can "do their business," so the exercise has a dual purpose.
Exercise generates serotonin in the brain and thus has a calming and mood -stabilizing effect on man and pet. A dog that has had a good run for 20 to 30 minutes before the owner departs will be less anxious, more composed, and prepared for a little R & R in the form of a good nap.
Not for the weak stomached
Caution: Do not read this while eating lunch!
Guinea pig festival in Peru
An Andean woman holds a 'cuy' or guinea pig dressed as a miner during a fashion show at a guinea pig festival in Huacho, Peru.
The one-day festival includes an animal show and a food and fashion contest which features the guinea pig, native to the Andes.
The guinea pigs spend the day being dressed up...
... pampered...
... and fattened up.
Yes, fattened up. Many of us think of the guinea pig as a cute pet, but in parts of South America, it is a major source of food.
Warning ... you might want to stop reading here.
Guinea pigs can be served fried, roasted or in a casserole.
Those of a sensitive disposition should probably not view the next two pictures.
Around 65 million guinea pigs are eaten in Peru every year.
The meat tastes like rabbit or the dark meat of chicken, in case you were wondering.
Source: Telegraph
Guinea pig festival in Peru
An Andean woman holds a 'cuy' or guinea pig dressed as a miner during a fashion show at a guinea pig festival in Huacho, Peru.The one-day festival includes an animal show and a food and fashion contest which features the guinea pig, native to the Andes.The guinea pigs spend the day being dressed up...... pampered...... and fattened up.Yes, fattened up. Many of us think of the guinea pig as a cute pet, but in parts of South America, it is a major source of food.
Warning ... you might want to stop reading here.
Guinea pigs can be served fried, roasted or in a casserole.Those of a sensitive disposition should probably not view the next two pictures.
Around 65 million guinea pigs are eaten in Peru every year.The meat tastes like rabbit or the dark meat of chicken, in case you were wondering.Source: Telegraph
Penguins rescued off Scottish coast
Rescuers hunting for the site of a plane crash at sea off the coast of Scotland called off their search - after the casualties turned out to be two inflatable penguins.Coastguard and lifeboat teams, along with a helicopter, were scrambled after an elderly man reported a light plane had ditched near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.
He was convinced he saw wreckage glinting in the sun.
But rescuers discovered that what he had spotted were two massive balloons shaped like penguins.
The search was called off after the 4ft penguins, which were semi-inflated, were discovered .
The two penguins - whose source remains a mystery - have now been "adopted" by the lifeboat team.
Source: Daily Record
(via: Penguins!)
Dog Dials 911
This story comes from Florida about a dog who dialed 911.
A Beagle named Belle started clawing at his owner when the owner started acting funny. Belle's owner was diabetic. When the owner's blood sugar fell and he passed out, Belle ran to the phone and called 911.
How could Belle do this? Well, Belle is a trained service dog - trained to help his diabetic owner. Dogs are able to sense high and low blood sugars. Dogs can smell many hundred times better than humans. When your blood sugar starts to rise, your breath starts to get a sweet smell to it. So you're able to tell the highness. But when you start to drop into the low, it drops into the seizure.
As a part of Belle's training - if she detects problems - she finds her owners cell phone and bites down on the #9 key. The phone then connects and Belle barks or whines into the phone. This alerts someone to call for help.
A Beagle named Belle started clawing at his owner when the owner started acting funny. Belle's owner was diabetic. When the owner's blood sugar fell and he passed out, Belle ran to the phone and called 911.
How could Belle do this? Well, Belle is a trained service dog - trained to help his diabetic owner. Dogs are able to sense high and low blood sugars. Dogs can smell many hundred times better than humans. When your blood sugar starts to rise, your breath starts to get a sweet smell to it. So you're able to tell the highness. But when you start to drop into the low, it drops into the seizure.
As a part of Belle's training - if she detects problems - she finds her owners cell phone and bites down on the #9 key. The phone then connects and Belle barks or whines into the phone. This alerts someone to call for help.
Dogs In the News--Kangaroo Chaser
This news comes from us downunder. A hero dog, name undisclosed, saved its owner from a kangaroo attack.
According to a report on BBC News, Rosemary Neal, 65, was accosted by a kangaroo while on her farm in New South Wales. Neal's son reports that the horse farm is overrun with wild kangaroos, however usually they just hop away. This time, a large male kangaroo suddenly jumped up in the air and lunged straight at Neal, dropping her to the ground and kicking her severely.
