The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Animals The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Animals
Showing posts with label Animals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Animals. Show all posts

Thursday, October 18, 2018

These Incredible Animal Photos Show Why Steve Irwin’s Son Is An Award Winning Photographer


Being part of the legacy that Steve Irwin left behind must be no easy task, but Robert Irwin, his 13-year-old son makes it seem smooth and oh-so-easy. Robert and his family have always been involved with nature, and even as a baby, his love for it was obvious. Now as a young teenager, he has actually traveled around the world with his family, capturing nature while at it and becoming an award-winning photographer – yes, at just 13-years-old!

Regardless of his age, there is no question why his work has been recognized in several contests: the images he captures are raw and pretty up-close, giving people a more intimate glance at nature and wildlife through his images.

To read more on this story, click here: These Incredible Animal Photos Show Why Steve Irwin’s Son Is An Award Winning Photographer



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Tuesday, October 9, 2018

The Eyes of an Animal - How They Differ from Ours


Have you ever wondered about the eyes of an animal, and how they differ from ours? Not only in shape, size and color...but in vision.

I am not an expert by no means on animals eyes, but decided to do some research and share with my readers.

A couple of  questions that I was interested in were, "why do animals have luminous eyes at night and why do some animals' eyes shine red at night and some yellow?"

I found out:

The eyes of many animals, but not humans, contain a reflective layer called the "tapetum lucidum".  That helps the eye gather more light, which improves night vision.  You just see what's reflected back at you; the rest of the light is absorbed by the creature's eye.

But it's not a precision mirror, and it tends to give you less accurate vision during the day.  Humans go in for precision (which is why we can read) at the expense of hunting or seeing predators at night.

The tapetum lucidum is reflective, but it's not like a mirror.  It's more like some bird feathers and butterfly wings, where it uses ridges or dots of clear material to achieve a colored effect.  The distance between the ridges interacts with the frequency of light to give you different colors.  The colors you're not seeing are the ones that the animal are what the animal actually sees.

Another question I had was, What does the phrase "eye of the tiger mean?"

I found out:

In the wild, seeing the "eyes" of the tiger signifies death, because right before a tiger attacks, it turns its ears forward so that the spot on the back of each ear faces nearer its prey. The "eye spots" on the back of tigers' ears serve to confuse predators and reduce the risk of attack from behind. Hence, once someone sees these "eyes", the tiger is about to attack.

Did you know:
  • Dogs and cats are color blind. They are said to be able to see only in pale shades of color.
  • Snakes have 2 sets of eyes. One pair for day and one pair for night.
  • Insects and bees use compound eyes made up of hundreds, even thousands of  tiny lenses placed together in a honeycomb pattern.
  • Horses eyes point sideways to give them excellent peripheral vision.



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Meet Beyoncé: The "World's Tiniest Dog"


The world's smallest puppy named after one of the world's biggest pop stars, Beyoncé, was so tiny at birth she could fit on a spoon.

The female Dachshund mix dog weighed just one ounce when she was born.

Animal rescuers in California say that she still remains so small that she can easily fit on an iPhone while she is the same size as a business card or credit card.

Experts say she is now likely to set a new record for being the world's tiniest dog. She is not yet officially the title holder but a "fast-track" application has been submitted to the Guinness World Records.

But a dog rescue centre in El Dorado Hills, California, has now been inundated with requests to adopt the little animal.

Beyoncé was the runt of a litter of five that was born to an abandoned dachshund mix, named Casey. Their mother was too heavily pregnant to have a termination and was scheduled to be put down.

But vets intervened and looked after the dog until she gave birth a fortnight ago.
When Beyoncé was delivered, vets were convinced she was still born. She was the last one delivered and was born without a heartbeat.

Dr Michael Russell, the Grace Foundation's vet, then attempted to give her heart compressions but she still wasn't breathing.


Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was then given by assistant Beth DeCaprio. She said: "It was actually a little funny, and gross, trying to get my mouth around hers, but after a couple of really small breaths she took a deep breath and started to really move around.

"We cleaned out her little nasal passages, and I gave her a couple more breaths and then she started breathing on her own. She is just a remarkable little survivor.

"Our hope is that Beyoncé and her miraculous story of survival helps spread awareness about the plight of rescue dogs."

