Tearing through laundry, messing up the bathroom—river otters aren't all that different from human toddlers, as one Missouri biologist and his wife learned when they raised orphaned pups.
Watch as Glenn and Jeannie Chambers endure "otter chaos" to teach Paddles and Babyface how to swim, to eat fish Popsicles, and generally to be themselves—all leading up to an emotional farewell.
Animal Communication
Can we communicate with our pets? According to animal communicator Donna at http://www.zodiapet.com/, we all have the ability to converse with our pets. Here is some of what she told me:
We have been communicating with animals for centuries. The main way of communicating is sound, our tone of voice and the words we use. Other ways are body language and telepathic communication. To let our animal companion know that we want to communicate with them, we need to clear our minds, relax, visualize an activity or behavior and send this message to our companion. With practice and an open mind you can have conversations with your pet. We can set up reasonable rules, establish limits of unacceptable and acceptable behavior. If we use common sense and strive for harmony we can clear up any misunderstanding with our animal friends. We also must remember that animals observe everything, so be clear in what you expect and want from them. Animals relate better to honesty and sincerity.
Animals as do humans need respect and a sense of purpose. See what your pet is best suited to do: keeping you happy, entertaining you, your family and friends, creating warmth, adding beauty, guarding property, creating safely, getting you to exercise, keeping you calm, giving you perspective, these and others are just some of what our companions do for us. Let them know that they are doing a good job - everyone, including animals, needs and wants praise.
How many times have we wished that our animal companion would do something, and low and behold they did it? How many times have we been sad and our animal companions comforted us? This happens many times but we, as humans don't understand that they are indeed communicating with us. Webster dictionary defines communication as: "an act of transmitting; an exchange of information or opinions." We do this all the time!
We have been communicating with animals for centuries. The main way of communicating is sound, our tone of voice and the words we use. Other ways are body language and telepathic communication. To let our animal companion know that we want to communicate with them, we need to clear our minds, relax, visualize an activity or behavior and send this message to our companion. With practice and an open mind you can have conversations with your pet. We can set up reasonable rules, establish limits of unacceptable and acceptable behavior. If we use common sense and strive for harmony we can clear up any misunderstanding with our animal friends. We also must remember that animals observe everything, so be clear in what you expect and want from them. Animals relate better to honesty and sincerity.
Animals as do humans need respect and a sense of purpose. See what your pet is best suited to do: keeping you happy, entertaining you, your family and friends, creating warmth, adding beauty, guarding property, creating safely, getting you to exercise, keeping you calm, giving you perspective, these and others are just some of what our companions do for us. Let them know that they are doing a good job - everyone, including animals, needs and wants praise.
How many times have we wished that our animal companion would do something, and low and behold they did it? How many times have we been sad and our animal companions comforted us? This happens many times but we, as humans don't understand that they are indeed communicating with us. Webster dictionary defines communication as: "an act of transmitting; an exchange of information or opinions." We do this all the time!
Dog Performs Heimlich?
http://www.wltx.com/FYI/story.aspx?storyid=48194
The owner of a 2 year old Golden Retriever says the dog saved her life. Apparently the dog starting jumping on her stomach while she was choking and dislodged the item stuck in her throat.
I sure hope the dog got some treats for his efforts.....
The owner of a 2 year old Golden Retriever says the dog saved her life. Apparently the dog starting jumping on her stomach while she was choking and dislodged the item stuck in her throat.
I sure hope the dog got some treats for his efforts.....
Owner says dog saved her with 'Heimlich'
Debbie Parkhurst poses with her dog, Toby, in Calvert, Md., Monday, March 26, 2007. Parker claims the 2-year-old golden retriever saved her life Friday by performing a doggy version of the Heimlich maneuver, knocking her to the ground and jumping on her chest to dislodge a piece of apple stuck in her windpipe. (AP Photo/Cecil Whig, Adelma Gregory-Bunnell)
"Strange Owl" Seen in Wild for First Time
A tiny bird so rare and unusual that its scientific name means "strange owl" has been spotted for the first time in the wild, scientists announced yesterday.Conservationists working in Peru got their first natural glimpse of the long-whiskered owlet last month while working in a private mountain reserve.
The species wasn't even known to exist until 1976, and since then the only known living specimens have been those caught in nets at night.
"Seeing the long-whiskered owlet is a huge thrill," said David Geale of Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos, who was part of the research team, in a press statement.
The American Bird Conservancy, which partnered in the research, described the sighting as "a holy grail" of bird biology.
As few as 250 of the owlets are thought to exist, scientists said, and the birds are as distinctive as they are rare.
Culture vs. Cruelty
Controversy over the treatment of live animals in urban Asian markets rages on. Asian-American leaders have accused animal-welfare activists of racism, and the activists call the merchants callous animal torturers. A new bill in California aims to end the battle once and for all.
Deadly jellyfish halt Hollywood production
A deadly species of jellyfish, translucent and the size of a thumbnail, is spreading along Australia’s coastline as a result of global warming, scientists warned today.Irukandji jellyfish are among the world’s most toxic creatures – all but impossible to detect in the water but packing a potentially lethal punch belying their tiny size.
Until recently it was thought that they were confined to Australia’s northern tropical waters, but marine biologists have now found them off Queensland’s Fraser Island — a popular tourist spot about 400 miles south of their previously assumed range.
Their discovery has halted production of a Hollywood film, Fool’s Gold, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, who were originally due to be filmed swimming in the sea. Dr Jamie Seymour, from James Cook University, said she had found five of the animals off the island.
