Tag Archives: animals
Link of the Day: Goldfish Afloat!
The Huffington Post: Goldfish Uses Harness to Help Stay Afloat While Swimming
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It is a common myth that fish have a three-second memory span. In fact, fish are relatively intelligent animals who have long-term memories, and studies have shown that fish also use tools.
The video above shows how a simple harness tool has given a new life to a goldfish. Having trouble staying afloat, this goldfish now is able to swim thanks to her owner, who created a floating harness!
There has been quite a few disabled animals in the news lately who have gotten a new start thanks to their human companions. And while most people forget about their silent, swimming friends, it is nice to see that one fish has not been forgotten!
So, check out the link above to read more about this amazing goldfish, and next, learn about “The Hidden Lives of Fish”.
Happy Thursday All!
Link of the Day: Photos Gone Wild
National Geographic: Top 25 Photographs from the Wilderness
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This is cool. A way to promote care and respect for the wild and animals, these are the top 25 photographs of some of the last untamed places on Earth.
Check out these stunning photos, and if you have any of your own wild photos, check out the link above where you can submit your own photography!
Happy Thursday All!
Link of the Day: Down with the Ivory Trade!
The Huffington Post: Tsavo National Park Elephants Killed by Poachers in Kenya
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This literally brought tears to my eyes. There are only two species of elephants remaining – the Asian and African elephant – and countries, especially China, continue to partake in the ivory trade. This demand for ivory from Asia increases the incentive for Africans to turn to poaching due to the large amount of money they receive.
This horrific act needs to be stopped. While we can’t all be out fighting on the front lines for these animals, we can do our parts right from our home. First, check out these websites to learn more about the ivory trade and how to fight against elephant poaching:
Next, refuse to visit China or any other country that supports the ivory trade. Or, if you or someone you know does travel to Asia, especially China, make sure to ask what things are made of before you buy. Ivory is used to make tourist souvenirs, so ask, and if anything is made of ivory, bone, or skin, refuse to buy. This may not make the biggest impact, but at least you are taking a stand.
And finally, please spread the word about poaching, the ivory trade, and what can be done to help stop these random killings. The world needs to be educated about the importance of animal life and rights, so please do your part!
Happy Wednesday All!
Link of the Day: Tigers Need Our Help to Make Their Comeback
Science Daily: Tigers Roar Back: Great News for Big Cats in Key Areas
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With only 3,200 tigers remaining in the wild, a new survey shows that there could be more. This is good news, and hopefully 2013 will be a good year for tigers and other endangered wildlife.
Check out the link above, and also check out how you can help fight against tiger poaching.
Happy Friday All!
Link of the Day: Top Animal Photos of 2012
The Huffington Post: Animal Photos of the Year 2012
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Today is officially the last day of 2012, and boy, has it flown by! This year has been an interesting year for animals, both good and bad. With many new animal species discoveries, and poaching on the rise, it is now time to protect and conserve the animal kingdom in 2013.
Check out the year’s best animal photos, and remember that life would be incredibly terrible without our furry friends!
Happy Monday All!
Hannah
Losing a member of the family is one of the most devastating things that can happen. Whether it is a human family member, or an animal one, losing someone is always hard.
On Tuesday (the 18th of December) my boyfriend’s family lost their beloved dog, Hannah. I moved to Spain in 2008, and the first one that greeted me into this new land, apart from my boyfriend, was Hannah. She was a brindle Boxer with docked ears and a stubby tail. She was extremely intelligent, energetic, and always had a smile on her face. I swear she was a human in her past life.
Sergio, my boyfriend, and his family – his mother, father, and brother – got Hannah from a breeder when she was just a puppy. Supposedly she was the runt of the liter, but I could not imagine Hannah a runt. She was extremely playful, always up for a good game of hide-and-seek, and she became bi-lingual, speaking Spanish fluently and learning some English from me, the American of the household.
My greatest memories with her are taking her for her afternoon and nighttime walks, watching her gulp down her food in one bite, and playing “Donde Esta Kalie” (“Where is Kalie”), which is where I would hide and she would have to come find me. She really did prove the saying “Man’s Best Friend” correct.
On New Years Eve this year she would have turned 10. However, a few months ago, she had a hysterectomy. She was never spayed, due mostly to the fact that Spain is not educated enough on proper dog care. By that time I showed my boyfriend and his family the benefits of spaying and neutering their pets, Hannah was too old to be fixed. She had her periods every few months, and it would be torture to take her out and fend the male dogs off of her. She was also in pain those months, along with Sergio’s mom who had to clean up after Hannah when she dropped blood on the floor.
Eventually, she had to have a hysterectomy due to complications with her period. When they did the operation, they found a cancerous tumor and removed it. But, a few months later, the cancer was back and there was nothing left to do. Sergio’s parents spent their days tending to her, making sure she was as comfortable as possible. Hannah could not lay down, and therefore could not sleep. In the late afternoon of the 18th, it was time to put her down and end her suffering.
The past days have been hard for everyone. Hannah was definitely a member of the family, and before I came into Sergio’s parents’ lives, Hannah was their only daughter. We loved her like a human sister, and treated her like a queen. The holidays will definitely be a sad time this year due to our loss, but we know Hannah is looking down on us, becoming our newest guardian angel.
The lovely Hannah
I am writing this post mostly to grieve and let out my feelings, but also to advocate for spaying and neutering your pets. Dogs and cats are more susceptible to getting uterine infections, breast cancer, and testicular cancer when they are not fixed. Pets truly do live longer and healthier lives when spayed or neutered, and maybe if Hannah would have been spayed, she would still be around today.
Please read more about the benefits of spaying and neutering your pets on the ASPCA website – Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet – and educate yourself on how to allow your beloved pet to live a happy, healthier life.
The holidays are right around the corner, and it is the time to remember those we have lost, and to cherish those we still have here with us. Tell your family you love them, your friends you appreciate them, and your pets you adore them. But most of all smile and enjoy life.
I would also like to mention the victims and the victims’ families of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting. Today it has been one week since that tragic day, and all our hearts and prayers go out to those who were affected.
Link of the Day: Echidna Puggles
The Huffington Post: Echidna Puggles Born at Perth Zoo Reportedly Mark Breeding Milestone
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This odd looking, but adorable, creature was born at the Perth Zoo in Australia. Because of their birth, and their young mothers, previously unknown information about the breeding habits of Puggles has been discovered.
Check out the article and video, and this will truly make your day!
Happy Tuesday All!
Link of the Day: Animal Families
The Huffington Post: Animal Parents and Babies will Make Your Day Better
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The holidays are all about spending time with family, and these animals know how safe and secure you feel when you’re surrounded by those you love.
Check out the adorable photos and put a smile on your face this cold Wednesday day!
Happy Wednesday All!
Link of the Day: Goodbye Dogs and Cats, Hello Lions, Bison, and Seals!
The Huffington Post: 15 Wild Animals Who Think They are Part of the Family
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Now this is cool! The above picture shows actress, Melanie Griffith as a child lying in bed with her family’s pet lion. A little scary, but completely mind-blowing, though I bet you would not want to roll over on him in the middle of the night!
I do plan on having a wildlife sanctuary one of these days, and can only imagine having an exotic animal as a pet! However, I do believe that animals, especially wild ones like these, need to be in their natural habitat. But there’s nothing wrong with finding a pet lion, kangaroo, or elephant cute as can be!
Happy Tuesday All!