Beyoncé is still smaller than the rest of her siblings but she's grown to 124g and is said to be thriving. She is expected to weigh less than 1kg when fully grown.






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Monday, October 1, 2018

25 Images That'll Make You Never Want to Wear Animals


Most of the world’s leather comes from India, where animal-protection laws are blatantly ignored. Cows like these are forced to march for days to their own slaughter, and they do so without food, water, or medical attention.

In India, it’s illegal to slaughter calves or milk-producing cows—but this, like so many other laws, is often disregarded.

To read more on this story, click here: 25 Images That'll Make You Never Want to Wear Animals





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Saturday, September 15, 2018

Do You Know the Story of Hachikō, an Akita, Remembered for His Remarkable Loyalty to his Owner? Here is His Story


There is Also a Hearwarming Remake His Story on Netflix - " Hachi - A Dog's Tale"

Hachikō was an Akita dog born on a farm near the city of Ōdate, Akita Prefecture and is remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner which continued for many years after his owner's death

In 1924, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo, took in Hachikō, a golden brown Akita, as a pet. During his owner's life, Hachikō greeted him at the end of each day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return. The professor had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and died, never returning to the train station where Hachikō was waiting. Each day for the next nine years Hachikō awaited Ueno's return, appearing precisely when the train was due at the station.

Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. Initial reactions from the people, especially from those working at the station, were not necessarily friendly. However, after the first appearance of the article about him on October 4, 1932 in Asahi Shimbun, people started to bring Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait.












The last photo ever taken of Hachikō, the dog who waited for 9 years after the death of his master outside the train station every morning until he himself passed away in 1930s.




Today, the bronze statue of the Akita dog, Hachiko, erected at the spot where he waited for his master outside the Shibuya Station, pays silent tribute to the breed's faithfulness and loyalty. A festival is also held there every April. The location is now a popular meeting point in Tokyo.



I watched, "Hachi - A Dog's Tale" on Netflix. It is a very heartwarming story that will bring you to tears.





About: Hachikō

Hachikō was an Akita dog born on a farm near the city of Ōdate, Akita Prefecture and is remembered for his remarkable loyalty to his owner which continued for many years after his owner's death. Wikipedia
Born: November 10, 1923, Akita Prefecture, Japan
Died: March 8, 1935, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

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Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Pit Bulls – Do They Make Good Pets?


Pit bull is a term commonly used to describe several breeds of dog in the molosser breed group. Most jurisdictions that restrict pit bulls, use the term "pit bull" to refer to the modern American Pit Bull Terrier, American  Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any other dog that has the substantial physical characteristics and appearance of those breeds.

Media hysteria and bad owners have greatly damaged this breed, and every incident involving a pit bull makes it worse for the entire breed and their owners, often prompting breed specific legislation or breed bans.

The pit bull is typically a people loving, intelligent and fun breed. Due to their affinity with people, this breed is a good candidate for rescue and adoption, but potential homes need to be carefully screened to insure that the new owners understand and accept the responsibility of owning a pit bull.  This is not a breed for everyone! The only way to repair the pit bull's bad reputation is to keep them in the hands of responsible owners.

Animal shelters in the United States euthanized approximately 1.7 million dogs in 2008; approximately 980,000, or 58 percent of these were assessed to have been pit bull-type dogs.






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Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Cockatiels Are Among The Most Popular Of Pet Birds


Did you know that cockatiels are among the most popular of pet birds? Normal cockatiels are gray, with white patches on the wings. They have a yellow/white face with a bright orange patch over the 'ear'. Variations include : Pied (varing white patches cover body), Pearl (each feather retains gray color, with white intersperced), Lutino (Bird white with yellow/white/ orange face), and Albino (white bird). Another popular bird is the Budgie also known as the Parakeet.

The life-span of Cockatiels is usually around 15 – 20 years, however, it has been reported that some have lived up to 30 years!  Having one bird is fine, but you must spend a lot of time interacting with the cockatiel on a daily basis. Having two birds will make it a little easier, but they will bond with each other, and may not bond with the owner.

I have often heard people say, “I don’t want a bird, they are dirty!”  This is simply not true. If a bird’s cage isn’t clean, it’s the fault of the owner, not the bird! All pets require care.