“You can’t now say the waters around Fraser Island are jellyfish safe. I mean, these animals have the potential to kill you,” he told ABC radio.
“The ones we were catching weren’t any bigger than your thumbnail. They’ve got tentacles that are probably a half to three quarters of a metre long, and pretty much transparent. So unless you really know what you’re looking for, you’re not going to see them in the water.”
If they migrate south in sufficient numbers, irukandji would threaten the safety of swimmers, surfers and snorkellers along southern Queensland’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast holiday destinations.
Little is known about their biology but their toxicity is legendary. One of the tiny jellyfish was blamed for killing a 58-year-old British tourist, Richard Jordan, in the Whitsunday Islands of Queensland in 2002. A few months later, a 44-year-old American tourist was stung and also died.
Pet Bunnies
We have two friends who have a bunny as a pet. Bunnies are interesting little creatures. As I hung around them I started to observe their behavior. Observing really wasn’t all that tough-- they really don’t seem to do too much!
Now, I’m not putting down bunnies as pets, or trying to offend bunny owners. In fact, I think they are great little animals to have around the house. It’s like having a dog that doesn't bark. Actually, bunnies really don’t make much noise at all. They just go about their business, chewing on things, having a grand old time. They are fun to watch hopping about, and because they don’t make any noises, you have to look around at all times to see where the bunny might be hiding....you don't want to accidentally step on one!
In some ways I wonder if owning a bunny is tougher then a dog or cat. Since they really don’t make any noises, it’s hard to know if the bunny is in need of anything. There is no barking, meowing, clawing, or any other obvious forms of communication that we get from our other furry pets.
I’m left to ponder such questions such as how does a bunny tell us when he’s hungry? Or when they are lonely? Looks like there is more to observe then I thought.
Now, I’m not putting down bunnies as pets, or trying to offend bunny owners. In fact, I think they are great little animals to have around the house. It’s like having a dog that doesn't bark. Actually, bunnies really don’t make much noise at all. They just go about their business, chewing on things, having a grand old time. They are fun to watch hopping about, and because they don’t make any noises, you have to look around at all times to see where the bunny might be hiding....you don't want to accidentally step on one!
In some ways I wonder if owning a bunny is tougher then a dog or cat. Since they really don’t make any noises, it’s hard to know if the bunny is in need of anything. There is no barking, meowing, clawing, or any other obvious forms of communication that we get from our other furry pets.
I’m left to ponder such questions such as how does a bunny tell us when he’s hungry? Or when they are lonely? Looks like there is more to observe then I thought.
Cruel beyond belief - China's live animal markets
The newly opened Three Birds Market is the biggest collection and distribution centre for cats, dogs and all kinds of birds in Southern China, and officially operates as a poultry market.
Cat and dogs crammed inside cages with no room to move, many of them diseased, all destined to be sold as food. These are the shocking pictures from a live animal market in Nanhai, China.
Small metal baskets no more than 4ft long and 2ft wide house anything up to eight cats at a time.
Trucks arrive containing cages packed with dogs that have not been fed or watered for days ahead of their slaughter.
Disease is rife. They will soon be dead and sold as meat.
Cat and dogs crammed inside cages with no room to move, many of them diseased, all destined to be sold as food. These are the shocking pictures from a live animal market in Nanhai, China.
Small metal baskets no more than 4ft long and 2ft wide house anything up to eight cats at a time.
Trucks arrive containing cages packed with dogs that have not been fed or watered for days ahead of their slaughter.
Disease is rife. They will soon be dead and sold as meat.
Tiger Temple - Thailand
Deep in the heart of the Kanchanaburi province in Western Thailand there lies a Buddhist temple with a difference. For not only is this temple home to monks who spend their time in prayer and meditation, over the last 7 years it has become a sanctuary for tigers.
When villagers found an orphaned tiger cub, they went from place to place seeking help. Upon arrival at the monastery, the cub was welcomed out of compassion and saved from certain death. Since then many more orphaned tigers have found refuge under the abbots loving care.
Woman stopped wearing girdle of live crocodiles
Sorry, no pictures!
A woman was caught with three crocodiles strapped to her waist at the Gaza-Egypt border crossing after guards noticed that she looked "strangely fat," officials said.
The woman's odd shape raised suspicions at the Rafah terminal in southern Gaza, and a body search by a female border guard turned up the animals, each about 50 centimeters (20 inches) long, concealed underneath her loose robe, according to Maria Telleria, spokeswoman for the European observers who run the crossing.
"The woman looked strangely fat. Even though she was veiled and covered, even with so many clothes on there was something strange," Telleria said.
In her defense, the woman said she "was asked" to carry the crocodiles, said Wael Dahab, a spokesman for the Palestinian guards at the crossing.
The woman was not the first to try to illegally smuggle exotic wildlife through the Rafah crossing, Dahab said: another woman tried to bring in a monkey tied to her chest, and other travelers tried to smuggle in exotic birds and a tiger cub. Border guards more frequently confiscate cigarettes, prescription drugs and car parts.
A woman was caught with three crocodiles strapped to her waist at the Gaza-Egypt border crossing after guards noticed that she looked "strangely fat," officials said.
The woman's odd shape raised suspicions at the Rafah terminal in southern Gaza, and a body search by a female border guard turned up the animals, each about 50 centimeters (20 inches) long, concealed underneath her loose robe, according to Maria Telleria, spokeswoman for the European observers who run the crossing.
