Watch as Two Baby Cockatiels go from Hatchlings to Full Grown Birds in 30 Days

At birth, a baby cockatiel weighs only 4 grams and is the size of a small thumbnail, according to tieltreasures.com. At about 6 days old, they open their eyes! The tiny bird grows fast and by day nine is eating a whole teaspoon (or two) of food three or four times a day! The blue color on the wings starts to appear as well as the crest feathers.

The baby’s feathers don’t open up until it is two to three weeks old. When the little bird it about 3 weeks old, it will venture off for its first flight. A full grown cockatiel can weigh from 100 – 250 grams. This video shows amazing footage of the growth of two cockatiel hatchlings.

The growth these birds go through in 30 days is unbelievable – they go from completely helpless to full grown birds.



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A Persons Dog or Cat Could Soon Be a Loyal Companion in Both Life and Death

Albany, New York - A person’s dog or cat could soon be a loyal companion in both life and death.

The state Assembly this past week gave final legislative approval to a bill that would give cemeteries the option of offering to bury people with the cremated remains of their family pets.

The bill sponsors, Assemblyman James Brennan (D-Brooklyn) and Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer (R-Erie County), wrote in a memo that cemetery organizations are increasingly being asked by their lot owners for permission to be buried with their pets.

The two lawmakers cited statistics showing 62%, or about 72.9 million U.S. households, own a pet. “With this increased ownership has come a significant shift in the desire of New Yorkers to have their pets interred in their grave, crypt or niche,” they wrote.

According to the bill, cremated pet remains must be disposed of by placing them in a grave, crypt, or niche.

A cemetery would not be obligated to offer the option. And religious cemeteries are exempted from the legislation.

Leona Helmsley, the hotel magnate dubbed “The Queen of Mean” who died in 2007, had in her will that she wanted her pampered pooch “Trouble” interred with her in the 12,000-square-foot family mausoleum in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Westchester County once the Maltese went to doggie Heaven.

But while Trouble was cremated after her death in 2011, she could not be buried with her former master because of the state law prohibiting it.

Helmsley, who cut two grandchildren out of her will and evicted her son’s widow after his death, had left her beloved dog a $12 million inheritance, though a judge subsequently reduced it to $2 million.

The bill allowing for humans to be buried with their pets passed the Senate in March and the Assembly this past week.

Gov. Cuomo spokesman Richard Azzopardi wouldn’t say whether the governor will sign the bill into law, saying only it will be reviewed.

The state in 2014 enacted a regulation that allowed pet cemeteries to accept the cremated remains of humans who wanted to spend eternity with their pets.

Leona Helmsley, who died in 2007, had will made demanding that her dog be buried with her.

Both Hemsley and her dog died before the bill was pushed for owners to be buried with their pets. 


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SweePee Rambo, a Blind Chihuahua-Chinese Crested Mix Took Home the Win for the World's Ugliest Dog

For the past 28 years, dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua-Chinese Crested mix took home the win for the unusual contest in California.

Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee Rambo won the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma.

SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes, and her right is blue.

The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner Jason for the past 17 years in Encino, California. 

As a prize for taking home the title, the pooch who wears doggie depends because of old age, received a trophy and $1,500.

Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly. 

This isn't the first time she competed in the competition. Wurtz said she has been in it three times in the past, but this is her first time winning top honors.  
The runner-up and third-place winner of the competition also receive cash awards and special titles.

Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.'  

“We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family,” said Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, in a statement prior to the contest.

The event this year included a ‘Fashion Faux Paws Fashion Show' and a 'Beauty and the Beast Walk' that featured Miss Sonoma County court walking rescue dogs that were available for adoption down the catwalk. 
Prior to the contest, Himisaboo became Internet famous after many, including his owners, compared the unique mop on his head to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair. 

Karen Spencer, marketing director for the event, said: “The dogs love it, they get so much attention, get petted, treats and are told how cute they are.
Some have unusual teeth, unusual hair, sometimes they are bulldogs who always look silly due to their bottom teeth, there's always a real variety.
Despite being in an ugly dog competition so many people tell them “you're so ugly you're cute”, it's all about their inner beauty.

We really work hard to show the world that dogs who have deformities or unusual characteristics are still very lovable and adoptable.”