One thing that I do want to mention, is to never keep your bird in your kitchen. A friend of mine has a cockatiel that she used to keep in her kitchen. I asked her why she had it there, she said that because she spends a lot of time in her kitchen/dining area. Her bird did end up getting sick. The kitchen is generally a poor choice for your cockatiel’s cage. There are a number of fumes in the average household kitchen that can be toxic for birds. A good place the cage is where you and your family spend time so that you can interact with the bird.

Cockatiels are vocal creatures. Some make very loud noises. It may sound like they are screaming, but it’s just the natural sounds of the bird. When you arrive home your bird may make noises at the excitement of seeing you.

How to tell the sex of your Cockatiel:

Males tend to have a brighter facial color. Females have a duller facial color, and have barring under their tails. This method of sexing becomes more difficult in the variations of birds.

Feeding your Cockatiel:

A seed diet is not adequate, but tends to be high in fat and deficient in vitamin A, calcium, and protein. Seeds can be part of a healthy diet but only a minor percentage. There are other human foods that birds like. Millet is another great food.

For a well nourished bird include a variety of fresh fruits crisp or lightly steamed veggies and other table foods in your bird’s diet. Always serve them chopped, sliced, diced, minced and mashed.

There are human foods that you can give your Cockatiel:

Cooked chicken/ turkey; Eggs/hard boiled/scrambled; Cottage cheese; Yogurt; Asparagus; Beets/beet tops; Broccoli; Brussel sprouts; Carrots; celery; corn; chicory greens; cilantro; collard greens; green/yellow beans; kale; mustard greens; peas and pods; parsley;  pumpkin; red/green sweet pepper;  romaine lettuce; spinach; turnip greens; water crest; yellow squash; zucchini; bananas; berries; cantaloupe; cherries; cranberries; honey dew; kiwi; mango; oranges(seedless); papaya; pineapple; watermelon; cook pasta; cooked brown rice; dried fruits; whole wheat toast; oatmeal; cheerios; rice krispies; grape nuts; Un salted popcorn; and animal crackers.

Foods you should never give your Cockatiel:

Avocado, chocolate, coffee, lima beans, milk, sodas, sugar, teas, rhubarb, leaves from potatoes, tomatoes, egg plants, bean plants, alcohol, salt, greasy foods, tobacco, fruits seeds or pits from, apples, apricots, oranges, cherries, or peaches.

Tips on caring for your Cockatiel:
  • Your cockatiel needs to have fresh water every day. Change the water every day, even if it looks full. If you find any droppings or feathers in the water cup, change the water, so your bird will not get sick.
  • Some bird noise is very loud but is not screaming, it’s just the natural sounds of birds. Since they are very vocal creatures and you can expect them to greet dawn and sunset with enthusiasm. They may get rowdy just before mealtimes and especially, if you work and the house is empty all day, when you arrive home.
  • Offer foods that have different colors shapes, textures and flavors also vary the presentation.Some birds get startled in their sleep and awaken in a panic. They may start trying to flee the cage and bumping into toys, feeding bowls and their perch.
  • Don't ever give food from your mouth, or kiss your bird.  This is harmful to your bird since your mouth carries germs that can make your bird sick.
  • Cockatiels are very dusty. They use a powder to keep their wings water proof. After petting the bird, one normally has a powdery finger.

Signs that your bird may be sick:
  • Birds often pretend to be fine when someone is watching nearby (survival instinct), so observe very carefully
  • Sleeping excessively. Like people, birds who sleep a lot more than usual may be in trouble.
  • Any sign of blood, is a bad sign. If your bird is bleeding, you need to stop the bleeding immediately, and contact your Vet.
  • If a normally playful bird doesn't play very much any more, it may well be sick.
Cockatiel sings "If Your Happy & You Know it"



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Saturday, August 18, 2018

Birdwatching for Beginners


Birdwatching or birding is the observation of birds as a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through a visual enhancement device like binoculars and telescopes, or by listening for bird sounds.

Birdwatchers observe wild birds in their natural habitat. Birdwatching means learning to identify the birds and understand what they are doing.

In North America, there are over 800 species of birds. Wherever you live, you'll probably find at least 100 species that are easy to find in your area.

Birding is the fastest-growing outdoor activity in America. According to a survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 51.3 million Americans report that they watch birds. And more are taking it up all the time!