"The woman looked strangely fat. Even though she was veiled and covered, even with so many clothes on there was something strange," Telleria said.
In her defense, the woman said she "was asked" to carry the crocodiles, said Wael Dahab, a spokesman for the Palestinian guards at the crossing.
The woman was not the first to try to illegally smuggle exotic wildlife through the Rafah crossing, Dahab said: another woman tried to bring in a monkey tied to her chest, and other travelers tried to smuggle in exotic birds and a tiger cub. Border guards more frequently confiscate cigarettes, prescription drugs and car parts.
White lioness
"Ashanti", the first white lioness to be born in Italy. Along with its parents, Ashanti is one of the three white lions living in Italy, all in captivity.
(Photo: AP Photo/Safari Park-Pombia)
"Monster" Toad Caught Down Under
An environmental group said Tuesday it had captured a "monster" toad the size of a small dog.With a body the size of a football and weighing nearly 2 pounds, the toad is among the largest specimens ever captured in Australia, according to Frogwatch coordinator Graeme Sawyer.
"It's huge, to put it mildly," he said. "The biggest toads are usually females but this one was a rampant male ... I would hate to meet his big sister."
Frogwatch, which is dedicated to wiping out a toxic toad species that has killed countless Australian animals, picked up the 15-inch-long cane toad during a raid on a pond outside the northern city of Darwin late Monday.
What Happens When You Tickle a Lab Rat?
Aristotle declared that humans are the only animal to laugh, but then, he never saw this video of Jaak Panksepp tickling rats.
When you play it, you’ll hear the tickled rats chirping — an ultrasonic noise that’s audible thanks to the special equipment that enabled Dr. Panksepp and his colleagues to discover this phenomenon. Young rats make the same chirp when they chase and play with one another, and they like to hang out with other rats who chirp at this frequency (50 kHz). It seems to be a happy sound: rats will run mazes and press levers in order to be tickled, and they’ll emit the same chirp when the dopamine reward circuits in the brain are stimulated.
Some researchers still aren’t sure these sounds qualify as animal laughter, but Dr. Panksepp, a neuroscientist at Washington State University, has been systematically gathering evidence of the parallels to human laughter.
When you play it, you’ll hear the tickled rats chirping — an ultrasonic noise that’s audible thanks to the special equipment that enabled Dr. Panksepp and his colleagues to discover this phenomenon. Young rats make the same chirp when they chase and play with one another, and they like to hang out with other rats who chirp at this frequency (50 kHz). It seems to be a happy sound: rats will run mazes and press levers in order to be tickled, and they’ll emit the same chirp when the dopamine reward circuits in the brain are stimulated.
Some researchers still aren’t sure these sounds qualify as animal laughter, but Dr. Panksepp, a neuroscientist at Washington State University, has been systematically gathering evidence of the parallels to human laughter.
Pavlov's Dog
Pavlov's Dog
In this game, you will find out if you can train a dog to drool on command! Ivan Pavlov's description on how animals (and humans) can be trained to respond in a certain way to a particular stimulus, has drawn a tremendous amount of interest ever since he first presented his findings. His work paved the way for a new and objective method of studying animal and human behavior.
See also:
How to play »
Read More: Ivan Petrovich Pavlov
(1849-1936) »
Customer Service Still Exists
I read a lot about how customer service as a whole has been going down hill. Although I agree with that overall, I am happy to see that my local, privately owned, pet shop still offers great customer service.
We were shopping over the weekend trying to find dog food without rat poison. While looking at the various organic offerings, the owner of the store came up to us and asked if we had any questions regarding the different brands.
Now, I don’t know if he would normally hang out in the food section offering advice, but with everything going on, he made it a point to talk to his customers one on one regarding food choices.
Although the food we feed our dog wasn’t part of the recall, I still wonder if I’m buying the best available products. The owner suggested an organic brand that is made in the mid-west and reasonably priced. It’s actually a bit cheaper then the brands we have been feeding our dog. The owner told us that he sees the people who make the food all the time at pet expos and has gotten to trust them and their products.
We’ll give it our dog this week and see how it goes. If all goes well, I may be writing a new food review soon. But in the meantime, it’s nice to know that there are still stores who care about their customers.
We were shopping over the weekend trying to find dog food without rat poison. While looking at the various organic offerings, the owner of the store came up to us and asked if we had any questions regarding the different brands.
Now, I don’t know if he would normally hang out in the food section offering advice, but with everything going on, he made it a point to talk to his customers one on one regarding food choices.
Although the food we feed our dog wasn’t part of the recall, I still wonder if I’m buying the best available products. The owner suggested an organic brand that is made in the mid-west and reasonably priced. It’s actually a bit cheaper then the brands we have been feeding our dog. The owner told us that he sees the people who make the food all the time at pet expos and has gotten to trust them and their products.
We’ll give it our dog this week and see how it goes. If all goes well, I may be writing a new food review soon. But in the meantime, it’s nice to know that there are still stores who care about their customers.
Barking Not Part Of Free Speech, Court Rules
Freedom of speech is guaranteed by the Constitution, but what about the freedom to bark?
The North Dakota Supreme Court has rejected a claim that an anti-barking ordinance is unconstitutional.
Fred Kilkenny got a ticket for his barking dogs in Belfield, N.D., even though he was in Mississippi at the time helping Hurricane Katrina victims. His lawyer argued that Belfield's anti-barking law is too vague to be fairly enforced.