They're still beautiful inside and often they are the dogs who struggle to find homes from dog shelters.

The judges look at the dogs, they look at their appearance but also at how the dog interacts with others and what kind of personality they have.
'Most owners of our contestants tell us they picked a dog that have been left in a shelter for a long period of time and because nobody wanted to adopt them.”

Last year, Quasi Modo, a short-spined dog from Loxahatcheee, Florida took home the coveted title. 

The dog who looks like a hyena beat out 26 other dogs to win the contest.

Winner: Dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua/Chinese Crested mix named SweePee (above) took home the win for the unusual contest.

Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee won(above together) the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma.

SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes as her right is the color blue. The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner for the past 17 years in Encino. Wurtz is pictured above left.

Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee (above)was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly.

Heather Wilson of Payette, Idaho, holds her dog Himisaboo the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest. The mop on Himisaboo's head has been compared to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair and many thought he would win.

Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.' Above a dog named Grovie looks on during judging at the contest.

Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair said: “We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family.” Above a Chinese Crested dog named Rascal Deux is pictured.

Rascal Deux sported an animal print jacket for the unusual competition along with a hot dog leash.

Yvonne Morones of Santa Rosa, California, holds her dog Scamp during the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest.

Ugly dog contestant Icky gets his paws sniffed by judge Neal Gottliebs during the judging of the contest.

Grovie from Santa Rosa, California, looks on during judging at the competition on Friday.

Linda Elmquist of Tucson, Arizona, holds her dog Josie during the 2016 contest in California on Friday.

Cathy Kennedy of Petaluma, California, holds her dog Precious during the competition. FOLLOW US!

SweePee Rambo, a Blind Chihuahua-Chinese Crested Mix Took Home the Win for the World's Ugliest Dog

For the past 28 years, dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua-Chinese Crested mix took home the win for the unusual contest in California.

Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee Rambo won the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma.

SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes, and her right is blue.

The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner Jason for the past 17 years in Encino, California. 

As a prize for taking home the title, the pooch who wears doggie depends because of old age, received a trophy and $1,500.

Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly. 

This isn't the first time she competed in the competition. Wurtz said she has been in it three times in the past, but this is her first time winning top honors.  
The runner-up and third-place winner of the competition also receive cash awards and special titles.

Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.'  

“We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family,” said Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair, in a statement prior to the contest.

The event this year included a ‘Fashion Faux Paws Fashion Show' and a 'Beauty and the Beast Walk' that featured Miss Sonoma County court walking rescue dogs that were available for adoption down the catwalk. 
Prior to the contest, Himisaboo became Internet famous after many, including his owners, compared the unique mop on his head to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair. 

Karen Spencer, marketing director for the event, said: “The dogs love it, they get so much attention, get petted, treats and are told how cute they are.
Some have unusual teeth, unusual hair, sometimes they are bulldogs who always look silly due to their bottom teeth, there's always a real variety.
Despite being in an ugly dog competition so many people tell them “you're so ugly you're cute”, it's all about their inner beauty.

We really work hard to show the world that dogs who have deformities or unusual characteristics are still very lovable and adoptable.”

They're still beautiful inside and often they are the dogs who struggle to find homes from dog shelters.

The judges look at the dogs, they look at their appearance but also at how the dog interacts with others and what kind of personality they have.
'Most owners of our contestants tell us they picked a dog that have been left in a shelter for a long period of time and because nobody wanted to adopt them.”

Last year, Quasi Modo, a short-spined dog from Loxahatcheee, Florida took home the coveted title. 

The dog who looks like a hyena beat out 26 other dogs to win the contest.

Winner: Dogs from around the globe compete for the title of the 'World's Ugliest Dog' and this year a blind Chihuahua/Chinese Crested mix named SweePee (above) took home the win for the unusual contest.

Jason Wurtz's dog named SweePee won(above together) the competition that aims to show the inner beauty of dogs that aren't aesthetically attractive for 2016 on Friday at the Sonoma-Marin County Fair in Petaluma.

SweePee, who has a blonde Mohawk, is blind in both eyes as her right is the color blue. The four-pound female dog has lived with her owner for the past 17 years in Encino. Wurtz is pictured above left.

Wurtz told ABC News that SweePee (above)was a gift to his ex-wife, but he took full ownership of her after they divorced because she though the canine was ugly.