Neal's son's dog heard her screams and chased the kangaroo away. Neal was taken to the hospital with a concussion and multiple cuts and bruises on her face, hands and back. Thanks to the family dog, the wounds were not even more serious. Neal is home and recovering.
Kangaroos are not generally considered aggressive to humans.
Dropping in for a coffee
Frightened by the noise of thunder from summer storms, a wild deer brought chaos in Bolzano, Italy.The deer sent cafe patrons scrambling as it raced through the center of town. The deer leapt over tables, broke a window, and injured two people.
Several police officers, hunters and the local fire brigade tried for two hours to catch the animal, which was eventually shot dead in a car park by local forestry officials.
Source: Telegraph
Legs to spare
Veterinarians at a north Georgia college have been treating an odd-looking deer after it was attacked by a dog.
The deer, according to vets at Berry College, has six legs and was found over the weekend near Rome, GA. The animal is recovering from wounds it suffered in the attack.
Due to the injuries, one of its two tails had to be amputated. The fawn has two distinct pelvises and uses one leg from each pelvis to walk.
• Click here to watch video of the six-legged deer.
Source: Fox
The deer, according to vets at Berry College, has six legs and was found over the weekend near Rome, GA. The animal is recovering from wounds it suffered in the attack.Due to the injuries, one of its two tails had to be amputated. The fawn has two distinct pelvises and uses one leg from each pelvis to walk.
• Click here to watch video of the six-legged deer.
Source: Fox
the Dickin Medal
The Dickin Medal was instituted in 1943 by Maria Dickin to honor the work of animals in war.It is a large bronze medallion, bearing the words "For Gallantry" and "We Also Serve" within a laurel wreath, carried on ribbon of striped green, dark brown and pale blue. Traditionally, the medal is presented by the Lord Mayor of the City of London. It has become recognized as "the animals' Victoria Cross". As of February 2008, it has been awarded 62 times. (wiki)
The Medal, which can only be considered on receipt of an official recommendation, was awarded 54 times between 1943 and 1949. The recipients comprised 32 pigeons, 18 dogs, three horses and one cat.
In October 2000 a Canadian dog called Gander was added to the Roll of Honor. Since then, a further six Dickin Medals have been awarded and all to dogs.
Tthe only cat to be awarded the Dickin Medal is Simon.Awarded posthumously 1949, the record states that Simon “Served on HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident, disposing of many rats though wounded by shell blast. Throughout the incident his behavior was of the highest order, although the blast was capable of making a hole over a foot in diameter in a steel plate.”
You can read the list of recipients at PDSA Dickin Medal: 'the animals' VC'. You can see more pictures of brave animals at BBC's World's Hero Pets.
Don't Buy Live Fish at Wal-Mart
This is such a pet peeve (pardon the pun) of mine, but why does Wal-Mart sell live fish? Everytime I go to any Wal-Mart with tropical fish, they look sick, many having ich (white spot disease) or even worse - dead floating in the tank.
But still, they always have rows of tanks full of dying fish. And they keep buying more from distributors since the tanks are always full of semi-alive fish covered with ich or fungus.
So, please, don't buy your fish from Wal-Mart. It's not just because of my little soap-box, but adding unhealthy fish to your community tank can effectively wipe-out all the other fish in you have. Before adding any fish to your tank, inspect it closely for torn fins, fungus, and white spots. Make sure the fish is alert, active, and swimming around while not at the surface gasping for air.
Most likely, you won't find any fish like this at Wal-Mart. And even adding one unhealthy fish to your aquarium can introduce diseases that can destroy your community.
But still, they always have rows of tanks full of dying fish. And they keep buying more from distributors since the tanks are always full of semi-alive fish covered with ich or fungus.
So, please, don't buy your fish from Wal-Mart. It's not just because of my little soap-box, but adding unhealthy fish to your community tank can effectively wipe-out all the other fish in you have. Before adding any fish to your tank, inspect it closely for torn fins, fungus, and white spots. Make sure the fish is alert, active, and swimming around while not at the surface gasping for air.
Most likely, you won't find any fish like this at Wal-Mart. And even adding one unhealthy fish to your aquarium can introduce diseases that can destroy your community.