But the judges on the state's high court saw no reason to muzzle local officials. The ruling noted that similar dog-barking ordinances have constitutional teeth.
Kilkenny may take his case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The North Dakota Supreme Court has rejected a claim that an anti-barking ordinance is unconstitutional.
Fred Kilkenny got a ticket for his barking dogs in Belfield, N.D., even though he was in Mississippi at the time helping Hurricane Katrina victims. His lawyer argued that Belfield's anti-barking law is too vague to be fairly enforced.
But the judges on the state's high court saw no reason to muzzle local officials. The ruling noted that similar dog-barking ordinances have constitutional teeth.
Kilkenny may take his case to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Mouse Taunts Man, Steals Dentures
Bill Exner, 68, has his dentures back, but his wife said the mouse that stole them is now taunting him.
The resident of Waterville, Maine, said he's caught the mouse three times, but each time it escaped.
Exner told the Morning Sentinel he trapped the field mouse and placed in a gallon-sized pickle jar three times. He said each time the mouse escaped.
"The first time, I left the top off the pickle jar -- I figured there's no way this guy can get out," Exner told the paper. "But he escaped, so the next time I caught him, I put the cover on loosely so he could breathe, and he got out again."
After the third time, Exner discovered his lower dentures were missing.
In the subsequent search, he and his wife found a small opening in a wall. With the help of their daughter's fiance, they tore a larger hole and retrieved the dentures.
"The dentures were inside the wall, lying right there. They were not damaged. The mouse didn't bite them or anything. It's like he was saying, 'I'm going to get even with you for putting me in that jar,'" Exner said.
The resident of Waterville, Maine, said he's caught the mouse three times, but each time it escaped.
Exner told the Morning Sentinel he trapped the field mouse and placed in a gallon-sized pickle jar three times. He said each time the mouse escaped.
"The first time, I left the top off the pickle jar -- I figured there's no way this guy can get out," Exner told the paper. "But he escaped, so the next time I caught him, I put the cover on loosely so he could breathe, and he got out again."
After the third time, Exner discovered his lower dentures were missing.
In the subsequent search, he and his wife found a small opening in a wall. With the help of their daughter's fiance, they tore a larger hole and retrieved the dentures.
"The dentures were inside the wall, lying right there. They were not damaged. The mouse didn't bite them or anything. It's like he was saying, 'I'm going to get even with you for putting me in that jar,'" Exner said.
Truffle Retriever dog
Truffle Golden Retriever
Jellycat truffles are so nifty: they can sit up and pose, or lay completely flat for a portable and oh-so-soft blanket and, of course, be cuddled in any number of ways. Cute and cleverly functional! We think this pooch is particularly irresistable.
Fairy Princess Costume
Highly-detailed, high-quality Fairy Princess Costumes are perfect for trick-or-treating, Halloween parties, or photos. All costumes feature Velcro® closures for easy-on/easy-off dressing, and are available in an array of sizes to suit any dog. Coordinating headwear features an elastic band for a comfortable fit. Wipe Clean with a damp cloth.
The Gecko
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gecko
This is a wikipedia link all about the gecko.
Why do we love these little critters? Is it the insurance company's use of them in their advertising? Could be. I never knew what a Gecko was until those commercials made that particular lizard a household name. To me, a lizard was a lizard. Then I learned that a Gecko is a certain type of lizard, and that there are various types of geckos.
On an Island trip I took, I was surrounded by these little creatures. They appeared everywhere, and showed no fear of people. They were fun, interesting little creatures to observe. Watching them crawl on walls, walkways, bushes and trees, I became fascinated by their behavior.
Though I don't have one as a pet (at least not yet), I can understand people's interest in having one in their homes. And if your local pet store sells crickets by the bag for your lizard to munch on, then owning a gecko becomes that much easier. As long as, of course, the crickets don't get out of the lizard's lair.
The more I read about geckos as pets, the more intrigued I become. Just like any animal, they have specific requirements and needs, and I will continue to do my research before buying one as a pet.
This is a wikipedia link all about the gecko.
Why do we love these little critters? Is it the insurance company's use of them in their advertising? Could be. I never knew what a Gecko was until those commercials made that particular lizard a household name. To me, a lizard was a lizard. Then I learned that a Gecko is a certain type of lizard, and that there are various types of geckos.
On an Island trip I took, I was surrounded by these little creatures. They appeared everywhere, and showed no fear of people. They were fun, interesting little creatures to observe. Watching them crawl on walls, walkways, bushes and trees, I became fascinated by their behavior.
Though I don't have one as a pet (at least not yet), I can understand people's interest in having one in their homes. And if your local pet store sells crickets by the bag for your lizard to munch on, then owning a gecko becomes that much easier. As long as, of course, the crickets don't get out of the lizard's lair.
The more I read about geckos as pets, the more intrigued I become. Just like any animal, they have specific requirements and needs, and I will continue to do my research before buying one as a pet.
Visitor waddles in and makes itself at home
A fairy penguin popped into the Clark family's Tasmanian home for a visit on Wednesday and spent the day in the bathtub.Sometime before Wednesday morning, the little penguin had waddled about 100 metres up the beach, crossing a railway track and a road in the process and wandered into the Clark's front yard in West Ulverstone about three hours northwest of Hobart in Tasmania.
Garry Clark said when the front door was opened to let the dog out to the toilet, the penguin entered.
"The dog went out and a penguin came in," Mr Clark said.
"I was in getting ready for work and my son came in and said `Dad, there's a penguin in the lounge room'.