Heather Wilson of Payette, Idaho, holds her dog Himisaboo the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest. The mop on Himisaboo's head has been compared to Republican Donald Trump's infamous hair and many thought he would win.

Each year since its inception, the contest looks to celebrate the 'homely hounds and the humans who love them.' Above a dog named Grovie looks on during judging at the contest.

Erin Post, CEO of the Sonoma-Marin Fair said: “We're proud to celebrate all dogs and pets by showing that no matter their imperfections, they are adoptable, lovable and a great add to any family.” Above a Chinese Crested dog named Rascal Deux is pictured.

Rascal Deux sported an animal print jacket for the unusual competition along with a hot dog leash.

Yvonne Morones of Santa Rosa, California, holds her dog Scamp during the 2016 World's Ugliest Dog contest.

Ugly dog contestant Icky gets his paws sniffed by judge Neal Gottliebs during the judging of the contest.

Grovie from Santa Rosa, California, looks on during judging at the competition on Friday.

Linda Elmquist of Tucson, Arizona, holds her dog Josie during the 2016 contest in California on Friday.

Cathy Kennedy of Petaluma, California, holds her dog Precious during the competition. FOLLOW US!

Town of Collecchio, Italy: Made a Law that Fireworks Must be Silent

If you’re a dog owner, there’s probably one thing you dread about holidays like New Year’s Eve or the Fourth of July. Fireworks scare dogs. Imagine you have no idea what fireworks are. Suddenly you see bright lights and hear explosions coming from the sky. You’d be pretty terrified, too. Fireworks wreak havoc on animals, and vet visits skyrocket around holidays where fireworks are common. Dogs, with their sensitive hearing, are especially vulnerable, and many hurt themselves trying to escape or hide. They can run and risk getting lost hit by cars.

There’s no doubt that a stunning fireworks show can be the highlight of anyone’s night. The bright lights and explosions are mesmerizing, causing us to forget the negative effects of the fireworks themselves. Many pet parents understand the anxiety and stress loud fireworks have on animals, but these details are usually overlooked by event planners. However, one little town in Italy is finally putting a stop to the noise.

Collecchio, a small town of 14,000 people located in the province of Parma, is making headlines in the pet parent community. Recently, a bill has been passed to make the use of loud fireworks illegal, in hopes of reducing stress on household animals and livestock. The people of Collecchio were recognizing some of the more severe side effects of fireworks on animals, such as anxiety, disorientation, and in extreme cases, burns or eye damage. Chickens are also less likely to produce eggs after the stress of a fireworks, causing issues in the farming community.

Legislation in Collecchio now states that silent fireworks must be used for events, in replacement of noise making ones. The government is hopeful that this will reduce “acoustic stress” on the animals, without eliminating fireworks from events completely.



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Pet Fireworks Safety Tips

Animal shelters will take in more pets this weekend than any other time. Keep pets safe with these tips!

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New Legislation Passed Recently Makes Ohio One of the First States to Protect First Responders Who Administer Lifesaving Aid to Pets

Columbus, Ohio - Until a new law was passed this spring, it was against the law in Ohio, along with many other states, for firefighters or paramedics to provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations. Only licensed veterinarians could do that.

The legislation passed recently makes Ohio one of the first states to protect first responders who administer lifesaving aid to pets, companion animals or police dogs in crisis. Animal advocates say they hope the statute, which they liken to laws protecting good Samaritans who come to the aid of injured humans, removes hesitation for first responders who might have concerns about tending to injured pets.

The law will allow first responders to, without fear of liability, provide oxygen, perform mouth-to-snout resuscitation, try to stem bleeding, bandage and even administer the overdose antidote naloxone to dogs or cats that have ingested opiates. Liability has been a concern because owners of pets have sued first responders who treated animals that ended up dying.

"It's another layer of protection for the good guys," said Cory Smith, director of public policy for companion animals at The Humane Society of the United States.

Ohio's law, which follows a similar action by Colorado in 2014, came about after Bob Swickard, the director of an EMS service in a small town in northeastern Ohio, contacted state Republican Rep. Tim Ginter with concerns about a recent rash of on-duty injuries to police dogs. In seeking guidance from a veterinarian on first aid for dogs, Swickard said he found "a missed loophole" — it was clearly illegal for EMTs to treat animals. He and Ginter were especially concerned that paramedics couldn't administer naloxone to police dogs that came in contact with prescription pain pills or heroin.