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Foods You Should Never Give Your Cat


Do you know that you should not give your cat milk every day? According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) most cats like milk, but do not need it if properly nourished. Also, many will get diarrhea if they drink too much milk. If it is given at all, the amount should be small and infrequent.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, unless they are spoiled or moldy, milk, cheese and other dairy foods are not considered to be poisonous to pets. However, cats do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Feeding milk and milk-based products to cats can actually cause them to vomit or have diarrhea, which in severe cases could lead to inflammation of the pancreas. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering any “people food” to your pets.


Listed below are some of the foods that you should never give your cat:


Bones from Fish or Poultry - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system


Canned Tuna (for human consumption) - Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency in cats.


Chocolate and Cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide  that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system.


Citrus oil extracts - Can cause vomiting. Cats are more sensitive than dogs.


Dog Food - If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart.


Fat Trimmings - Can cause pancreatitis.


Fish (Raw, Canned or Cooked) - If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death.


Milk and Other Dairy Products  - Some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products.


Mushrooms - Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.


Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.


Persimmons - Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.


Raw Eggs - Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.


Rhubarb Leaves - Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.


Salt - If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.


String - Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body."


Table Scraps (in large amounts) - Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.


Sugary Foods - Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.


Yeast Dough - Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.


Macadamia Nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.


Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron - Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.


Grapes, Raisins and Currants - Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.


Baby Food - Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats .


Alcoholic Beverages - Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.


Poison Control Hotline

888-232-8870  (TOLL FREE)

For anyone who may not know, the poison control number charges you $35. This goes to pay the vet in case of a phone consultation. If you ever have to call, make sure to have credit card ready.



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Animal Hoarding – What Do You Think?


I am not an expert on this subject. All of the views below come from other sources. I would like to know what you think about Animal Hoarding.

The Humane Society of the United States says:

What is an animal hoarder?
An animal hoarder is a person who amasses more animals than he/she can properly care for. Such individuals generally fail to recognize or refuse to acknowledge when the animals in their custody become victims of gross neglect. Animal hoarders are sometimes referred to as animal "collectors" or animal "addicts."

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)  says:

What Is Animal Hoarding?
Animal hoarding is a complex and intricate public health and community issue. Its effects are far-reaching and encompass mental health, animal welfare and public safety concerns.


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Monday, August 13, 2018

A Shoe Designer, from Berlin, Germany, Collects Carcasses from Her Local butcher, and Makes Shoes



This bizarre range of shoes may make the owner feel like they have one foot in the grave.

Crafted from dead animals, Iris Schieferstein's outlandish designs fetch up to £3,900 ($5,051.94 U.S. dollars), and have proved a hit with extreme dressers such as Lady Gaga.

Some of the most controversial pieces include a pair of sandals sporting stuffed doves with their wings spread wide and a collection of heels fashioned from hollow horse hooves.

The 45-year-old designer, from Berlin, Germany, collects carcasses from her local butcher which are discarded after the meat is used for sausages.

She spends a week stripping out any remaining meat and bones from the animal's feet and the skin is sent to a tanner to be treated for preservation.

The sculptor then sets the skin - complete with fur still in place - around a shoe model before hand-stitching insoles and lining.

She said: 'Creating the shoes is ugly work, taking the meat out is not nice, like any taxidermy.

'When I began working with dead animals I would pick them up from the street.

'But they are protected by the government in Germany, and so after ten years they tried to put me in prison. Now I use my butcher.'

The horse boots feature horse fur, a zip up the front, an intact hoof and horse bone as a heel.

While a pair of snakeskin stilettos feature a replica pistol as a heel with the reptile seemingly eating its own tail.

Describing her inspiration Ms. Schieferstein added: 'I love horses and I love shoes so I thought this would be perfect.

'Horses have a beautiful walk and I wanted to recreate that with my footwear.'

The footwear has been displayed at numerous exhibitions around the world and have even inspired a range from Dolce & Gabanna.

Despite the high price tag the footwear can only be worn for several hours at a time before becoming too uncomfortable.

Ms Schieferstein said: 'As yet no company has been willing to produce them for the high street.'

Last year the artist made a pair of custom-fit shoes for Lady Gaga.