"I thought, `that can't be right'."
But a penguin in the lounge room there was, and a friendly one at that.
Mr Clark said the animal appeared quite comfortable and made no problem when it was picked up.
The penguin was popped in the bathtub with a little water for the day.
"We sat him in there and he splashed about in the water every now and again."
A bit of thawed salmon from the freezer did not tempt the penguin.
On advice from the Parks and Wildlife Service, the penguin remained in the tub until Wednesday evening.
Then the Clark family gathered it up and took it across to the beach to let it go.
(via)
Video: Twirl a Squirrel
Squirrel's weight on feeder activates a motor which gently twirls him off.
(via)
(via)
Rodent poison found in now-recalled pet food blamed for animal deaths
(Albany,NY-AP) _Rat poison has been found in pet food blamed for the deaths of several animals around the country, a spokeswoman for the State Department of Agriculture and Markets said Friday.
Spokeswoman Jessica Chittenden would not identify the chemical or its source beyond saying it was a rodent poison.
State agriculture officials scheduled a news conference Friday afternoon to release laboratory findings from tests on the pet food conducted this week. The deaths led to a nationwide recall.
Spokeswoman Jessica Chittenden would not identify the chemical or its source beyond saying it was a rodent poison.
State agriculture officials scheduled a news conference Friday afternoon to release laboratory findings from tests on the pet food conducted this week. The deaths led to a nationwide recall.
Hippity Hoppity (bunny parade)
Here comes Peter Cottontail
Hoppin' down the bunny trail,
Hippity hoppity,
Easter's on its way
Got your bunny ears on?
Let's start the bunny hop ...
found here
from flickr, by basykes
found here
from flickr, by Doxieone
found here
from flickr, by msmaria
found here
found here
found here
from flickr, by Cynr
found here
from flickr, by Happy.Phantom
found here
found here
found here
found here
from flickr, by kentkb
from flickr, by Tigole Bitties
found here
found here
fround here
"Toygers" Breed Conservation Awareness, Animal-Rescue Concerns
Jenifer Santee always dreamed of owning a tiger.
But knowing that wild creatures should not be kept as house pets, she did the next best thing: She joined a small group of cat breeders working to create a fully domesticated look-a-like of the largest member of the feline family.
"It's a designer cat that was bred specifically to preserve the beauty of an exotic animal," said Santee, of the SanteePride Cattery in Manteno, Illinois.
Dubbed toygers, for toy tigers, these playful, black-striped felines have been registered as a breed with the International Cat Association (TICA) since 1993. (see photos of toygers vs. tigers)
Santee is among 25 breeders worldwide working on perfecting the pedigreed cat. So far, 360 toygers—each valued at upward of $3,000 (U.S.)—have been registered with TICA.
And starting this May toygers will join more familiar breeds—including Abyssinians, Persians, and Russian blues—that can be judged as championship cats at TICA-sponsored cat shows.
Public demand for the tiny tiger replica is "overwhelming," Santee said, and has likely been fueled by recent national media attention on the breed's progress.
But knowing that wild creatures should not be kept as house pets, she did the next best thing: She joined a small group of cat breeders working to create a fully domesticated look-a-like of the largest member of the feline family.
"It's a designer cat that was bred specifically to preserve the beauty of an exotic animal," said Santee, of the SanteePride Cattery in Manteno, Illinois.
Dubbed toygers, for toy tigers, these playful, black-striped felines have been registered as a breed with the International Cat Association (TICA) since 1993. (see photos of toygers vs. tigers)
Santee is among 25 breeders worldwide working on perfecting the pedigreed cat. So far, 360 toygers—each valued at upward of $3,000 (U.S.)—have been registered with TICA.
And starting this May toygers will join more familiar breeds—including Abyssinians, Persians, and Russian blues—that can be judged as championship cats at TICA-sponsored cat shows.
Public demand for the tiny tiger replica is "overwhelming," Santee said, and has likely been fueled by recent national media attention on the breed's progress.
Savannah Cats & Safari Cats
Savannah Cats
A cross resulting from the breeding of an African Serval and a domestic cat has recently resulted in the replication of the striking coat pattern and body structure of the Serval.Savannahs are smaller (up to 32 pounds) and more manageable than Servals, but are the largest hybrid feline available today. Savannahs are the newest breed of cat available.
Prices for pets are as follows:
- F1 (75% Serval) $6,000 - $7,000
- F1 (50% Serval) $6,000 - $7,000
- F2 (25% Serval) $2,500 - $4,000
- F3 (12.5% Serval) $1,500 - $3,000
- F4 & F5 $2,000 - $5,000
Safari Cats
The Safari cat is a hybrid of the South American Geoffroys cat. The Safari is an unusual animal that provides the look of the wild with the affection rarely found in the sweetest domestic.Some of the first Safaris were bred in the early 1970’s. A limited number were produced for pets and a few were produced for use in Leukemia research by Washington State University.
Average prices for Safaris are as follows:
- F1 (50%) $6,000 - $8,500
- Males are sold as pets only due to sterility
A Trip to the Pet Store
There's something exciting about going to the pet store. Especially one where you feel that the pets are well cared for and you would have no problem taking them home. It's like going to a mini zoo only you can actually take these pets home with you!
Our local store always has a wide range of puppies. Now I know the arguements of adopting a dog versus buying, but that's another topic for another day.