"There is the possibility that a dog could get a snout full of something and go down," Ginter said. "The best that they could do before this law was to call either a veterinarian to come to the scene or call for transport."

Dr. Ed Cooper, head of emergency and critical care at Ohio State University's Veterinary Medical Center, said that as a result of the law, which takes effect Aug. 31, some veterinarians are reaching out to first responders to provide basic training, and first responders are beginning to seek it out.

"The hope in having this law passed is really just to give first responders the opportunity and extend the option without the potential for recourse to assist pets as well as people in these kinds of crisis situations," Cooper said. "So (veterinarians) certainly see it as a positive thing."

What the law doesn't do is require first responders to treat animals, nor does it now make it OK for people to call 911 when their pets get injured or sick. People should still call emergency animal hospitals in these situations.

Smith noted that with two-thirds of American households having at least one pet, it stands to reason that first responders are going to encounter injured animals on the job.

"Really, it's just about building humane communities," she said. "I think when first-response agencies and local governments and especially state governments plan around the fact that animals are such a huge part of our lives, it can only lead to good things."

In this Dec. 9, 2010, file photo, Amira Bichara, right, gasps in relief when a golden retriever rescued from a house fire begins breathing normally, as a firefighter and resident administer oxygen in Kettering, Ohio. Under a new Ohio law taking effect Aug. 31, 2016, firefighters and EMTs can provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations, treatment that only licensed veterinarians could legally provide under existing law. 

In this Oct. 24, 2008, file photo, Perkins Township, Ohio, firefighters administer oxygen to a dog rescued from a house fire in Sandusky, Ohio. Under a new Ohio law taking effect Aug. 31, 2016, firefighters and EMTs can provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations, treatment that only licensed veterinarians could legally provide under existing law. 

In this June 24, 2008, file photo, fire paramedic Kelsey Ward administers oxygen to a pet cat that suffered smoke inhalation before it was rescued from an apartment fire in Enon, Ohio. Under a new Ohio law taking effect Aug. 31, 2016, firefighters and EMTs can provide basic first aid to dogs and cats rescued from house fires, car accidents or other crisis situations, treatment that only licensed veterinarians could legally provide under existing law. 


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Weekend Outing at Cincinnati's Zoo Turned Tragic When a 4-Year-Old Boy Was Hospitalized After Falling into a Gorilla Enclosure

A holiday weekend outing at Cincinnati's zoo turned doubly tragic Saturday when a 4-year-old boy was hospitalized after falling into a gorilla enclosure - and zoo workers had to kill the rare gorilla to protect the boy.

Cincinnati police and emergency crews responded to a report of a child falling into the exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden at about 4 p.m. Saturday. Police confirmed the child was taken to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center near the zoo, and was treated for serious injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening.

Cincinnati Zoo President Thane Maynard said the boy crawled through a barrier and fell an estimated 10 to 12 feet into the moat surrounding the habitat. He said the boy was not seriously injured by the fall.

The Cincinnati Fire Department reported in a press release that first responders "witnessed a gorilla who was violently dragging and throwing the child."

Maynard said the zoo's 17-year-old male western lowland gorilla, Harambe, grabbed the boy and dragged him around. Two female gorillas were also in the enclosure.

The boy was with the 400-pound animal for about 10 minutes before the zoo's Dangerous Animal Response Team deemed the situation "life-threatening," Maynard said.

"The choice was made to put down, or shoot, Harambe, so he's gone," Maynard said. "We've never had a situation like this at the Cincinnati Zoo where a dangerous animal needed to be dispatched in an emergency situation."

The fire department release said  the boy was in between the gorilla's legs at the time of the shot.

Maynard said the Dangerous Animal Response Team followed procedures, which they practice in drills. He said in the 38-year history of the zoo's gorilla exhibit that they've never had anyone get into the enclosure.

After the gorilla was shot, zoo employees unlocked the gate and two firefighters quickly retrieved the child, according to the fire department.

"It's a sad day all the way around," Maynard said. "They made a tough choice. They made the right choice because they saved that little boy's life. It could have been very bad."