 Extreme dressing: A pair of shoes featuring cream horse fur with a front zip and bone heel



   Suffer for your art: The heels can only be worn for several hours at a time before becoming too uncomfortable



 Macabre: This pair of snakeskin heels show a snake seemingly eating its own tail



Some of Iris Schieferstein's most controversial designs include a pair of sandals sporting stuffed doves



Sculptor and artist Iris Schieferstein has been using dead animals for her works, here she models a hat made from a dead bird

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Thursday, June 28, 2018

Have You Ever Owned A Guinea Pig, Would You Consider Having One As A Pet?


Have you ever owned a guinea pig? Then you know they make wonderful companions! They are docile members of the rodent family, rarely bite and are known for squeaking with delight when their favorite humans enter the room.

Guinea pigs are excellent pets for older children who have learned proper handling techniques. They are the gentlest of the pocket pets, which include mice, hamsters, rats and gerbils and so are ideal pets for responsible children.

Guinea pigs drink a lot of water and love to run the water out of the bottles! Water bottles with stainless steel ball bearing sipper tubes are the best kind to use.

Before buying a guinea pig, please consider these facts:

1. They are social animals.

2. They are usually quiet they can call out quite loudly.

3. They can be active both day and night.

4. Consider keeping a same sex pair so they have company.

5.  Their life span is around 5-7 years, however, they have been known to live longer.

6.  They are a long-term commitment.

7. They can generally become very tame with frequent handling.

8. A pair of females is a good choice, while a pair of males may fight.

9. They may be a little nervous at first, but they rarely bite.

10. You can purchase a cage…or make your own.

11. Keep the cage in an area where temperatures range between 65 - 75 F (18-25C). Guinea pigs handle cold quite well but they are very susceptible to heat stroke.

Appearances:
Guinea pigs are larger than hamsters, but smaller than rabbits. They have rounded stout body, with no visible tail. However, a few tail vertebrae can be felt under the skin. They are approximately 10 inches long, and can weigh between  2-3 pounds. They also come in a variety of colors

Health:
You should choose a Veterinarian that works with exotic pets, guinea pigs, parrots and other small animals. Always contact your Vet if you observe any of the following: Your pet has not eaten for more than eight hours; has very labored breathing; is bleeding from mouth, rectum or genital area; inability to urinate; extreme lethargy; and diarrhea that is watery and foul-smelling.


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Saturday, June 23, 2018

45-Year-Old Designer, Iris Schieferstein, from Berlin, Germany, Collects Carcasses from Her Local Butcher to Make Shoes


This bizarre range of shoes may make the owner feel like they have one foot in the grave.

Crafted from dead animals, Iris Schieferstein's outlandish designs fetch up to £3,900 ($5,051.94 U.S. dollars), and have proved a hit with extreme dressers such as Lady Gaga.

Some of the most controversial pieces include a pair of sandals sporting stuffed doves with their wings spread wide and a collection of heels fashioned from hollow horse hooves.

The 45-year-old designer, from Berlin, Germany, collects carcasses from her local butcher which are discarded after the meat is used for sausages.

She spends a week stripping out any remaining meat and bones from the animal's feet and the skin is sent to a tanner to be treated for preservation.

The sculptor then sets the skin - complete with fur still in place - around a shoe model before hand-stitching insoles and lining.

She said: 'Creating the shoes is ugly work, taking the meat out is not nice, like any taxidermy.

'When I began working with dead animals I would pick them up from the street.

'But they are protected by the government in Germany, and so after ten years they tried to put me in prison. Now I use my butcher.'

The horse boots feature horse fur, a zip up the front, an intact hoof and horse bone as a heel.

While a pair of snakeskin stilettos feature a replica pistol as a heel with the reptile seemingly eating its own tail.

Describing her inspiration Ms. Schieferstein added: 'I love horses and I love shoes so I thought this would be perfect.

'Horses have a beautiful walk and I wanted to recreate that with my footwear.'

The footwear has been displayed at numerous exhibitions around the world and have even inspired a range from Dolce & Gabanna.

Despite the high price tag the footwear can only be worn for several hours at a time before becoming too uncomfortable.

Ms Schieferstein said: 'As yet no company has been willing to produce them for the high street.'

Last year the artist made a pair of custom-fit shoes for Lady Gaga.