Lincoln Park Zoo has flamingo eggs
10 potentially viable eggs have been laid by Lincoln Park Zoo's Chilean flamingos, with zoo experts expecting offspring to begin hatching in about two weeks.Available records indicate that the zoo has been egg-less since at least the late 1950s. In 2003, the zoo swapped breeds, changing from the American species to the hardier Chilean type. Adding the vegetation helped make the population -- there are currently 48 of the birds -- seem denser, which flamingos prefer.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
FLAMINGO FACTSWhy are flamingos pink?
The color reflects the beta carotene in their diet of shrimp and shellfish.
Why do they stand on one foot?
Raising one foot helps them shift their weight to make themselves more comfortable. Folding one leg also can keep them warm by reducing the blood supply to the folded limb.
Do flamingos fly?
Yes, but they need a few paces to take off. Zoo flamingos either have their wings regularly clipped or are pinioned, having parts of their wings removed when they are young.
Source: Lincoln Park Zoo; Sea World
2nd photo: (via Mutts) Hanover Zoo's newest addition, who increases their flamingo family to an even 100 birds,
A fishy story
Ready for the latest in spa pampering? Prepare to dunk your tootsies in a tank of water and let tiny carp nibble away.
Fish pedicures are creating something of a splash in the D.C. area, where a northern Virginia spa has been offering them for the past four months. John Ho, who runs the Yvonne Hair and Nails salon with his wife, Yvonne Le, said 5,000 people have taken the plunge so far.
The fish are called garra rufa but typically known as doctor fish. They were first used in Turkey and have become popular in some Asian countries.
Source: Boston.com
Fish pedicures are creating something of a splash in the D.C. area, where a northern Virginia spa has been offering them for the past four months. John Ho, who runs the Yvonne Hair and Nails salon with his wife, Yvonne Le, said 5,000 people have taken the plunge so far.The fish are called garra rufa but typically known as doctor fish. They were first used in Turkey and have become popular in some Asian countries.
Source: Boston.com
Hairy Dogs
Most dog people with longer-breed varieties have stories to tell about grooming! Thank you for sharing yours, and keep them coming!
I just came across this sad photo of a cocker spaniel whose owner had neglected its grooming.
(
How did they know there was a cocker spaniel under there?) Fortunately the dog was rescued and given proper care. When I hear about incidents like this, I get so upset. Owning a dog comes with responsibilities, and neglecting their care is obviously cruel. I know grooming can be expensive, but we can all keep up between professional groomings by bathing, brushing, trimming the hair on their feet, keeping their nails clipped, etc. Anyone can learn to do this. (Although my husband does the nails, I'm too nervous!)
My hats off to all people who rescue dogs, groom dogs, treat our ill dogs and keep them healthy. Thank you all!
I've been looking at pictures of different breeds of dogs, interested in what breeds make up Kelly. Since she came from a cocker spaniel rescue, she certainly has a fair amount of cocker spaniel in her.
I can see her eyes, her expression, her coloring, her body shape in the first picture. I don't see a lot of Kelly in the second picture of the cocker.
This is a long haired dachshund. I definitely see Kelly's eyes here:
This is her face, her chest, her coloring:
Her coloring, she just has longer legs!
I just came across this sad photo of a cocker spaniel whose owner had neglected its grooming.
(
How did they know there was a cocker spaniel under there?) Fortunately the dog was rescued and given proper care. When I hear about incidents like this, I get so upset. Owning a dog comes with responsibilities, and neglecting their care is obviously cruel. I know grooming can be expensive, but we can all keep up between professional groomings by bathing, brushing, trimming the hair on their feet, keeping their nails clipped, etc. Anyone can learn to do this. (Although my husband does the nails, I'm too nervous!)My hats off to all people who rescue dogs, groom dogs, treat our ill dogs and keep them healthy. Thank you all!
I've been looking at pictures of different breeds of dogs, interested in what breeds make up Kelly. Since she came from a cocker spaniel rescue, she certainly has a fair amount of cocker spaniel in her.
I can see her eyes, her expression, her coloring, her body shape in the first picture. I don't see a lot of Kelly in the second picture of the cocker.
This is a long haired dachshund. I definitely see Kelly's eyes here:
This is her face, her chest, her coloring:
Her coloring, she just has longer legs!
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