Brittany Nicely of Dayton was visiting the zoo with her two children and four other children on Saturday. They were at Gorilla World when the incident took place.

"Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the little boy in the bushes past the little fence area. I tried to grab for him. I started yelling at him to come back," Nicely said.

"Everybody started screaming and going crazy," she said. "It happened so fast."

Nicely said the gorilla rushed toward the boy and led him by the arm through the water in the enclosure. She said initially the gorilla seemed protective and only alarmed by all the screaming.

The area was then evacuated by zoo staff. Nicely stood with her group outside the exhibit.

"About four or five minutes later we heard the gunshot," she said. "We were pretty distraught. All the kids were crying."

Nicely said she spent the whole trip home explaining why they are told to stay close and not run at the zoo.

"That could have been them," she said. "Something like that could have happened. It's a very traumatizing experience for anybody involved. The kids, the zookeepers, the other gorillas that now don't have him there any more."

News of the incident triggered huge social media response.   A video posted by the Enquirer  had been viewed about 71,000 times at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Many commenters criticized the parents of the boy for not watching him more closely. A Facebook group called Justice for Harambe was created and gathered more than 100 "likes" in less than two hours.

"This page was created to raise awareness of Harambe's murder on 5/28/16," the page states. "We wish to see charges brought against those responsible!"

Lt. Steve Saunders, the spokesman for the Cincinnati Police Department, said no charges were being pursued against the child's parents.

The decision to shoot Harambe instead of tranquilizing was made in the interest of the boy's safety, Maynard said.

"In an agitated situation, it may take quite a while for the tranquilizer to take effect," he explained, "At the instant he would be hit, he would have a dramatic response. You don't hit him and he falls over."

Maynard also explained that while Harambe didn't attack the child, the animal's size and strength posed a great danger.

"All sort of things could have happened in a situation like that. He certainly was at risk," Maynard said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and little boy.”

He said that zoo officials have not yet spoken with the family of the child who fell into the habitat. Zoo officials will be reviewing the security of the enclosure and their procedures, but said they have no plans to stop the gorilla program.

Harambe was born at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas before he was moved to Cincinnati in September 2014. Another gorilla, Gladys, named for her home zoo, also come to Cincinnati from Brownville.

Western lowland gorillas are one of the four gorilla subspecies. According to the World Wildlife Foundation, populations of the critically endangered animal are hard to estimate due to the dense, remote rainforests where they make their home, but experts say between 175,000 to 225,000 could live in mostly in Congo, but also in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.

In 2009, the International Species Information System counted 158 male western lowland gorillas and 183 females in captivity in the United States.

"Harambe was good guy. He was a youngest who started to grow up. There were hopes to breed him," Maynard said. "It will be a loss to the gene pool of lowland gorillas."

The zoo is open Sunday, but Gorilla World will remain closed until further notice.










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Happy Mother's Day!

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Truth About Pet Food

The latest Pet Food privilege announced by the FDA is regarding prescription cat and dog food. All pet food consumers and veterinarians should take note of this recent FDA Compliance Policy.

For decades the FDA has strictly enforced their idea that drugs are the only cure or treatment for illness – refusing to allow any food to make health or wellness claims. A claim such as ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is forbidden.

But in the FDA’s infinite collusion with Big Industry, the agency allows pet food the same privilege of a drug (to claim it can cure or treat disease) without any of the requirements of a drug. Pet food is allowed to claim it can cure or treat disease without having to prove the effectiveness or even the safety of the pet food.

Kidney Function Canine Formula Dry/Kibble. This dog food, sold through a veterinarian, is allowed to make the claim of treating kidney disease in dogs.

Ingredients (bold added for emphasis): “Whole grain corn, brewers rice, dried egg product, animal fat preserved with mixed-tocopherols (form of Vitamin E), sugar, dried whey, sodium caseinate, animal digest, calcium carbonate, vegetable oil, potassium chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, fish oil, salt, potassium citrate, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, niacin, manganese sulfate, Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate, thiamine mononitrate, copper sulfate, riboflavin supplement, Vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, garlic oil, folic acid, Vitamin D-3 supplement, calcium iodate, biotin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), sodium selenite.”