There is always a feeling of anticipation when I go to the pet store. It's like I can't wait to see the new animals that this store has to offer. First, I go to the reptile section. Now, there is no way I can handle a reptile with my dog and fish, but it's always fun to look at the variety of reptiles and geckos that are available.
Next, it's off to the bird section. Lots of colors and noises. There are plenty I want to take home, but then I think back to the last time I had a bird, the noise he made all night, and the mess he always left me. Then, I think about how playful my dog can be...one mistake on my part and that bird will be his newest toy.
So, I move along to the puppy section. With all the new "designer" cross-bred dogs, it's fun to see what will be in store. A Have-a-poo sounds nothing like a dog breed, but I play with this Havenese poodle mix just the same.
After my wife and I wish we could take every dog home, I move on to the aquarium area. Hmm...new fish I've never seen....I wonder if it's compatible with the fish in my aquarium....now where's that fish manager, I have questions. But don't I alreay have enough fish in my tank? And this internal fight goes back and forth in my mind until I talk myself into either buying another fishy friend, or leaving for another hobbyest to enjoy.
By this time, I've pretty much been through the entire store. It seems like every visit ends the same way -- I have to stop myself from buying every animal in the store, while trying to decide which new "premium" treat to buy my dog, and what type of high quality fish food I want to try for my aquatic pets. I always yell at myself for spending too much on my pets, for feeding them better food then I feed myself, and walk out of the store wondering how I can save money the next time.
Yup, it always ends the same way, but yet I look forward to the next visit.
Our local store always has a wide range of puppies. Now I know the arguements of adopting a dog versus buying, but that's another topic for another day.
There is always a feeling of anticipation when I go to the pet store. It's like I can't wait to see the new animals that this store has to offer. First, I go to the reptile section. Now, there is no way I can handle a reptile with my dog and fish, but it's always fun to look at the variety of reptiles and geckos that are available.
Next, it's off to the bird section. Lots of colors and noises. There are plenty I want to take home, but then I think back to the last time I had a bird, the noise he made all night, and the mess he always left me. Then, I think about how playful my dog can be...one mistake on my part and that bird will be his newest toy.
So, I move along to the puppy section. With all the new "designer" cross-bred dogs, it's fun to see what will be in store. A Have-a-poo sounds nothing like a dog breed, but I play with this Havenese poodle mix just the same.
After my wife and I wish we could take every dog home, I move on to the aquarium area. Hmm...new fish I've never seen....I wonder if it's compatible with the fish in my aquarium....now where's that fish manager, I have questions. But don't I alreay have enough fish in my tank? And this internal fight goes back and forth in my mind until I talk myself into either buying another fishy friend, or leaving for another hobbyest to enjoy.
By this time, I've pretty much been through the entire store. It seems like every visit ends the same way -- I have to stop myself from buying every animal in the store, while trying to decide which new "premium" treat to buy my dog, and what type of high quality fish food I want to try for my aquatic pets. I always yell at myself for spending too much on my pets, for feeding them better food then I feed myself, and walk out of the store wondering how I can save money the next time.
Yup, it always ends the same way, but yet I look forward to the next visit.
Twenty Of World's 162 Grouper Species Threatened With Extinction
The first comprehensive assessment of the world’s 162 species of grouper, a culinary favorite and important commercial fish, found that 20 are threatened with extinction unless proper management or conservation measures are introduced. Eight species previously were listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as under extinction threat, and the new assessment proposes adding 12 more.A panel of 20 experts from 10 nations determined the extinction threat facing groupers, which are the basis of the multimillion-dollar live reef food fish trade based in Hong Kong and comprise one of the most valuable groups of commercial fishes in chilled fish markets of the tropics and sub-tropics. Around the world, consumers pay up to $50 per kilogram for grouper.
“This shows that over-fishing could decimate another major food and economic resource for humans, similar to the loss of the cod stocks off New England and Canada that has put thousands of people out of work,” said Roger McManus, a senior director of Conservation International’s Marine Program.
White lion kits
Two 45-day-old white lion cubs play inside a zoo in China'sHeilongjiang Province March 8, 2007.
The cubs will be released back into the wild.
Hundreds Line Up For Mountain Oysters
They're called oysters, but these fried delicacies don't come from the sea.
Hundreds of people stood on line for up to an hour for a chance to taste mountain oysters over the weekend.
About 130 of the sheep testicles were served at the 16th annual Mountain Oyster Fry in the old mining town of Virginia City.
They weren't just fried, either. The mountain oysters were barbecued, stuffed and even served in tacos.
Hundreds of people stood on line for up to an hour for a chance to taste mountain oysters over the weekend.
About 130 of the sheep testicles were served at the 16th annual Mountain Oyster Fry in the old mining town of Virginia City.
They weren't just fried, either. The mountain oysters were barbecued, stuffed and even served in tacos.
American croc no longer listed as endangered
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has declassified the American crocodile as an endangered species, saying the animal has rebounded from the edge of extinction. The species has rebounded in the United States from just 300 in 1976 to an estimated 2,000 today.
The reptile remains protected under the federal Endangered Species Act even though it was downgraded to a "threatened" species, making it illegal to harass, poach or kill the reptiles.
"It's just one step closer to recovery, but it still has many, many threats," Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Tom MacKenzie said in announcing the move Tuesday. "It's still protected with the full force of federal law."
The reptile remains protected under the federal Endangered Species Act even though it was downgraded to a "threatened" species, making it illegal to harass, poach or kill the reptiles.
"It's just one step closer to recovery, but it still has many, many threats," Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Tom MacKenzie said in announcing the move Tuesday. "It's still protected with the full force of federal law."