Extreme dressing: A pair of shoes featuring cream horse fur with a front zip and bone heel



Suffer for your art: The heels can only be worn for several hours at a time before becoming too uncomfortable



Macabre: This pair of snakeskin heels show a snake seemingly eating its own tail



Some of Iris Schieferstein's most controversial designs include a pair of sandals sporting stuffed doves


Sculptor and artist Iris Schieferstein has been using dead animals for her works, here she models a hat made from a dead bird

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Tuesday, April 10, 2018

It's Working! SeaWorld Is Sinking as Attendance Drops by Half a Million Visitors


Largely thanks to the critically-acclaimed documentary Blackfish, which exposed the shocking mistreatment and abuse captive cetaceans endure at marine parks like SeaWorld, the business has seen ticket sales drop. Attendance at the parks dropped another 5.5 percent in 2017, after dropping 3.3 percent the year before, indicating that the influence of Blackfish is still spreading. However, SeaWorld told investors that profits were not affected by the widespread criticism brought about by the film, fraudulent claims which have resulted in an investigation of the business by the Department of Justice. And SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby stepped down after failing to clean up their tarnished image, and other SeaWorld heads have since done the same. And if any more proof is needed that SeaWorld is sinking, SeaWorld San Diego has now reported half a million fewer visitors in 2017 than in 2016.

This refreshing news is a hopeful sign that the public is becoming increasingly aware of the dangers and cruelty involved in keeping cetaceans in captivity. Captive orcas like those exploited by SeaWorld are violently ripped away from their close-knit family pods in the wild and tossed in bathtub-like enclosures to pose as spectacles for noisy crowds in exchange for food. Life in captivity for these highly-intelligent animals leads to extreme mental and emotional trauma, commonly known as zoochosis, a serious psychological disorder exhibited by compulsive and destructive behavior like incessant swaying, head bobbing, chewing, self-mutilation, and even suicide attempts. Calves born in captivity are immediately taken away from their mothers, leading to tremendous anguish and ear-piercing cries from the mothers for weeks. Life in captivity also equates to broken and missing teeth and collapsed dorsal fins, and the inadequate conditions at parks can lead to abnormal and aggressive behavior, which is dangerous for the animals and people alike.

To read more on this story, click here: It's Working! SeaWorld Is Sinking as Attendance Drops by Half a Million Visitors

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Monday, November 13, 2017

Foods You Should Never Give Your Cat


Do you know that you should not give your cat milk every day? According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) most cats like milk, but do not need it if properly nourished. Also, many will get diarrhea if they drink too much milk. If it is given at all, the amount should be small and infrequent.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, unless they are spoiled or moldy, milk, cheese and other dairy foods are not considered to be poisonous to pets. However, cats do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Feeding milk and milk-based products to cats can actually cause them to vomit or have diarrhea, which in severe cases could lead to inflammation of the pancreas. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering any “people food” to your pets.

Listed below are some of the foods that you should never give your cat:

Bones from Fish or Poultry - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system

Canned Tuna (for human consumption) - Large amounts can cause malnutrition, since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency in cats.

Chocolate and Cocoa contain a chemical called theobromide  that can adversely affect the heart, lungs, kidney and central nervous system.

Citrus oil extracts - Can cause vomiting. Cats are more sensitive than dogs.

Dog Food - If accidental ingestion, will not cause a problem; if fed repeatedly, may result in malnutrition and diseases affecting the heart.

Fat Trimmings - Can cause pancreatitis.

Fish (Raw, Canned or Cooked) - If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Milk and Other Dairy Products  - Some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products.

Mushrooms - Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.

Onions and Garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.

Persimmons - Seeds can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.

Raw Eggs - Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella.

Rhubarb Leaves - Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.

Salt - If eaten in large quantities it may lead to electrolyte imbalances.

String - Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body."

Table Scraps (in large amounts) - Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.

Sugary Foods - Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.

Yeast Dough - Can expand and produce gas in the digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Macadamia Nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.

Human Vitamin Supplements Containing Iron - Can damage the lining of the digestive system and be toxic to the other organs including the liver and kidneys.

Grapes, Raisins and Currants - Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.

Baby Food - Can contain onion powder, which can be toxic to cats .

Alcoholic Beverages - Can cause intoxication, coma, and death.

Poison Control Hotline
888-232-8870  (TOLL FREE)

For anyone who may not know, the poison control number charges you $35. This goes to pay the vet in case of a phone consultation. If you ever have to call, make sure to have credit card ready.


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