To read more on this story, click here: Truth About Pet Food

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National Pet Week – May 1 - 7, 2016

Lifetime of Love -- The Basics: Seven days to a happier, healthier pet

Everyone loves their pets but not everyone is aware of what their pet needs from them to keep them happy and healthy long into their pet's senior years. Leading veterinary experts in animal health, welfare, and behavior invite you to take each of the essential actions highlighted during National Pet Week® that are vital to achieving a Lifetime of Love.

Select the pet that's right for your family's lifestyle, and make a commitment to that pet for its life. Even if you have already welcomed a pet into your home, your veterinarian can help you better understand the social and healthcare needs of your individual pet.

Learn about how to appropriately prepare your pet to enjoy a variety of interactions with other animals, people, places and activities. Everyone will be more comfortable!

To read more on this story, click here: National Pet Week – May 1-7, 2016

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Pet Owners Deserve Family Leave, Too

Bringing my adopted cat, Jameson, home with me in 2014 was one of the happiest days of my life.

Having to go back to work two days later was one of the worst.

While the rest of the country is hung up on the necessity of maternity leave — or even the newly coined “meternity” — one group continues to be overlooked when it comes to paid time off from work: new pet owners.

“Paw-ternity” leave is already a reality in the UK — the US pet-insurance provider Petplan found that nearly 5 percent of new pet owners in the UK were offered time off to care for their four-legged kids. (Not surprisingly, the UK is also light-years ahead of the US when it comes to maternity leave, offering up to 39 weeks of paid leave for new mothers.)

It’s time for the US to hop aboard the “paw-ternity” train. It’s not just because I want to stay home and cuddle on the couch with my new feline (which I do). When I adopted Jameson, he was 6 years old and had spent the previous year of his life in an animal shelter. He was suffering from several health problems after being neglected by his previous owner — and was skittish, nervous and uncertain about why he was suddenly being transported to a strange new home.

To read more on this story, click here: Pet Owners Deserve Family Leave, Too

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A Horse Clipper Has Become a UK Sensation Because of Her Serious Horse Clipping Skills

Melody Hames, 27, began clipping her own pet pony at the age of 12, and is now an absolute pro at it.

She had to trim her pony frequently because it suffered from a condition called cushings, causing it to have a thick woolly coat which doesn't change in the warmer season.

As she became more experience she decided to set up her own clipping company in Lancashire, JMC Equestrian.

She set up shop in 2013 and business has been booming ever since.

She used to do normal clippings, but has expanded her horizons after getting quirky requests from clients.

The clipper is now inundated with requests for fancy horse trimmings before shows.

Explaining how she decides patterns, she said: 'Often I will visualize it in my head and clarify it with a quick look at related objects which in turn can create new ideas and viewpoints.

"I sketched out different shapes for castles and also for the armour clip as I knew I wanted a specific kind of style castle and sword.

"This helps me visualize in my head and I run with it from there.

"I use a wide range of blades and clippers, I have blades and clippers to suit pretty much every situation, and ever breed as well as coat type.

"No stencils have been used to date or CGIs here - all hand crafted, it's very much like a craft to me that only comes with experience and practice."

Her designs, some which she draws freehand, take from 30 minutes to eight or nine hours to do.

She is most proud of her castle design, which she did over a few days.

She continued: "I would work for as long as it took though, over the space of days, to suit the horse.

"The castle is important to me as it kick started the larger scale custom clipping and gave me something to really work at. It got me a lot of attention.

"This season my favorite has been the Armour De L'Amore clip as it's on my personal horse Romeo and I have worked over time to build him up.

"Now he stands unaltered with complete trust while I work which has been a challenge as he's was a very nervous character and still is but he trusts me and it's a great feeling."

She trims complex medieval designs into the animals for her clients, and the horses she works on always look fabulous!

You wish you were as beautiful as this horse. Credit: Facebook/JMC Equestrian Custom Clipping

This is definitely Beyonce as a horse. Credit: Facebook/JMC Equestrian Custom Clipping

Just look at this great horse. Credit: Facebook/JMC Equestrian Custom Clipping

Credit: JMC Equestrian Custom Clipping

She hand-draws all her designs. Credit: Facebook/JMC Equestrian Custom Clipping

Utterly majestic! Credit: Facebook/JMC Equestrian

  

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