Art by YaYa Chou
"Gummibear Rug"
"Simon," 2006, 7"X32"X30", gummi bears, faux nailtops on wire armature and canvas
(via)
Why Ants Rule the World
Scientists estimate modern-day ants first evolved about 120 million years ago. But the fossil record suggests that ants at this time weren't the prevalent insect that they are today. Not until 60 million years later, when some ants adapted to the new world of flowering plants and diversified their diets, did the critters achieve ecological dominance.Since then they've had a successful run of the planet.
Scientists estimate that about 20,000 ant species crawl the Earth. Taxonomists have classified more than 11,000 species, which account for at least one-third of all insect biomass. The combined heft of ants in the Brazilian Amazon is about four times greater than the combined mass of all of the mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, according to one survey.
More Great Dogs Quotes
"I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult." -Rita Rudner
"Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!" - Anne Tyler
"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons. " - James Thurber
"If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise." -Unknown
"Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!" - Anne Tyler
"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons. " - James Thurber
"If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise." -Unknown
Nuthatches Seem to Understand Chickadee
Nuthatches appear to have learned to understand a foreign language _ chickadee.It's not unusual for one animal to react to the alarm call of another, but nuthatches seem to go beyond that _ interpreting the type of alarm and what sort of predator poses a threat. When a chickadee sees a predator, it issues warning call _ a soft "seet" for a flying hawk, owl or falcon, or a loud "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" for a perched predator.
The "chick-a-dee" call can have 10 to 15 "dees" at the end and varies in sound to encode information on the type of predator. It also calls in other small birds to mob the predator, Christopher Templeton of the University of Washington said in a telephone interview.
"In this case the nuthatch is able to discriminate the information in this call," said Templeton, a doctoral candidate.
The findings by Templeton and Erick Green, an associate professor of biological sciences at the University of Montana, are reported in this week's online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
What's in a Can of Dog Food?
A pet-food manufacturer recalled 60 million units over the weekend after at least nine cats and a dog died of kidney failure. No one has identified the source of the contamination, but the company said the recalled products included a suspect batch of wheat gluten.
What else goes into pet food?
Thanks to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—which oversees the pet-food industry with the advice of the Association of American Feed Control Officials—the list of ingredients on a tin of dog chow gives you a general sense of what's inside. But pet-food companies manipulate the order of the list such that meat (and meat byproducts) appear first, even when other ingredients are used in larger quantities.
What else goes into pet food?
Thanks to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration—which oversees the pet-food industry with the advice of the Association of American Feed Control Officials—the list of ingredients on a tin of dog chow gives you a general sense of what's inside. But pet-food companies manipulate the order of the list such that meat (and meat byproducts) appear first, even when other ingredients are used in larger quantities.
Ancient lizard glided on stretched skin
An ancient arboreal lizard coasted through the air using a winglike membrane stretched across elongated ribs, a new fossil reveals.Dubbed Xianglong zhaoi, the gliding lizard lived during the Early Cretaceous period, about 150 million years ago. The specimen, detailed Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is about 6 inches (15.5 centimeters) long, and its immature features suggest it died at a young age.
The fossil, described by Xing Xu of Shenyang Normal University in China and his colleagues, was discovered in northeastern China's Liaoning Province, a site that has yielded a treasure trove of feathered dinosaurs and early bird remains in recent years.
Symptoms To Look Out For In Pets Following Food Recall
There is still plenty of concern for pet owners following the dog and cat food recall by Menu Foods.
The company says a number of cats and dogs have suffered kidney failure after eating its products. And about ten of them have died. So, how do you know if your pet is sick? Pitt County veterinarian Dennis Johnson says dogs or cats that have eaten the tainted food will show symptoms like tiredness, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea.
For more information on product codes, descriptions and production dates, click here.
The company says a number of cats and dogs have suffered kidney failure after eating its products. And about ten of them have died. So, how do you know if your pet is sick? Pitt County veterinarian Dennis Johnson says dogs or cats that have eaten the tainted food will show symptoms like tiredness, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea.
For more information on product codes, descriptions and production dates, click here.
Iditarod musher disqualified for whipping his dogs
A three member panel disqualified Ramy Brooks from the 2007 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race for abusing his dogs along the race trail.Witnesses in Golovin provided information to race officials detailing abusive actions by Brooks to his dog team. Brooks acknowledged "spanking" the dogs in his team with trail marking lathe. The judges voted unanimously to disqualify Brooks from the 2007 Iditarod.
Xylitol sweetener is toxic for dogs
A sugar substitute found in a variety of sugar-free and dietetic cookies, mints and chewing gum is proving highly toxic, even fatal, to snack-snatching dogs.
Xylitol, popular in Europe for decades but a relative newcomer to the U.S. alternative-sweeteners market, can be "very, very serious" to dogs when ingested, says Dana Farbman, spokeswoman for the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
"It doesn't take a whole lot (of xylitol), and the effects are so rapid that the window of opportunity to treat the dog is extremely small," Farbman says.
The ASPCA sent an advisory to veterinarians last August warning them about the potential for serious harm or death. Veterinarians have used a variety of means to get the word out, including posting signs in their offices and making copies of the bulletin for clients to augment the caution the ASPCA has posted on its website.
Xylitol, popular in Europe for decades but a relative newcomer to the U.S. alternative-sweeteners market, can be "very, very serious" to dogs when ingested, says Dana Farbman, spokeswoman for the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
"It doesn't take a whole lot (of xylitol), and the effects are so rapid that the window of opportunity to treat the dog is extremely small," Farbman says.
The ASPCA sent an advisory to veterinarians last August warning them about the potential for serious harm or death. Veterinarians have used a variety of means to get the word out, including posting signs in their offices and making copies of the bulletin for clients to augment the caution the ASPCA has posted on its website.
The killer frogs of Lily Pond
It's like something out of an animal horror movie -- killer frogs take over peaceful pond, then after terrorizing and eating everything alive, start eating each other.
Only it's no movie. It's really happening in Golden Gate Park's Lily Pond, near the California Academy of Sciences. And after watching the frogs chew through everything in sight over the past several years, the city finally wants to do something about it.
No one knows for sure when the African clawed frogs got into the pond or who put them there. But there they are, and the Toad Warriors have pretty much taken care of the native turtles, frogs and fish.
"They've eaten everything they can get their mouths around, and now they're eating each other," said Eric Mills of the animal rights group Action for Animals.
Mills worries that the fiendish amphibians -- which grow to 5 inches in length and have claws on the toes of their oversize hind feet -- may jump the pond and spread their reign of terror across other Bay Area waterways, although so far, none has popped up elsewhere.
"The fear is they will get out,'' said Richard Schulke, president of the city's Animal Control and Welfare Commission.
Only it's no movie. It's really happening in Golden Gate Park's Lily Pond, near the California Academy of Sciences. And after watching the frogs chew through everything in sight over the past several years, the city finally wants to do something about it.
No one knows for sure when the African clawed frogs got into the pond or who put them there. But there they are, and the Toad Warriors have pretty much taken care of the native turtles, frogs and fish.
"They've eaten everything they can get their mouths around, and now they're eating each other," said Eric Mills of the animal rights group Action for Animals.
Mills worries that the fiendish amphibians -- which grow to 5 inches in length and have claws on the toes of their oversize hind feet -- may jump the pond and spread their reign of terror across other Bay Area waterways, although so far, none has popped up elsewhere.
"The fear is they will get out,'' said Richard Schulke, president of the city's Animal Control and Welfare Commission.
Moths Mimic Spiders
Brenthia hexaselena, a species of metalmark moth, flares its hind wings (HW) and spreads its forewings (FW) to mimic a jumping spider.For most moths, the sight of a jumping spider makes them panic as they try to escape its lethal pounce. But not so for metalmark moths in the genus Brenthia. These moths stand their ground with hind wings flared and forewings held above the body at a slight angle.
These moths are relying on mimicry to save their lives.
In that pose, the moth looks like a jumping spider
Photo Credit
Pet Food Recall Unfortunate, But Not Surprising
Although the food recall, and the effects it had on some pets, was unfortunate, it's not all that surprising. A lot of brands, including those more expensive, so-called premium dog foods, include animal by-products. Here is why these are not good.
The pet food industry is an extension of the human food and agriculture industries. Pet food provides a market for slaughterhouse left-overs considered "unfit for human consumption," and similar waste products to be turned into profit. This waste includes such appetizing things as intestines, udders, esophagi, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts. These items are considered animal by-products.
Usually, about 50% of an animal contains parts that are not fit for human consumption. So, in order to make some cash flow from the other half of the animal, it's processed into pet food and animal feed.
There is also some concern as to the cleanliness of processing these by-products. Since they aren't fit for humans, there are some thoughts that these parts aren't treated with same care and quality control measures as is the rest of the meat.
Now, there is no evidence as of yet that this is the cause of the pet food recall. However, with the way the pet food industry uses these foods unfit for humans, it's no wonder that a break-out such as this is possible. Here's hoping things will get better.
The pet food industry is an extension of the human food and agriculture industries. Pet food provides a market for slaughterhouse left-overs considered "unfit for human consumption," and similar waste products to be turned into profit. This waste includes such appetizing things as intestines, udders, esophagi, and possibly diseased and cancerous animal parts. These items are considered animal by-products.
Usually, about 50% of an animal contains parts that are not fit for human consumption. So, in order to make some cash flow from the other half of the animal, it's processed into pet food and animal feed.
There is also some concern as to the cleanliness of processing these by-products. Since they aren't fit for humans, there are some thoughts that these parts aren't treated with same care and quality control measures as is the rest of the meat.
Now, there is no evidence as of yet that this is the cause of the pet food recall. However, with the way the pet food industry uses these foods unfit for humans, it's no wonder that a break-out such as this is possible. Here's hoping things will get better.
Easter Eggs Dog Sweater
Your Poochy will be the Best in Show this Easter wearing this confection. Hand-knitted yellow sweater with green fluffy fringe. Pastel Easter Eggs are separately hand-crocheted, then beaded with small pearl beads. An amazing work of art, sure to please!
PuppyPurse Pet Carrier
Lightweight Gingham "Country Boy" flexible PuppyPurse Pet CarrierSwing your partner, do-si-dog! This lovely, lightweight gingham PuppyPurse puts the "country" back in the puppy. An added layer of ruffles will keep heads turning till the cows come home! So, git along, little doggies!
Unlike other carriers, PuppyPurse has flexibility all figured out. With its easily adjustable swivel straps PuppyPurse is designed to let you find the most comfortable way to carry your pup. This unique carrier allows you to interact with your pet in his or her carrier the way other carriers can't. Not only that, it is particularly suited to small breed dogs who crave the attention and work so well with this flexible design.
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